Our Initiatives
Visibility
After more than a year of remote work and few in-person interactions, visibility of LGBTQ+ professionals within the building design and construction industry is more important than ever. Build Out Alliance has previously marched in Pride festivals around New York including World Pride in 2019, and even during the past year produced a robust array of virtual panels, talks, and social events. We look forward to making our presence known even more widely in the coming year.
Mentoring
Many graduates and young professionals, LGBTQ+ or otherwise, enter the building design and construction industry with little or no experience. Through a variety of Build Out programs including mentorship, career building workshops, and myriad panel discussions, we aim to demonstrate the importance of working openly and with pride while providing valuable insight into the industry at large. We encourage dialogue with professionals from across our industry, helping them grow and develop in their careers.
Networking
Build Out Alliance believes it is important to foster a strong community of LGBTQ+ professionals in our industry to support one another and encourage positive change in our industry. As such, networking is a core part of our programming, allowing LGBTQ+ individuals from various firms and disciplines to connect. Build Out Alliance hosts a wide range of networking opportunities including regular happy hours, panel discussions, tours, other professional and social programs.
Leadership
Build Out Alliance emphasizes leadership among its participants, allowing us to inspire others to be confident and capable of communicating our message. Through curated lectures and panel discussions, we have encouraged dialogue around topics like adversity in the workplace and developing lasting relationships between clients and consultants. Our goal is to develop and promote current and future leaders within the industry by supporting and encouraging these dialogues.
Outreach
Service is a core principle of Build Out Alliance. We are involved in our local community and participate in projects that give back in big and small ways. Our outreach efforts with organizations like Ali Forney and the LGBT Community Center—to name a few—benefit those in need and help develop strong relationships with the LGBTQ+ community outside of our industry. We will continue supporting these relationships and building more through volunteer service events, partnering with a variety of LGBTQ-centered organizations.
Impact
By simply existing, Build Out Alliance has already had a powerful impact as one of the first organizations championing LGBTQ+ professionals in the building design and construction industry. We will continue providing opportunities for our participants to connect with other LGBTQ+ individuals and organizations and develop as leaders. And as we grow, we are actively looking to expand beyond New York into other cities and countries, broadening Build Out’s impact. We strive to have a lasting impact on the industry, making it more inclusive for future generations.