Women in Environmental, Construction, Architecture, and Engineering Professions
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
4 to 5:30 pm | Virtual
PRESENTED BY: NYCBP, BCONE, NJ LSRPA, NJ SWEP
TOPIC - ADVOCACY, POLICY, AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT: UNDERSTANDING THE RULES AND NAVIGATING THE CONVERSATION
Nonprofits, professional associations, educational institutions, and private businesses all play an important role in educating the public and engaging in policy discussions — but the rules around political activity, advocacy, lobbying, and public engagement are often nuanced and misunderstood.
This timely discussion will explore the legal and practical boundaries organizations and individuals should understand when participating in public policy conversations, particularly during a midterm election year. Attendees will gain insight into what nonprofits, member organizations, construction firms, engineering companies, and other businesses can and cannot do when it comes to supporting or opposing legislation, engaging with elected officials, educating the public, or participating in political discourse.
The panel will also explore how organizations involved in government-funded programs like EPA Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund and grant applications can ensure communications, outreach, and advocacy efforts remain compliant and appropriately structured. A speaker from NJIT with expertise in EPA grant assistance programs will discuss best practices for maintaining clear boundaries and transparency throughout the grant application and implementation process.
Featuring communications expert Sam Biederman and grant expert Nat Francesco, the conversation will cover both organizational best practices and the personal realities of navigating political and policy conversations in professional settings, written documents, on social media, and in everyday interactions.
They will discuss:
- The differences between advocacy, lobbying, political activity, and public education
- What nonprofits, trade groups, educational institutions, and private businesses are permitted to do under the law
- Best practices for public communications, educational programming, and policy engagement
- Considerations for organizations involved in EPA and other government-funded grant programs
- How to ensure grant-related outreach and public engagement efforts remain compliant and transparent
- Navigating political discussions professionally and respectfully in the workplace and online
- Understanding risks, boundaries, and reputational considerations during an election cycle
Moderator: Laura Senkevitch, Executive Director - NYC Brownfield Parntership
Panelists:
- Sam Biederman, Principal and Founder, Biederman LLC
- Nat Francesco, Brownfield Redevelopment Specialist, NJIT
Registration Cost:
- $25 for NYCBP, BCONE, LSRPA and NJSWEP Members*
- $75 for Non-Members
*Registration Code needed for BCONE, LSRPA and NJSWEP Members (email alazo@eaglesoars.com)
Become a Sponsor:
- Event Sponsor: $500 (includes logo placement and one comped registration)
