News | Jun 25, 2024 | Anne Keener
Airports Council International Selects Arora Engineers as Recipient of Inclusion Champion Award
We are honored to announce that Arora has been named the 2024 Inclusion Champion by Airport Council International! As a second-generation, minority-owned business, diversity is ingrained in every aspect of life at Arora and our executive leadership team, 70% of whom identify as non-white or female, is committed to fostering a culture of care and opportunity. Arora takes a proactive approach to building a future workforce that reflects the diversity of our communities. Our diverse leadership ensures a multitude of perspectives are included in crucial decision-making, and we aim to inspire future generations of engineers from all backgrounds to reach for leadership roles.
Manik Arora, President & CEO of Arora Engineers “Receiving the 2024 ACI Inclusion Champion Award is a profound honor for Arora Engineers, our subsidiaries, and our business partner, Jacmel Partners” said Manik Arora, President & CEO. “At Arora, inclusion is more than a principle—it’s a dynamic force driving our actions and shaping our legacy. As a minority-owned business, our journey has been marked by resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to diversity. Winning the ACI Inclusion Champion Award is an honor that validates our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and measurable impact. Our diverse workforce not only enriches our company culture but also enhances the quality of our projects, benefiting our aviation partners and the global communities we serve. This recognition is a testament to the impact of our collective efforts and inspires us to continue advancing equity and inclusion in the industry.”
Arora recognizes the importance of a diverse workforce and prioritizes collaboration to achieve it. When leading projects, we leverage our extensive subconsultant database to partner with SBE, MBE, WBE, and SDVOB firms to consistently surpass diverse participation goals. This ensures a diverse pool of talent, enriching the outcome of each of our innovative infrastructure projects. But collaboration doesn’t stop there. We also participate in events like the ACC Young Professionals Regional Meet-Up, an event which fosters connections between young professionals in aviation. By supporting such initiatives, we cultivate a more inclusive and dynamic industry.
We foster a diverse and inclusive aviation industry through a multi-pronged approach, partnering with educational institutions, sponsoring industry events, partnering with and mentoring other diverse firms, and offering internal training and mentorship programs. One way we cultivate the next generation of engineers is through our internship program. Students gain valuable, firsthand experience working alongside seasoned professionals. This program allows students to learn essential skills, contribute to real-world projects, and explore different engineering and administrative disciplines. A recent participant of our internship program expressed gratitude for his time at Arora, stating “One of the most valuable new skills I’ve learned during my internship so far is learning how to navigate building and fire codes. I’ve also learned about the importance of asking questions to further your career.”
We also partner with educational institutions, vocational programs, colleges, and universities. This collaboration ensures students have access to the latest industry knowledge and resources and allows Arora and our partners to benefit from the exceptional talents of co-op students, many of whom transition to full-time employment at Arora upon graduation (approximately 50% of interns become full time staff). Through internal training programs, educational partnerships, and industry event sponsorships, we are committed to mentoring the next generation of engineers and fostering a more inclusive and innovative infrastructure landscape. In addition, we are a long-term sponsor of events like the Philadelphia Regional Future City Competition, a STEM-based program where middle school students design sustainable cities. By supporting such initiatives, we spark young minds’ interest in engineering and inspire them to pursue careers in infrastructure development.
Internally, we host a lunch & learn series where engineers share expertise and stay current on industry trends. This knowledge-sharing platform fosters collaboration, innovation, and empowers engineers to excel in their fields. Additionally, Arora’s employees have access to a comprehensive library of resources to prepare for professional licensure exams, like the FE and PE. This commitment to ongoing education ensures our team stays at the forefront of industry trends and best practices. Arora is proud to cultivate a vibrant and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and contribute their unique talents. This diverse and talented workforce is the cornerstone of our success and a driving force in shaping a more equitable aviation industry.
