Construction DEI Talks Aby Combs, Jorge Quezada, Stephanie Roldan

Welcome to the Construction DEI Talks podcast, where we explore the crucial topics of diversity, equity, and inclusion as they pertain to the construction industry. In this episode, our co-hosts Jorge Quezada, Vice President of Inclusive Diversity at Granite Construction, and Stephanie Roldan, Director of Lean Culture at Rosendin, engage in a thought-provoking conversation with the esteemed guest, Roger Millar, Secretary of the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).


Roger, an experienced land use and transportation engineer, planner, and program manager, is renowned for his innovative approaches to conservation and development. Throughout his illustrious career, he has focused on planning and implementing transportation systems that not only drive economic vitality but also prioritize environmental stewardship, social equity, public health, and aesthetic quality.


In this episode, Roger begins by sharing his profound understanding of stewardship and dispelling the misconception that WSDOT's role is solely limited to constructing roads. He reveals the monumental scope of the department's projects, having invested over $200 billion in publicly owned infrastructure, including roads, bridges, ferries, railroads, and more. Roger emphasizes that his real responsibility lies in stewarding the public's investments.


Drawing from his experiences as a child in an army family, Roger reflects on the transformative power of moving from place to place. He recounts the moment he stepped off a plane in Shanghai, where he felt a profound sense of difference. Discover how this upbringing cultivated his capacity to see the world through a steward's lens and how each new location taught him valuable lessons about communication and diverse perspectives.


The conversation then delves into the fundamental role of relationships in the construction industry, highlighting WSDOT's comprehensive diversity, equity, and inclusion program. The department strives to diversify its workforce by welcoming more women and people of color into the traditionally male-dominated construction field, ensuring that their work benefits the entire community. By acknowledging past industry missteps and embracing an inclusive future, Roger explains how Washington State can reap the tremendous benefits of a broad range of backgrounds and cultural experiences by 2050, where no majority culture is projected to exist.


Prepare to be inspired as Roger unveils WSDOT's powerful and inclusive strategic plan, one that engages every individual and prepares the department to navigate natural disasters and shifting demographics. Discover how WSDOT's pre-apprenticeship support programs collaborate with community colleges, labor groups, and contractors to bring men and women from diverse backgrounds into the construction trade. As a result, an impressive 45% of apprentice hours worked on WSDOT contracts are contributed by women and people of color.


As the episode concludes, Roger leaves us with three impactful calls to action: be yourself, listen to people, and educate yourself. Don't miss this opportunity to gain invaluable insights from Secretary Roger Millar and WSDOT as they lead the way in transforming the construction industry through diversity, equity, and inclusion.


For more information about Construction DEI Talks, follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter. Learn more about our podcast sponsors, Granite Construction and Rosendin. Connect with Secretary Roger Millar and WSDOT to stay updated on their remarkable initiatives.

Kabri Lehrman-Schmid has established herself as a highly skilled and competent general contractor. Her $1.9B portfolio is a testament to her diverse skill set and management competencies across all project phases. She has led transportation and higher education projects with progressive delivery models, demonstrating her ability to navigate complex projects effectively.


However, Kabri's passion extends beyond project management. She has built a reputation for establishing higher expectations for the performance and role of a general contractor. Her efforts to influence the industry have focused on improving workforce health, examining bias, and challenging stigmas that impact mental health in the construction industry.


Kabri's contributions to the industry have not gone unnoticed. She was recognized as one of ENR's 2023 20 Under 40 professionals in AEC, a cover page honoree for Construction Business Owner's 2019 20 Outstanding Women in Construction, and the recipient of AGC of Washington's Rising Star Award in 2022. These honors highlight her commitment to driving positive change in the industry.


As a passionate advocate for field management's role in examining bias and challenging stigmas that impact mental health in the construction industry, Kabri uses multiple media platforms to spread awareness to a growing audience. She recognizes that diversity and inclusion efforts cannot exist without addressing the root causes of exclusion and discrimination in the industry.


Kabri Lehrman-Schmid's passion for improving workforce health and advocating for the examination of bias and stigmas in the construction industry makes her an inspiring figure. Her accomplishments and recognition in the industry highlight her commitment to driving positive change. We hope that her story will inspire others in the industry to take action and create a more inclusive and equitable environment.


