Partnerships for Productivity
Bay Area SMACNA’s Women in Construction group collaborated with two different organizations to provide webinars with impact during National WIC week. Working with the Western Washington SMACNA chapter, Bay Area SMACNA was pleased to co-host the Ascend Summit for a two-part virtual offering.
Kicked off by SMACNA National President Angie Simon and SMART International President Joe Sellers, a lively discussion highlighted changes in the sheet metal industry and the progress made “moving the needle” forward among management and labor. More than 200 participants attended the event and learned about the changes that have been made at the national level — from SMART committing to doubling the percentage of women in the organization by 2024, to SMACNA National and SMART creating a joint DEI task force. An objective of the task force is to seek to recruit and retain a skilled and diverse workforce. As Angie noted, 40% of our workforce in the sheet metal/construction industry is anticipated to retire in the next five years.
Part 2 of the Summit featured distinguished speakers Henry Nutt III, Pre-Construction Executive of Southland Industries; Tauhira Ali, Executive Director of Industry Innovation of NECA; and BJ Giri, Managing Principal of Holaday-Parks. The panelists furthered the discussion on why diversity, equity and inclusion is needed to bring the best approach to creativity and solving problems. Tauhira elaborated that technology (when utilized effectively) is the great equalizer for successful performance. All agreed that although significant inroads have been made to recruit and retain a diverse and talented workforce, much still needs to be done to impact the foundational culture of some organizations in the construction industry. As Henry reiterated during the discussion, “culture is what is represented when the leader exits the room.” When allies speak up for individuals and teams that promote better workplace equity, all receive the benefit.
Another enriching partnership that evolved into an informational webinar was the “championing women in the construction industry” session hosted by the SF NAWIC chapter.
Panelists from multiple organizations — including SF NAWIC President Julie Salinas, Kathy de Jong of Bay Area SMACNA (WIC), LaToya Thompson of Hilti (Women in Construction Ops), Pride and Paycheck Editor Sue Doro and Yuhi Aiziwa of Cahill Construction — shared perspectives on lessons learned in the industry. Speaking to more than 100 participants from general contractors, specialty contractors and construction related organizations, stories were shared on how collaboration is key to successful projects and the skills in demand aren’t always found through technical experience. Examples were also given on successfully exercising external “outsight” by finding solutions and resources outside of one’s department. Sometimes the most creative answers and leveraging of existing resources can be found through connections in other organizations, associations or teams.