PHN DEI
A recurring event showcasing real-world efforts to increase diversity, equity and inclusion using case study framing.
The PHN DEI case studies examine the struggles, showing lessons learned, celebrating successes, drawing new connections and revealing new possibilities. The series intends to investigate a wide variety of Passive House building industry aspects: education, professionals, ownership, occupancy, workforce, social justice, government, private business, policy, strategies, pilots and more.
The goal is to offer real world takeaways and inspiration for attendees to act on and make DEI an everyday priority in their Passive House and whole-life efforts.Â
The format is short presentation followed by moderated conversation. (attendees submit questions through chat )
The next PHN DEI event is scheduled for April 27 at Noon ET. Stay tuned for updates!
Fifth & Dinwiddie So Far
Noon ET, Thursday, February 9, 2023
The developer Derrick Tillman will discuss Fifth & Dinwiddie – a large mixed use project in Pittsburgh’s new EcoInnovation District – and how the team has incorporated DEI strategies in the project process of planning, design development and approvals to date, and what the opportunities hold going forward as construction starts this spring. Hear this important story and apply strategies discussed to your work.
Featuring:
Derrick Tillman is the President and CEO of Bridging the Gap Development, LLCÂ (BTG). BTG founded in 2006, is a socially responsible diversified real estate development firm based in Pittsburgh, PA. BTG develops a variety of projects including multifamily affordable housing, market-rate rental and homeownership properties, as well as mixed-use and commercial development projects. The firm has also been able to use its business acumen to innovatively train many unemployed and underemployed individuals with construction skills. BTG, itself a Minority Business Enterprise, is committed to providing opportunities to other M/WBEs. Derrick holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Pittsburgh.
Moderators:
Eddy Voltaire is a sustainability consultant with Design Construction & Sustainability Inc (DCS), a New York City-based firm. He is an experienced project and construction manager with a background in real estate, communications, and business development. While very diverse in experience, his approach often involves a distinct sense of play, aiming to put the fun in functional design. His work is guided by a strong belief in design as a problem-solving tool, connecting people, community, and environment. DCS’s work exists at the intersection of art and technology. Eddy holds a degree in architecture and energy management from New York Institute of Technology.
Sidpasamde Tiendrebeogo, (Sid) is from Burkina Faso, and is the president of the National Organization for Minority Architects at the New York Institute of Technology Manhattan campus, where she is a 5th year architecture student. Sid is planning to pursue a masters degree in Urban Design, with the goals of becoming a licensed architect and a professor of architecture.
