Mariah Dignan embodies the essence of dedicated action. With a background deeply rooted in organized labor, Mariah’s unwavering commitment lies in cultivating a workforce that is both diverse and inclusive. She passionately champions the cause of bringing organized labor to the forefront. Mariah’s family history, from her grandfather’s journey as an Irish immigrant working as a NYC bus driver in the Transport Workers Union of America to her father’s current role at Laguardia, underlines her profound connection to this mission.
The offshore wind industry stands as a beacon of opportunity for all, with New York State mandates ensuring equal access. Mariah is at the helm of crafting a workforce that mirrors the rich diversity of New York, and in today’s economic climate, this is not just a need but an imperative.
In our exploration of Long Island’s future, we engage with Mariah Dignan, the Labor Manager at Community Offshore Wind. Her insights shed light on the immense potential of offshore wind energy and its pivotal role in fostering diversity within Long Island’s workforce.
Demystifying the Union Perspective:
Community Offshore Winds, a dynamic partnership between RWE Renewables and National Grid Ventures, represents a realm of possibilities. With the largest lease area in the New York Bight, poised to serve over a million and a half Long Islanders, Mariah’s mission is crystal clear: “To ensure that organized labor on Long Island is not only diverse but also equitable, inclusive, and justice focused.”
In New York, labor unions have historically been dominated by white males. However, winds of change are blowing, and Mariah is determined to hold the system accountable for its promises. She acknowledges the past but remains resolute that the future will be different. Mariah believes in the solidarity of labor unions, describing them as “family,” and underscores the progress made, such as the high retention rates and diversity in pre-apprenticeship programs.
Creating Opportunities for All:
Mariah’s approach to creating opportunities for all on Long Island is characterized by inclusivity, accessibility, and genuine grassroots efforts. Here’s a breakdown of her strategy:
Meeting People Where They Are: Mariah understands the diverse and multifaceted landscape of Long Island, recognizing that different communities have unique needs and challenges. Rather than imposing top-down solutions, she takes the time to understand the specific concerns of each community and tailors her approach accordingly.
Accessible Information: Mariah ensures that the information she provides is not only accessible but also impactful. This might involve using language and communication channels that resonate with the target audience, as well as breaking down complex information into easily understandable formats.
Grassroots Organizing: Mariah’s strategy is rooted in genuine grassroots organizing, which involves building connections and mobilizing communities from the ground up. By engaging directly with residents and community organizations, she fosters trust and collaboration, empowering local voices and initiatives.
Collaboration with Community Leaders: Mariah understands the importance of working closely with trusted community leaders who have deep roots and credibility within their respective neighborhoods. By partnering with these leaders, she gains valuable insights into the needs and priorities of the community, ensuring that her efforts are well-informed and effective.
Listening and Responding: Central to Mariah’s approach is the practice of active listening. She takes the time to listen to the concerns, ideas, and aspirations of community members, incorporating their feedback into her initiatives. This ensures that her work is truly responsive to the needs of the people she serves.
By employing these strategies, Mariah is able to create meaningful opportunities for all residents of Long Island, particularly those who are underserved and overlooked. Her commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and community engagement lays the foundation for positive and sustainable change in the region.
Diverse Career Paths in Offshore Wind:
A robust workforce necessitates awareness and education. Mariah understands the multifaceted requirements of building a strong workforce and supply chain. “We need scientists, engineers, project managers, CNC machinists, and more,” she emphasizes. Long Island residents, regardless of their backgrounds, can find their niche in this burgeoning industry.
Quality education is pivotal for Long Island’s future workforce. Mariah stresses the importance of standardized educational curricula that align with industry needs and bridge educational gaps, particularly in underserved communities.
Recognizing the significance of a diverse supply chain, Mariah advocates for partnerships with local chambers of commerce, vendor programs, and workshops. Certification as a Minority or Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) opens doors to grants and supply chain opportunities on Long Island.
Mariah’s Long-Term Vision:
Mariah underlines the need for clear standards and expectations in various job roles on Long Island. Collaboration between industry, academia, and the state is paramount. She highlights the value of grassroots organizing in dismantling historical and systemic barriers, as discussed earlier.
Mariah’s vision for Long Island in five years is compelling. She envisions Long Island’s skyline adorned not only with skyscrapers but also with majestic wind turbines gently turning just offshore.
Mariah recognizes the challenges of living in the New York area, with skyrocketing inflation and crippling student loan debt. Offshore wind opportunities can provide meaningful options for both young and seasoned Long Islanders who are increasingly seeking opportunities elsewhere. “These turbines symbolize not only clean energy but also opportunity and hope for Long Island,” Mariah notes.
For Mariah, these turbines signify economic revitalization for Long Island communities. They stand as beacons of change, inviting individuals from diverse backgrounds to embark on unique career journeys. These turbines signify Long Island’s transition to renewable energy and a more inclusive society.
Mariah likens Long Island’s collective efforts in offshore wind energy to a grand symphony. Each stakeholder, each individual, plays a unique instrument in this ensemble. From engineers crafting turbines to educators nurturing future Long Island workers, everyone contributes to this magnificent performance.
Mariah’s role is that of a conductor, ensuring that every note, every opportunity, harmoniously blends. “When the symphony reaches its crescendo,” she smiles, “we’ll witness not just the generation of clean energy but the transformation of lives on Long Island.”
A Vision Realized:
As our conversation concludes, Mariah’s passion for Long Island’s future radiates. Her vision for a cleaner, more inclusive, and sustainable Long Island through offshore wind energy resonates deeply. “I want to see individuals, regardless of their backgrounds, stepping into careers they never thought possible,” she shares. “I want to witness Long Island communities thriving, powered by the wind and the unbreakable spirit of the people who call Long Island home.”
Key Takeaways from Mariah Dignan’s Vision for Offshore Wind Energy and Inclusive Opportunities in Long Island
1. Inclusive Workforce Advocacy: Mariah Dignan’s dedication to cultivating a diverse and equitable workforce within the offshore wind industry exemplifies a commitment to inclusivity, inspired by her own family’s history of labor involvement.
2. Offshore Wind’s Transformative Potential: Mariah’s insights shed light on the vast potential of offshore wind energy as a driving force for change in Long Island’s economy and its role in creating diverse career opportunities, addressing historical labor imbalances.
3. The Symphony of Inclusivity: Mariah’s vision of Long Island’s future, marked by wind turbines gently turning offshore, symbolizes not just clean energy but also a beacon of opportunity and hope. Her analogy of a symphony emphasizes the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, ensuring a harmonious transition to renewable energy and inclusive societies on Long Island.
