Minority Architects Construction Engineering Holiday Gathering
MACE - Great Networking & People
Four words are becoming synonymous with the annual MACE (Minorities in
Architecture, Construction and Engineering) holiday reception at Oswald Building in Downtown, Cleveland.
They are “good time” and “great networking.”
The event is a joint effort hosted by Construction Assistance Association (CAA), National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), and National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE).
During a very brief program, in this midst of mixing and mingling, Glen Shumate, Executive VP of Construction Employers Association, welcomed everyone and acknowledged four years of coming together. He then invited key leaders from each industry to provide remarks.
Scott Whitley, owner of Whitley and Whitley and president of NOMA, introduced two new architects to the community in addition to providing a quick year-end review. He spoke of the Cleveland Public Library which has 26 projects underway with opportunities. “They want diversity at every level,” said Whitley.
Margaret Hewitt, Director of Planning, Design & Construction at MetroHealth Hospital and the newly elected president of CAA, introduced the organizations new officers: Shakorie Davis, Chris Howse and Heather Baines.“We have an exciting year coming up,” said Hewitt. “And, we love teaming up with NOMA and NSBE.”
Ramona Lowery, Deputy Commissioner, City of Cleveland - Division of Water Pollution Control and representing NSBE, talked about how that organization started in 1975 and the benefits of sending NSBE Jr. students to the national conference. “There they can see ten thousand engineers who look like them,” she said.
Lowery also said they are always seeking mentors for students.
Two Diversity Champions, Norm Edwards, American Center for Economic Equality and Marsha Mockabee, Urban League of Greater Cleveland were recoginzing by CAA's Heather Baines for their work in advancing construction inclusion and opportunities. They were recognized as part of a larger group of Diversity Champions at the CAA 10th Anniversary Celebration a few months ago.
Shumate wrapped up the program by acknowledging Owners, ACE Mentor Program alum and recent college construction management and architecture graduates who were present. Shumate is also ACE Mentor Cleveland's Executive Director which serves 180 high school students and has provided nearly $950,000 in scholarships, dozens of internships and jobs. He noted "there is increasing diverse talent, due to many of the persons in the room".
“This was great... great networking,” said Walter B. Jones Jr, Senior Vice President Campus Transformation at MetroHealth. “It’s good to see all the disciplines, cross disciplines in one place. I’m glad we’re able to do this in a social setting.”
Victoria E. Turnbough, recent Bowling Green State University Construction Management grad, attended to network and advance her career with Cleveland industry professsions, quoted, “If you surround yourself with positive people who build you up, the sky is the limit!” -Joel Brown.
