Designing Diversity and Advancing Equity: An Interview with Terri Howard, HGA
Designing Diversity and Advancing Equity: An Interview with Terri Howard, HGA
Terri Howard is a powerhouse diversity, equity, and inclusion leader in Milwaukee. As a senior DEI strategic and operational executive, Terri has extensive experience designing, developing, and leading significant equity strategies and programs, with the goal of maximizing functional, economic and human potential. FGPM was honored to speak with Terri about her background and invaluable work in the DEI space, the value of strong DEI programs in our multi-generational workforces, and her best advice for young professionals, including how to effectively engage with mentorship.
Panelist:
Terri Howard, Associate Vice President, Director of Equity - HGA Architects and Engineers
Terri serves as a thought leader to drive equity initiatives, develop hands-on programming, organize firmwide resources, and build external partnerships that position HGA as an industry model in workplace equity, recruitment and retention, and client relations.
Terri’s other areas of expertise include:
– Current state organizational assessment;
– Strategy development and multi-year road mapping;
– Leveraging research, data acquisition and analysis to enable data-driven decision making;
– Championing, developing and advocating for diverse members of the firm;
– Building partnerships with external entities essential to achieving organizational goals;
– Developing and ensuring organization-wide application of progressive equity, affirmative action, equal opportunity, non-discrimination and sexual harassment policies.
Moderator:
Molly Madonia, Founder & President, First Generation Professionals of Milwaukee
Recorded Monday, August 21, 2023
“Failures are opportunities to gain successes.”
In Part 1 of Designing Diversity and Advancing Equity, Terri:
Shares her incredible background and lived experience in the DEI space
Discusses the challenges of assuming inaugural DEI roles and the evolution of ”successful DEI work”
Gives her best advice for her younger self and for the FGPM first generation membership
Inspires us to advocate for DEI-inclusive leadership as first gen young professionals, especially in multi-generational workplaces
Highlights the importance of DEI in creative spaces, with the purpose of uplifting diverse voices and perspectives
“We have two ears and one mouth for a reason. We should be embracing information coming in and the insight that other generations of employees have to offer.”
In Part 2 of Designing Diversity and Advancing Equity, Terri:
Shares her thoughts on effective mentorship and how young professionals can meaningfully engage with those processes
Breaks down the types of mentorship, both formal and informal, and why each is important
Reminds us that each generation brings a unique perspective and lessons to teach each other
Discusses her “first generation lived experience” and how each of us can embody the spirit of first generation professionalism
Tells us what she loves most about her Milwaukee roots
Terri Howard’s unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is an inspiration to the Milwaukee community. FGPM is honored and grateful for the opportunity to share Terri’s insight and perspective and cannot thank her enough for her time, energy, and expertise. You can find Terri on LinkedIn through the link above.
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