2025 Diversity & Inclusion Summit

Oct. 17, 2025 | Auburn, WA

Leaders from the construction industry, labor, workforce development and community-based organizations will come together to explore how inclusion, retention and equity can withstand economic turbulence. Through our dynamic presentations and conversation, the summit will examine how to support workers holistically, safeguard hard-won diversity gains, and build leadership practices that strengthen both people and projects.

Register Here

Headshot of Karen Dove for ANEW by Crain Photography

Hold The Line

A message from Karen Dove, CDP, Executive Director of ANEW

Now in its 8th year, the Summit brings the trades together to discuss proven tactics you can use on real jobsites. In a moment of budget pressure, changing regulations, and cultural headwinds that can stall progress, the gains—and dollars—put into DEI can erode when momentum slows. This summit stays practical: straight talk, case studies with numbers, and proven moves that keep equity, safety, and talent pipelines intact.

Bring a colleague, an apprentice, or a partner org—and walk out with new contacts and a plan.

Summit Agenda

October, 17, 2025

9:20 AM

Registration Opens

Directions and a map of parking can be found at the bottom of the event website. Regisration will be on the 4th floor of the venue the day of the event.

10:00 AM

Welcome

With Karen Dove, CDP, Executive Director of ANEW & Zenovia Harris, MPA, CDP, Mistress of Ceremonies

Welcome and brief orientation to the day’s agenda, accessibility and housekeeping notes, a discussion on past recession losses in diversity improvements and a call to leave with practices to protect.

10:30 AM

Keynote: The Invisible Staircase

With Josh Durham, Founder, Owner of Gamut Project Solutions

A compelling exploration of how workplace culture profoundly affects individuals, teams, and the entire construction industry. Through personal stories, hard-earned insights, and actionable strategies, Josh invites attendees to reflect, connect, and reimagine the role of leadership in shaping inclusive, resilient teams.

11:45 am

Weathering the Storm: Retention and Inclusion Strategies in Economic Downturn

Moderator: Blake Ingram, Director of Programs, ANEW

Panel: Cal Beyer, CWP, NAC, Senior Director, SAFE Workplaces; Jane Lyda Mounsey, SHRM-SCP, AWI-CH, Founder + Principal, Constructive HR Strategies; Jason White, Community Workforce Coordinator, RDF Builders; and Kabri Lehrman Schmid, DBIA, Co-Founder of Build With Pride Seattle, Project Superintendent, Helsel Phelps

How layoffs and budget cuts disproportionately affect marginalized workers
How inclusion and retention intersect with mental health and safety
Equitable retention strategies

12:45 Pm

Lunch Break

Lunch Provided

Build-your-own sandwich buffet with assorted meats, cheeses, breads, and toppings. Includes house chips and a selection of deli salads.

1:15 PM

The Risk of Regression: Safeguarding DEI Gains in Tough Times

Moderator: John Hurd, Workforce Development Specialist with Lakeside Industries

Panel: Amy James Neel, Workforce and Contracting Equity Manager, Portland Community College, Office of Planning & Capital Construction; Andrea Ornelas, Assistant Director, Laborers’ Local 242; Ellrol Gartrell, Priority Hire / Apprenticeship Specialist Engineering – Construction Labor with Port of Seattle; and Misty Wheeler, Business Representative, Women’s Committee Liaison, IBEW Local 46

How to prevent backsliding on diversity commitments
Accountability tools for contractors and unions
Case studies of companies maintaining DEI during recessions

2:00 PM

Leadership in Crisis: Inclusive Leadership as a Resilience Strategy

Moderator: Charissa Eggleston, Facilitator of Innovative Programs and Community Partnerships of Federal Way Public Schools

Panel: Jason Barnwell, Senior Director of Operations at Sellen Construction; Jeremiah Captain, Founder & Chairman of ConstructDiversity; Mariana Hyke, Political Coordinator of the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters; and Shana Peschek, Executive Director of The Machinists Institute