Construction DEI Talks Aby Combs, Jorge Quezada, Stephanie Roldan

The host review season 2, DEI landscape and whats to come in season 3

Welcome to the Construction DEI Talks podcast, where we dive into diversity, equity, and inclusion as they relate to the construction industry. Co-hosts Jorge Quezada, Vice President of Inclusive Diversity at Granite Construction, Stephanie Roldan and Te'Osha Baker-Bunch of Rosendin, and Aby Combs, Inclusive Diversity Business Partner at Granite Construction, bring new conversations with subject matter experts and discuss how we can make our industry better and stronger. Today’s episode looks a little bit different as we listen to a live recording of Stephanie’s recent speaking opportunity.



In this special episode, we present a captivating live recording from Stephanie's recent speaking engagement during Women in Construction Month. Stephanie, with her remarkable journey in the construction industry since 1999, provides invaluable insights into career development. From her early days as an ambitious field apprentice to her current role as Vice President of Learning and Development at Rosendin, Stephanie now dedicates her time to coaching, mentoring, and fostering professional growth for others. She is passionate about assisting individuals in exploring career moves that align with their unique talents by turning the ladder into a lattice.



As the conversation progresses, Stephanie delves into her personal experiences and the activities that have shaped her ongoing learning journey. She emphasizes the importance of leadership development within company-sponsored committees and the power of mentorship and sponsorship. Stephanie also shares valuable advice for employees who feel their efforts go unnoticed, stressing the significance of finding mentors who advocate for their growth and success, even beyond the boundaries of their industry.



Tune in to the Construction DEI Talks podcast to gain helpful insights, actionable strategies, and diverse perspectives that will empower you to make a lasting impact in the construction field. Join us as we create a stronger, more inclusive industry together.


Links: 


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


 


Learn more about podcast sponsors Granite Construction and Rosendin. 

Welcome to the Construction DEI Talks podcast, a show dedicated to exploring diversity, equity, and inclusion within the construction industry. Join us as co-hosts Jorge Quezada, Stephanie Roldan, and Aby Combs engage in insightful conversations with industry experts, discussing ways to improve and strengthen our field. In this episode, Aby and Jorge have an inspiring conversation with Mariella Dabbah, Founder and CEO of the Red Shoe Movement—a global community of professionals committed to supporting women's career success through peer and leadership development.


Mariella shares her personal journey and emphasizes the importance of maintaining authenticity and individuality in professional settings. As she delves into the challenges faced by women in the corporate world, Mariella highlights the need for private conversations among women and the significance of defining personal success while fostering inclusivity within organizations. The Red Shoe Movement partners with larger organizations to facilitate career advancement for women and promotes a culture of inclusiveness. With seven guiding principles, the movement empowers individuals to design workplaces that are encouraging and welcoming for everyone.


Discover how companies, including those in male-dominated industries like construction, finance, and logistics, can collaborate with the Red Shoe Movement to support gender equality. Learn about the innovative pink hard hat initiative tailored specifically for the construction field. Mariella explains how the movement operates within organizations, encouraging simultaneous progress in both the advancement of women and the evolution of company culture. Men are invited to join the movement and contribute positively, fostering an environment of collaboration rather than guilt or shame.


Moreover, gain insights into the Red Shoe Movement's partnership with an artist dedicated to empowering women worldwide. Discover the transformative impact the movement has on team members at Granite Construction, and explore the three essential calls to action: be open and curious, embrace the value of learning from mistakes, and actively engage with the movement.


Don't miss this engaging episode of Construction DEI Talks as we explore the Red Shoe Movement's remarkable efforts in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the construction industry and beyond.


Keywords:


1. Construction DEI Talks

2. diversity, equity, and inclusion

3. construction industry

4. podcast

5. Red Shoe Movement

6. diversity in construction

7. leadership development

8. women's career success

9. workplace inclusivity

10. women in the corporate world

11. gender equality

12. career advancement for women

13. male-dominated industries

14. pink hard hat initiative

15. company culture

16. collaboration and progress

17. empowering women

18. global community

19. Granite Construction

20. peer and leadership development

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.