Commitment to Equity in Engineering 

Commitment to Equity in Engineering

Milhouse Engineering and Construction, Inc. (Milhouse) stands out not only for its exceptional projects and innovative expertise but also for its unwavering commitment to diversity and equity. Founded on the core values of active diversity, fierce integrity, constant quality, and intentional safety, Milhouse aims to become a face of progress in the industry.

This blog highlights Milhouse’s dedication to promoting diversity and equity in engineering. By showcasing specific initiatives and accomplishments, we aim to demonstrate how Milhouse is shaping the future of engineering while creating a more inclusive and sustainable workforce. Together, we can build a future where every voice is heard, every talent is nurtured, and every opportunity is within reach.

Milhouse’s Vision and Commitment to Diversity

At Milhouse, we are driven by the strength of our differences. Our core value of active diversity emphasizes inclusivity, respect, and empowerment. We are committed to cultivating a team that represents and connects with the communities we impact. This steadfast intent shapes our mission to create an environment where diversity is not only welcomed but celebrated.

In an industry where varied perspectives drive creativity and problem-solving, Milhouse embraces our differences as sources of strength. Our team reflects the diverse communities we serve, bringing together different cultures, backgrounds, races, genders, ages, and experiences. This unity is what sets us apart.

One way we aim to create a more equitable engineering workforce is by increasing our current 30% women representation to 40%, significantly higher than the industry standard of 16%. This goal reflects our commitment to gender equity and our belief that a diverse team enhances our overall effectiveness and innovation. Our recruitment and hiring practices prioritize diversity, and we offer mentorship and career development programs to support women in their professional growth. In 2024, Milhouse received three high rankings based on reviews from the women of Milhouse on the InHerSight platform, a leading company reviews platform used by millions of working women to inform their career decisions. Out of over 150,000 U.S. companies, Milhouse has achieved notable rankings: #1 Best Civil Engineering Company to Work For, #2 Best Construction Company to Work For, and #16 Best Company for Support for Diversity. The platform specifically highlights Milhouse’s top ratings for equal opportunities for women and men, support for diversity, and women in leadership roles, distinguishing Milhouse as a trailblazer in creating an inclusive and supportive workplace.

Women in STEM Event

Another way we demonstrate our commitment to gender equity is through Milhouse’s Women in STEM event. This is a dynamic occasion designed to celebrate and empower women in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This event focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), providing a platform for women to share their experiences, gain insights, and build supportive networks. The event is significant as it supports the professional growth of women in STEM and educates all gender identities on the importance of inclusion and advocacy. This event plays a crucial role in encouraging young women to explore and pursue STEM careers by showcasing role models and providing mentorship opportunities.

ComEd’s Power Up Academy

As a part of Milhouse’s mission to cultivate a team and industry that represents the communities we impact, we are proud to be a part of ComEd’s Power Up Academy. This is a career training program aimed at expanding and diversifying the pipeline of technical talent necessary for the clean energy transition in Illinois. This program recruits diverse, local talent for entry-level roles in the energy sector, providing a pathway to careers in engineering and technical fields without requiring a college degree. The program’s objective is to prepare participants for technical roles that support engineering teams, ultimately helping to scale the energy workforce to meet the rising demand for clean energy jobs. Milhouse’s role in Power Up Academy included collaborating on curriculum development, providing mentors and instructors, and offering hands-on training opportunities for participants. Milhouse also actively participated in the selection and recruitment process, ensuring that diverse, local candidates are given the opportunity to join the program.

The Power Up Academy has a profound impact on the community by creating pathways to well-paying, sustainable careers in the energy sector. By focusing on local and diverse talent, the program not only enhances individual career prospects but also contributes to the economic development and social mobility of the communities served. The academy helps build a future workforce equipped to handle the demands of the clean energy transition, ensuring that the benefits of this transition are widely shared.

A diverse workforce brings a variety of perspectives and ideas, leading to more innovative and sustainable engineering solutions. Inclusivity enhances our ability to address complex environmental and societal challenges. Not only does it drive innovation but also strengthens community ties, enhances company reputation, and ensures long-term success and sustainability. Milhouse is unwavering in its commitment to equity and diversity, recognizing these principles as essential to our success and the betterment of the engineering industry. We encourage other companies to embrace diversity and equity, fostering a more inclusive and innovative industry. Our vision is to lead by example, continuously promoting diversity and equity to shape a more inclusive and sustainable future for engineering.

Interested in joining our team? View current openings here: https://milhouseinc.com/careers/opportunities/