Profiles in Diversity Journal® Third Quarter Magazine 2024 by Diversity Journal

The singular power of diversity

Dechert is a leading global law firm dedicated to amplifying diverse viewpoints and experiences to develop the highest caliber of talent, leadership and service for our clients.

Diversity Leader, Asian Leadership Award, Latino Leadership Award, Women Worth Watching in STEM –Profiles in Diversity Journal, 2024

International Firm of the Year for Diverse Women Lawyers, European Women in Business Law Awards – Euromoney, 2023

Mansfield Plus Certification U.S. and UK –Diversity Lab, 2023

100 Best Companies, Top Companies for Executive Women and Inclusion Index – Seramount, 2023

Leader in LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion – Human Rights Campaign, 2023 (for the 11th consecutive year)

Best Law Firms to Work For, Named Among Top 10 Law Firms – Vault, 2023

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Profiles in Diversity Journal® is a quarterly magazine dedicated to promoting and advancing diversity and inclusion in the corporate, government, nonprofit, higher education, and military sectors. For more than 26 years, we have helped to stimulate organizational change by showcasing the visionary leadership, innovative programs, and committed individuals that are making it happen.

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Dear Readers,

Leadership is always on the forefront of our minds at Profiles in Diversity Journal® and leadership in its many forms graces the pages of this magazine now approaching our 4th decade.

Companies that seek recognition for their employees by nominating them for Profiles in Diversity Journal’s® leadership awards strike us as forward-thinking and valuesdriven organizations.

These companies demonstrate their commitment to celebrating excellence, fostering inclusion, and empowering their workforce. They understand that recognizing leadership is more than just a ceremonial act—it’s an investment in their people, their culture, and their future.

They also know that this magazine is an opportunity to trumpet their horn and tell the world about outstanding employees who are not content with the status quo for themselves or their companies. These sterling employees, who have become senior leaders, say they have been mentored by the best and now they are reaching out to professionals of all backgrounds and encouraging them to make the company more successful in a diverse world.

By honoring these deserving employees, these special companies amplify the contributions of those who exemplify resilience, innovation, and positive change. They also show their true colors, championing leadership that reflects the very best of their organizational values and dedication to diversity. And they wisely recognize that leaders are not cookie cutters. This magazine profiles leaders at the height of their careers who were first generation college students or who worked blue collar jobs or who translated English for their parents. In other words, ordinary people who became extraordinary successes in the hands of great organizations.

It’s a credit to these companies that they are actively shaping their workplace culture by acknowledging the hard work and unique qualities of these employees, reinforcing a sense of belonging and inspiration throughout the organization.

In this issue, we honor 70 winners of our Women Worth Watching® in Leadership awards, 18 Emerging Leaders, 12 Veteran Leaders and four Native American Leaders. These real-live examples of leadership recognition are the positive and powerful results of our collaboration with the employer organizations represented in this issue.

Balancing the award winners in this issue are articles that discuss leadership, mentorship, advocacy and even give some practical steps on how these wonderful winners were able to step into their roles and how they are helping others do the same. We hope you enjoy and benefit by reading the winner’s profiles and articles in this issue.

We'd love to receive your feedback.

Leadership awards nominations are now open for the 4th Quarter 2024 issue. Consider joining us for another celebration of personal accomplishment and leadership.

Sincerely,

James R. Rector Founder & Publisher

Since 1999

PAGE 12

Diversity, Inclusion, and The Bottom Line

By Amanda J. Felkey, PhD

Study after study shows that Fortune 500 companies that practice diversity and inclusion earn more revenue and profit than those that don’t. One theory is that those companies find it easier to recruit and engage the best and brightest from all backgrounds. But diversity and inclusion has to be part of the fabric of an organization, not an empty boast, if it hopes to be successful.

PAGE 16

2024 Native American Indigenous Leadership Awards

Meet PDJ’s 2024 Native American Indigenous Leadership Award winners and their inspiring stories on how they made their dreams come true and why they continue to advocate for all Native Americans. Whether a child of a railroad family or an adoptee on a farm, they all relate tales that are well worth reading and understanding.

PAGE 22

No more Backlash: The New DEI Approach

By Michael Stuber

The DEI backlash is real. That’s why it’s time for DEI experts to use effective programs, stress their relevance and make sure senior leadership is involved and engaged. It’s the only way to keep DEI alive and growing.

PAGE 24

2024 Veteran Leadership Awards

Profiles in Diversity Journal® celebrates our twelve veterans in the workforce who have taken the skills gained from their military experience and built companies, led law firms and managed teams. These leaders discuss their work and their goals while reminding everyone of the importance of hiring a vet.

PAGE 38

How I Became a Successful Hispanic American Lawyer

By Christina Guerola Sarchio

Christina Guerola Sarchio’s interest in the law began as a young child translating and advocating for her immigrant parents. This first generation lawyer tells us how she used her knowledge of that world and her legal skills to advocate for herself, search for mentors and succeed in the field of law.

PAGE 40

2024 Emerging Leaders Awards

We are proud to honor our first ever Emerging Leaders Award winners. This is a new initiative to recognize the outstanding leadership and contributions of emerging professionals within organizations. The eighteen profiles that appear in this issue recognize and celebrate the hard work and impressive achievements of these Emerging Leaders.

PDJ’s Women Worth Watching continue to live up to their name. In this issue, we catch up with 70 winners who have earned a major promotion, taken their skills and talents to a new firm or started their own business. Check out the advice and affirmations of this year’s winners. Their wisdom is sure to help support diversity, inclusion, and equity in your organization. PAGE 60

Breaking Barriers: Redefining Executive Presence for Women

By Vanessa Roknic

Despite significant strides towards gender equality, gender biases still exist in our society. Women continue to face systemic barriers and unconscious biases that undermine their credibility in the workplace.

2024 Women Worth Watching® in Leadership Awards

PAGE 136

Where are they now?

Catch up with another 22 past Women Worth Watching® Award recipients and find out what they’ve been up to professionally. Whether they have moved up the career ladder, joined a new team, or struck out on their own, their contributions and achievements continue to impress and inspire.

PAGE 160

Corporate Index

Check out the list of organizations that appeared and/or advertised in this issue. Their contributions are invaluable.

CONGRATULATIONS

You are empowering leaders and uplifting voices that reflect the strength, resilience and diversity of the community we serve — voices that inspire change and create opportunities for future generations.

AAON

Rebecca Thompson

Chief Financial Officer/ Vice President of Finance & Treasurer................................66

Akin

Shiva Aminian Partner...................................................67

Akin

Michelle Chan Partner...................................................68

AMD, Inc.

Hanneke Krekels

Corporate Vice President, CEO Operations......................................69

AMD, Inc.

Renee Parentee

Director, Technology & Product Engineering Program Management............................70

AT&T Business

Kate Deloach

Associate VP, Sales, Wholesale................71

AT&T Business

Shelley Goodman

Senior Vice President, AT&T Indirect Alliance Channels...................................72

AT&T Business

Meghan Warren

Chief of Staff for FirstNet & Public Sector

Mobility at AT&T.....................................73

Axinn, Veltrop & Harkrider LLP

Rebecca L. Clegg Counsel.................................................74

Catalyst

Kelly Montes Executive Director, US.............................75

Circana

Lauren Cosby VP, Product Management........................76

Circana Helene Yen Principal................................................77

Cohen Ziffer Frenchman & McKenna LLP

Maria Brinkmann Associate...............................................78

Coldwell Banker Warburg

Kevelyn Guzman Regional Vice President..........................79

Common Spirit/Dignity Health

Diane L. Martin

Division Director, Marketing.....................80

Curriculum Associates

Kelly Sia President...............................................81

DRG Talent

Heather Gowdy Partner...................................................83

DRG Talent

Dara Z. Klarfeld Chief Executive Officer............................84

DTO Law

Lauren Hudecki Partner...................................................85 Entergy

Kimberly Cook-Nelson

Executive Vice President, Nuclear Operations, and Chief Nuclear Officer......86

FordHarrison LLP

Johanna G. Zelman Partner...................................................87

FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation

Sarah Karlgaard Partner...................................................88

FUJIFILM North America Corporation

Ashley Reeder Morgan

Vice President of Consumer Products for the Imaging Division...............................89

Dechert LLP

Siew Kam Boon Partner..................................................82

Gallaudet University

Dr. Khadijat K Rashid Provost..................................................90

Company and Executive 2024 Award Winners

(company names in alphabetical order)

Gibbons P.C.

Renée L. Monteyne

Director of Professional and Organizational Development....................91

Globality Inc.

Sonia Mathai Chief Human Resources Officer...............92

Herrick, Feinstein LLP

Theresa Balducci Counsel.................................................93

Herrick, Feinstein LLP

Liliana Chang Partner...................................................94

Herrick, Feinstein LLP

Christina Ying Partner...................................................95

Hoguet Newman Regal & Kenney, LLP

Wendy Tsang Associate...............................................96

Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP

Tamara Kraljic Counsel.................................................97

Idaho National Laboratory

Dr. Shannon M. Bragg-Sitton

Director, Integrated Energy & Storage Systems Division....................................98

Idaho National Laboratory

Geri Rackow

Director, Occupational Health Services.....99

Idaho National Laboratory

Julie A. Ulrich Senior Manager, Labwide Communication Services.......................100

Knobbe Martens

Maria Stout Partner.................................................101

Krauss Shaknes Tallentire & Messeri LLP

Jennifer Montoya Associate.............................................102

Latham & Watkins

Lindsey Champlin Partner.................................................103

Lighthouse

Stacy Ybarra Chief Marketing Officer.........................104

Mayer Brown LLP

Lauren F. Pryor Partner.................................................105

McDonald Carano LLP

Chelsea Latino Partner and Vice-Chair of the Employment & Labor Law Practice........106

Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP

Iveliz Crespo

Director of DEI and Talent Development..............................107

MoloLamken LLP

Swara Saraiya Associate.............................................108

National Debt Relief

Natalia Brown

Chief Compliance and Consumer Affairs Officer.......................109

New American Funding

Patty Arvielo

CEO & Co-Founder...............................110

New American Funding

Mosi Gatling

SVP, Strategic Growth & Expansion........111

New American Funding

Caroline Isern

SVP, Multicultural Lending.....................112

New York Life

Liz Brill

Senior Vice President & CFO of the Foundational Business.........113

Norton Rose Fulbright

Mary E. Young

Partner-in-Charge, Minneapolis............114

Company and Executive 2024 Award Winners

(company names in alphabetical order) 2

in Leadership

Pitts Leadership Consulting LLC

Shamis A. Pitts

Founder & CEO....................................115

Prosperity Now

Marisa Calderon

President & CEO..................................116

Reichman Jorgensen Lehman & Feldberg LLP

Jennifer Estremera Partner & Firm Deputy Managing Partner.................................117

Reichman Jorgensen Lehman & Feldberg LLP

Amy Ruhland Managing Partner, Austin Office............118

Robins Kaplan LLP

Carrie Lambert

Partner, Chair of Professional Development.....................119

Robins Kaplan LLP

Manleen Singh

Partner and Chair of Robins Kaplan Attorneys of Color Resource Group........120

Samina Bari Advisors

Samina Bari

Biotech Executive & Strategic Advisor...............................121

Sanford Heisler Sharp

Sharon Kim Senior Litigation Counsel......................122

Sempra

Lisa Larroque Alexander Senior vice president, corporate affairs and chief sustainability officer.....123

Sempra

Karen Sedgwick

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer...........................124

Seward & Kissel LLP

Noelle Indelicato Partner.................................................125

SimplePractice

Smita Wadhawan Chief Marketing Officer.........................126

Spirent Communications

Cheryl Ragland Chief Marketing Officer.........................127

Stretto

Melinda Bennett Managing Director................................128

Stride, Inc.

Niyoka McCoy Chief Learning Officer...........................129

Tapestry 360 Health

Nicole Willis Chief Executive Officer..........................130

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso

Dr. Alyssa Cervantes Benavides Managing Director, Office of Interprofessional Education...................131

UW Tacoma

Dr. Rachel Endo Founding Dean & Professor...................132

Valley National Bank

Collyn Gilbert

Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy & Marketing Officer.........133

Van Dermyden Makus Law Corporation

Liz DeChellis Partner & Title IX Program Director, AWI-CH..................................134

WilmerHale

Lori Echavarria

Partner-in-Charge, Los Angeles Office; Vice Chair, Securities & Financial Services Department............................135

DIVERSITY, INCLUSION, AND THE BOTTOM LINE

By Amanda J. Felkey, PhD

The Fortune 500 companies that publicly value Diversity and/or Inclusion (D/I) have higher average revenue and profit, a finding that is consistent with theoretical and empirical research.

A Quick Analysis of the Fortune 500

To determine whether valuing diversity and/or inclusion affects company performance, this analysis employs 2019 data collected from Fortune 500 websites. Among the Fortune 500 companies, 396 listed their company’s core values on their public facing webpages. Of these companies, 41 list either diversity or inclusion among their values and another 31 list them both as priorities. This means nearly 20% of the Fortune 500 companies (with known values)

say they make diversity and inclusion a priority.

This means nearly 20% of the Fortune 500 companies (with known values) say they make diversity and inclusion a priority.

In order to determine whether valuing diversity and/or inclusion

is systematically (and statistically significantly) related to company performance, the analysis combines this website information with two readily available indicators of company success, profit and revenue. A simple regression analysis isolates the effect of publicly asserting D/I values may have on company performance. The regression controls for company size (measured by number of employees) because larger companies may benefit from economies of scale in production and naturally have higher revenues and profits. Figure 1 summarizes the results.

In Figure 1, the columns represent the measured dimension of success and the rows indicate the publicly shared D/I value(s) of the company. The table shows that publicly valuing diversity is on average associated with $2.3 billion more profit and on average $11.3 billion higher revenue than those companies leaving diversity off their list of values. Figure 1 shows similar results for publicly valuing inclusion, and valuing both diversity and inclusion is associated with the largest positive differences in profit and revenue.

Admittedly, these results are preliminary and simple. Further investigation should control for the company’s industry, c-suite and board composition, product type, age of company, etc. Additionally, a more comprehensive analysis would take into consideration changes in profit and revenue over time as the company’s values may adapt. Even though this analysis of Fortune 500 companies is simple, it is in line with what we would expect from organizational behavior theory.

Pathways of Corporate Benefit

There are two main ways in which companies could benefit from

prioritizing D/I: it could improve their public image or enhance employee engagement.

When prioritizing D/I, a company’s image improves and they are better able to attract talent from the pool of potential employees (Jonsen, Point & Kelan, 2016; Jonsen et.al., 2019), which is becoming increasingly important as the Baby Boomers continue to retire. This enhanced public image also leads to higher levels of customer satisfaction and higher referral rates (DeLeon, 2017), both expanding market share.

Efficiency wage theory also tells us when employees feel good about the company for which they work, the company will get a higher return

from their labor. It also predicts companies may even be able to pay employees less. Both effects result in higher company profit. Employee engagement will rise with more inclusion as workers will feel psychologically safe within the companies walls. Finally, the enhanced sense of fairness that accompanies inclusion will lead to more employee satisfaction, higher levels of wellbeing and increased connectedness to the organization resulting in lower turnover rates (Mor Barak & Levin, 2002; Findler, Wind & Mor Barak, 2007; Hwang & Hopkins, 2015). Less churn will decrease operating costs and have a positive effect on company success.

Listing D/I as company values without pursuing actual change in the direction of enhancing these values may allow companies to enhance their public image for a time. But without engaging in meaningful change on these fronts the benefits an enhanced public image will be short-lived and there will be no benefits from employee engagement.

Evidence D/I Enhance Company Success

Several studies have empirically

Figure 2. Benefits of Prioritizing D/I

linked diversity and inclusion to company success. Data indicates that inclusive organizations are twice as likely to meet financial targets, three times as likely to be considered high-performing, six times more likely to be innovative and eight times as likely to achieve better business outcomes (Bourke & Dillon, 2018). One research team demonstrated companies in the top quartile for racial/ethnic and gender diversity are 35% and 15% more likely to have financial returns above their industry medians, respectively (Hunt, Layton and Prince, 2015).

A 2009 empirical study testing the value-in-diversity thesis, compared to the perspective that diversity is inconsequential or perhaps even conflict inspiring, found both racial and gender diversity are significantly associated with increased sales revenue, more customers and greater relative profits (Herring, 2009). Racial diversity is also associated with greater market share. This finding is echoed in research interviewing CEOs from around the world whose sentiment was diversity creates an environment conducive to deep inquiry and large breakthroughs (Groysberg & Connolly, 2013).

Conclusion

Evidence strongly suggests that making D/I a priority will pay off. It will enhance public image so a company can attract better talent, increase market share and raise customer satisfaction. Furthermore, it will boost employee engagement, decreasing employee turnover and increasing profits and revenue. PDJ

References

Bourke, J. and Dillon, B. (2018). The Diversity and Inclusion Revolution: Eight Powerful Truths. Deloitte Review, Issue 22.

DeLeon, T. (2017). How to Create a Diversity and Inclusion Program from Ground Zero. AMA Quarterly, 3(4), 32–33.

Findler, L., Wind, L. H., & Mor Barak, M. E. (2007). The Challenge of Workforce Management in a Global Society: Modeling the Relationship Between Diversity, Inclusion, Organizational Culture, and Employee Well-Being, Job Satisfaction and Organizational Commitment. Administration in Social Work, 31(3), 63–94.

Groysberg, B. & Connolly, K. (2013). Great Leaders Who Make the Mix Work. Harvard Business Review.

Herring, C. (2009). Does Diversity Pay?: Race, Gender, and the Business Case for Diversity. American Sociological Review, 74(2), 208–224.

Hunt, V., D. Layton and S.Prince (2015). Why Diversity Matters. McKinsey&Co.

Hwang, J., & Hopkins, K. M. (2015). A structural equation model of the effects of diversity characteristics and inclusion on organizational outcomes in the child welfare workforce. Children & Youth Services Review, 50, 44–52.

Jonsen, K., Point, S., & Kelan, E. K. (2016). Diversity Branding: A FiveCountry Comparison Of Corporate Websites. Academy of Management Annual Meeting Proceedings, 2016(1), 1.

Jonsen, K., Point, S., Kelan, E. K., & Grieble, A. (2019). Diversity and inclusion branding: A five-country comparison of corporate websites. The International Journal of Human Resource Management.

Mor Barak, M., & Levin, A. (2002). Outside of the corporate mainstream and excluded from the work community: A study of diversity, job satisfaction and well-being. Community, Work & Family, 5(2), 133–157.

Dr. Amanda J Felkey has a Ph.D. in Behavioral Economics from Cornell University and a Diversity and Inclusion Certificate from eCornell. She has authored award-winning publications, is actively researching unconscious bias, has 24 years of experience in decision-making research and 19 years of experience in curriculum design. Felkey currently teaches at Lake Forest College where she is Chair of the Department of Economics, Business and Finance and Chair of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program.

BLACK LEADERSHIP AWARDS

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: October 18, 2024

Please take the time to nominate deserving Black Leaders from your company or organization. Black Leaders are confident,determined, high-performing, purpose-driven professionals who create value for their coworkers, customers, community, and of course, the organizations where they contribute their talents.

2 024 A W ARD

NATIVE AMERICAN INDIGENOUS LEADERSHIP Fourth Annual

The 4th Annual Native American/Indigenous Leadership Awards PDJ Salutes a New Class of Native American

Indigenous Leadership Award Winners

For more than two decades, Profiles in Diversity Journal® has honored outstanding individuals who have forged new paths. These individuals have overcome challenges, mentored others, advanced diversity and inclusion in the workplace and the community, and excelled in their chosen professions. PDJ is again honoring Native American Indigenous leaders with our fourth annual Native American Indigenous Leadership Awards.

The profiles that appear in this issue recognize and celebrate the talents, hard work, and impressive achievements of the Native American Indigenous Leaders we honor on the following pages. Each award recipient provided us with answers to some interesting questions, along with an essay, that will give you, our readers, a chance to better know these multitalented and trailblazing individuals.

Welcome to PDJ’s fourth Native American Indigenous Leadership Awards.

Devin S. Sikes Counsel

Education (degrees & institutions): BA, University of Kansas; JD, University of Kansas School of Law

Company Name: Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP

Industry: Law

Company CEO: Kim Koopersmith

Number of Employees: 1,700+

Your Location (if different from above): Washington, DC & Houston, TX

Words you live by: Make yourself proud.

Who is your personal hero? Irvin Darge, my great-grandfather

What book are you reading? There There by Tommy Orange

What was your first job? Lawn care

Favorite charity: Habitat for Humanity

Interests/Hobbies: Art, music, nature; bonsai, running

Family: My wife (Sheebani) and sons (Bodhi and Silas)

Mentors matter. So do their experiences.

I descend from the Cherokee Nation’s Deer Clan, whose members served as keepers, trackers, and hunters of deer, as well as messengers, in their community. As deer bones and antlers became important sources of trade over time, deer clan members became ideal candidates to help grow commerce. It seems only fitting that generations later I became an international trade lawyer, a profession that allows me to help facilitate trade, just as my ancestors did.

Traveling abroad drove me to consider international trade law as a profession. I gravitated toward local markets, eager to interact with people and learn more about them. Hungry for more of these experiences, I decided to attend law school and study international trade law.

But I had no lawyers in the family and needed a mentor. I attended the University of Kansas School of Law because it gave me a chance to learn from Raj Bhala, one of the world’s leading international trade law scholars. His passion for international trade law ignited a spark in me. So did his knack for developing new, creative solutions to old problems. Both attributes c ontinue to inspire me.

Other mentors followed. I had the privilege of clerking for Judge Judith M. Barzilay of the U.S. Court of International Trade and Judge Evan J. Wallach of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, two

dedicated public servants who lived very different lives personally and professionally before reaching the bench. She picked international trade law as a second career when few women practiced in the area, all while raising young kids; he became a lawyer after distinguished military service, substituting active combat for trial work. Those experiences gave way to unique perspectives about the law and life, and I benefited immensely by learning from both.

A similar theme emerged when I worked at the U.S. Department of Commerce. There, attorneys from all walks of life took care to train juniors (like me) and foster collegiality. A shared passion for public service brought us together, and their perspectives helped me better understand the different ways to contribute to our work together.

At Akin, it has been no different: the unique experiences of my mentors have served as guideposts, marking the different paths for me to consider as I navigate my career. That strong mentorship has in turn given me the tools needed to serve as a mentor, a role that I cherish.

Lessons come in many forms and from many sources thanks to our rich tapestries of experiences. I suspect that my ancestors learned that same lesson when trade took them to communities beyond their own. I try to pass on that lesson, too.

Candice C. Kusmer Partner

Education (degrees & institutions): JD, Washington University, St. Louis School of Law; BA, The University of Oklahoma

Company Name: MG+M The Law Firm

Industry: Legal

Company

CEO: John B. Manning

Company Headquarters Location: Boston, MA

Number of Employees: 400

Your Location (if different from above): Madison County/St. Louis

Words you live by: “The most important reason to treat people well is not what you’ll get in return. It’s who you hope to become.” – Organizational psychologist and bestselling author Adam Grant

What book are you reading? I am reading The Emotional Lives of Teenagers: Raising Connected, Capable, and Compassionate Adolescents by Lisa Damour, PhD. I love spending time with my high school freshman, and it is helping me better understand the emotional expression and management of emotions in her teen years. Armed with science, patience and empathy, I hope I will become a more trusted listener and support for her through this sometimes delicate time in her life.

What was your first job? I was a store clerk for my family’s local pharmacy. I assisted and checked out customers, stocked shelves, and when I could drive, made daily prescription deliveries to homes and nursing homes. I spent a lot of my childhood around adults, and particularly elderly adults, so sometimes felt more comfortable engaging with them than kids of my own age.

Family: I’ve been married to my husband Bob for 22 years. We have an adult daughter who is a practicing criminal defense attorney, and one just entering high school who is interested in dance and piano.

Her passion for problem-solving continues and her dedication to creating a firm where people are seen and heard

I’ve always said the common thread among my interests and talents is problem solving. And sometimes puzzle solving. In college, I majored in journalism with minors in women’s studies and Latin. Those may seem like three completely different fields, but really they all have a commonality. In news writing, you’re researching, investigating and assembling various facts to form a cohesive story or a conclusion. The interdisciplinary courses in my women’s studies program filled in pieces of history previously omitted and provided me with the framework to better understand human interactions, as well as economic and social institutions. And translating Latin was literally dissecting and rearranging sentences. The takeaway is that I enjoy a good challenge.

Law school seemed appropriate when I decided I wasn’t quite ready to finish studying—and the practice of law certainly goes along with the problem-solving theme. Twenty-five years later, I continue to enjoy the challenge that complex litigation brings—analyzing a dispute, learning about my client, researching the law and developing a strategy or an argument. It’s satisfying

to come up with solutions in service to my clients, especially when the task initially seems daunting or uncertain. I truly believe that what I do well was born out of my varied studies, which helped shape my perspective and spark my lifelong curiosity.

Likewise, the desire to assemble a full and complete picture has been the foundation for me taking on leadership and mentoring roles. As co-chair of MG+M’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee, we are always striving to foster a firm culture “that recognizes, honors, celebrates and promotes our diversities, embracing the ideals, perspectives and identities that make us each unique while simultaneously promoting a team environment.” Accordingly, we want to make sure we provide opportunities for our colleagues to be heard, and encourage sharing our different backgrounds and perspectives to build a strong and inclusive team. The same is true for making connections with my mentees—I want our relationships to be built on trust and to encourage honest, two-way discussion where we are both listening to and learning from each other.

Angelique Albert CEO, Native Forward Scholars Fund

Education (degrees & institutions): Doctor of Laws honoris causa, Gonzaga University; MBA, Gonzaga University; BA, Native American Studies, Liberal Arts, and Human Services, Salish Kootenai College

Company Name: Native Forward Scholars Fund

Industry: Nonprofit – Education

Company CEO: Angelique Albert

Company Headquarters Location: Albuquerque, NM

Number of Employees: 34

Words you live by: “To recognize that all of us are wonderful human beings shaped by different backgrounds, different ways of looking at the world, but still human beings.” – Dr. Henrietta Mann

Who is your personal hero? US Secretary of the Interior, Deb Haaland

What book are you reading? A Promise Kept by Robert J. Miller and Robbie Ethridge

What was your first job? I worked for my family’s concession stand at the Arlee Pow Wow

Favorite charity: Native Forward Scholars Fund

Interests/Hobbies: I enjoy creating traditional and contemporary Native art, as well as dancing traditionally, and being in nature.

Family: I have three brilliant sons and two amazing grandsons.

This CEO and first generation college student knows how to uplift and support her Native community

My path to lead Native Forward Scholars Fund was not linear, but every experience I have had along the way has prepared me to be an effective CEO. My academic background—including three degrees from Salish Kootenai College as well as an MBA and honorary Doctor of Laws from Gonzaga University—coupled with my professional roles in criminal justice advocacy, gaming industry leadership, philanthropy, and as an award-winning artist have uniquely positioned me to drive meaningful change.

My journey is also deeply rooted in personal history. As the first in my family to graduate college, I believe strongly in investing in higher education to support the next generation of Native leaders. Doing so has intergenerational effects that contribute to greater economic mobility, self-determination, and Tribal sovereignty for scholars and Tribal communities.

This is precisely why Native Forward Scholars Fund seeks to meet the unmet financial needs of every Native scholar. Our goal is to empower the next generation of Native leaders by providing financial support and comprehensive services from admission

to graduation for every Native student wanting to pursue higher education. We don’t just give out scholarships—we are breaking down systemic barriers to higher education.

Native Forward awards up to $15 million in scholarships annually and has awarded more than $400 million to over 22,000 students since our inception in 1969. We pair these scholarships with meaningful, culturally relevant student support and programming that has succeeded in increasing the graduation rates of undergraduate students to 69%—compared to the national average of 41% for Native students—and increasing the rate for graduate students to 95%.

As Native leaders, it is our responsibility to leverage our experiences and skills to uplift future generations. What I see at Native Forward is a commitment to building a supportive structure for Native scholars and alumni alike, a community that supports one another and celebrates moments of perseverance and success. When we have representation across industries and in spaces that have historically excluded Native people, we can bring about meaningful change.

Britany Riley-Swanbeck

Senior Associate

Education (degrees & institutions): JD, Stanford Law School; BA, William Jewell College

Company Name: Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale & Dorr LLP

Industry: Legal

Company CEO: Managing Partner, Anjan Sahni

Company Headquarters Location: Washington, DC

Number of Employees: 1,100

Your Location (if different from above): Washington, DC and San Francisco, CA

Words you live by: “Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point.” – C.S. Lewis

Who is your personal hero? I don’t really believe in having personal heroes because people are flawed, and I think it is important to honor and uplift the work that people do without putting them on a pedestal. That said, I’ve always been inspired by John Lewis.

What book are you reading? Nothing at the moment, but eagerly anticipating Rebecca Nagle’s upcoming book By the Fire We Carry: The Generations-Long Fight for Justice on Native Land

What was your first job? My first job was as a seasonal worker selling fireworks out of a fireworks tent in Kansas

Favorite charity: Native American Rights Fund; NAACP Legal Defense Fund

Interests/Hobbies: Reading, learning the Cherokee language and history, playing recreational sports and board

Family: I am the proud wife of Sonja Riley-Swanbeck, daughter of Michael Riley and Rochelle Donald, and granddaughter of Ruth and Robert Riley and Eugenia Turner-McBride

Her community supported her in her dream of becoming a lawyer. Now she’s helping others

Despite the name on the diploma, I have long known my law degree does not belong to me alone. My career also belongs to my ancestors, my community, and future generations.

I was inspired to become a lawyer by the legacy of lawyers and activists before me. As a Black and Cherokee woman, my peoples’ histories demonstrate the ways the law can be either a tool to uphold systemic injustices or a tool to dismantle colonialism and advance equal justice. I grew up less than an hour away from the Brown v. Board of Education school house museum. The Cherokee Nation has a long and complicated history with the United States and specifically the U.S. Supreme Court. Those histories have always felt incredibly present. So I’ve always idolized the advocates who fought for equal justice and to hold the U.S. government to its promises to Tribal Nations.

I also became a lawyer because throughout my life I have seen the ways the law and related policies affect the everyday existence of people in my communities. The historical legacy of racism and colonialism are still alive and well in the lives of Black and Indigenous people. It affects our lives in countless ways—from where we live, our educational and economic opportunities, health outcomes, interactions with law enforce-

ment, and more. I became a lawyer because I wanted to use my gifts to help my community in the best way that I can. But while I became a lawyer for my community, that same community has also been my primary source of support on this journey. I’m a first-generation graduate and lawyer, and at every stage I’ve had the incredible support of my family, neighbors, co-workers, and just about every other Indigenous and/or Black person I’ve met on my journey. I could not have accomplished half as much without them.

In so many ways my life as a lawyer looks nothing like the world I grew up in. After all, my first job in the legal profession was at the United States Supreme Court, and I’d only ever met one or two lawyers before that. Despite that, it is crucial to me that my legal practice reflects where (and who) I come from. I want to honor those who came before me, to work to protect my people, and to encourage other BIPOC lawyers. For me, that looks like taking every opportunity to support tribal sovereignty and equal justice. It means committing to mentoring future generations. And on an interpersonal level, it means treating my colleagues and peers with respect and doing my best to live by the Cherokee cultural value of Gadugi—working together for the common good.

No more Backlash:

THE NEW DEI Approach

By Michael Stuber

Anti-woke boycott, perceived reverse discrimination, fragile business cases and misplaced identity politics: DEI work of past decades has contributed to multiple issues. Three strategies can overcome these challenges.

For more than three decades, the DEI journey knew only one direction: forwards, combined with growth. Our agenda has been mounting topics and tools, developed assessments and awards, and created new stakeholders and structures. As a result, many initiatives are now taken for granted – regardless of value-add – and evaluations look great, although positive scores often come from audiences who had always been convinced of DEI. Our analyses of the backlash of the past few years have revealed three critical gaps that need to be addressed in order to reframe DEI. I present them

in more detail in my current “Rescue DEI Trilogy”on the KnowledgeBlog http://en.diversitymine.eu.

IMPACT GAPS

A current study suggests that the most wide-spread DEI programmes are actually counterproductive (!) to making progress. The analysis of big data identified the prevalence of 16 common DEI practices and their impact on the representation of diverse groups in management. Scientists note that all ineffective practices were at the

same time frequently implemented while the effective ones are less often realized. While I have shared a number of critical aspects of the study it must be considered as another wake-up call to question the impact (and contribution) of DEI initiatives, in particular those we consider to be core, standard, good or best practices. Evaluations might reveal that some ongoing investment is still relevant as a charitable or philanthropy activity.

“Doing a lot for DEI created noise, doing smart things supports valuable change.”

ENGAGEMENT GAPS

A different discrepancy, yet related to the above, is the involvement of stakeholders in DEI. Some initiatives were (rightfully) geared at previously marginalised groups by design while over time, all programmes claimed to welcome everyone. On the other hand, some DEI tools targeted people who had not yet fully embraced the relevance, necessity and value of more inclusive practices. The current bottom line, however, is that we see camps of people that regularly engage in DEI activities and others who only participate when they are encouraged to do so. This has undermined the relevance of DEI which is underscored by, e.g., a current study of HR trends that identifies twelve key future topics and does not mention DEI anywhere. We see a clear need to rethink the design, messaging and outreach of our work regarding audiences beyond the traditional grouping. Instead we must aim at creating relevance for both the business and the people.

“Asking the right questions is key to uncovering issues with broader relevance.”

LEADERSHIP GAPS

One key to engagement and impact has always been to have DEI be led from the top. Over decades, the C-suite and senior executives delivered speeches, produced video statements and participated in events to show their support. As DEI was politicised, some pulled out (to keep away from politics) while others are using DEI to reconfirm and illustrate their corporate values (like integrity, curiosity, respect, innovation, teamwork or trust) or their business interest (e.g., talent management or globality). Within companies leaders with a personal connection to DEI are most likely to be active

stakeholders while the vast majority does not see the why nor the how to embed DEI in their business routines or leadership behaviour. These leadership gaps must urgently be addressed to connect DEI in a new way to business priorities and everyday management practice.

“Effectively integrating DEI in leadership is key to future success in a complex world.”

WHERE TO START

Similar to all advanced DEI questions, there is not one solution in the current situation. Your industry and geographical context can inform your next steps as can the DEI maturity of your organisation. The strongest guidance, however, may come from the one item that makes your organisation unique: the corporate culture including all your accumulated history and implicit assumptions. The combined consideration of these aspects can tell you if an impact review, an engagement revamp or a leadership re-alignment is most promising. Several synchronised steps are usually most effective. My experience shows that each of the entry points can create step change as they will touch the fundamentals of the current approach. This, however, is often not appreciated by DEI leaders who might have become used to – and comfortable – with their approach. Some might even think about starting an ISO-based assessment or plan more event or training series. This will for sure increase the already hefty backlash.

THE IMPORTANCE OF THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX

As DEI experts we have been talking about the need to step out of one’s comfort zone, especially in difficult situations or crises. Now is the time for us to do exactly this: Be ready to unlearn and pursue new approaches. Only then we can expect different reactions – and renewed support. PDJ

Michael Stuber is The Global D&I Engineer with a European identity. He combines critical analyses and impact research to create context-relevant strategies and broad engagement. He has authored 5 books and hundreds of contributions, including for PDJ

2 024

A W ARD VETERAN Second Annual

PDJ Salutes our Second Annual Veteran Leadership Award Winners

For more than two decades, Profiles in Diversity Journal® has honored outstanding individuals who have blazed new trails. They have welcomed challenges, mentored others, advanced diversity and inclusion in the workplace and the community, and excelled in their chosen fields. We are honoring Veteran Leaders with our Second Annual Veteran Leadership Awards.

The twelve profiles that appear in this issue recognize and celebrate the hard work and impressive achievements of these Veteran Leaders. Each award recipient has also provided us with answers to some interesting questions and an essay that will give you, our readers, a chance to better know these multitalented and trailblazing individuals.

Welcome to PDJ’s second Veteran Leadership Awards.

Education (degrees & institutions): BS, Computer Science, California State University, Fresno

Company Name: Freddie Mac

Industry: Financial

Company CEO: Diana Reid

Company Headquarters Location: McLean, VA

Number of Employees: 7,939

Words you live by: Be nice

Who is your personal hero?

Lord Baden Powell

What book(s) are you reading?

Starry Messenger by Neil deGrasse Tyson

What was your first job?

P.C. Support Specialist for Long and Foster Reality

Favorite charity: American Cancer Society

Interests/Hobbies:

All sports, fishing, homebrewing

Family: Wonderful wife, two children, one granddaughter, one dog

Peter Hart

Technical Lead/Line Manager

A career in the Navy taught him how to sail high in any career

“Communicate in a respectful manner — don’t just tell your team members what you want, but explain to them why.” — Jeffrey Morales

My military service was more than a career. It was a crucible, an intense trial that forged my foundational principles of leadership and teamwork. In the US Navy, the rigorous training and high-stakes responsibilities taught me invaluable lessons in discipline, confidence and strategic thinking. From the earliest days of my naval service, I was shaped into a leader who not only directs but inspires. These experiences became the bedrock of my professional ethos, equipping me with the skills necessary to excel both in uniform and beyond.

Transitioning from military service to the private sector, particularly at Freddie Mac, I found that my Navy-acquired skills were just as relevant in corporate leadership. Over the past 25 years, I have focused on building and leading teams with the same dedication I once applied to my naval duties. My approach has always been rooted in understanding the nuances of effective leadership. I see my team members not merely as staffers or developers, but as individuals with unique contributions and potential. This perspective, honed through my military experience, has allowed me to foster a culture where communication, trust and mutual respect are paramount. I strive to be a leader who recognizes and nurtures the strengths of each person, guiding them towards collective success. At Freddie Mac, our mission is clear — we are all working toward making home possible. We see the bigger picture: My team works behind the scenes, supporting new products and teams that help make it possible for more people to own a home.

Reflecting on my career, one of the most vital lessons I have learned is the ability to communicate effectively. It’s not just about what you say, but how and when you say it. This skill can be cultivated through practice and is crucial for building a high-performing team. At Freddie Mac, I work with a team size of 12-15 people—an optimal number for managing and fostering a cohesive, highly effective group. Understanding team dynamics means recognizing that even a small disruption can shift a team’s direction and create chaos. The key to overcoming these challenges is discipline, clear communication and adaptability. Flexibility is essential and our motto is “Semper Gumby,” always flexible. By emphasizing open dialogue and trust, we transform our diverse perspectives into a cohesive force driving our mission forward. As I continue this journey, I invite everyone to embrace these principles of leadership and communication. Let us build a future where every team member thrives and our collective success is grounded in trust, respect and a shared vision.

James Hilbert

Sr. Director, Single Family Servicing Operations

Wisdom from his veteran father and his bosses boosted him to the top

“Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” – John F. Kennedy, 35th President of the United States.

One of my earliest mentors was my father, whose wisdom profoundly influenced my understanding of leadership. My father began his career in the Army as an officer. From a young age, he instilled in me the values of integrity, discipline and a strong work ethic. As the first in his family to attend college, he received an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Though West Point was academically challenging, and he did not graduate at the top of his class, he prevailed through hard work, dedication and a “never quit” attitude, which led to a successful Army career. These qualities continue to guide me today as a leader at Freddie Mac.

When I was commissioned as an officer in the Army, I knew it would be a pivotal moment in my career—one where I would fully grasp the importance of leadership and educating soldiers. I was fortunate to have a battalion commander who took pride in mentoring young officers. He taught me that leading by example was crucial for success. He once said, “You should never ask a soldier to do something you are not willing and able to do.” Focusing on sound decision-making, being a good listener, working autonomously and understanding history helped me succeed. These principles have followed me throughout my career in banking.

As I advance at Freddie Mac, I realize that understanding leadership and mentorship is key to being an effective leader. It is essential to hold “skip-level” meetings with staff to understand their skills, motivations and career aspirations. Listening and learning about different dimensions of diversity is vital for all of us. It allows everyone on the team to share perspectives and understand situations without feeling excluded. Without the wisdom of my father and the advice of my former battalion commander, I wouldn’t be where I am today. As I continue my career journey, I hope to help shape others and encourage them to understand that “leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.”

Reflecting on my career, I understand that true leadership shines during difficult times. A former vice president once told me, “You have the leadership skills, you’re smart, this isn’t rocket science. You’ll be fine, give it some time.” Those words have stayed with me. The best mentors guide you through challenges, whether they are colleagues, family or friends. Building a strong network is essential. Freddie Mac supports this by promoting diversity and fostering a sense of belonging. As I continue my journey, I’m committed to nurturing an inclusive culture where everyone feels they belong.

Education (degrees & institutions): BS, Criminal Justice, Seton Hall University

Company Name: Freddie Mac

Industry: Mortgage Finance

Company CEO: Diana Reid

Company Headquarters Location: McLean, VA

Number of Employees: 7,939

Words you live by: Treat others the way you want to be treated

Who is your personal hero? My father

What book(s) are you reading? Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance

What was your first job? Cabana boy at the Breezy Point Surf Club

Favorite charity: Fisher House Foundation

Interests/Hobbies: Fishing, hunting, boating, and staying physically active

Family: Wife (Agnes) and three daughters Marie (22), Alexandra (19) and Olivia (16)

Education (degrees & institutions):

BA, University of Central Florida; MA, Industrial and Labor Relations, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Company Name: FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation

Industry:

systems, optical devices, highly functional materials and other high-tech areas

Company CEO:

Mr. Jun Higuchi

Company Headquarters

Location:

Number of Employees:

73,583

Your Location (if dif ferent from above): Pittsburgh, PA

Words you live by: Enjoy today, tomor row is never prom ised. Always count your blessings daily, give yourself and others grace, and make every day better than yesterday.

Who is your personal hero? I don’t have a per sonal hero. I believe that you can learn something from everyone you meet.

What book(s) are you reading?

Now by Eckhart Tolle, Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Dr. Joe Dispen za and The Noise Patterson/J.D. Barker

What was your first job?

Platoon Leader, C Company, 1-229th Aviation Regiment

Favorite charity: (March for Babies)

Interests/Hobbies: hunting, fishing, boating, cooking, photography

Family: Wife (Jennifer), three children: Justin, Kaitlyn, Kayla

Jason McKenna Chief Human Resources Officer

Military values build character and that’s a solid foundation for success

Informed decision-making. Composure under pressure. Accountability for mistakes. These are just some of the values and skills that were instilled in me during my service in the US Army that have proven essential to my leadership success in the private sector. The experiences and lessons learned from military service have uniquely equipped me to excel as a leader and navigate the complexities of the workplace with confidence and effectiveness.

