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Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee

Vision 

SEAOI is an advocate for equity, diversity, inclusion, and engagement within the structural engineering community.

Mission

  • Promote equity, diversity, and inclusion within the SEAOI Organization through diverse representation and active agency, including the Board of Directors, Committees, Events, and Membership. 
  • Advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion throughout the profession by actively leveraging our network to provide more opportunities for networking, mentoring, and training. 
  • Increase our membership’s engagement in programs at the university level and high school level to shepherd a more diverse group of students to careers in structural engineering.


CO-COMMITTEE CHAIR

Cathleen Jacinto, PE
(she/her)
cathleen@forseconsulting.com
Principal | Design Director
FORSE Consulting

CO-COMMITTEE CHAIR

Eric Wheeler, SE
(he/him)
ewheeler@thorntontomasetti.com
Vice President
Thornton Tomasetti

MEMBERS


Derek Boeldt, PE, SE
(he/him)
boeldtda@cdmsmith.com
Illinois Transit Leader
CDM Smith



Johann Aakre
(he/him)
Bridge Department Manager
Michael Baker International


Marcus E. Woods, PE, Msc LEED AP
(he/him)
marcus.woods@3pseg.com
President
Three Pillar Structural Engineering Group


Chris Freisinger
(she/her)
Associate Principal
WJE


Will Kolbuk
(he/him)



Russ Robinson, PE
(he/him)
russell.j.robinson@sargentlundy.com
Structural Associate
Sargent & Lundy


Jennie Traut-Todaro, SE, LEED AP
(she/her)
trauttodaro@aisc.org
Director of Workforce Development
AISC


Albert Mena, SE, PE
(he/him)
alberto.mena@tylin.com
Principal + Buildings Sector Manager
TYLin


John Leary, PE, SE
(he/him)
jleary@gfnet.com
Manager, Rail Structures
Gannett Fleming TranSystems


Michael Zelisko, PE, SE
(he/him)
mzelisko@gfnet.com
Senior Structural Engineer
Gannett Fleming TranSystems



Jon Stricker
(he/him)
Associate III
WJE


Resources 

List of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Offering Civil or Architectural Engineering Programs

NCSEA SE3 Illinois Demographic Data

READ, WATCH, LISTEN

Allied organizations

National Society of Black Engineers

Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers

List of Allied Organizations

Community Organizations that Consistently Look for Volunteers

ACE Mentor Program

Future Cities

Girls Build!

SparkShop

Other SEAOI Communities

WiSE

Young Engineers Committee

GET TO KNOW THE EDI COMMITTEE

What is the greatest hope for the EDI Committee? 

We hope that others will find representation and a voice through SEAOI to strengthen and unite our structural engineering community through equity, diversity and inclusion.

What is the biggest challenge facing the EDI Committee right now?

Since we are a young committee, there may be structural engineers that are not aware we exist.  Our biggest challenge today is spreading the word and inviting anyone interested in joining us.  We are here and have exciting initiatives we are tackling. The more members we have, the more diverse we are, and the more voices we have to speak through SEAOI. Interested in joining?  Send an email to staff@seaoi.org.  We look forward to hearing from you!


How can the SEAOI Membership help the EDI Committee?

If you ever hear of a great speaker, event, or organization that promotes EDI in both the professional world and in student outreach, we would love to hear about it!  We can work to hold panel discussions, training events, or partner with other organizations to learn about how they are promoting EDI.  


Comments from current EDI Committee Members:

1. Why did you join the EDI Committee?
Cathleen Jacinto - To do my part to raise awareness to EDI initiatives and foster inclusive working environments, to ultimately strengthen our SE community and business success.

2. Why is the EDI committee important to you?
Rose McClure - To me, it’s all about attracting and retaining the best talent in our profession. 

3. What EDI initiative are you most proud of?
Jennie Traut-Todaro - I’m most proud of our first Checking the Pulse discussion that really kicked off our organization’s open discussion about diversity.  Since then I have been able to meet and work on initiatives with members who I may not have worked with before for the benefit of our membership.  I find that the most rewarding.





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Chicago, IL  60606




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