DIVERSITY & INCLUSION


This classroom picture (taken pre- COVID time) shows one of the LINXS Training Institute’s Small Business Training sessions. In


this track they train certified and diverse firms on different subject areas for industry best practices and how to build capacity.


small business support and more. An annual executive leadership


conference that brought approximately 85 Flatiron employees together at the beginning of 2020 marked a pivotal turning point for this effort, Brasfield noted. “All of our executives got together


and looked at D&I more strategically,” she said. “Te timing aligned with the social uprising and social justice events that are happening now throughout the country. Flatiron took a stance to address it.” Tat conference was followed by


a national listening tour, initiated by CEO John DiCiurcio, who wanted to hear from all levels of Flatiron employees to get their perspective on ‘how to become a better us’,” Brasfield said.


Te company’s DIGG program


resulted in the formation of a series of 8-10-person teams comprising a cross section of executives, middle management and new employees. Each team collaborates on new initiatives that support the four different D&I pillars. “It is getting employees excited


and engaged about how we can be more inclusive in all aspects of our culture,” Brasfield said. “Tese groups will present their ideas focused around attracting and retaining talent, building on a diverse and inclusive culture and the business strategies to support it.”


Project-Specific D&I Strategies Flatiron also pursues detailed, project-


specific strategies designed to increase and encourage diversity and inclusion and to help fill the workforce pipeline


on its projects. Tis is exemplified by the eight-track LINXS Training Institute of LA program that is in place on the APM project for Los Angeles World Airports. Representing an innovative public-private partnership, the project is being delivered by LINXS Constructors, a design-build joint venture team that includes Flatiron West, Inc. Te eight tracks of the LINXS


Training Institute of LA program focus on the areas of small business devel- opment, mentoring programs, worker training, professional development and worker retention, youth engagement, recidivism prevention and more. For Brasfield, a passionate advocate


for D&I in the construction industry who currently serves on AGC of California’s Diversity & Inclusion Task Force, the renewed focus on D&I at Flatiron leaves her excited and hopeful about the future of the industry. “Diversity and Inclusion is an


industrywide issue and it is important for all of us in AGC to collaborate and work to foster diversity and inclusion at all levels and in all projects,” she said. At Flatiron, “everyone is excited about the change,” she added. “We are becoming a better organization - one that is at the forefront of change, seeks to be at the forefront of D&I and at the forefront of engaging our community.”


Amanda Taylor Joins AGC as Workforce Development Director Amanda Taylor recently joined


AGC of California as the new Director, Workforce Development. In her role, Taylor will oversee the advancement of AGC’s innovative workforce devel- opment programs, including Build California, the Construction Leadership Council (CLC), scholarship programs, student chapters, and training and education. “Te COVID-19 pandemic has


created a need for nimble, virtual workforce programming designed to support our industry as it navigates the challenges of remaining essential during


www.AGC-CA.org


this season,” said Erin Volk, Vice President, Workforce & Community Development, AGC of California and Executive Director, AGC Construction Education Foundation. “Te addition of Amanda to our team will ensure our current and future construction workers are equipped, resilient and at the top of their game thanks to her extensive program management experience.” Taylor brings over 15 years of experience in non-profit program,


volunteer and budget devel- opment and management, including a focus on programs geared towards disadvantaged youth and developing youth leaders. Immediately prior to joining AGC, Taylor was project director and interim CEO for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the


Greater Sacramento Area, where she oversaw all aspects of the programs. She holds a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from Fresno Pacific University and a master’s in public administration from Keller Graduate School of Management.


Associated General Contractors of California 17


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