The greatest leaders don’t necessarily have all the answers. One of the most profound impacts of my military background is empowering and consulting with others to make informed decisions. In the military, the practice of seeking advice from superiors, peers, and soldiers before making significant decisions is a cornerstone of effective leadership. This habit has translated seamlessly to my civilian career, where consulting with experienced colleagues—regardless of job title—ensures that decisions are smart, well informed and balanced. This approach not only fosters better decision-making but also builds a culture of collaboration and mutual respect within my teams. Humility is another crucial lesson learned. The military environment teaches leaders to remain grounded, regardless of their rank or achievements. This humility has enabled me to build strong, trusting relationships with my team members, encouraging open communication and feedback. By recognizing that learning is a continuous process and valuing the insights of those around me, I have been able to enhance my leadership effectiveness and adapt to various challenges.

Staying calm under pressure is a skill honed through rigorous military training and high-stake situations. In the civilian world, this ability to maintain composure in the face of adversity has been instrumental in managing crises and leading teams through challenging or even turbulent times. A sense of calmness supports rational decision-making and instills confidence in team members, knowing that their leader can navigate tough situations with a steady hand.

Accountability and resilience are two additional critical lessons learned from military service. The willingness to take responsibility for mistakes and swiftly address them has been a key factor in my career development. The military instills a sense of ownership and the importance of rectifying errors without delay. This approach has enabled me to maintain credibility and foster a culture of continuous improvement in my professional endeavors. It has earned me a reputation as a leader with integrity.

I strongly believe I would not be the human being or the human resources professional that I am today without having first been a soldier. Military service helped shape me into a person of strong character, which I believe is the bedrock of my leadership success in the corporate world.

John A. Fortin Counselor at Law

Teamwork, leadership, toughness. The Navy taught him all that and so much more

Over the last 18 years, I have had the honor and privilege of serving as Cryptologist, Information Warfare Specialist, and intelligence analyst on both active and reserve duty in the US Navy. While on active duty, I served aboard the USS Simpson (FFG-56), the USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7), and at various cryptologic commands. I deployed twice to South America and supported counter-narcotics/trafficking operations and I deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom while serving with Cryptologic Support Team-20, the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force, and Naval Special Warfare Command (“SEAL”) Teams Two and Four.

Working with, by, and through some of the highest caliber intelligence organizations in the world and the best, brightest, and highest performing individuals in the military provided me a front row seat to what it means – and takes – to be excellent both individually and as a leader. I credit many of my career successes to applying these experiences. I learned the value of teamwork, commitment, and courage. Any team in any organization is only as strong as the least experienced and least qualified member. True strength comes from a team, not an individual, and the cohesion of the team determines its success. Leaders must also be committed to constantly advancing and perfecting their craft so they can be effective and efficient mentors and teachers for the next generation. The best teams I ever worked with were teams in which it did not matter whether you were the skipper or the lowest ranking member. The leadership and the team demanded every member have courage to speak up, call out mistakes, and work toward learning from mistakes. Constructive criticism, always learning, never accepting mediocrity is an ethos and is the standard of excellence I learned to expect from myself and my teams. Most importantly, understanding the time, place, and manner in which to speak the truth to those in positions of authority is an invaluable leadership quality that I learned. My mentors, leaders, and peers taught me to think critically, provide solutions to problems, and build a team by respecting everyone’s conclusions (whether right or wrong) and never diminishing anyone’s contributions.

I apply the lessons I learned as a sailor to my position as a litigator, appellate practitioner, and counselor. When things are going well, there are just a few times that people need lawyers. Nearly all of my clients have complex and challenging issues facing them. My experiences in the Navy prepared me to go to battle for my clients, to teach new things to colleagues, peers, and sometimes even my bosses, all while I learn the practice of law from the best lawyers in the State of Nevada.

Education (degrees & institutions): LL.M., Global Antitrust Law and Economics, George Mason University, Antonin Scalia Law School; JD, University of Richmond School of Law; BA, American Military University

Company Name: McDonald Carano LLP

Industry: Legal Services

Company CEO: George F. Ogilvie III, Managing Partner

Company Headquarters Location: Reno, NV

Number of Employees: 120

Your Location (if different from above): Las Vegas, NV

Words you live by: There are two ways to get things done: the right way, or again.

Who is your personal hero? Coach Mike Krzyzewski (“Coach K”). Growing up in Durham, North Carolina, being a life-long Duke fan, going to church and being a member of the same congregation as Coach K were really unique aspects of my childhood. Having former Duke assistant coach and Notre Dame head coach Mike Bray as a neighbor fueled my fandom for Duke basketball. Attending Duke Basketball games at Cameron Indoor Stadium is tremendous. Coach K is the consummate professional. He demanded greatness while always respecting his opponents (whether good or bad) by preparing his teams for every game as if it was a championship. Coach K also did it the right way, every time, for the whole time while he coached. As college basketball and (college sports in general) transformed during his tenure from the 1980s-2020s, he never became marred in controversy because he understood his role as mentor and teacher of young men.

What book(s) are you reading? Unexampled

Courage: The Blinding of Sgt. Isaac Woodard and the Awakening of President Harry S. Truman and Judge J. Waties Waring by Richard Gergel

What was your first job? Lifeguard

Favorite charity: Cure 4 the Kids Foundation

Interests/Hobbies: Spending time with my wife, playing with my children, and reading really good historical and biographical books.

Family: I have been blessed with a beautiful, supportive, and wonderful wife, Jessa, our oldest son Liam, middle-son Aiden, and youngest daughter Mia which makes me one of the luckiest guys in the world.

Company Name: Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP

Industry: Law

Company CEO: Jim Lehman

Company Headquarters Location: Columbia, SC

Number of Employees: 1,500

Your Location (if different from above): Orlando, FL

Words you live by:

Leave it better than you found it.

Who is your personal hero?

CSM Donovan Watts

What book(s) are you reading? The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky

What was your first job?

Dock hand at the local marina

Favorite charity: Special Operations Foundation

Interests/Hobbies: Golf and Fishing

Family: My wife (Megan Gray) and I have two children ages 5 and 8.

Chip Gray Senior Associate

Learning to guide an elite military unit helped me guide an elite legal team

As a senior associate that focuses on mergers and acquisitions (M&A), the skills and experiences gained from serving in the military and specifically as a Green Beret provide a distinctive edge. The rigorous training and demanding missions that I undertook as an infantry platoon leader and team commander of a Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha (Green Beret) equipped me with a range of competencies that have been instrumental to my success in the legal profession.

One of the most significant attributes I gained during my time in the Army is leadership and teamwork. As a team commander of an Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA), I was required to lead my team under high-pressure conditions and make critical decisions with limited information. This experience is invaluable in M&A transactions, where managing complex negotiations, coordinating between multiple parties, and making strategic decisions are daily tasks. The ability to lead and inspire confidence in a team (whether that team is your colleagues or clients) is crucial when navigating the M&A deal process.

Advanced problem-solving is another crucial skill honed during my time as a Green Beret. I was trained to devise creative and strategic solutions to complex challenges in volatile environments. In M&A, where complex legal issues and unpredictable scenarios frequently arise, my ability to think critically and develop innovative solutions proves essential. The tactical planning and adaptability I learned in the Special Forces enable me to handle the multifaceted problems that come with high-stakes transactions.

Cultural competence and communication are also strengths I bring to the table. Working with diverse populations and understanding various cultural contexts were integral parts of my training. This experience enhances my ability to communicate effectively and build strong relationships with clients, stakeholders, and counterparts from different backgrounds. In M&A law, where negotiating across borders and dealing with diverse parties is common, my background equips me to handle these challenges with sensitivity and skill.

Furthermore, the mental and physical toughness I developed as a Green Beret translates directly into resilience and perseverance in my legal career. M&A transactions can be grueling, requiring long hours, intense focus, and the ability to manage stress. The discipline and endurance I cultivated through military training prepare me to excel in the demanding environment of M&A law.

In summary, my Green Beret experience has endowed me with leadership, problem-solving, cultural competence, and resilience—qualities that make me exceptionally well-suited for the challenges of M&A law. These attributes enhance my ability to manage complex transactions, negotiate effectively, and deliver outstanding results in this competitive field.

Education (degrees & institutions): BS in Business Administration, The Citadel; JD and LLM in Tax, University of Florida

Eli Gaylor Senior Associate

Looking for a mature, disciplined leader for your business? Hire a veteran

From the outside looking in, being a veteran in the corporate world may seem like a disadvantage. A veteran often has less experience in their field than people of a similar age and there will likely be a transition period where the veteran has to adjust to a work setting that has different expectations than the military.

All of that is true, but the advantages that come with hiring a veteran vastly outnumber any negatives. While a veteran may have less experience than people their same age, they are generally older and more mature than their peer co-workers, many of whom will be straight out of college or grad school and do not have any more experience in a corporate environment than a veteran in their first job outside of the military. Beyond that, veterans have learned a multitude of valuable life skills that apply no matter the industry. They are disciplined, have invaluable organizational and time management skills, and have an increased capacity for learning and following instructions. They are often early risers and motivated to start their day while most of the world is still eating breakfast and they successfully navigated difficult challenges, many in life-or-death situations, which has instilled in them the ability to stay calm and work through obstacles, even when things get stressful or chaotic.

Last of all, though certainly not least, veterans are leaders, and authentic leadership is a skill that takes many years of structured mentorship and practice to develop. When they hire a veteran, employers are getting all of those valuable skills without having to devote time, effort, and, most importantly, its own financial resources toward developing them.

In my own career, I have found all of the above to be true. There are certainly times when it can seem like you are behind the curve as a veteran, for example, when you see people your age who have risen to heights at your company far beyond your own; however, understanding that the time I spent in the military prepared me for success—not just for today and tomorrow, but for all of the remaining years of my life—has made all the difference.

Education (degrees & institutions):

JD, Georgetown University Law Center; BS, Political Science, United States Military Academy at West Point

Company Name: Norton Rose Fulbright

Industry: Legal

Company CEO: Jeff Cody, Global Managing Partner and US Managing Partner

Company Headquarters Location: New York; Houston; London

Number of Employees: 7,500

Your Location (if different from above): Austin, TX

Words you live by: Greatness is achieved in the agency of others.

Who is your personal hero? My grandfather. He served in World War II and came back to live a wonderful life with his family.

What book(s) are you reading? The Algebra of Happiness by Scott Galloway

What was your first job? A dishwasher at a local restaurant.

Favorite charity: The Gary Sinise Foundation.

Interests/Hobbies: Golf, snowboarding, and playing with my dog, Otis.

Family: My wife, Mayra, and I are expecting our first child this November.

Education (degrees & institutions):

JD, University of Florida; BA, University of North Florida

Company Name: OGC

Industry: Legal Services

Company Headquarters Location: Boston, MA

Number of Employees: 87

Your Location (if different from above): Jacksonville, FL

Words you live by: Leave people better off than you found them.

Who is your personal hero?

My personal hero is my friend and former law partner, Glenn Winuk. Glenn was a volunteer firefighter who heroically gave his life on 9/11. After ensuring the safe evacuation of his colleagues in a neighboring building, Glenn ran to the South Tower to assist in the rescue efforts and was killed when the Tower collapsed. Glenn was more than a colleague—he was a mentor and friend. He always put others before himself, and his bravery and selflessness continue to inspire me.

What book(s) are you reading?

The Savior Generals by Victor Davis Hanson

What was your first job? Dairy farmhand

Favorite charity:

St. Jude Children’s Hospital

Interests/Hobbies: Traveling, working out, attending sporting events

Family: My wife Brenda and I have been married for 32 years and have three children.

Gregory Williamson Managing Partner

Tradition has its place but this lawyer is using his Army lessons of creativity and innovation to build a better law firm

While I didn’t realize it at the time, joining the US Army out of high school was the best decision I ever made. My reasons for joining were mostly practical, as I knew I couldn’t afford to go to college otherwise.

The Army gave me the opportunity to attend the University of North Florida and earn my law degree from the University of Florida. More importantly, an Army buddy introduced me to my future wife Brenda, and we have been married more than 30 years, with three children.

My time in the Army also taught me important lessons I couldn’t have learned elsewhere: teamwork, collaboration, hard work, and honor. It allowed me to mature and develop leadership skills that I have used in many roles and industries.

As Managing Partner of OGC, it’s now my privilege to work at one of the most innovative law firms in the country. We have created a model that combines the experience of highly skilled outside counsel, the business acumen of in-house lawyers, and the operational efficiencies of alternative legal service providers. This is possible through our fully virtual team of partner-level, highly credentialed attorneys. While the legal industry is often tradition-bound, focused on the billable hour and less-than-concerned about the well-being of its own practitioners, we have developed a solutions-driven model that benefits both attorneys and clients alike. Our attorneys enjoy a better work-life balance, providing the legal counsel clients need, rather than what the billable hour model demands. Our clients, in turn, receive tailored legal solutions at a fraction of the cost of hiring a full-time legal executive or engaging traditional law firm counsel.

The success of our model relies on staying attuned to industry trends and economic challenges that impact our clients. In this, I rely often on the skills I developed as a soldier—remaining adaptable, vigilant and responsive to shifting conditions on the ground. In the Army, we had to anticipate obstacles and adjust strategies on the fly. This same approach helps us navigate the ever-changing legal and business landscape at OGC. By fostering a culture of collaboration and adaptability, we stay nimble and responsive, providing solutions that address our clients’ most pressing needs while maintaining the integrity that defines our Firm.

For over 20 years, OGC has thrived by embracing adaptability. Just as my time in the military taught me the importance of flexibility, OGC has integrated these principles in an industry often resistant to change. The pandemic accelerated a shift in how law is practiced—something OGC has championed for years. I’m confident that the innovations we’ve pioneered will continue to serve our attorneys and clients for decades to come, ensuring that OGC stays at the forefront of shaping the future of law.

Jeffrey W. Martin Chairman and CEO

He learned how to lead in the military and is passing it on to the next generation

Becoming Chairman and CEO of Sempra and directing North America’s premier energy infrastructure company after serving in the US Armed Forces may not be the typical career story you hear from veterans. However, it is my experience as a veteran, serving as a commissioned officer in the US Army as an air-cavalry pilot in the 4th Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, that taught me the importance of serving an ideal greater than myself. I carry that same value of servant leadership every day at Sempra where I have the honor to lead the company and its more than 20,000 highly-talented employees, including more than 800 veterans and active reservists across Sempra’s family of companies, to help advance the transition—and the world—to a lower carbon future, one that balances the need for cleaner energy with the necessity of reliability and resiliency for a rapidly changing world.

As a West Point graduate, I learned early on to focus on servant leadership, which includes a commitment to serving others and a commitment to success.

Leveraging my military experience, leadership style and beliefs have enabled me to help Sempra deliver strong results and performance, while creating an environment where our employees, our customers and our company can thrive. As a West Point graduate, I learned early on to focus on servant leadership, which includes a commitment to serving others and a commitment to success. This idea of service and success is reflected in Sempra’s high-performance culture, its focus on safety and operational excellence, as well as the company culture, which is built on shared, core values of do the right thing, champion people and shape the future.

I truly believe it is an honor to work with so many talented individuals around a common mission of finding new and innovative ways to better serve society. I view it as my responsibility to develop the company’s employees into the next generation of energy servant leaders and my time in the military has taught me empathy, especially for those starting out in their careers. In short, I am passionate about ensuring that Sempra’s employees have a chance to learn and grow through professional development and leadership opportunities so that they can thrive and lead the company to success.

Company Name:

Industry: Energy

Company CEO: N/A

Company Headquarters Location: San Diego, CA

Number of Employees: 20,000+

Sempra

Education (degrees & institutions): MBA, concentration in entrepreneurship, University of Louisville; BS, Business Economics, University of Louisville

Company Name: Transamerica

Industry: Financial Services, Insurance

Company CEO: Will Fuller

Company Headquarters Location: Baltimore, MD

Number of Employees: ~6,800

Words you live by: Act with intention in every aspect of your life and learn from your experiences. Successes and failures both have roles in shaping how you develop, so use those lessons to find your full potential. Don’t live life to regret it, enjoy the journey.

What book(s) are you reading?

The Storyteller by Dave Grohl and The Geek Way by Andrew McAfee

What was your first job?

Disc jockey at a local dance club

Favorite charity: Make-a-Wish and Soldiers’ Angels

Interests/Hobbies:

Spending time with my family, running, and traveling are the things that I value the most.

Family: My wife, Sonya, and son, Ian.

Joshua Durham

Lifelong lessons from the US Navy have been invaluable to this veteran

My experience in the US Navy profoundly shaped my career and the leadership skills I use today. After finishing technical school, I chose a Pacific-stationed ship for my first assignment. This began the journey that would give me so many valuable experiences, including my worldview. Along the journey, I was fortunate to learn from great leaders –every day.

Boiling it down, I’d say there are three key attributes my time in the Navy taught me: The importance of strong preparation; the power of teamwork; and the truth that more heads are better than one.

Our ship was highly successful, and a large part of the reason for its success is that we spent a lot of time at sea preparing for our assignments. This includes a tour supporting Operation Southern Watch. The Navy’s emphasis on meticulous planning and thorough preparation ingrained in me the importance of foresight and strategy. Everything we did required three key elements: A detailed plan, consideration of different potential risks; and contingency planning. This practice has directly translated into my professional life, where as chief operating officer for Transamerica Asset Management, I assess the needs of the business, ensuring that we are always prepared for challenges that may arise.

Service to others in pursuit of a collective goal, where the collective mission takes precedence over individual needs, is another lesson I learned early on. This principle has been pivotal in building team-centric environments and creating alignment for what we want to achieve. This matters because it helps us prioritize what truly matters today, such as the accuracy and effectiveness of our teams’ administration of different investment options and the service to our shareholders.

Diversity of thought was another cornerstone of my naval experience. Working with individuals from varied backgrounds and expertise brought a wealth of perspectives that led to unique insights and novel solutions to difficult problems. I continue to seek out people with different viewpoints who challenge conventional thinking by approaching problems from multiple angles.

These skills I learned in the Navy—planning and preparation, service to others, and diversity of thought—are all foundational items I continue to use today. They have helped me navigate the complexities of my current role, and have been instrumental in the many responsibilities I’ve had during my 20-year Transamerica experience. Additionally, I am thankful to Transamerica for the opportunity to stay connected to our veteran community as the executive sponsor of Transamerica’s Veteran Employee Resource Group.

Michael Nacarato

Senior Director, Head of Third Party Risk Management

A concerned father led a son to an Army career and a life of purpose

I’ll never forget the moment: It was a Saturday morning shortly after my high school graduation. I had no plans for college, little to no direction, no special skills or self-confidence. My dad, also a veteran, had an idea to spark my future. He took me to the local Army recruiting office. It started with six months of basic training, followed by AIT or advanced individual training. That experience instilled a level of structure, discipline, and self-confidence I hadn’t had. It became a new foundation to build my life on.

My first duty was as a military policeman. As a 19-year-old, the public safety role including the potential for appropriately using deadly force was an awesome responsibility. It was a quantum leap for me, causing me to advance from teenager to a professional adult in a short period of time.

Although I am a non-combat veteran, I had to respond to serious situations such as hostile domestic disturbances, vehicle accident fatalities and housing fires in my role as a first responder. In these situations, I had to react quickly, trusting my military training to most effectively respond to those in need. And doing this sometimes helped save lives, or it gave some assistance to people going through a terrible life experience.

My performance during these high-pressure, and sometimes chaotic situations—which I credit my training—led to additional career opportunities. This includes becoming a traffic accident investigator, and being cleared for a top secret security clearance for an overseas assignment at a US Intelligent site.

As many know, performance alone does not get you to the next level. It sometimes takes awareness, recognition, and opportunity from other people, from mentors, who see something in you that you quite frankly may not have seen yourself.

I have been blessed to have had very impactful mentors in both my military and business careers. These mentors have insisted that I continually stay outside of my comfort zone. They have taught me to be a servant leader, and to take the same special interest in others with unrealized or untapped potential. I see it as not only good practice but also as a way to pay it forward.

One of the best pieces of advice I received from a mentor was this: I do NOT always need to be the smartest person in the room. The goal is to fill the room with the smartest people. Give them leadership and the tools they need to succeed. Eliminate their barriers. Let them do their thing.

My military experience fundamentally changed my life’s trajectory. It made me who I am today. It gave me the tools and direction that has fueled my career development and leadership successes. I am grateful to my dad and the Army for that fateful Saturday morning.

Education (degrees & institutions): BS, University of North Texas (UNT) in Denton, Texas

Company Name: Transamerica

Industry: Financial Services, Insurance

Company CEO: Will Fuller

Company Headquarters Location: Baltimore, MD

Number of Employees: ~6,800

Your Location (if different from above): Plano, TX Words you live by: To whom much is given much will be expected – Luke 12:48. “It’s always the right time to do the right thing” – Martin Luther King Jr. Who is your personal hero? My father Michael Sr. who realized I needed to be on a slightly different path and dropped me off at our local Army recruiting office six weeks out of high school and told me to go in and pick a military occupational service – a military field. It was my most positive impactful life event I’ve had and is the only reason I am where I am today. He was a veteran of the Korean war and I am proud to have followed in his military footsteps.

What book(s) are you reading? Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear and Radical Candor by Kim Scott.

What was your first job? My very first paying job was selling a local newspaper called The Lookout in a very small upstate New York town, Hopewell Junction.

Favorite charity: Victory Therapy Center www.VictoryTherapy.org. A Texas based equine therapy center that helps children, veterans, and first responders with their emotional and physical needs through therapeutic riding and counseling using the healing power of horses.

Interests/Hobbies: Anything outdoors with my family (hiking, camping, fly fishing) and long rides on my Harley. Attending NASCAR races with my son and baseball games with my daughter.

Family: Wife Francie (27yrs), son Justin, 24 and daughter Heather 21

Education (degrees & institutions): BSBA, Finance and Accounting, University of Nebraska at Omaha

Company Name: Union Pacific Corporation

Industry: Railroad/Transportation

Company CEO: Jim Vena

Company Headquarters Location: Omaha, NB

Number of Employees: 30,000

Words you live by: Do the right thing, even when no one is watching

Who is your personal hero? Members of the special forces for their unmatched skill and bravery

What book(s) are you reading? Kitchen Confidential – I’m a long time Anthony Bourdain fan, but never read it. My daughter recently bought it for me.

What was your first job? Cleaned the offices where my dad worked

Favorite charity: Little White Dog Rescue –they gave us our dog Auggie

Interests/Hobbies: Travel, boating, foodie, home improvement

Family: Wife – Kelly, son – Nate and daughter – Grace

Todd M. Rynaski

Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting, Risk and Compliance Officer 2

A two-year detour into the US Coast Guard put him on the right track

After a ski trip with friends in my senior year of high school I was sure that going to college in Colorado was right for me. I wanted to get away from Omaha and attend Western State College in Gunnison, Colorado, while my dad was set on me attending the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Despite his wishes, I applied to Western State, got accepted and was awarded a 50% scholarship. While the scholarship was nice, I couldn’t make up the difference by myself. I was the youngest of nine kids, so it was an uphill battle trying to convince my dad to pay that much when no one else in the family got the same. He also questioned if I would be focused on skiing or studying.

I knew Omaha wasn’t right for me at the time, so I started exploring two-year enlistment options so I could get some time away, but not defer my education too long. The only two-year options were the Coast Guard and Air Force. My brother was enlisted in the Navy, and I have a passion for being on the water, so I joined the Coast Guard.

What came next were two of the best years of my life: boot camp in Cape May, NJ; meeting my ship in Alaska to sail to Hawaii for my permanent assignment; maintaining aids to navigation on all the Hawaiian Islands; trips to Midway Island, Samoa and Tonga; and advancement from Seaman Recruit to Petty Officer Third Class.

Looking back, all these experiences were beneficial to my career development and leadership success. Boot camp showed me the value of discipline, teamwork, dedication, attention to detail and perseverance. Being the new guy on the ship came with its fair share of teasing, but I put my head down, worked hard and proved myself. Scraping barnacles off navigational buoys was one of the worst jobs on the ship which motivated me to do what it took to advance. I wasn’t enlisted long enough to go to a specialty school, so I did the on the job training necessary to get promoted to a Boatswain’s Mate Third Class and never had to scrape another barnacle.

I see many parallels between these experiences and my 29-year career at Union Pacific. I graduated as a finance major from University of Nebraska at Omaha (dad was right!) with dreams of going to Wall Street. I ended up in corporate audit at Union Pacific and took advantage of every opportunity to prove myself and develop. I wound my way through finance, accounting and technology jobs until reaching my current position as Chief Accounting, Risk and Compliance Officer. Without taking that two-year detour into the Coast Guard, I’m quite confident the result would not be the same.

Erik Swabb Partner

Lessons from the US Marines helped this lawyer rise in the military and in the law

Serving in the Marine Corps was a formative experience for me and every day as a lawyer I draw on what I learned, particularly what it means to be a leader. Like other military services, the Marine Corps is a mission-driven organization that also cares deeply about its members. A common motto is “Mission First, Marines Always.” My legal practice— representing clients in high-stakes investigations—requires similar all-consuming dedication to achieving the client’s objectives, while recognizing the importance of the larger team to accomplish that mission. Members of that team need to be trained, mentored, led, and valued.

Leadership tenets in the Marine Corps are directly applicable to the private sector, which is a major reason why I have found being a veteran so helpful in my practice.

The best leaders with whom I have worked in the private sector share many of the same qualities as leaders with whom I served in the Marines. These leaders are able to build teams that perform at a high level with minimal direction and supervision. While the leaders are often demanding, they are also fair and care deeply about their teams. The result is a virtuous cycle where the leader and the team go the extra mile for each other and do great work together.

Leadership tenets in the Marine Corps are directly applicable to the private sector, which is a major reason why I have found being a veteran so helpful in my practice. To note just a few – set the example – don’t ask your team to do something you don’t do. Know your Marines – figure out what makes your team members tick. Praise in public; admonish in private – provide constructive feedback. Leaders eat last – put the needs of your team first.

Without a doubt, being a veteran has made me a better lawyer.

Education (degrees & institutions): JD, Harvard Law School; BA, Political Science, Columbia University

Company Name: WilmerHale

Industry: Law

Company CEO: Managing Partner, Anjan Sahni

Company Headquarters Location: Washington, DC

Number of Employees: 2,048

Words you live by: Nothing worth doing is ever easy.

Who is your personal hero? President Ulysses S. Grant. I highly recommend Ron Chernow’s book on Grant.

What book(s) are you reading?

Lawrence in Arabia: War, Deceit, Imperial Folly and the Making of the Modern Middle East by Scott Anderson.

What was your first job?

Infantry officer in the US Marine Corps.

Favorite charity: National Veterans Legal Services Program – I serve on the NVLSP Board of Directors.

Interests/Hobbies: Tennis, golf, and visiting Civil War battlefields with my family.

Family: I am married to Sara Swabb, who runs Storie Collective, a nationallyacclaimed interior design firm. We have two daughters – Tippi who is a fourthgrader and Minna who is a second-grader.

How I Became a Successful Hispanic American Lawyer

By Christina Guerola Sarchio with Dechert LLP

Why did I decide to be a litigator?

As a child of immigrant parents who spoke little English, I often served as my family’s spokesperson, negotiator and advisor. I realized at an early age I was an effective advocate, especially for those who did not have a voice, and being a lawyer seemed like a natural fit. As I learned more about different types of law, the thrill of the courtroom, the opportunity to engage in compelling legal arguments, and the requirement to think critically and creatively, all appealed to me about litigation.

What are some of the challenges/obstacles I faced pursuing a career in the legal industry?

As the first person in my family to go to college and then law school, I struggled initially with navigating

a professional environment. In addition, the lack of representation of Hispanic lawyers in major law firms sometimes made it feel isolating – often there were no role models at all. I also felt that I did not have the professional network and connections that some of my peers had, particularly those who grew up in a family of lawyers. But I realized that these challenges presented opportunities for me to develop my networking skills, my resilience and, frankly, provided me with a unique perspective that has been an asset in approaching legal issues creatively.

What are some of the strategies I used to navigate the complex nature of law firm life?

To navigate the complexities of law firm life, I focused on building a strong professional network and seeking guidance from experienced attorneys.

I also made it a priority to participate in professional development opportunities to better hone my skills. Embracing my unique perspective as a Hispanic lawyer allowed me to contribute to diversity initiatives within my firm, fostering a more inclusive workplace. In addition, getting involved with the Hispanic National Bar Association provided me with a community that offered me both moral and professional support.

What

advice would I give to other Hispanic American law school students and junior law associates who want to pursue a law career?

My advice to Hispanic American law school students and junior associates is to embrace your identity and use it as a strength. Seek out mentors who understand your journey and can provide valuable insights. Stay committed to your goals, even in the face of adversity, and don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself. Engage with organizations that support diversity in the legal profession, as they offer resources and opportunities for growth.

Why is professional development and training important for Hispanic American junior and mid-level associates and senior counsel?

Professional development and training are necessary for all lawyers because they provide the tools and skills needed to excel in a competitive field. Throughout the course of my career, I have found it helpful to enhance my legal skills, ensure I am up to date on the law and industry practices, and be a better manager of my team. This continuous learning not only improves client service and satisfaction, but also ensures compliance with ethical standards and regulatory requirements. Additionally, training also provides valuable networking opportunities and contributes to increased job satisfaction and motivation, ultimately benefiting both the individual and the firm.

Professional development and training are necessary for all lawyers because they provide the tools and skills needed to excel in a competitive field.

Why I felt the need to be a part of the Hispanic National Bar Association?

After 25 years of membership in the Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA) and now serving as president, I felt it was time for me to give back in a meaningful way. Unfortunately, the needle on diversity in the legal profession has not moved much in the almost 30 years I have been practicing law. Because of the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision on affirmative action – even though that decision was limited to education – diversity programs in law firms and corporate legal departments are at great risk. So now, more than ever, we need stronger advocacy for diversity and inclusion within the legal profession, supporting the advancement of Hispanic lawyers, and creating opportunities for networking and mentorship. Being part of the HNBA allows me to both give back and help pave the way for future generations of Hispanic lawyers. PDJ

Christina Guerola Sarchio, a partner in the Securities and Complex Litigation practice and deputy chair of global talent at Dechert, focuses her practice on general commercial litigation, class actions and white collar defense, with significant experience in the consumer products, financial, oil and gas, pharmaceutical, technology and sports industries.

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EMERGING LEADERS

PDJ Recognizes our First Ever Emerging Leaders Award Winners

For more than two decades, Profiles in Diversity Journal® has had the honor of recognizing and celebrating diverse leaders for over 26 years. Our mission has always been to highlight individuals who make significant contributions to their organizations and communities. We are proud to honor our Emerging Leaders Award winners. This is a new initiative to recognize the outstanding leadership and contributions of emerging professionals within organizations.

The eighteen profiles that appear in this issue recognize and celebrate the hard work and impressive achievements of these Emerging Leaders. Each award recipient has also provided us with answers to some interesting questions and an essay that will give you, our readers, a chance to better know these multitalented and trailblazing individuals.

Welcome to PDJ’s first ever Emerging Leaders Awards.

Rebecca L. Clegg Counsel

Education (degrees & institutions): JD, University of Connecticut School of Law; BA, Mount Holyoke College

Company Name: Axinn, Veltrop & Harkrider LLP

Industry: Legal

Company CEO: Jeny Maier, Managing Partner

Company Headquarters Location: New York, NY

Number of Employees: 172

Your Location (if different from above): Hartford, CT

Words you live by: “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” – Winnie the Pooh

Who is your personal hero? My mom

What book(s) are you reading? American Dialogue by Joseph J. Ellis

What was your first job? Babysitting

Favorite charity: Project Night Night Interests/Hobbies: History, Disney, musicals, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

Family: My wonderful parents and younger brother

A strong work ethic is important for a successful career but so is respect,

kindness and empathy

Looking back at the successes I’ve had in my career so far, I find that two traits have been essential to the achievement of each goal I’ve set: industriousness and emotional intelligence. These two characteristics are complementary – the former enables me to push myself to overcome challenges through hard work and diligence, while the latter helps me work effectively as an attorney.

One of the labels that I’ve worn with pride for as long as I can remember is being characterized as a hard worker. Hard work frequently requires resilience and perseverance. Whether it was learning algebra in grade school or studying for the bar exam, I’ve always diligently worked towards achieving my goals and putting in the work necessary so that I can perform to my full potential. I wholeheartedly subscribe to Derek Jeter’s observation that “There may be people who have more talent than you, but there’s no excuse for anyone to work harder than

you do.” Today, as a lawyer, this work ethic enables me to comprehensively analyze issues and be more prepared for possible challenges, which makes me a stronger advocate for my clients.

Emotional intelligence is a necessary trait for those seeking to succeed in their professional endeavors. Technical knowledge might get your foot in the door and lead to early successes, but it is difficult to progress professionally without this additional skill set. In my career, I’ve found that my favorite team leaders (and those that I try to emulate) are people who not only manage their own emotions but also show respect for others. Leaders who are self-aware and manage interpersonal relationships with empathy can form deeper connections with their team (and others), leading to more respect, improved communication, better decision-making, and hopefully more satisfactory results.

This is particularly true for attorneys because the practice of law is a

service profession. The attorney-client relationship is obviously important to cultivate and nurture, but attorneys also regularly interact with opposing counsel, judges, court personnel, experts, witnesses, co-counsel, and colleagues and professional staff at our law firms or companies. The diversity of these relationships makes strong interpersonal skills essential. Each requires a different approach, but thrives if there is respect. From my day-to-day practice, I’ve learned that the importance of having a good relationship with your team, including paralegals and professional staff, cannot be overstated. You never know when you may need to call on them to help you with a challenging situation.

In my journey so far, I have relied on my industriousness to showcase my capabilities, but I believe that my relationships have enabled me to achieve more than what I could do on my own.

Kail J. Jethmalani Partner

Education (degrees & institutions): JD, University of Michigan Law School Order of the Coif; BA, Skidmore College

Company Name: Axinn, Veltrop & Harkrider LLP

Industry: Legal

Company CEO: Jeny Maier, Managing Partner

Company Headquarters Location: New York, NY

Number of Employees: 172

Words you live by: Act as if

Who is your personal hero? My grandparents

What book(s) are you reading? Station 11 by Emily St. John Mandel

What was your first job? Interning at Comma Consulting, a strategic communications management company in New Delhi, India

Favorite charity: Médecins Sans Frontières

Interests/Hobbies: Cooking, traveling, Formula 1 racing

Family: Amazing wife; no children

The Great Recession encourages a would-be investment banker to pivot to law

Choosing a career path often feels like navigating a maze, and my journey to practicing law—specifically in antitrust—was no exception. Initially, I majored in economics and political science, fields commonly pursued by aspiring lawyers. At the time, I was deeply invested in a career in finance. I interned with multiple hedge funds in New York City and an investment bank in Geneva, Switzerland. I envisioned a future where I would cut my teeth in the high-stakes environment of investment banking.

However, my interests were not limited to finance alone. As I delved deeper into my studies, I became captivated by political economy. My fascination with antitrust law—distinct from the microeconomics underpinning antitrust—began in a class on comparative political economy. There, I researched and wrote about the

differences between U.S. and European antitrust merger control. This unexpected interest revealed a new kind of intellectual challenge, markedly distinct from the financial models and market analyses I had previously focused on.

The Great Recession changed everything for me. The collapse of Lehman Brothers caused upheaval across the financial sector, as well as several others. The career in finance I had once aspired to seemed increasingly uncertain, and my path in investment banking became less clear. The shifting economic landscape prompted a reevaluation of my professional trajectory. As the economy evolved, so did my career aspirations.

It was during this period of transformation that I decided to pivot toward studying law. I entered law school with the intent of practicing antitrust law. This field offered a new direction

where I could apply my background in economics in a meaningful and impactful way. The transition from investment banking to antitrust law represented a significant shift but reflected a realignment of my career goals in response to changing interests and circumstances.

Since graduating from law school, I have practiced antitrust law both on the deal side and in litigation. My journey underscores how career paths are often shaped by unforeseen developments and shifts in perspective. These experiences were certainly difficult for me at the moment, but they have helped me find deep fulfillment and satisfaction in a field that I would never otherwise have considered.

Carol Xianxiao Liu Counsel

Education (degrees & institutions): JD, Harvard Law School; BA, Economics, Mount Holyoke College

Company Name: Axinn, Veltrop & Harkrider LLP

Industry: Legal

Company CEO: Jeny Maier, Managing Partner

Company Headquarters Location: New York, NY

Number of Employees: 172

Words you live by: Our days on this earth are limited, use it wisely.

Who is your personal hero? The late US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Taylor Swift. Both are “unlikely” successes who rose to the top in their respective fields. I also enjoy both of their writings (legal opinions and lyrics).

What book(s) are you reading? I’m reading a mystery novel Genya by the Japanese author, Keigo Higashino

What was your first job? I was a straight-through law student so my first (and only) job has been a lawyer!

Favorite charity: Human Rights First – we worked with them for many pro bono matters

Interests/Hobbies: Running, bouldering.

Family: My husband, Ryota, and I

No matter how hard the journey, someone has been there before – and they can help

The biggest challenge I have faced is coming to this country by myself when I was barely 18 years old. Stepping into the world as a young adult was scary, let alone a world where I had never been before, where I had no family and friends.

The one important lesson I learned from the experience is that no matter how overwhelming or insurmountable any challenge may seem at the beginning, there are people who came before you, who have overcome and are willing to help you overcome. It took a long time before I came to that realization, but knowing it for a fact gave me the courage to seek advice, find role models, and not be ashamed of the difficulties I faced or the mistakes I made – after all, someone has made the same mistakes before and came out on the other end okay!

The experience is not unlike the many other challenges I faced later in

Being diverse is

a great

enablement, not

disablement for me, because the challenges I faced made

me a

better person, and gave me the confidence to know that no matter which room I walk into, I can bring something unique and different to the table.

or stepping into a conference room and everyone else looked different from me. But by the time of these later challenges, I have gained a valuable tool in my toolbox – the belief that many people have walked on the same path before me, with me, and that I can do the same.

Being diverse is a great enablement, not a disablement for me, because the challenges I faced made me a better person, and gave me the confidence to know that no matter which room I walk into, I can bring something unique and different to the table. As the next generation of diverse professionals start to build their paths in their careers, I feel honored to be one of those who came before to show that the possibilities are endless.

life: showing up in law school and the professors spoke a different “language,”

EMERGING LEADERS

Education (degrees & institutions): BA, English, University of Portland

Company Name: Epiq Industry: Legal and Business Services

Company CEO: David Dobson

Company Headquarters Location: New York, NY

Number of Employees: 6,200+

Your Location (if different from above): Beaverton, OR

Words you live by: Help others as often as you can.

Who is your personal hero? My grandma

What book(s) are you reading? LGBTQIA+/BIPOC speculative fiction (Carmen Maria Machado, N. K. Jemisin, Octavia Butler, Ryka Aoki, Becky Chambers)

What was your first job? Serials and Materials Processing Assistant at University of Portland Clark Library

Lead

Tayler Bradley Design QA

Favorite charity: My local Friends of the Library Interests/Hobbies: Painting, sketching, quilting, reading, browsing the farmer’s market Family: To my family, who loves me through life, thank you!

To create a company where respect and collaboration is a priority, leaders have to lead the way

Over the last few years, I’ve developed a passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. I dedicated part of my college education to Gender and Women’s studies, driven by the amazing communities I found in those spaces as well as my own identity as an LGBTQIA+ woman, so intersectionality has always been a personal and scholarly interest of mine. It wasn’t until I started my career at Epiq that I learned what it truly meant to put that interest into practice and let it inform my leadership.

When I think of the importance of DEI in the workplace, it always comes back to the fact that we all need to work together. Understanding is not only at the heart of an inclusive work environment; it’s also essential for effective collaboration. We may not

come into work fully understanding or agreeing with each other, that’s no surprise. But to work together, we need to be able to communicate with and accommodate each other. This starts with leaders who promote an inclusive definition of respect. Using the name and pronouns individuals provide, allowing for multiple forms of engagement with and participation in team meetings, being mindful of activities and events that normalize a certain population, these are all examples leaders can set to define what is and isn’t acceptable as we go through our workdays. Everyone deserves a work environment that prioritizes their safety and well-being, and that starts with leaders who understand their employees are all unique individuals. In our increasingly remote world,

community is vital. Our coworkers are a major part of the social fabric of our daily lives, which makes Employee Resource Groups and other workplace bonding and community building initiatives critically important to combat isolation. As a leader of Epiq’s LGBTQIA+ ERG and a co-founder of an employee bonding group on my own team, I’ve seen just how well these programs work to foster community and improve engagement. I’ve seen coworkers express being inspired by one another to be themselves at work. I’ve seen people excited to bond over shared interests and hobbies. I’ve seen these things and more improve workplace relationships and forge new connections. It’s been an honor to witness, and I’m humbled to be recognized by my amazing peers.

Bria S. Beaufort Associate, Employment & Labor Law Group

Education (degrees & institutions): JD, Rutgers Law School; BA, Ramapo College of New Jersey

Company Name: Gibbons P.C.

Industry: Law

Company CEO: Peter J. Torcicollo, Managing Director

Company Headquarters Location: Newark, NJ

Number of Employees: Approx. 285

Words you live by: Treat others as you wish to be treated.

What book(s) are you reading?

What was your first job? Barista

Interests/Hobbies: Traveling and Pilates

Adaptability is one of the most important qualities a leader can have

As the first lawyer in my family, and the first in my immediate family to go to college, I spent a lot of time in my young adult years figuring out what I needed to do, every step of the way, to get to where I am today. For me, it has been the journey of a lifetime. Navigating the path to college was the first part of my journey. I lost my mom just before my senior year of high school, but remained motivated by the fact that she, my dad, and the rest of my family wanted the best for me and believed that I could accomplish anything I put my mind to. And so I did.

Once I decided I wanted to be a lawyer, navigating the path to law school was the next leg of the journey. This was all uncharted territory and it was undoubtedly one of the most challenging phases of my life. However, I was fueled by ambition, motivation,

and the unwavering support of my family. Leadership was not something I focused on as I took that journey, but along the way I learned a lot about myself and developed the qualities that led me to a new path — the path to leadership.

As we make our way on our personal journeys, we always encounter opportunities for growth – whether we realize it or not. These opportunities are not always obvious. I believe most opportunities for growth arise through the experiences we face, some of which may not be positive. We all face challenges and derailments that sometimes throw us off our game. Being able to use those challenging experiences as development opportunities is what helps us grow stronger.

The best advice I ever received was to be adaptable. In following this advice, I have learned that adapt-

ability is critical to growth. A strong leader should always be receptive to growth, so adaptability is one of the best qualities a leader can have. Life does not always go as planned, so it is important that we stay the course, adapt to changes in our circumstances, and learn from our experiences. We must then use what we have learned to shape us into better people.

Now, over seven years after graduating law school, I embrace opportunities to support new and aspiring attorneys on their career journeys. Mentorship is an invaluable asset, especially for those developing into professionals. Through this leadership journey, I hope to make a positive impact on others as they navigate their paths and encourage them to embrace all opportunities for growth. The future for leadership is bright and I am extremely honored to be a part of it.

Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson and Wild Seed by Octavia Butler

EMERGING LEADERS

Athena Britschgi-Fowler

Safeguards & Security Program Specialist

Education (degrees & institutions): MS, Occupational Safety & Health, Columbia Southern University; MS, Organizational Leadership, Columbia Southern University; BS, Sign Language Studies & Educational Interpreting, Idaho State University

Company Name: Idaho National Laboratory

Industry: Energy

Company CEO: Dr. John Wagner, Laboratory Director

Company Headquarters Location: Idaho Falls, ID

Number of Employees: >6,100

Words you live by: “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” – Maya Angelou

Who is your personal hero? Ruth Bader Ginsberg

What book(s) are you reading? Insubordinate: 12 New Archetypes for Women Who Lead by Jocelyn Davis, HBR’s 10 Must Reads On Emotional Intelligence

What was your first job? Working at a local movie theater after school and on weekends

Favorite charity: Local animal shelters/rescues

Interests/Hobbies: Enjoying the sunshine with my friends and family, snuggling with my Goldendoodle (Carl), gardening, cooking, road trips

Family: Married to my husband, Brandon, for nine years. Proud dog mama to Keisel, Carl and Benny. Three awesome step-children Jessica, Cody and Wyatt.

Personal Insights from a Journey Shaped by Role Models

Leadership is an intricate tapestry woven from the threads of influence, responsibility, empathy and integrity. My understanding of leadership has been shaped significantly by pivotal figures in my life, starting with my father and extending to various leaders throughout my professional career. Each has contributed uniquely to my leadership philosophy.

My father, during his 30-year military career, epitomized leadership. His career was a testament to the values of discipline, dedication and service above self. From him, I learned that leadership is not merely a position but a way of living. His commitment to his team was unwavering, and he led by example, never asking his subordinates to undertake a task he wouldn’t do himself. His emphasis on accountability taught me that a leader bears the collective responsibility for their team’s actions, celebrating their successes and learning from their failures.

The leaders I have been fortunate to work with at Idaho National Lab-

oratory (INL) have further refined my understanding of leadership. Their ability to drive innovation while maintaining a clear vision is exemplary. They have shown me that a leader must be a visionary, charting the course for the future but also remaining grounded in the practicalities of the present.

One leader at INL not only taught me the importance of communication but also embodied the virtues of compassion and patience. She possessed the skill to demystify complex technical concepts, molding them into transparent strategic plans that resonated with everyone, regardless of their level of expertise. Her approach was not just about clarity; it was underpinned by a genuine empathy for her team’s diverse learning curves and her patience to address all questions. This cultivated an inclusive atmosphere where every team member felt valued and heard.

Another leader at INL embodied the essence of mentorship. He invested time in developing young professionals, understanding that nurturing

the next generation of leaders was key to the organization’s longevity. From him, I learned that leadership is about empowering others to reach their potential, providing guidance and encouraging continuous learning. This leader’s faith in my abilities was transformative. His belief in me was a powerful motivator, inspiring me to persevere through challenges and aspire for excellence in all my endeavors. His support was a testament to the power of positive reinforcement and the impact it can have on an individual’s drive to succeed.

Ultimately, the leaders I have encountered throughout my personal and professional life have collectively shaped my leadership philosophy. These experiences have not only taught me what leadership is but have inspired me to embody these qualities in my own professional journey. Emulating their example, I aim to be a leader who is positive, who shoulders responsibility with integrity and inspires others to achieve excellence.

Dr. Fabiola Cappia Deputy Division Director

Education (degrees & institutions): PhD, Nuclear Engineering, Technische Universität München (Technical University of Munich)

Company Name: Idaho National Laboratory

Industry: Energy

Company CEO: Dr. John Wagner, Laboratory Director

Headquarters Location: Idaho Falls, ID

Number of Employees: >6,100

Words you live by: The words from Winston Churchill are one of my mantras: “The price of greatness is responsibility”

Who is your personal hero? My life partner Tsveti

What book(s) are you reading? Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown and The Cartel by Don Winslow

What was your first job? I hand-picked blueberries on a farm

Favorite charity: Champ’s Heart

Interests/Hobbies: I love watching movies, baking (and in particular I love baking French pastry), hiking, gardening

Being a leader means advocating for your employees first and foremost

I work at Idaho National Laboratory, whose mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure. I consider myself a truly privileged woman because my job is not just technically exciting, but it resonates with my core beliefs of integrity, excellence and personal responsibility, giving me a sense of purpose and meaning. I was first drawn to nuclear engineering by the possibility of combining my passion for studying materials with a cause of great social and economic impact, like producing clean and resilient energy on a large scale.

I now have the opportunity to share my passion every day with the people I lead in my division. For me, being a true leader means being a leader of people first, guiding them in accomplishing the right actions toward a mission that is fulfilling, planning tomorrow’s work

today. I strive to create an environment where everyone feels they belong and can thrive. As a leader, true success never comes by chance nor without your employees’ success first. You need to be not only a mentor, but also an advocate. Someone who can advocate

As a leader, true success never comes by chance nor without your employees’ success first.

for them even when they are not in the room. I was fortunate to have been mentored by great scientists who were great leaders that inspire my actions today.

In today’s ever-changing environment it is not always easy to embrace a positive outlook. One of the essen-

tial ingredients is grit. Staying true to your values, acting with integrity and keeping these at the forefront of your mind are fundamental to keeping on the right direction against vicissitudes and challenges. It’s the choice to show up every day ready to find and give the best of yourself, even if some days you need to look a little harder. My coach and dear friend Dave shared with me these words from a Nichiren Buddhist teaching that I will never forget: “The true worth of a person is only revealed in the face of adversity. Do you use the obstacle as an excuse to justify giving up, or do you use it as an opportunity for further growth to help you push through it? This decision will determine your future direction. And the decision of which route to take lies with you.” My mentors were role models who were exceptionally encouraging and supportive. They inspired me to be the best leader and mentor that I can be.

EMERGING LEADERS

Dr. Rajiv Khadka Visualization Researcher

Education (degrees & institutions): PhD, University of Wyoming

Company Name: Idaho National Laboratory Industry: Energy

Company CEO: Dr. John Wagner, Laboratory Director

Company Headquarters Location: Idaho Falls, ID

Number of Employees: >6,100

Words you live by: Treat everyone with respect; every person carries a unique story shaped by their own experiences.

Who is your personal hero? My parents

What book(s) are you reading? The Anatomy of Peace: Resolving the Heart of Conflict by the Arbinger Institute

What was your first job? Software developer

Favorite charity: Save the Children

Interests/Hobbies: Traveling and spending time with family and friends, cooking and watching movies

Family: Dad, mom, wife, sister, brother-in-law, niece and the best daugh ter (Siyara)

Great leaders are inspiring, encouraging and responsible. Bullies need not apply

To me, leadership means steering others toward a unified vision. It’s about crafting a path and encouraging the hidden potential within others. Leadership eclipses giving simple commands: It dances through areas of inspiration, stimulating the spark of motivation and cultivating the grounds of advancements.

Leadership, in its essence, engages in the experimentation of transformation, where abstract visions transform into tangible accomplishments and shape the outlines of success. It’s about discovering each person’s talents and guiding their development. Effective leadership demands transparent communication. For a leader to succeed, everyone on the team must understand their role and that the leader helps each team member perceive how their actions drive the collective success of the team. It is also the responsibility of a

leader to foster an environment where individuals feel valued, which reinforces trust and commitment. I believe leadership involves tackling challenging choices. It involves selecting the ideal path for the group, even amid difficulty. Leaders embrace the fallout of their decisions, whether they result in victories or problems. Leadership isn’t confined to possessing answers. It’s about orchestrating the team to discover solutions collectively. As a leader, welcoming novel ideas is crucial. Leaders must remain fluid and recalibrate plans as situations evolve. It also entails emboldening others and providing team members with the tools and self-assurance to act autonomously. Leaders inspire independent thought and courageous action. Cultivating this autonomy builds a culture of innovation. Leadership demands attention while listening and having profound empathy. It’s

about grasping each person’s nuanced concerns and motivations. This connection encourages bonds and develops a supportive environment. Leaders who truly listen can skillfully navigate their teams through challenges and celebrations. Leadership signifies setting a benchmark and embodying unwavering dedication. It’s aboutfacing challenges head-on and showcasing enduring resilience. By doing so, leaders carve a path for others to follow.

At its core, leadership is about navigating, fostering and embracing responsibility. It’s about shaping an environment where everyone flourishes. Leadership isn’t about exercising dominance. It’s about forging a meaningful impact. Steering the team toward a common ambition is paramount. Ensuring every member contributes their utmost is the ultimate quest.

Hope Morrow

Workforce and Economic Development Programs Manager

Education (degrees & institutions): BS, Economics, Eastern Washington University

Company Name: Idaho National Laboratory

Industry: Energy

Company CEO: Dr. John Wagner, Laboratory Director

Company Headquarters Location: Idaho Falls, ID

Number of Employees: >6,100

Your Location (if different from above): Boise, ID

Words you live by: Anything worth doing, is worth doing right.

Who is your personal hero? Sandy Winnett

What book(s) are you reading? My favorite author and storyteller is Jodi Picoult

What was your first job? Barista

Favorite charity: Idaho Falls Pride Organization

Interests/Hobbies: Rugby, coaching, hiking, wine, home renovations, hosting parties

Family: My wife (Alexis Morrow) and I are proud pet parents. We have three dogs (Nilla, Wren and Dale) and two kitties (Stevie and Midge).

Oh, the places you will go if you listen to mentors, coaches and teachers

Mentorship: I owe so much of my success and professional confidence to the many mentors in my corner. From a young age, I have succeeded in leadership roles, but often ran the risk of unsuccessfully balancing leading my peers and keeping friendships.

I recognized early on that my mentors, whether sports coaches, teachers, professional allies and others would be my greatest asset as I navigated the uncharted territory of my career. I received countless pieces of advice, some which I implemented word for word and some of which I passed on.

One of the best pieces of advice I received was that some of the most successful people aren’t afraid to try new things and take an opportunity. In practice, this teaching is much more difficult to accomplish, and it requires a lot of sacrifice.

Moving from city to city, each time having to restart your life and find a

new community. Taking an opportunistic approach to your career can feel lonely, but it also rewards you greatly. I now have friends, colleagues and

I recognized early on that my mentors, whether sports coaches, teachers, professional allies and others would be my greatest asset as I navigated the uncharted territory of my career.

mentors who I consider family all over the world. My life is rich with people, knowledge, and a knack for always

trying something new.

I have learned to love change, to take challenges in stride and to never take myself too seriously. Through these experiences, I have become one hell of a wife, colleague, mentee and even mentor. I am proud of the challenges I’ve overcome, as an out lesbian in a very Republican state, as a mentor for young women navigating their way through life, and for my staff that have always just needed someone to have their backs.

I have found my way back to creating thoughtful and meaningful friendships with people from all different walks of life. I’ve found that I seek out mentorship wherever I go, in my friends, on a plane, at a conference, you name it.

There’s always something to learn from the person sitting next to you and there is also most certainly always another opportunity on the horizon.

EMERGING LEADERS

Alyssa Spence

Reactor Supervisor and Senior Reactor Operator

Education (degrees & institutions): BA, Environmental Earth Science, U.C. Berkeley

Company Name: Idaho National Laboratory Industry: Energy

Company CEO: Dr. John Wagner, Laboratory Director

Company Headquarters Location: Idaho Falls, ID

Number of Employees: >6,100

Words you live by: Strive for continuous improvement, not perfection.

What was your first job? Technical Writer

Interests/Hobbies: Reading, playing piano, Sudoku, baking, hiking

Learning to recognize when good enough is simply enough

When I learned about my predecessor’s plans for retirement, I immediately expressed my interest in taking his place as the next lead reactor supervisor of the Advanced Test Reactor Critical (ATRC). As an ATRC reactor operator, I had observed his duties during maintenance and operational activities but knew relatively little regarding what else he did every day. I shadowed him for several weeks to ensure as smooth of a transition as possible and it was during this time that I discovered I had significantly underestimated the workload. Luckily, a fair portion of the work was self-inflicted; the outgoing reactor supervisor kept a list of optional tasks that would improve work in ATRC and he chiseled away at the list as time permitted.

I found myself adding more optional tasks to the list than I removed, and I began to feel a little overwhelmed thinking about how much more I could

accomplish if I just had more time. Perhaps I needed to improve my time management and prioritization skills. Or perhaps there was some other obvious solution I was missing.

I asked the outgoing reactor supervisor how he made time for everything, and his answer was unexpected and blunt: “I don’t.” He then opened The Underachiever’s Manifesto: The Guide to Accomplishing Little and Feeling Great by Dr. Ray Bennett and flipped to a page that simply said, “good enough is good enough.” I had read through the book; it was humorous, but my surface-level interpretation was that it was clearly intended as a comedic parody and not legitimate advice. Surely no successful, motivated person would suggest underachievement. “Good enough is good enough” was just a silly phrase recommending mediocrity, not the legitimate advice I was looking for.

The outgoing reactor supervisor had

a different interpretation that completely changed my view of the book. Rather than suggesting underachievement, “good enough is good enough” is a reminder to accept our limitations and not waste time stressing over the small details. We should not strive for perfection; it is unrealistic and may lead to disappointment. Instead, we should learn to recognize when we have done our best and strive for improvement in all our future endeavors. This may just be a repackaging of the phrase “nobody is perfect,” but it resonated with me in a way the original phrase never did. I was never going to be perfect and nobody, except for me, had that expectation. The list can wait; I will continue to chisel away at it whenever I have time. Sometimes we just need a reminder to give ourselves, our peers, and our employees some grace and recognize when “good enough is good enough.”

Dr. Ange-Lionel Toba

Decision Sciences Department

Systems Scientist

Education (degrees & institutions): PhD, Engineering Management & Systems Engineering, Old Dominion University MS, Industrial & Systems Engineering, Colorado State University – Pueblo

Company Name: Idaho National Laboratory

Industry: Energy

Company CEO: Dr. John Wagner, Laboratory Director

Company Headquarters Location: Idaho Falls, ID

Number of Employees: >6,100

Your Location (if different from above): Ammon, ID

Words you live by: “The one who has hope lives differently; the one who has hope has been granted the gift of a new life.” – Pope Benedict XVI

Who is your personal hero? My father

What book(s) are you reading? Exploring Catholic Theology: Essays on God, Liturgy, and Evangelization by Bishop Robert Barron

What was your first job? Math tutor

Favorite charity: Catholic Charities

Interests/Hobbies: Sports, music, video gaming, traveling

Family: Mother, wonderful wife, kids, extended family and many beloved friends

The Power of Dreaming Big: A Tribute to Inspirational Mentors

The most profound pieces of advice are often the simplest, yet they hold the power to influence our life’s trajectory. This was true for me, as the best advice I ever received was from the most influential mentor in my life: my father, Edouard Toba. His belief in the power of dreaming big and being truly fearless has guided me from the shores of Cote D’Ivoire in West Africa to the pinnacle of achievement in STEM education and beyond.

As a child, I was captivated by the methodical nature of STEM. The structured world of science and mathematics offered a clear and logical path. The world of systems engineering, with its profound implications for society, piqued my curiosity and set me on a quest for knowledge.

Inspiration can come from those

who tread the path before us, and for me, it was Dr. Cheick Modibo Diarra, a Malian scientist who played a pivotal role in five NASA missions that embodied the essence of dreaming without limits.

My passion for science and engineering led me to Morocco, where the spark ignited by computer science transformed into a roaring fire. The journey continued across continents to the United States, in Colorado and Virginia, where higher education unveiled a world brimming with opportunities, research funding, and fascinating projects. The pursuit of my PhD was a testament to endurance, fueled by my father’s unwavering belief in me — a belief that at times surpassed my own.

The passion for innovation was not only self-driven but was nurtured by

the encouragement of my professors and mentors, who urged me to push boundaries and embrace boldness.

In recognition of this journey and the people who have shaped it, I am deeply grateful and honored for this award. This accolade is not just for me; it is a tribute especially to my father and mother, my mentors both in my personal and professional life, and all who dare to dream fearlessly. It is a message to every young mind in every corner of the world that with the right guidance, unwavering support and the audacity to dream big, the possibilities are limitless.

May we all continue to dream, dream big, be persistent and be hopeful, always, for in the vast expanse of the unknown, there lies an ocean of potential, waiting to be discovered.

Ben Kaito Shiroma Associate

Education (degrees & institutions): JD, Harvard Law School; BS, Engineering, University of Southern California

Company Name: Knobbe Martens

Industry: Law

Company CEO: Steven Nataupsky, Managing Partner

Company Headquarters Location: Irvine, CA

Number of Employees: 600+

Your Location (if different from above): Los Angeles, CA

Words you live by: Luck is when preparation meets opportunity. Hope for the best, but plan for the worst.

Who is your personal hero? My grandfather

What book(s) are you reading? Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

What was your first job? Helping neighbors with yard work

Favorite charity: Los Angeles Regional Food Bank

Interests/Hobbies: College football, live music, beer and wine tasting

Family: Ben is ever grateful for the support of his family back in Hawaii.

Mentorship – formal and informal – is the key to a great career

I would not be where I am today without the mentorship I received in my professional, educational, and personal lives. I am extremely thankful to have made my career at a law firm that invests as much in its associates as its associates invest in it. I am a better attorney and better equipped to serve our clients because of my mentors.

The practice of law, and even being an attorney, is not self-explanatory. There are written rules and even more unwritten ones. When I began my legal career, it felt like drinking from a firehose. Neither of my parents were attorneys. I barely knew what being an attorney looked like. But my mentors showed me the ins and outs of the practice of law and saved me numerous long nights, false starts, and heartburn. If learning by doing is the best way to learn, my mentors were

the next best thing. I think it is important to understand that mentorship is not limited to formal relationships. Through genuine, in-person, connections, I found mentors in unexpected places. Some of the best advice I ever received was in front of the coffee machine or at an after-work happy hour. But in each of these cases, being there in person and having a face-toface connection was key.

Being the beneficiary of such investments, I try my best to “pay it forward.” I am actively involved in recruiting efforts at Knobbe Martens, as well as in the Los Angeles Intellectual Property Law Association’s Young Lawyers’ Committee. I am always happy to speak with law students or young attorneys to help guide them in their careers and achieve their goals.

I have found that being a good

mentor helps one be a good leader. To me, some of the most important qualities of a leader are mutual respect and reciprocity. In many ways a lead attorney is only as good as his or her team; a partner is only as good as the associates with whom they work and rely on. By investing in the professional and personal development of associates, a partner can equip associates to handle issues as they arise and enhance associates’ development as independent attorneys. Moreover, such investment is essential to inspire the loyalty, dedication, and continued attention to detail that is critical to perform quality legal work over the course of a difficult matter. Ultimately, such investment in associates produces more effective and more efficient client representation.

Y. Bora Bozkurt Partner

Education

Company Name: Latham & Watkins

Industry: Law

Company

CEO: Richard Trobman

Favorite charity: KittyKind,

This lawyer from Turkey helps make sure US law is welcoming to lawyers from all backgrounds

When I first arrived in the United States, coming from Istanbul, Turkey at the age of 17, I faced the daunting challenge of starting a new life in a foreign country in a second language and without my supportive family who were a continent away. Though I prize seeking out new experiences, coming to the US for school meant navigating the complexities of a new culture and language while pursuing my goal of becoming a lawyer. Coming from a different culture and language background, I felt I had to apply myself to understand and analyze the law.

Despite feeling adrift at times, I established a life here. I majored in economics and computer science in undergraduate, and discovered tax law required a similar code-based approach to thinking. Those early days in my legal career taught me the importance of building a community of support. Law is, at its core, a trade — and like

all trades, success depends on building the skillset of those around you. I was fortunate to find mentors committed to providing the guidance and support I needed early on in my career; I’ve used my platform to do the same for other attorneys.

Beyond the traditional role of a mentor, I’ve come to see that sharing knowledge across the legal community plays just as important a role in investing in others. I consistently find the time to author articles and other forms of thought leadership, and I regularly present on topics within my field. These activities represent more than professional obligations; they serve as opportunities to make complex legal concepts accessible and establish a foundation of knowledge that others can build upon. Thought leadership, for me, is not just about demonstrating expertise — it’s about creating resources and networks that empower others,

especially those who might be facing the same challenges I did.

Even with my commitment to thought leadership, mentorship marks another critical aspect of my professional life. Over the course of my career so far, I’ve had the pleasure of mentoring the next generation of associates, many of whom are also non-native English speakers from other countries. I understand the unique challenges they face, and I strive to ensure that they also have the tools and confidence they need to excel.

In these ways, my early challenges as a newcomer to the United States and a non-native English speaker have shaped my conception of the actions a leader takes. By sharing knowledge and offering guidance, I can help create a more inclusive and supportive legal community, where every lawyer, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to succeed.

(degrees & institutions): JD, University of Pennsylvania Law School; LLM in Taxation, Georgetown University Law Center

for helping us adopt our beloved large orange cat, Mister Mo.

Family: I have been married to my wonderful wife, Joanna Braun Bozkurt for six years now. We have two sweet children, Isabel Melike Bozkurt and Theo Aslan Bozkurt.

EMERGING LEADERS

Hadrian Luo Associate

Education (degrees & institutions): JD, Duke University School of Law

Company Name: Latham & Watkins

Industry: Law

Company CEO: Richard Trobman

Helping others from big business to penniless migrants is his passion

As a first-generation college student, first-generation immigrant, and member of the LGBTQ+ community, I am often driven in my career by the opportunity to help others, and especially during their most challenging moments. Whether that help comes in the form of assisting companies navigating bet-the-company legal crises or supporting individuals facing dire personal circumstances, it has been a privilege to be able to use the power of law to create meaningful impacts.

My passion for law took root during my junior year of college, when I began working with asylum seekers as part of a refugee resettlement program. Helping Iraqi refugees assimilate into their new communities showed me firsthand the significant challenges they faced. This work gave me my first

taste of the profound influence that legal advocacy can have on improving lives, and sparked my interest in pursuing law as a career.

Law school further broadened my understanding of the law’s potential as a catalyst for positive change. I participated in a children’s law clinic, where I supported children with disabilities and special needs as they navigated complex legal challenges. Through an externship with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), I fought for the civil and constitutional rights of prisoners who were subjected to inhumane conditions, such as solitary confinement, and advocated for their fair treatment under the law.

In building my practice, where I advise on some of the most highprofile privacy and cyber matters,

I have continued to be driven by a desire to help my clients when they face those moments most critical to their businesses— such as data breaches, high-stakes government investigation or litigation. In these matters, I lead with grit and optimism, viewing my role as a trusted adviser to support clients as they face their most complex legal issues. Through pro bono work, I also continue to help those who face urgent legal challenges of profound personal consequences but lack the means to defend themselves, from defending the civil and constitutional rights of victims of one of the biggest immigration raids in recent history, to representing victims of domestic violence and LGBTQ asylum seekers in seeking immigration relief.

Lauren Coppola

Partner; Chair, Telecommunications Practice; Deputy Managing Partner, Boston Office

Education (degrees & institutions): JD, DePaul University College of Law; BA, Political Science, Vassar

Company Name: Robins Kaplan LLP

Industry: Legal

Company CEO: Anthony Froio

Company Headquarters Location: Minneapolis, MN

Number of Employees: 440

Your Location (if different from above): Boston, MA

Words you live by: “The way you do one thing is how you do everything.” These are words from one of my favorite fitness instructors which I incorporate in all facets of my life. It helps instill care and attention.

Who is your personal hero? My daughters! They are both so smart, wonderful, funny and kind. What book(s) are you reading? Memory Piece by Lisa Ko and The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley

What was your first job? Lifeguard

Favorite charity: The Eliza Juliet Norton Memorial Foundation, which supports girls in athletics. Interests/Hobbies: Running, swimming, cooking, gardening.

Family: Husband, two beautiful girls, one chocolate Lab, two cats and lots of fish.

Two exceptional mentors taught her how to succeed in the field of law

I had the privilege of being mentored by two exceptional individuals, each unique in their own way and both dedicated advocates for women and diversity. These senior white men, who were committed feminists and champions of inclusivity, served not only as mentors but also as my sponsors.

Mentors teach, impart wisdom, help you find your way, and push you to be great. They did all of that. Sponsors act as champions, cheerleaders, and advocates, helping you secure opportunities they know you deserve. They did all of that, and more. I’ve learned that mentorship and sponsorship are most effective when they work in tandem. Through their mentorship and sponsorship, I learned how to be a litigator and a true trial lawyer. They taught me the critical skill of remaining calm under pressure, whether dealing

with a difficult witness, a challenging judge, or argumentative opposing counsel. I learned how to think sharply on my feet – a critical tool for any trial lawyer. They taught me not to take this challenging job too seriously and that even the most daunting problems can often be resolved in time. They taught me to deliver good news fast but bad news faster. And most importantly, they taught me to never give up, even when you lose a case, motion, or client.

As a recipient of their sponsorship, they also encouraged me to seize the opportunity in every encounter. Time and again, in courtrooms and boardrooms dominated by men, where I was often mistaken for a legal secretary or court reporter, I was reassured that I deserved to be there just as much, if not more, than anyone else. I learned that my presence, as a young woman among senior white men, held power,

and I could leverage that power to achieve the best outcomes for both my career and my clients.

I have now reached a point in my career where I find myself acting as a sponsor and mentor, rather than the recipient of sponsorship and mentorship. This is an incredibly fulfilling and enriching experience for me. I work to carry on the words of advice, nuggets of counseling, and extreme care my mentors bestowed on me. Each day, I strive to sponsor others, particularly our women and attorneys of color. I want these young attorneys to enter courtrooms and boardrooms with the confidence that they belong there. Often, they have prepared more thoroughly and worked harder than anyone else in the room, and they deserve to feel that they belong—and, even more, they deserve to lead.

EMERGING LEADERS

Kate Mueting

Firm Administrative Partner

Education (degrees & institutions): JD, University of Iowa College of Law; Bachelor of Journalism, University of Nebraska

Company Name: Sanford Heisler Sharp, LLP

Industry: Legal

Company CEO: David Sanford

Your Location (if different from above): Washington, DC

Words you live by: Comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.

What book(s) are you reading? Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer

What was your first job? I bagged and carried out groceries

Family: I live with my husband and two daughters, ages 2 and 4.

We are surrounded by lessons on good living – if we just listen

I’ve learned so much from so many people:

• As a child, I heard my dad tell me and my siblings every morning as he left for work: “And remember, it’s not what happens to you, it’s how you deal with it.” (Another lesson from Dad: never walk by a water fountain without taking a drink.)

• My mom taught me not to doubt myself in the face of new challenges. After college I was nervous to move from the Midwest to join AmeriCorps in California. What if I couldn’t handle it? What if I didn’t have any friends? She asked me why I was not afraid that there wouldn’t be any air to breathe. She taught me that just like there is always air to breathe, I can always handle things and I always have friends.

• I have seen our firm’s Chairman David Sanford at Sanford Heisler Sharp model great compassion towards those who reach out to our

firm seeking representation. Most people endure substantial hardship and mistreatment before they call a lawyer, and he has taught me that it is important to help as much as we can.

• I also learned a lot from clerking. Judge Michael Melloy demonstrated the importance of showing grace to all litigants, even those who had made mistakes. Judge Richard Leon taught me that while it is important to do good work, it is also important to show up for people. My co-clerk Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger encouraged me to follow my interest in employment law and to not be afraid of closing doors, because new opportunities come only when you walk through a few of those open doors.

• When I attended law school at the University of Iowa, I learned from Professor Bill Buss and my best friend in law school, Kate Melloy Goettel, the importance of using my law degree to fight for social

justice and the public good.

• My first law school internship was at the Corporation for National and Community Service. My mentor Tom Bryant told me that even more important than having work that I care about is having a life and loved ones that I care about. And General Counsel Frank Trinity explained to me that too often lawyers have to say no, but the good ones learn the clients’ goals and figure out how they can say yes.

• Marialuisa Gallozzi and Georgia Kazakis at Covington taught me that exhaustive preparation can make up for inexperience. And Maureen Japha taught me to anticipate the needs of my partners and clients.

• And from my husband Greg Roth and my daughters, four-year-old Josephine and two-year-old Ella, I am learning to spend some time every day being very silly.

Danielle Urbina

Assistant Vice President for Marketing & Communications

Education (degrees & institutions): BA, Multimedia Journalism, University of Texas at El Paso

Company Name: Texas Tech Health El Paso

Industry: Higher Education & Health Care

Company CEO: Richard Lange, MD, President, Texas Tech Health El Paso

Company Headquarters Location: El Paso, TX

Number of Employees: 1,523

Words you live by: Be a voice, not an echo.

Who is your personal hero? My sister, Ashley

What book(s) are you reading? A Life Without Limits: A World Champion’s Journey by Chrissie Wellington (I just started doing triathlons!)

What was your first job? File clerk at a local law firm

Favorite charity: Girl Up

Interests/Hobbies: Triathlons, attending as many concerts as possible, any and every culinary experience

Family: I come from a huge, eight-sibling family and I love it.

A real leader has heart and changes people’s lives

Leadership, often associated with authority and command, is far from the experience I thought it to be as a young professional—it’s a complex concept that transcends titles. From my own experiences, I’ve come to understand that leadership is more than just delegating and guiding, but empowering others, fostering a sense of purpose and overcoming challenges with the intent of turning them into lessons.

My journey has been shaped both by the two mentors who believed in me and a passion to make a positive impact on the world. A journalist at heart, I found myself drawn to a career where I could use my skills as a storyteller to drive positive change, never knowing that it would land me in the industries of health care and higher education.

As a first-generation college graduate and daughter of two cancer survivors, I live my purpose every day at Texas Tech Health El Paso. And it

was on this team where I encountered two remarkable women who would become my mentors. Their leadership styles, though different in some ways, shared a common thread: a deep-rooted belief that when you empower people in your community with access to education and health care, you have the potential to change the trajectory of their lives forever. I knew I wanted to be the same kind of leader for someone else.

Leadership, to me, is a variety of experiences that shape the person you are to those you serve. It’s being strategic while also knowing you will not always be the expert in the room. It’s a dedication to continue learning. It’s transactional to get the job done, but compassionate and empathetic to understand your team and build authentic relationships where everyone feels supported.

As any emerging leader knows, leadership also comes with its challenges. You often find yourself

outside of your comfort zone or facing situations you never thought would arise. But I’ve realized that challenges are opportunities for growth, resilience and self-confidence that have enabled me to lead effectively.

Ultimately, leadership is not about perfection or having all the answers all the time. It’s about empowerment of others, leading with your mission as the foundation of all you do, and remembering that every experience serves a purpose. I don’t “have” to attend a lunch with students and community leaders—I “get” to see a student’s dreams come true when they receive a scholarship from our generous donors. I don’t “have” to create strategic plans—I “get” to be a part of the growth of our university and community, knowing how many lives will be impacted. I don’t “have” to go to work—I “get” to work with an inspiring team and learn from others every day.

EMERGING LEADERS

Priscila

De France

Principal DEI Business Partner

Education (degrees & institutions): Master’s degree in Finance and Business Strategy –Sciences Po Paris – France; Bachelor’s degree in Economics - Texas Christian University (Texas)/ Institut Catholique de Paris (France) I attended TCU for 2.5 years and then finished my degree in France

Company Name: Upbound

Industry: Retail

Company CEO: Mitch Fadel

Company Headquarters Location: Plano, TX

Number of Employees: 12,970

Words you live by: “It always seems impossible until it’s done” – Nelson Mandela

Who is your personal hero? I don’t have a personal hero, but rather, I’m inspired by the qualities from both famous leaders and everyday heroes.

What book(s) are you reading? Co-intelligence: Living and Working with AI by Ethan Mollick

What was your first job? My first job was as an assistant pricing analyst at an electronics manufacturing company where I worked while attending Texas Christian University.

Favorite charity: Choosing just one is challenging as I am passionate about various causes supported by different organizations. I value the impactful work we do with our local charity in Brazil. I appreciate Amnesty International’s global reach and causes, and I admire the missions of Doctors without Borders and the Innocence Project.

Interests/Hobbies: I am passionate about experiences that broaden my vision and understanding of people and the world around me. Traveling, for instance, ignites my curiosity and allows me to explore life through different cultural lenses and discover new ways of thinking. My love for history provides valuable context, helping me approach life with greater empathy and insight. I also love reading, hiking, and anything that pushes me to grow and evolve.

Family: Family is a significant part of my life, and has deeply influenced who I am. Growing up in a culturally diverse family – French, Italian, Brazilian, Lebanese – has given me a rich cultural background and appreciation for different perspectives. This diversity has taught me the importance of empathy, resilience, adaptability, and open-mindedness, which I bring into my approach to everything I do.

Her goal is to drive change and make an impact every step of the way

From the very beginning of my career, I’ve been fueled by a desire to make an impact – driven not just by my personal achievement but by a deeper belief that true success lies in the ability to inspire and create meaningful change. This calling has shaped my journey, taking me across various industries and organizational structures, from startups to multinationals like Deloitte.

Along the way, I’ve had the privilege to work in Marketing, Sales, Finance, and HR, and through each role, I’ve come to realize that leadership is not defined by a title or function but by the capacity to inspire others and ultimately transform the world around you.

Each role I’ve taken on has offered new perspectives on how to drive change. In startups, I experienced firsthand the raw energy of creativity and innovation – how embracing uncertainty and empowering others

to take risks can lead to groundbreaking results. This environment taught me resilience, the power of adaptability, and most importantly, the need to create a space where people feel free to innovate and push boundaries. It was here that I learned that impact is not just about the product or service but about creating a culture that fosters ingenuity.

When I worked in medium-sized businesses, I realized that sustaining change required more than just good ideas - it required a clear vision, strategic execution, and most importantly empowering others to take ownership of that vision. I began to understand that real leadership is about building a culture of trust and collaboration. It’s about aligning people with a shared purpose and giving them the tools to succeed.

Through these varied experiences, I’ve come to see leadership as more than just guiding teams. Leadership,

to me, is about creating environments where people are empowered to become the best version of themselves, where every challenge is an opportunity for growth, and where change is not just embraced but driven with purpose. My journey has shown me that true impact comes not just from the individual effort, but from the collective power of people inspired to create change together.

What I’ve also learned along this journey is that leadership is never static – it’s a continuous, never-ending path of growth and learning. This journey is never finished. It’s a constant pursuit of learning and improvement, a relentless drive toward greater impact.

This is the kind of leadership I aspire to: A leadership that is grounded in vision, empathy, resilience, one that evolves, and leaves a legacy not just of success, but of transformation and growth in every individual touched along the way.

Breaking Barriers: Redefining Executive Presence for Women

By Vanessa Roknic

She’s too emotional and passionate when sharing her perspective.”

“She needs to learn how to be quiet.”

“She’s too confident.”

These are all things I’ve heard myself at one point or another throughout my career.

The theme running through these critiques ultimately boils down to the idea of executive presence – how a leader presents themselves and their persona. All too often, our organizations fall into the default mode of judging what a leader should look like based on traditionally masculine-coded ideas.

Defining Executive Presence

At its core, executive presence embodies the ability to create trust and confidence in your capabilities in a professional setting. It encompasses a blend of charisma, gravitas, and authenticity that leaves a lasting impression on others. However, for many women,

myself included, achieving this is a balancing act that can sometimes feel elusive.

One of the most glaring obstacles women face in cultivating executive presence is the pervasive pressure to conform to societal norms and expectations. From a young age, girls are often taught to prioritize likability over assertiveness, leading to a reluctance to speak up and assert their opinions confidently. As we ascend the ranks in our careers, these ingrained behaviors can manifest in subtle ways, undermining our ability to command authority and influence.

Moreover, women are frequently held to a different standard than their male counterparts when it comes to displaying emotions in the workplace. While passion and conviction are praised in men, they are often perceived as signs of weakness or instability in women. I’ve witnessed firsthand how women who are simply expressing themselves or challenging the status quo are unfairly labeled as “too emotional” or “difficult to work with,” further perpetuating stereotypes.

“

A Long Way Still to Go

I’ve seen countless articles on bias in the C-suite, but it still shocks me when I see it firsthand. Those are the moments that stand out to me.

I was in the early stages of a new role when I was invited to a meeting with my manager and two senior leaders.

It was a pretty standard discussion at first. Then, midway through the meeting, the male leader interjected abruptly, telling his female colleague to stop speaking and let him talk.

I later told my manager that I was very uncomfortable with how that conversation unfolded. To my dismay, my manager replied, “She needs to learn to be quiet.”

That’s when I realized what kind of culture I was up against. The voice of the man was deemed more valuable.

From subtle microaggressions to overt discrimination, these behaviors and norms erode confidence and impede our ability to assert ourselves effectively. I’ll never forget the story of a colleague who was chastised by a boss who told her that she needed to not wear as much make-up in order to be taken seriously.

However, amidst these challenges, I’ve met so many women who defied the odds and embraced their authentic selves unapologetically. This is becoming increasingly prevalent today, especially as a new generation with different expectations comes of age in the workplace.

So, how do these women overcome these barriers and cultivate a strong executive presence? What can we learn from their examples?

1. Embrace Authenticity: Instead of striving to meet someone else’s ideas of what a leader should be, embrace your unique strengths and qualities. Authenticity breeds trust and credibility, allowing you to connect with others on a deeper level and wield greater influence. Embrace the things that make you, YOU.

2. Speak Up: Don’t shy away from voicing your opinions and ideas, even if they diverge from the consensus. You have a seat at the table for a reason. Your perspective matters, and by speaking up, you contribute valuable insights and perspectives to the conversation. It’s not always easy to find the courage in the moment; think of it as a muscle that you cultivate over time. You get stronger the more that you do it.

3. Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with men and women, with mentors, sponsors, and allies who champion and prioritize your growth and development. Find those who will stand in your corner. Seek out opportunities for mentorship and networking to expand your sphere of influence and gain valuable guidance.

4. Challenge the Status Quo: Don’t be afraid to challenge outdated norms and practices that perpetuate inequality. Whether it’s advocating for gender-balanced leadership or challenging biased decision-making processes, be a catalyst for change within your organization. You can find small ways to work toward this goal in virtually every meeting and interaction if you look for opportunities.

Achieving executive presence is not about conforming to rigid stereotypes or sacrificing authenticity for the sake of conformity.

It’s about owning your voice, embracing your unique qualities, and leveraging your individual strengths to lead with confidence and conviction. We can push to redefine traditional notions of leadership and pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.

Let’s seize the opportunity to break free from the constraints of conforming to someone else’s expectations of what leadership looks like – and embrace our true power in the workplace. PDJ

Innovation Executive & Digital Transformation Leader with over 18 years of experience in

Vanessa Roknic is a Senior Commercial

the pharmaceutical industry.

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Women Wor th Watching® in Leadership 23rd Annual

A W ARD

Women Worth Watching® Honoring Extraordinary Women in Leadership

We’re proud to present our 23rd class of Women Worth Watching® in Leadership by profiling 70 more of the talented and hard-working women in leadership who have shattered the glass ceiling and become an important part of the Profiles in Diversity Journal® legacy.

Again this year, our Women Worth Watching® in Leadership honorees are living their vision, blazing new trails, achieving lofty goals, and lifting others as they climb. We are very proud to present their profiles.

In addition to providing biographical information, these award recipients have also written essays in which they share their love and appreciation for their parents’ support and encouragement, their academic, professional, and life experiences; their mentors—and of mentoring others; their gratitude for the opportunities and advice they have received; and their hopes for the future. Their profiles provide a golden opportunity for other professionals to get to know these remarkable women a little better.

Welcome to PDJ’s twenty-third Women Worth Watching® Awards.

Thank you to all the organizations participating

Rebecca Thompson

AAON Vice President of Finance, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer

Education (degrees & institutions): Certified Public Accountant, Oklahoma Accountancy Board; BSBA, Accounting & Master of Information Systems & Accounting, University of Tulsa |

Company Name: AAON, Inc.

Industry: Manufacturing

Company CEO: Gary Fields

Company Headquarters Location: Tulsa, OK

Number of Employees: 4,107

Words you live by: When I was training for my Ironman, I purchased a visor and wore it for months before realizing on the underside of the brim, it had the following message “She believed she could, so she did.” It’s a perfect summary of my life.

Personal Philosophy: Focus on the big picture. Accounting can be all about the details, down to the decimal point. This career is perfect for a perfectionist; however, the weight of it can be exhausting. I have learned to “chill out” and do a better job of taking a step back to look at what really matters rather than stressing over insignificant details.

What book are you reading? The Outlanders series. I read business and technical literature at work, so I like to focus on more light reading in my spare time. I enjoy book series in the science fiction genre.

What was your first job? A cashier in an IGA grocery store.

Favorite charity: River Parks Authority but I don’t necessarily play favorites. There are many worthy organizations, and I try to spread my support to several organizations close to my heart. River Parks Authority is one of AAON’s Signature Community Partners. I enjoy the outdoors and I am a frequent user of Tulsa’s trail system.

Interests: Running, cycling, hiking - I enjoy spending time outside in nature.

Family: I am proud of my blended family with my husband Geoffrey, his two children, my son and his family, and our two family cats.

Persistence and consistency paid off for this accountant at school and at work

My most significant challenge-turned-accomplishment is a combination of graduating from college and earning my CPA. Life had other plans for me when I became pregnant during my senior year of high school. Most people automatically assumed that I would abandon my plans to go to college. However, I knew that I needed an education if I wanted to support myself and my family. I was fortunate to have a supportive family that helped ensure I could pursue my education.

When my son was just four weeks old, I started my college classes. As a commuter student, I spent hours between classes in the Accounting/MIS suite, where I could immerse myself in my studies and engage with professors who knew me by name. College became my sanctuary—a place where I discovered my voice and gained the confidence to grow. The education I received prepared me for everything I’ve encountered in my career. Despite the many challenges of being a new mom and a new college student, I worked diligently to stay on an accelerated path and completed both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years.

Earning my college degree was truly a significant milestone, particularly because I’m the first in my family to achieve it. After graduating, I stepped into the professional world, joining Andersen as an audit associate. The fast-paced environment of public accounting quickly consumed me, and studying for the CPA exam fell down my list of priorities. Soon, I realized that not passing the CPA exam would limit my career opportunities. Finding time to study while working and taking care of a family was challenging. It was easy to get discouraged, especially when I missed passing sections of the exam by just a few points, lost credits, and had to retake the parts I already passed. Taking deliberate actions with consistency, for example dedicating time to study, was the key to overcoming this challenge. I could then pass the exam.

My experiences have taught me that persistence and consistency are crucial to success in so many aspects of life. These experiences and this journey have taught me the value of resilience and hard work, leading me to where I am today. My educational, personal, and professional accomplishments are my story and a testament to tackling obstacles and achieving my goals.

Education (degrees & institutions): JD, American University, Washington College of Law; BA, Washington University in St. Louis

Company Name: Akin

Industry: Law

Company CEO: Kim Koopersmith (Chairperson Number of Employees: 1,760+

Your Location (if different from above): Los Angeles, CA

Words you live by: Dream (the verb) – I think it’s always important to keep dreaming; Change – I think it’s always important to keep evolving – it also helps to live by this word when you are in a tough moment in time; recognizing the moment is temporary helps shift the energy.

