A Blueprint for Equity

Candice Harrison
  • 5.0 (4)
  • BUSINESS

A Blueprint for Equity is a podcast dedicated to exploring challenges, uncovering opportunities, and celebrating successes surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion in the AEC and related industries. Come along with us on our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) journey as we bring together a collection of thought leaders, educators, subject matter experts, and technical professionals to discuss key issues and approaches to constructing a more inclusive AEC community.

Episodes

  1. Episode #4: Designing More Than Structures, Engineering Stronger Communities

    3D AGO

    Episode #4: Designing More Than Structures, Engineering Stronger Communities

    In the Season 2 launch of A Blueprint for Equity, host Candice Harrison welcomes J’Reyesha Brannon, PE, Civil / Environmental Engineer and Project Manager based in Portland, Oregon, for a conversation that expands how we think about engineering’s role in shaping communities. With more than a decade of experience in design, project management, and construction management, much of it in the public sector, J’Reyesha brings a powerful blend of technical expertise, civic leadership, and community advocacy to her work.  A graduate of the University of Portland’s civil engineering program, she approaches the built environment through a lens grounded in environmental justice, equity, and long‑term community impact. Beyond her professional practice, J’Reyesha is an active leader in NSBE Portland, where she supports community building, mentorship, and expanded access to STEM pathways for Black engineers and students across the region.  She also serves in a variety of leadership and advisory roles with nonprofit organizations and government bodies, contributing her skills in grant writing, communications outreach, and program development to help advance meaningful change. In this episode, J’Reyesha reframes structural integrity as more than a technical requirement, connecting it to the resilience of communities, cultural context, and the systems that shape how people experience the built environment. Together, Candice and J’Reyesha explore how engineering principles can be applied with intention to foster inclusion, strengthen equity, and create spaces where people truly thrive. This conversation invites listeners to consider how the structures we design—and the values we bring to that work—can help build stronger, more connected communities. A Blueprint for Equity, a podcast powered by SSOE Group, is dedicated to exploring challenges, uncovering opportunities, and celebrating successes surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion in the AEC and related industries. Come along with us on our DEI journey as we bring together a collection of thought leaders, educators, subject matter experts, and technical professionals to discuss key issues and approaches to constructing a more inclusive AEC community. Learn more here.

    33 min
  2. Episode #3: Amplifying LGBTQIA+ Voices in Design

    03/06/2024

    Episode #3: Amplifying LGBTQIA+ Voices in Design

    In our latest quarterly episode of A Blueprint for Equity (our third to date), host Candice Harrison talks with Sarah Nelson-Woynicz, AIA, Project Architect and Associate at HKS, Inc.—an architecture and interior design firm—and Founder of Pride by Design.   A seamless blend of personal and professional, this conversation explores Sarah’s dedication to the inclusion and visibility of LGBTQIA+ architects and design professionals. She shares her experience growing up in Raleigh, going to college in Virginia, and landing in Atlanta where she’s built a very successful career in the AEC industry.  Today, she feels empowered in her day job where she has the space and safety to outwardly embrace her identity as a lesbian and is supported by her colleagues. Through the years, she admits she’s been met with some resistance along the way but has now found a place to thrive and aims to help others do the same.   A Blueprint for Equity, a podcast powered by SSOE Group, is dedicated to exploring challenges, uncovering opportunities, and celebrating successes surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion in the AEC and related industries. Come along with us on our DEI journey as we bring together a collection of thought leaders, educators, subject matter experts, and technical professionals to discuss key issues and approaches to constructing a more inclusive AEC community. Learn more here.

