Dan McKay, our champion for diversity and inclusion

At Symal, everyone is encouraged to embrace their true selves, with a strong emphasis on individuality, collaboration, and diversity. Dan McKay, our exceptional Project Manager, consistently shows how diversity fuels innovation, growth, and success by empowering everyone's unique voice. 

Dan's unwavering commitment to promoting gender diversity and inclusion distinguishes him as a champion for positive change and has earned him a nomination for the Industry Ally Award in the 2024 NAWIC Awards for Excellence. The award celebrates men who actively support gender equality and inclusion to further the interests of women in the construction industry. 

In his role as Deputy Chair of Symal’s Women In Construction Working Group (WICWG), Dan’s proactive approach and advocacy have set new standards for gender equality within Symal and the broader construction sector. His leadership and personal mantra of “being the change we wish to see” has led to the improvement of organisational policies and enhanced professional opportunities for women, making Symal a leader in creating a supportive workplace environment. 

Across the past 12 months, Dan has worked with the Group to develop various culture programs and initiatives tailored to empower and support women at Symal. 

One of the Group’s key initiatives has been developing a comprehensive culture program tailored to empower and support women within Symal. This program includes workshops and events aimed at expanding social networks, providing professional development opportunities, and offering access to executive panels to discuss organisational changes. These initiatives foster a supportive environment and equip women with the tools needed to advance their careers within the construction industry. 

The Group also enhanced workplace inclusivity by partnering with a third-party provider to supply women’s sanitary products at Symal worksites, exceeding industry standards and promoting a more comfortable and supportive environment for female employees. 

Dan’s ability to balance the leadership of his project team and his work with WICWG team is outright impressive. His dedication to excellence and innovative problem-solving has earned him recognition as a respected leader in the construction community. His commitment to driving positive change and delivering exceptional results continues to set benchmarks, making him a role model for emerging professionals aspiring to make a meaningful impact.