What book are you reading? The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

What was your first job? Working in an independent small bookstore in the suburbs of Chicago, the Book Bin. Walking into a small independent bookstore feels like walking into home.

Favorite charity: Mercy Corp

Interests: Running, yoga, Pilates, hiking, picnics at the beach in Malibu, reading, interior decorating, gardening

Family: I have a daughter, Farrah Mila, and a son, Rion Alfie. And my husband, Dale Smith, keeps me centered and grounded.

More unbiased lawyers needed to help senior leadership

I hope to see more diverse attorneys in positions of leadership and management at law firms.

As part of human nature, people are hard wired to gravitate towards people who have had the same experiences and share the same backgrounds as themselves. As part of our subconscious biases, people typically allow more compassion and empathy towards people who share their cultural backgrounds and upbringings. Subconscious bias is real – it is inadvertent, it is dangerous, and it is pervasive. The fact is that people in positions of power typically have had very different experiences and opportunities than a first-generation immigrant or a person whose parents did not go to college or receive a graduate degree. Success begets success. Connections beget connections.

As a younger attorney at a prior firm, I remember sitting at an airport café in Montreal with my mentor after finishing a long day with the client, eating a very bad (yet very tasty) chicken parmesan pasta dish. I said to my mentor, “I don’t know why I have this feeling, but it seems that I need to be twice as good as the other associates to receive the same treatment.” My mentor at the time turned to me and said, “It’s true. But you have nothing to worry about, because you are twice as good.” I will always remember the feeling I had when I digested his response – it felt like a hard blow. While my

mentor was trying to give me a compliment, I felt sick to my stomach. I was hoping what I felt was not real. I was hoping he would affirm that I was viewed just the same as my other colleagues, that I was judged by the same standards, that I had nothing to worry about. That my feeling was a paranoid thought that was not rooted in reality.

In the legal profession, a younger attorney’s success depends largely in part by the training the attorney receives. Does the younger attorney have a strong mentor who is willing to devote the time and energy t o teach the tricks-of-the trade? Is that mentor willing to allow room for mistakes and improvement? Is that mentor committed to bringing the attorney into key relationships? As a younger attorney, I was lucky to have two very strong mentors. Without their guidance and support throughout my career, I would not be where I am today. I believe that as more diverse attorneys step into leadership roles, they will play a critical role in mentoring and ensuring the success of the next generation. As more diverse attorneys step into leadership roles, I am hopeful that subconscious biases will continue to be diluted and in a perfect world, be eliminated. That people will be judged solely by their performance and skill, and not by the color of their skin or their ethnic or cultural background.

Michelle Chan Partner

Education (degrees & institutions): J.D., Columbia Law School; B.A., Dartmouth College

Company Name: Akin

Industry: Law

Company CEO: Kim Koopersmith (Chairperson)

Number of Employees: 1,760+

Your Location (if different from above): New York, NY

Words you live by: “If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.”

– Dolly Parton

Personal Philosophy: Be kind.

What book are you reading? Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

What was your first job? Administrative assistant in Dartmouth’s alumni office

Favorite charity: International Rescue Committee – San Diego; I interned here with their refugee resettlement program and it’s a wonderful program that provides refugees with training and classes.

Interests: Binging HGTV, traveling, mentoring, family

Family: My husband Zach, my new son Jacob and our two dogs Riley and Mochi.

Whether at college or at work, take ownership of your career from the start

When I was in college, I attended a panel for first-generation college students. Upperclassmen shared words of wisdom and advice for succeeding in college, and I remember one particular piece of advice that resonates with me even today. The panelist asked that we “take ownership over our college experience,” and suggested that it was up to us to manage what we wanted to get out of our experience. The student went on to say that we were all paying for this experience—whether we took on loans, had family who sacrificed and saved, took on jobs in high school or earned scholarships through hard work—and we should make sure we are getting what we are paying for. I think the student was suggesting we be more proactive about attending office hours and taking advantage of the resources on campus, but ultimately, he was right—we needed to take responsibility for our own career paths.

On a day-to-day level, exhibiting ownership over workstreams and tasks, however small it may be, can distinguish a great associate from a good associate, but on a larger scale, taking ownership over your own career path can be empowering. For me, this has meant

asking partners for opportunities (and executing on those opportunities even if they were not what I expected), soliciting feedback (and trying to do better every time) and seeking out leadership opportunities where I thought I could add value. It’s also important to note that I don’t do any of this alone. I have been very fortunate in my career to have mentors who have advocated for me and provided opportunities for me to grow and sometimes pushed me take the next step when I most needed it – though it is worth noting that fostering those relationships and seeking advice and support is also part of taking ownership over one’s own career.

Because I have directly benefited from good mentorship, I mentor associates at work when I can and have served as a mentor to young students with the TEAK Fellowship in New York. I am grateful for the opportunity to support and guide growth in others; it’s sometimes the most challenging part of my job, but it’s rewarding and inspiring. I want to continue to pay it forward by giving the next generation time, mentorship and patience that others gave and continue to give to me.

Hanneke Krekels

Education (degrees & institutions): MSc Industrial Design Engineering, Delft Technical University, Netherlands

Company Name: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD) Industry: Semiconductors, AI

Company CEO: Dr. Lisa Su

Company Headquarters Location: Santa Clara, CA

Number of Employees: 27,000

Your Location (if different from above): Santa Clara, CA

Words you live by: “What one can be, one must be” – Abraham Maslow

Personal Philosophy: Own your own Happiness

What book are you reading? The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor

What was your first job? Product Manager DVD Players at Philips Electronics

Favorite charity: Doctors Without Borders

Interests: Sports, outdoors, art, hosting friends & family

Family: A beautiful combination of family in California and the Netherlands

Mentorships come in many forms. Embrace them all.

Years ago, when I left the Netherlands to work in California, my mentor gave me a book as a good luck gift. He had become my mentor after telling the company that it would be a shame for his 30 years of Product Management experience to retire with him, and that he’d like to pass that knowledge on to a person starting out in their career. On the first page of the book he had written the following: “I still don’t know if I learned more from you or you from me.” To me this was, and still is, a wonderful message from someone that I highly respected after “shadowing” him for a full year prior to his retirement. As you can imagine this was a huge advantage for me on my career journey.

Throughout my work life, there are and have been, many mentors both formal and informal. They became sponsors, providing guidance and feedback, while also keeping an eye out for my career advancement; informing me when any opportunities opened up that would normally only be heard about after the position was filled. I believe that sponsorship is important, especially important for women working to advance their careers. Embrace the feedback and mentorship you receive from people you truly respect. But also listen to feedback

from people you might not align with or respect as much, but don’t get hung up on it. Your mission might not correspond to theirs, so don’t let them discourage you. Take in and assimilate their feedback and move on.

Another benefit of mentorship is that over time it promotes self-awareness and provides confirmation of our own leadership style. You might understand and respect another person’s leadership style and how they organize their work life but know that you couldn’t lead in the same way. In order to successfully lead, you must maintain your authentic self with the understanding of your own personal strengths and weaknesses. You can’t lead with someone else’s style, it has to be your own. Understand it, embrace it, and own it. Knowing this is vital for building self-confidence and achieving personal growth.

I’m stating the obvious, but we all have a duty to give back and be mentors and advocates to others around us, no matter what stage they are in their careers. We wouldn’t be where we are now without our past and current mentors, so let’s help guide others along their paths. And who knows, we might learn more from our mentees than they learn from us!

Renee S. Parente

Program Management Director, Technology & Product Engineering

Education (degrees & institutions): BA, Rutgers University

Company Name: AMD

Industry: Semiconductor Manufacturing

Company CEO: Dr. Lisa T. Su, Chair and Chief Executive Officer

Company Headquarters Location: Santa Clara, CA

Number of Employees: 25,768

Your Location (if different from above): Austin, TX

Words you live by: How can I help?

Personal Philosophy: I always look for opportunities to assist in making a positive difference What book are you reading? The 16 Undeniable Laws of Communication by John C. Maxwell

What was your first job? Retail merchandiser at a Hallmark store

Favorite charity: Austin Parks Foundation

Interests: Volunteering, empowering women, gardening, reading, yoga, board games, and mixology

Family: Proud mother of two sons

We’re all busy but make sure that being accountable and volunteering is a top priority

Accountability

I believe one must be accountable. Not only accountable to others, but most importantly to ourselves. Accountability involves recognizing priorities, taking ownership, focusing on execution, and answering for actions and results all while staying true to oneself. I spent half my career working in electronics device failure analysis and even though I no longer work in the labs, I hold myself accountable to helping the international failure analysis community.

Volunteering

I always strive to assist and support others, whether it is an industry society, a colleague, my Austin community, or women around me. Volunteering is a personal priority to me, and I often ask, “How can I help?” I find that this attitude fosters collaboration, trust, and respect. Most importantly, I find helping others fulfilling.

Volunteering provides opportunities to lead in ways not always available in our daily jobs. It is empowering. It promotes engagement and provides opportunities to grow, all while fostering a sense of community among those serving and those served. I’ve experienced this personally through my own volunteer efforts, through which I have developed a deep sense of purpose and lifelong connections. I am extremely grateful for the personal and community growth my volunteering has fostered, yet I recognize I must maintain balance with my priorities to remain accountable to myself.

Wall of Hats

I have a wall of hats behind my home desk, which serves as a symbolic representation of my multiple roles and priorities. I wear many hats, both figuratively and literally, in my professional and personal lives. My current professional priorities are helping AMD grow, connecting with my industry peers, developing employees, and leading community involvement. As a business operations director and chief of staff, I ensure our organization is cared for and improving. As the incoming Electronics Device Failure Analysis Society’s president and the International Symposium for Test and Failure Analysis’ general chair, I ensure my industry peers are connected. I develop employees through my role as the AMD Women’s Forum global lead, and as a manager, and mentor. I also lead community involvement and advocacy for nonprofits through my chair position on the AMD Community Affairs team.

I am busy and recognize that time is limited, so it is important I spend it mindfully. I am grateful when people ask for my help, but I take care to ensure my actions align with my priorities. I often help because I love to, and I am confident that I can bring unique perspectives, new ideas, and grow the groups I help while staying true to myself and my priorities. I recommend each one of you do the same—recognize your priorities and be true to them while giving back to your world.

Kate DeLoach

Education (degrees & institutions): BA, University of Alabama

Company Name: AT&T

Industry: Telecommunications

Company CEO: John Stankey

Company Headquarters Location: Dallas, TX

Number of Employees: ~150,000

Your Location (if different from above): I commute between my office in Dallas, TX and our 200+ year family farm in Vincent, AL

Words you live by: You can do it

Personal Philosophy: The Golden Rule

What book are you reading? Rick Steves Scotland – My novel is set in London and Scotland

What was your first job? I started working at a daycare when I was 13

Favorite charity: Alabama Farmers Federation

Interests: Sustainable family farming on our 200+ year old farm and writing my first novel

Family: John, my husband of 27 years, and son Jess (23). Read more about us at deloachfarms.com.

Answering these three questions can help achieve your dreams

I stood up on tip toe to see over the counter. My McDonald’s hamburger was on the tray. Just beyond that, big and busy strangers yelled out orders, filled cups with fizzing drinks, and counted out change. No one noticed the three-year-old peeping over the counter. A few minutes before, I had been disappointed to unwrap a hamburger instead of a cheeseburger, and then was shocked when my daddy didn’t fix it for me while I went to hang out with Hamburgler and the crew on the prison-themed playground. Instead, here I was, facing one of my first negotiations while my dad watched from our table. I had a super-power though - his absolute confidence that I could do it. He told me I could, I believed it, and then I did. I didn’t realize it as I happily ate my cheeseburger before heading out to scale the Officer Big Mac tower, but the memory of this early success would be a key touchstone for me.

“You can do it.” The words are powerful in their simplicity. It is a mindset I have carried into my biggest challenges. Negotiating billion-dollar deals is daunting, but starting with the core belief that you will navigate the minefields and find the right balance of give and take to shape a deal that works for everyone is what

pulls me through the thorniest moments. As a leader, I bring that same confidence to my team and to my mentees. I believe they can do it, then it’s just a matter of helping them map out the path to success and celebrating the wins. As a parent, I taught my son “You are not allowed to say ‘I can’t.’ Tell me you need help instead.” That is so important, because confidence isn’t about ego, talent, or ability. True confidence looks in the mirror and asks, “How do I need to grow?” “What do I need to learn?” And “Who do I need to bring with me?” Right now, I am working on my first novel, and these are the questions I wrestle with constantly. I’m confident I will create something I’m proud of though, and that motivates me to keep writing.

Super-powers are better with friends, so I want to leave you with this. You can do it. Think about whatever it is you have been longing for. Imagine you’ve done it. How great does it feel? Keep that image firmly in mind, ask yourself those three key questions, and then go for it. I believe in you, and if there is anything I can do to help you on your journey –reach out. You can find me on LinkedIn.

Shelley Goodman

Senior Vice President – Indirect Alliance Channels

Education (degrees & institutions): BBA, Marketing, Baylor University

Company Name: AT&T

Industry: Telecommunications

Company CEO: John Stankey

Company Headquarters Location: Dallas, TX

Number of Employees: 150,000

Words you live by: “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.” – Helen Keller

Personal Philosophy: Lead a career serving others that is purposeful, honest, and filled with gratitude.

What book are you reading? Becoming a Leader of Impact by Braden Douglas

What was your first job? AT&T

Favorite charity: Tunnel for Towers

Interests: Cheering loudly for ALL Baylor sports teams!

Family: Married to my husband Dan for 28 years. Two adult sons, Zach

There are so many ways to be a leader. Why not be one who helps others succeed?

In my professional journey, success has been defined not by financial gain or efficiency, but by the positive impact I have on the people around me. As writer Carl Buechner put it, “People may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” My passion is deeply rooted in purpose, gratitude, and the desire to serve others.

Early in my career, a mentor imparted a vital lesson. You don’t need to be like every other leader. You just need to be the very best version of yourself you can be. Embracing authenticity allows me to live my purpose and create an environment where mutual respect and genuine collaboration flourish. As I advanced into leadership roles, I observed that authentic leadership fosters a culture of transparency and trust. I embrace this principle by engaging in activities that bring me joy such as coaching, mentoring, and collaborating with colleagues – always investing in others with one hand forward and one hand back.

I have also learned throughout my career the importance of teamwork and that true success happens when we operate with a win as one’s mindset. A critical part of building this winning culture is expressing gratitude to

those you work with, for, and around. Acknowledging the contributions and efforts of others fosters a workplace where employees feel valued and appreciated. Gratitude also promotes resilience and optimism, enabling teams to navigate challenges with a positive mindset and achieve record breaking results.

Through countless work relationships, I have seen the positive impact of prioritizing the development of others and cultivating empowerment and growth within a team. By investing time and energy in nurturing people, they become more willing to take ownership of their roles and take pride in their work. I am passionate about lifting others up because I know that a leader who prioritizes others will also inspire their teams to achieve remarkable results both individually and collectively.

When you are passionate about what you do and who you get to do it with, it fills you with a purpose to help others. And you learn that being a leader of impact is not about YOU – it’s about putting others first and being intentional with them. When you focus on people, you will always have great teams who take pride in their work. How will you inspire others today?

(25) and Lukas (22).

Meghan

Warren Chief of Staff

Education (degrees & institutions): Business Administration, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee

Company Name: AT&T

Industry: Telecommunications

Company CEO: John Stankey

Company Headquarters Location: Dallas, TX

Number of Employees: 150k

Your Location (if different from above): Chicagoland

Words you live by: Be yourself; everyone is already taken.

Personal Philosophy: Pursuit of balance: Maintain a healthy balance between work, family, and personal time.

What book are you reading? Story Worthy by Matthew Dicks

What was your first job? Barista at Caribou Coffee!

Favorite charity: The Happy Pet Project

Interests: Theater, dog rescue, design

Family: Husband – together almost 10 years! Daughter – almost 3, my entire world!

Art and creativity helped build my confidence and my will to succeed

From the moment I was born, I faced a challenge that would shape my life in profound ways: spina bifida. This condition, a birth defect that affects the spine, meant that I was often looked at differently and subjected to bullying throughout my school years. However, despite these adversities, I was determined to not let my disability define me or hinder my potential. Growing up, I was taught by the strong women in my family that perseverance and resilience are crucial to overcoming any obstacle. My mother, grandmother, and aunts—all powerful, independent women—instilled in me the belief that I could achieve anything I set my mind to, regardless of the barriers I faced. Their unwavering support and encouragement became the foundation upon which I built my self-confidence.

School was a particularly challenging environment. The physical limitations imposed by my condition made certain activities difficult, and the social stigma attached to my disability made me an easy target for bullies. I refused to succumb to the bullying. Instead, I focused on my strengths and passions. I discovered a love for the-

ater and creativity, which became a powerful outlet for expressing myself and coping with the challenges I encountered.

Through art, I found a way to connect with others and showcase my talents. My creativity flourished, and I began to gain recognition for my work. This newfound confidence spilled over into other areas of my life. I became more assertive and independent, determined to prove that my disability and gender would not hold me back.

Throughout my life, I have continually pushed through the barriers set before me, building confidence that the world had not readily offered. My journey with spina bifida has taught me valuable lessons about strength, perseverance, and the power of believing in oneself. I have learned that while the world may not always be kind or accommodating, it is up to us to carve out our own paths and define our own success. Today, I stand as a strong, creative, and independent woman, proud of the hurdles I have overcome. Through determination and self-belief, we can all achieve greatness.

Rebecca L. Clegg Counsel

Education (degrees & institutions): JD, University of Connecticut School of Law; BA, Mount Holyoke College

Company Name: Axinn, Veltrop & Harkrider LLP

Industry: Legal

Company CEO: Jeny Maier, Managing Partner

Company Headquarters Location: New York, NY

Number of Employees: 172

Your Location (if different from above): Hartford, CT

Words you live by: “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” – Winnie the Pooh

Personal Philosophy: Work hard and be kind.

What book are you reading? American Dialogue by Joseph J. Ellis

What was your first job? Babysitting

Favorite charity: Project Night Night

Interests: History, Disney, musicals, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

Family: My wonderful parents and younger brother

Five helpful lessons for women who want to climb to the top of the legal profession

Diversity in the legal profession is a work in progress. Although law schools and law firm associate ranks overall have practically achieved gender parity, women are still underrepresented in the senior levels of the legal profession. A recent MCCA survey found that only 27.7% of all law firm partners are women. Some specialties like patent law, which is my chosen practice area, remain male-dominated at all levels.

As a graduate of a women’s college, I sense the lack of female talent more acutely. Female leadership is proudly on display at women’s colleges in classes, at sporting events, and in every on-campus organization. The environment is empowering to say the least. The women’s college environment may not reflect the composition of the “real world,” but it teaches the skills needed to thrive as a woman in a male-dominated environment. It is not a coincidence that 20% of women in Congress and 33% of women on Fortune 1000 boards graduated from a women’s college.

To any woman looking to advance her career and help break through the glass ceiling, here are some lessons that I’ve found helpful:

1. Be authentic. You will not reach your full potential if your efforts are focused on trying to be just like someone else. While we can all learn things from our bosses, mentors, and colleagues, there isn’t only one way to practice law. Embrace your natural strengths and use them to find your own style.

2. Embrace your network. Surround yourself with supportive mentors, sponsors, and allies who will provide guidance to help you overcome obstacles and open doors to new opportunities and connections.

3. Pay it forward. Encourage and support other women and celebrate their successes.

4. Never stop learning. Continually hone your skills and stay up to date on the latest news, technology, and industry developments. Take time to learn about your client’s business so that you can better serve their interests.

5. Practice active listening. Careful listening helps build trust and relationships, avoids miscommunication, promotes better understanding, and improves outcomes through better problem-solving.

6. Volunteer for leadership opportunities. Taking the lead on a project (no matter how small) not only allows you to become comfortable with your own voice as a leader, but encourages others to see you as one. It has been said that “if you can see it, you can be it.” Having visible role models can help inspire the next generation to keep pushing the boundaries of what is possible. The glass ceiling is not impenetrable, but it will take a collective effort to chip away at and ultimately break through it. Together, we can help raise the profile of women in our profession.

Kelly Montes Executive Director, U.S.

Kelly Montes Executive Director, U.S.

Teaching others how to build inclusive workplaces in the US –

and across the world

US Catalyst Executive Director Kelly Montes’s passion for and dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion and her work leading a team for the largest segment in Catalyst’s portfolio showcases why she was chosen as a 2024 Women Worth Watching® award winner. As a DEI champion and relationship builder, Kelly is helping drive gender equity through workplace inclusion and transforming workplaces across the US in the process. Under her leadership, dozens of relationship managers serve as thought partners on issues of diversity, equity and inclusion for nearly 300 US companies.

Kelly is also a trusted expert on DEI in corporate America and beyond. She speaks frequently on inclusive leadership, empathy, ERG best practices, sponsorship, and allyship to corporate audiences. Her belief that finding solutions to today’s challenges requires courageous conversations, curiosity and intentional bridge building across cultures shows up clearly when she leads public discussions on industry stages and serves as an expert source for media.

Kelly’s team leadership and her expertise as a trusted advisor to executives on how to build respectful, rewarding, inclusive companies certainly make her a Woman Worth Watching®. With over two decades of leadership experience, Kelly has worked with Fortune

500 companies, leading CEOs, foreign governments, and institutions of higher education to develop inclusive workplaces, global competency, and conduct research for connection across peoples and cultures. The underpinning of her work has been connecting across differences, whether via her time and work in Inner Mongolia, China, while hosting heads of state for diplomatic dialogue, or training executives on how to be inclusive leaders.

Kelly currently oversees the largest segment for the Catalyst portfolio–the US. Her regionally based team serves as thought partners for nearly 300 U.S. supporter organizations, embedding research, tools, and solutions to build inclusive workplaces from the frontline to the C-suite. Kelly frequently speaks on inclusive leadership, empathy, ERG best practices, sponsorship, and allyship; during her time with Catalyst, she has delivered over 100 speaking engagements.

Kelly is a Fulbright Scholar as well as a Young Sinologist, a fellowship awarded by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. She is a champion for fostering inclusion and cultural understanding and believes both the challenges and solutions for the 21st century require courageous conversations, curiosity and intentional bridge building across cultures and peoples.

Lauren Cosby VP, Product Management

Education (degrees & institutions): MA, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology; BS, Psychology, Loyola University, Chicago

Company Name: Circana

Industry: Market Research

Company CEO: Kirk Perry

Company Headquarters Location: Chicago, IL

Number of Employees: 7,000+

Words you live by: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou

Personal Philosophy: Be curious and be kind

What book are you reading? The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration by Isabel Wilkerson

What was your first job? Babysitter

Favorite charity: Green Star Movement and Chicago West Community Music Center (both local Chicago nonprofits)

Interests: Spending time with friends and family, exploring new vegan recipes to try, and exploring new cities

Family: My husband, Peter, and children, Nasir (19) and Vedah (17), are a constant source of inspiration and support in my life.

Leaning on these three pillars can help prepare you to be a leader

Our career journeys are often peppered with twists and turns, making them both exciting and challenging at times. How we respond to curves in the road defines our future success. Along the way, three guiding pillars have served me well.

Empathy:

A key component of emotional intelligence, empathy is integral in all levels of leadership. A corporate culture that encourages empathetic interactions among all levels of an organization benefits both business and employee satisfaction. Whether in conversation as a leader, colleague, partner, or parent, I actively listen with the intent to understand, not just respond. Empathy at work also involves a willingness to lead by example. The idea that anyone, at any level of the organization, can roll up their sleeves and do the work to get the job done is something I have both tried to exemplify and have admired in many of the strong leaders from whom I have learned over the years.

Resiliency:

In any setting, learning how to manage change for oneself and one’s team is critical to company and employee success. Facing change with a growth mindset has served me well throughout my career and is something I coach others on as they manage organizational shifts. Developing and maintaining a strong self-awareness can

be instrumental as we strive to add value at work. Gathering feedback from others and understanding one’s strengths is critical to personal and professional advancement. For me, resiliency means bouncing back from setbacks with more confidence through an enhanced understanding of what didn’t work. This process has made me more decisive and influential in my day-today role.

Engagement:

As a product leader and the co-chair of one of Circana’s Global Employee Resource Groups, focused on Black employees and allies, I engage with employees across the organization. I have the pleasure of learning from and working with colleagues within my team and beyond through formal and informal mentorship programs.

As a mentor, and particularly as a woman of color, I encourage people to think about things from different perspectives, to value their unique contributions and experiences, and prioritize self-care to ensure they allow space to reflect on what does and doesn’t serve them.

These three pillars, along with guidance and support from strong mentors over the years, have served me well along my career journey. I have embraced the opportunity to step into leadership roles throughout my career and have looked for ways to pay it forward wherever possible.

Education (degrees & institutions): MBA, University of Michigan, Ross School of Business; BS, Electrical Engineering, University of Michigan College of Engineering

Company Name: Circana

Industry: Market Research

Company CEO: Kirk Perry

Company Headquarters Location: Chicago, IL

Number of Employees: 7,000+

Words you live by: “We die only once; we live every day”

Personal Philosophy: Continuously explore and evolve

What book are you reading? The Tech That Comes Next: How Changemakers, Philanthropists, and Technologies Can Build an Equitable World by Amy Sample Ward and Afua Bruce

What was your first job? Babysitter at 10 years old for neighborhood kids!

Favorite charity: Growing Home and World Central Kitchen

Interests: Learning about people and how to live a better life through travel and food

This

strategic planner uses her skills

to forge a career and to feed the hungry

I’m a food lover living in a city with amazing dining, so I’m often asked for restaurant recommendations. Interestingly, there are many parallels between providing a wellreceived restaurant recommendation and career advice. The key is tailoring the recommendation to fit the person. With that in mind, I’m sharing what’s currently top-ofmind in my career journey, hoping you’ll find something relevant for yours.

Cultivate T-shaped Experience:

For eleven years, I worked in strategy and operations consulting, where career paths and expertise requirements are clear: build broad business acumen, add deep functional expertise, and then combine them to create informed strategies. Through consulting and life, I’ve gained diverse experiences, ranging from automotive engineering to fashion retail, forensic accounting to casino operations, and bussing tables to advising C-suite executives. At Circana, I’ve developed deep expertise in data analytics and insights for consumer product goods. Next on my horizon is combining my breadth and depth of capabilities to develop enterprise-level strategies.

Solve and Anticipate Problems:

COVID heavily impacted two of my beloved communities: healthcare workers and restaurants. While searching for N-95s for my brother’s emergency department, I learned about Frontline Foods (FLF), a grassroots organization bringing meals from restaurants to healthcare teams. I jumped in to help wherever I could and soon

found myself building models to match meal requests with anticipated donations and available restaurants, as well as an operations playbook for fellow volunteers. Early on, I anticipated questions around where we were sourcing meals and which hospitals we were delivering to. Those questions came flooding in when George Floyd was killed, and I was able to immediately report that our Chicago chapter had consistently sourced from and delivered to communities across the full spectrum of Chicago residents, with volumes aligning with neighborhood case rates. In the end, FLF (now part of World Central Kitchen) delivered $10 million in meals nationwide and I had the honor of co-coordinating over 50,000 meals in Chicago.

Build Relationships Across Teams:

It’s easy to understand that learning how different parts of an organization work together helps people succeed. What’s often more challenging is making meaningful connections outside of one’s immediate team. At Circana, I’ve had the opportunity to be part of the strategy and leadership teams for our Diversity Advantage Program (DAP). DAP is an all-volunteer initiative where employees partner with women- and minority-owned businesses to share Circana’s data and analytics skills in an effort to build a more equitable consumer goods ecosystem. Through collaborating with fellow DAP volunteers, I’ve deepened my understanding of the enterprise and together we’ve assisted over 60 small businesses at 12 retailers and distributors.

Maria Brinkmann

Education (degrees & institutions): JD, City University of New York School of Law; BFA, New York University, Tisch School of the Arts

Company Name: Cohen Ziffer Frenchman & McKenna

Industry: Legal

Company Headquarters Location: New York, NY

Number of Employees: 32

Words you live by: “Service is the rent we pay for being. It is the very purpose of life, and not something you do in your spare time.”

– Marian Wright Edelman

Personal Philosophy: Cultivate community wherever and whenever possible, and practice gratitude always.

What book are you reading? The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

What was your first job? Server at a neighborhood family-run restaurant

Favorite charity: Mercy Center, God’s Love We Deliver, Natural Resources Defense Council

Interests: Attending the theater and concerts, traveling to and exploring new places, farmers markets, hiking in the Hudson River Valley

Family: My husband, Michael, my two awesome step-children, Tessa and Peter, and a large extended family scattered across the country

Empathy, passion and work ethic – the 51 percent that really counts

Fifty-one percent doesn’t turn heads. At best, it’s mediocre. In school, it’s a failure. I’ve yet to hear someone pledge to give 51 percent of themselves to any endeavor, striving instead to deliver the whole, impressive 100 percent. But when I was hired at Gramercy Tavern, one of restaurateur Danny Meyer’s acclaimed New York City restaurants, 51 percent was the magic number.

“The 51% Solution,” a hallmark of Meyer’s business philosophy, centers on the idea that an ideal employee’s skills are divided 51-49 between emotional skills and technical excellence, i.e., “51-percenters.” 51-percenters have five core emotional skills: optimistic warmth, intelligence, work ethic, empathy, and integrity. These skills are usually instinctive and are developed and nurtured from childhood, making them far more difficult to teach than skills that are required to achieve technical excellence.

Recognizing that my employment at Gramercy Tavern was based on my 51 percent—the emotional and personal qualities I brought to the table—led me to appreciate the intrinsic value of these traits, not just in a professional setting but in every aspect of my life. This philosophy also gave me the courage and conviction to explore other interests, which prompted a complete

career change.

At the time I was hired at Gramercy Tavern, I was an NYU Tisch-trained musical theater performer, tenaciously pursuing my dream of Broadway success. After a nearly decade-long theater career and much discernment, I applied to law school. Career transitions are challenging to say the least, but I knew I could rely on my curiosity, passion, perseverance, and work ethic— all 51 percent of me—as I undertook the challenge. And I trusted that, as before, I could acquire the technical skills needed to excel in my new career.

Today, I am privileged to practice law alongside a team of experienced and accomplished litigators who continually inspire me to develop my legal expertise, refine my craft, and pursue excellence. And while I certainly apply my 51 percent skills as a lawyer, I have been pleasantly surprised at the transferability of many of the technical skills I honed as a musical theater performer. I am grateful to those people in my life who recognized and nurtured the qualities in me that allowed me to redirect my energies and find fulfillment on an entirely new path. I look forward to doing the same for others.

Kevelyn Guzman

Vice President

Education (degrees & institutions): Business Administration, minor in International Business

Company Name: Coldwell Banker Warburg

Industry: Real Estate

Company CEO: Kamini Lane (CEO of Coldwell Banker Realty)

Company Headquarters Location: New York, NY

Number of Employees: 15

Words you live by: Lead with purpose, inspire with passion

Personal Philosophy: Prioritize both professional success and personal fulfillment, understand that balance isn’t about equal parts time spent on each but living intentionally in both worlds.

What book are you reading? These were gifts from friends, The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma and Trick Mirror by Jia Tolentino.

What was your first job? My first job was at 14, a summer job working at a government office tackling alcohol and substance abuse

Favorite charity: God’s Love We Deliver, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Sanctuary for Families

Interests: Spending time with my kids, travel

Family: My 11-year-old daughter Emma and my nine-year-old son Eli.

Breaking the glass ceiling takes a village

Women still face the glass ceiling, especially in industries where leadership roles are dominated by men. While progress has been made, subtle biases, outdated perceptions of leadership, and a lack of access to key networks still create barriers. Women, particularly women of color, often have to work harder to prove themselves for the same roles, even when they are equally or more qualified than their male counterparts. These barriers are sometimes invisible, making them even harder to address.

To break through the glass ceiling, women need to be strategic. Building a strong network is essential because success is often about who you know as much as what you know. Mentors and sponsors can not only provide guidance but also advocate for women when opportunities arise.

In addition, developing a leadership presence is critical. Women can sometimes be overlooked for leadership roles because they don’t fit traditional, often masculine, ideas of leadership. Cultivating confidence, decisiveness, and assertiveness helps challenge those stereotypes. For me, this has come through refining my communication, body language, and decision-making. I used to apologize unnecessarily, making me seem less authoritative. So, I started replacing “I’m sorry” with more assertive phrases like “Thank you for your patience” or simply stating facts. I also worked on my body language, ensuring that I walk into meetings with my shoulders back, head high, and a strong posture. Engaging with eye contact early

in a meeting helps establish my presence immediately. When making decisions, I’ve shifted from saying, “I think we should...” to “Here’s the data; this is the direction we should go.” These adjustments have made me more confident and assertive.

Another key strategy is relentless self-advocacy. Women must often push harder for recognition and advancement, ensuring their achievements are visible and negotiating for better roles and pay. It’s not enough to quietly excel at work; women need to ensure their contributions are recognized. Seeking leadership development opportunities, like training programs or advanced degrees, can also signal readiness for top-level positions.

However, it’s not just about individual effort. Women must also confront workplace biases. I’ve heard stories of male leaders minimizing women’s accomplishments with dismissive remarks like, “You only received that award because you’re a woman of color.” Comments like these attempt to diminish hard-earned success and reduce it to a token gesture. This kind of bias is insidious and strengthens the glass ceiling. Ultimately, it’s not just women who need to push through the ceiling — companies and leaders must actively dismantle it by creating inclusive environments that celebrate diversity and recognize achievement for its true value, not through the lens of race or gender. This bias is real – acknowledging and addressing it is key to true progress.

Diane L. Martin, MBA, CSSGB

Division Director, Dignity Health

Education (degrees & institutions): MBA, University of Redlands; BA, Barry University

Company Name: Dignity Health/CommonSpirit

Industry: Hospitals and Health Care

Company CEO: Julie Sprengel, President, California Region

Company Headquarters Location: Glendale, CA

Number of Employees: 10,000+

Words you live by: “…Opportunities—the good ones—are messy, confusing and hard to recognize. They’re risky. They challenge you.” – Susan Wojcicki

Personal Philosophy: Always forward.

What book are you reading? The First 90 Days by Michael D. Watkins

What was your first job? Cashier at my family’s grocery store.

Favorite charity: American Heart Association Go Red for Women in LA and Paws-to-Share

Interests: Travel, hosting and karaoke

Family: Proud young sister to four siblings and aunt to six nieces and nephews.

Leading with Passion. Empowering Through Inclusivity

Inspired by Exceptional Leaders

I’ve had the privilege of learning from leaders whose wisdom fuels my personal and professional growth. Their guidance ignited my passion for inclusive leadership, collaboration, and continuous learning. These values not only inspire me but also drive me to empower others and create environments where everyone can thrive.

A Life-Changing Move: Embracing Diversity

At age eleven, my family moved to Ecuador, an experience that taught me the value of embracing diverse perspectives. Immersing myself in a new culture sparked my passion for inclusivity, knowing it fuels connection, creativity, and personal growth—values I carry into my work every day.

A Legacy That Shaped My Purpose

My grandfather, a physician and founder of a pharmacy chain that served communities for over 150 years, lived out the values of service and leadership. He showed me that leadership is about uplifting others and creating opportunities for success. His influence ignited my desire to lead by bringing people together, a philosophy I’ve carried into my roles in healthcare and academia. I’ve witnessed firsthand how inclusive communication and collaboration can drive positive change and improve the consumer experience.

Rowing to Success: The Power of Teamwork

As a college athlete on the women’s rowing team, I learned the strength of perseverance and teamwork. Rowing taught me that when everyone is valued, the boat moves toward success. This shared purpose and commitment to inclusivity and mutual support have stayed with me, fueling my passion

to drive transformational change in my professional life.

Building Trust, Driving Change

Throughout my career, I’ve led complex, high-impact projects that demanded more than just delivering results; they required building trust, encouraging innovation, and fostering resilience. In my first year leading the rebranding of a major healthcare provider, the CEO sat me down and told me, “No matter how well-designed your strategic plan is, it will fall flat unless the team shares the appropriate culture. At the end of the day, the people who implement the plan matter.” That set the tone for aligning plans with our mission and building connections with internal teams and external partners.

Living Inclusive Leadership Every Day

One of my proudest achievements was leading the introduction of a new health plan by fostering open communication across diverse teams. By encouraging different perspectives, we developed a comprehensive, sustainable solution that expanded enrollment, strengthened community engagement, and made a lasting impact.

Passion for Unlocking Potential

For me, leadership is about more than achieving goals—it’s about inspiring others to realize their full potential. I’m passionate about creating environments where people are empowered to contribute their best, innovate, and push boundaries. Every day, I wake up eager to work alongside others to create lasting, positive change. That’s what fills my life with meaning and purpose.

Education (degrees & institutions): BS in Chemical Engineering, Tufts University; MBA, New York University

Company Name: Curriculum Associates

Industry: Education Technology

Company CEO: Rob Waldron

Company Headquarters Location: North Billerica, MA

Number of Employees: 2,743 total employees, 2,173 full-time/regular employees

Your Location (if different from above): Milton, MA

Words you live by: No day but today

Personal Philosophy: Empower myself and others to be our best so that we overcome challenges to make differences that leave lasting imprint

What book are you reading? Scaling People by Claire Hughes Johnson

What was your first job? Bussing tables and scooping ice cream at the Puritan Backroom in Manchester, NH

Favorite charity: Ronald McDonald House

Interests: Anything outdoors – hiking, biking, swimming, running, walking, beaches, etc.

Family: My husband Ron and I are parents to three kids, ages 15, 14, and 12, and have two bulldogs named Ellie and Potato

An incoming CEO took on a tougher less glamorous role to get to the C-suite

Pursue opportunities that align with your goals and offer the best chances for growth and learning – even if others question your decision for taking a path that you know would ultimately be the one best for you.

It’s easy to be tempted by fancy titles and flashy perks, but remember: you have one life to live, one chance to make a difference. If a less glamorous path offers deeper and more meaningful learning, I recommend taking it. Don’t underestimate the value of knowledge and where it can lead, or discount what can be learned from a road less traveled.

guidance from my mentors, I chose the second role, and it was a pivotal moment in my career. That more hands-on role taught me how to lead, make an impact, and collaborate closely with upper leadership. It gave me skills that are invaluable and indispensable to the work I do today.

The rest of the world doesn’t need to agree with your choices—it’s your life and your impact, and you get to define your role’s worth. ” “

Early in my career, while working in finance for a Fortune 500 company, I faced a choice between a high-profile role with leadership exposure and a less glamorous position in a different part of the company. The latter offered the chance to learn new skills, lead an international team, and have direct decision-making power. Despite the prestige of the first option – one that I knew many of my peers would choose without blinking an eye – I knew it wouldn’t be as fulfilling for me. With

Ultimately, I learned that the best roles for growth aren’t always the most attractive on paper. The most valuable roles are those that challenge you professionally and open your mind to areas you haven’t previously explored. The rest of the world doesn’t need to agree with your choices—it’s your life and your impact, and you get to define your role’s worth.

From that point on, I evaluate every potential role by asking, “Will this push me outside my comfort zone?” and “Can I make an impact here?”

This mindset shift propelled my career, leading to promotions as CFO, COO, and President. These experiences have now prepared me to step into the role of Curriculum Associates’ next CEO in January 2025.

Boon

Education (degrees & institutions): MA, St. John’s College; BA, University of Cambridge

Company Name: Dechert LLP

Industry: Law

Company CEO: Mark Thierfelder and Dave Forti (Co-Chairs)

Company Headquarters Location: Philadelphia, PA; New York, NY

Number of Employees: Approximately 2,000

Your Location (if different from above): Singapore

Words you live by: Leave anyone you meet better than when you found them, even if just marginally

Personal Philosophy: Never make happiness contingent on an outcome outside your control, or the attainment of happiness will also be beyond your control

What book are you reading? The Art of Comforting: What to Say and Do for People in Distress by Val Walker

What was your first job? Law was my first paid job

Favorite charity: SPCA

Interests: Making things from scratch: meals, cocktails, toys, clothes

Family: My parents, my siblings, numerous nephews and my rescue pets

To succeed, women need to grow, make mistakes and learn from them

To me, growth is the single most important factor in living a fulfilling life, especially in a global law firm like Dechert. Life comes with numerous challenges, surprises and an element of unpredictability, and we are oftentimes inexperienced and ill-equipped at dealing with these vicissitudes. We may never be able to solve all these problems in the way we hope for, because there may be a plethora of ways – countless configurations – to solve a problem. We may make a lot of mistakes along the way, too. When faced with these challenges, mistakes and options (or lack of them), what should we do? Growth can help people adapt and stay nimble, resilient and resourceful—particularly if you are a woman.

The practice of law is a microcosm of that greater concept called life. When I was hired to set up Dechert’s corporate practice in Singapore, it was an exciting time: a clean sheet of paper awaiting a vision — and an opportunity for growth. I thought long and hard about the balanced culture I wanted to cultivate, and that became the true north both for hiring decisions and business decisions. In this competitive, global market, I believe the recipe for exceptional performance comes from a mixed

team that focuses on constant growth, both individually and as a team.

As women, we will always hit a glass ceiling if we do not grow outside of the work context. To be exceptional professionals, we must first and foremost be exceptional as individuals. The culture I wanted to build was therefore one conducive to personal growth; one in which people have each other’s backs, which actively encourages diverse opinions to be expressed, and which pushes for honest feedback from all members of the team regardless of seniority, race, nationality, gender or favorite football team.

Growth in the workplace leads to growth outside the workplace and vice versa. It gives us that spring in our step, that twinkle in our eyes, that fire in our belly. That’s the type of diverse workplace I’m passionate about building. After all, growing makes work fulfilling.

So, what should we do? We are all works in progress. We should have the courage to confront our flaws, break out of these confines and learn from diverse perspectives. We should help someone grow and leave them better than we found them.

Heather Gowdy Partner

Education (degrees & institutions): MBA, Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley; BA, Cornell University

Company Name: DRG Talent

Industry: Talent strategy and consulting for nonprofits and foundations

Company CEO: Dara Z. Klarfeld

Company Headquarters Location: Founded in New York, NY; now fully virtual Number of Employees: 45

Your Location (if different from above): Massachusetts

Words you live by: Be kind, work hard, and leave each place better than you found it

Personal Philosophy: Be curious

What book are you reading? Supercommunicators by Charles Duhigg; The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman, Lesley Manville, et al

What was your first job? Scooper at the local ice cream stand

Favorite charity: Habitot Children’s Museum

Interests: Travel, trying new recipes, science fiction, audio books, learning languages, finding a breeze

Family: Four amazing kids, one amazing husband, and one brand new kitten

A spirit of discovery makes life worth living and the world a better place

I learned early on how awe-inspiring the natural world can be. Some of my most memorable moments and meaningful insights came in and through nature: experiencing the power of a right-above-us thunderstorm in the dark; feeling the breeze waft through the windows of a tent on a cool fall night; listening to a loon call on a deserted lake. There is magic in such moments—moments that bring a sudden, electrifying spark of clarity... when the world shifts into focus in a new way, when confusion or the sense of being “stuck” give way to a surge of discovery and possibility… of awe and even joy. I believe the greatest gift you can give others—and yourself—is an opportunity to experience those moments in everyday life. Moments like these have renewed my strength and sense of purpose in otherwise murky times, and I have seen the same with others—across contexts, continents, and generations.

