AEC Sessions

The J.E.D.I. Agenda: An Intersectional Approach to Designing a Just Future

Rosa Sheng, Vice President, Higher Education Studio Leader, Director of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion @SmithGroup; Founding Chair @Equity by Design

Our society is at a critical inflection point. The choices and actions we make today will determine our collective future. This is contextualized by a historic confluence of catastrophic events in 2020 — a global pandemic, severe economic disruption, racial violence, civil unrest, environmental peril and rapid disruption by AI. A perfect storm exposes the intersectional impacts of legacy systems of societal and environmental harm and oppression — still endangering BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, Neurodiverse and other marginalized identities.The resulting shifts and disruptions that we face could result in peril or potential to overcome the adversity surrounding us. Real and necessary progress towards Justice in our world will only be achieved when we are willing to do the work to expose and dismantle the intricate web of racist and unjust policies and practices that have resulted in multigenerational inequities with harmful outcomes for many. Given the challenging and complex conditions in which we find ourselves today, we must commit to adapting towards a collective regenerative agenda to thrive.

How To Develop A-List Talent at AEC Firms

Danielle Feroleto, Founder @Small Giants

Danielle Feroleto, CPSM, will present proven strategies and tactics for mentoring and training junior and mid-level AEC team members to help them reach "A-list" status. She will also provide advice for seasoned AEC professionals who are looking to advance to senior-level status.

How To Become a Change Agent For Your Teams and At Your Firm

Dawn Duhamel, Associate Principal & Director of Business Development @DTJ Design

What are the key attributes needed to become a effective change agent within a company? Why do some people have success affecting change in their organization while others struggle to be heard? In this session you’ll learn the critical elements of a change agent mindset and leave with tools that encourage both personal and team exploration. With over 30 years of practice managing teams and leading sales efforts for both publicly held and privately owned companies, Dawn will lead a spirited, interactive discussion where attendees share experiences and craft solutions for how to affect positive change within their lives and their organizations.

Navigating Mobility in Construction: Challenges, Opportunities, and Strategies

Maria Alvarado, Project Manager @PCL Construction Services

A career in the construction industry can be dynamic and fulfilling, though it comes with its share of challenges. In this presentation, Maria Alvarado, project manager with PCL Construction, will explore the challenges and opportunities associated with mobility and travel in the construction sector. She’ll delve into personal anecdotes that highlight the unique hurdles faced when on the move in the AEC industry, whether it’s traveling for jobsite visits and major meetings or completely relocating for new projects. Maria will discuss how mobility can create career advancement and personal growth. Additionally, she will provide strategies for managing traveling roles, from logistical planning to emotional resilience and professional networking. Finally, Maria will examine current policies affecting mobile and traveling workers and propose recommendations for enhancing support systems, ensuring a more supportive environment for those on the move.