“The more stories we can hear and share, the more curious we become, which makes us more compassionate—both inside and outside of work.” - Sarah, strategic product consultant
As the manager of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging on the talent acquisition team, I work on programs and resources to make Procore more accessible to people from all different backgrounds. Seeing employees and leaders within the company participate in events, such as our Continuous Allyship training and recruitment-focused events like AfroTech, helps me know that my work here has an impact.
As a Black woman, this has always been the most meaningful time of the year for me. As we round out 2023’s Black History Month, I am most appreciative of the thoughtfulness that Procore and its employees put toward the events that highlighted various aspects of the Black experience in America. Procore is the first company I have worked for that’s truly taking our different experiences as Black Americans into account and striving for complete inclusivity as an organization.
This past month, teams collaborated to create and share opportunities for our employees to listen and learn more about the multidimensional Black experience while emphasizing celebration and action. Throughout the year, we want to highlight Black stories while also reflecting on how we can build a better future together.
Thanks to our ProBLAC Employee Resource Group (ERG) and our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) team, our employees had the opportunity to participate in:
- The Everyone Wins Reading Challenge, which encouraged employees to read and review books written by Black authors. Books read and recommended included Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler.
- Diverse recruiting training centered around inclusive hiring and how to bring awareness of Procore’s opportunities to Black candidates.
- Speaker spotlights across the construction industry, including an inspirational conversation with Detroit Demolition Director LaJuan Counts, the first—and only—Black woman leading a demolition department.
- Panel discussions with our ProBLAC ERG leaders who shared their lived experiences of being Black in America.
Other Procorians agreed that these events are a critical part of helping our organization grow, learn and evolve together. Some feedback shared:
“Our Black History Month activities give Procorians an opportunity in their day to pause and think about the experiences of people from systematically excluded backgrounds.” - Sarita, implementation manager
“I think these events are educational, encouraging and extremely necessary. As a company, we can learn so much from people of color, like Director Counts.” - Jenifer, customer success manager
“I was so inspired by Director Counts’ advice to make spaces and opportunities for those that follow you that you may not have had yourself.” - Shon, senior integration implementation specialist
While February is Black History Month, we will share stories and achievements 365 days a year. At Procore, we are focused on creating a more inclusive experience for the Black community while actively and intentionally building more diverse teams. I am so grateful to be leading in a role that helps propel this critical work forward.
Cynthia Griffin
Manager of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, Talent Acquisition
Austin, TX
- Black History Month
- Diversity & Inclusion
- ERG