In consulting and executive coaching, I see these moments when a long-held perspective about an organization’s culture, a person’s capability, or “how we do things” suddenly shifts and a whole new set of possibilities opens up.

In leadership and management, I see it when our

team is able to “go deep” in conversation and then experience the burst of energy and creativity that follows; or when a skilled consultant takes on a new challenge and in wrestling with it, sees something in a wholly new way—rediscovering their passion and potential in the process.

In parenting, I see it in my children’s exuberance when they try something new and find it rewarding; when they get lost in a book, article, or TikTok rabbit hole and suddenly look up, itching to discuss what they uncovered; or when they realize that doing something “boring” actually opened up space for discovery.

In my community, I see it in simple acts of service: connecting a foster child with an experience they’ve never had; taking time to talk with—and truly listen to—clients at the food pantry as they share stories about their lives and families; bringing someone to their first protest and experiencing the power of collective action together.

And so, my wish for the world is that everyone is able to experience such moments, regardless of current circumstance, and that together, these moments drive the creation of a better world and a brighter future for all.

Dara Z. Klarfeld CEO

Education (degrees & institutions): BA, University of Maryland College Park; MA, Rabbinic Ordination Jewish Theological Seminary

Company Name: DRG Talent

Industry: Talent Consulting for the Non-Profit Sector

Company CEO: Dara Z. Klarfeld

Company Headquarters Location: New York, NY (Founding) now we are virtual

Number of Employees: 45

Your Location (if different from above): New Jersey

Words you live by: The only way to do great work is to love what you do

Personal Philosophy: Try to see the complexity of every person you encounter. It will give you the perspective you need to build strong relationships.

What book are you reading? Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters by Priya Parker (re-reading!)

What was your first job? Babysitter

Favorite charity: Legal Aid NYC

Interests: Music, NY Giants, police procedural TV

Family: Four kids, husband and a dog – luckiest woman in the world!

If the vice president can ace her CEO interview in front of millions, so can we

The day after the Democratic National Convention, I wrote my reflections on Vice President Kamala Harris’ acceptance speech:

Last night, Kamala Harris showed us what it means to show up for a job interview in front of the world’s biggest audience. Women who are interviewing for CEO positions take note: In a world where we’re often questioned or underestimated, she reminded us all of what it looks like to stand in front of a search committee of 300 Million + voters, and rise above the noise and deliver—powerfully, unapologetically, and with grace. As women, we know that far too often we walk into interviews where our competence is questioned, where we’re held to a higher standard, and where we have to prove time and time again that we’re not just capable, but exceptional.

Kamala Harris gave a master class in what happens in an interview when preparation meets opportunity. She wasn’t just present; she was in command. She didn’t just perform; she excelled. And she didn’t just make a statement; she made an impact.

So, to all the women out there interviewing for CEO roles: Walk into that room with confidence and show them exactly how you would lead. Be bold, be fearless, and demonstrate that not only can you land the position, but you can also excel and redefine what leadership looks like. Let’s show the world that when women step up, we don’t

just take the job—we own it like no one else.

From that post, I received such a large number of private messages; stories from women who didn’t get the CEO job, who were denied an interview, or who were mistreated during their time with the search committee. And while there has been a lot of work done in the past years to support and build women’s leadership in the role of CEO, there is still so much more work for us to do. We need to continue to build allies, men and women, who will reject misogynist questions in the interview process. We need to hold people accountable when an interview process focuses on what women are wearing or how they speak instead of listening to the content of their message and the substance of their professional success. We need women to feel empowered that the hiring system will not work against them so that they can show up with their whole and true selves when interviewing for a job, and we need companies and organizations to prioritize promoting and supporting women who have the skills, the experience and the disposition to lead with authority and confidence.

When I started in the talent consulting business 15 years ago, we were having these conversations; but they were more of a whisper than a full-throated endorsement. Let’s hope that in the near term, we can make equitable opportunities for women in CEO hiring practices a mandate. Our daughters and granddaughters will thank us!

Lauren Hudecki

Education (degrees & institutions): JD, University of Pennsylvania Law School, Order of the Coif; BA, Wheaton College, Hispanic Studies

Company Name: DTO Law

Industry: Legal

Company CEO: William A. Delgado, Managing Partner

Company Headquarters Location: Los Angeles, CA

Number of Employees: 36

Words you live by: My mother’s advice: Never “half ass” anything.

Personal Philosophy: Trust your gut; it’s never wrong.

What was your first job? I started babysitting for neighborhood children for $3 per hour when I was 12 years old. At 16, when I was old enough to do so, I got a job as a store clerk at a local pharmacy.

Favorite charity: Frankie Lola & Friends dog rescue and Habitat for Humanity are at the top of my list currently.

Interests: Soccer momming, Peloton, live music, snorkeling with sea turtles, and the perfect chocolate chip cookie

Family: I am a single mom to my best friend – a magical 8-year-old boy named Nino.

We have two rescue dogs, Greta B. Ginsburg and Bruno.

Stop Ignoring Implicit Bias. Confront it instead

I started working when I was twelve. In the 30+ years since, I’ve witnessed the significant challenges women face in the workplace.

This essay is about those challenges – my perception of their evolution and thoughts on what we can do about those facing women today.

My early years in the workforce were punctuated by sexual harassment. Lots of it. When I was a teenage cashier, my supervisor was known as “Bill the Perv” – a nickname he handily earned. As a waitress, I dreaded the end of my shifts, when I would be alone with the cook who made near-constant lewd comments. At another job I had, an executive invited me out for drinks and, after he had six, offered a quid pro quo arrangement: advancement in exchange for sex. I never said a word about any of this.

I suspect much of the sexual harassment I experienced would not fly today – thanks, in part, to the Me Too movement, which cast a light on abuse that previously lurked in the shadows and largely converted sexual harassment from something that “just happened” to something intolerable.

In short, I’ve witnessed a significant evolution when it comes to some of the more distressing challenges. But what about the less conspicuous ways being a woman at work can be difficult?

What about implicit bias – internalized stereotypes that unconsciously affect perceptions, actions, and assumptions? This bias can be subtle, causing many of us to ask ourselves, “Was that because of my sex?” Spoiler alert: it probably was.

Here are a few examples of how it plays out in the legal industry today:

• A male partner asks a female associate (and not her male colleagues) to take lunch orders at dozens of depositions in a big case;

• A court deputy demands to see a female attorney’s ID to prove

she is, in fact, the person identified in the bar card she presented, while letting her male colleague enter with his bar card alone;

• An assigning attorney overlooks a female associate when staffing a high-profile case, thinking it would be too much because she recently had a baby;

• A judge running a settlement conference assumes the only female attorney in the room is a paralegal, which he articulates in front of the female attorney’s client;

• Opposing counsel generally acts more aggressively and less cooperatively when dealing with a female, as opposed to male, attorney.

So, what should we do about this?

We must acknowledge the existence of implicit bias. It serves no one to pretend it’s a thing of the past. It’s not. And when we witness it, we should name it, confront it, and – where possible – interrupt it.

For example, in the court-deputy scenario above, the male colleague could choose to show his ID to the deputy, asking “Do you need to see mine, too?” This may prompt the deputy to recognize the disparity in his treatment of the male and female attorneys. And perhaps as they walk into the courtroom together, the male attorney could ask the female attorney, “What was up with that?” – thereby acknowledging what happened and inviting dialogue about it.

By coming together as an industry to acknowledge, name, and confront implicit bias, we can continue advancing the ball, passing down a more equitable industry for generations to come.

I am lucky enough to work now at a forward-thinking, women-and-minority-owned firm founded on principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion (truly), where we regularly engage with the kinds of issues addressed in this essay. I invite everyone to do the same.

Kimberly Cook-Nelson

Executive Vice President of Nuclear Operations and Chief Nuclear Officer

Education (degrees & institutions): MBA, Master’s in Engineering Management, Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, University of New Orleans

Company Name: Entergy Corporation Industry: Energy

Company CEO: Andrew Marsh

Company Headquarters Location: New Orleans, LA

Number of Employees: 12,000

Your Location (if different from above): Jackson, MS

Words you live by: You can’t win if you don’t play

Personal Philosophy: It’s all about the people

What book are you reading? The Heart of Business by Hubert Joly

What was your first job? Dairy Queen—Yes, I can serve that Blizzard upside down!

Favorite charity: The Power to Care. The Power to Care program provides emergency bill assistance to older adults and customers with disabilities.

Interests: Travel, long nature walks, spending time with my family

Family: A super-supportive husband and three children who constantly amaze me (19, 16, and 10)

Never shy away from a challenge, shun “you can’t” and always remember, it is about the people

Thinking back through my 28 years working in the nuclear industry, I am fortunate to have worked with so many amazing leaders and nuclear professionals. They have inspired me to achieve more than I ever dreamed I could and humbled me when I got ahead of my skis. In a career of delivering clean nuclear power, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, there have been many challenges. I will highlight a few of the philosophies that helped me through those challenges and that I still follow today.

1. You can/t win if you don’t play

This is a philosophy I apply in all aspects of life. The phrase means that in order to achieve success, you must take action or participate in the opportunity presented to you. It emphasizes the importance of taking risks and engaging in activities, whether in games, competitions, or life in general, because without participation, you give up any chance of success. Inaction guarantees failure. I have mentored many young women, and they ask me for one key aspect that has led to my success. I tell them to volunteer for the jobs or projects that no one else wants or are hesitant to take, and then shine. Jump into the new challenge with both feet, learn fast and do your best. You will both get noticed for supporting the team, but also in turning a lemon into lemonade. If you don’t jump into the unknown, and

play your heart out, you will never have the opportunity to win.

2. Never let someone tell you, “You can’t.”

I have often cited that I have made an entire career off of being the “squeaky wheel.” When I feel strongly about something that needs to be done, funded or fixed, I generally take the answer of “no” as “not yet.” Through that philosophy of persistence, I have been able to accomplish much in my spheres of influence and it has served me well. Particularly as a woman spending most of my life in male-dominated areas, “you can’t” was too often either outwardly stated or implied. My answer is always… yes, I can.

3. A leader is here for the team, not vice versa

In the current book I am reading, the former CEO of Best Buy Huber Joly talks about “unleashing the power of human magic.” It sounds hokey, but it is absolutely the key to success. A leader once told me more than 20 years ago that the folks at our sites were “people” not “employees” and we need to treat them like “people.” As leaders, our jobs are to support and develop our people into the best versions of themselves that they can be. Your success is a reflection of the success of your team and teammates.

Johanna G. Zelman

Partner

Education (degrees & institutions): JD, University of Connecticut School of Law; BA, Connecticut College

Company Name: FordHarrison LLP

Industry: Labor & Employment Law

Company CEO: John L. Monroe, Jr.

Company Headquarters Location: Atlanta, GA

Number of Employees: 269

Your Location (if different from above): Hartford, CT

Words you live by: “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken”

Personal Philosophy: Always be authentically you!

What book are you reading? All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

What was your first job? Camp Lifeguard

Favorite charity: Friendship Circle (https://www.friendshipcircle.com/about)

Interests: Skiing, cycling, knitting

Family: I live with my husband, 15-year-old daughter, and 6-year-old black Labrador Retriever

She was a stranger in a strange land at 16 – and is stronger for it

At 16 years old, I told my parents that I wanted to live in Spain for a year. Not with them, but with strangers. I was attached to my mother at the hip, couldn’t find my way out of a paper bag, and spoke not one lick of Spanish. I had never been outside of my protective Jewish community. But, nevertheless, I thought this was a good idea. My parents, not so much. They were wary that I could not succeed in such an adventure. But off I went.

It was rough going at first. I envisioned Madrid or Barcelona, but I ended up in a small apartment in a six story walk up in a coal mining town in Asturias, Spain, in what was to me, the middle of nowhere. There was a serious language barrier. Showers had to be timed because on the sixth floor, there was no hot water if anyone on a floor below was using it. The family I was paired with was not tolerant of my “American” ways. I was unaccustomed to getting myself to and from school, no less on foot and on time. And, for the first time in my life, I experienced Antisemitism.

On the weekends, I was left by myself to fend for myself, at 16 years old, living in a foreign country unable to speak the language. And these were well before the days of computers, internet, email, cell phones, social media, or FaceTime. I was not allowed to use the landline for outgoing calls. So, to talk to my parents, I had to leave the apartment building to use a pay phone, call collect, which my parents would decline, and then race back upstairs in time to get my parents’ incoming call.

When I told my parents I wanted to go to Spain, they thought it was the worst idea ever. But it turned out to be one of my best. The initial strife I felt quickly melted away, and not only did I have a fabulous year, but the experience shaped who I am today. I learned to advocate for myself. I communicated with people in new ways. I embraced the Spanish language and became fluent. I was infected by a travel bug that has never left. I put aside my own prejudices to embrace tolerance of and respect for a new culture, religion, life philosophy, and a way of navigating the world. I made life-long international friendships that have developed into friendships now between our children.

Most importantly, I became a strong, confident, and determined woman who can accomplish anything.

Sarah Karlgaard

Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

Education (degrees & institutions): JD, Drake University Law School

Company Name: FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation

Industry: Healthcare, graphic systems, optical devices, highly functional materials and other high-tech areas

Company CEO: Mr. Jun Higuchi

Company Headquarters Location: Valhalla, NY

Number of Employees: 73,583

Your Location (if different from above): Eden Prairie, MN

Words you live by: “This is a wonderful day, I have never seen this one before.” – Maya Angelou

Personal Philosophy: Work hard, be kind, cherish your loved ones, laugh often.

What book are you reading? Hidden Potential by Adam Grant

Favorite charity: Special Olympics

Interests: Volleyball, traveling, golfing, spending time with family

Family: Husband (Dan) and two children (John and Annika)

A sometimes surprising, always rewarding, journey in law and leadership

When I decided to apply to law school, I didn’t know many lawyers. My decision was driven by a love for problem-solving and an interest in a profession that encouraged critical thinking. I was surprised at how quickly I fell in love with the study of law. I flourished in that environment, working hard, immersing myself in the material, and thriving in a community of other motivated students. And, I realized that engaging a task with both humility and high expectations, can lead to wonderful, even surprising, opportunities. Nearly 20 years later, my career has followed a similar path—building on passion, leaning into learning and hard work, and being surrounded by mentors and colleagues. Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way.

Find Your Passion and Your People

In law school, I discovered I loved learning—especially when surrounded by smart, driven people. Later, I learned that I loved healthcare and supporting those who could heal others. Throughout, I began to realize my passion and skill for building excellent teams, figuring out how we can motivate one another to achieve something greater than any individual could. Combining these passions has led to an incredibly fulfilling career. Today, as general counsel for FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation, I lead a legal team of nearly 50 professionals, providing legal services to more than 20 affiliate companies (many in healthcare) across North and Latin America. I am reminded every day of the joy that comes from helping others succeed, solving tough problems, and working with a gifted team.

Strive for Excellence, Not Perfection

Whether it’s making the coffee or presenting to the board of directors, if you are tasked with something, bring your A-game. This is not the same as perfection. Put in the work. Be prepared. People notice, leaders notice, and there’s nothing like working on

a team with someone who takes great pride in doing an excellent job. For me, working hard and being prepared has always been the foundation, and it has led to opportunities I couldn’t have imagined at the start of my career.

Stay True to Your Values

As a woman and a mother, my definition of success has evolved over time. There were periods when success meant simply managing my job while caring for my two young children and supporting my brother through his journey with leukemia. At other times, it has meant stepping into leadership roles in organizations that are still male dominated at the top. Throughout, I’ve sought mentors. I have been incredibly blessed by their humility, wisdom, and willingness to walk with me in this complicated and ongoing journey of striving for excellence, engaging in new opportunities AND staying true to my values.

Seize Opportunities, Be Grateful, and Give Back

Even with academic training, enthusiasm and commitment to excellence, it’s hard to stretch without the humility and courage to take on new challenges and be willing to learn. Leadership often comes down to judgment. Once you’re confident in your ability to do that, regardless of your technical specialty, bet on yourself. I’ve found that the courage to step into new challenges has led to growth and fulfillment in ways I never could have predicted.

Along the way, I’ve found myself looking for ways to give back. As a general counsel, I focus on making the path easier for the next generation of leaders. I routinely ask myself, “How can I lead so that others will want this job—not for the title, but because it’s fulfilling, impactful and enjoyable?” For me, giving back and mentoring are as important as any career accomplishment. I couldn’t be more grateful for the journey.

Ashley Reeder Morgan

Vice President of Consumer Marketing, Imaging Division

Education (degrees & institutions): Columbia University Driving Strategic Impact Certificate, Cornell University Certificate in Measuring and Improving Business Performance; Cornell University Certificate in Executive Leadership; MS, Towson University; BS, Mass Communications, Towson University

Company Name: Fujifilm North America Corporation

Industry: Healthcare, graphic systems, optical devices, highly functional materials and other high-tech areas

Company CEO: Mr. Jun Higuchi

Company Headquarters Location: Valhalla, NY

Number of Employees: 73,583

Your Location (if different from above): New York, NY

Words you live by: “There are years that ask questions and years that answer.” – Zora Neale Hurston

Personal Philosophy: To constantly evolve through curiosity, learning, openness, connection, and accountability.

What book are you reading? Historical fiction books by Martha Hall Kelly

What was your first job? Babysitter

Favorite charity: International Photographic Council (IPC) which promotes peace through photography, the universal language Interests: Reading, traveling, Ashtanga Yoga, walks at home in NYC, dinners with friends

Family: My dear husband, Stephen Morgan, and our 1-year-old daughter Ruth (Roo!)

To be a better leader and a better person, know thyself and stay positive

The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle once said, “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” Thousands of years later that adage remains true.

For me, self-knowledge and a positive mindset are two of the most important learnings that have guided me in my career and in life. Studying how I think, c ommunicate, and lead—and identifying blind spots— has deepened my understanding of who I am and how I conduct myself in the world. The pursuit of selfknowledge is valuable for all of us because gaining insights about ourselves can help us evolve personally and professionally.

In my case, I have used a variety of tools including the Myers-Briggs assessment, the Enneagram personality test, DiSC workplace assessment profile, and 360 reviews. These tools shouldn’t define you, but rather provide insights. For me, they helped put descriptors to what I already felt or thought. They also helped me acknowledge my own biases or tendencies and find ways to challenge them.

Perhaps most importantly, the insights I gained pushed me to seek out conversations and connections with those who are different from me or who might challenge me. Some of those less than comfortable conversations have been important contributors to my professional and personal development.

As manager of a team of 18 product and marketing

professionals, I also believe self-knowledge makes me a better leader. By understanding myself, I can better understand others. Self-knowledge brings with it the awareness of our own shortcomings and sensitivities, ultimately making us more empathetic which is a hallmark of strong leadership.

The importance of cultivating a positive mindset is another valuable lesson learned. Mo Gawdat’s book “Solve for Happy” taught me that there are disappointments around every corner if you expect nothing will ever be difficult or go “wrong.” Life and work are innately challenging, but we can all be resilient and resourceful if we choose to be.

The point of a positive mindset is to focus on the many things that go “right.” For me, it helps to acknowledge these things in my “grateful list.” This includes small meaningful moments like a conversation that made me feel connected or the first warm spring day as well as big things like promotions, old friends, and trips to new countries. The practice of acknowledging all the moments that go “right” and securing them to memory and revisiting them helps me stay grounded in just how much good there is in my life.

For anyone seeking to grow, I suggest cultivating these two key habits: Deepen your understanding of yourself and always remember that your mindset matters. Do both, and see what blossoms in you.

Khadijat K. Rashid, PhD

Provost

Education (degrees & institutions): PhD, The American University, International Relations; MBA,University of Maryland at College Park; BS, Gallaudet University, Accounting and Computer Information Systems

Company Name: Gallaudet University

Industry: Higher Education

Company CEO: Roberta J. Cordano, President of Gallaudet University

Company Headquarters Location: Washington, DC

Number of Employees: 1,500+ students, 160+ faculty, 1,000+ employees and 23,000+ alumni

Words you live by: Kindness matters.

Personal Philosophy: I shine brightly with kindness and joy, projecting integrity and strength to bend our world toward justice.

What book are you reading? For pleasure, I’m currently going through my old science fiction novels again. Right now, I’m reading Asimov’s Foundation stories. For work, I’m reading a book on enrollment management.

What was your first job? Babysitting

Favorite charity: I have three: Fistula Foundation, Amnesty International and Gallaudet University. Interests: Travel, curling up on the sofa and reading a good book, hiking and trying to get back to knitting.

Family: A son and daughter in their 20s and lots of siblings, nieces and nephews scattered over four continents.

Everyone needs higher education, including the Deaf

The thing I’m most passionate about, hands down, is EDUCATION. I believe that education is the great equalizer, the key that opens the doors of different kinds of opportunities for everyone, no matter a person’s background or socioeconomic status. I believe that education is what makes us citizens rather than subjects and that to have a functioning, thriving democracy, you need educated and engaged citizens who possess the capability of comprehending, synthesizing and applying critical thinking skills to new information.

So, it was perhaps inevitable that I would become a college professor and that what I love most is helping students learn and grow through that learning. I have personally witnessed the transformative power that a good education can have, including in my own life. How else could a Deaf, Black, female immigrant from Africa end up as the provost of the world’s only liberal university for Deaf students? And I see the same in the lives of our students, many of whom arrive as freshmen on campus carrying traumas and suffering from low self-esteem, lacking belief in their ability to be change agents not only in their own lives but the world too. And yet, by their senior year, those students confident-

ly stride forth, ready to face and contribute to a world that too often devalues their worth solely based on their inability to hear.

Perhaps one reason why I so passionately believe in the value of education is that I am an immigrant and like most immigrants I believe in the value of education to help attain the American dream. I love that education also confers not only knowledge, but confidence and an ability to advocate, not only for ourselves but also for others. Education, particularly a liberal arts education, creates the ability to think critically, a vital skill that lasts far beyond those four to six years that students spend on campus. An educated person has a mind of their own and can think for themselves. Education is the bedrock value that underlies civilization. Without it we cannot have a civil society.

So, it is my life goal to make a difference in Deaf education, to ensure that as many deaf people as possible are provided access to a liberal education from kindergarten through college and, ultimately, to ensure that future generations of deaf individuals have access to all life opportunities as active and engaged citizens of the world.

Renée L. Monteyne

Director of Professional and Organizational Development

Education (degrees & institutions): JD, Seton Hall University School of Law; BS, Boston College

Company Name: Gibbons P.C.

Industry: Law

Company CEO: Peter J. Torcicollo, Managing Director

Company Headquarters Location: Newark, NJ

Number of Employees: Approx. 285

Words you live by: Seek balance.

Personal Philosophy: “You can’t control the length of your life, but you can control its width & depth.”

What book are you reading? The Women by Kristin Hannah

What was your first job? Summer camp counselor

Favorite charity: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Interests: Reading and traveling with my family

Family: Wife to my wonderful husband and proud mother to my amazing son

Don’t ignore the power of stopping, listening and thinking before speaking up

The most impactful career advice I have ever received came from my father: “Stop, listen, and think before you speak” (although it was conveyed to me in a slightly more colorful way). Effective communication is paramount to both professional and personal success. My father’s advice has influenced my career and shaped my approach to all my interactions, both in and outside the office, leading me to more successful outcomes and personal growth.

The first two steps of his advice, “stop and listen,” were easy for me as a young, female associate who did not want to be noticed, for fear my inexperience would show. I was often invited to meetings in which I was one of very few women at the table. But my firm made clear they valued my place at the table. So I went, I sat, and I listened – to what the issues were; what the client needed; and how the firm would provide that. I listened, I learned, and then I thought. I thought about my roles in the case and on the team, and how I could help the team and client succeed. Although the answers to these questions changed with each client, the process did not.

In each case, once I identified my role, I spoke or acted in a way that I hoped provided a clear, concise answer or provided information that moved the team forward in some way. Was I developing the winning

argument for the case? No. But by following my father’s advice, I was able to navigate complex interactions with both senior attorneys and clients alike and make better, more well-informed decisions.

I was having an impact – communicating ideas and making suggestions that ultimately affected my career trajectory. With each new matter, as I stopped, listened, and thought more, I was able to find my true direction at the firm and voice it. With my father’s advice and the encouragement of the attorneys with whom I worked, I found the support to move forward. Moving forward for me did not mean being a litigator; it meant transitioning into a position that required highly polished communication skills to connect with attorneys and staff at all levels. In my current position, I am able to help various firm employees achieve professional growth and establish their own career paths through mentorships and support.

Embracing my father’s advice has been instrumental in my career development. The principles of stopping, listening, and thinking before speaking remain central to my communication strategy, helping me build meaningful connections and make sound decisions. This advice has not only shaped my career but contributed to my personal growth, reinforcing the importance of thoughtful dialogue in achieving professional success.

Sonia Mathai Chief Human Resources Officer

Education (degrees & institutions): University of CA, Davis; University of Nevada, Reno

Company Name: Globality Inc.

Industry: Software Development

Company CEO: Joel Hyatt

Company Headquarters Location: Palo Alto, CA

Number of Employees: 110

Words you live by: “The best way out is always through.” – Robert Frost

Personal Philosophy: Embrace imperfections!

What book are you reading? Age of Revolutions: Progress and Backlash from 1600 to the Present by Fareed Zakaria

What was your first job? Working the front desk at a medical office making $4.25/hr

Favorite charity: ASPCA, JDRF, Asian Pacific Fund

Interests: Attending concerts, sporting events, playing games with my family, pickleball

Family: Married with two kids, Maxx (15), Marlo (6)

If you say that diversity is important to your company, then show it

It’s one thing for companies to discuss diversity, equity, and inclusion, but what matters most is to put those ideals into action and create an environment where everyone feels respected, regardless of their background. To truly embody DEI values, companies must go beyond words and foster a workplace where collaboration thrives, and fairness is the norm.

A key step in achieving this is by ensuring a variety of perspectives are present at the decision-making table. This requires expanding recruitment efforts to reach underrepresented talent. If companies limit their hiring pools, they miss out on the richness of diverse backgrounds. Particularly in the tech industry, where innovation thrives, it’s vital to break down the systemic barriers that prevent many from accessing opportunities. Making this shift requires intentional efforts, with businesses dedicating resources and encouraging employees to champion DEI initiatives.

Building an inclusive culture also means creating an environment where employees feel empowered to be their true selves. When individuals feel connected to the company’s mission and know their voices are heard, it fosters a sense of purpose. This connection must be reinforced through tangible actions, such as ensuring that pay, promotions, and hiring practices are free from bias,

while also addressing workplace microaggressions. The result will be stronger employee retention and increased productivity as people from all backgrounds feel more deeply tied to the organization.

Sustaining a culture of DEI depends on active leadership. When company leaders authentically advocate for DEI, they can inspire both hearts and minds. Leaders must clearly convey the business importance of diversity, which can help engage those who may not immediately grasp the moral imperative behind these initiatives.

Regularly checking in with employees to gauge their sense of belonging is essential. If certain groups feel undervalued, this can be addressed through the creation of employee-led groups that allow individuals with shared experiences to collaborate, build community, and advocate for their needs. Every employee’s perspective is valuable in shaping a diverse and inclusive company culture.

Lastly, companies can solidify their commitment to DEI by addressing broader societal issues that align with their core values. When businesses speak out on these matters, they show their workforce that they are genuinely committed to living up to the ideals of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Theresa Fortin Balducci

Education (degrees & institutions): JD, New York Law School; BA, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Political Science; BA, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Legal Studies

Company Name: Herrick, Feinstein LLP

Industry: Legal

Company CEO: Belinda G. Schwartz, Executive Chair

Company Headquarters Location: New York, NY

Number of Employees: 240

Words you live by: “I am a very strong believer in listening and learning from others.”

– Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Personal Philosophy: There are two rules I’ve always lived by. The first is to show up— even, especially, when you don’t want to—for friends, family, and others. It was Stephen Hawking who said, “showing up is half the battle.” It sounds simple, but its effect is underappreciated – especially in a time when people are extraordinarily busy so are quick to cancel and postpone. It has become too easy to not show up. The second is to work really hard, as most success is not an accident. Success is a combination of continuous work, learning, and often, tenacity.

What book are you reading? The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

What was your first job? Soccer referee and babysitting

Favorite charity: Bideawee (animal rescue organization)

Interests: Cooking, but not baking; fitness; reading; exploring new restaurants

Family: Two kids (two years old and five years old); my oldest daughter is starting kindergarten, which is very exciting.

Advice for a better lifetime: Find a smart mentor willing to train you

When I was in college, I received a piece of advice that has served me well ever since. In fact, it has been particularly helpful to me in becoming a better lawyer and building a flourishing practice. The advice was: “Align yourself with the smartest person you can find who is willing to train you.”

When you recognize how difficult it can be to find a good mentor, you realize what a service it is to fill that role for others. ” “

I’ve found that satisfying the first part of this rule isn’t difficult. After all, the legal world is full of intelligent, capable people. However, the second half of the equation—aligning yourself with people who are willing to train you—takes a lot more work. I’m always looking for opportunities to grow in how I achieve successful outcomes for clients.

I’m thankful that my current firm—Herrick, Feinstein — maintains a culture that places as much of an emphasis on collaboration and training as it does on individual

smarts. That’s not a coincidence. When I was looking for a firm to join, I was mindful of the advice I first heard so long ago. From our initial interactions, it was clear that my mentors here, Carolyn Caufield and Christina Mason, are not only extraordinarily intelligent, but also willing to invest in my training and my career. That was a key element that attracted me to join their team.

I try to live by it in other ways too. Not just as a guide to selecting a workplace, but how to act in one. I definitely think about it when I interact with other lawyers at our law firm, especially newcomers. When you recognize how difficult it can be to find a good mentor, you realize what a service it is to fill that role for others. I even let that advice drive my approach to volunteer work. It’s a rule of thumb for living that hasn’t steered me wrong yet.

Liliana Chang Partner

Education (degrees & institutions): JD, Cardozo Law School; BBA, Macaulay Honors College

Company Name: Herrick, Feinstein LLP

Industry: Legal

Company CEO: Belinda G. Schwartz, Executive Chair

Company Headquarters Location: New York, NY

Number of Employees: 240

Words you live by: Work hard and things will work out.

Personal Philosophy: Never stop learning and growing and always have fun!

What book are you reading? Things are Never So Bad That They Can’t Get Worse: Inside the Collapse of Venezuela by William Neumann

What was your first job? Math tutor

Favorite charity: Macaulay Honors College Opportunities Fund

Interests: Travel and food. I love learning about new cultures and tasting local cuisine. Family: I married my college sweetheart and we have one daughter and one son. I have four siblings; and am close with my parents and in-laws. I am lucky to be surrounded by family.

She chased the American Dream – and

found a new career

Becoming a sports attorney was not a childhood dream. Chasing the “American Dream” was my full-time job as a child, but one thing led to another, and I was fortunate enough to become a sports attorney at a prestigious NYC law firm.

From the moment my sisters and I arrived in the U.S., we were in constant need of legal services. So, from a very young age I understood the value of a legal education. I moved to New York from Venezuela when I was twelve years old. When we arrived, my mom sought a school that would help us with our student visas. My mom did not speak English, and, at the time, I was able to count the words I spoke in broken English on one hand. Eventually, we found the right school and a distant uncle who lived in New Jersey helped us with the paperwork. I engaged with the process and learned a lot.

Five years later, my parents and the rest of my siblings immigrated to the U.S. through my father’s sponsorship. With the help of another distant uncle, I took care of the legal documentation.

As I started college, the thought of becoming a lawyer stayed with me. With my parents’ help, my younger sister and I opened a learning center before we graduated from

college. Our goal was to help our community and the many children whose parents, like ours, did not speak English. We believed that excelling academically was the best way to get ahead. Just as important, we hoped to teach children to be well-rounded and to expose them to extracurricular activities. At the learning center, we often needed help reviewing contracts. A lawyer would have been helpful, but our small business could not afford it. So, I did the work to the best of my abilities.

As the business stabilized, I felt the need to be further challenged. My sister was finishing her master’s in education from an Ivy League university, and I too yearned to go back to school. After all, as the older sibling, I did not want to be left behind!

Three years in law school flew by. I worked full time at the learning center, was a legal writing assistant, joined a clinic, published an article, and earned a fellowship. I wanted to do it all, and I did it all. I worked as a summer associate at Herrick and realized that being an attorney was my passion. After graduating law school, I left the family business in good hands and joined Herrick full-time where I gravitated towards the most fun and challenging corporate matters, and to me, that was sports law.

Christina Ying

Education (degrees & institutions): JD, Georgetown University Law Center; BA, Columbia College at Columbia University

Company Name: Herrick, Feinstein LLP

Industry: Legal

Company CEO: Belinda G. Schwartz, Executive Chair

Company Headquarters Location: New York, NY

Number of Employees: 240

Words you live by: “If you don’t ask, you don’t get.”

What book are you reading? Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

What was your first job? Intern for Product Development at Federated Department Stores

Favorite charity: Central Park Conservancy

Interests: Decorating, traveling, life with my dog and watching my daughter at fencing

Family: Husband and daughter

Make sure you build career networks that are deep – and wide

I recognize my ability to teach, mentor and impact the lives of other women in the legal industry. Whether they are junior attorneys working on a deal with me at Herrick, or those I mentor through professional organizations, my advice to the next generation is to start networking as early as possible in your career and even while in school. Your network should be as wide and broad as possible and include peers who are your age as well as veterans in your industry who can act as mentors. You never know where your next deal, client or job opportunity may come from, so keep and maintain those valuable relationships. Some of the best advice I ever received was to keep building my circle and maintain those relationships. I wish I had this advice when I was in college and earlier in my career. Your next deal could come from your college classmate, neighbor, a parent on a PTA board or even someone sitting next to you on a plane.

During my career, I found it helpful to recognize one’s strengths and weaknesses and understand that there are different ways to market and bring in business. What works really well for someone else may not

work for you and that is alright. Not everyone will be getting business deals on the golf course or by going out for drinks. There are different ways to connect with a potential client and getting to know that person and their business needs is key.

In an important extension of my legal practice, I am currently on the board of the Asian Real Estate Professionals Association and the Asian Real Estate Association of America (NY Chapter); New York County Lawyers Association, Asian Practice Committee; and Commercial Observer’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee. I previously served on the Asian Bar Association of New York, Asian Practice Committee. These organizations not only create a community but an opportunity to mentor younger real estate professionals and students. We often conduct seminars and conferences where we not only discuss trends in the real estate industry, but also provide professional guidance and advice to the next generation of real estate developers and lawyers. Embracing my identity, I strive to challenge stereotypes and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable legal field.

Wendy Tsang Associate

Education (degrees & institutions): JD, Brooklyn Law School; BBA, Accounting, Baruch College

Company Name: Hoguet Newman Regal & Kenney, LLP

Industry: Legal

Company Headquarters Location: New York, NY

Personal Philosophy: Always be kind, you never know what someone else is going through

What book are you reading? My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante

What was your first job? Cashier at Barnes and Noble

Favorite charity: Slaughterhouse Survivors Animal Rescue

Interests: Traveling, trying new cuisines, and spending time with family and friends

Family: A husband and two beautiful dogs

Get over your fear. You won’t know what you can do unless you try

Law is my second career, not because it was a mere afterthought, but because I feared I might fail. The turning point in my professional journey came during a conversation with my mentor.

After graduating college with a degree in accounting, I spent five years working as an accountant at a consulting firm. Although I found the role fulfilling, I had a long-standing ambition to pursue a legal career. My reluctance to make this leap stemmed from a deep fear of failure. I doubted my writing skills and worried I might struggle significantly in the legal field.

but my mentor’s advice became a guiding principle throughout my legal career.

As a practicing attorney, I often reflect on how that conversation shaped my approach to professional challenges. I no longer retreat from unfamiliar tasks but view it as an opportunity to develop my skills and build resilience.

I no longer retreat from unfamiliar tasks but view it as an opportunity to develop my skills and build resilience. ” “

During one crucial meeting, I shared these concerns with my mentor. Her response was both simple and transformative: “How would you know if you never tried?” She further advised me not to view failure as a setback but as an opportunity to learn and grow. Her encouragement to not let my insecurities hinder my goals was a turning point for me.

Motivated by her advice, I began the process of applying to law schools. The transition was challenging,

Just earlier this year, I faced a significant challenge: a two-week employment discrimination jury trial where I was asked to conduct the direct examination of our expert and two opposing witnesses. Initially, I was terrified, as it was my first-time examining witnesses before a jury. However, I chose to embrace this opportunity to enhance my trial advocacy and examination skills, rather than shy away from it.

My mentor’s guidance has not only directed my career path but also instilled a mindset that continues to drive my professional and personal growth. She taught me that pursuing one’s goals often involves confronting fears and embracing the possibility of failure as an integral part of growth.

Tamara Kraljic

Education (degrees & institutions): LL.M, University of Pennsylvania Law School; University of Paris II – Panthéon Assas, Master II, Litigation, Arbitration & Alternative Dispute Resolution, M2, 2008, cum laude; Sciences Po Paris (Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris), Master I, 2007; BA, Mathematics and Philosophy, King’s College London

Company Name: Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP

Industry: Law

Company CEO: Neil Oxford and Robb Patryk

Company Headquarters Location: New York, NY

Number of Employees: 217 attorneys

Your Location (if different from above): Washington, DC

Words you live by: Nothing worth anything comes easy

Personal Philosophy: Same as above

What book are you reading? Higher Ground: How Business Can Do the Right Thing in a Turbulent World by Alison Taylor

What was your first job? Babysitter (I was 11 and fell asleep before the parents came back.)

Favorite charity: Oceana and any foster kid-related charity

Interests: Mountains and nature; dancing and story slams; friends and family reunions in Europe/travel

Family: I am the youngest of five. We have a large European clan with 15 cousins/nephews/ nieces. I am the mother of three boys under the age of 10.

Her mission? Changing Big Law to accommodate women in need of a better work-life balance

I am passionate about creating culture change in Big Law, especially as it relates to gender equity and attorney well-being. Throughout the 15 years I have spent in private practice at major international law firms in Paris, France, New York City and Washington DC, I have observed that corporate law firms are often “last movers” when it comes to changing their working culture. In most cases, that culture was created for and by men, at a time when women (and/or minorities) did not have a seat at the table. My goal is to put into focus the many ways in which corporate law firms—and the corporate world more broadly—operate on outdated principles, methods and codes, which often simply do not serve women attorneys at various stages in their lives.

I have found that the need for more balance resonates both with womenattorneys but also with the younger generation of attorneys, who have a much more inherent understanding of self-care and boundaries. ” “

ment that would allow me to be more present at home while continuing to serve demanding clients on high-stakes matters. I have since then devised other working models, which I openly discuss with other attorneys struggling to combine their priorities at work and at home or simply wishing to practice law at an intellectually challenging level without sacrificing everything else for it. I have found that the need for more balance resonates both with women-attorneys but also with the younger generation of attorneys, who have a much more inherent understanding of selfcare and boundaries.

I have advocated for improved maternity/parental leave (including for non-legal staff) as well as more flexibility for those returning to work after a caretaking break. More specifically, when I returned from maternity leave following the birth of my third son, I proposed a one-of-a-kind model for a 60% billable hour arrange-

I am also an active advocate for gender equity, well-being and more broadly the future of work through my role as co-chair at the Women’s Bar Association of DC (where I have, among other things, initiated the Future of Work Speaker Series). I am honored to have been named among the Women Worth Watching by Diversity Law Journal and intend to use this recognition as a platform to call into life more exciting gender equity initiatives. Stay tuned…

Dr. Shannon M. Bragg-Sitton

Division Director, Integrated Energy & Storage Systems

Education (degrees & institutions): PhD, Nuclear Engineering, University of Michigan; MS, Nuclear Engineering, University of Michigan; MS, Medical Physics, University of Texas at Houston; BS, Nuclear Engineering, Texas A&M University

Company Name: Idaho National Laboratory

Industry: Energy

Company CEO: John Wagner, Laboratory Director

Company Headquarters Location: Idaho Falls, ID

Number of Employees: >6,100

Words you live by: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phillippians 4:13

Personal Philosophy: Challenges are easier to overcome when you believe in the work you do. What book are you reading? The Three-Body Problem Trilogy by Liu Cixin

What was your first job? High school internship, engineering aide, USAF Phillips Laboratory

Favorite charity: Compassion International

Interests: Travel, hiking, backpacking, cross-country skiing, and family time

Family: Married with three beautiful children (two boys and a girl), and a daughter soon to join via adoption

Leverage your uniqueness and use it to succeed

I believe in doing hard things. If the expected outcome is important and impactful, then getting through the challenges is worth the effort.

I started my technical career as a high school engineering intern working on a space nuclear power program. I was one of two women working on the program, and I was the youngest on the team. I took that uniqueness as a challenge, and I rapidly exceeded the expectations of my supervisor and team members—and I was remembered. That is a position that I have often found myself in, having embarked on the highly technical and male-dominated field of nuclear engineering. I encourage young women who find themselves as an outlier in their chosen career to use that uniqueness to their advantage. As the only woman in the room, make yourself heard. You will be remembered. Stand out as a positive contributor, an innovator, an overachiever, a supporter, and a leader. Don’t be shy about accepting credit and praise, but don’t hesitate to give credit to others on the team as well.

I spent the early part of my career developing nuclear power and propulsion systems for space applications—designing and testing systems that incorporate compact, energy dense nuclear fission and use every watt of energy produced to support the highly ambitious space missions envisioned,

I began asking the question, “Why don’t we bring this same premise to terrestrial systems?”

As I shifted from space systems to applications closer to home, I began breaking down traditional paradigms of how we use nuclear energy. Today, nuclear fission in the U.S. is used for electricity generation, but the high-quality heat from fission, which is produced without any emissions, can be used to directly provide heat and electricity to reduce emissions across all energy use sectors, namely, the electric grid, industry, and transportation.

At the start of this paradigm-shifting effort I received a lot of push back from highly respected leaders at my laboratory and in the nuclear field. Believing strongly in the approach, I persevered, strengthened my case, improved my communication, and sought stakeholder support. That perseverance is now paying dividends in significant Department of Energy funding, demonstration projects, and a focused division that I lead to accomplish aggressive clean energy goals using these diverse integrated systems that break traditional thinking.

If you believe in the mission that you have defined or adopted, persevere. Learn from the feedback and criticism you receive to tell your story better. Leverage your unique voice and

Geri L. Rackow

Director, Occupational Health Services

Education (degrees & institutions): BS, Business Administration, Colorado Christian University

Company Name: Idaho National Laboratory Industry: Energy

Company CEO: Dr. John Wagner, Laboratory Director

Company Headquarters Location: Idaho Falls, ID

Number of Employees: >6,100

Words you live by: Strive for progress, not perfection.

