Carolinas Associated General Contractors (CAGC) says it is introducing a new podcast series with a focus on ensuring inclusive workplaces and safety. The association’s Buildercast podcast series is part of a larger effort to embrace and improve diversity within the construction industry, CAGC says in a statement.
“Our industry and our members are taking the opportunity to lead the way to attract workers from all backgrounds and generations to create open, prosperous and sustainable workplaces,” said Betsy Bailey, CAGC’s diversity and inclusion liaison and NC government relations director. “The Buildercast series is one of many outlets CAGC is leveraging to ensure the construction industry is diverse, safe, welcoming and inclusive for all.”
To date, CAGC has released three episodes in this Diversity and Inclusion podcast series:
- • Episode 1: Let’s Dance: Lasenta Lewis-Ellis on Ensuring Inclusive Workplaces & Strong Safety Strategies Lasenta Lewis-Ellis, president/CEO of LLE Construction Group, “discusses her inspirational path to a career in construction, the work to be done to create not just diversity (being invited to the party) but real commitment to inclusion – being asked to dance!”
- • Episode 2: Vamos a Platicar: Johnny Ortiz on Building Trusting Relationships to Foster Inclusive Workplaces Johnny Ortiz, regional vendor diversity manager, Skanska USA, “dives into the challenges faced by our Hispanic workforce and staying safe and healthy during COVID-19 and how to best communicate safety messages to this community that is disproportionately affected by the pandemic.”
- • Episode 3: Let’s Connect: Patrice Gilmore on Opportunities to Establish Beneficial Relationships that Build an Inclusive Industry Patrice Gilmore, national supplier diversity Lead for DPR Construction and president of United Minority Contractors of North Carolina, “makes the case that our organization’s members would benefit greatly from making connections that provide new opportunities to work together while strengthening firms as well as the industry.”
This series was inspired by a CAGC Member Talk forum, “Construction Cares: Ensuring an Inclusive Workplace for Strong Safety and Communications Efforts” on June 5. The forum featured industry leaders and CAGC member contractors from North Carolina and South Carolina who discussed their own workplace inclusivity, safety and communication efforts.
CAGC will continue to work with industry leaders to publish these timely, applicable podcasts that work to explore best practices and solutions, the statement says. “CAGC will also continue to push the Culture of CARE campaign – an initiative signed by CAGC, and created in partnership between AGC of America and 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.”