Panel series to kick off with discussion on inclusivity in workplace

The Engineering Office of Career Development and Corporate Relations, the Engineering Academic Excellence Program (AEP), and Engineering’s 100+ Women Strong Program is kicking off a three-part panel series this week that will cover themes of inclusion and equity in the workplace. The first installment, which will take place Wednesday, September 23 on Zoom, is titled “Inclusivity at the Office, on the Jobsite and In the Field” and will feature panelists from The Coca-Cola Company, Alabama Power, Brasfield & Gorrie, ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel Corporation and Stryker Corporation.

Panelists will be asked to discuss how their companies are creating a culture that is welcoming to employees. Moderator Eric Hall, program coordinator for AEP, plans to ask the panelists how their companies are creating a workplace where different perspectives, opinions and experiences are heard and recognized.

“When it comes to diversity and inclusion, this is a great opportunity to learn what the engineering industry is doing within their environment,” Hall said. “We primarily connect with these companies for recruitment and networking purposes, but this is a chance to learn more about how the company operates on a daily basis. This seminar will offer insight from the company representatives to share their knowledge and experience to the students.”

Hall explained that workplace inclusion, equity and diversity extends beyond race and gender to include generational differences, ethnicity and cultural backgrounds.

“I am excited to hear the panelists lean into this conversation and being transparent about their current status when it comes to recruiting and retaining employees and what changes they have made to improve in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion,” he said.

Further discussion topics will include: developing supportive and safe spaces, how leadership and teams set the tone through transparency and practicing collective accountability.

“I expect students will see that the engineering industry is still figuring things out when it comes to fostering an inclusive workplace and students will learn what these companies value and what each company is working toward in terms of embracing diversity and inclusion practices in the workplace,” Hall said.

More information and a link to submit questions to the panelists can be found on the event page.