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Kavitha Mathew Explores How DEI Leadership Networks Can Accelerate Progress

On October 13, KPF’s Global Diversity Officer spoke on a panel at the annual National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) conference with fellow DEI leaders in the industry.

In the event “DEI Leadership Network: A Progress Accelerator for the AEC Industry,” the panelists discussed the rising attention in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry given to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) issues, with many companies creating dedicated roles designating existing leaders to focus on the issue. Born of this movement, for the last two years the DEI Leadership Network has provided a space for those in these specialized roles to set goals and reflect on challenges. The panel provided insight into the group’s monthly meetings that address new topics and how this format has increased awareness and driven positive change forward.

Kathiva is one of 30 individuals representing 25 companies. For the panel she was joined by Jason Pugh, Principal and Global Director of DEI at Gensler; Brien Graham, Project Manager at LPA Design Studios; and Shannon Rodriguez, Director of Human Resources at FXCollaborative.

The annual NOMA Conference, “Building Bridges: Towards Just and Joyful Futures,” ran from October 11 to 15 at the Hilton Portland Downtown in Portland, Oregon. Learn more about the conference here.