Personal Philosophy: Anything worth doing is worth doing to the best of your ability. Give it your all!

What book are you reading? The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown

What was your first job? Babysitting

Favorite charity: United Way

Interests: Spending time with my family, camping, ATV and motorcycle riding, paddleboarding, golfing, playing softball, cooking and baking

Family: Husband, Tom, of 28 years; son (26), daughter (24); and two adorable grandchildren

Mentors believed in my leadership skills. Now I believe in them too

The power of belief is a force that can unlock our deepest potential. Throughout my life, I have been fortunate to encounter individuals — teachers, peers and mentors — who have recognized and nurtured my abilities and helped me become the leader that I am today. Their unwavering confidence in me has served as a catalyst for my professional growth and has empowered me to ascend to roles I once thought were beyond my reach.

My teachers were the first to identify the ember of leadership within me. They didn’t just impart knowledge; they instilled a belief that I could harness that knowledge to lead and in spire others. Their feedback wasn’t merely corrective; it was affirmative, highlighting strengths I had overlooked in myself. This recognition was more than a compliment — it was an invitation to see myself through a lens of capability and promise.

In the professional realm, I had one leader who played a pivotal role in my metamorphosis from a tentative participant to a decisive leader. They observed my work ethic, my ability to listen and synthesize information, and my knack for getting things done. Rather than keep these observations to themselves, they shared them with me, providing a mirror that reflected not who I was, but who I could become. They entrusted me with increasing responsibilities, not as a test, but as an endorsement of my latent abilities. Each task was a building block, each project an exercise in self-discovery and leadership development.

This belief from others became a self-fulfilling prophecy. With each challenge I overcame, my self-assurance grew. Their conviction in my potential became my own conviction, and with this newfound confidence, I began to volunteer for leadership roles, identify opportunities for improvement and growth within my organizations, and help support my co-workers along the way. The growth was both inward and outward; I was shaping my career trajectory while simultaneously contributing to a culture of ownership and empowerment within my organizations.

Leadership is often perceived as an intrinsic trait, but my journey has taught me that it can be cultivated through the faith others place in you. The belief that my teachers, peers, mentors and former managers/leaders had in me did more than just encourage — it transformed me. It allowed me to visu alize a path to leadership I had not seen before and to traverse that path with the assurance that I was not alone in believing that I could succeed. This is the essence of how belief from others can spark personal self-discovery and evolution and help one successfully rise to heights they never imagined they could reach. It is my heart’s desire to serve as such a catalyst for others!

Julie A. Ulrich Manager, Labwide

Education (degrees & institutions): MBA, Marketing Emphasis; BA, Political Science, Washington State University

Company Name: Idaho National Laboratory

Industry: Energy

Company CEO: Dr. John Wagner, Laboratory Director

Company Headquarters Location: Idaho Falls, ID

Number of Employees: >6,100

Words you live by: “When a door opens, walk through it.”

Personal Philosophy: Pay it forward.

What book are you reading? The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker

What was your first job? Christmas Tree Farm greeter at Enchanted Winds Christmas Trees

Favorite charity: United Way

Interests: Running, yogalates, boxing, travel and comedy shows

Family: Husband Alex, Charlotte (4), Jack (8) and Louie “the dog.”

If the door of opportunity opens before you are ready, go through it anyway.

Everyone has challenges and stress. And new opportunities rarely come at some mythical “perfect time.” In 2017, I was at a crossroads. I’d had the same position for years and was comfortable in my role. So, when I was approached with an opportunity to work for a different organization, I hesitated. I had to decide—quick. Did I want to jump into the unknown and take a risk on something new? The timing wasn’t great. I was still adapting to my life as a new mother and all the changes that brought.

But when that door opened, I walked through—and it was one of the best decisions of my life. In the new role I found more than a mentor—I found an advocate. My manager advocated to get me enrolled in several leadership training programs—because even if it’s not in our job title—we’re all leaders. She taught me the importance of advocating for yourself and telling others what you want. I learned that you drive your own career.

You can’t be what you can’t see

My advocate saw the importance of proactively facilitating exposure to senior leaders. When she set up meetings with key leaders, she literally made sure I had a seat at the table. Being in the room, watching successful leaders was a game-changer.

I continue to advocate for myself, but now I can also advocate for others—because good leaders know how to make room for future leaders.

Accepting help, paying it forward

No one achieves success without help. Earlier this year, I had a family emergency and instead of working an event with colleagues, I found myself riding in an ambulance with my husband on a stretcher. People often say, “Let me know what I can do to help.” My colleagues said that and meant it. They covered meetings, finished up projects and allowed me to focus on my family. They stepped up when I really needed them. And those are the types of co-workers I’ve come to know over and over again during my career at INL.

I also have a wonderful husband and family network that steps up to help shuttle kids to activities and are always there in a pinch. The world today is busier than ever, and figuring out how to manage through it with a great support system was key to finding a fulfilling career and personal life. I’ve been helped so much along the way and my lifelong goal is to do my best with the opportunities I have and pay it forward. And when a door opens, walk through it!

Maria Victoria Stout

Education (degrees & institutions): JD, magna cum laude, University of San Diego School of Law; BS, Ocean Engineering, United States Naval Academy

Company Name: Knobbe Martens

Industry: Intellectual Property and Technology Law

Company CEO: Steven Nataupsky, Managing Partner

Company Headquarters Location: Irvine, CA

Number of Employees: 620

Your Location (if different from above): San Diego, CA

Words you live by: Treat others the way you wish to be treated.

Personal Philosophy: Focus on the positive.

What book are you reading? The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride

What was your first job? Midshipman, United States Naval Academy

Favorite charity: Flamboyan Arts Fund

Interests: Sailing, traveling, comida puertorriqueña

Family: My husband and our two beautiful daughters

Important advice to remember in any language

I am honored to be recognized as a Woman Worth Watching in Leadership. I owe a debt of gratitude for my accomplishments to my parents, who taught me to work hard, be humble, and lead by example.

Here are some aphorisms they learned growing up in Puerto Rico, and which continue to be words of wisdom I live by in my law practice.

El Vago Trabaja Doble (The Lazy Person Works Twice as Hard)

When my parents moved to Texas from Puerto Rico, they had three young children, not a lot of money, and a whole lot of work ethic. I remember rolling my eyes when I was sent back to complete a half-finished chore with this saying. In my practice, this saying rings in my ears when I’m tempted to give a task my barest attention so I can move it off my desk. This is especially true when it comes to mentoring less experienced lawyers. I’ve learned that if I slack off on training and providing constructive feedback to junior attorneys and others on my teams, it will inevitably take more of my time to revise the next draft or proposal.

En Boca Cerrada No Entran Moscas (Flies Don’t Enter a Closed Mouth)

My parents taught me that if you don’t open your

mouth, you won’t attract problems and conflicts. When someone brings me gossip, I take it for what it is: a rumor that I wouldn’t want someone to spread about me. And I keep my mouth shut. This allows me to focus on things that matter, like creating a positive office culture and helping others feel appreciated and supported. I am thoughtful and deliberate about when I choose to speak in meetings. This is because listening is the key to understanding—and when I do chime in, it’s because I feel like I have something important or helpful to contribute.

Como te ves me vi, como me ves te verás. (As you look, I saw myself. As you see me, you will see yourself.)

When I questioned my parents’ decisions or criticized someone older and wiser, they reminded me that they, too, were once in my shoes, and I’ll be in their shoes one day. As a mentor to diverse attorneys at my firm, I let them know I understand the obstacles they face as I dealt with similar issues earlier in my career. I also share details about my current practice, so they can make informed decisions about the path to partnership and roles in firm management. My experience in private practice has been overwhelmingly positive, and I hope to inspire other diverse attorneys to continue on this rewarding and fulfilling journey.

Jennifer Montoya Attorney

Education (degrees & institutions): JD, Brooklyn Law School; BA, Binghamton University

Company Name: Krauss Shaknes Tallentire & Messeri LLP

Industry: Matrimonial law

Company Headquarters Location: New York, NY

Number of Employees: 17

Words you live by: Never forget where you came from.

Personal Philosophy: “Don’t mistake politeness for lack of strength.” – Sonia Sotomayor

What book are you reading? Men Have Called Her Crazy by Anna Marie Tendler

What was your first job? Ice cream parlor during high school

Favorite charity: AMA Animal Rescue, a local animal shelter focused on rescuing the most severe cases of animal abuse and neglect in New York City.

Interests: Anything animal-related, seeing live music, reading, and traveling the world with my husband, our friends, and our dogs.

Family: I live in Park Slope with my husband and two Brussels Griffons, Norman and Maurice.

A divorce lawyer honors her father by striving to make life better

for her clients

Several factors influenced my decision to become an attorney. However, growing up as the daughter of a first-generation immigrant from El Salvador inspired me to pursue a career in family law, where I could focus my practice on helping others. Specifically, I wanted to do something where I could give back to the community by becoming a voice for disenfranchised men, women, and children as they navigated divorce and custody challenges. While my parents remained happily married until my father’s death, I witnessed firsthand many of the adversities and stereotypes he faced as an immigrant. Yet he managed to overcome such adversity through hard work, perseverance, extensive learning, and kindness. I think of my father every day and strive to live by his moral code, immersing myself in learning as much as possible, working hard, and most importantly, being kind to everyone I encounter.

It goes without saying that the dissolution of a marriage—especially when children are involved—is one of the most stressful and challenging experiences of one’s life. Accordingly, I strive to do everything I can to ensure that my clients feel heard, while also taking the time to explain all of their available options. In that regard, I started learning as much as possible regarding complex financial issues so that I could help educate clients who often need a crash course in handling their

finances after a divorce. I did so by first interning and then working full-time at a boutique financial services firm that specializes in high-net-worth divorce. While there, I honed my financial and negotiation skills and obtained my certified divorce financial analyst and mediation designations, which have made me that much more successful in my practice. Each client and case has a unique set of circumstances—while litigation may work for one client, another may prefer to proceed with alternative dispute resolution. Whatever path a client chooses, it is always important for them to understand their rights and interests as related to their financial circumstances.

I have been in the matrimonial field for 11 years now, eventually landing at Krauss Shaknes Tallentire & Messeri LLP one year ago, after working at Alter Wolff Foley & Stutman LLP for nearly five years. My unique financial and personal background has shaped my practice into one of thoroughness and compassion, resulting in excellent outcomes for my clients, whether we work together to resolve their issues through litigation, mediation, or other forms of alternative dispute resolution. Indeed, I have never forgotten where I came from or the challenges my father faced to ensure that I (and our family) had a better life—and greater opportunities— than he had growing up in El Salvador.

Lindsey Champlin

Education

(degrees & institutions): JD, George Mason University School of Law

Company Name: Latham & Watkins Industry: Law

Company CEO: Richard Trobman

She found her niche in law – and she’s loving it

I always suspected—but did not know for sure—that I wanted to be an attorney. As a child and teenager, I enjoyed courtroom drama books and TV shows and in college I became immersed in parliamentary debate. While my younger sister likes to say that I became an attorney because I enjoyed arguing, it was always more than that, including acute interests in reading, writing and fact investigation.

But what kind of law? In college, I developed a love of economics and, while studying industrial organization, was first exposed to antitrust law. I read about famous antitrust merger cases like the Time/Warner merger and the government’s historic breakup of AT&T and became hooked. After college I attended George Mason University School of Law outside of Washington, DC where I took numerous antitrust law classes and interned at the FTC. My summer at the FTC confirmed my interest in antitrust merger work and I joined Latham and Watkins, where I was able to continue growing my career in antitrust law.

My favorite part of merger work is the factual investigation: learning about new industries and how

a company’s business really works and who else they compete with and why. From garbage dumps to purses to satellite internet—it is always fun to learn something new or dive into the minutiae of an already familiar industry. Another unique and appealing aspect of merger work is providing advocacy submissions and presentations to the US Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission to try to convince agency staff that they should not have concerns about a particular transaction. This differs from civil investigation and I enjoy working across from the DOJ and FTC staff.

Antitrust merger work also exercises my natural “litigation” interests, when transactions are litigated in federal court, but this typically occurs on an accelerated timeline of a few months to maybe a year. In contrast, non-merger antitrust litigation can extend for much longer. Antitrust merger work, even when it involves litigation, sees outcomes—hopefully productive ones with a deal closing successfully—much sooner, and it is rewarding to have a tangible result always in reach, even if we have to fight the DOJ or FTC in court for it.

Stacy Ybarra Chief Marketing Officer

Education (degrees & institutions): Seattle Central College

Company Name: Lighthouse

Industry: Legal Technology

Company CEO: Ron Markezich

Company Headquarters Location: Seattle, WA

Number of Employees: 1,000+

Words you live by: True success comes from showing up authentically, embracing resilience, and seizing every opportunity to grow and learn.

Personal Philosophy: Life’s challenges don’t define us; how we adapt, pivot, and remain true to ourselves does. Whether it’s breaking through a glass ceiling or navigating gender bias, authenticity and perseverance will always lead to new possibilities.

What book are you reading? The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride (a birthday gift from my mom)

What was your first job? Working at grocery store bakery (Albertsons)

Favorite charity: There are so many, it’s hard to pick one. But, I’ve given the most money this year to The Palestine Children’s Relief Fund

Interests: When it comes to my interests, family time is at the top of my list. I cherish doing fun, girly things with my teenage daughter, Sofia, and enjoying Sunday football with my son and husband. I also love the challenge of solving puzzles and getting creative with photo books, capturing memories along the way.

Family: I married my college sweetheart, and we’ve been happily together for 30 years. My husband is a high school history teacher, and I love seeing the positive impact he has on his students. We have two wonderful children: Carlos, who is a junior at the University of Washington, and Sofia, a sophomore in high school.

Advocate for yourself and find a strong support network to find your voice

Leadership, to me, is about creating an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute and grow. Throughout my 25+ years in the technology industry, I’ve observed how gender bias can shape the hiring process and influence career trajectories for women. Too often, unconscious bias impacts how we are perceived— whether it’s assumptions about our capabilities or our commitment to career advancement. It takes intentionality to overcome these barriers, both by changing the system and by mentoring the next generation of leaders.

Women still face the glass ceiling, but it’s evolving. While many industries have made strides, there are still moments where I’ve had to push harder to be heard or taken seriously. The best advice I received was to keep advocating for myself—never waiting for permission to take a seat at the table. Breaking through requires resilience, but also the right support networks. I’ve found that sharing our stories and encouraging others to rise is one way to collectively chip away at that ceiling.

For women of color, the challenge is even greater as gender and racial bias often intersect. It’s why I’m so passionate about my work with the BUiLT (Blacks United in Legal Technology) community, where we

focus on expanding access to opportunities and elevating diverse voices in legal tech. There’s an incredible pool of talent out there, and I believe it’s our responsibility as leaders to foster environments where everyone can thrive.

One of the challenges I faced early in my career was navigating an industry that didn’t have many people who looked like me. There were moments of self-doubt, but I leaned on mentors who pushed me to believe in my abilities and find my unique voice. It’s a challenge that shaped my passion for leadership and the importance of diversity in business.

Ultimately, what drives me is creating impact— whether it’s through supporting diverse talent, shaping inclusive teams, or driving innovation within the legal technology space. I’m most passionate about lifting others as I climb, making sure that my journey opens doors for those coming behind me. The factors that influenced my career choice stemmed from my desire to work at the intersection of technology and law, and to make a difference. I want to continue creating spaces where people are valued for their unique perspectives, breaking down the barriers that limit our collective potential.

Lauren Pryor

Education (degrees & institutions): JD, University of Maryland School of Law, JD, cum laude; Executive Symposium Editor, Journal of Business and Technology Law; BA, Connecticut College

Company Name: Mayer Brown

Industry: Legal

Company CEO: Jon Van Gorp

Number of Employees: More than 3,000

Your Location (if different from above): Washington / New York

Words you live by: “The buck stops here” – Harry Truman

Personal Philosophy: Pay it forward.

What book are you reading? The Years That Matter Most: How College Makes or Breaks Us by Paul Tough

What was your first job? Sales Associate at a Brooks Brothers outlet

Interests: Running, yoga, reading, skiing, pickleball

Family: Proud soccer mom to Emma and Andy.

Building a brand as the go-to lawyer meant getting comfortable with being uncomfortable

In 2012, I set out to build a national brand as one of the “go-to” lawyers for mortgage mergers and acquisition transactions. While I had a solid corporate and M&A background, I saw a few impediments to this goal – namely that I had neither a national brand nor substantial knowledge of the mortgage industry. Luckily, I was an associate at a firm with a preeminent consumer financial services practice and worked with some of the most prominent partners in mortgage banking. Through the Mayer Brown financial services practice I learned the value of developing new skill sets and an industryspecific niche. I also learned to be more comfortable being uncomfortable.

Over the following years, I worked on many mortgage servicing rights transactions, servicing agreements, sales of mortgage originators, investments in mortgage servicers, and joint ventures where I learned to spot the regulatory and licensing issues that arise in these transactions. I had some steadfast mentors who encouraged me to take on new challenges and seek out leadership opportunities. I was also fortunate to

work with some truly inspiring clients and professional women in the mortgage industry – including Terry Schmidt (CEO of Guild Holdings Company) and her tremendous team led predominantly by women.

Next, I turned to the marketing and branding piece. This was a challenge because I am not naturally comfortable with public speaking, but I had to embrace the discomfort. I sought out speaking engagements and attended industry conferences. Over time, I developed a network of clients and friends in the mortgage space which led to other opportunities. For instance, I launched a mortgage M&A podcast series with mortgage industry veteran, Brian Hale. It’s been an honor to team up with so many giants in the mortgage space.

Finally, I have to acknowledge the contributions of my Mayer Brown colleagues. I have been blessed over the years with mentors and partners who are exceedingly generous with their time, brainstorming ideas, client introductions and all-around collaboration. As with children, it takes a village to build a career. I am forever grateful for those in my village.

Chelsea Latino

Partner and Vice-Chair of the Employment & Labor Law Practice Group

Education (degrees & institutions): JD, William S. Boyd School of Law, University of Nevada, Las Vegas; BA, University of Nevada, Reno

Company Name: McDonald Carano LLP

Industry: Legal Services

Company CEO: George F. Ogilvie III, Managing Partner

Company Headquarters Location: Reno, NV

Number of Employees: 120

Words you live by: Day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute – a reminder that you cannot always plan for the unexpected, an endless to-do list need not impede your productivity, and success is the sum of all your efforts.

Personal Philosophy: I want my legacy to reflect the value I added to my family, profession, and community – a legacy of hard work, authenticity, and lasting impact. Most importantly, I hope my children remember me for my love and putting their well-being and best interests first.

What book are you reading? Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow

What was your first job? Hostess/busser at a local restaurant

Favorite charity: Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows

Interests: True crime podcasts and my kids’ flag football games

Family: Spouse (of 17 years) and three children

For this lawyer, it’s about work and giving back to the community

Hard work is my passion. I was raised by a single parent who went to school and often worked multiple jobs. She ingrained a strong work ethic in me from a young age. My brother and I grew up pulling our weight at home before I started working at age 15. In high school, I worked my way up to manager of a smoothie shop; I nannied, tutored, supervised a retail store, and served legal process through undergraduate school; and I supported an orthodontic front office before attending law school and beginning my career as an attorney and making partner seven years later. I am most passionate about transferring that work ethic to my children and serving as an example for them so they learn that they, too, can become independent, productive, and self-sufficient members of society on their own account.

Success depends on hard work, putting in the extra effort, and meeting, if not beating, expectations. ” “

in my community, especially our youth. To this end, I am passionate about mentoring junior lawyers to help train, develop, and advance their legal skills and careers, as well as about serving on the Board of Directors and Executive Board of the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows, one of Nevada’s leading nonprofits and top youth development organizations, performing frequent pro bono work, and acting as outside counsel to many nonprofit clients that provide a broad range of community services.

Recognizing I would not be where I am without the resources and support received beyond my family, I am also passionate about and committed to ensuring the same resources and support are available to others

Hard work and helping others are the drivers and guideposts for my personal and professional approach to life. Success depends on hard work, putting in the extra effort, and meeting, if not beating, expectations. But life is about more than individual success; it is also about helping others and contributing time, energy, and resources to building the institutions that provide meaningful community support for the long-term. You get out of life what you put into it, and if what you’re putting in also benefits others, the hard work is especially worthwhile.

Iveliz

R.

Crespo, Esq. Director of Diversity and Talent Development

Education (degrees & institutions): JD, Rutgers Law School

Company Name: Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP

Industry: Legal

Company CEO: Doug Gold

Company Headquarters Location: Century City, CA

Number of Employees: 248

Your Location (if different from above): New York, NY

Words you live by: Choose joy.

Personal Philosophy: “Leave the world a better place than you found it.” – A philosophy focused on giving back, whether through community service, helping others, or making a positive impact in your daily actions.

What book are you reading? Born a Crime by Trevor Noah

What was your first job? I worked in the education department at the New Jersey State Aquarium

Favorite charity: Alzheimer’s Association

Interests: Birdwatching

Ripping off the Band-Aid and trying to make real change

From an early age, I had a strong sense of right and wrong. I remember the sting of feeling unjustly punished at home or in school, instinctively mounting my own defense. This passion for justice and advocacy prompted adults around me to suggest, “You should be a lawyer.” Yet, growing up in a family of generations of farmworkers, I had no real concept of what that even looked like. The idea seemed foreign and unreachable until I saw the TV show Living Single and the character Maxine Shaw, a Black female attorney. For the first time, I realized that people of color—people like me— could be lawyers. Until that realization, most of the professionals I had encountered—teachers, social workers, doctors—did not look like me. Seeing a person of color as a lawyer on screen made it seem possible for me too.

Growing up in Camden, New Jersey, where most of my neighbors and family lived well below the poverty line, I became acutely aware of the struggles that come with being working poor. I often overheard adults in my community talk about their mistreatment by employers—stories of wage theft, unsafe working conditions, and outright discrimination. I distinctly remember my mother coming home in tears after a coworker yelled

at her, “We speak English here!” simply for speaking Spanish to a colleague. That heartache my mother experienced weighed heavily on me and fueled my desire to make a difference.

Determined to stand up for people like my mother, like those in my community, I decided to become a lawyer.

As a poor Puerto Rican girl from Camden, I wasn’t sure if it was even possible. But my mother’s words echoed in my mind: “Where you come from doesn’t determine where you end up as much as who you are does.” I believed her, and that belief guided me toward focusing my practice on employment and civil rights law.

However, after practicing in this field, it often felt like I was putting a Band-Aid on a much deeper wound. For every favorable outcome I reached, ten more clients with similar grievances would come through the door.

I realized that I wanted to have a more significant impact, to help shape workplace systems so that everyone— regardless of background—could be respected, safe, and fairly compensated. This realization led me to transition into being a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practitioner, where I could work on transforming workplaces and making them equitable for all.

Swara Saraiya Associate

Education (degrees & institutions): BA, University of Chicago; JD, Columbia Law School

Company Name: MoloLamken LLP

Industry: Legal

Company CEO: Steven F. Molo, Jeffrey A. Lamken

Your Location (if different from above): New York, NY

Personal Philosophy: Don’t count yourself out

What book are you reading? Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

What was your first job? Barista at a bakery

Interests: Travel, television, and design

Ante up your professional skills by volunteering for tough jobs at

work

At the start of my career, I found myself doubting whether I had what it takes to be a litigator. I was in awe of and intimidated by my colleagues and the law firm partners, who all seemed leagues ahead of me.

Quashing that feeling of imposter syndrome has not been easy. But while I was clerking, I realized my self doubts were preventing me from achieving my potential. I was so worried about embarrassing myself that I did not want to raise my hand for opportunities that would help me become the lawyer I wanted to be. When I expressed those fears to the judge I was clerking for, she asked, “If others can do it, why not you?”

Well, why not me? There was no reason why I was taking myself out of the running, without giving it my best shot. At first, putting that advice into practice felt uncomfortable. But over time, it’s become easier and has made me a better advocate for myself, and for the clients I represent.

I’ve been lucky to find strong allies and advocates

over the course of my career, but I’ve learned that I also need to speak up for myself. By doing so, I’ve built my confidence and learned how to ask for and earn opportunities, like principal drafting responsibility, taking depositions and witness interviews, and running case teams. Those experiences felt almost impossible a few years ago and I would’ve never thought to ask for them. But I am glad I did, because these opportunities have made me a stronger litigator.

In my experience, the best way to develop skills is to simply do the thing. For example, I’ve learned more from taking my first deposition than from the dozen depositions I’ve second-chaired. My prior experiences were instructive, but they did not teach me how to control a witness or gain admissions on my own.

When I speak to junior associates or law students, I encourage them to volunteer for opportunities that might feel intimidating. There is far more to gain from stepping up, even if you don’t succeed, than there is from shrinking away.

Natalia Brown

Chief Compliance and Consumer Affairs Officer

Education (degrees & institutions): Bachelor’s degree in accounting from Lehman College and pursuing a master’s in operations and project management from Southern New Hampshire University

Company Name: National Debt Relief

Industry: Financial Services

Company CEO: Alex Kleyner

Company Headquarters Location: New York, NY

Number of Employees: 1,837

Words you live by: Do you want to be right, or do you want to be effective?

Personal Philosophy: If you have the ability to change something, you should.

What book are you reading? The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham

What was your first job? Counselor at Fresh Air Fund’s Camp Hidden Valley for youth, ages 8-12, both able bodied and non-able-bodied

Favorite charity: I’d be remiss if I didn’t say my own, Inspiring Youth for Success (IYFS) – https://iyfs.tech/

Interests: Currently focused on checking off items on my “40 Things for 40 Years of Life” list, which is 40+ things I’ve never done before like crocheting, beer and wine making, taking a helicopter ride, and working up to skydiving. It’s pushing me to do things I’ve always wanted to do but have never done before.

Family: My two sons and my mother

Women of color should advocate for themselves but companies have to do more to combat bias as

well

How gender bias and racial bias merge to impact women of color in the workplace comes down to how an organization sees people in these groups, how the company’s culture shapes interactions and an individual’s sense of self.

Women of color face a number of challenges in the workplace; in some environments, it’s enough to demotivate. I’m a firm believer in controlling what you can and that means having appropriate responses to conscious or unconscious bias by developing one’s own emotional intelligence. Being your own advocate is the best way to set examples of how you should be treated in the workplace.

When leaders are aware of bias it helps foster safe environments for women of color to thrive. When bias goes unchecked, women of color are passed over for mentorship, promotions and are more often given negative performance reviews. The reality is brilliance can be quickly stifled and potential assets to an organization can be lost. Women of color have become the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs where many have described their departure from corporate America as a weight lifted due to the bias they faced.

The impact of bias can have one focused on percep-

tions as the world around them becomes distorted. Instead of focusing on performing, distractions like, “Why did they look at me when they talked about poor performance?” takes up more and more time. If emotional intelligence is high, someone advocating for themselves might ask questions for clarity, while someone who has low emotional intelligence will make assumptions and potentially act out or internalize their feelings (none of which are healthy or productive).

When women of color face bias they often have to combat stereotypes. When someone is thrilled about the work they do, it’s always disheartening to hear that it’s not as enjoyable because of outdated, untrue and biased tropes. Women of color often mask or code switch to avoid being mischaracterized, which again takes a toll on one’s mental health. Everyone deserves to authentically be themselves including women of color.

I encourage organizations and women of color to lean on or create employee resource groups dedicated to women and people of color. People experience the world in different ways, and we should all be open to understanding different doesn’t mean bad or less than. If you only focus on supporting people in one way, you’re going to lose great talent.

Patty Arvielo CEO & Co-Founder

Company Name: New American Funding

Industry: Financial Services

Company CEO: Patty and Rick Arvielo

Company Headquarters Location: Tustin, CA

Number of Employees: 4,400

Words you live by: If you see it, you can be it

Personal Philosophy: Will is more important than skill, giving is much better than receiving, and fear is your friend – let it drive you

What book are you reading? How To Lead by David M. Rubenstein

What was your first job? Clerical position at TransUnion Credit

Favorite charity: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County

Interests: Traveling and spending time with my friends and family

Family: My husband, Rick, my daughter, Tara, my sons Trevor and Dominic, and my grandchildren, Shae and Roman

Working to ensure that the American Dream of homeownership

has room for all

I’ve spent more than 40 years in the home loan business, and I’m still just as driven now as I was when I started four decades ago. One of the main things that still motivates me on a daily basis is helping people from diverse communities become homeowners.

It’s been a primary focus of mine for more than 30 years and a foundational principle of our company for more than 20 years.

Statistics show that homeownership is one of the biggest ways to gain wealth in the United States, so giving that opportunity to everyone will balance out the disparities that occur. We are passionate about eliminating those disparities and are working to erase the homeownership gap and ensure that all who want to buy a home are able to do so.

We’ve seen firsthand that those in diverse communities have different stories and face different challenges. That means that they each need to be treated uniquely.

Coming from a Latina background, I discovered that the Hispanic community has the same desires for homeownership as I did. The biggest thing was that people coming to the United States and those Latinos who already live here deserved the opportunity to learn how to gain access to homeownership.

What started out as a focus on boosting Hispanic homeownership quickly grew into a concerted effort

to grow homeownership among other diverse communities, including the Black community and the LGBTQ+ community.

Increasing homeownership in these communities is a company-wide effort for us. We call it the NAF Promise, which represents our commitment to creating, cultivating, and sustaining equity for all. These efforts include diversifying our internal workforce and building programs to support team member growth and increasing homeownership rates with our commitment to equitable and sustainable financing for all communities.

We accomplish this through our NAF Latino Focus, NAF Black Impact, NAF Pride, and NAF Heroes initiatives. Each of these works increase homeownership among the Hispanic, Black, LGBTQ+, and military communities, respectively.

Each of these initiatives include dozens to hundreds of NAF team members who share our passion about growing homeownership among these communities.

I’m so proud that they share my passion for helping people from all walks of life buy a home. I know how impactful it can be for families, changing the course of their lives for generations. And we’re not going to stop until all the barriers have been broken down and everyone who wants to buy a home can do so.

Company Name: New American Funding

Industry: Mortgage

Company CEO: Patty and Rick Arvielo

Company Headquarters Location: Tustin, Ca

Number of Employees: 4,400

Your Location (if different from above): Las Vegas, NV

Words you live by: If not you, then who?

Personal Philosophy: Don’t play small in your own story

What book are you reading? Worthy by Jamie Kern Lima

What was your first job? Working concession at the Kansas City Zoo

Favorite charity: Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth

Interests: Travel, relaxing, enjoying family

Family: Husband and 5 kids – blended family

Navigating gender, racial bias and low expectations: My journey as a Black woman in the workplace

As a Black woman in the mortgage industry for over two decades, I’ve often found myself at the intersection of two worlds that aren’t always welcoming. Gender bias and racial bias don’t just exist in isolation—they collide, creating a unique set of challenges for women of color like me. It’s an experience that’s hard to explain unless you’ve lived it, but I’ll do my best to share what it looks like from where I stand.

For us, it’s not just about breaking through a glass ceiling—it’s about breaking through multiple layers of barriers. Early in my career, I quickly realized that being the hardest worker in the room didn’t mean I’d be recognized as such. I had to fight to prove that I belonged in those rooms in the first place. And even when I did, there were still those who saw me as “too assertive” or “not assertive enough.” It felt like a constant balancing act, trying to find that sweet spot where I could be taken seriously without stepping on too many toes. There were meetings where I was mistaken for someone’s assistant or questioned about my qualifications in ways that my colleagues were not. It’s those small, everyday moments that remind you that you’re different—that you’re being

held to a different standard. And it’s exhausting.

But I also believe that we, as women of color, bring something special to the table. We have a perspective shaped by resilience, creativity, and a deep understanding of what it means to fight for your place in a world that sometimes seems determined to shut you out. That’s why I’m passionate about helping other women of color see their unique identities as strengths, not weaknesses. Change starts with acknowledging these biases – yes – but it doesn’t stop there. We need to hold leaders accountable for creating environments where diversity isn’t just celebrated on paper but is reflected in everyday actions and decisions.

I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who opened doors for me, but we need more people willing to challenge the status quo and advocate for us, even when it’s uncomfortable. I’m committed to being one of those voices—pushing for change, creating opportunities, and, most importantly, making sure the next generation of women of color know their worth and demand their place. We’re not just here to be seen; we’re here to be heard, respected, and celebrated for exactly who we are.

Caroline Isern SVP, Multi-Cultural Lending

Education (degrees & institutions): Bachelor’s degree, International Business from Schiller University London, UK Campus

Company Name: New American Funding

Industry: Mortgage banking

Company CEO: Patty and Rick Arvielo

Company Headquarters Location: Tustin, CA

Number of Employees: 4,400

Your Location (if different from above): Alpharetta, GA

Words you live by: We are nothing without purpose.

Personal Philosophy: Wake up every morning looking to help others succeed.

What book are you reading? IMMIGRIT – How Immigrant leadership Drives Business Success by Ukeme Awakessien Jeter

What was your first job? Executive assistant for the International Monetary Fund

Favorite charity: The Drake House supporting mothers and children experiencing homelessness

Interests: My interests revolve around continuous personal growth and well-being. I love feeding my brain with knowledge through reading, learning, and staying curious, while also prioritizing fitness because I truly believe that health is wealth.

Family: Proud mom of two amazing daughters. Tatiana is in her second year of law school, chasing her dreams of becoming a lawyer, and Stephanie, my energetic younger child, is a powerhouse on the volleyball court. They both inspire me every day with their drive and passion!

Her mission? To ensure that every Latino family has a home

of their own and a way to build wealth

I am incredibly passionate about building Latino wealth through homeownership because I’ve lived the transformative power it holds firsthand. When I emigrated from Madrid, Spain, to the United States, I faced many challenges as a single mother. I knew I had to build a stable future for my daughters, and homeownership became a critical part of that journey. Purchasing a home allowed me to grow equity, something I didn’t fully grasp at the time. It wasn’t easy learning the ins and outs of credit and finding my way through the complexities of the housing market. But those sacrifices were worth it, as my home became the foundation that allowed me to put my daughter through school and secure a better future for us all.

What’s more, I was able to take that first step in homeownership and leverage it to purchase investment properties, which further grew my financial stability. These investments became a key tool in supporting my family, helping me not only provide for my daughters but also build a future that I could be proud of. This experience has shown me the true power of homeownership— it can go beyond stability and serve as a wealth-building tool that lifts entire families.

This personal journey is what inspires me to help others achieve the same. Homeownership, for me, isn’t just about having a roof over your head; it’s about creating a legacy. A legacy that fosters stability, pride, and a generational impact that ripples through families and

communities. This mission is the heart of everything I do—it’s what drives me to push boundaries and create meaningful change for others, especially within the Latino community.

Latinos are becoming a major economic force, outpacing all other groups in homeownership growth. By 2050, we will be a majority-minority nation, and the Latino community will play a central role in shaping that future. As an Afro-Latina, I feel a deep responsibility to ensure that every Latino family has a seat at the table, where homeownership is not just a dream but a reality.

The challenges we face are real—whether it’s navigating financial systems or breaking down misconceptions. But I believe that for every obstacle, there is a solution. My mission is to help families find those solutions, whether it’s understanding credit, creating strategies to overcome high-interest rates, or providing resources that simplify the homebuying process. It’s about empowering people with the tools they need to build the future they deserve.

My greatest passion lies in creating pathways for others. As women of color, we have a unique ability to reshape the narrative and lead with purpose. I am committed to using my story, my voice, and my influence to ensure that we are heard, valued, and empowered. Together, we can build a world where every woman, regardless of her background, has the opportunity to lead, thrive, and leave her mark.

Liz Brill

Education (degrees & institutions): JD, Harvard Law School; BA, Economics, Princeton University

Company Name: New York Life

Industry: Financial Services

Company CEO: Craig DeSanto

Company Headquarters Location: New York, NY

Number of Employees: 11,800

Words you live by: “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing” – Walt Disney

Personal Philosophy: Treat others the way you want to be treated

What book are you reading? A Woman of No Importance by Sonia Purnell

What was your first job? Actuarial assistant, lower case assistant

Favorite charity: Swim Across America

Interests: Spending time with my family, reading, live music

Family: I live on Long Island, with my husband and 8-year-old son.

Set reasonable goals when you add mom to your title

While I was pregnant with my first (and only) child, a mentor and colleague (and amazing super-mom) told me that the key to juggling life as a working mother is to always remember that you do not have to do everything. It struck me as an odd piece of advice at the time – what does it even mean not to do “everything?” –but it quickly became a mantra for me in multiple ways.

There is a reason that people say it takes a village to raise a child. There is a lot to do, and think about, and worry about –and, after my son was born, I quickly realized the importance of relying on others to help carry the load. My husband and I share responsibilities, and he often ends up doing things that would typically be “mom” tasks. For example, his work schedule is more flexible than mine, so he usually is re-

sponsible for drop-offs and pick-ups. I do not have to do it all myself, and this allows me time and space to both enjoy family time and succeed at work.

There is a lot to do, and think about, and worry about – and, after my son was born, I quickly realized the importance of relying on others to help carry the load. ” “

In another sense, however, it is important to understand that not everything on one’s theoretical to-do list actually needs to be accomplished. In a perfect world, my house would be cleaner, I would have a thriving vegetable garden, and I would be prepared days in advance for every work meeting. In reality, the house is sometimes messy, our veggies are store-bought, and sometimes things get done at the last possible minute –and that is okay. Setting realistic and reasonable goals makes life easier and more enjoyable at home and at work. You don’t have to do it all!

Mary Young

Partner-in-Charge, Minneapolis

Education (degrees & institutions): JD, cum laude, University of Minnesota Law School; BA, with honors, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Company Name: Norton Rose Fulbright Industry: Legal

Company CEO: Jeff Cody, Global Managing Partner and US Managing Partner

Company Headquarters Location: New York; Houston; London

Number of Employees: 7,500

Your Location (if different from above): Minneapolis, MN

Words you live by: “Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.” – Dalai Lama

Personal Philosophy: Be curious, kind, and grateful

What book are you reading? Why We Remember by Charan Ranganath, PhD

What was your first job? Working on the gas dock at a marina on the St. Croix River in my hometown of Stillwater, Minnesota (when the river wasn’t frozen!).

Favorite charity: Global Rights for Women

Interests: Reading, classical music, planting flowers, long walks, family vacations

Family: My husband, David, and our three children, Grace (16), Alex (13), and Max (7)

Encouragement builds self-confidence which builds a great career

The best advice I have received is part advice, part encouragement. I have been fortunate to have people in my life, from the time I was a little girl to now, who have supported me with a simple and consistent: “You’ve got this” and “You can do it.”

The most important sponsors and mentors I’ve had during my legal career provided incredible opportunities for me to stretch my legal skills and take on increasingly complex work. What stands out, though, is not the teaching or critiques received during the hard work and preparation but the frequent and direct communications of their belief, trust, and confidence in my ability to deliver. I’ve worked hard to internalize this advice and it’s the last thing I tell myself before standing up in court or joining an important client meeting. For me, cultivating a positive mindset and building confidence has helped open countless opportunities to learn and grow. It has

While there will always be uncertainties, particularly at the beginning of your career, the encouragement I received helped to build self-esteem and a strong foundation for future success. ” “

also provided the resilience needed to face challenges in a faced-paced, competitive, and demanding field. While there will always be uncertainties, particularly at the beginning of your career, the encouragement I received helped to build selfesteem and a strong foundation for future success.

I’ve seen firsthand how an impactful mentor can change the course of a young lawyer’s career, and have benefited greatly from being both a mentee and a mentor. Of course, it is critical to pass on technical skills and guidance on navigating the nuances of a career in law, but it’s just as important to provide encouragement. Now that I have the privilege of sponsoring and mentoring other women attorneys, I strive to pass along the same advice and encouragement that I received, as often as I can. I’ve seen firsthand that coupling confidence with skills and hard work multiplies the possibilities for success.

Shamis Pitts Founder and CEO

Education (degrees & institutions): MBA, Johnson Graduate School of Management, Cornell University; BA, University of Pennsylvania

Company Name: Pitts Leadership Consulting

Industry: Human Capital Consulting

Company CEO: Me!

Company Headquarters Location: New York, NY

Number of Employees: 9-person team

Words you live by: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

– African Proverb

Personal Philosophy: Everyone is a leader with the ability to influence and inspire others. A leader’s wellbeing directly impacts their overall effectiveness to lead themself and, therefore, to lead others

What book are you reading? Trust & Inspire: How Truly Great Leaders Unleash Greatness in Others by Stephen M. R. Covey et al.

What was your first job? I started delivering the local newspaper and babysitting within my neighborhood the summer after 6th grade.

Favorite charity: Food Bank for New York City

Interests: Mentoring early and mid-career women of color. Playing golf with my spouse.

A consulting company that makes people’s needs a priority

My Early Days: I have always been fascinated by people, what they choose to do, what they stand for and how they relate to others. That drove me to study sociology in college. My original intention was to go to law school; however, the sudden death of my mother right before I matriculated made navigating being away from home and staying focused on my studies very challenging. Believing that my path to law school was derailed, I began to explore what was possible for me in the world of business through coursework and summer internships. I learned early on the importance of being open to new possibilities and to the power and practicality of pivoting. I parlayed my knowledge, skills and interests about people into the world of human capital consulting.

Navigating the World of Work: It was apparent to me early in my career that an organization’s pain points typically circle back to people. It is the people that create the systems and structures, manage and lead others, and do the work. This fact often got, and continues to be, overlooked. Once I stepped outside of the consulting world, I explored different industries and companies, applying my capabilities within different functions. I became more keenly aware of how directly my success was impacted by my work environment and the capabilities of the leaders and managers within it.

Most importantly, I started to realize that my perfectionism, workaholic tendencies and desire to serve others without any regard for my own needs was limiting my ability to thrive. I decided to take a step back and clarify my purpose.

PLC is My Purpose Work: I launched PLC after 20 years of learning and lessons and we have been in business for over 5 years now. Structuring PLC as a human capital consulting company, I have, essentially, come full circle on my work journey. PLC’s vision is for wellbeing to thrive within every individual and every organization. Our focus on organizational health, how an organization efficiently and effectively functions, and employee wellbeing is a complete aggregation of my professional experience and formal learning, as well as the integration of my lived experience as a black woman in the world of work and beyond.

PLC helps organizations enhance the work environment to drive employee retention, productivity and performance to amplify profitability and impact. We focus on the healthy functioning of the system and the people because they are two sides to the same coin. I am not only passionate about PLC. PLC is my purpose work. Throughout the triumphs and challenges of my career, I had to experience all of it to get where I am today. And for that, I am grateful.

Marisa Calderon President & CEO

Education (degrees and institutions): BA, Anthropology, University of California, Berkeley

Company Name: Prosperity Now

Industry: Advancing racial and ethnic economic justice

Words you live by: “We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there “is” such a thing as being too late. This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

Personal philosophy: My personal philosophy is rooted in the belief that real change happens when we confront inequity head-on and take bold, immediate action. I am committed to ensuring that everyone, especially those from marginalized communities, has a voice in shaping the policies that affect their lives. By bringing people together and acting with the “fierce urgency of now,” we can lift each other up, challenge the status quo, and create a more just and inclusive future for all.

