Q&A with Haewon Kim-LaBroad, Hoefer Welker Principal and Director of Clinical Planning
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) and mentorship are pillars for success in high-performing workplaces, yet they can often be overlooked in the day-to-day hustle. In this final blog of our three-part series, we spoke with Haewon Kim-LaBroad about the importance of mentorship and DE&I opportunities in architecture today.
What does Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Mentorship mean to you?
Diversity, equity, inclusion and mentorship are all about bringing people with different backgrounds together to raise the quality of our work. At Hoefer Welker, we focus on making investments to create fair and impartial opportunities for every potential and existing team member. We consciously develop programs and opportunities that allow others to share their unique experience and knowledge. When we give our associates these opportunities, our whole company improves. Having the opportunity to learn from a diverse group of individuals and personal mentors advances individual professional development and group knowledge.
What is your approach to understanding the perspectives of your coworkers from different backgrounds?
I ask questions and seek clarification to understand a person’s perspective. People come to Hoefer Welker from all kinds of backgrounds. Different racial, ethnic, cultural, or socioeconomic backgrounds within our team inform and contribute to each of our projects. We need to understand what each team member brings to the conversation to collaborate effectively. Asking respectful questions to gain understanding is my first step when working with new colleagues.
What are the most rewarding and challenging things about working in a large, diverse team?
The challenges of working on a diverse team are also the positives. New and different ideas that contradict your own can change how you think about certain situations and solutions. While that can be a challenge, it opens a whole world of thinking you would never have had the opportunity to explore. Teams with diverse working backgrounds inform new processes to create excellent work for our clients.
Do you think mentorship is important for diversity within your industry?
Absolutely. Having a mentor with a similar background and professional focus is especially rewarding. Those individuals can help relate to your struggles at work or, more generally, as a professional in your industry. I’ve been lucky to have these kinds of mentors who have helped me be comfortable showing my true self. I’ve learned I don’t need to try to fit in in every scenario with the people around me. Embracing your uniqueness is a great thing. Creating lasting, meaningful mentor relationships is essential for individuals to continue to learn and grow in their field.
I’ve learned I don’t need to try to fit in in every scenario with the people around me. Embracing your uniqueness is a great thing.
What would you say to someone who is considering becoming a mentor?
Openness and honesty are key. Mentors need to be ready to give constructive criticism, share their successes and failures, and provide their mentees with information and guidance that will help them grow to the stage in their careers. It is also important to remember that you are not the only one with unique knowledge. Mentors can learn just as much from their mentees’ experience in our ever-changing industry.
What advice would you give a young professional looking to develop a mentor relationship?
Reach out to leaders you admire or who exhibit a growth path or leadership style that mirrors your goals or that you admire. Listening to their stories and hearing their career advice is just the first step. Make actionable plans from what you learn. Keep yourself accountable on your career path and ask for guidance when you find yourself at roadblocks.
Make actionable plans from what you learn. Keep yourself accountable on your career path and ask for guidance when you find yourself at roadblocks.
What organizations would you recommend for people to get involved in to help develop those mentor relationships?
Start with industry organizations that your peers are a part of. Go to events, participate in discussions, and network with people you meet. Then, find other groups that align with your projected career path or that resonate with your personal goals and passions.
