In 2024, Burns & McDonnell, a global construction, architecture, and engineering company, reached out to Best Buddies in Minnesota (BBMN) as a nominee for their Charity of Choice campaign. This annual employee giving initiative supports local organizations that align with the company’s philanthropic theme for the year. For 2024, Burns & McDonnell committed to supporting an organization that advanced inclusivity for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, making Best Buddies a natural match. The campaign included a month-long spring fundraising drive as well as group volunteer opportunities throughout the year.

Recognizing the shared values and meaningful impact of Best Buddies, Burns & McDonnell employees embraced the partnership wholeheartedly, raising more than $12,000—a record for their employee giving. What began as a nomination quickly grew into a lasting partnership built on financial support, volunteerism, and a united vision of inclusion.

Burns & McDonnell is now a proud annual sponsor of the Best Buddies in Minnesota Friendship Walk each May and the Champion of the Year Gala each November. In addition to financial contributions, employees volunteer generously throughout the year, and the company even donated office furniture to help furnish BBMN’s first-ever office space.

“Partnering with Best Buddies has allowed us to champion inclusion, a value we share at Burns & McDonnell. This partnership is especially meaningful to me, as I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact that inclusion and belonging can have on individuals and communities. I’ve had the privilege to volunteer and personally contribute to support Best Buddies’ mission, and I’ve witnessed the friendships and confidence it inspires. We’re committed to continuing to invest our time, resources, and energy into the communities where we live and work, creating spaces where everyone feels valued and included,” says Gene Sieve, General Manager and Senior Vice President of Burns & McDonnell.

Building Belonging Through ADAPT

This spirit of inclusion is deeply rooted in Burns & McDonnell’s culture and is championed through ADAPT (Abled and DisAbled Allies Partnering Together), the company’s Employee Resource Group (ERG) dedicated to advancing disability inclusion.

Established in June 2023, ADAPT’s vision is to foster an environment where employees can learn, share, and grow as allies, creating a workplace that supports those living with or affected by physical, mental, and developmental disabilities, as well as those who advocate alongside them. ADAPT provides a safe and open space where questions are welcomed without judgment, stigmas are challenged, and authentic conversations lead to greater understanding.

The partnership with Best Buddies in Minnesota is a natural extension of ADAPT’s mission. Together, they advance a shared commitment to community inclusion, accessibility, and the empowerment of people of all abilities, both inside and outside the workplace.

Investing in the Next Generation of Inclusive Leaders

This summer, Burns & McDonnell sponsored two Best Buddies members to attend the annual Best Buddies Leadership Conference (BBLC) in Bloomington, Indiana. One of those individuals was Milan Datta-Nemana, an incoming junior at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities and an Environmental Engineering intern with the Water Resources Group at Burns & McDonnell.

“Many things drew me to Burns & McDonnell, but the primary reason was their project selection. Burns & McDonnell takes on complex, innovative projects that push the envelope. I was also drawn to their culture, especially with them being employee owned. I appreciated their community impact, especially after I saw them at the 2024 BBMN Friendship Walk. I wanted to work for people who contribute to society in meaningful ways, through their work and volunteering,” shared Milan.

Milan attended BBLC with his buddy, Will Skundberg, whom he met through the University of Minnesota Best Buddies chapter. The two share a love of running and participate in races together each year, along with chapter activities such as bowling, sporting events, and dances. For Milan, his friendship with Will is a grounding force during the pressures of college life.

“Since joining Best Buddies and meeting Will, I’ve been having more fun and feeling more motivated than ever before,” he said. By running together, Will and Milan inspire and push one another to be the best they can be. With Will’s can-do attitude and Milan by his side, there isn’t a race the pair can’t finish.

“Will has shown me how to push through when the going gets rough, and how to enjoy life while it comes at you,” shared Milan. Will added, “Milan always looks out for me, helps me, includes me, and we have so much fun. I feel so lucky to have Milan as my Best Buddy.”

BBLC deepened Milan’s understanding of leadership, teamwork, and communication, which are skills that directly translate to his engineering career. “Best Buddies Leadership Conference taught me a lot about project and time management,” said Milan. “Being able to efficiently use your time not only increases your productivity in whatever pursuit you may seek, but it also saves your clients money. BBLC taught me a lot about relationships with mentors, clients, and more. These are lessons I can apply to the human side of engineering, an aspect all too often neglected.”

A Ripple Effect of Inclusion

The connection between Milan, Will, and Burns & McDonnell shows how one partnership can create a ripple effect of good. Through their support of Best Buddies in Minnesota, Burns & McDonnell has not only provided financial assistance and volunteer hours but also helped foster a culture of inclusion that extends from the office to the community.

Burns & McDonnell’s commitment, from empowering employee resource groups like ADAPT to partnering with organizations such as Best Buddies, is creating a stronger, more inclusive community where everyone belongs. It is a model of how business and compassion can work together to build a better, more connected world.