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 its 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.”
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, Calif., 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.”