AGC HR Forum: November 2026

Open to AGC members, the AGC HR Forum meetings are held monthly, September through May. Forums will be held in a hybrid format.

Please join AGC ‘s longest continuous member, Knutson Construction, to learn about BuildUp, their newly developed mentorship program. BuildUp was created to ensure emerging professionals have someone invested in their success as they navigate their careers in construction. The program accomplishes this by pairing participants with experienced mentors who provide guidance, share their experiences, and offer support throughout their growth journey. Through these relationships, participants build confidence, gain perspective, and develop as future leaders.

Speakers Ana Lowery and Steph Ekeren will walk participants through the basic concepts of the program, current successes and potential growth.

In addition, we’ll hear from YWCA St. Paul’s Martika Lowers, Senior Director of Programs, who will discuss their Velocity program, a workforce development and skilled-trades pathways program designed to help participants explore career opportunities, build skills, and connect with employers and mentors. Connecting with this group can open doors for participants to gain different perspectives that are hard to replicate in the classroom or training environment.

Schedule*:
7:45am – Doors open; light breakfast and networking
8:00am – Program begins with pre-meeting updates (Online people should join at this time)
8:10-8:25am – Community Organization Spotlight – YWCA St. Paul – Martika Lowers
8:30-9:00 – Spotlight Speakers – Ana Lowery and Steph Ekeren
9:00-9:10 –Q&A Knutson team
9:10-9:30 – Open Forum – other mentorship programs
9:30-9:40 – Closing announcements
9:40-10:00 – Additional networking
*schedule is subject to change if critical information is made available

Registration:
Please indicate whether you will attend in person or virtually, so we can accurately order food. A meeting invite with a Teams link will be sent to the HR Forum distribution list, along with anyone else registering and indicating virtual attendance.

Parking:
When you arrive, you'll see the back of the building first, as the parking lot is located behind the building. After parking, you can enter through the main entrance directly from the lot.

Construction update:
The 394 corridor from downtown to St. Louis Park has been under construction for most of the year. It is assumed construction will be completed by this date. However, please check your driving route for any detours.

Thank you to Knutson for Hosting & Sponsoring the Breakfast!

Speaker Bios

Ana Lowery

Diversity, Inclusion & Community Partner

As Diversity, Inclusion & Community Partner, Ana Lowery leads initiatives focused on workforce development, business inclusion, and community partnerships. Her work is centered on connecting people to opportunities that support personal and professional growth. Through programs like BuildUp and the Knutson Alliance Program, she helps create pathways into the construction industry while strengthening community relationships.

Steph Ekeren

Senior Human Resource Manager

Since joining Knutson Construction in 2022, I’ve focused on shaping talent management programs, diversity initiatives, and compliance processes that support both field and office teams. I’m passionate about fostering a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and respect, ensuring every employee has positive experiences and opportunities for growth in our dynamic industry. Outside of work, I enjoy exploring local real estate, traveling, and spending time with my family and two Frenchies.

When:

November 18, 2026
08:00 am - 10:00 am
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Where:

7515 Wayzata Boulevard
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55426
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Contact:

Heidi Sedlacek
612-743-5884
hsedlacek@agcmn.org