Introduction to DEI at Aspen
Written by Grace Weeks
What is DEI?
DEI stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Diversity refers to the range of backgrounds, identities and experiences that make each individual unique. This can encompass race, ethnicity, gender, age, language spoken, etc. A diverse work environment means variety of identities are represented a wider range of clients, which enhances the company’s ability to innovate and better serve.
Equity is about creating fair access to opportunities, especially in historically underrepresented groups. An equitable workplace seeks to provide access, opportunity, and advancement to all employees, regardless of their identity.
Inclusion involves fostering a sense of belonging where individuals feel respected, valued, and supported. An inclusive workplace empowers all to fully engage and contribute to the organization’s success.
Why it is important for the company?
We believe that DEI isn’t just important for us, but for the environmental field as a whole. By creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace, we aim to better reflect the communities we serve and to bring a wider array of perspectives to the environmental challenges our work addresses. In the United States, the environmental sector currently employs over 70,000 environmental scientists are currently employed. Of these, 62% are men, and 38% are women. Over 80% of the environmental consulting workforce identifies as white.
History of DEI at Aspen
Aspen’s DEI committee was created in mid-2020, and the DEI Committee Action Plan was created. This established the framework for Aspen’s DEI committee, and established scholarships, mentorship/internship programs, and improved Aspen’s outreach in hiring opportunities.
Scholarship
Aspen launched its DEI Scholarship program in 2021, intending to promote and encourage BIPOC voices within the environmental profession. Since its inception, the program has awarded 14 scholarships to students pursuing a career in the environmental field. We are committed to continuing and expanding this program to reach more students in the coming years.
Internship
Aspen first conducted an internship program in 2023. Aspen recently completed our 2nd annual Environmental Sciences and Planning Internship Program, which was designed to engage diverse students from groups that have been typically underrepresented from the environmental field, as these perspectives are essential to tackling environmental challenges within the communities where we live, work, and serve. The program offered real-world, environmental consulting experience across multiple disciplines Biology, Cultural and Paleontological Field Studies, Environmental Compliance Documentation and GIS. After receiving more than 150 applications, two undergraduate students were selected to be in the internship program and were paired with teams in our Agoura Hills and Upland offices.
Goals of Aspen’s DEI Program
Aspen’s DEI Committee’s purpose is to encourage racial diversity and promote BIPOC involvement in the environmental field. Looking forward, Aspen strives to expand the internship program and continue awarding scholarships and deepen our commitment to supporting the next generation of environmental practitioners from diverse backgrounds.