Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Resources
"It is up to all of us for the future health of our industry to continue to promote diversity and equity in all its forms.”
--Cathie Saroka, president, Goldray Glass and 2020-21 NGA Board Chair
NGA Staff Visits HBCUs to Share Trade Association Career Opportunities
NGA teamed up with the Council of Manufacturing Associations (CMA) to visit Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the U.S. to speak with student classes about career opportunities in trade associations.
On April 25, 2023, Alicia Hamilton, NGA operations manager and project manager of NGA’s DEI and HBCU initiatives, and Shonzia Thompson, CMA executive director, visited Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia. They met with students in the College of Business, many of whom are majoring in Business Management, Marketing, and Computer Information Systems.
On Nov. 15, 2022, Hamilton, Thompson, Nicole Harris, NGA president & CEO, and Philip Bell, president of the Steel Manufacturing Association (SMA), visited Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) in Prairie View, Texas, one of the largest HBCUs in the U.S. and a leading producer of construction engineering and architectural design graduates. Read more about NGA's PVAMU visit
Videos
Courtesy of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Town Hall & DEI Committee
Produced by Ken Tanaka
Produced by BuzzFeed Video
Produced by Fusion ComedyNOTE: The following video contains language
Resources Provided by the NGA
Industry Initiatives
This initiative is created in partnership between the Associated General Contractors of America and the AGC of Washington to advance the construction industry as the industry of choice for diverse and talented workers by building inclusive work environments in construction firms nationwide.
CEO Action for Diversity & InclusionThis group is focused on improving the lives of the 47+ million Black Americans through advocacy and advancement of public policies that will root out and end systemic racism. CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion as a platform is the first business-led coalition of its kind with a mission to advance racial equity through public policy.
Manufacturing Institute Roundtable on Racial InequityThe Manufacturing Institute held a Roundtable on Racial Inequity in Manufacturing Companies and Communities, featuring Eli Lilly and Company and McCormick & Company. The discussion focuses on how manufacturers can promote racial equity in their companies and stem racial injustice in their communities. Get a free recording of the webinar.
On September 24, 2020, the Board of Directors of the National Association of Manufacturers unanimously approved the Pledge for Action on behalf of manufacturers. "As manufacturers in the United States, we recognize the integral role our industry has in lifting up people and communities, and the opportunity and obligation we have now to stand with and support all people who face injustice," according to NAM. Manufacturers can express their support by signing the pledge.
The National Association of Women in Construction held a town hall, featuring speaker Kim Turner, on DEI in the workplace. Watch the full webinar recording.
In 2020, Society for Human Resource Management launched Together Forward @Work to initiate open dialogue about racial inequity in the workplace. SHRM provides tangible tools to construct equitable hiring practices and empathetic cultures.
Articles and Resources
Here's How to Combat Racial Bias at WorkThis story was shared anonymously by a woman recalling the early stage of her career when she worked in the headquarters of a U.S.-based implementer.
How Racism Impacts ConstructionIn this six-part series, Construction Dive takes a deep look into hate's toll on the industry.
BIPOC Addiction and Mental Health ResourcesMental health disorders and addictions tend to last much longer and create disabilities that are much more significant for BIPOC, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Find addiction and mental health resources specifically for members of the BIPOC community.
Architect Magazine presents a series of articles addressing racism and conversations about race.