What book are you reading? The Algebra of Wealth by Professor Scott Galloway

What was your first job? My first job was in the service industry at 16 years old, working at Little Caesars Pizza in both the back of house making food and in direct customer service running the register and taking orders by phone.

Interests: Travel – going to places, exploring and learning about the landscape, people and cuisine. I also enjoy comedy, live music, theater, hiking, camping, and adrenaline inducing sports and activities.

Family: Since 2011, San Diego is home and where I’ve raised my family. Both of my kids are creatives and play guitar, draw and paint and have creative career aspirations in mind. My oldest is 18 and currently works at a restaurant in downtown San Diego that earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand. My youngest is 14 and in his freshman year of high school attending a creative and performing arts school in San Diego where he performs in the jazz band and is very much looking forward to the big trip to New York this year where we intend to catch a Broadway show.

When we remove the barriers that keep women of color sidelined, everyone benefits

As a woman of color who has navigated leadership roles in both the nonprofit and private sectors, I have experienced firsthand how gender and racial biases intersect to create unique barriers for women of color in the workplace. What many don’t realize is that these biases and barriers aren’t just singular obstacles standing in the way of success. Over time, they amplify each other, making it difficult for women of color to access the leadership tables where critical decisions are made, particularly those that impact the very communities we represent.

Throughout my career, I’ve often been one of the few—if not the only—Latinas in the room where decisions are made about policies that disproportionately affect people like me and the communities I come from. This lack of representation means that the voices of those who truly understand the lived experience of marginalized communities are often absent when shaping policies that will affect them. It’s not just a problem of visibility; it’s a problem of influence. How can we create equitable solutions if those most affected by inequity aren’t even at the table?

Bias plays a significant role here. Gender bias may manifest as assumptions about a woman’s capabilities or commitment, while racial bias can lead to the belief that people of color lack the expertise or authority to contribute meaningfully. When these biases intersect,

women of color find themselves not only having to prove their competence but also fighting for their right to be heard. I have encountered these biases throughout every step of my career. Navigating spaces where these biases manifested, where my input was underestimated, and my perspectives weren’t fully valued—is an experience I share with many women of color.

The cumulative impact of these biases goes beyond individual advancement. When the voices of women of color are absent from decision-making spaces, the policies and solutions that emerge often miss the mark. To create meaningful, lasting change, we need to ensure that leadership reflects the diversity of the communities affected by those decisions. It’s not enough to simply include women or people of color in the workforce; we must bring them into the rooms where power is exercised, and their insights are needed most.

At Prosperity Now, I am committed to challenging these barriers. We make it a priority to ensure that diverse voices are not only present but actively engaged in shaping the policies and programs that impact marginalized communities. My success is not the norm, but it should be. We must build pathways that allow more women of color to rise into leadership roles and amplify their voices where it matters most. Only then can we create solutions that work for everyone.

Jennifer Estremera Deputy Managing Partner

Education (degrees & institutions): JD, Santa Clara University School of Law

Company Name: Reichman Jorgensen Lehman & Feldberg LLP

Industry: Legal

Company CEO: Courtland Reichman, Managing Partner

Company Headquarters Location: Five U.S, offices; no headquarters; Silicon Valley, New York, Washington, DC, Austin, and Atlanta

Number of Employees: 45

Your Location (if different from above): Redwood Shores, CA

Words you live by: Work hard, work smart, and let your efforts tell your story.

Personal Philosophy: Think bigger and don’t let others define you.

What was your first job? Driving combine on my family wheat farm

Favorite charity: Tough2gether Foundation – a nonprofit dedicated to ending childhood brain cancer (DIPG and DMG)

Interests: Cake artistry, photography, and crafting

Family: Husband, who is a judge, and two children

Thinking big and fighting for justice for ordinary folks

Deciding to pursue a career in law was an adventure filled with unexpected twists and plenty of encouragement from my mentor, Lisa. I grew up on a farm in a rural community and had no exposure to the legal world until Lisa hired me as her legal assistant as a high school teenager. It was Lisa who nudged me to think bigger. She saw potential in me I hadn’t spotted yet and encouraged me to eventually step into a paralegal role, with the goal of someday becoming a lawyer. That’s when things started getting interesting.

As time went on, I gravitated to the analytical side of the law, but never lost the passion for trial persuasion.

Tackling those high-stakes cases can be nervewracking, but the sense of accomplishment is something else. Winning those battles on behalf of our clients feels amazing, and it’s a constant reminder of why I chose this path. It’s not just about the law—it’s about breaking barriers and proving that you can reach your goals if you’re willing to put in the work.

It was about the chance to stand up for people, to keep learning and growing, and to show others that they can do the same. ” “

Through Lisa, I first tasted the fast-paced litigation world in college. Walking into a courtroom was like stepping into a whole new universe. Every case was different, packed with its own set of puzzles and surprises. It wasn’t just about the legal analysis; it was about getting into the minds of people and fighting for justice. The opportunity to represent everyday folks like myself, and make a difference in their lives, seemed hugely rewarding. After that, I was hooked.

From my early days as an assistant to becoming a partner at a national trial boutique, I’ve always been driven to lift others up, especially young women who are considering a career in law.

Looking back, choosing to become a lawyer was about more than just a job. It was about the chance to stand up for people, to keep learning and growing, and to show others that they can do the same. With a bit of courage and the right guidance, there’s no limit to what we can achieve.

Amy L. Ruhland

Managing Partner, Austin Office

Company Name: Reichman Jorgensen Lehman & Feldberg LLP

Industry: Legal

Company CEO: Courtland Reichman, Managing Partner

Company Headquarters Location: Five U.S, offices; no headquarters; Silicon Valley, New York, Washington, DC, Austin, and Atlanta

Number of Employees: 45

Your Location (if different from above): Austin, TX

Words you live by: Be compassionate; everyone you meet is fighting their own battles.

Personal Philosophy: Persevere, continue learning, and model what you expect others to be.

What book are you reading? Midnight in Chernobyl by Adam Higginbotham

What was your first job? Hostess at Pappasito’s in Houston, Texas

Favorite charity: The Center for Child Protection in Austin, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the cycle of child abuse through advocacy, education, and community support

Interests: French wine (enthusiast and collector), culinary arts, travel

Family: Husband with a shared passion for food and wine and two teenage children (a senior and a freshman in high school)

Want to crack the glass ceiling? Tell your company what you want – and then work hard to get it

The glass ceiling is still a real and pressing issue for women in law firms, particularly when it comes to equity partnership and pay. While we’ve made strides toward gender equality, the reality is that women are still underrepresented in top positions and at the top of the pay scale.

From my vantage point, we often find ourselves relying on male allies to help us move up the ranks. This reliance highlights a deeper cultural challenge within our industry that we need to address. Add to that the fact that women, on the whole, are still paid less than men, and it’s obvious that we have some work to do.

So, what can we do to shatter this glass ceiling? First and foremost, we need to advocate for ourselves. Consistency in self-advocacy is crucial. I tell all the young women lawyers that I work with to make their goals known early, whether it’s aiming for partnership or other important career opportunities. Clearly communicating aspirations can set the stage for a future career path. I also always advise young lawyers to take any setbacks along the way as a personal challenge to tackle and overcome.

On that note, let me share a personal story. As

a senior associate, I moved to a new firm right as the 2008 financial crisis was unfolding. In light of the unsteady market, the firm adopted a new policy for lateral hires: no elevation within three years for newcomers. It was a blanket rule. Nevertheless, by bringing in business and advocating for myself, I was able to break through that barrier and earn the title of counsel before the three years were up. And on the three-year anniversary of making the move, I was elevated to partner.

I have continued advocating for myself as a partner, first in Big Law and now at a trial boutique. I am a tough negotiator and always come prepared with the data to back up a demand. I always advise coming to the table prepared and with clear evidence of past and anticipated future contributions to make the strongest possible case for fair pay.

Breaking through the glass ceiling involves being assertive, strategic, and ready to challenge the norms. By persistently advocating for our worth and career goals, we can navigate these institutional barriers. It’s not always easy, but with determination and support from allies—both male and female—we can pave the way to leadership and equity in the legal world.

Carrie Lambert

Education (degrees & institutions): JD, University of Minnesota Law School; BA, Political Science and Communications, University of Michigan

Company Name: Robins Kaplan LLP

Industry: Legal

Company CEO: Anthony Froio

Company Headquarters Location: Minneapolis, MN

Number of Employees: 440 total including all offices and full-time staff

Words you live by: The same words I tell my kids: Be authentic, be brave, but most of all, be kind.

Personal Philosophy: “Never believe anyone who tells you that you don’t deserve what you want.” – Taylor Swift

What book are you reading? Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Peter Attia, MD

What was your first job? Lifeguarding and teaching swimming lessons at our local pool.

Favorite charity: Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF). My 13-year-old son was diagnosed with T1D when he was five and I’ve been involved with Breakthrough T1D ever since.

Interests: Michigan football (GO BLUE!), travel, boating, playing tennis, shopping (with or for my kids!), spending time with friends and family.

Family: My 13-year-old twins, Sofia and Louie, and our yellow Lab, Parker.

Three steps to getting back onto the career track after being a stay-at-home mom

For the first 12 years of my career, I was an all-in patent litigator achieving outstanding results for my clients and for my firm, Robins Kaplan LLP. The next eight years, I devoted myself entirely to being a stay-athome mom, caring for my twins, managing my son’s type 1 diabetes diagnosis, and navigating the challenges of the COVID pandemic. For the past three years, I have been both an all-in mom and an all-in (yet part-time!) partner again at Robins Kaplan. My story isn’t linear and didn’t go as expected, but I think it mirrors what many women go through. Here are three key pieces of advice I have for those who, like me, are on nontraditional career paths.

Maintain your relationships. No matter where your career takes you, stay connected with your closest work colleagues: take them to coffee, go out to dinner, see each other’s families, spend time together. You never know where your career will go or how you might overlap with them in the future. During my time at home, I kept in touch with my “work family,” and these connections were instrumental in my return to the firm. Some of those former colleagues are now my clients. The relationships you build at work can have a lasting impact on your life and career.

Do excellent work. The quality of your work defines your reputation and leaves a lasting impression. Always perform at your best, manage your time well, put in the effort, and follow-up on your performance. During my 12 years managing large patent litigation cases, our success was largely due to the hard work and dedication we brought to each case. The high-quality work I delivered was a key reason I was invited back into the firm’s partnership after eight years away. Your work is your calling card – make it amazing.

Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want

Make sure those you work with know what your goals are and don’t hesitate to be vocal about them: whether you aspire to make partner, move up the executive chain, or take on a leadership role – clearly communicate your intentions. When I returned to the firm, I initially took on a Counsel role despite being a Partner when I left. After a few months as Counsel, I recognized that I was performing at the Partner level, and requested to be voted back into the partnership. If I hadn’t asked, it wouldn’t have happened. Always be clear about your career goals and ensure those who can help you achieve them are aware of your ambitions.

Manleen K. Singh Partner

Education (degrees & institutions): JD, New York Law School; BA, Boston University

Company Name: Robins Kaplan LLP

Industry: Law

Company CEO: Anthony A. Froio, Managing Partner

Company Headquarters Location: Minneapolis, MN

Number of Employees: 440, including all offices and full-time staff

Your Location (if different from above): Boston, MA

Words you live by: Don’t let the world change your smile, let your smile change the world

Personal Philosophy: Be your authentic self; kindness above all, to yourself and others

What book are you reading? The Lioness of Boston by Emily Franklin

What was your first job? Kindergarten teacher assistant

Favorite charity: The Sikh Coalition, a civil rights organization dedicated to protecting one’s right to practice their faith without fear

Interests: Running, hiking, skiing, traveling, reading

Family: Married with two kids

Are you uncomfortable at work? Then speak up.

I love being a lawyer. It always seemed to be a natural fit with the values I was raised with and my personality. I grew up in Southern California in a Sikh immigrant household where my mother instilled in me the importance of truthful living, hard work, eternal optimism, community service and helping others, especially those who cannot help themselves. Motivated by those tenets, before and during law school, I volunteered at a public defender’s office in California, as well as non-profit organizations that supported survivors of domestic violence in California and New York. After graduating from law school, I pivoted to private practice, but remained committed to building a robust pro bono practice.

I have now been at Robins Kaplan for over a decade, helping clients with corporate and commercial real estate transactions. I stayed true to my commitment to pro bono work, developing a diverse portfolio that includes helping people seal their criminal records and helping a Native American tribe in its quest for federal acknowledgment.

As a South Asian woman, throughout my career, I am usually the only woman or the only person of color, or both, on the team, whether that team includes only the legal team or also the client. On one matter, I helped a client, a white man, close the sale of commercial real

estate. For several months, I worked with him extensively. After closing, the entire client and legal team celebrated at a closing dinner, during which, the client asked me, “Why is your English so good?” This question was quickly followed by, “When did your parents come to this country?,” and “Is your father in IT?”

I was shocked by these questions, flustered and confused. In the moment, I answered them and the conversation continued on to other topics. But for the rest of the meal, I was uncomfortable, knowing that I was singled out because of the color of my skin. As my shock subsided, I thought hard about how to move forward. Rather than focusing on my experience, I decided to use this as a teaching moment. I shared my reaction to the client’s questions with the relationship partner, another white man. He immediately apologized and was determined to resolve it. He made up a reason to visit with the client in-person and explain what happened, the impact of his questions. The client then called me directly and apologized unequivocally. While I regret my own experience of that closing dinner, I hope that the client will think twice about how to get to know someone who does not look like him.

I continue to love being a lawyer, especially because I bring my authentic self to my work.

Samina Bari

Education (degrees & institutions): MA, New York University; BA, Journalism, New York University; Boardwise, Global Board Professional Expert Certification

Company Name: Samina Bari Advisors

Industry: Business Advisory for Biopharmaceuticals and Healthcare

Company CEO: Samina Bari

Company Headquarters Location: San Francisco Bay Area

Number of Employees: 1

Words you live by: Although I’m not religious, it’s the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Personal Philosophy: “What goes around comes around”

What book are you reading? I’m currently reading the Sarah J. Maas series. I love fantasy and fiction because it provides an escape from the seriousness of life and work.

What was your first job? My first job was during high school, I worked at a hospital cleaning the operating rooms following surgeries. I knew at a young age that I loved healthcare!

Favorite charity: World Wildlife Society

Interests: Reading, traveling and enjoying food and wine along the way!

Family: My

Be bold. Reshape the corporate landscape for professional women

As a first-generation woman raised in an Islamic, patriarchal household decades before what the world looks like today, it’s been so important for me to advocate for other women by sharing my experiences and hearing their experiences - to benefit the learning, growth and progress for our next generation of leaders. Navigating the corporate world as a woman means facing deeply ingrained gender biases that impact everything from the hiring process to daily interactions. One of the most common effects is imposter syndrome —self-doubt that can hinder women’s ability to assert themselves.

I’ve experienced this firsthand. When I joined the executive team at my previous job, I noticed that male executives occupied the conference table with the board members while my female peers sat on the periphery. Rejecting this dynamic, I took a seat at the table, figuratively and literally declaring my right to participate at the highest level.

The challenges multiply when gender and racial biases intersect. Women of color face additional barriers in their pursuit of leadership positions. Corporate boards often remain predominantly white and male, despite the invaluable perspectives that diverse candidates bring. The structures of corporate America were designed by and for white men and overlook the unique strengths women contribute—like collaboration, empathy, and inclusive decision-making.

Breaking through these barriers requires resilience, strategic thinking, and a refusal to wait for invitations. It means proactively engaging in meetings, building strong relationships with male allies, and rejecting the ingrained behavior of apologizing for everything. Mentorship and sponsorship also play crucial roles, particularly for women of color. Having mentors who advocate for you and sponsors who actively promote advancement can be game changers in navigating the corporate landscape.

Addressing these issues is crucial not just for our individual careers but for the broader landscape of corporate leadership. When women are sidelined, their talents are undervalued, leading to less innovative decision-making. The best advice I like to give is to lift others as you climb. By challenging the status quo and asserting our right to contribute, we pave the way for future leaders.

When underrepresented groups are given a voice at the highest levels, it drives cultural change, fostering environments in which all employees feel valued and empowered. Transforming the corporate landscape starts with each of us taking action, making our voices heard, claiming our rightful place at the table, and bringing others along with us.

By breaking down barriers, refusing to accept the status quo, and building pathways, we can create a more equitable and inclusive professional world for all.

late husband, Doug Neale, our twin daughters, Olivia Madison and Ariel Monroe, and our beloved Labradoodle Bronzo

Sharon Kim Senior Litigation Counsel

Education (degrees & institutions): JD, Harvard Law School; BA, Anthropology and Government, Harvard University

Company Name: Sanford Heisler Sharp LLP Industry: Law

Company CEO: David Sanford – Chairman Number of Employees: 100+

Your Location (if different from above): New York, NY

Words you live by: And did you get what // you wanted from this life, even so? // I did. // And what did you want? // To call myself beloved, to feel myself // beloved on the earth. (Late fragment by Raymond Carver)

Personal Philosophy: Have realized total mutuality in a world that may refuse to offer it, so the peer of the most powerful is made humblest.

What book are you reading? The Mind’s Eye by Henri Cartier-Bresson and Off With Her Head by Eleanor Herman

What was your first job? Paralegal – U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York (Business and Securities Fraud Section)

Favorite charity: Korean American Community Foundation Interests: Confronting life with poetry and photography & saying hello to puppies.

A deli kid’s homage to her parents is reflected in her life

Growing up as a deli kid, my childhood was often shaped by the people my parents encountered in their store on the Upper East Side of New York City, the highly educated and white-collar professionals they viewed as having achieved success only made possible by the American way of life. It became ingrained in my parents as they sliced ham and tossed salads that many sacrifices would have to be made to propel their daughter towards a better life with the privileges they could not directly provide. The challenging choices they have had to embrace over the years so I could stand here today were countless. Reminders of their unyielding effort and hard work remain etched across our household to this day.

Through it all, the greatest lesson my parents imparted to me is straightforward but perhaps the hardest to uphold faithfully: Fight fiercely for what you are due and keep your heart intact for what is just. As a result of their steadfast care, I have found myself walking through closed doors across hallways into worlds unfamiliar and new and crossing paths with mentors, colleagues, and friends who have embraced me for what I have brought to the table in full form. I am reminded in my current chapter of how fortunate I am and have been to learn from some of the best in my profession who have

proactively strived to set me and others up for success as professionals in our own right, and more importantly, they have taught us that the right decisions must be made in the right way for the right reasons. I am deeply grateful to those who have shaped me into the advocate and person I have become.

In my journey, I have also faced instances where the lesson gifted to me could not be realized, and these instances have driven my decision to pursue civil rights and public interest work full-time. It has become my mission to fight for accountability by helping create a world where abuses resulting from the pursuit of profit and power at the expense of all else are disallowed and remedied effectively. To make society’s fundamental commitment to fairness lasting, total mutuality is required: Powerful interests must be held responsible for their misconduct and misuse of authority, and due process and proper recourse must be guaranteed to those aggrieved.

I hope the fruits of my work in this chapter and beyond, as carried out with a village, will exemplify the fullest extent of alleluia sung in embrace of my parents’ sacrifices, that have made this beloved life of mine possible.

Lisa Larroque Alexander

Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Chief Sustainability Officer

Education (degrees & institutions): University of California, San Diego; Political Science, French Literature

Company Name: Sempra

Industry: Energy

Company CEO: Jeffrey W. Martin

Company Headquarters Location: San Diego, CA

Number of Employees: 20,000

Words you live by: Be safe, be kind, have fun. In that order.

What book are you reading? From Strength to Strength

What was your first job? Server at local bakery

Favorite charity: Equality California

Interests: Family and friends. Gardening, yoga, travel.

Family: Husband, an adult child, a teenager and my dog, Ruthie, and lots of extended family.

Committed to connecting 40 million people to sustainable, cleaner energy

My career has been profoundly influenced by my personal values, educational experiences and professional opportunities all of which inform my personal mission to do right, do well and do it at scale.

I was fortunate to grow up in an environment where family and faith provided a strong foundation—instilling in me the importance of doing what is right for me, my family and those around me. These values have been a guiding principle throughout my life—helping to shape both my personal and career decisions.

Majoring in political science and engaging in various policy internships during my academic years opened my eyes to the significant impact just one person can have on many. These experiences demonstrated how policy and governance can drive meaningful change and that was very appealing to me.

Armed with policy-making knowledge, I made the leap into the corporate world and entered the field of management consulting, where I saw positive, scalable impact that businesses can have. This phase of my career was instrumental in teaching me how to help organizations thrive and deliver outsized financial performance by helping them create workplace environments to support their employees, structure value to their shareholders and serve their customers well. There were many lessons learned along the way and I gained invaluable insights into scaling business impact and the importance of working for all stakeholders.

Today, I have the privilege of leading sustainability and corporate affairs for a Fortune 500 energy infrastructure company that serves 1 in 10 Americans. This role is a perfect fit, blending my passion for doing right, my understanding of policy and governance to do well for many, and my experience in helping organizations scale positive impact for all stakeholders. Working at Sempra, a mission-driven company committed to becoming North America’s leading energy infrastructure company, has given me a front-row seat to the critical efforts of connecting millions of people to safer, cleaner and more reliable energy.

At Sempra, we are at the intersection of doing right for the more than 40 million consumers we serve, doing well for our shareholders and stakeholders and influencing policy on a global scale. Our focus on sustainable business practices, strong governance and environmental stewardship underpins our strategy and ensures that we are doing well by doing good.

I am fortunate to be a part of a significant corporation that is forging a resilient path for all its stakeholders as markets around the globe transition to meet the world’s need for lower carbon energy. It is an organization grounded in shared values—do the right thing, champion people and shape the future—that connects me to more than 20,000 colleagues across our family of companies. It also reflects my commitment to doing good, doing well, and doing it at scale, which makes my role more than a job – it’s a purpose to contribute to a better, more sustainable future.

by Arthur C. Brooks and Perestroika in Paris by Jane Smiley

Karen Sedgwick

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Company Name: Sempra

Industry: Energy

Company CEO: Jeffrey W. Martin

Company Headquarters Location: San Diego, CA

Number of Employees: 20,000

Words you live by: Don’t waste time worrying, it will work out, it always does

What book are you reading? The New Map by Daniel Yergin and The Unofficial Moira Rose Dictionary by Ellie Roses Garden

What was your first job? Payroll analyst

Favorite charity: Make-a-Wish Foundation

Interests: Travel, Reading

Family: Married with two kids and one crazy dog

Want to shatter the glass ceiling? Look for a company that invests in women and for women (and men) who want to see change

In many places, women still encounter the glass ceiling, an invisible barrier that limits their advancement in the workplace. However, as a woman who has spent more than three decades in the corporate world, I have been fortunate to work for an organization, Sempra, that has a long-standing history of supporting women, as evidenced by the presence of female leaders in its C-suite and board of directors.

Sempra has a unique high-performance culture that connects me and more than 20,000 colleagues through a shared mission, vision and set of values – do the right thing, champion people and shape the future. Together, we strive to help each other be the best that we can be for each other, our company and the communities where we work and live. This high-performance culture is not just a statement; it has been proactively cultivated for over 25 years.

The company is invested in creating opportunities for women, and all its employees, to contribute their best work and reach their full potential because it creates a more engaged workplace and a stronger business. To support career advancement, Sempra offers a wealth of resources and tools, which I have leveraged throughout my career, including mentorship programs, online learning and development opportunities, training and workshops, internal events and Employee Resource Groups for informal networking.

However, not all organizations are at the same stage

of the journey towards equality for women and so, I would encourage women looking to advance their careers to seek out companies that have a proven track record of supporting women. Look for organizations that not only talk about diversity, equity and inclusion but also demonstrate it through their leadership and policies. Additionally, women should endeavor to support and uplift each other in their career aspirations. When women support and guide one another, it creates a sense of community and empowerment that can break down barriers and open doors to new opportunities. Over the course of my career, I have been fortunate to find women leaders who have shared their experiences, knowledge and advice to help me navigate my career. They have also helped to expand my circle of influence through networking and facilitating connections with others, helping me to grow and succeed.

Men also play a crucial role in this effort. As allies, men can promote gender equality by making sure women’s voices are heard in the corporate world. They can foster equitable career growth by mentoring women, championing their progress and establishing development opportunities.

I believe that breaking through the glass ceiling requires a collective effort. By building a strong support system and advocating for one another, we can collectively push past the glass ceiling and achieve our professional goals.

Noelle Indelicato

Education (degrees & institutions): JD, Fordham University School of Law; BA, Boston College

Company Name: Seward & Kissel LLP

Industry: Legal

Company Headquarters Location: New York

Number of Employees: 300

Words you live by: Don’t take life too seriously

Personal Philosophy: Lead by example

What book are you reading? The Women by Kristin Hannah

What was your first job? Server at a beach-front restaurant

Favorite charity: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s Cycle for Survival, which raises money for rare cancer research

Interests: Travel (particularly to Italy)

Family: I am very lucky to have a close-knit family and built-in support system. It is the reason I am who I am today.

The best advice I ever received came before I could fully appreciate it.

As a young lawyer, one of my mentors told me something that I would come to understand on a much deeper level years later. “You may be the only person driving your career,” my mentor said, “but you need other people to help you get where you are going.” I am glad the idea stuck with me, because it has shaped my career in multiple ways – first in building my own practice, and second in developing my approach to leadership. Law is a competitive profession, but I love this advice because it reframes our work as an endeavor that can and should be cooperative. There is certainly a place for competitive instincts, but I am most competitive with myself, which ultimately motivates me to do my best work. When you approach your work with that mindset, you learn how to push your own limits and help your colleagues push theirs.

When

everyone focuses on doing their personal best, rather than worrying about how they measure up against the rest of the team, rewarding opportunities emerge for all of us to reach our highest potential.

My mentor’s advice has also given me a model for leadership that is positive. In leadership roles at Seward & Kissel, I hope to create a collaborative environment. I want my teams to strive for the best they can each do individually, knowing they are working with me and the rest of the group to put forth the best client service and work product. The buck may stop with me as the leader of the team, but they are not working for me.

Mentors ”

That is a crucial distinction. When everyone focuses on doing their personal best, rather than worrying about how they measure up against the rest of the team, rewarding opportunities emerge for all of us to reach our highest potential. Mentors, managers, and teammates have helped me thrive in that way throughout my career, and doing the same for my colleagues is a key part of how I view my own personal success.

Smita Wadhawan Chief Marketing Officer

Education (degrees & institutions): MBA, Marketing, Symbiosis Institute of International Business; BS, Chemistry, J.N.V. University

Diversity and Inclusion is front and center for this successful leader

Smita is an award-winning CMO currently running marketing at SimplePractice – a leading health tech company. She is a seasoned, globally experienced executive with expertise in B2B and B2C marketing, revenue generation and brand transformation at top tech brands – GoDaddy, PayPal, Intuit, and Visa.

Smita has demonstrated expertise in growth marketing, product marketing, pricing, analytics, lifecycle marketing, PR, brand management, and internal creative agency management. Since starting with SimplePractice right at the cusp of the IPO, Smita has helped grow revenue by upwards of 2X to $220M and more than doubled the customer base. She transformed the marketing function, grew the budget by +300%, successfully recruited functional leaders, and scaled the team by 2.5X to 60+ marketing professionals. The team’s work has won the prestigious Digiday award and nominations for the Webby.

Prior to SimplePractice, Smita led growth/ go-tomarket for all SMB products at GoDaddy in the US, with revenue of ~$3B and a marketing budget of $175M. She has held leadership positions at Visa, PayPal and Intuit. At Visa, Smita led digital marketing for Visa Signature, a $186B payment volume credit card business.

Smita is deeply passionate about women’s leadership, diversity, and inclusion and prioritizes keeping DEI front and center in her hiring and leadership. ” “

Smita has built and led teams of 150+ in highly matrixed, cross-functional organizations across the US, India, Europe, and South Africa.

Recognized as a highly influential and inclusive leader with the ability to inspire teams to deliver outstanding results within complex organizations, Smita is deeply passionate about women’s leadership, diversity, and inclusion and prioritizes keeping DEI front and center in her hiring and leadership. She has been recognized as one of the Top 50 CMOs in the US by the National Diversity Council.

Cheryl Ragland Chief Marketing Officer

Education (degrees & institutions): Bachelor’s degree, Muhlenberg College

Company Name: Spirent Communications

Industry: Telecommunications

Company CEO: Eric Updyke

Company Headquarters Location: United Kingdom

Number of Employees: 1,300

Your Location (if different from above): Maryland

Words you live by: “In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.” – Albert Einstein

Personal Philosophy: “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” – Mae West

What book are you reading? 101 Essays That WIll Change the Way You Think by

Brianna Wiest

What was your first job? Sales Rep for AT&T

Favorite charity: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Interests: I love going to a museum, a bookstore or taking a long hike

Family: Enjoying time with my two great kids – Grafton and Ella

Four steps to getting – and keeping – valuable employees

in uncertain times

In the dynamic world of modern business, where digital transformation is reshaping the professional landscape, securing and nurturing employees is a game changer for any organization. You need individuals who possess exceptional skills, adaptability, and leadership qualities that can propel a company to new heights. As digital transformation evolves, attracting and retaining these valuable team members becomes even more critical.

The right employees are not just highly skilled in their fields but versatile, often wearing multiple hats and working seamlessly across various teams. Their ability to inspire and elevate those around them brings unparalleled synergy to the workplace.

However, organizations need help securing high-caliber employees in the face of the sweeping changes brought by digital transformation. The key to success lies in creating an optimal environment that fosters their growth and engagement. Here’s how:

1. Cultivate Trust: Trust is the bedrock of any successful relationship and is crucial in attracting employees. Companies must show genuine faith in their team members by recognizing and valuing their input. Trust empowers employees to take ownership of their roles, encouraging them to innovate and excel beyond expectations.

2. Foster Collaboration: Employees thrive in collaborative environments. By encouraging crossdepartmental teamwork, organizations can harness

the diverse skills of these employees to drive innovation. Breaking down silos and promoting open communication not only leverages their full potential but also creates a culture of shared success and camaraderie.

3. Equip with the Right Tools: In today’s tech-driven world, providing the right tools and technology is imperative. Employees are typically techsavvy, and equipping them with cutting-edge tools boosts their efficiency and demonstrates the organization’s commitment to their professional growth. Advanced technology empowers them to deliver exceptional results, strengthening their value to the company.

4. Empower Customer Experience Champions: Your employees need to understand the importance of customer-centric approaches in this digital age. Empowering them to champion customer experiences by facilitating access to feedback tools and innovative solutions can enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. By blending these strategies, organizations can create an environment where employees choose to work and excel. These individuals, with their rare combination of skills and drive, are instrumental in navigating the complexities of digital transformation and steering companies toward sustained success. As the business landscape continues to evolve, the ability to attract and retain high-caliber employees will remain a critical factor in achieving a competitive edge.

Melinda Bennett Managing Director

Education (degrees & institutions): Bachelor’s Degree - Missouri Southern State University

Company Name: Stretto

Industry: Bankruptcy Services

Company CEO: Jonathan Carson and Eric Kurtzman

Company Headquarters Location: Irvine, CA

Number of Employees: 459

Your Location (if different from above): Ringgold, GA

Words you live by: Happiness and positivity is contagious

Personal Philosophy: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” – Confucius What book are you reading? Becoming Bulletproof by Evy Poumpouras

What was your first job? John Hancock Mutual Life Ins. Company (receptionist)

Favorite charity: National Kidney Foundation

Interests: Music; Pickleball; traveling

Family: I have a blended family with 5 children and 8 grandkids

Life and work is a balancing act, but you can walk the tightrope by finding mentors and managing stress

Throughout my career spanning more than two decades in the bankruptcy services industry, one of the most significant challenges I have faced and learned to manage is achieving work-life balance. With the continuous demands of a fast-paced career and busy family, it can feel like a balancing act to meet expectations and find a sense of fulfillment in all aspects of life. While I may still feel pulled in multiple directions at times, I have found that it’s possible to create harmony between my professional role and in my personal life with a growing blended family of five children and eight grandchildren.

There are no simple answers but here are a few strategies I have learned that have helped me and can help others seeking greater work-life balance:

• Learn to set boundaries: Remote working and technology have created greater flexibility for professionals in all industries, but they also can make it challenging to limit the hours spent working and can make it more difficult to draw the line between work and personal time. It’s important to set boundaries for yourself to “disconnect” from work when needed to focus in other areas of your life. Senior leaders can also set a good example of how to do this in their own work practices which will encourage others on their teams to do the same.

• Find or become a mentor: Through mentorship, professionals can empower themselves and others to find ways to create better work-life-balance. It provides a

channel through which you can share ideas and gain greater perspective. Mentoring does not always have to involve a senior-level professional giving guidance to someone that is just starting out on their career. The most rewarding mentoring relationships can be those among peers who can share mutually beneficial insights and experiences from their own parallel career paths.

• Manage stress to reduce burnout: To relieve the pressures that work can bring, professionals at all levels need to find ways to manage stress by taking time outside of work that is just for you. Getting out of the office or your workspace by going to the gym, taking a daily walk outside or making time for family, friends or other interests can be easy ways to take a break and relieve stress.

• Look on the bright side: While it may sound cliché, looking at the bright side can lighten your load and for those around you as well. Finding ways to bring positivity into your life and to others can make a meaningful impact even if on a small level. Happiness and positivity is contagious, so by embracing this mindset, we can also benefit those around us.

While the balancing act of achieving work-life balance may not be easy, it is within reach for anyone determined to make a commitment to themselves and take the necessary steps. As I continue to strive for work-life balance, my hope is that the lessons I’ve learned will encourage others to do the same.

Niyoka McCoy Chief Learning Officer

Education (degrees & institutions): Ed.D, Curriculum and Instruction, Mercer University: MEd, Elementary Education and Teaching, Capella University: BA, Spelman College

Company Name: Stride, Inc.

Industry: Education

Company CEO: James Rhyu

Company Headquarters Location: Reston, VA

Your Location (if different from above): Jacksonville, FL

Words you live by: Inspire, Ignite, and Innovate. I strive to inspire others, ignite action, and innovate relentlessly. These words guide my journey, shaping my choices and defining my purpose.

Personal Philosophy: “Bring your whole self to the table.”

What book are you reading? Atomic Habits by James Clear

What was your first job? Movie theater

Favorite charity: Coalition for the Homeless Interests: Reading, traveling, and writing

Family: My family consists of my fiance Shannon, my daughter Carley

and three Australian Shepherd dogs, Woody, Nugget, and Rose.

my son Oliver

Women of color must build a strong network to come to the table as themselves

Throughout my career, I’ve experienced firsthand how gender and racial bias uniquely challenge women of color in the workplace. As a Black woman in leadership, I often find myself navigating spaces where I am the only person who looks like me at the table. This dual bias is not just about being a woman or being a person of color; it’s about the compounded experiences of both, which create additional layers of complexity in a professional landscape that is still, in many ways, unbalanced.

One significant challenge for women of color is the constant need to prove themselves. While excellence is expected of all professionals, women of color often face an unspoken demand to exceed expectations just to earn the same respect and recognition as their peers. This manifests subtly, such as being overlooked for leadership roles, or more overtly, like skepticism about one’s qualifications and expertise.

Additionally, women of color are frequently burdened with the emotional labor of diversity and inclusion initiatives, often without formal recognition or support. We are expected to educate others on the importance of diversity while simultaneously dealing with the biases these initiatives aim to address. This responsibility, while crucial, can be taxing, especially when we are not provided the same resources or opportunities for advancement as others.

Despite these challenges, I have found resilience, self-advocacy, and building a supportive network are key tools for overcoming obstacles. I am passionate about creating spaces where women of color can thrive. This drives my work at Stride, Inc. where I lead efforts to develop inclusive learning environments by incorporating diverse perspectives and ensuring equal opportunities. I aim to empower students and educators to overcome challenges and be active participants in an inclusive space. My role allows me to make a meaningful impact, supported by my peers, colleagues, and network.

One of the most empowering pieces of advice I’ve received is to “bring your whole self to the table.” This principle guides my career, reminding me that my identity as a Black woman is not a limitation, but a source of strength and perspective that enriches every conversation and decision I make. It has empowered me to lead authentically and champion the value of diverse voices in the education sector and beyond.

As we continue striving for more equitable spaces, it is essential that organizations not only recognize but actively address the unique challenges faced by women of color. By fostering environments where all voices are heard and valued, we can create pathways for future generations of women leaders to rise and excel, free from the biases of the past.

(13),

(1),

Nicole Willis Chief Medical Officer

Education (degrees & institutions): MBA, Robert Morris University-Illinois; BS, Psychology, Howard University

Company Name: Tapestry 360 Health

Industry: Healthcare/Nonprofit

Company CEO: Nicole Willis

Company Headquarters Location: Chicago, IL

Number of Employees: 200

Words you live by: “Don’t be a Quitter” – Life can be tough and can often throw us unexpected curve balls. When faced with challenges or loss, I lean on resiliency, which for me means meeting adversity and setbacks head-on, learning from them, bouncing back, and being prepared for the next challenge.

Personal Philosophy: To grow, one must be open to and embrace change.

What book are you reading? I usually read a couple of books at a time. For pleasure, I enjoy a good fiction page-turner and am currently reading The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid. For self-enrichment, I’m reading Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life and Maybe the World by Admiral William H. McRaven.

Interests: I balance my professional responsibilities with creating space to enjoy international travel, playing competitive golf (a sport that still lacks diversity in both gender and race) and spending time with family and friends.

She is dedicated to ensuring that healthcare works for everyone

As the Chief Executive Officer of Tapestry 360 Health, passion drives everything I do. For me, leadership goes beyond guiding an organization. It’s about transforming lives, creating inclusive systems, and empowering others to rise. My passion lies in ensuring that the healthcare we provide at Tapestry 360 Health is accessible, compassionate, culturally sensitive, and equitable. I firmly believe that quality healthcare is a human right, and this conviction shapes every decision I make.

My journey has been shaped by the shared experiences of gender and racial biases, which can create seemingly insurmountable barriers. These biases not only present challenges, but they can also be demoralizing. However, they fuel my passion for change. I understand that my struggles are not mine alone; they are shared by countless women of color who, like me, strive to make a difference in fields where we are often underrepresented and undervalued. My passion stems from a desire to dismantle these systemic barriers, to not just open doors but to hold them wide open for the next generation of leaders.

What drives me every day is the knowledge that

healthcare can and should be different. We must create spaces where patients feel seen, heard, and cared for— where they are treated not just as cases to be managed but as people deserving of dignity and respect. This same philosophy applies to how we treat our staff. I am deeply passionate about fostering a workplace where diversity is tolerated and celebrated. I am committed to creating and cultivating a culture where people of color and women can thrive in leadership roles, and their unique perspectives are valued.

To other women of color in leadership or those aspiring to lead, my message is simple: Let your passion guide you. Leadership comes with its share of challenges, but it also comes with great opportunities. You can create change—not just for yourself, but for those who will follow in your footsteps. Be unapologetically committed to your vision, and let your passion for equity and justice fuel your journey. Remember, your passion will empower you to make a difference.

By creating space, we aren’t just shaping the future of healthcare—we’re ensuring that our communities’ diverse voices and perspectives are fully represented and valued.

Dr. Alyssa C. Benavides

Managing Director, Interprofessional Education

Education (degrees & institutions): PhD, Education Leadership: Texas Tech University; Master in Public Administration, University of Texas, El Paso; BA, University of Texas at Austin

Company Name: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso

Industry: Education

Company CEO: Dr. Richard Lange

Company Headquarters Location: El Paso, TX

Number of Employees: 2,000

Words you live by: “If you get, give. If you learn, teach.” – Maya Angelou

Personal Philosophy: Become and empower the representation you’ve searched for. Also, #WalkTheTalk.

What book are you reading? The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

What was your first job? Senate messenger, Texas Senate

Favorite charity: The Arturo and Dianne Cervantes Scholarship in Memory of Amanda Cervantes

Interests: Mentoring, Volunteering for the League of Women Voters, Roadtripping

Family: Proud mother of two sons: Ramon Benavides, III and Rodrigo Benavides and wife to Dr. Ramon Benavides Jr., a high school administrator and 2022 Texas Teacher of the Year

Leaders ought to make work a better place for the generation of women of color

My work ethic comes from my mother, my drive comes from my father. I grew up watching my mother expend every ounce of energy she had in my school cafeterias. She dedicated her career to supporting and nourishing student success as a cafeteria professional. Though labor-intense work, she lovingly, enthusiastically prepared meals and greeted every student each day.

My father engendered my drive for academic and professional success, always explaining to me that, as a female, and a Woman of Color, I would have to work harder for opportunities and success. And I did. I worked my first full-time job while enrolled as a full-time college student. As a policy analyst for the state House of Representatives, I worked on proposed legislation to fund dual credit courses for high school students and to increase health equity in my state’s communities. I’d leave the office throughout the day and at night to attend my college classes.

In my professional roles thereafter, I was the last person to leave the buildings at night. The hard work paid off, and I received opportunities to work with, and be mentored by some of the state’s most phenomenal leaders. For the past two decades, my bosses/mentors were male; they believed in and empowered my passion

and commitment to effect a positive change in communities and in education. They supported my return to school after I became a mother to attain a master’s and doctoral degree while remaining committed to my professional roles.

Two years ago, for the first time in my career, I began to report to a female senior leader; she too empowers my ideas, but also reminds me that time outside of the office with my family and volunteering in our community is equally important.

I am now surrounded by a sisterhood of leaders; collectively, we look for every opportunity to amplify the work and voices of each other, while ensuring more chairs are added to the proverbial table. Like my Mom, I dedicate my work to supporting student success. My scholarly research and community work focuses on increasing representation in all spaces of opportunity.

My journey to leadership has been long and hard-earned. I used to live by the phrase, “Great is the road I climb, but the garland offered by an easier effort is not worth the gathering” (Propertius). Today, my work and drive are to ensure I do my part to pave a smoother road, with limitless access to opportunity, for the next generation of leaders.

Rachel Endo

Founding Dean & Professor, School of Education

Education (degrees & institutions): PhD in Education, University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign; MA in Education, MPA in Public Management, BS in Political Science, University of Nebraska at Omaha

Company Name: UW Tacoma

Industry: Higher Education

Company CEO: Dr. Sheila Edwards Lange, Chancellor

Company Headquarters Location: Tacoma, WA

Number of Employees: Over 1,000 faculty and staff

Words you live by: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” – Maya Angelou

Personal Philosophy: “I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world to live up to mine.” – Bruce Lee

What book are you reading? The Literature of Japanese American Incarceration by Frank Abe & Floyd Cheung (2024 – Penguin)

What was your first job? I worked at a grocery store

Favorite charity: Japanese American National Museum Interests: Drawing, reading, and spending time with family and friends

Academic leadership needs to be more inclusive and diverse

I look forward to the day when academia more fully lives up to its promise as a place where people of all backgrounds, especially those who are currently not well-represented in faculty and leadership roles because of various ideological, institutional, and systemic barriers, are finally able to feel a true sense of belonging in the workplace.

