Join us for our monthly meeting!

Please arrive at 11:00am for registration and networking, followed by chapter announcements and introductions. The technical presentation will begin at 11:30am. We look forward to seeing you!

Topic

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and ASHRAE: Does it Really Matter? 

Overview

In 2020, ASHRAE’s Board of Directors approved a Diversity Commitment for the Society and established a Proactive Diversity Task Group with a goal to recommend detailed programs and initiatives seeking to eliminate all forms of discrimination and social injustice, and proactively drive diversity through all levels within ASHRAE. This led some members to ask “why?” As a technical engineering society, shouldn’t ASHRAE be focusing its efforts and the efforts of its volunteer members on industry-related research and education, rather than furthering what some consider to be a political agenda? What role, if any, should ASHRAE play when it comes to diversity in the AEC community and social justice? Is there really a problem that needs to be solved? This highly-interactive, engaging and thought-provoking presentation will tackle these questions head on by:

• Reviewing ASHRAE’s current Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives
• Defining terminology – What exactly does DEI mean?
• Discussing metrics, trends, and research
• Encouraging a respectful exchange of ideas through an online digital platform than ensures privacy and anonymity.

Presenter

Devin Abellon, PE

Devin Abellon, P.E. is the Director of Engineered Solutions at Pac West Sales. He has 30 years of experience in the HVAC and plumbing industries with a focus on high performance and sustainable building design and construction. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California at Santa Barbara and is a registered professional engineer in California and Arizona. He has been an active member of ASHRAE at the chapter, regional and society levels and currently serves as an ASHRAE Society Vice President, on ASHRAE’s Planning Committee and the Board of Directors DEI Advisory Subcommittee. He is also co-host of The Flourish Podcast.

Meeting Notes