CHARLOTTE — Podcasting and construction isn’t the most obvious pairing, but that doesn’t matter much to Carolinas AGC (CAGA).

The construction industry association says it’s turning to this popular digital platform in a bid to embrace and improve diversity within the construction industry.

“Our industry and our members are taking the opportunity to lead the way to attract workers from all backgrounds and generations to create open, prosperous and sustainable workplaces,” said Betsy Bailey, Diversity and Inclusion Liaison and NC Government Relations Director for Carolinas AGC, in a statement. “The Buildercast series is one of many outlets CAGC is leveraging to ensure the construction industry is diverse, safe, welcoming and inclusive for all.”

To date, CAGC has released three episodes in this Diversity & Inclusion podcast series:

  • Episode 1: Let’s Dance: Lasenta Lewis-Ellis on Ensuring Inclusive Workplaces & Strong Safety Strategies
    Lasenta Lewis-Ellis, President/CEO of LLE Construction Group, discusses her inspirational path to a career in construction, the work to be done to create not just diversity (being invited to the party) but real commitment to inclusion – being asked to dance!
  • Episode 2: Vamos a Platicar: Johnny Ortiz on Building Trusting Relationships to Foster Inclusive Workplaces
    Johnny Ortiz, Regional Vendor Diversity Manager, Skanska USA, dives into the challenges faced by our Hispanic workforce and staying safe and healthy during COVID-19 and how to best communicate safety messages to this community that is disproportionately affected by the pandemic.
  • Episode 3: Let’s Connect: Patrice Gilmore on Opportunities to Establish Beneficial Relationships that Build an Inclusive Industry Patrice Gilmore, National Supplier Diversity Lead for DPR Construction and President of United Minority Contractors of North Carolina, makes the case that our organization’s members would benefit greatly from making connections that provide new opportunities to work together while strengthening firms as well as the industry.

This series was inspired by a CAGC Member Talk forum, “Construction Cares: Ensuring an Inclusive Workplace for Strong Safety and Communications Efforts” held on June 5, 2020. The forum featured industry leaders and CAGC member contractors from North Carolina and South Carolina who discussed their own workplace inclusivity, safety and communication efforts.

CAGC said it will continue to work with industry leaders to publish these timely, applicable podcasts that work to explore best practices and solutions.