Embrace Equity – Tackling Microaggressions in STEM

Join George Mason University (GMU), AEE’s National Capital Chapter and the Council on Women in Energy and Environment (CWEEL) for an interactive workshop on microaggressions followed by a networking lunch and a panel discussion on microaggressions, allyship, advocacy and equity particularly as it relates to women in the energy and environmental fields.

At the end of the event, participants will have a deepened understanding of these important issues and gain tools to foster a work environment of equity, inclusion and belonging.

Non- AEE Members: $40

AEE Members/GMU Faculty and Staff: $30

Students: FREE (student ID required)

Cost includes interactive workshop, lunch and panel discussion. AEE-NCC is a non-profit, volunteer organization that is committed to advancing the scientific and educational interests of those engaged in the energy industry and to foster action for Sustainable Development.

Don’t miss this opportunity to engage and learn during this in person event! Additional details will be sent after registration.

Dr Ericka Brown – Inclusive Education Manager, George Mason University Dr. Brown will lead an engaging and interactive workshop on microaggressions. Dr. Erikca Brown (pronouns are she/her/hers) is Central DEI’s new Inclusive Education Manager. She joined George Mason in September of 2022 with 20 years of experience creating and maintaining equitable educational opportunities.

Following the workshop and networking lunch, Dr. Brown will be joined by two speakers for a moderated panel discussion:

Ida Namur, Vice President, Global ESG Programs, AECOM; Board member AEE National Capital Chapter, CWEEL chapter liaison

Ida has 20 years of experience in the Environmental and Energy consulting industry executing sustainability, decarbonization and other environmental projects for private sector companies and government agencies. In her current role, Ida works with stakeholders across AECOM’s business to implement their Sustainable Legacies strategy, which aims for reaching bold environmental, social and governance objectives that make a positive impact on our company, our communities, and our planet. In her current role, she leverages her creativity and passion for decarbonization to drive implementation and operationalization of AECOM’s commitment to reduce the carbon footprint of the projects we deliver for our clients through an initiative called ScopeX. Ida is an advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion, and is especially passionate about social and economic gender equity. For the past 10 years, she has been in leadership roles managing programs, internal operations and strategic resources, seeing firsthand the challenges that persist in reaching gender parity in our industry. She serves a mentor for women and men navigating their careers in the industry and has moderated and participated in panel events concerning gender equity and inclusion in the workplace.

Shea Holman, Chief Operating Officer at the Purple Method and Executive Director at the Purple Campaign

Shea serves as the Chief Operating Officer for the Purple Method, providing employers with the knowledge, tools, resources, and strategies to create and maintain harassment-free, inclusive, and  empowering workplaces. She also serves as the Executive Director for the Purple Campaign, a non-profit dedicated to addressing harassment in the workplace. Previously, Shea worked as the Purple Campaign’s Director of Law & Policy, advocating for stronger corporate policies and better laws regarding workplace sexual harassment. As a labor and employment lawyer, Shea has experience with federal and state anti-discrimination laws and an advanced knowledge of workplace harassment issues. She has worked for the EEOC, served as a Certified Mediator conducting civil mediations, and worked as a Training Consultant for HR consulting firm Bright Compass. Shea is a recognized thought leader and has been quoted in outlets such as Bloomberg Law, Law360, and FastCompany, and has been featured as a speaker at Harvard Law School, University of Chicago Law School, and numerous national conferences including the National Women’s Studies Association annual conference.

Shea received her law degree from the University of Minnesota Law School where she earned Highest Honors in Labor and Employment Law and served as the President of the Women’s Law Student Association.

Miles Lowe, MPA – DEI Organizational Development Consultant and Trainer

Driven intrinsically by community advocacy and activism, Miles’ professional history spans Federal and Municipal Government, Youth Empowerment, Non-Profits and Entrepreneurship. Miles holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Florida and a Master of Public Affairs & Administration focused on Change Management from Metropolitan College of New York. Miles’ thesis centered inequity in American education and solutions to “The Achievement Gap”. Alongside the Organizational Development and Learning team at Mason, Miles provides strategic consultation to Deans, Vice Presidents and Directors to scope and execute strategic plans, roadmaps and bespoke engagement strategies. This is in addition to guiding teams across Mason towards organizational effectiveness models that improve communication while fostering equity and employee engagement.

Sponsor opportunities are available for this event! Please contact the AEE NCC sponsorship committee chair Praveen Mathews at praveen@oaktonis.com for more information.