Wellesley, MA— The Associated General Contractors of Massachusetts (AGC MA) is sponsoring the Construction Inclusion Week 2024. First established in 2021, Construction Inclusion Week celebrates the values of an inclusive workplace by supporting diverse businesses and a diverse workforce. Events during the week of October 15-18 will include educational and networking opportunities and a stand down to promote the principles of diversity and inclusion.
To start inclusion week, AGC MA is hosting their annual Diversity Summit, Tuesday, October 15 from 2 – 6 p.m. at Bentley University’s LaCava Conference Center. This 4th annual event is an impactful gathering that generates meaningful discussion and innovative solutions. This year’s keynote speaker is Small Business Association of Massachusetts District Director Bob Nelson. This will be followed by a panel discussion featuring leading construction managers and diverse business leaders.
On Wednesday, October 16, Construction Inclusion Week continues with an open house at the Trillium Brewery in Canton, MA hosted by AGC MA’s Building Women in Construction (BWiC) and Committee for Diversity and Inclusion (CFDI). This fifth annual free gathering will spotlight volunteer opportunities within both BWiC and CFDI, two active groups working to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion in the construction industry.
There are two educational opportunities during Construction Inclusion Week. On Wednesday October 16th, AGC MA is promoting a webinar The Benefits of Psychological Safety. Kari Heistad, the CEO of Culture Coach International and Bill Aalerud, Executive VP at Columbia Construction will discuss the business case for promoting inclusion and respect through psychological safety. Then in a two-part workshop entitled DEI: Respecting Other People’s Model of the World on Thursday, October 17 and Friday, October 18, Stacey Rivera will empower participants to understand and respect the diverse perspectives that individuals bring to the workplace and introduce practical strategies for fostering inclusivity and enhancing communication across diverse teams.
Finally, Friday October 18th will also feature a Standdown for Respect led by Lee Kennedy Company at their Boston College High School project. This will be an opportunity for AGC MA to promote diversity on the jobsite and highlight the importance of inclusion to the trades in the field.
“Construction Inclusion Week provides an amazing opportunity to showcase the efforts being made by AGC MA and our members to enhance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our industry. We’re proud to be the organization leading the charge in Massachusetts,” says AGC MA CEO John Ferrante.
