You probably don’t need be reminded that there are plenty of commendable aspects to the business community that powers Los Angeles.

But just in case, a few elements come to mind. There’s the passion for creativity. The emphasis on innovation. The focus on developing and delivering products and services that move things forward.

Perhaps one of the most admirable shared traits was on full display last week at the Business Journal’s Diversity and Inclusion Summit. The event brought together an impressive set of A-list executives and companies that recognize how individuals and businesses benefit when they embrace the cause.

“Nature itself is diverse. This should be a natural thing for us,” said Metro Chief Executive Phillip Washington, who oversees a team of nearly 11,000 and a budget of nearly $20 billion.

Washington sees the impact of diversity on Metro’s massive infrastructure projects. That’s driven by the agency’s insistence on inclusion from the highest levels. “It must come from the top,” he said. “You insist that (prime contractors) bring on historically underutilized firms. It’s incredible what firms will do if they know this directive is coming from the executive leadership.”

Of course, courting a diverse workforce isn’t just about doing the right thing. It’s also smart business. “Forty percent of our workforce is at retirement age,” Washington said of his Metro team. “Seventy percent is over 40. … We have to teach young people the skills to build and maintain infrastructure in this country.” In his eyes, given L.A.’s melting pot population, Metro and other companies here can set the bar for the rest of the country.

For Stephanie Wiggins, who joined Metrolink as chief executive just over a year ago, an emphasis on diversity is something she dialed in upon arrival. “A year ago, we weren’t a company that focused on diversity,” Wiggins said. “In November, we passed a revised procurement policy. … We are committed to being more inclusive and diverse. If we don’t see it (in prime contractors and subcontractors) we will cancel (the contract) and start over.”