Southland Announces Inaugural People First Resource Group

Garden Grove, CA – In alignment with its core values and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), Southland Industries recently announced its first official People First Resource Group, Women of Southland.

Comparable to widely known Employee Resources Groups (ERGs), People First Resource Groups (PFRGs) are volunteer-based employee identity or experienced-based network groups that build community, provide support, and contribute to personal and professional development in the work environment.

Aligned with Southland's aspiration to build a workforce that's as diverse as the people who occupy the buildings they design, build, and maintain, the PFRG initiatives are open to all employees. Providing resources, support, and advocacy for employees to network, socialize, learn, and develop, the PFRGs boost company culture and morale through inclusivity and engagement. Additionally, the PFRGs are dedicated to nurturing talent across all organizational levels with a long-term goal of cultivating future leaders while further enhancing the diversity and strength of Southland's workforce.

"The Women of Southland People First Resource Group is a company-sponsored initiative that supports activities and relationships that organically started within Southland at the grassroots level. We are committed to enhancing this support by providing additional opportunities and resources," said Lisa Starr, Chief Human Resources Officer, and executive co-sponsor of the Women of Southland People First Resource Group. 

The inaugural event was kicked off by keynote speaker Alicia Robinson, Trade Constructability Lead at Southland. Alicia was recently honored with the Tradeswomen Heroes Award from North America's Building Trade Unions in September 2023, coinciding with the release of her debut book Successful Sister.

Linda Smart, Chief Information Officer, and executive co-sponsor of the Women of Southland People First Resource Group, shared, "The Women of Southland People First Resource Group not only captures an active audience, but engages a large network of women and others who foster the culture and diversity of Southland. I look forward to the opportunities this presents and am excited for the momentum this initiative will generate."