2025 GWIC NYC Agenda

Championing Women in the Workplace: Inclusive Policies for Growth and Success

Continental Breakfast & Exhibits

Day 2 Welcome Remarks

Riding the Waves: Navigating the Uncertain Waters of Diversity Initiatives

In the Summer of 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court held that race cannot be considered a factor in admissions at colleges that accept federal funds. Since these decisions, there has been a wave of lawsuits against companies and agencies challenging DE&I initiatives, hiring and promotion practices, and minority/women-owned/disadvantaged business enterprise programs. This panel will discuss the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s decisions, the arguments being made for and against these diversity initiatives and the uncertain future of DE&I and MWDBE initiatives in the construction industry.

Refreshments, Networking, Exhibits

Putting the Skilled Trades Back in STEM - Narratives, GenZ & Future-Proofing Craft Trades

The "true trades" have been considered Vocational & Industrial Technology since the 1970s - using math, science, technology & engineering on a daily basis (think welding, plumbing, electrical & HVAC). Where did we lose the STEM narrative? In 1999 with the advent of the "dot com boom" & Y2K, Google culture dominated the landscape with STEM programs primarily in coding & internet technologies. Now, in 2024, we have an opportunity to "put the skilled trades back in STEM" by advancing the narrative w/existing after-school, nonprofit & corporate recruiting initiatives around the globe. This decreases the lift, increases the marketability to GenZ & GenAlpha; and de-stigmatizes #careerreadiness for high school/early career development & guidance counselors.

Building an Inclusive Future: How ESG Empowers Women in Construction

From Blame to Growth: Problem Solving Strategies that Build a Positive Learning Organization

In the construction industry, we tend to focus on the negative in safety. We study failure and find someone to blame when things go wrong. However, this perspective can hinder growth and innovation. Join Vicky as she explores a transformative approach to accountability and learning within the construction sector. Vicky will share insights on how Colas collaborates with its subsidiaries across the United States to establish a comprehensive framework for investigating both successful and challenging events. By fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, Colas empowers its workforce to view accountability through a new lens – one that embraces learning rather than blaming.