Tuesday, April 16

8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

8:30 a.m. | Guests Arrival, Networking & Introductions

9 a.m. | Welcome, Speaker Introduction & Housekeeping Items

Julia Taylor-Settles, Diverse Business Manager of Southeast Region, Burns & McDonnell
Dotun Famakinwa, PE, Vice President of Transmission & Distribution, Burns & McDonnell
Oko Buckle, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Southeast Region, Burns & McDonnell

9:30 a.m.| Advancing Equity Through Workforce Partnerships

Veronica L. Jackson, Acting Principal, Deputy Director, U.S. Department of Energy

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) Fiscal Year 2022 Advancing Equity Through Workforce Partnerships is a $13.5 million funding program for the development of collaborative workforce programs. The program facilitates the rapid deployment of solar energy technologies while supporting an inclusive workforce with opportunities for union membership. This work, partly funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will enable more members of disadvantaged communities and energy justice populations to pursue careers in the solar energy industry.

10:15 a.m. | Building Tomorrow's Infrastructure: Empowering the Workforce of the Future

Jeanne Simkins-Hollis, President & CEO, Slater Infrastructure Group

Minority-owned businesses in Georgia provide over 575,000 jobs to hard-working Georgians and energize the state’s economy. As the journey of revitalizing and modernizing our infrastructure continues, it is imperative to address the challenges and opportunities surrounding our workforce. This presentation explores the current landscape of the infrastructure workforce, highlighting the aging workforce and the existing skills gap. This presentation will delve into strategies for workforce development, including investment in education and training programs, promoting diversity and inclusion, leveraging technology, increasing partnerships with Fortune 500 firms, and prioritizing workforce retention and career development. Through these efforts, the aim is to build career pathways for a more diverse, skilled, and resilient workforce capable of tackling the challenges of the 21st century and driving innovation and growth in the infrastructure industry.

11 a.m. | Networking & Break

11:15 a.m. | Fireside Chat Discussion: Building Communities & Diverse Energy Entrepreneurs

Vickie Irwin-Avery, CPA, PMP, General Manager of Supplier Inclusion, Southern Company
Julia Taylor Settles, Southeast Business Diversity Manager, Burns & McDonnell

Supplier diversity is vital for driving innovation, sustainability, and expanding into new markets while fostering a more equitable business climate. It's also a meaningful tool for economic growth and job creation — especially in often-overlooked communities. Learn more about Southern Company’s Boldy Forward Initiative and how Southern Company has impacted growth and energy entrepreneurs.

Noon | Networking Lunch

1 p.m. | Lead Discussion: The Agile Leader

Monica Delores-Hooks, MBA, EDP, Chief Experience Officer, Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE)

U.S. energy infrastructure has reached a tipping point with the recent enactment of the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. While electric utilities are already investing more than $120 billion annually in grid improvements, this additional funding is a significant opportunity to accelerate the transition to a smarter, cleaner and more secure grid.

To meet the challenge and achieve the promise of grid transformation, utilities will also need to look deep into their own organizations and cultures. Applying a human capital lens to grid transformation, the utility of the future will require a focus on agile leadership, the hiring and retention of leaders from broader and more diverse industry backgrounds, and a workforce culture that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion.

1:45 p.m. | Building an Inclusive Engineering Culture

Dr. Linda Wiley Bing, Founder & CEO, Turning Point Leadership Group LLC

This engaging session explores inclusion, innovation and talent retention with a focus on the engineering industry. The discussion will focus on the impact of empathy and inclusive leadership as ways for engineering professionals to navigate uncertain times, respond to changing circumstances, foster innovation and retain talent.

2:30 p.m. | Networking Break

2:45 p.m. | Diversity Partners Roundtable: The Adaptive Leader Framework

Moderator: Dr. Felicia Philips, CEO, Heartland Solutions Inc.

The energy marketplace is changing. Social learning and adaptive leadership are crucial elements in today’s market. Hear from our diverse partners and industry leaders to learn how they continue to set clear processes to stay ahead of the data trends that continue to trigger change in action.

Panelists:

• Glenda Thomas, President & CEO, ElectraGrid Solutions
• Dennis Ancrum, MBA, PE, President & CEO, DA Engineering Services
• Mike Joyner, PE, MBA, Founder & President, Current Edge Solutions
• Stephaun Raines, Director, Business Development, TWiG — The Will Group
• Brandon Young, PMP, President & CEO, YMC Young Management & Consulting
• Albert (Al) Edwards, President & CEO, CERM
• Deborah McLeod, President & CEO, Embedded Logix

3:30 p.m. | Closing Remarks

Oko Buckle, Senior Vice President and General Manager in Southeast Region, Burns & McDonnell

4 p.m. | Happy Hour (On-site Event at Burns & McDonnell)