Developing a More Inclusive Workplace: Construction Inclusion Week Webinars

Lisa Thibodeaux MBA, MA Ed., CIT, CDT

Construction Experts Inc.

Over eight million construction professionals in the United States work long hours to create $2.1 trillion of structures each year. In a recent study by the Center for Construction Research and Training, nearly half of those in the construction industry experience depression. People spend 90,000 hours at work over a lifetime. October 14-18 the NAWIC DEI committee has collaborated with construction and trained DEI professionals to make daily webinar trainings available to you, and your non-member associates on how to ensure our workplaces are a source and stronghold of belonging with equitable practices, and productive teams.

Launched in 2021, Construction Inclusion Week (CIW) was created by Time for Change, a consortium of major construction firms, including Turner Construction, Mortenson, McCarthy, Clark Construction, and Gilbane Building Company. United by the belief that improving inclusion within the construction industry is not only beneficial but necessary for long-term success. CIW occurs annually in the month of October, with a week dedicated to activities, learning sessions, and events designed to support and advance DEI efforts.

What does your company provide in terms of company culture, ERGs, and ongoing training to ensure equitable and inclusive practices? Attending the daily webinars October 14 - 18 will fill your cup and inspire local and national conversations. Register today to save your seat and secure that hour of insight, information and inspiration.

Construction experts from Washington to New York, from Los Angeles, California to Portland, Maine have curated their best practices, office to field examples, and research to bring NAWIC members, supporters, and allies, a 5 day webinar series that addresses actionable steps to take to incorporate inclusive, equitable and belonging workplace practices, and ensure your workplace has strategies to support employees.

Your invitation has arrived! Save October 14 - 18 on your calendar for Construction Inclusion Week. Companies, organizations, individuals, and teams are focused on learning and implementing actions, efforts, and practices to create a more welcoming and inclusive construction industry. Use #ConstructionInclusionWeek #NAWICDEI to post about your takeaways and reflect on your new lessons learned, goals and commitments.

Monday, October 14 12 pm PST/ 2 pm CST Ashly Ruiz VP McKinstry, Theresa Little Talent Development Manager, Kate Kleyman Senior Program Manager

Advancing Gender Equity & Inclusion: A McKinstry Case Study https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_QJ659fT9SLilVhr5_NsUDQ

Hear from the NAWIC DEI 2024 Corporate Leadership awardee, McKinstry, about their initiatives to advance gender equity and inclusion at McKinstry and beyond. As part of a comprehensive commitment to DEI, McKinstry has made significant progress in advancing opportunities for women in the skilled trades, curating partnerships with women-owned businesses, and driving learning and development that fosters a culture of inclusion. The panelists will highlight successful programs and initiatives at McKinstry as well as their insights on how to drive engagement.

Tuesday, October 15 11 AM PST/ 1 PM CST Jeremiah Captain VP X Factor Partners

Beyond Fitting In: Cultivating a Culture of True Belonging https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KARBDemTSjOF4RsdNl7YLg

Explore how culture, belonging and trust form the framework for a thriving workplace. Learn actionable strategies to foster a positive culture, strengthen bonds, and build a foundation of trust empowering personal and collective success.

Wednesday, October 16 11 AM PST/ 1 PM CST Yenisei Bell President/Owner YGB Design Group
Unlocking Opportunity: The Power of Supplier Diversity https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_eDcnU0msS5OofGYuoB74Xw

Dive into the power of supplier diversity. 18 year construction expert, Yenisei Bell will explain how to set effective goals and objectives, conduct an economic impact analysis and build a successful supplier diversity program. Learn the strategies to unlock opportunities and drive growth through diverse supplier engagement.

Thursday, October 17 11 AM PST/ 1 PM CST Chara Gannett SHRM-SCP Talent Management Partner, Southland

Discover: Building Belonging for Women through ERG's https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_azdcJO7fQu22wLMeZz35zg

Explore how to foster belonging through Employee Resource Groups. This session highlights how Southland Industries launched their first ERG for women, providing tangible tools and strategies to create a supportive environment. Learn how ERGs can help employees feel valued and connected in the construction industry.

Friday, October 18 11 AM PST/ 1 PM CST Yolanda Baber, MBS, ENV Sp

Building the Future: Workforce Development in Construction https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YSjALsR3Tr-Xfyce-d-p0g

Empower women in construction through effective community engagement. Learn strategies for building strong relationships with local communities. Develop a plan to partner with local organizations and create meaningful public-private partnerships. Lastly, explore examples of successful community engagement projects.

Save the Date. Register today for all five webinars or even two.. Recordings will be posted by National on the NAWIC website behind the member login.

By attending these webinars you will hear research based practices and applications of DE&I initiatives that transform the workplace to a culture of caring, belonging, and increased trust..

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