AGC/BUILDOUT PARTNERSHIP


validated that LGBTQ+ are a part of the fabric of the economy,” Pendergast said. “With so many infrastructure needs facing the Golden State, having access and input from our LGBTQ+ businesses with AGC is an incredible opportunity. Tis is truly a ground- breaking partnership, proof of our shared commitment to having all diverse California voices at the table.”


AGC of California Partners with BuildOUT to Boost Diversity


I


n a first-of-its-kind collabo- ration aimed at boosting diversity and inclusion in the California


construction industry, AGC of California and the AGC Construction Education Foundation (AGC-CEF) have launched a landmark new partnership with BuildOUT California, the world’s first industry association dedicated to the sustainable growth of LGBTQ+ owned and certified businesses. Te partnership, announced by


AGC and BuildOUT California in January, will connect AGC members with LGBTQ+ owned/certified firms and allies. Te organizations plan to work together to actively promote construction careers to the diverse youth of California and promote a zero-tolerance environment for discrimination on job sites across all industry workplaces. Tey will also focus on providing relevant, customized training opportunities to help LGBTQ+ businesses effectively compete, bid and perform on signif- icant construction projects.


Making a Lasting Impact “We can do better as an industry


to ensure diversity and inclusion are top of mind. A focus on our LGBTQ+ affiliated members is one way we can expand on those efforts,” said Peter Tateishi, AGC CEO. “We are


22 March/April 2021


grateful to the AGC members who sit on our Diversity and Inclusion Task Force who are willing to share their diverse backgrounds and experiences and provide guidance on what is both appropriate and needed from AGC to make real and lasting impact in this area of industry.” Paul


Paul Pendergast


Pendergast is president and founder of BuildOUT California, which was formed in mid-2020 to provide advocacy at the state and national


levels, to deliver relevant technical assistance and training and to foster connections that lead to measurable business growth for its members. BuildOUT California’s 21 Founders represent a cumulative 620-plus years of experience in the A/E/C indus- tries and include representatives from Turner, Gilbane Building Co., Kitchell, Jacobs and others. “What is significant about this


partnership with AGC and BuildOUT is it is the first time a premier construction industry association has


#IYOUWE series: LGBTQ+ Representation


On January 21, 2021, just a week


after the partnership launched, AGC and AGC-CEF’s workforce development initiative, Build California, held one of its #IYouWe series on Instagram Live discussing LGBTQ+ Represen- tation in Construction. Te livestream event featured a


Q&A between AGC Director of Workforce Development Amanda Taylor and Nick Colina, administrator of operations with Anco Iron and Construction, Inc., a San Francisco steel contractor that is currently pursuing LGBTQ+ certification. Colina runs the third generation,


family-owned company along with his sister, Dani Colina. He offered his insights about being openly gay in the construction industry, the changes in attitudes that have taken place over the past 20 years and his advice to young LGBTQ+ individuals looking to pursue a career in construction. To view this #IYouWe Instagram


Live session or any past sessions visit Build California’s IGTV page at https://www.instagram.com/buildca/ channel/. For more information about BuildOUT visit www.buildoutcali- fornia.org. 


California Constructor


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