DEI | Schuler Shook

DEI

We hold diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential values in our practice.

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Acknowledging, affirming, and engaging with people of all identities, abilities, beliefs, and socioeconomic positions creates a wider span of thought, greater breadth of participation, and better understanding of one another. It strengthens our culture and illuminates our perspectives.

Learning and Growing

We are committed to advancing our efforts to build a more equitable company. We actively participate in ongoing training, and we weave the values and practice of diversity, equity, and inclusion into our everyday activities, from broadening the pipeline into our profession to how we design and where we spend our time and resources.

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

A unified DEI Committee made up of team members from across our different offices guides our internal and outreach goals. Through this team, we have actionable initiatives that promote our growth.

Initiatives

Outreach

We seek to engage the community and increase awareness of our professions in Theatre Planning, Architectural Lighting Design, and Audio Video Design. We also seek to partner with students, professional organizations, community groups, and collaborators to foster enduring relationships. If you are interested in learning more about our professions, please reach out to dei@schulershook.com.

Writing for Publication

This initiative provides an avenue for our team to practice inclusion through the research, writing, and publication of diverse perspectives, experiences, and skills that exist within Schuler Shook. Through the publication of white papers, case studies, and other forms of writing, we strive to continue our legacy as creative, committed leaders in our field while fostering equity and inclusion.

Spark Mentorship Program

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training

We engage in firmwide training throughout the year, advancing our understanding and practice of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Training and Mentorship subcommittee coordinates with external professional diversity, equity, and inclusion educators to engage us on various topics. The work that comes after is often the most rewarding, and we are continually applying what we learn into our practice.

DEI Moment

To see continual growth, we hold the necessary conversations and remind ourselves of how we can enact these values daily. At every all-staff meeting, a member from the DEI Committee presents a specific topic under the diversity, equity, and inclusion umbrella. This helps to keep our values at the forefront and shapes our understanding of the world today.

Together, we strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.

Schuler Shook practices the following

Maintaining a safe environment that welcomes open dialogue and increases awareness among our team

Outreach efforts through school programs, internships, and training opportunities

Supporting student opportunities through ACE Mentor programs

Participation in organizations such as Women in Lighting and Design and Women+ in Theatre

Engagement and collaboration with DEI Committees of professional groups such as AIA, USITT, ASTC, IALD, and IES

Participation in projects with social and community benefit

Support of minority-owned businesses in our subcontracting and business operations

Advocating for inclusive design for all people