Construction DEI Talks
A podcast to provide DEI knowledge and insights paired with actionable steps for construction industry leaders, employees, and stakeholders so they ca…
Jul 18th, 2024 |
32:37
S3 E1 - Keynote: Marie Beecham
In this episode, we are honored to have Marie Beecham as our keynote speaker. Marie opens up about her personal journey as a Black woman growing up in a predominantly white city and the continuous feeling of being different. She discusses her experiences in college and beyond, emphasizing the importance of creating an environment where women, people of color, and other minorities do not have to think about their differences.
Marie identifies the construction industry's successes and areas needing improvement in diversification. She stresses that true inclusion goes beyond PowerPoints and memorizing terms—it’s about changing worldviews and embracing different identities with thoughtfulness and intentionality.
Tune in as Marie breaks down the paradoxes of individual and group, highlighting the balance between similarities and differences among people. She shares practical advice for fostering real-time diversity and creating understanding among those skeptical about DEI initiatives. Marie closes with actionable steps to effectively advance the DEI movement within the construction industry.
Don’t miss out! Like and subscribe to stay updated on more inspiring keynote episodes. Join us in building a more inclusive future in construction!
Episode Title: Building an Inclusive Future with Marie Beecham
Welcome to Season 3 of the Construction DEI Talks Podcast!
Join us as we dive deep into the essential topics of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the construction industry. This season, our co-hosts Jorge Quezada, Chief Diversity Officer at Granite Construction, Stephanie Roldan, VP of Learning and Development at Rosendin, and Aby Combs, Inclusive Diversity Program Manager at Granite Construction, bring you exclusive keynotes and breakout sessions from the Construction DEI Conference: Building an Inclusive Future.
In This Episode:
Guest: Marie Beecham
Topics Covered:
o Personal experiences with feeling different and
navigating diverse environments
o Successes and areas for improvement in diversifying the construction industry
o The importance of thoughtfulness and intentionality in DEI efforts
o Creating environments where individuals don't feel defined by their differences
o Balancing individualism and collectivism in DEI initiatives
o Practical advice for fostering real-time diversity and understanding DEI skeptics
o Moving the DEI needle forward with actionable steps
Key Takeaways:
• Personal Story: Marie Beecham shares her journey growing up as a Black woman in a predominantly white city and her experiences in more diverse college settings.
• DEI Insights: Marie discusses the importance of inclusivity beyond training sessions and the need for a shift in worldview to truly embrace different identities.
• Practical Advice: Learn how to create a workplace where diversity is the norm, and differences are less pronounced, fostering a sense of belonging.
• Collective Action: Understand the significance of real-time diversity and how having relatable colleagues can enhance inclusion.
• Moving Forward: Marie offers strategies for advancing DEI initiatives, addressing skepticism, and creating a more inclusive industry.
Call to Action:
Stay tuned for more episodes, and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share the podcast to stay updated on our latest discussions and insights into building a more inclusive construction industry.