Dec. 8, 2016
2 to 3 p.m. EST
Committing to a strong disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) program and the principles of fairness and opportunity for all business partners benefits everyone. Likewise, organizational diversity and inclusion programs promote growth, structure and continued success in any organization. This first-of-its kind webinar will cover the ABCs of disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE), plus "how-to" tips for implementing successful internal diversity and inclusion (D&I) programs—all presented through an infrastructure lens. Water & Wastes Digest and Roads & Bridges present THINK: Diversity.
Speakers:
Regina Berry, diversity administrator, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago
Regina Berry has 28 years of governmental experience, including social services (fair housing, human services, human capital development, employment training and placement), labor (fair labor standards, prevailing wage and equal pay), and affirmative action/diversity law application.
Inspired by a trip to South Africa to experience the residual effects of racism 20 years post-apartheid, she was determined to move the cause of progressive upward mobility and inclusion for all. An ordained minister and youth director at her church, Berry sits on the board of Hope for a Better Tomorrow, an organization geared towards changing the lives of young men of color.
Len Becker, vice president/office leader, Tampa, HNTB
As office leader of the HNTB infrastructure solutions firm, Becker helms the Florida practice’s business aspects and services delivery to its transportation, transit, municipal and utility clients. He also leads HNTB’s Partners Program, supporting the growth of small, local consulting firms, and its investment in emerging talent through STEM outreach at all levels of the education system.
As a senior project manager, Becker participates in planning, design and construction of transportation, municipal and utility projects. He oversees design plans and specifications, quality control and quality assurance, constructability reviews, value engineering, technical support during construction, construction engineering, public involvement and innovative project delivery.
Lisa M. Black, Ph.D., senior manager of diversity & inclusion, American Society of Civil Engineers
As senior manager of diversity and inclusion for the American Society of Civil Engineers, the nation’s oldest engineering society representing more than 150,000 members, Black’s responsibilities include developing, monitoring, and evaluating programs, activities and products aimed at promoting full participation of underrepresented groups in the civil engineering profession.
Through her work with ASCE’s National Committee on Diversity and Inclusion, Black provides leadership in all matters of D&I within the civil engineering community and implements programs designed to advance awareness and recognition of the civil engineering profession, with a special emphasis on promoting civil engineering as an inclusive discipline. Prior to joining ASCE, Black held leadership roles in the public education sector.
Moderated by: Elisabeth Lisican, editor-in-chief, Water & Wastes Digest
Elisabeth Lisican is editor-in-chief of Water & Wastes Digest and Industrial Water & Wastes Digest magazines. For the past seven years, she has helped connect water industry decision-makers and solution providers through unique, comprehensive content bringing timely news, trends, technical solutions and best practices to an audience of 80,000 subscribers. Lisican graduated Magna Cum Laude from Loyola University Chicago in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in Communication, and minors in Business Administration and English.