Goal:
Give members a practical roadmap for building or revitalizing a DEI program within their own firms—anchored in Stacee’s real-world experience leading a scalable, measurable DEI strategy at DPR.

If registered, please fill out this survey by Friday, 2/20, ahead of the presentation on 2/26. 

Proposed  Synopsis:
The AEC industry faces a critical question: where will the future workforce come from, and how do we create organizations that attract and retain that workforce?

With talent shortages across architecture, engineering, and construction, and rising expectations for inclusive, people-centered workplaces, firms cannot afford to treat DEI as an isolated initiative. It is central to attracting new talent into our industry, retaining the people we have, and building teams equipped for the challenges ahead.

In this virtual program, Stacee Barkley, Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leader at DPR Construction, will share insights from her extensive career shaping DEI strategy across multiple sectors. She will discuss what sustainable DEI work looks like today, what she has learned from leading change in complex organizations and how reframing DEI around mission, vision and workforce realities can keep this work moving even in a shifting political and legal landscape.

This session is especially valuable for marketing and business development professionals who are often responsible for telling the firm’s story externally without always influencing internal policies or direction. You will gain practical language and framing tools to:

• Connect DEI efforts to workforce development and talent pipeline challenges

• Communicate DEI in ways that resonate with leaders and clients

• Navigate DEI and supplier diversity questions in RFPs and proposals

• Find influence in your role, even when policy decisions sit elsewhere

The program will blend guided conversation, real examples from practice, quick polling, and live Q&A. Whether your firm is early in its DEI work or adjusting to new expectations, you will leave with concrete ideas and reframing tools you can apply to your teams immediately.

Stacée Barkley

Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leader at DPR Construction 

DPR Construction is a privately held, employee-owned commercial general contractor and construction management firm, specializing in highly complex and technical building. In her role, Stacée Barkley leads the DEI strategy for the organization, working to embed the principles and practices of DEI into business strategies, with an emphasis on the employee experience and lifecycle.

Stacée is an accomplished leader with more than 30 years of senior management and executive experience. She has been a staunch advocate and vocal supporter of the employee experience and the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as an imperative in the value proposition of companies. 

Stacée has worked globally to advance cultural literacy and fluency, DEI and social justice. Prior to joining DPR, Stacée spent 12 years in the medical device industry; championing employee resource groups, integrating DEI in talent management processes and accelerating access to therapies in underrepresented and marginalized communities. 

Stacée holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice & Criminology, an MBA and is a Certified Diversity Executive (CDE).

Tickets

$0.00 Member - DEI Rising Up

$0.00 Other Chapter Member - DEI Rising Up

$0.00 Guest Ticket AIA Members

$25.00 Non-Member - DEI Rising Up