Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At NOVO, we are deeply committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion both within our organization and in the communities we serve. To achieve this, we have developed a comprehensive three-pillar approach that focuses on internal and external DEI initiatives.
Our first pillar involves working with local community organizations to promote equitable and inclusive opportunities. As part of this effort, we are proud to announce our internship program in partnership with Girls Garage, a community organization that empowers young women to gain real-world experience in construction and promotes gender equality. Through this program, we hope to foster a more diverse and inclusive workforce and help address the gender gap in the construction industry.
Our second pillar centers around developing inclusive and equitable recruiting strategies. Our goal for 2022 is to create a comprehensive recruiting plan that provides opportunities for everyone, regardless of background, through community programs, schools, and partnerships with organizations that promote diversity and inclusion. By building a more diverse and inclusive workforce, we hope to better serve our clients and create a more equitable industry.
Our third pillar involves increasing our utilization of diverse subcontractors on our projects. As a recently certified Minority Business Enterprise by the Western Regional Minority Supplier Development Council (WRMSDC), we are committed to promoting diversity in our supply chain by actively seeking out diverse suppliers and providing them with the support and resources they need to thrive. We are also working to create more equitable bid packages that are appropriate for smaller businesses, as well as providing workplace development opportunities to help diverse suppliers grow and succeed.
At NOVO, we believe that promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion is not only the right thing to do, but it also helps us create better projects and better communities. We are excited about the future of DEI at NOVO and are committed to instilling these values throughout our organization to create a more equitable and inclusive industry.
Sarah Garcia - Director, DEI
Sarah Garcia is a key member of NOVO's team as Director of DEI. In her role, Sarah is responsible for monitoring and executing NOVO's DEI metrics, reporting DEI goals to our client base, and training our employees on DEI initiatives. She also plays an essential role in fostering NOVO's community relationships and manages our efforts to increase subcontractor diversity.
Sarah brings extensive industry experience, insight, and a deep understanding of the Bay Area construction market to her role. She has recently completed a high-profile 350,000 SF renovation of Oakland's historic Uptown Station, as well as many other significant projects in the science and technology and corporate tenant improvement sectors. Beyond her project management responsibilities, Sarah has been an active and dedicated member of the "NOVO for Change" committee since its inception. The committee is dedicated to making a positive impact on non-profit, after-school programs, and underserved groups, with a strong commitment to promoting inclusion and diversity within our local communities.
Sarah's industry expertise, dedication to DEI, and commitment to the local community make her an invaluable member of the NOVO team. We are proud to have her on our executive team and look forward to the positive impact she will continue to make on our organization and the communities we serve.