productive discussions that help com- panies move from awareness to action when it comes to building an inclusive workplace culture. Leslie Lamcke, senior project engi-


neer, Blach Construction, commented on his experience attending the DEI Forum meetings: “Diversity, equity and inclusion are important topics. In order to truly affect change, we need to be able to have open, honest and ongoing conversations about how we can better embrace DEI within our industry. Te AGC of California DEI Forum offers us a platform to do so, and I am excited to be involved and help move our industry forward.” The very first DEI Forum meeting, themed “DEI 101,” engaged participants in a discussion about successes and challenges in creating a more diverse, equitable and inclusive industry. “I appreciated how genuine this con-


versation was and the energy and en- thusiasm that the Steering Committee members brought,” commented partic- ipant Sara Luther, Unger Construction Co. “Tis is the first time I felt really safe at an AGC or industry event/meeting as a nonbinary person. It felt like community.” Te next DEI Forum, drawing over 110


registrants in December 2021, tackled the topic of privilege. By inviting both AGC members and


nonmembers alike to attend the DEI Forum meetings, AGC is illustrating its commitment to its mission, according to Yuhi Aizawa Combatti, Senior Diversity, Equity & Inclusion manager at AGC. “It reflects back on our mission, that we are committed to building and strengthen- ing the industry as a whole, not just the individual companies,” she said. She pointed out that the DEI Forum meetings “are also attracting individuals from our member companies who may not have ever engaged with AGC before.”


CALL TO ACTION


Do you or your company want to join the conversation and get involved with AGC’s DEI Forum or small, under- represented business (SUB) Forum? To find out more and/ or receive e-blasts with more information, contact Nasim Adeli at AdeliN@agc-ca.org.


Nasim Adeli, Senior Diversity, Equity &


Inclusion coordinator, added that the DEI Forum is “starting the conversation and creating a safe space for allies to come and learn how they can be more supportive or just understand the differences and nuances that come with diversity in the industry.” Tis May, the DEI Forum focused on


partnerships between contractors of all sizes with underrepresented businesses (UBEs). Featured panelists included Sandra Escalante, Laner Electric Supply; Miguel Galarza, Yerba Buena Engineering; Justin Van Gorden, Cupertino Electric; Tana Harris, Harris Hoisting; Mick Penn, Swinerton; and Breana Weaver, PCL Con- struction. Te panel discussion centered on how these industry partnerships have yielded successes and highlighted some of that challenges that have been addressed through this collaborative approach. Tere are two more DEI Forum meet-


ings slated for the second half of 2022, on September 20 and December 6, with additional meetings to be scheduled spe- cifically for UBEs. Each gathering includes group activities and discussions as well as a take-away resource that attendees can bring back to their own companies.


CALIFORNIA CONSTRUCTOR JULY-AUGUST 2022


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