In our latest quarterly episode of A Blueprint for Equity (our third to date), host Candice Harrison talks with Sarah Nelson-Woynicz, AIA, Project Architect and Associate at HKS, Inc.—an architecture and interior design firm—and Founder of Pride by Design.

A seamless blend of personal and professional, this conversation explores Sarah’s dedication to the inclusion and visibility of LGBTQIA+ architects and design professionals. She shares her experience growing up in Raleigh, going to college in Virginia, and landing in Atlanta where she’s built a very successful career in the AEC industry.

Today, she feels empowered in her day job where she has the space and safety to outwardly embrace her identity as a lesbian and is supported by her colleagues. Through the years, she admits she’s been met with some resistance along the way but has now found a place to thrive and aims to help others do the same.

A Blueprint for Equity, a podcast powered by SSOE Group, is dedicated to exploring challenges, uncovering opportunities, and celebrating successes surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion in the AEC and related industries. Come along with us on our DEI journey as we bring together a collection of thought leaders, educators, subject matter experts, and technical professionals to discuss key issues and approaches to constructing a more inclusive AEC community. Learn more here.

In our latest quarterly episode of A Blueprint for Equity (our second to date), host Candice Harrison sits down with Dr. Melvin Gravely, CEO of Triversity Construction and author of Dear White Friend—a must-read book about the realities of race, the power of relationships, and the path to equity. 

Mel and Candice discuss equity versus equality, race relations, and some of the ways his Cincinnati-based commercial construction firm has diversity built right into its brand (right down to the name and right up to the top). They also explore the power of empathy, intentionality, and getting the AEC workforce to look more like the world in which we live. Spoiler Alert: We also announce an exciting giveaway, so be sure to tune in! And, you can download Mel's free Dear White Friend Discussion Guide that he references in this episode here.

A Blueprint for Equity, a podcast powered by SSOE Group, is dedicated to exploring challenges, uncovering opportunities, and celebrating successes surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion in the AEC and related industries. Come along with us on our DEI journey as we bring together a collection of thought leaders, educators, subject matter experts, and technical professionals to discuss key issues and approaches to constructing a more inclusive AEC community. Learn more here.

Host Candice Harrison had the exciting opportunity to speak with three DEI leaders from three different universities residing in three different regions of the U.S. It feels fitting to begin our first episode by focusing on the education system because we know that, as a society, if we’re going to be successful in building a diverse workforce, we have to start at the societal level to increase diversity and equity in our communities and our educational systems.

In this episode, we welcome…

Dr. Lesley Berhan, Associate Dean of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement and Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical, Industrial, and Manufacturing Engineering at the University of Toledo College of Engineering in Ohio.

Dr. Ece Erdogmus, Professor and Chair at the School of Building Construction at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.

Dr. Shaz Vijlee, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Portland Shiley School of Engineering in Oregon. All three guests will discuss what they’re doing at their own respective organizations to increase access and underrepresentation in the fields from which we draw our talent.

A Blueprint for Equity, a podcast powered by SSOE Group, is dedicated to exploring challenges, uncovering opportunities, and celebrating successes surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion in the AEC and related industries. Come along with us on our DEI journey as we bring together a collection of thought leaders, educators, subject matter experts, and technical professionals to discuss key issues and approaches to constructing a more inclusive AEC community. Learn more here.