Tanya Mitchell of The Davis Companies Receives the 2021 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Leadership Award
BOSTON- In 2021, it has become increasingly urgent for every workplace to take a long look at the diversity, equity and inclusion activities of its business. Over and over, it has been shown that organizations that implement DEI initiatives create a workforce that are better decision-makers, more creative, and innovative, benefitting every aspect of the organization. A leader in one of Boston’s largest fully integrated real estate investment, development and management firms, Tanya Mitchell serves as Director of Human Resources and DEI Initiatives for The Davis Companies (TDC). In addition to her HR duties, she plays a leading role in advancing the firm’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) agenda.
Diversity, Equity and Inclustion (DEI) activities in a business can take many forms, but are ultimately put into place to create an organization that engages the full potential of its team to drive innovation and build a place where all members’ views, beliefs and values are integrated. This is achieved through activities that increase diversity through multiple identities being represented in the organization, creating equity by constant and consistent recognition and redistribution of power, and fostering inclusion of the thoughts, ideas and perspectives of all individuals.
Mitchell came to TDC with an impressive resume in operations and project management, human resources, and diversity & inclusion and supplier diversity. Before working at TDC, she worked for the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport), most recently as the Acting Diversity & Inclusion/Compliance Real Estate Project Administrator for eight years.
Additionally, Mitchell managed the federal Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Certification Program as the program’s certification specialist. Prior to Massport, Mitchell held strategic, analytical and management roles at Talbots Inc (NYSE: TLB), The TJX Companies (NYSE: TJX) and The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company (Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize N.V. (AD.AS)).
In her role as Massport’s Acting Diversity & Inclusion/Compliance Real Estate Project Administrator, Mitchell worked closely with the TDC team that was responsible for the 1,054-room Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport, developed by TDC. The Omni project broke new ground in terms of diversity & inclusion in a public-private partnership, with the significant participation of minority- and women-owned business enterprises (M/WBE) in the design and construction of the hotel, as well as from 37 locally-based minority investors in the equity capitalization of the venture.
Notably, the project team included the first joint venture between one of Boston’s largest construction management firms and a minority-owned general contractor, as well as an architectural services partnership that led Moody Nolan, the largest minority-owned architectural firm in the United States, to establish a permanent office in Boston.
The Davis Companies is a fully integrated real estate investment, development and management firm based in Boston, MA with over 40 years of experience. Since its inception, the firm has invested across five market cycles and has developed nearly 14.8 million SF of commercial space and over 4,000 residential units, including ground up new construction, adaptive reuse, and redevelopment across a broad array of asset classes.
Through a value creation approach, the firm’s asset management expertise has earned a reputation for driving property level results through reimagining assets, overseeing capital improvements, proactive leasing, superior operations, and efficient dispositions. TDC is also committed to delivering new developments and enhancing existing assets with careful consideration for the environment. The firm’s management and development experience include delivering nearly 2 million SF of LEED-certified projects, while also integrating ongoing learning and best practices into core operations to set a new standard for real estate.
Mitchell received 2021 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Leadership Award at the Boston Real Estate Times Excellence Awards on October 29 in a virtual ceremony via Zoom. To see a recording of the ceremony, click here to watch.
