Driving Success Together
W. L. French is dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion while celebrating the shared core values of our business and upholding them every day. Over the past fifty years, W. L. French has solidified itself as a forward-thinking company committed to welcoming hard-working, skilled professionals to join us. Today, we continue to work to promote these values within our company and industry maintaining a supportive work culture for everyone.
Partner With Us
We strive to support UBE businesses within the construction industry.
Click here to prequalify and learn more.
Our Objectives
Making A More Inclusive Industry
At W. L. French, we believe that our strength lies in the diversity of our people, experiences, and perspectives. For over fifty years, we have built a reputation as a forward-thinking, family-driven company—one that thrives because of our commitment to welcoming individuals from all walks of life.
We are dedicated to fostering a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to succeed. Diversity, equity, and inclusion aren’t just ideals—we put them into action through intentional hiring practices, mentorship opportunities, and ongoing training to ensure every employee has the opportunity to grow and thrive.
We actively work to remove barriers in our industry and create pathways into the trades for historically underrepresented groups, including women, veterans, and individuals from diverse backgrounds. Events like Trades Day and partnerships with local schools and workforce development programs are just a few ways we strive to make construction more accessible for the next generation.
Our culture is rooted in mutual respect, accountability, and care for one another. We are proud of the inclusive, supportive environment we’ve cultivated—and we know there is always more work to be done. Together, we’re building a stronger company and a better industry for all.
Of U.S. construction professionals are Black
Of U.S. construction professionals are women
Of U.S. construction professionals are Asian
Of U.S. construction professionals are Hispanic
Industry Partnerships
Trades W. L. French partners with:
- Concrete (Including Precast & Structural)
- Construction Materials
- Contaminated Waste Disposal
- Demolition
- Engineering & Surveying
- Foundation Drilling & Pouring
- Hazardous Water Abatement
- Materials Testing & Inspection
- Reinforcing Steel
- Rigging
- Safety Inspection & Reporting
- Street/Sidewalk Construction & Restoration
- Structural Steel & Miscellaneous Metals
- Traffic Control
- Trucking
- Landscaping
- Paving
- Fencing
To promote diversity and inclusion within our workforce.
To be intentional about partnering and developing relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors.
To promote diversity and inclusion within our workforce.
Leaders and members of the construction industry must hold themselves and others accountable in efforts towards diversifying the trades.
Having a sense of belonging within one's workplace and community means something different for everyone, but centers around feeling included and respected despite any differences.
Positive workplace culture means that every team member actively maintains an inclusive and respectful environment at the company, and is imperative for building up the industry and society.
Leadership Development
Industry Impact & Collaboration
To support a diverse workforce, W. L. French has implemented Senior Leadership and Staff training, developed a diversity team, and partnered with DE&I consultants to collaborate on meaningful ways to continue to make our workplace more inclusive and welcoming. We also partner with the following trades and organizations to advance DE&I initiatives within our company and industry.
Mentorships
W. L. French partners with Building Pathways, a pre-apprenticeship program dedicated to helping underrepresented populations start careers in the trades. W. L. French is an active participant on their employee advisory committee.
W. L. French sponsors the ACE mentor program and is actively involved in mentoring high school students in an 18-week after-school program throughout the school year.
Board Memberships
Principal, Lisa French Kelley serves on the Board of Directors at UCANE, including UCANE’s WBE/MBE/DBE Subcommittee, which promotes local legislation, regulation, and policies that improve the process for WBE/MBE/DBE businesses and improve workforce diversity.
Principal, Lisa French Kelley serves as a member of the (MBE | DBE) committee at the EBC. This group promotes best practices for attracting, retaining, and including diverse groups in the environmental and construction industries.
Partnerships
To connect with community members and young people considering a career in construction, W. L. French regularly attends career fairs including Massachusetts Girls In Trades encouraging and supporting Massachusetts girls in a successful construction career.
W. L. French collaborates with several vocational-technical schools including Shawsheen Technical, Madison Park Vocational, Minuteman Technical, Greater Lowell Technical, and Greater Lawrence Technical in hiring these students for office and in-shop positions.
W. L. French has also scheduled onsite field trips to our facilities for national trades day and this past summer conducted a field trip to one of our project sites for Madison Park students.
We are always interested in partnering with area programs, schools, and organizations to promote local DEI initiatives and opportunities. Please get in touch if you are interested in partnering with us
