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In this episode, I talk with Kimberly Hardy, Esq., senior vice president for diversity, inclusion, and compliance at McKissack, about strategies to promote diversity and inclusion in engineering and construction. She shares her journey, challenges, and how regulatory changes impact diversity efforts.
***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***
Engineering Quotes:
Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Kimberly:
- How can strategies to promote diversity and inclusion be effectively incorporated into large-scale projects?
- What was the toughest obstacle you encountered while advocating for diversity and inclusion in male-dominated fields such as engineering and construction?
- Could you share a specific project where you effectively improved diversity and inclusion?
- Could you explain the acronym MWBE and what it stands for?
- How have changes in regulations or laws influenced your work in compliance and diversity throughout the years?
- What motivates you personally to advocate for diversity and inclusion within the technical and engineering fields?
- What improvements do you expect or want to see in diversity and inclusion in construction and engineering?
- What approach would you suggest for companies seeking to improve their diversity and inclusion initiatives?
- What advice would you give to both new and experienced engineers who aim to make a positive impact on diversity and inclusion in their workplace?
Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About the Best Strategies to Promote Diversity in Engineering:
- To integrate strategies to promote diversity and inclusion into major projects, leaders need to fully commit. This means providing equal opportunities for everyone, including LGBTQ business owners, and demonstrating how leadership can promote diversity and inclusivity.
- The toughest obstacle encountered when advocating for diversity and inclusion in male-dominated fields such as engineering and construction is often being engaged too late in projects to ensure adequate representation of women.
- In the JFK Terminal One project, McKissack significantly enhanced diversity and inclusion by implementing a strong program that awarded over $1 billion to minority and women-owned firms, benefiting people of color and women of color across different industries.
- MWBE stands for Minority- and/or Women-owned Business Enterprise, which is particularly relevant in fields like architecture and engineering, areas I know many in the audience are familiar with.
- Regulatory changes have had a big impact on how we handle compliance and diversity. There’s concern that diversity programs might be scaled back, so it’s important to advocate for opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses, especially in government projects.
- Kimberly’s drive to promote diversity in tech and engineering comes from her wish to help people and firms secure their first contracts, particularly in NYC. Whether guiding business owners or connecting corporations with minority and women-owned contractors and engineers, she aims to create new networks for full participation and opportunity.
- Improvements in diversity and inclusion in construction and engineering mean fair distribution within MWBE programs to address past disparities. Building successful collaborations can help MWBEs like McKissack thrive, meet legal mandates, and foster enduring partnerships, especially in government projects.
- To improve diversity and inclusion, companies should utilize online resources like webinars and podcasts. These tools offer valuable information at one’s convenience, particularly beneficial for small business owners with limited time.
- To impact diversity positively, engineers should stay competent by keeping up with licenses and technology. Networking through advocacy groups and attending events by firms can boost relationships and career growth.
More Details in This Episode…
About the Guest: Kimberly Hardy, Esq.
Kim Hardy is an accomplished attorney with more than 25 years of experience in regulatory compliance, community development, and construction. Her career is characterized by senior positions in New York City and State government, where she led community development, diversity, and compliance initiatives.
In her role as Senior Vice President of Compliance at McKissack, Kim oversees a team of professionals managing diversity, inclusion, and compliance requirements for public sector and private clients, including NYC EDC Coney Island Hospital Campus Renovation, The Studio Museum of Harlem, the new Terminal One at JFK International Airport, NYC EDC Rockaway Boardwalk Reconstruction, and PANYNJ LaGuardia Airport Central Terminal Building Replacement.
As the Deputy Commissioner for Economic and Financial Opportunity at the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS), Kim managed the division responsible for the City’s certification of Minority and/or Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE) and other certifications. She also oversaw technical assistance and capacity-building programs to assist and strengthen businesses. Her portfolio included units charged with compliance with equal employment opportunity, labor standards, Industrial and Commercial Abatement Program (ICAP) and other regulatory mandates.
Kim’s prior experience includes serving as Managing Director at Thacher Associates, a consulting firm specializing in construction monitoring, monitoring compliance with M/W/DBE, labor and workforce requirements on projects for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, The Port Authority of New York/New Jersey, and other governmental and private sector clients. Kim also served in executive positions at the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), including Deputy Commissioner for Development and as Special Counsel for Regulatory Compliance.
Kim’s career also includes senior positions at the New York State Empowerment Zone Corporation and NYC Commission on Human Rights. She has served on the boards of the YWCA of New York City, the New York State Advisory Board for the U.S. Commission on Human Rights, the New York City Loft Board, United Nations Development Corporation, and the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce.
Kim is a graduate of North Carolina Central University. She earned her JD at Yale Law School and is admitted to practice law in the State of New York.
About the Host: Tiffani Teachey
Tiffani Teachey is a Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) advocate, TEDx international speaker, and international best-selling author of the children’s book “What Can I Be? STEM Careers from A to Z,” the STEM Crew Kids Adventures series, and three empowerment books. She is the host of the Read It Right Radio Show on WDRBmedia. Tiffani is the owner of Thrive Edge Publishing and owner/publishing consultant of Inspired Authors Publishing. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering as well as a Master of Science degree in Engineering Management, both from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is currently a Leadership Studies Ph.D. student at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
As an engineer with more than 19 years of experience, Tiffani has a passion for inspiring the next generation to engage in STEM careers. She was born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and enjoys traveling and being a youth mentor. For more about Tiffani, visit her website at www.TiffaniTeachey.com. Check out the free STEM gift – 10 STEM Scholarships & Organizations e-book at www.stemistheway.com.
Sources/References:
McKissack
Yale Law School
New Terminal One at JFK International Airport
Minority and/or Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE)
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Hospital
Studio Museum in Harlem
Connect with Kimberly Hardy, Esq., on LinkedIn
We would love to hear any questions you might have or stories you can share on strategies to promote diversity in engineering.
Please leave your comments, feedback, or questions in the section below.
To your success,
Tiffani Teachey
Host of the Women in Engineering Success Stories from STEM Professionals Podcast
