Construction DEI Talks

Welcome to the Construction DEI Talks podcast, where we dive into diversity, equity, and inclusion as they relate to the construction industry. Co-hosts Jorge Quezada, Vice President of Inclusive Diversity at Granite Construction, Te'Osha Baker-Bunch, Stephanie Roldan, Director of Lean Culture at Rosendin, and Aby Combs, Inclusive Diversity Business Partner at Granite Construction, bring new conversations with subject matter experts and discuss how we can make our industry better and stronger. Today, our co-hosts are back together for a check-in conversation as they ring in season 2 of the podcast.

To begin, Aby shares about welcoming her daughter into the world since she last appeared on the podcast. Since closing out season 1, so many things have transpired. The hosts identify the issue which occurred during the break they haven’t been able to shake off: Roe V. Wade. While so much of the conversation around this issue is on abortion, the CEO of Planned Parenthood says it really all comes down to womens healthcare. Aby elaborates on the diversity associated with this decision that we should all be thinking about. Stephanie questions what other decisions about our bodies could be made in the future. Before season 1 ended, many topics such as abortion and sexuality were taboo to discuss in the workplace. Now, Jorge shares, these conversations are finally being had and even embraced. In this light, companies must consider what it means to support their employees and speak on behalf of an entire company.

Then, Jorge asks listeners to email constructiondeitalks@gmail.com and let us know: what is your favorite hot sauce and do you keep the condiment in your refrigerator or on the counter? Shifting gears, they identify other topics which have resonated since 2021 and that they hope to bring to listeners in this new season. Te'Osha recommends Beyonce’s new album if you need something to listen to while working. They also plan to be intentional about providing access to their website and releasing a monthly newsletter. Because they will be focusing so much on these topics, they will make listeners know that their guests' features bring their own point of view separate from the views of Granite and Rosendin.  They plan to bring in people from all fields to inspire conversation and diverse viewpoints as a reminder to remain open minded. There are so many things we can learn from other people’s experiences that can help us move forward collectively.

Listen as Jorge elaborates on the idea that allowing ourselves to stop short can actually stunt our growth. This is exactly what they intend to avoid in the future episodes. He asks listeners to challenge and engage with the hosts this season and share any comments or ideas they may have. They want to really uncover whether education is actually having an impact on people. On that note and as the episode is brought to a close, Jorge poses the question to all 3 co-hosts: What do we want listeners during season 2 to be, know and do?

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Learn more about podcast sponsors Granite Construction and Rosendin