There have been many discussions lately around Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and now Belonging. Should it be centered on profits, people, social justice, or something else? Why isn’t “it’s the right thing to do” enough? What if it isn’t just one thing, but a mix of all of these?

Diversity, equity and inclusion is no longer an option, it is mandatory.  Work is no longer a simple transaction of employer money for employee time. People are more committed to their employer when they believe in that organization’s values. Put simply, culture matters more than ever – and diversity, equity and inclusion are central considerations.

In this session, we will be talking with some extraordinary women who share their approach to having straightforward conversations to help us understand the different facets of their DEI Strategy. These women – Robin Strom (Anderson Construction), Margaret Knight (Runberg Architecture Group), and Crystal Day (The Mill Hull Partnership) – ask the tough questions, raise awareness, and invite discussion within our community.

In this session, they will cover:

• Call to action guidelines
• AIA Guide to equitable practices – what it means & why it matters
• What they are doing to empower firms & what they see other firms doing
• Vendor Diversity – reporting, processes and certifications
• How to by an Ally – educating yourself & others, where to find resources

We hope you join the discussion!

No-shows and cancelations after Aug. 19 will not be refunded. Registration for this business practice event closes at noon (PST) on Aug. 24.

Crystal Day is an architect at The Mill Hull Partnership in Seattle with 14 years of experience designing corporate, commercial, and science and technology facilities. She is an active member of the AIA Diversity Roundtable, and the National Organization of Minority Architects NW Chapter. She is also on the board for Sawhorse Revolution, a local non-profit that fosters confident, community-oriented youth through the power of carpentry and craft.

Margaret Knight is a licensed architect at Seattle-based Runberg Architecture Group, where she works on affordable multi-family housing. She is also a past member of AIA Seattle’s Board of Directors, and a recent chair of AIA Seattle’s Diversity Roundtable where she strives to encourage and promote diversity within the architectural profession.

Robin Strom, Diversity Manager, Andersen Construction has been in the industry for 14 years and brings years of experience working with diversity compliance programs.  Robin is passionate about creating opportunities to develop connections and integrate diversity and racial equality goals into all facets of Andersen Construction’s business approach, including long- and short-term strategies, community involvement, and racial and gender workforce opportunities.   Most recently she created a diversity program for joint venture partners working on a large construction project in Redmond WA for a confidential high-tech client.  Robin has managed diversity contract compliance programs for Federal DBE and SBA programs as well as managed programs for OFCCP compliance for construction projects.  Robin has earned Diversity Professional Credentials from Morgan State as a Certified Compliance Administrator (CCA) and a Master Compliance Administrator (MCA).

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