This summer, The Swinerton Foundation launched the Tony Williamson Building Better Futures Scholarship through an inaugural pilot with the Cypress Mandela Training Center, honoring Tony Williamson, a Swinerton employee-owner of more than 30 years who passed away in 2017.
Tony Williamson began his career as a union carpenter and became one of the Bay Area’s finest and most respected Superintendents, demonstrating skill and leadership on every project. He also held the role of Field Operations Manager and then Division Manager. Tony was a true master builder and construction professional who took his job very seriously and exemplified integrity, leadership, passion, and excellence. His passion for the industry was infectious, all the while mentoring and empowering others to be the very best they can be.
He inspired others to dream, to participate, to persevere, to take the initiative and to make a difference. He did all of this by creating standards of excellence and setting examples for others to follow. Through his magnetism and quiet persuasion, he looked for innovative ways to improve the industry, foster collaboration, and build spirited teams. Tony’s strong commitment to mentorship and training, specifically within the skilled trades, is why this Scholarship bears his name.
Scholarship Benefits
Andrew Price, Ralph Rangel, Nai Saephanh, and Chalise Bruce received a scholarship of $1,250 each for use towards their professional and educational development. In addition, two received three-month paid internships with Swinerton, providing hands-on knowledge and training from Swinerton staff.
About Cypress Mandela
Located in Oakland, CA a city of approximately 400,000 with one of the most ethnically diverse populations in the United States, the Cypress Mandela Training Center, Inc. offers a 16-week pre-apprenticeship program for Bay Area men and women over the age of 18. Training is both hands-on and in the classroom and prepares students for skilled trade jobs that are relevant to today’s construction industry. The program has received local and national recognition and has established itself as the foremost pre-apprenticeship construction training center of its kind in the United States.
About The Swinerton Foundation
The Swinerton Foundation utilizes the skills of hundreds of volunteers in more than 40 communities across the United States to help build sustainable cities and neighborhoods by supporting education and development activities, workforce development programs, and community focused non-profits that help cities thrive. The Swinerton Foundation also serves as a catalyst to encourage and expand the philanthropic endeavors of Swinerton Incorporated and its affiliates’ employees. Learn more at www.theswinertonfoundation.org
