written by
Michele Heyward

Empower Change in AEC: Join the Conversation on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

3 min read

In today’s evolving world, fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) isn’t just a moral imperative—it’s a business necessity. Future of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in AEC is your opportunity to dive deep into the conversations that matter, learn from leading DEI experts, and equip yourself with the tools to create meaningful change in your organization and the AEC community. Join us at this transformative virtual summit to connect, learn, and take action.

Our summit will tackle the most pressing DEI challenges and opportunities facing businesses and communities today. Here’s a glimpse of the topics we’ll cover:

  • What’s At Stake: The United States is projected to have a shortage of 400,000 engineers by 2027 to meet the demands of infrastructure projects. The talent shortage in the AEC industry is so severe that 42% of companies have had to turn down work due to a lack of qualified personnel.
  • How DEI Impacts AEC Issues: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives are essential for addressing the talent shortage in AEC by directly addressing biased recruiting practices, improving workplace culture especially on the construction site, and improving support systems for underrepresented employees.
  • Creating Opportunities: Winning with DEI: Without effective strategies to attract and retain talent, the industry could fail to capitalize on the $1.2 trillion worth of infrastructure projects available in the United States.

These sessions are designed to provide you with practical strategies and actionable insights that you can implement immediately to foster a more inclusive and equitable environment.

Our Speakers:

We’ve assembled a dynamic roster of speakers who are making strides and leading the charge for inclusion at work. These thought leaders, advocates, and industry pioneers are ready to share their insights, experiences, and strategies for driving impactful change. Here’s a look at some of the voices you’ll hear:

Nicole Adewale - Co-Founder, ABNA
Lusnail Haberberger - CEO, Luzco Technologies
Lance Furuyama - Construction Industry Troublemaker

    • Session: Pathways to Project Success and Future Opportunities via Mentoring Diversity Business Enterprises
    • Panelists will share their unique approaches to supporting DBEs, showcasing how effective mentoring can lead to successful project outcomes and new business opportunities in the AEC field.

Dan Lester, Sr. - Vice President of Field Culture & Inclusion

    • Session: From Theory to Reality: Navigating DEI in the Construction Industry
    • As Clayco's Vice President of Field Culture and Inclusion, Dan works to create training, education and data backed research to inform the Clayco enterprise and the construction industry on the most effective methods of creating a culture that supports the needs of the business, their clients and the people who they work with and serve daily.

Xi Wang, Ph.D., P.E., LEED GA - Assistant Teaching Professor, Drexel University

    • Session: Designing for Community Impact in Civil Engineering
    • Dr. Xi Wang research interests include technology adoption in workforce development in the construction industry, sustainable developments in construction education, and learning motivation for student success in engineering education.

Why You Should Attend:

  • Expert Insights: Learn from those leading the charge in DEI across architecture, engineering, and construction.
  • Community Building: Connect with others who share your commitment to creating inclusive spaces.
  • Actionable Takeaways: Gain tools and frameworks to bring back to your organization.
  • Convenient Access: Participate from anywhere with our fully virtual format, allowing you to engage with the content on your schedule.

Don’t miss this chance to be part of a movement towards greater diversity, equity, and inclusion. Here’s what you need to know:

Register by Friday, September 13, 2024 to enjoy special pricing and ensure your spot at this essential event. Together, we can create workplaces and communities where everyone thrives. At checkout use code AEC50 to get 50% off.

The Future of DEI in AEC isn’t just an event—it’s a call to action. Whether you’re a DEI professional, a business leader, or someone passionate about fostering inclusive environments, this summit will provide you with the knowledge, inspiration, and community you need to make a difference. Let’s come together to learn, share, and empower each other to build a better future.

[Register Today]

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