Employees at Urban Engineers strive to make our communities better places to live through their projects and volunteerism. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are fundamental values that are becoming increasingly important to work in infrastructure and the built environment. As companies recognize the importance of a diverse workforce, they are beginning to encourage their employees to take on leadership roles in professional organizations that promote DEI initiatives. Urban Engineers is one such company that values DEI in the workplace and actively supports its staff in pursuing these initiatives.

Jennifer Waters, Rose Rinker, Lindsay Boehner, Matt Reese, and Carol Martsolf are just a few of the individuals at Urban who are making significant contributions to the advancement of DEI initiatives in their field. They are taking on leadership roles in professional societies such as WTS – in both the Philadelphia and New Jersey Chapters, as well as the international level – and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), to promote the importance of DEI and encourage others to become involved.

Jennifer, Rose, and Lindsay are working on the Equity, Diversity + Inclusion (EDI) committee for WTS Philadelphia to create enhanced opportunities for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firms and organizations in the industry. They are elevating the overall level of EDI consciousness at the local chapter and developing EDI programs related to the chapter’s membership. Matt Reese is spearheading Justice Equity Diversity & Inclusion (JEDI) initiatives for the Philadelphia Chapter ASCE’s Younger Members Forum. He organized JEDI Month and spoke at a panel titled “Adversity Shaping the Workplace.” He is also working to make the JEDI Committee more accessible through social media, event spaces, and outreach.

Carol Martsolf is serving as past chair of Members of Society Advancing an Inclusive Culture (MOSAIC), which is the international board-level council for diversity, equity, and inclusion for ASCE. She is also serving on the EDI committee for WTS International, specifically on the ED&I Policies and Best Practices subcommittee. Carol has facilitated over 60 courses, workshops, and presentations on JEDI and related topics to ASCE audiences, private firms, and clients.  She also received the WTS Philadelphia Rosa Parks Diversity Award in 2021.

Participation in professional societies is a proven way to learn more about one’s profession and become more knowledgeable of the industry and best practices. The individuals mentioned above are working tirelessly to promote DEI initiatives in their field, and their efforts are making a significant impact. They are raising awareness and bringing about positive change both in their profession and in their community.