Cushing Terrell Announces Associate Principal Sheri Blattel Has Been Named to Zweig Group’s 2024 ElevateHER Cohort
Multidisciplinary design firm Cushing Terrell is proud to announce Sheri Blattel has been accepted into Zweig Group’s 2024 ElevateHER® cohort, a group focused on developing and disseminating pragmatic solutions to the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry’s recruitment and retention crisis. See the complete list of cohort members here.
Sheri Blattel, Associate Principal and Design Director, Cushing Terrell
“Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to paving the way for myself and others in the AEC industry,” Blattel said of the appointment. “Underrepresented groups continue to struggle to find a place and a sense of belonging in our industry, and without those different perspectives and life experiences, our industry is lacking in its ability to truly innovate when it comes to the built environment. Individually, we can be allies and advocates; and together, we can turn intention into action. Being part of this cohort is an incredible opportunity to engage with a community of like-minded individuals and expand our insights and influence.”
In addition to her roles as associate principal and design director for Cushing Terrell’s Retail group, Blattel leads the firm’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging efforts. She was chosen for this role due to her long-term dedication to breaking down barriers, building awareness, and elevating diverse voices.
“Sheri has been a trusted leader and an unfailing voice of conscience for us here at Cushing Terrell,” President Greg Matthews said. “She has been instrumental in making us a better firm, helping us continually improve with our efforts to pursue, achieve, and preserve a culture that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion — within our firm, the AEC industry, our partnerships, and our communities. She is an excellent choice for the ElevateHER® cohort.”
ElevateHER® was founded in 2019 with a focus on forging pathways to success for underrepresented groups by serving as the connector and central hub for relevant resources and information. Since its inception, the initiative has brought together more than 120 alumni, 50 esteemed speakers and advisors, and 60 partnering AEC firms. New cohort members can continue to build on any established ElevateHER® project or work with other cohort members to come up with a new ideas and projects. Solutions from past cohorts are hosted/curated as open resources and are available on the ElevateHER® website.
“Authentic and industry-shaping diversity initiatives like those envisioned by the ElevateHER® cohort foster inclusive workplaces that attract, retain, and develop an increasingly diverse workforce,” said Jeremy Clarke, Director of Executive Search and Recruiting at Zweig Group. “By supporting and embracing these initiatives, AEC firms build stronger teams, drive innovation, and meaningfully position themselves as employers-of-choice in an intensely competitive market.”
The 2024 cohort will meet in-person for the first time at the ElevateHER® Symposium on March 6, 2024, in Irving, Texas, to kick off their mission-driven journey.
About Cushing Terrell
Cushing Terrell was founded in 1938 on the belief that integrating architecture, engineering, and design opens the doors for deepened relationships and enhanced creativity. This foundation continues to define the firm and its multidisciplinary team today. Driven by empathy, the team works to design systems and spaces that help people live their best lives and enjoy healthy, sustainable built environments. With more than 400 team members spanning 30-plus disciplines and expertise across the commercial, education, government, healthcare, infrastructure, residential, and retail markets, the firm has offices in Colorado, Idaho, Louisiana, Minnesota, Montana, Texas, and Washington. For more information about Cushing Terrell, visit cushingterrell.com.
