SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Associated General Contractors of California (AGC of California) and the AGC Construction Education Foundation (AGC CEF) announced Granite Construction as the Presenting Partner of AGC of California’s Inclusive Leaders Institute. With their generous sponsorship, Granite Construction will be helping support the program effort to equip executive leaders in the construction industry with the skills needed to create an inclusive workplace.
“The demand for skilled workers in the construction industry is projected to continue growing in the next decade and we have a critical need to attract more people, including those who may not have traditionally considered construction as a career,” explained Granite President and CEO Kyle Larkin.
“Our best leaders have always been inclusive, and as the industry expands, so will the expectation that all leaders be inclusive,” Larkin continued. “Granite applauds the AGC of California for launching the Inclusive Leaders Institute. We are proud to be an inaugural sponsor of this vital training resource that will help leaders attract, retain, and build stronger construction teams for California,” concluded Larkin.
The Inclusive Leaders Institute saw its first cohort successfully go through the program in the of Fall of 2022. The program is focused on educating and empowering executive leaders in the construction industry with the strategies needed to lead inclusively. Initiated by the AGC of California Task Force Report, the program was developed by AGC of California’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Steering Committee over the last few years to create accountability for leading organizations through inclusive practices. In addition to learning practical applications for their leadership, participants engage with peers across the industry to develop networks and strengthen knowledge. The program is open to executives who work at AGC member companies nationwide as well as non-member companies. As part of the sponsorship, heavy civil contractor Granite Construction, based in Watsonville, California, will receive exclusive “powered by” status, along with other enhanced visibility throughout the program.
“It is vital for the current leaders of the construction industry to create a vision for the future of our industry where everyone can thrive,” said Erin Volk, AGC of California’s senior vice president, workforce & community development, and executive director, AGC Construction Education Foundation. “The more inclusive a leader is, the more they can leverage their power and influence to cultivate belonging for the current and future workforce. Inclusive Leaders Institute provides a shared language and peer accountability for the leaders of our industry to implement strategies that fortify the cultural shift our industry needs.”
Opportunities to join the Inclusive Leaders Institute’s Fall 2023 cohort, which will run from Oct. 17 to Dec. 7 virtually, can be found here.
About the AGC Construction Education Foundation
In 2001, the AGC Construction Education Foundation (AGC CEF), a 501(c)3 nonprofit benefit corporation, was created by construction industry leaders to address California’s future and current workforce needs and systemic barriers for underserved communities into the construction industry. The AGC CEF mission is to inspire, develop, and equip California’s current and future construction workforce. To pursue this mission, AGC CEF offers five programs: Build California, College Access & Success, Training and Education, Emerging Leaders and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Small Business initiatives. All AGC CEF programs work in tandem and are carefully designed to cultivate diverse student talent and empower young professionals and entrepreneurs to strengthen the construction industry to build a more prosperous California. In over 20 years of operation, the AGC CEF now directly serves thousands of diverse Californians annually, including over 5,000 high school and college students, more than 500 young professionals and 1,200 business owners.
About the Associated General Contractors of California
Since 1920, the Associated General Contractors of California (AGC of California) has worked alongside members to provide advocacy, education, career development, and networking opportunities to experienced and next generation construction and contracting professionals. AGC advocates for contractors with state and local governments, while helping members connect with industry leaders through services, innovative programs, and events. Learn more at www.agc-ca.org.
About Granite Construction
Granite is America’s Infrastructure Company™. Incorporated in 1922, Granite (NYSE:GVA) is one of the largest diversified construction and construction materials companies in the United States as well as a full-suite provider in the transportation, water infrastructure, and mineral exploration markets. Granite’s Code of Conduct and strong Core Values guide the Company and its more than 6,000 employees to uphold the highest ethical standards. In addition to being one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for ten consecutive years, Granite is an industry leader in safety and an award-winning firm in quality and sustainability.
About the Inclusive Leaders Institute
AGC of California Inclusive Leaders Institute is an executive leadership program that aims to equip organizational leaders with knowledge and skills to lead their companies toward a true culture evolution. The program is designed specifically for executive-level leaders in the construction industry. Participants will go through four instructor-led workshops and peer group sessions all of which will be 100% virtual.
