New Headquarters Will Prepare Young Professionals for Careers in New Energy Economy.
As part of its ongoing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, Shell USA, Inc. is pledging $5 million to the National Urban League (NUL) to build a new headquarters in Harlem, New York.The new headquarters will house The Urban Civil Rights Museum in Harlem, New York City’s first-ever museum dedicated to civil rights.
It will also include a new 20,000-square-foot conference center, which will serve as hub for training and development in numerous fields including science and technology literacy to prepare young professionals to compete in the 21st Century economy. The space will also provide a platform for summits to train small business, non-profit, and community leaders in strategies around energy efficiency to promote sustainable approaches that address environmental concerns.
“This contribution underscores Shell’s deep commitment to social justice, community, diversity, equity and inclusion,” said Glenn Wright, senior vice president of Shell Renewables & Energy Solutions and NUL board member. “We’re proud to be part of development opportunities for young professionals, and I’m excited at the possibility that there are those who will come through this space and pursue careers in the energy sector.”
The new $242 million, 414,000-square-foot headquarters will be named the Urban Empowerment Center and will include a community center and affordable housing. Upon completion in 2025, the Urban League Empowerment Center will be one of the most significant economic development projects in Harlem’s recent history.
This center will create the opportunity to prepare minority workers across the US for careers in renewable and sustainable energy by developing NUL affiliate leaders’ capacity to create and deliver dynamic programs in their communities.
Shell has supported the NUL for more than 50 years to create opportunities for people in underserved communities.
“Shell has long held a vital role within the Urban League Movement and on our Board of Trustees, and has put the principles of justice, diversity, inclusion, and opportunity at the forefront of its work, said Marc H. Morial, president and CEO National Urban League. “Shell’s invaluable support of the Urban League Empowerment Center is especially meaningful because it was Shell’s former President and the transformational chair of the National Urban League Board of Trustees, the late John Hofmeister, who was the guiding force behind the project’s conception and development. We are proud and grateful for our partnership.”
