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very February during Black History Month businesses and organizations across the U.S. embrace the chance to


spotlight the contributions and achievements of Black Americans through the years. While many construction companies partici-


pate in this month-long celebration of Black history, the construction industry as a whole continues to grapple with a critical challenge: Black workers are significantly underrepresented in the fields of architecture, engineering and construction. In 2020, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that Blacks made up just


6 percent of the construction workforce while representing over 12 percent of the entire labor force. Tis comes at a time of acute demand for skilled workers to help deliver essential projects that will keep the U.S. competitive and growing now and in the future. Recognizing the need for a strong pipeline to bring more skilled workers into the


construction industry, many companies have implemented diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives to attract and retain underrepresented groups. Over the past year or two, it has become evident that at least some progress is being made – but the pace is uneven, and success can be difficult to measure. So what are AGC member companies doing to increase the hiring and amplify the voices of Black employees? California Constructor reached out to several indi- viduals, companies and organizations, representing all corners of the industry, to find out what strategies they have adopted and key takeaways they can offer other companies looking to begin the process and move the needle on this important issue. For its part, AGC of California made a strategic move in the fall of 2020 to more fully


engage in the conversation around how to increase diversity, equity and inclusion in construction with the launch of the AGC DEI Task Force. Tis team of professionals from all sectors of the industry was charged with exploring ideas and solutions. Teir work culminated with the release of a major recommendation report in the spring of 2021. (See the September/October 2021 California Constructor for more).


AGC DEI Steering Committee Chair ‘Dr. G’ In a follow-up to the initial efforts of the DEI Task Force, AGC launched the DEI Steering Committee in the fall of 2021. Its focus: turn ideas and proposed solutions into action. Dr. Giovanna Brasfield (known as Dr. G) chairs the AGC of California DEI Steering Committee. Formerly Vice President of Project Diversity & Inclusion for the Southwest Division of Flatiron Corporation and now CEO and Principal of her own DEI con- sulting firm, Brasfield & Associates, Dr. G brings extensive industry experience to the committee. She pointed out that although there have been seminal changes in the DEI landscape in recent years, there is still much work to be done.


CALIFORNIA CONSTRUCTOR JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022


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