SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – Barton Malow is reinforcing its commitment to fostering a culture that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion (D, E + I) by participating in the inaugural Construction Inclusion Week (CIW) from Monday, October 18 through Friday, October 22. The week-long schedule will present various opportunities for Barton Malow team members to help further build the foundation for inclusion within Barton Malow and the construction industry.
CIW is an industry-wide initiative to advance D, E + I by cultivating psychologically safe and inclusive workplaces that are free of harassment and represent team members from all aspects of society. A lack of gender and ethnic diversity is one of the most pressing issues in the construction industry. CIW hopes to provide more awareness and opportunities through mission-focused programming similar to the way Construction Safety Week, which started in 2014, has been credited for improving construction’s safety record.
“We’re really looking forward to the opportunity to participate in the inaugural Construction Inclusion Week,” said Barton Malow Director of Human Resources Lisa Tolbert. “Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is at the forefront of everything we do, so we’re happy to bring our expertise and resources to the table with other industry leaders dedicated to securing an inclusive future within the building professions.”
Barton Malow’s CIW agenda will begin with a video message to team members reaffirming Barton Malow’s commitment to D, E + I from Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Chuck Binkowski, and will include a series of learning and development opportunities; a webinar featuring Barton Malow team members and representatives from the National Minority Supplier Business Development Council; and a session spotlighting Barton Malow’s engagement in a client initiative that aims to foster a more inclusive environment on construction projects.
Barton Malow will conclude the week with a special, second episode of its industry-focused podcast, Said Differently. Episode 2, titled “Hot Starts, Golden Arms, Can’t Lose,” will profile women ironworkers at Barton Malow and the non-profit Detroit-area training program where they cut their teeth, Women Who Weld.
CIW is the first united effort to build awareness of the need to improve diversity and inclusion in the construction industry by providing relevant programming and valuable resources to construction professionals.
To learn more about Construction Inclusion Week, visit www.constructioninclusionweek.com.
