Diversity Equity and Inclusion In ASHRAE

Upcoming Forums:

What does equity mean in HVAC&R in our industry?
Monday, June 24, 2024, 9:45am – 10:45am Eastern Time

This forum will discuss how ASHRAE can better “serve humanity,” which is core to its mission statement: “to serve humanity by advancing the arts and sciences of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, and their allied fields.  Forum participants will be invited to address questions that include: What is “social equity” in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration sectors? How is the industry serving humanity? What are the barriers for accessing the technologies of HVAC&R industry? What role can ASHRAE play in achieving equitable solutions for all? What are ASHRAE members’ responsibilities as individuals to serve humanity? What kind of collaborations are required to be inclusive to serve humanity? We expect a lively brainstorming discussion around these questions. Attendees can share their thoughts and that will inform ASHRAE’s actions to enable a workforce to “serve humanity. ”

Chair: Kishor Khankari, PhD

Cultural Appreciation Event – Showcase of Indian Culture
Monday, June 24, 2024, 6:30pm – 8:30pm Eastern Time  |  $35
Hindu Temple of Central Indiana
Events which require a purchased ticket to attend can be added while you register for the conference, or separately by selecting ‘Ticket Purchase Only’ on the registration page.  

ASHRAE is a confluence of diverse cultures. It is imperative for an inclusive organization to have cultural proficiency. The Board DEI Subcommittee cordially invites you to an entertaining evening that showcases Indian culture. Come and indulge in delicious food from different regions of India, witness the vibrant dances, and groove to the beats of Bollywood music. Get to know the locals and learn about the customs and religions of India

Past Forums

Pulling Back the Curtain on DEI
Monday, January 22, 2024  |  9:45am – 10:45am CST at the Marriott Marquis Hotel, Great Lakes E (2nd Fl)

Keynote Speaker: Mindy Gulati  |  Chairs: Devin Abellon, PE; Heather Schopplein, PE and Jonathan Smith, PE

Session Abstract: This forum is an invitation for “believers” and “non-believers” to bring their tough questions and an opportunity to learn about the positive impact DEI has on organizations, such as ASHRAE.

Women in ASHRAE Breakfast   
Monday, January 22,  |  7:00 am  | $35 

Join Ginger Scoggins, P.E., 2023-24 ASHRAE President, as she interviews Mindy Gulati, DEI Consultant, to discuss industry trends, share experiences and insights. Mindy will answer questions from the audience and facilitate meaningful dialogue among attendees.  This event requires pre-registration.

Mindy Gulati is founder and CEO of Fundamental Advisory, a consulting firm focused on advising groups on issues related to Culture, Leadership, Strategy and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. Using her expertise and personal approach, she designs strategic plans, drafts policies and procedures, and creates custom content and workshops for a wide range of organizations around the country. Mindy explains that DEI is “head work, heart work, and hard work,” and she pours into her clients to ensure progress and growth. Her thoughtful approach provides the foundational basis for cultural change through awareness, storytelling and understanding.

           

Tampa 2023: Recorded Session Available
Session Title: Implementing DEI Within Your Organization (Even When You Don’t Have Buy-In from Key Stakeholders)
Session Date and Time: June 26, 2023, 8:30am – 9:30am
Session Abstract: Over the past several years, organizations (including ASHRAE) have implemented DEI initiatives in an effort to increase awareness and promote policy change around diversity, equity and inclusion. What are the biggest challenges of implementing these policies?
How do you gain consensus if some of your key leaders feel that such initiatives are unwarranted, discriminatory or politically-motivated? How do you effect meaningful change to improve employee/member engagement? This session will feature panelists who have faced and overcome these and other challenges to implement DEI initiatives at the corporate, institutional and grassroots levels.

Atlanta 2023:
Session Title: ASHRAE Cultural Mixer
Session Date and Time: February 6, 2023 11:00am – 12:00pm
Session Abstract: ASHRAE is a confluence of diverse cultures. Our culture influences our thinking, behavior, and how we express our emotions. It makes a difference in how we view ourselves and others. The main goal of this session is to understand and appreciate each other’s culture and develop cross-culture solidification within our Society. This session is non-technical and meant to be entertaining and informative. Active participation from attendees is highly desirable. Attendees will share unique aspects of their culture, for example, ways of greeting people, language, rituals, festivals, music, foods, holidays, etc. This cultural mixer will develop camaraderie among ASHRAE members.

Toronto 2022:
Session Title: ASHRAE and DEI: Where Are We Now, Where Do We Want to Be Tomorrow and How Do We Get There?
Session Date and Time: Tuesday, June 28, 2022 from 3:15 PM to 4:45 PM
Session Abstract: In 2021, ASHRAE’s Board of Directors approved the formation of the BOD Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Advisory Subcommittee, with goals on improving organizational awareness and
performance on DEI, setting annual budgets for DEI programs and ongoing initiatives and prioritizing inclusivity in ASHRAE with plans for addressing these issues. What progress has been made over the past year towards these goals? What needs to be done? During this interactive panel discussion hear from a diverse panel, including members of the advisory subcommittee, as we review the current activities of the subcommittee and discuss our direction for the future.

