Autodesk Research Community and Women in BIM launch equality and inclusion initiative

Women in BIM (WIB) has entered into a strategic partnership for 2023 with Autodesk Research Community (ARC) and All Voices Heard. 

This partnership is the first of ARC’s “All Voices Heard” initiative to drive diversity, inclusion and new opportunities. Coming together in this way allows both WIB and ARC to support increased equality across the built environment.

Both parties have common interests to nurture talent and promote growth in digital skills and capabilities. The partnership brings with it the opportunity to also increase respect and fairness across the construction industry with focused activities and tasks around showcasing female and gender minorities in digital roles.

Key objectives for the coming year as part of this partnership include:  

1. Raising awareness and attract more members to WIB and Autodesk Research Community through our partnership 
2. Recruit diverse voices, experiences and insights to aid research conducted by the Autodesk Research Community
3. Share Autodesk Research Community’s research to develop technology, products and services needed to create dynamic solutions.

Together we aim to build a better future for those who work in the built environment over the next 12 months, the partnership aims to minimize bias in the industry by supporting fairness and respect. 

Our efforts will include: 

• Proactively invite women in the BIM or digital construction space to take part in research feedback opportunities to identify, highlight and improve product and industry challenges
• Showcase Member success, especially female professionals in senior roles, to support and encourage future female leaders 
• Share digital intelligence to provide women in the industry with skills and knowledge to help advance their expertise and careers

JoAnna Cook, Vice President of AEC Design Solutions at Autodesk says:  

“As a customer-focused company, it’s imperative to consider the diverse voices and experiences we serve around the world.  

“Autodesk aims to deliver innovative solutions with the tools and technology we create to solve our collective challenges, within our industries and globally. We achieve this when we have fair and balanced representation in our customer feedback to deliver a more inclusive and equitable future for all.  

“We’re excited to launch this initiative with Women in BIM and better understand how we can deliver impact even further.” 

Rebecca De Cicco, Founder of Women in BIM added: 

“We are excited to receive support and partnership from the Autodesk Research Community which shares our values and drive to ensure women in BIM have a represented voice within the industry. 

“We look forward to working together to elevate and profile the great achievements of our Members but also inspire and encourage more female leaders into the digital built environment to speak up and contribute. We also look to future proof women’s careers by learning more about innovation and technology with Autodesk and the industry.”

If you would like to join the Autodesk Research Community and be invited to contribute to research that will help shape and influence your Autodesk experience, please sign up here.