Breaking the Mold Why Diversity Matters in Arboriculture By Ben Culbreth
The term “diversity” is commonly discussed in today’s workplace, often focusing on employee demograph- ics and the representation of different backgrounds within teams. While this conversation is critical and should remain ongoing, its true purpose can some- times be lost in jargon and statistics. As companies search for new talent and work to build cultures that retain employees, it may be time to re- define diversity. It is about more than meeting hiring goals — it is about ensuring every voice is heard and, ultimately, creating a safer workplace for everyone. EVERYONE HAS AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN With women comprising less than 10% of the tree care workforce, sisters Bear LeVangie and Melissa LeVangie Ingersoll recognized a need for specialized training and co-founded the Women’s Tree Climbing Workshop (WTCW) . “We started in 2009 because there were no women trainers,” LeVangie said. While the workshop focuses on women, the founders emphasized that everyone learns differently. They
prioritize teaching effective communication within the industry, regardless of background, gender, or ex- perience. “We strive in our business to try to help others work with their language and their skill,” Ingersoll ex- plained. To them, diversity shines when individuals from differ- ent backgrounds learn from and support one another. CHANGING THE STATS Drive past a tree care crew, and you might notice a pattern: most workers are white, and nearly all are men. According to treetrust.org 96.2% of arborists are male, and 65% are white. Hispanic or Latino workers make up 19.9%, while women and African American arborists represent less than 8% of the workforce. While these numbers paint a clear imbalance, pro- fessionals in the industry urge that the conversation goes well beyond statistics. “Most people, in their minds, only live in a certain type of bubble,” said LeVangie.
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