Las Vegas 2022:
Session Title: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and ASHRAE: Does it Really Matter?
Session Date and Time: January 31, 2022, 9:45am-10:45am PST
Session Abstract: In 2020, ASHRAE’s Board of Directors approved a Diversity Commitment for the Society and established a Proactive Diversity Task Group with a goal to recommend detailed programs and initiatives seeking to eliminate all forms of discrimination and social injustice, and proactively drive diversity through all levels within ASHRAE. This led some members to ask “why?” As a technical engineering society, shouldn’t ASHRAE be focusing its efforts and the efforts of its volunteer members on industry-related research and education, rather than furthering what some consider to be a political agenda? What role, if any, should ASHRAE play when it comes to diversity in the AEC community and social justice? Is there really a problem that needs to be solved? We want to hear from you: the members. This forum intends to tackle these questions head on by encouraging a respectful exchange of ideas in person and through an online digital platform than ensures privacy and anonymity.

• Collaborate with industry partners (CIBSE, INWIC, NIBS)
• Hired a DEI Consultant Firm – Fundamental Advisory LLC, Mindy Gulati. 
• Created a DEI training webpage for members that highlight five videos. We encourage the Chapters to use these videos for presentation at their regional meetings. “DEI Foundations”, “Understanding Implicit Bias & Unconscious Bias”, “Micro Aggressions”, “Cultural Competency”, “Equity versus Equality”, “Intro to Inclusive Leadership”, “6 Cs of Inclusive Leadership” and “Inclusive Leadership Tips and Tools”
• Created a new position Regional DEI Chair – this is a regionally appointed position to promote DEI initiatives within the region.
• Added pronouns to the Project Committee Membership Application Form
• Created a reporting tool on the ASHRAE app for code of conduct violations, specifically sexual harassment
• Created “The Blind Spot” Book Club
• Coordinated DEI training for the ASHRAE Board, ASHRAE Directors, Managers and Staff
• Facilitate forums and panel sessions at the Winter and Annual Conferences
• Engage Council and standing committee leadership in ASHRAE DEI initiatives
• Developed a Manual of Procedures and Reference Manual for the committee
• Publish and regularly showcase the work of inspirational HVAC&R engineers from under-represented groups.

It is important for ASHRAE and its members to reflect on the role of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in engineering. We are seeking authors to write an article that explores the intersection of DEI and engineering. We welcome submissions from engineers, researchers, educators and other professionals. Your article will be featured in an edition of ASHRAE Insights.

• How Emotional Intelligence Boosts DEI, Productivity, Growth
• Finding Your Next New Hire

We are looking for authors who can write topics relating to DEI:

Call for Authors

New! View available DEI Trainings here.

•  Inclusion Starts With I | Diversity & Inclusion
• Microsoft: Inclusion Jounrey
• Guidance for NIST Staff on Using Inclusive Language in Documentary Standards
• Part 1: Sexual Harassment Prevention Training

• Part 2: Sexual Harassment Prevention Training | Case Studies

Suggested Readings:

• Blind Spot: Hidden Biases of Good People – Mahzarin R.R. Banaji and Anthony Greenwald
• Thinking Fast Slow - Daniel Kahneman
• The 4 Stages of Psychological Safety: Defining the Path to Inclusion and Innovation – Timothy R. Clark
• The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together - Heather McGhee
• So You Want to Talk About Race – Ijeoma Oluo
• Inclusive Conversations – Mary-Frances Winters
• The 5 Disciplines of Inclusive Leaders – Andres T. Tapia & Alina Polonskaia
• How to Manage Conflicts: 7 Easy Steps to Master Conflict Management, Conflict Resolution, Mediation & Difficult Conversations – Amy Gallo
• Radical Candor – Kim Scott
• Biased: Uncovering the Hidden Prejudice That Shapes What We See, Think and Do – Jennifer Eberhardt
• What Works: Gender Equality by Design – Iris Bohnet
• Disability Visibility: First Person Stories from the 21^st Century – Alice Wong
• Men Explain Things to Me – Rebecca Solnit

Suggested Podcasts: 

• Hidden Brain Podcast
• You Are Not So Smart Podcast
• ASHRAE Journal Podcast | Uncovering Unconscious Bias in the HVAC&R Industry

Suggested Assessments: 

• Harvard Implicit Associations Test

Events |

Women in ASHRAE Happy Hour
Monday, June 24,2024 4:00pm – 6:00pm Eastern Time
JW Marriott, High Velocity Bar (Lobby Level)