How IPF Lives Its Values: People
Women in Skilled Trades program helps diversify trades with IPF support
A burgeoning program for women with a knack for tools provided Samantha Forsyth with a life-changing opportunity she otherwise might not have considered.
She loved working with her hands, and cherished the satisfaction of seeing a task through step by step and completing it. For Forsyth, a four-year degree wasn’t a good fit. She was in debt, had a child to support and had reservations about going down an educational path that she might regret upon completion.
Through Women in Skilled Trades, a program supported by IPF, she ensured that her educational investment would be rewarding. She gained knowledge, confidence and support, earning accreditation to become an apprentice electrician for Superior Electric Great Lakes. Her career was set in motion, all in the span of 13 weeks.
IPF hosts higher education facilities leaders from across Michigan at campus conference
For three days in March, IPF welcomed nearly 500 MiAPPA members to campus to collaborate, share ideas and learn about ways to improve educational environments and facilities.
MiAPPA, the Michigan chapter of the national Association of Physical Plant Administrators (APPA) is an organization that focuses on leadership in educational facilities. The conference provides members an opportunity to network with other higher education institutions and vendors in Michigan that support our campus infrastructures.
IPF receives diversity and inclusion award
For its innovations in using data, internal and external review, and inclusive practices at all levels to meaningfully change the culture, IPF was awarded a Unit – Excellent Progress toward Diversity Collaboration award from the Office of Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives.
In 2016, IPF leaders embarked on a path of critical self-reflection, specifically to examine its effectiveness in creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. With input from internal stakeholders, an external review team, and fair bit of courage, the IPF leadership team examined every policy and practice that governs their work.
Leadership Assessment Tool helps build IPF's future
In 2016, the Executive Leadership Team identified succession planning an essential long-term strategy for IPF. With large numbers of employees nearing retirement eligibility, planning for future leadership development is critical. However, there were very few clearly identified paths for career development available.
The project team that formed to tackle this challenge created a self-examination tool to help IPF employees advance their skills in leadership, identify their strengths and highlight areas for development.