Keolis Recognized by Black Ministerial Alliance for Community Improvements and Diversity Leadership
Keolis Commuter Services, the MBTA’s partner that operates the commuter rail, was an honoree at the Black Ministerial Alliance’s Annual Dinner and Awards Gala. The BMA presented Keolis the “Working Together for a Better Future” award for the company’s long-term partnerships with communities of color.
General Manager and CEO of KCS, David Scorey, accepted the award and spoke about the importance of diversity in our workforce and the company’s commitment to its supplier diversity program. KCS has exceeded its target related to utilizing Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) for all three years of its contract.
“With our North American headquarters in Boston, it is imperative for our company to reflect the make-up of the communities we serve. We’re fortunate to have a talented workforce that is 27 percent people of color and an expansive network of DBE partners both dedicated to further improving commuter rail service,” said Scorey. “For the past two years, we’ve exceeded the 10-year on-time performance average by two percent, which reflects the high quality of our team. On behalf of all of our employees, I want to thank the BMA for recognizing our service improvements and inclusive hiring practices.”
The BMA’s mission is “to provide advocacy and program services for the larger Black community.” In support of that mission, KCS is committed to providing safe and reliable service to all the communities within the commuter rail network, which includes one or more stops in 8 out of the top 10 most diverse cities and towns in Massachusetts.
KCS and its employees dedicate time and resources beyond contractual requirements to volunteer to clean neglected areas around the Fairmount corridor, the commuter rail system’s only completely urban line. Helping to build a strong future workforce in the greater Boston area, the Keolis Scholars program has awarded $50,000 to students in five urban communities along the commuter rail network over the past two years. These scholarships have helped students across our communities attend college or an accredited technical school.
“In an evening filled with inspiration, fun, and fellowship, the award to Keolis was a highlight. David Scorey did a marvelous job of amusing the attendees while spotlighting the tremendous work Keolis is doing, particularly in communities of color,” said Reverend David Wright, executive director of the BMA. “Keolis has been investing in the BMA and the communities we serve since 2014. Their core commitment to a diverse workforce provides opportunities for members of our communities to gain meaningful employment that provides a livable wage. Their commitment to helping people get to work from home is a vital resource for working families, particularly in the urban core. We are happy to celebrate Keolis as a partner.”
The event was held at Florian Hall in Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood.
