C+S February 2023 Vol. 9 Issue 2 (web)

LALITHA BENJARAM

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION PROGRAM MANAGER, MEAD & HUNT 8 Years of Experience in the AEC Industry Lalitha Benjaram studied Civil and Environmental Engineering in school, and spent the first 8 years of her career working in Mead & Hunt’s Water Resource Group before becoming involved in their Employee Resources Group (ERG) in 2018 and quickly discovering her passion for DEIB initiatives. Lalitha moved to the role of ERG Program Manager in 2022 and is focused on developing strong programming internally and externally so that her company–and the AEC industry overall–is an environment where currently underrepresented groups feel included, valued, and empowered to stay and take on leadership roles. She believes that DEIB is a collaboration that can only work by getting people in the AEC industry to work together to improve our approaches.

LAURA MORTON

SENIOR ASSOCIATE, SSOE GROUP 12 Years of Experience in the AEC Industry During her time in the AEC industry, Laura Morton has seen four substantial projects through every phase from design to construction, allowing her to develop a well-rounded perspective on the architecture profession. Laura's experience has led her to the understanding that buildings and spaces should be designed by architects and engineers that represent the user, drawing from a place of shared experience, culture, or background. Morton also believes that we can nurture a pipeline of young women, LGBTQIA+ people, and minorities into the design and construction world by providing STEM exposure and the arts, giving us a chance at reaching a more equitable future for the AEC industry.

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February 2023

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