To mark International Women's Day Beverly Richardson, AECOM's Senior Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) in the Americas, writes about the upcoming launch of a microinequities program to raise awareness of behaviors that negatively impact women and other marginalized groups.

International Women’s Day is a day to acknowledge and honor women around the world for the contributions we make each day in society and for bringing forward progress in gender parity. I personally think giving women the opportunity to succeed is not only the right thing to do, but it can also transform organizations, societies and economies.

"I am excited about the 2022 International Women’s Day campaign, #BreakTheBias," says Beverly.

Looking forward to a gender equal world 

"As a Black woman, I look forward to a world with gender equality, a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination, that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where I am valued and celebrated for my differences," comments Beverly.

"While today’s workforce feels like they can be themselves at work and that their organization is inclusive, many report experiencing subtle and indirect forms of bias in their workplace. So, what can organizations do to continue advancing their inclusive efforts, and impact the daily behaviors and experiences of their people? In the Americas, we are launching a microinequities program to educate and raise awareness of intentional and unintentional behaviors that may impact women and other culturally marginalized groups," she says.

An employer championing global equality

"I am fortunate to work for a company that has a global commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (ED&I), and policies and programs in place to support the advancement of women," Beverly comments.

"In considering what #BreakTheBias means to me, I reflect on my role as ED&I lead for the firm’s Design and Consulting Services business in the Americas, and the role I play in fostering a more equitable environment that enhances advocacy for women, and creates a diverse and inclusive workplace," she explains.

AECOM advocates for the advancement of women

In the Americas, AECOM has an ED&I strategy that includes Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for women across various roles at all levels. It also has plans in place which focus on the attraction, retention, development and advancement of women.

"In 2021, we launched a Women’s Leadership Alliance (WLA) Employee Resource Group with a vision to cultivate relationships, build skills and support leadership potential to advocate for the advancement of women. The WLA mission is to provide a collaborative and inclusive environment where women of all creeds, colors, backgrounds and experiences are empowered to succeed. WLA has established goals that it works towards and has been very active in providing career and leadership development workshops for the members as well as hosting meetings to address concerns related to women," says Beverly.

"To celebrate International Women’s Day 2022 and in support of #BreakTheBias, there are a host of activities planned in our offices across the Americas, as well as events hosted by the Women’s Leadership Alliance. Together, I believe that we can #BreakTheBias!," Beverly concludes.

AECOM is committed to breaking the bias for its employees and communities

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