Stantec Again Recognized as Top 50 STEM Workplace for Indigenous Professionals
For the second consecutive year, Stantec—a global architecture, engineering, and design firm—has been recognized by the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) as one of the Top 50 STEM Workplaces for Indigenous STEM Professionals.
AISES released its listing in the Spring 2021 issue of Winds of Change, the organization’s national magazine, which focuses on advancement for Indigenous Peoples of North America and the Pacific Islands in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) studies and careers.
Firms selected for the AISES Top 50 list are required to meet a list of criteria, including:
- Diversity recruitment efforts
- Recruiting for jobs in the STEM fields
- Actively recruiting within Indigenous audiences
- Sustained support of the AISES mission
Among companies named to the Top 50 list are those focused on aerospace, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering; biology; ecology; computer science and engineering; and mathematics.
Stantec has grown through a model of community-centered project delivery focused on working where its team members live. The firm is strengthening its connections to Indigenous communities and finding new ways to make meaningful contributions by supporting local initiatives and collaborating with local and national Indigenous organizations.
Embracing diversity of all kinds enables Stantec to provide a work environment and organizational culture that play a key role in attracting and retaining the right people with the right skills.
“We are thrilled to be recognized a second time by AISES for our efforts to create an inclusive STEM work environment,” says Adam Leggett, Stantec’s Alaska Native Program Manager. “We’re always looking for avenues and opportunities to build stronger connections with communities and deeper partnerships with Indigenous Peoples and businesses. We want to be a place where everyone feels free to be true to themselves—and considering the histories, cultures, and values of Indigenous communities is vital to that mission.”
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In addition to his work at Stantec, which focuses on developing business relationships with Alaska Native corporations and organizations, Leggett (Dena’ina Athabascan) serves on several committees for the Native Village of Eklutna and Eklutna, Inc., including ones for health, housing, education, and the Eklutna River restoration project.
Leggett is also engaged with the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Indian Energy and the Indian Country Energy & Infrastructure Working Group. The two entities work collaboratively to assist in surveys, analysis, and recommendations related to program and policy initiatives that fulfill DOE’s statutory authorizations and requirements. Leggett also serves on the Tribal STEM Subcommittee and is a board member of Alaska Resource Education.
Stronger Connections with Communities
In Alaska, Stantec successfully works with Indigenous groups through formal business partnerships that are focused on Alaska Native employment efforts on major projects and built through connections to Indigenous Peoples in its technical work.
The global firm is working toward earning the Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) certification from the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business. PAR provides a framework for organizations to develop an Indigenous Relations approach that is effective, sustainable, and successful.
From an equity standpoint, the company was also named by Forbes as one of America’s Best Employers for Women and one of Canada’s Best Employers, as well as recognized on the 2021 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index.
Additionally, Stantec recently launched the Stantec Equity & Diversity Scholarship to provide those in historically underrepresented and Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) groups with financial aid, contributing to the creation of a critical mass of talented students and a future and more diverse workforce that is better represented in the industry.
Learn more about more about Stantec’s Indigenous relations and partnerships.
In their company kitchens, the Corporate 100 blend wholesome ingredients with exquisite utensils to create the scrumptious ambrosia that keeps employees gratified and contented. Meet the top Alaska employers ranked by number of Alaskans on their payroll, and learn the recipe for success. This issue also includes a focus on economic development initiatives in Anchorage and Kodiak.