Work Environment Workgroup
STRATEGY #3 - Establishing work environments where all employees thrive
LONG-TERM OUTCOME
Regional STEM employers have equitable policies and utilize best practices that recruit, retain, and promote all Philadelphians, including those who identify as Black, Latine or as women.
SHORT-TERM OUTCOMES
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Regional STEM employers identify current policies and practices that increase or inhibit inclusion for all Philadelphians in STEM careers.
MEDIUM-TERM OUTCOMES
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Regional STEM employers implement and/or expand recruitment, hiring, retention, and promotion policies and practices that enable inclusion within their organization.
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Regional STEM employers hire more Philadelphians, including those who identify as Black, Latine or as women, into STEM careers.
Co-Chairs
Chief Academic and Research Officer
Department of Medicine
University of Pennsylvania
Inclusion and Diversity Lead
Pharma R&D
GSK
2nd Annual STEM Leadership Summit
In early August, iRISE PHL hosted its "STEM Leadership Summit" at the University City Science Center - a two-day event that empowers community leaders to advance STEM education and economic opportunity in Philadelphia. PSEC's Work Environment Workgroup co-sponsored the summit, an event that brought together educators, community leaders, and STEM stakeholders to explore innovative approaches and community-centered strategies that will drive STEM talent development in underserved communities throughout Philadelphia.
The summit began with introductions and stakeholder readouts, setting the stage for a series of dynamic presentations by community partners and an engaging fireside chat with Maisha Moses and Cliff Freeman of the Young Peoples Project, and Adrian Mimms of the Calculus Project. The evening concluded with an inspiring keynote address by Dr. Angela McIver, former School District of Philadelphia board member and founder of Trapezium Math, who shared transformative insights on improving K–12 math education in Philadelphia. Day two focused on hands-on workshops and collaborative design-thinking sessions, empowering attendees to build resilient STEM networks and community-driven initiatives. If you are interested in learning more about iRISE PHL contact Chad Womack, Managing Director
DEIB Best Practices Forum @ STEM Equity Week
The Work Environment Workgroup hosted the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Best Practices Forum on October 30, 2024. The forum convened Human Resources and DEIB representatives from STEM employers in multiple sectors to discuss the practices they sustain or the barriers they face in their efforts to recruit, develop and retain diverse talent. By bringing the perspective of Workforce development programs and job seekers, this forum also explored areas of existing alignment or opportunities across, employers, talent and workforce development organizations and job seekers exploring the criteria each value most.
The immediate goal is to present a value proposition and have a transparent conversation to understand the DEIB language and commitments from STEM employers. The long term goals are to establish relationships with employers and keep an open line of communication that will enable meeting our 2030 mission of achieving 100% of STEM careers being demographically proportional to working age Philadelphians.
"2nd Annual Philadelphia STEM Equity Week" City of Philadelphia Citation and Mayoral Proclamation 2024
On October 30th, 2024 Mayor Cherelle L. Parker officially proclaimed the week of October 26th to November 2nd as Philadelphia STEM Equity Week. This initiative underscores the City of Philadelphia's dedication to providing quality education, promoting diversity, and empowering our youth to succeed in the workforce. PSEC also received a City of Philadelphia Citation from Kenyatta Johnson, President of the City Council along with Nina Ahmad, Councilmember-at-Large.
"Philadelphia STEM Equity Week" Mayoral Proclamation
PSEC is proud that Mayor James Kenney made a proclamation declaring the week of October 30, 2023 as Philadelphia STEM Equity Week, signaling the City of Philadelphia’s commitment to fostering quality education, embracing diversity and supporting our young people to access and thrive in the workforce. These are the key conditions required to build and sustain an economy that benefits all of our residents and capitalizes on the brilliance of our diverse community members. This inaugural STEM Equity Week is an example of what PSEC thrives to do - connect the Community with STEM opportunities available in our own backyard.
To see the 2023 Proclamation, please go HERE.
To see the video of the October 30th, 2023 activity, please go HERE.
David Garbe and Diana Lievano from PSEC's Backbone presenting at iRISE's STEM Leadership Summit
Citation presentation at the "STEMposium" October 30th, 2024: Left to right: Brittney Shipp, NBC10 Meteorologist and Children's Book Author; Diana Lievano, PSEC's Executive Director; Nina Ahmad, City of Philadelphia Councilmember-at-Large; and Farah Jimenez, President & CEO of the Philadelphia Education Fund.
Left to right: James Tarver and Lamont Terrell PSEC's Co-chairs for the Work Environment Workgroup with Jennifer Fei (center), Founder and Principal, ōen studios - the team behind the DEIB Best Practices Forum
Mayoral Proclamation presentation at the Philadelphia STEM Equity Week inaugural event on October 30th, 2023: Left to right: Sheila Hess, City of Philadelphia Representative; James Tarver, PSEC's Work Environment Workgroup Co-chair; and Betsy Payne, PSEC's Members Relations Manager.