Inaugural collaboration with D’León Consulting Engineers focuses on empowering historically underutilized businesses
SEATTLE (Jan. 9, 2025) – HNTB announces the expansion of the Partners Program to the firm’s Washington office. The Washington program begins in partnership with D’León Consulting Engineers, a certified Disadvantaged and Small Business Enterprise renowned for its civil engineering and construction management expertise.
HNTB’s Kris Agers
The HNTB Partners Program develops and empowers historically underutilized businesses, including those owned by women, people of color and veterans. The program offers workshops, training and networking opportunities tailored to promote business development and foster growth. “We believe fostering equity in the transportation industry is essential to strengthening communities and enhancing innovation,” said Kris Agers, Washington office leader and senior vice president at HNTB. “The Partners Program represents a step toward empowering historically underutilized businesses and building a more inclusive and vibrant industry.”
The Partners Program provides guidance in critical business areas. Participants benefit from direct mentoring and coaching from HNTB leaders, ensuring practical insights and support. By creating opportunities for collaboration with major transportation agencies, the program equips qualifying businesses to expand their capabilities, pursue new projects and thrive in the competitive infrastructure sector.
“Our partnership with D’León is about building more than infrastructure—it’s about fostering relationships that create meaningful opportunities for growth,” said Angela Battle, director of small business partnerships at HNTB. “We are excited to work alongside the D’León team as they establish themselves in Seattle’s transportation market.”
D’León Consulting Engineers is a civil engineering and construction management firm with offices in Long Beach, California, Houston, Texas, and a newly established presence in Seattle. The firm brings extensive expertise in delivering infrastructure projects across transportation sectors, including rail, aviation, ports and roadways. Through the HNTB Partners Program, D’León is poised to expand its capabilities and grow into this new service area.
“We’re thrilled to be chosen for HNTB’s Partners Program in Washington,” said Borja Leon, PE, CEO and principal engineer of D’León. “With HNTB’s guidance and mentorship, we are expanding our presence into the Seattle market and strengthening our ability to deliver impactful infrastructure solutions to our clients.”
Learn more about how HNTB’s Partners Program is empowering businesses to drive impactful change in communities across the nation.