    41 min
  3. Episode #2: Constructing a Culture of Racial Equity

    11/02/2023

    Episode #2: Constructing a Culture of Racial Equity

    In our latest quarterly episode of A Blueprint for Equity (our second to date), host Candice Harrison sits down with Dr. Melvin Gravely, CEO of Triversity Construction and author of Dear White Friend—a must-read book about the realities of race, the power of relationships, and the path to equity.  Mel and Candice discuss equity versus equality, race relations, and some of the ways his Cincinnati-based commercial construction firm has diversity built right into its brand (right down to the name and right up to the top). They also explore the power of empathy, intentionality, and getting the AEC workforce to look more like the world in which we live. Spoiler Alert: We also announce an exciting giveaway, so be sure to tune in! And, you can download Mel's free Dear White Friend Discussion Guide that he references in this episode here. A Blueprint for Equity, a podcast powered by SSOE Group, is dedicated to exploring challenges, uncovering opportunities, and celebrating successes surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion in the AEC and related industries. Come along with us on our DEI journey as we bring together a collection of thought leaders, educators, subject matter experts, and technical professionals to discuss key issues and approaches to constructing a more inclusive AEC community. Learn more here.

    37 min
  4. Episode #1: Cultivating a Climate of Diversity in Higher Ed

    08/11/2023

    Episode #1: Cultivating a Climate of Diversity in Higher Ed

    Host Candice Harrison had the exciting opportunity to speak with three DEI leaders from three different universities residing in three different regions of the U.S. It feels fitting to begin our first episode by focusing on the education system because we know that, as a society, if we’re going to be successful in building a diverse workforce, we have to start at the societal level to increase diversity and equity in our communities and our educational systems. In this episode, we welcome… Dr. Lesley Berhan, Associate Dean of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement and Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical, Industrial, and Manufacturing Engineering at the University of Toledo College of Engineering in Ohio. Dr. Ece Erdogmus, Professor and Chair at the School of Building Construction at Georgia Tech in Atlanta. Dr. Shaz Vijlee, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Portland Shiley School of Engineering in Oregon. All three guests will discuss what they’re doing at their own respective organizations to increase access and underrepresentation in the fields from which we draw our talent. A Blueprint for Equity, a podcast powered by SSOE Group, is dedicated to exploring challenges, uncovering opportunities, and celebrating successes surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion in the AEC and related industries. Come along with us on our DEI journey as we bring together a collection of thought leaders, educators, subject matter experts, and technical professionals to discuss key issues and approaches to constructing a more inclusive AEC community. Learn more here.

    1h 3m
  5. Introducing: A Blueprint for Equity, a podcast powered by SSOE Group

    06/20/2023

    Introducing: A Blueprint for Equity, a podcast powered by SSOE Group

    Host of A Blueprint for Equity Candice Harrison introduces the podcast and outlines its purpose in this promotional trailer. Candice shares her background prior to joining SSOE as the firm’s first-ever Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. In 2020, the pandemic hit and kept us all at home and in front of our TVs. As incidents of violence against humanity and national unrest were increasing, so was the need for companies to begin to explore how they could do better. That’s where Candice’s transition to DEI began. Today, she helps our organization understand where we are as a company and rethink messaging to better connect with and relate to diverse audiences. In this promotional trailer, Candice explains how DEI at SSOE is a continuous journey—not a destination or box to check. As we look forward to a workforce that reflects the populations we serve, we’re moving from an “initiative” mindset to a culture where DEI is already built in. A Blueprint for Equity, a podcast powered by SSOE Group, is dedicated to exploring challenges, uncovering opportunities, and celebrating successes surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion in the AEC and related industries. Come along with us on our DEI journey as we bring together a collection of thought leaders, educators, subject matter experts, and technical professionals to discuss key issues and approaches to constructing a more inclusive AEC community. Learn more here.

    5 min
  • 5 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

A Blueprint for Equity is a podcast dedicated to exploring challenges, uncovering opportunities, and celebrating successes surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion in the AEC and related industries. Come along with us on our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) journey as we bring together a collection of thought leaders, educators, subject matter experts, and technical professionals to discuss key issues and approaches to constructing a more inclusive AEC community.

Information

  • Creator
    Candice Harrison
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 A Blueprint for Equity
  • Show Website
    A Blueprint for Equity