May 28 2009
Diversity Partnerships Shine Bright
ASCE initiatives to promote diversity within the civil engineering profession include formal partnerships with the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE). Both societies are dedicated to the support and advancement of engineering talent. Together, our societies have pledged to work together to advance our mutual goals through a series of collaborative efforts that encourage closer relationships between our members and promote resources, services and membership benefits.
ASCE’s partnerships with NSBE and SHPE demonstrate the Society’s commitment to the proactive inclusion of talented civil engineers from diverse backgrounds and we wanted to take this opportunity to applaud the volunteer efforts of local ASCE Sections and Branches who have supported that commitment. READ ON!
Dazzling lights and desert sun set the backdrop of NSBE’s 2009 National Convention in Las Vegas and SHPE’s 2008 Annual Conference in Phoenix. NSBE’s convention in March attracted more than 11,000 students and professionals of all engineering disciplines. SHPE’s convention in November attracted more than 2,600 engineering students and professionals. ASCE staff and local volunteers were out in full force at both conventions to represent ASCE and highlight member resources, services and membership benefits. But it was their mentorship and encouragement that made the biggest impact among NSBE and SHPE members who wanted to develop their interests in the civil engineering profession.
Local volunteers provided the perfect model of how your ASCE Sections and Branches can promote diversity in the field by partnering with other organizations. Volunteers from the Southern Nevada Branch for NSBE and the Phoenix Branch for SHPE interacted with students at the career fairs and provided undergraduate civil engineering students with advice on professional development strategies. Their efforts resulted in the recruitment of 24 NSBE and 42 SHPE students for ASCE’s student membership.
ASCE also hosted Civil Engineering Networking Suites at both conventions. The suite provided students and professionals the opportunity to network with civil engineering professionals while enjoying a relaxed environment filled with food and fun. Volunteers assisted with registration and ice breaker activities. Guests genuinely appreciated the opportunity to have face-to-face conversations with practicing civil engineers.
I encourage your Section or Branch to follow the example of ASCE’s Southern Nevada and Phoenix branches by connecting with diversity partners in your local area. Email us to find out how you can connect with local diversity partners and create lasting and valuable relationships.
Has your Section or Branch partnered with NSBE or SHPE? If so, tell us about it below and encourage your local members to get involved!
Shana Gipson
Senior Coordinator
Diversity and Pre-College Outreach
One response so far
The Seattle Section is also committed to creating lasting and valuable relationships. And because we think a key component of any diversity strategy is to partner with other organizations, we took on the opportunity to participate in the NSBE Professional Development Conference in November 2007. The conference was held at the Microsoft Conference Center in Redmond, Washington; and it featured Bill Gates for the opening ceremony.
We were not only able to attend the conference and participate in the career fair, but also held a workshop for the PE Exam Review, with some members of the Seattle section as the panelists.
We agree that ASCE Sections and Branches can promote diversity in the field by collaborating with other organizations, and want to encourage others to follow the same path, and members to get involved and help us advocate for the value of diversity and inclusion, together with our partners.
Diana Giraldo, PE
ASCE Seattle Section Diversity Committee Chair