AIALA: Creating a Diverse Future for AEC Professions: Engaging Young Minds
Since the time that Architecture and related fields became professionalized through training and certification, gaining access to these well-respected career paths has become increasingly challenging, especially for minority and underrepresented communities. What can we do today as AEC professionals to try and address inequities that pervade our careers and build a more diverse workforce? We will discuss this question and others with a panel of representatives from a range of organizations who are dedicated to engaging with diverse student groups to share resources, provide mentorship, and encourage young minds to pursue professions within AEC and beyond.
- How is your organization addressing the challenge of creating a diverse workforce within AEC and related industries?
- What are the greatest challenges that your organization faces in achieving your goals?
- How do you think employees in AEC industries can best help to encourage students of all ages to pursue a career in their field?
- When talking with minority and underrepresented student groups, what do you find is their biggest challenge to entering professional services careers?
Speakers:
Creighton Taylor, CFA – Founder & CEO, Guided Compass
Eletrice Harris, NOMA – Vice President, SoCal NOMA
Patti Harburg-Petrich, SE, LEED AP BD+C – Principal, Buro Happold & Board Director, ACE Los Angeles
Marcela Oliva – Professor, LATTC & Lead, Careers by Design LA
AIA|LA Professional Practice Committee Leadership:
Jessica Orlando, AIA – Design Manager + Strategist, Buildings+Places, AECOM (Chair)
Naoko Miyano, AIA, DBIA – Senior Associate, SeniorDesigner, AC Martin (Vice-Chair/Chair-elect)
Paul Coleman, AIA, DBIA, LEEDAP® – Principal, Chief Operating Officer, AC Martin (Past-Chair)
Responses