In this episode of The Robotics Engineering Experience, Travis Schneider talks with Jorgen Pedersen, CEO of RE2 Robotics, Amy Tisdale, Head of Talent for RE2 Robotics, and Nate Broadus, Workforce Specialist at Catalyst Connection, about the need for diversity, equity and inclusion in robotics.  Catalyst Connection is an economic agency that strives to support small- to medium-sized manufacturers in the Pittsburgh region. 

In his role, Nate works with Catalyst Connection's Real Jobs Initiative, which was created to help people with a technical aptitude and interest in manufacturing to find a pathway to careers in manufacturing, robotics and advanced manufacturing.  The panel discusses RE2's role in the Real Jobs initiative, how the initiative is helping Pittsburgh's status as a leader in advanced manufacturing, and how it is helping to create opportunities for underserved and underrepresented groups. In addition, the group talks about RE2's diversity, equity and inclusion goals, and the company's focus on its "people-first" values, which include trust, respect, integrity and positivity.   

Links to organizations mentioned in this episode:  

Catalyst Connection: https://www.catalystconnection.org 

Nate Broadus email: nbroadus@catalystconnection.org 

RE2 Robotics: https://www.resquared.com

Making Your Future: https://makingyourfuture.org