Links:


Learn more about Construction DEI Talks on LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter.   


Learn more about podcast sponsors Granite Construction and Rosendin


Learn more about Kabri Lerhman-Schmid.


 

Discover how the 2023 LEAP TA Construction Conference will empower HR leaders to connect the right people with the right opportunities and establish a pipeline of future candidates in the construction industry.


In this episode, we welcome Jemma Boon and Georgia Pink from the LEAP HR team to share their insights on how the construction industry can tackle the talent imbalance through their upcoming conference, LEAP TA: Construction 2023. With over 30 successful events under their belt, Jemma and Georgia have the expertise and knowledge to empower HR leaders to make a positive impact on their organizations.

Tackling Talent Imbalance in the Construction Industry Jemma and Georgia share their insights on how the construction industry can tackle the relentless supply and demand talent imbalance by connecting the right people with the right opportunities and establishing a pipeline of future corporate and field candidates. They discuss how LEAP TA: Construction 2023 offers a unique and immersive experience with discovery sessions, development sessions, and activity sessions to help HR leaders solve their most pressing TA challenges.


Jemma and Georgia also share how the traditional conference format is not suitable for today's needs and why they've started from scratch with LEAP TA: Construction. They discuss how this conference offers a high-energy, high-impact, fully immersive experience that goes beyond the 'what' and the 'why' to get to the 'how'. They also highlight the importance of setting clear, bespoke action plans to ensure a fast ROI.

We also receive valuable insights into how HR leaders can make a positive impact on their organizations and the construction industry. By attending LEAP TA: Construction 2023, attendees can discover innovative solutions, connect with thought leaders, and establish a pipeline of future candidates to tackle the talent imbalance.


Links:


Learn more about Construction DEI Talks on LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter.   


Learn more about podcast sponsors Granite Construction and Rosendin.


Learn more about the LEAP TA Construction Conference.

Welcome to the Construction DEI Talks podcast, your go-to source for exploring diversity, equity, and inclusion as they pertain to the construction industry. Hosts Jorge Quezada, Stephanie Roldan, and Aby Combs bring you the latest conversations with experts, providing insightful and valuable perspectives on how to create a stronger, more equitable industry for all.


In this episode, Jorge and Aby speak with guest Dr. Sally Spencer Thomas, a renowned clinical psychologist, mental health advocate, and suicide loss survivor. Dr. Thomas shares her personal experiences and professional expertise, emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health and suicide prevention in the construction industry.


Did you know that construction workers have a higher risk of suicide, addiction, and overdose? Dr. Thomas sheds light on this alarming trend and highlights the need for upstream efforts to prevent these tragedies. She calls for a shift in the way construction companies treat their employees, prioritizing mental health and creating a culture of care and support.


Listeners are encouraged to take action, starting with acknowledging the human beings in their workplace and making mental health a priority. Resources like Workplace Suicide Prevention and Construction Working Minds are available to provide support and guidance in this important effort.


Don't miss this eye-opening episode of Construction DEI Talks. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter to stay up to date on the latest episodes and connect with the hosts and guests. And don't forget to check out our podcast sponsors, Granite Construction and Rosendin, for more information on their services and contributions to the industry.


Links:


Learn more about Construction DEI Talks on LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter.   


Learn more about podcast sponsors Granite Construction and Rosendin.


Connect with Dr. Sally Spencer Thomas.


Learn more about Workplace Suicide Prevention and Construction Working Minds.

In this episode, Rosendin's SVP Angie Hart discusses her fantastic career in construction, equity in the workplace, and how to look for potential growth in employees.

In this episode, we speak with Thamara Subramanian on a broad range of topics on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and justice. Thamara is a born and bred Kansas Citian passionate about the intersection between health and social justice. She currently serves as the Equity Audit and Strategy Manager for The Winters Group. She is responsible for uncovering insights in data to help organizations embed anti-racism and reimagine how their policies and practices either support or impede equity and justice. Thamara shares her insights and leadership throughout the community with involvement with Girls on the Run and Big Brothers Big Sisters KC. Thamara has a BS in Psychology and Anthropology from the University of Michigan and an MPH in Health and Social Behavior from the Harvard Chan School of Public Health, where she served as an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Fellow.