I was born, educated, and raised in a predominantly White community in Nebraska. I am also a firstgeneration college student. Many years later, I continue navigating gendered and racialized realities as an Asian American woman leader in academia, which, like most other industries, has ideological remnants connected to our nation’s contested history of exclusion. Current and recent events should remind us of the power of representation, especially the extraordinary value that diverse leaders and professionals, including women of color, bring to historically and predominantly White workplaces.

I am fortunate to have had several outstanding mentors throughout my undergraduate and graduate education. Among others, Jody Neathery-Castro, James Freeman, Violet Harris, Gary Marshall, Yoon Pak, and the late Peter Suzuki, pointed me to opportunities that I once thought were impossible for people like me, including the professoriate. Their mentorship forever transformed my life’s trajectory, as well as thousands of other first-generation college students in significant ways. Thus, wherever I go, I strive to honor my mentors

by continuing to pay it forward, especially in support of today’s incredibly talented first-generation college students.

Contrary to inaccurate and problematic stereotypes that families like mine are against gender equity and fail to fully support their daughters and girls/women due to cultural differences, I am fortunate and grateful that my family has unconditionally encouraged me to pursue my boldest dreams. Specifically, my parents, who directly confronted racially derogatory treatment throughout their careers before they retired in the early 2000s, have encouraged me to bring my authentic self to the workplace unapologetically rather than feel pressured to assimilate to dominant expectations and norms.

I have now served as an academic leader for over 20 years and also support various nonprofit and professional organizations in other leadership capacities. However, even in the year 2024, I am still often the only Asian American woman and sometimes the only person of color in these spaces. I am keenly aware that many young people of color, whose numbers are increasing nationwide, especially in higher education, are closely listening to what I say and are watching what I do in these spaces. Therefore, I seek to model equity-conscious leadership in my daily practice, where people from diverse backgrounds are invited to meaningfully contribute to critical conversations that directly influence how I approach challenges, opportunities, and problems, and ultimately, make decisions for a greater good.

Collyn Gilbert

Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy & Marketing Officer

Education (degrees & institutions): BA, Economics, Bucknell University

Company Name: Valley Bank

Industry: Banking

Company CEO: Ira Robbins

Company Headquarters Location: Morristown, NJ

Number of Employees: 3,800+

Words you live by: Passion, understanding, balance, kindness, drive

Personal Philosophy: Listen before you speak

What book are you reading? Trust by Hernan Diaz

What was your first job? Summer job – worked at a boat rental at state park lake and my career job – financial analyst for a small boutique investment banking firm

Favorite charity: Summit Educational Foundation

Interests: outdoor activities, sports, music, yoga, friends & family

Family: Husband Jeff

21-year

Caregiving reform must be a priority if more working women are to reach the C-suite

Having spent nearly my entire career in the finance industry, where the gender composition skews predominantly male, I was regularly reminded of the failing structural support system that is provided to working women.

Businesses

According to a 2022 McKinsey study, men occupying C-suite positions were 2.0x more than women, and 2.25x more at the senior vice president level. Those statistics unfortunately have been woefully evident to me in my nearly 30 years in banking. The corporate system that I have observed seemingly suits those individuals that have flexible choices which allow them to prioritize time spent at after-hour client events, last minute meeting or travel commitments, and 10–12-hour uninterrupted days in the office – generally individuals that don’t have competing commitments in raising children, or managing a household, ie: women. This flawed system was even more exposed during the pandemic, when women were forced and expected to be the active (24-hour) primary caregivers to their children, educators, and mental and physical health providers to

their children and loved ones, while still maintaining the daily demands of their respective careers.

” “

and corporations could offer more flexibility within the daily work schedules, onsite childcare, subsidies and vouchers, while communities could contribute through more expansive programming.

Despite the US’s economic, healthcare and technological advancements during the past 30 years, those advancements have not found their way to meaningfully improving the workforce participation gender gap. The US Chamber of Commerce statistics cite that from 1989 to 2021, the percent of women leaving the workforce due to home and family needs improved by only 7 percentage points to 79% from 86%. A critical call to action to address these discouraging statistics needs to come through childcare support for working parents. Businesses and corporations could offer more flexibility within the daily work schedules, onsite childcare, subsidies and vouchers, while communities could contribute through more expansive programming. Childcare reform could be a critical first step to improving the system that has prevented so many working women from achieving their career ambitions of potentially occupying that C-suite, or senior leadership position.

(met in college),

daughter Skye (senior at Bucknell University), 18-year-old son Cade (freshman at Syracuse), 6-year-old golden retriever Mumford

Liz DeChellis

Partner & Title IX Program Director

Education (degrees & institutions): JD, McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific; BA, University of California, Davis

Company Name: Van Dermyden Makus Law Corporation Industry: Law

Company CEO: No CEO – Eli Makus (Firm Managing Partner)

Company Headquarters Location: Sacramento, CA

Number of Employees: 47

Words you live by: You can try again tomorrow.

Personal Philosophy: Remember that everyone is doing their best.

What book are you reading? Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

What was your first job? I was a receptionist for a family law attorney.

Favorite charity: A Purposeful Rescue (I love dogs!)

Interests: Dogs, travel, documentaries, and anything that makes me laugh

Family: I live in Sacramento with my finance and our dog, Chalupa. I grew up in the Los Angeles area, where most of my family still resides.

Wonderful mentors made sure she had a fulfilling career in the law

I have a vivid memory of my first year in law school. I was sitting in my Civil Procedures class at the McGeorge School of Law, wondering what I had gotten myself into. We had a guest speaker that day, sharing stories of his long, prominent career in litigation. He spoke gleefully about the arguments he had won and the tricks of the trade, which, as far as I could tell, served only to make opposing counsel’s life more difficult. “I hate arguing,” I thought to myself. I feared I would be miserable as an attorney.

Fast forward 15 years and I am thrilled to report that I am in fact happy as an attorney and truly love the work I do. Today, I am a Partner and the Title IX Program Director at Van Dermyden Makus Law Corporation, a law firm dedicated to neutral work, specifically in workplace and campus investigations. I spend my days conducting administrative investigations and hearings for workplaces across industries and educational institutions. I work regularly with students, parents, teachers and administrators as they navigate the complexities of Title IX, a federal law prohibiting sexual harassment in education settings. Without the guidance of several influential mentors, I may never have discovered this niche corner of the law, where I now find a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and joy in my work. I can vividly recall the time a seasoned attor-

ney invited me to lunch after serving as a guest judge for a law school competition. During our conversation, she instilled in me the importance of confidence and presence. Later, one of my bosses saw potential in me that I had not yet recognized. Confident I was ready for bigger challenges, she connected me with the co-founders of my current firm. Under their mentorship over the last nine years, I have honed my skills and grown into a legal practice that aligns with my strengths and ignites my passion.

Each of these women have played a crucial role in building up my confidence, expanding my world view, and challenging me to think beyond my status quo. They are all successful, accomplished women who did not have to give generously of their time. Yet they listened and gave to an insecure law student, a frantic new attorney, or a worried associate suffering from a severe case of imposter syndrome. However, they did.

They helped me discover my strengths and overcome my weaknesses. They showed me paths forward that I could not have seen without their perspective. I will forever be grateful to them all for reaching new heights in their careers, then looking back and offering a helping hand to those far behind them. In all that I do, I strive to emulate the example they set, recognizing the significant impact each of us has on others.

Lori Echavarria Partner-in-Charge,

Los Angeles Office; Vice Chair, Securities & Financial Services Department

Education (degrees & institutions): JD, New York University School of Law; BA, Law and Society, University of California, Santa Barbara

Company Name: WilmerHale

Industry: Legal

Company CEO: Managing Partner, Anjan Sahni

Company Headquarters Location: Washington, DC

Number of Employees: 2,048

Your Location (if different from above): Los Angeles, CA

Words you live by: “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” – Seneca

Personal Philosophy: When facing a choice, do the hard thing, it is usually also the right thing.

What book are you reading? Tom Lake by Ann Patchett and The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

What was your first job? Scooping ice cream at the local Baskin-Robbins

Favorite charity: L.A. Food Bank

Interests: Travel, writing fiction, reading widely, often multiple books at a time, and hiking with my dogs

Family: My husband and I are the proud parents of two college-aged children.

Luck is nothing without hard work and a willingness to learn and grow

You make your own luck.

While I was practicing law at the Securities and Exchange Commission as a junior lawyer, I received this advice from a senior supervisor. I had worked hard for years to complete a significant investigation and had achieved a successful outcome for the agency. Some of my colleagues gossiped around the office, denigrating my role in the matter, claiming I had been “lucky,” and it was just my good fortune that had led to success. In response to the gossip, which filtered up to office leadership, many things were said — but the thing that stuck was the comment made to me by my supervisor: “You make your own luck.”

I have never forgotten that advice.

My hard work on that first matter led to more opportunities to work on challenging matters with senior decision makers who became my mentors. Those mentors continued to rely on my work and judgment and promoted me into increasingly senior positions at the agency. When I left the SEC, I joined a law firm with one of my mentors who had worked with me on that first case, and that is where I practice now. It is true that I have had good fortune in my experience as a woman practicing law – good fortune to have worked in positions

in the government and in private practice with mentors and leaders that paved the way, trained me, and invested time in helping me grow.

I have, without a doubt, been lucky.

But, as my former boss said to me then, and as I have repeated countless times since — you make your own luck. Had I not worked hard for many years on that first significant matter, struggling through thousands of documents and dozens of witness testimonies, learning accounting, sparring with partners from law firms with decades more experience than I who were defending their clients, I would not have been successful in achieving that first positive outcome. My so-called “lucky” outcome became the first of many significant successes on cases and matters in government and now in private practice for my clients. Each subsequent success only came about through hard work, showing up every day, making and learning from mistakes, taking on new skills, and challenging myself to never settle for the easy road, but instead, to take on difficult and complex tasks. I owe my current leadership roles to the hard work and challenges overcome in that first case many years ago, and the lesson I learned then about making my own luck.

Where are they now?

Over nearly two decades, Profiles in Diversity Journal® has recognized more than 2,000 Women Worth Watching® in the pages of our magazine. In this issue, we catch up with 22 more past Award recipients, who have since been promoted, started their own companies, taken on new roles, or moved into entirely new fields of endeavor. Like all of our Women Worth Watching® Award winners, they are dynamic leaders, who welcome challenges, embrace change, and share their knowledge and wisdom with the next generation of women. Read on, and see where their professional journeys have taken them.

and

• Define

you

to accept their guidance is difficult at times, but worth it. I continue to connect with mentors, not only because of our shared professional interests but because we lift each other up.

If you want to be

Women Wor th Watching® in Leadership INTERNATIONAL

Tammy Garnes Mata

2 022 A W ARD

Senior Vice President, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer

Education: Bachelor’s degree, politics & certificate, Afro-American Studies, Princeton University; JD, Georgetown University Law Center

Company Name: Valley Bank

Industry: Banking

Company CEO: Ira Robbins

Company Headquarters Location: Wayne, New Jersey

Number of Employees: 3,900

Words you live by: “Comparison is the thief of joy.” –Theodore Roosevelt

Personal Philosophy: Strive to be the best version of yourself. You can always learn more and do better.

What book are you reading: Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t

Know by Adam Grant

What was your first job: Cashier at a pharmacy

Favorite charity: Planned Parenthood and Southern Poverty Law Center

Interests: Reading and movies

Family: I have a wonderful husband and two amazing kids. I am also to live close to my mom, sisters, nieces, and nephews.

The Magic of Us

As women, we are constantly asked to choose one identity and to stick with that. I am an Afro-Latina, and growing up I did a fair amount of code switching to “fit in.” In my college days, if I wanted to advocate for Black rights, the perspectives of women were secondary to the cause. If I advocated for women’s rights, issues around race were made secondary, and I was asked to focus on women only. I couldn’t speak to the Latina experience, because I didn’t speak Spanish well and was seen as Black, not Panamanian. I didn’t have the words to de scribe my experience or how I walked through world until I came across the term intersectionality in law school.

Life has taken me in unexpected directions. The demographic age wave has allowed me to work to improve the care for older adults in a variety of roles – pharmacist, physician, clinician educator, and now VP for a large company providing resi-

to know what that means in your organization. What does it take to gain promotion from your current position? Can you articulate the requirements? Who decides whether you will be promoted? Who has input into that decision? What information do they consider? Are there things you need to avoid doing to be promoted? Wherever you work, you need these answers. If you do not know what it takes to succeed in your organization, you need to ask and learn this information.

and expecting others to comply. Being the boss was the pinnacle your career. It meant that your opinion matters, your judgment is un questioned and those who work “for” you, do as they are asked. The idea teamwork, and that people work with their leaders, was a novelty and opened my eyes to a way of working which has stood me in good stead throughout my career.

• Positive Attitude – Your attitude is critical to your success. Do not underestimate the power of being a positive person who works well with all kinds of colleagues at all levels, and one who thinks about the best interest of the organization.

• Ask Questions – If you don’t know how to do something or are unsure if you are doing something right, ask for guidance. While people worry about asking questions for fear that it will show they do not know the answer, it is much better to seek guidance than to blindly move forward and do something wrong.

I have been fortunate in my career to work with amazing leaders whose incredible words of wisdom continue to guide me through my professional growth. Of the many pieces of advice that I have received, I will highlight three that have impacted me in different stages of my career:

1. Fail fast and learn quickly

The term intersectionality was coined in 1989, by Professor Kimberle Crenshaw, to describe how race, class, gender, and other individual characteristics intersect and overlap. It speaks to the fact that a person does not have to choose one identity over another. In fact, it is the intersection of those identities that makes each of us who we are—the magic of us.

What I have learned in my experiences, is that when we leave parts of ourselves behind to fit into a culture, we are leaving our magic behind, and that this culture we are so desperately trying to fit into is the lesser for it. If we do not speak about the barriers and inequities we face at the intersections of our identities, we lose the opportunity to make things better for our communities.

• Participate – Attend training sessions that are offered. Pay attention and learn from them. Also, if your company provides opportunities to attend outside events, go whenever possible, even on evenings or weekends.

• Open Communication –Communicate with your teams and your supervisor. Understand everyone’s roles and help the group work together well. Share information and don’t close yourself in your office like an island. You need to understand how everyone fits into the bigger project or objective.

• Understand Expectations –Obviously, you should work hard. But what does it mean to work hard within your organization? Do you really know what the standards are for hard work? You need to make sure you are doing enough to satisfy and hopefully to exceed expectations.

“

After graduating law school, I worked as a law clerk for a trial judge. In my first week, the judge sat me down and told me “there is no mistake that you can make that I cannot fix but if I don’t know about it, I can’t fix it.” I remember the profound sense of support that I felt in that moment. That conversation set the tone for how the judge and I worked together – knowing that errors were inevitable helped to eliminate the fear of failure and analysis paralysis that many first-timers experience. I made many mistakes during that yearlong clerkship but because I was encouraged to communicate them openly without fear of reprisal or embarrassment, I was able to quickly resolve them. The judge’s perspective not only guided me as a young attorney, it continues to influence my leadership style as I have ascended to management roles.

Anyone who leads a team knows people management is the hardest part, when done properly. Investing the time and energy to get most out of others, as well as understanding their motivations and needs, is vital. Traditional hierarchistructures are becoming a thing the

aside

• Be Proactive – Show your interest in taking on additional responsibilities. Look ahead and see what needs to be done. Volunteer to do it. Your superiors will appreciate it and see that you are ready for additional responsibility.

• Enthusiasm Matters – Be enthusiastic about new opportunities and thank the person that gave it to you. This will encourage the person to continue to give you more opportunities that will help you succeed.

Linda Kay’s first proper job, post-university, was as a quality engineer for an automotive switchgear company. Her first task there was

my hands-on experience fixing electronics during

” Your attitude is critical to your success.

help you navigate difficult obstacles, introduce you to opportunities, and be a strong advocate for your career. If you cannot find the right mentors within your organization (as women, we often don’t have role models in management positions), look out side—at colleagues, professors, or busi ness contacts. It’s surprising how eager people are to offer assistance.

thing

BE CURIOUS, NEVER JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER; TURN WHO YOU ARE INTO YOUR MOST POWERFUL TOOL FOR ACHIEVING YOUR GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

path to success than to let

Dickstein Shapiro LLP

When you can own the decisions in your life, you can make the best of them. You can focus on the positive outcomes. Hence, my personal philosophy that everything in life is there to teach you something.

DeAnna Allen

I would like to I engaged in a mentoring relationship with a female senior leader whose wisdom and insight has been foundational in my career. Her greatest gift to me was providing

of eight managers. She is dedicated to continuing to improve the way Terex manages product development and to providing a

2. Maximize every I was advised early counteracting the discrimination is comes my way. To with the possibility woman of color group as a whole, pressure that that energy in order to I have been able holding fast to this

Over the next seven years, I grew. I learned to write grants and manage an apart ment complex for homeless single mothers and a shelter for people with HIV/AIDS. Working around people from disadvantaged backgrounds humbled me and helped me to see how life’s circumstances affect our opportunities. I came to believe that

3. Never judge This phrase is a that my parents we were children. facets of my

Fourth, be a team with those around ideas. Understand Support the team. Good team

As an engineer at AMD, I design next-genera tion, power-efficient, high-performance computer processors. Working on advances, which have been so important in powering discoveries in science, health, and education, has been a fulfilling jour ney for me. As I reflect, one thing I would say is that you sometimes have to make a choice in your career: Do you continue to work on challenges that you are comfortable with or do you run towards the problems that are new and difficult, but whose solutions may have a groundbreaking impact? You need to step out of the comfort zone, grasp the opportunities (problems) that come your way, and often done is

Today I am the director of diversity and workforce effectiveness at Rockwell Collins. Mentoring in particular is key to our diversity journey. Through our mentoring program, I have three mentors. They’ve taught me, among other things, that a leader’s role is not to be liked, but to be respected. Our decisions will not always be popular, but we will be respected if we are fair and reasonable in the process. Leveraging the power of strong relationships, I have been able to achieve many aspirations early in my career. Mentoring provided exposure, support, and insight to continue to help me develop and grow. Today I mentor four employees. It is rewarding and time well-spent in developing others. One of my grandmother’s

the environment by promoting cor porate best practices. Through ESG investing, I believe I have been able to make a significant impact by staying true to my

to give

to see that a deadline a paralegal get a brief ing sure details don’t cracks. In the end, earn in this way, the responsibility you

pick-up that my husband and i juggled (with no extended family support), and a 2,000hour billable requirement.

Within weeks of becoming a lawyer, i was struggling to balance everything while trying to ignore the voice in the back of my mind telling me there was no

Christine Brown

Director, Public Relations

Kalinda Raina

Bisola Taiwo Director, Real Property Group

Education: JD, Seton Hall University School of Law; BA, Colgate University

Company Name: Gibbons P.C.

Industry: Law

Company CEO: Peter Torcicollo, Managing Partner

Company Headquarters Location: Newark, NJ

Words you live by: “All glory comes from daring to begin.” – Eugene F. Ware

Personal Philosophy: Get comfortable with being uncomfortable

What book are you reading? Professional Troublemaker: The Fear-Fighter Manual by Luvvie Ajayi

What was your first job? Cashier at my local Wendy’s restaurant

Favorite charity: Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

Interests: Travel, music, and live comedy

Family: Proud aunt to eight nieces and nephews

1. Fail fast and learn quickly

2. Maximize every opportunity

I was advised early in my career that the key to counteracting the dilatory effects of gender or racial discrimination is to maximize every opportunity that comes my way. To me, this means making peace with the possibility that my successes or failures as a woman of color may be viewed as a reflection of my group as a whole, and choosing to utilize the immense pressure that that understanding brings as a source of energy in order to make the rare opportunities count. I have been able to make leaps in my career by holding fast to this maxim.

3. Never judge tomorrow by today

This phrase is a rough translation of a Yoruba adage that my parents repeated to my siblings and me when we were children. It has been applicable to many facets of my life, including my career. Professional growth is a journey that unfolds over time with no linear trajectory, making optimism and resilience must-have tools for success.

www.diversityjournal.com

Where are they now?

It didn’t take long for Bisola Taiwo, part of Women Worth Watching® 2023, to parlay her skills to a higher position. This year, Taiwo became the chief development officer for the Newark Housing Authority. Taiwo entered the pages of Profiles in Diversity® as the director of Gibbons P.C., a national law firm. Taiwo, a lawyer who graduated from Seton Hall University Law School, told Profiles in Diversity Journal® that optimism and resilience are the two most important skills people need to achieve their career goals.

Bisola Taiwo Director, Real Property Group

Where are they now?

Grace Olsen, who has been working on the railroad at Union Pacific Railroad for 14 years, has been promoted to general director mechanical engineering and quality where she leads car and locomotive engineering groups. Olsen credits her grandmother, who earned two college degrees and raised four children, for her career drive: “Her example made me fearless in always making my own choices and learning how to own those choices,” she wrote in Profiles in Diversity Journal®.

Grace

Olsen

General Director–Locomotive Engineering & Quality

Education: Bachelor of Science, industrial & operations engineering, University of Michigan

Company Name: Union Pacific Railroad

Industry: Transportation

Company CEO: Lance Fritz

Company Headquarters Location: Omaha, Nebraska

Number of Employees: 32,000

Words you live by: Never give up.

Personal Philosophy: Everything happens in life to teach you something.

What book are you reading: The Newcomer by Mary Kay Andrews

What was your first job: Babysitter

Favorite charity: Friend to Friend Network

Interests: Being with family & friends, cooking, and traveling

Family: My husband, Gus, and baby on the way!

Make Your Choices and Own Them

I would like to thank Union Pacific for nominating me and Profiles in Diversity Journal for awarding me this prestigious honor. Receiving an award such as this makes you reflect on what shaped your career and personal life to get to this point. There are many people who have influenced my life along the way, and it has made me realize that my personal philosophy is that every experience, interaction, and relationship is teaching you something. As I look back at all the different

“

and taught for 10 years. She married later in life and ended up being an amazing mother to four kids. Her path did not look like many of her peers, but she never looked back.

Her example made me fearless in always making my own choices and learning how to own those choices. When you can own the decisions in your life, you can make the best of them. You can focus on the positive outcomes. Hence, my personal philosophy

jobs I have had, places I have lived, and friends I have made, I realize that they got me to where I am today. And ultimately, the person who taught me this at a very young age was my grandma.

Grandma never offered her opinions on your life choices, as she believed that you should make your own choices and have no regrets. She did not have to say it very often because she always led by example. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degree in teaching

that everything in life is there to teach you something. You never know how something will help you in one week or one year.

My grandma passed away this year at the age of 96. I feel so grateful that I was able to spend so much time with her and have her influence my life. I would like to dedicate this award to her, as I never told her how much her guidance gave me the courage to be who I was always meant to be.

Where are they now?

Tammy Mata is now head of people resources and relations in addition to her job as chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer at Valley Bank, based in New Jersey. Mata’s PDJ essay spoke eloquently of being yourself and being a good ally to others: “What I have learned in my experiences, is that when we leave parts of ourselves behind to fit into a culture, we are leaving our magic behind, and that this culture we are so desperately trying to fit into is the lesser for it.”

Tammy Garnes Mata Senior Vice President, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer

Education: Bachelor’s degree, politics & certificate, Afro-American Studies, Princeton University; JD, Georgetown University Law Center

Company Name: Valley Bank Industry: Banking

Company CEO: Ira Robbins

Company Headquarters Location: Wayne, New Jersey

Number of Employees: 3,900

Words you live by: “Comparison is the thief of joy.” –Theodore Roosevelt

Personal Philosophy: Strive to be the best version of yourself. You can always learn more and do better.

What book are you reading: Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know by Adam Grant

What was your first job: Cashier at a pharmacy

Favorite charity: Planned Parenthood and Southern Poverty Law Center Interests: Reading and movies

Family: I have a wonderful husband and two amazing kids. I am also to live close to my mom, sisters, nieces, and nephews.

The Magic of Us

As women, we are constantly asked to choose one identity and to stick with that. I am an Afro-Latina, and growing up I did a fair amount of code switching to “fit in.” In my college days, if I wanted to advocate for Black rights, the perspectives of women were secondary to the cause. If I advocated for women’s rights, issues around race were made secondary, and I was asked to focus on women only. I couldn’t speak to the Latina experience, because I didn’t speak Spanish well and was seen as Black, not Panamanian. I didn’t have the words to describe my experience or how I walked through world until I came across the term intersectionality in law school.

This silence can also have real implications on our health and safety. An example of this can be seen throughout the pandemic. In addition to being fearful that my husband and children would be hospitalized with COVID, as a Black woman, I was terrified of being hospitalized with COVID because I would have no one with me to advocate for me.

There is a history within the field of medicine of overestimating the pain tolerance of Black people. This often leads to us being misdiagnosed and without proper medical care. There is also a history of the health industry not believing women when they share their symptoms. You combine those prejudices and a Black woman’s life is at risk when she enters a hospital. For this reason, we must embrace all our identities and advocate for ourselves and our communities.

By telling the world who we are as leaders—the pieces that make us whole—we create space for our colleagues and teams to do the same. We also create a community that stands together for one another to make things better for all of us. It is not always easy to share our truths—it is an act of courage to make yourself vulnerable. Thus, it is important that we stand together in allyship, that we recognize the privilege we each have in different circumstances, and that we use our voices to amplify the experiences of others.

2021

Education: PhD, Georgia Institute of Technology

Company Name: Advanced Micro Devices

Industry: Semiconductors

Company CEO: Lisa Su

Company Headquarters Location: Santa Clara, California

Number of Employees: 12,600

Your Location (if different from above): Austin, Texas

Words you live by: Where there is a will, there is a way.

Personal Philosophy: Nothing is unachievable if you set your heart on it

What book are you reading: The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod

What was your first job: Platform design engineering, Dell, Inc.

Favorite charity: Vibha (Charity for children in India and USA)

Interests: Music, cooking, travel, and watching shows about space and black holes

Family: Husband and 2 daughters (ages 13 and 7)

There Is Nothing You Cannot Achieve

Iwould like to thank Profiles in Diversity Journal for giving me this prestigious award. This means a lot to me as it resonates with the values instilled by my parents from early childhood— there is nothing you cannot achieve, whether you are a girl or a boy, if you set your heart on it. My interest in engineering was fueled by my father’s experience as an engineer bringing the phone network to underserved parts of India, and my hands-on experience fixing electronics during vacations in my uncle’s workshop.

As an engineer at AMD, I design next-generation, power-efficient, high-performance computer processors. Working on advances, which have been so important in powering discoveries in science, health, and education, has been a fulfilling journey for me. As I reflect, one thing I would say is that you sometimes have to make a choice in your career: Do you continue to work on challenges that you are comfortable with or do you run towards the problems that are new and difficult, but whose solutions may have a groundbreaking impact? You need to step out of the comfort zone, grasp the opportunities (problems) that come your way, and believe in yourself.

I believe that passion and persistence are key in solving even the toughest problems. There have been times in my career when I have been stuck with deadlines seemingly impossible to meet. While it is not necessarily a magic formula, what I can say is, be patient. Persistence goes a long way in opening doors for you—technical and organizational. While a drive for success is important, it is also key to realize that being successful requires respecting diverse viewpoints, being inclusive, and ultimately, integrating these to strengthen each solution.

As women, balancing personal life with professional life is a constant conflict many of us face. I think the key is not to be hard on yourself and to be flexible. There will be times when we are up against important deadlines and we have to lean on our spouses and families for support, as I have often done with my husband. That is OK. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but you do have to come up with a plan that helps you find the right balance between work and family, and to not be too hard on yourself.

Be passionate and purposeful; do not be afraid to meet problems head on.

Where are they now?

Indrani Paul’s lifelong interest in engineering is shooting her up the ranks at AMD. Paul is now a senior fellow at AMD, the international semiconductor company. After serving as a fellow, and earlier as principal member of the technical staff. In her essay for Profiles for Diversity Journal®, she advised new employees to refrain from hunkering down in their comfort zone and instead “grasp the opportunities (problems) that come your way, and believe in yourself.”

Indrani Paul FELLOW, SILICON DESIGN ENGINEERING

Kathryn Metcalfe Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs

especially with the pandemic)

Interests: Skiing, spending time with family Family: two boys, ages 17 and19, and an 11-year-old daughter

I have always felt it important to pay my good fortune forward. To help others get a start, get ahead, or get through difficulty. I am convinced more than ever that we must help the next generation propel us forward, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or other criteria other than skill.

Now Is Not the Time to Rest

Thanks to many wonderful mentors, sponsors, and leaders who took a chance on me, I have been able to achieve more than I dreamed. Yes, it took hard work, determination, and persistence. But for a kid who grew up in Idaho, being successful working in New York seemed more of a fairy tale.

Finding that first job wasn't easy; I needed a break. Finding my way from an agency to corporate America; I needed a chance. Changing industries; I needed to find a boss who would take a leap of faith. I have always felt it important to pay my good fortune forward. To help others get a start, get ahead, or get

through difficulty. I am convinced more than ever that we must help the next generation propel us forward, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or any criteria other than skill.

How do we accelerate change? We must do more. Now is not the time to rest. Let us run ahead together on this journey.

are they now?

Kathryn Metcalf, a member of the Women Worth Watching® class of 2020, spent three decades at the top of the health communications field working for CVS, Pfizer and Bristol Myers Squibb. Now she’s a visiting professor at New York University’s School of Professional Studies. She couldn’t have done it without the “many wonderful mentors, sponsors and leaders who took a chance on me,” she wrote in Profiles in

Where are they now?

AMD has been Christine Brown’s home for nearly 18 years and she keeps moving up the ladder. Brown is now senior director of global communications, after serving as senior director, public relations, a position she held when she was featured in Profiles in Diversity Journal® in 2020. She told PDJ that the most important career advice she received was from a manager who told her that his team worked with him, not for him. Now it’s the way she leads her teams and she’s found that it has led to “incredible opportunities for growth and innovation.”

Christine Brown Senior Director, Public Relations

Education: Master’s degree, Queen Mary & Westfield College, University of London

Company Name: Advanced Micro Devices (AMD)

Industry: Semiconductor

Company CEO: Dr. Lisa Su

Company Headquarters Location: Santa Clara, California

Number of Employees: 12,000

Your Location (if different from above): London, UK

Words you live by: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

–Maya Angelou

Personal Philosophy: Keep listening, learning, and most of all, be kind.

What book are you reading: Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge

What was your first job: Corporate communications executive

Favorite charity: WaterAid

Interests: Tennis, reading, cinema, art galleries, and gatherings with family and friends Family: Husband, Niall, and son, Callum (8 years old)

Best Advice Received…

I’m sure, similar to many women, that in my 25 years of professional life, advice has poured in—sometimes requested, oftentimes unsolicited.

I’ve either appreciated or disregarded it, but undoubtedly the one piece of advice that made a huge impact on me fortunately came very early in my career, related to how to work with others. I remember the moment clearly. It was my first proper job in a publishing company and I was talking to our CMO—interviewing him for the company newspaper—and asking a rather simplistic question about how it felt to have such a large team working for him. His response was simple: “They don't work for me, they work with me.”

This concept was astonishing to me. It may just seem like semantics, but “chain of command” in the work environment was already entrenched in my imagination, and I thought leadership was about mandating action

and expecting others to comply. Being the boss was the pinnacle of your career. It meant that your opinion matters, your judgment is unquestioned and those who work “for” you, do as they are asked. The idea of teamwork, and that people work with their leaders, was a novelty and opened my eyes to a way of working which has stood me in good stead throughout my career.

Anyone who leads a team knows that people management is the hardest part, when done properly. Investing the time and energy to get the most out of others, as well as understanding their motivations and needs, is vital. Traditional hierarchical structures are becoming a thing of the past in certain types of big business, as well as functions like marketing, where the benefits of flat hierarchies are obvious, including clear communication and speedy

action. However, the real benefit of this way of engaging is the incredible opportunities for growth and innovation for the business, as well as the increased empowerment and overall satisfaction—both for employees and their managers—of recognizing that everyone has value and brings something to the table.

I’ve been lucky enough to manage a team for much of my career, and the personal satisfaction that has brought me is immense. That pride has come from setting aside the concept of being the boss and focusing on working with individuals together to create positive outcomes—to the benefit of the company, the team, and myself.

So when I am now asked how it feels to have a large global team working “for” me, my response is definitive: They work with me, and the results are impressive.

Kalinda Raina is still at LinkedIn, the popular career social media site, but she’s now vice president, chief privacy officer at the website and the founder of Raising the Digital Future, a YouTube channel featuring Raina’s three-minute videos that help parents steer their children through the digital world of cyberbullying, remote learning and more. Raina became part of Women Worth Watching® when she served as head of global privacy at LinkedIn.

Kalinda Raina

Title: Head of Global Privacy at LinkedIn

Education: JD, University of California, Berkeley (Boalt Hall), and BA, University of California, San Diego

Company Name: LinkedIn

Industry: Internet Services

Company CEO: Jeff Weiner

Headquarters Location: Sunnyvale, California

Number of Employees: 11,800

Your Location: Sunnyvale, California

Words you live by: “You can achieve anything you put your mind to.” – my Dad

Personal Philosophy: Every day is a gift, appreciate it and make the most of it.

What book are you reading: Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou

What was your first job: Working in my parents’ jewelry business

Favorite charity: American Cancer Society

Being a Working Mom Changed My Perception of Success I’VE COME TO REALIZE HOW VALUABLE MY CAREER IS TO MY OWN SENSE OF SELF AND BALANCE AS A MOTHER OF THREE.

II’ve observed that when women have children, we often feel an obligation to pull back on our careers. It feels daunting to take care of another human being and continue to push ahead at work with the same tenacity and commitment as before.

However, what’s important is that we not pull back, but instead recognize that we need to grow and develop in new ways to continue our success. We need to be better at prioritizing and delegating, both at work and at home. I will forever be grateful for my husband’s encouragement to keep my career when we had kids. Instead of taking a few years off, he helped me push forward,

rather than pull back. I’ve come to realize how valuable my career is to my own sense of self and balance as a mother of three.

One of the biggest challenges for working mothers is figuring out how to be both a mom and a professional. Trying to balance both creates tension. Take advantage of resources around you, and don’t feel guilty about needing help. Accept help when it’s offered and ask for it when needed. I once had a female boss who realized I needed help and actually found me a nanny. That boss became an important mentor and seeing her go through similar experiences was inspiring.

Being a professional and a parent teaches my kids important

lessons too. I have two boys, and each night I tell them about the “highs and lows” of my day. I want them to understand the challenges women face in the workforce but also the successes. Raising boys who will enter the workforce with respect and admiration for women is the greatest contribution I can make to the #MeToo movement and gender equality.

Being a working mom has changed my perception of what it means to be successful. I now recognize that at the end of the day, I am only one person. Every day I do my best to be a good leader at work, and a good parent at home. And I am grateful for those two roles every day.

2017

Kim M. Rivera

Title: Chief Legal Ofﬁcer & General Counsel

Company: HP Inc.

Industry: Technology

CEO: Dion Weisler

Employees: 50,000 Approx.

Headquarters: Palo Alto, CA

Education: J.D., Harvard Law School; B.A., Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies Duke University

Personal philosophy: Who you are deﬁnes your voice and perspective. You don’t have to change that, but you must be determined and self-aware. Work really hard, learn from your mistakes, put them behind you and press on.

Words I live by: Ask for help, help others.

Kim M. Rivera, the chief legal officer and general counsel for HP Inc., manages the company’s worldwide legal department and is responsible for all aspects of legal, government affairs, compliance and ethics. She has 20 years of experience advising Fortune 500 companies regarding significant corporate transactions and governance, securities, compliance, risk management, audit and litigation matters.

She also serves as a member of HP’s inaugural Global Diversity Advisory Board, comprising the company’s senior thought leaders from around the globe who are driving actions that advance its vision of belonging, innovation and growth.

Under Rivera’s leadership, HP is disrupting the system, with the intention of creating more opportunities for diversity in the legal profession. In 2016, she was one of three Fortune 500 general counsels who publicly called on outside counsel to scrutinize law firms’ diversity demographics and

BE CURIOUS, NEVER JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER; TURN WHO YOU ARE INTO YOUR MOST POWERFUL TOOL FOR ACHIEVING YOUR GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

~ KIM M. RIVERA

inclusion policies as part of the ABA president’s Diversity and Inclusion 360 Commission. In 2017, she implemented HP’s innovative “diversity holdback” requirement, allowing HP to withhold a percentage of its U.S. law firm fees for as long as a firm does not meet diverse staffing requirements. The program ignited a national conversation about the effectiveness of law firm diversity and inclusion efforts.

Her commitment to diversity and inclusion, and her dedication to supporting the Latino community and underrepresented groups are the driving forces behind Rivera’s very visible support of overall diversity. Her goal is to create and drive culture that will build teams

in Legal and across the company that are rich in diversity and inclusive of everyone.

Passionate about giving back to the community, Rivera has served on numerous nonprofit boards, including the California Latino Community Foundation and the Denver Metro Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. She is a frequent speaker on diversity and inclusion in business and in the legal profession, with emphasis on women in leadership.

Rivera’s advice to others building careers? “Be curious, never judge a book by its cover; turn who you are into your most powerful tool for achieving your goals and objectives.”

Where are they now?

Kim Rivera, the award-winning former chief legal officer and general counsel for HP Inc., became the chief legal and business officer of OneTrust in 2022. Rivera has spent years advising Fortune 500 companies on corporate transactions and governance and she’s pushed law firms to become more diverse and inclusive of people of different backgrounds.

2016

DINETTE KOOLHAAS

VICE PRESIDENT AND OPERATIONS LEADER EMEA REGION KELLY SERVICES

Company: Kelly Services

Industry: Workforce Solutions

CEO: Carl Camden

Employees: 8,100

Headquarters: Troy, Michigan

LEADING GROWTH STRATEGIES ACROSS THE EMEA REGION

Based in Switzerland, Dinette Koolhaas leads operations and oversees growth strategies across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) for global staffing leader Kelly Services.

Under her leadership, Kelly’s EMEA operations has delivered consistent growth in sales and profits. Her colleagues said she has a reputation as a leader who positively transforms businesses with risktaking approaches to meet business goals. The Fortune 500 Company had revenues of about $5.5 billion last year and provided employment to about 550,000 people.

As vice president and operations

leader of the EMEA Region, Koolhaas’ work requires flexibility while working among cultural differences. She lives by the words “our next plan, execution, and accomplishment.”

Raised in a high-energy entrepreneurial family with a positive mindset, Koolhaas learned early in her career to balance strategic thinking with a keen eye for operational detail. This has allowed her to develop strong teams, build solid customer relationships, suggest the appropriate operational course and follow through to ensure positive results.

Koolhaas joined Kelly Services back in 2008 to lead its operations in

Western Europe. She says that was her biggest career leap, and it ultimately developed into oversight for the company’s operations throughout all of EMEA.

She says being a woman in her position has been an opportunity to influence and connect with a variety of professionals and leaders. She added that the most important quality any woman leader should have is “the self-awareness to adapt natural style in new situations to improve as a professional and to grow as a person.”

She holds a MBA and serves on the board of Eurociett. PDJ

Where are they now?

Dinette Koolhaas, who became a member of Women Worth Watching® when she was vice president and operations leader of Kelly Services, is now president of Kelly International which offers staffing resources for several countries in Europe, the UK and Mexico. Her sector generates more than $1 billion in revenue. Koolhaas even led Kelly’s exit from the Russian market after the Ukraine invasion. In her Profiles in Diversity Journal® essay she noted that she lives by the words “our next plan, execution and accomplishment.” It shows.

PROFILES IN DIVERSITY JOURNAL • Summer 2016 116

Joelle Smith is now president, data, technology experience at First Advantage which uses data, analytics and automation to drive business. Smith became part of Women Worth Watching® when she served as vice president of the travel, transportation and hospital division for Mindtree, a company which offers software application, e-commerce and other services. She wrote in her essay that she discovered the impact of being confident when she followed a lawyer’s advice to always ask a company for more money than you received before. She got the job and the bigger paycheck.

Company: Mindtree Ltd LLP

Industry:

Technology Consulting CEO: Rostow Ravanan

Employees: 17,000

Headquarters: Warren, New Jersey and Bangalore, India

VICE PRESIDENT HEAD, TRAVEL, TRANSPORTATION & HOSPITALITY MINDTREE LTD

STELLAR TRACK RECORD OF DEVELOPMENT AT DIGITAL ENTERPRISE

Joelle Smith has a stellar track record of organization-changing business development. Her career has excelled from her early success growing an IT startup, to accountability for a multinational digital enterprise.

As Vice President of Mindtree and Global Head of the Travel, Transportation and Hospitality business, Smith oversees all aspects of the business, including strategy, sales, marketing and operations. Her colleagues note that she has an impressive impact on the business and a remarkable capacity to drive fresh thinking in any industry.

With annual revenues of over $700M, Mindtree is a leader in managed services, software application management, e-commerce, mobile, cloud computing and data analytics for clients in 17 countries. Smith pioneered the design and development of the company’s first U.S. delivery

center in Florida and established the global Agile Center of Excellence, which created over 300 STEM jobs. She originally launched her career in capital markets, working on economic modelling at Wharton Econometrics and then moving to Thomson Reuters where she sold software to traders and investment bankers around the world. She pivoted for an opportunity with technology services start-up AppLabs.

As AppLabs’ sixth employee, Smith grew the company’s Banking, Financial Services and Insurance Division to a team of 600 in three years.

Having confidence in herself has served Smith well throughout her career. Smith says her biggest career leap was jumping from a technical consultant to a senior systems analyst with a 40 percent pay increase. She discovered the impact of being confident. “A wise female lawyer told me in the waiting room before the

interview, ‘Never ask for anything less than you've already been offered,” she said. So in the interview when the CFO asked me why I was asking for so much more than I currently make, I looked at him plainly and said, ‘Cause I'm worth it.’ I later found out the only reason they gave me the job was because of the confidence I had in myself,” she said.

Smith sits on the board of the University of Florida College of Engineering and is an Industry Advisory Board Member for Computer Information Systems and Engineering. She helped secure a baccalaureate degree program in Information Technology at Santa Fe College and serves as an Executive Committee and Board Member of the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce. She’s also a mentor for Emerging Women in Technology Start-ups and an executive sponsor for Woman in Leadership at Mindtree. PDJ

JOELLE M. SMITH

Where are they now?

Nine years ago, Carolyn Pleiss was the former senior director for technology project management office at Cox Automotive. Now she is senior vice president and CIO at Cox Enterprises where she oversees corporate technology. Pleiss told Profiles in Diversity Journal® readers that she learned to do the “scary things. The most meaningful things that I have accomplished initially scared me to death.”

As senior director of Autotrader’s technology project management office, Carolyn Pleiss leads project managers and elevates the project management discipline across the Technology department through process development and training. Prior to serving in her present position, Carolyn worked as a project management consultant, working with clients such as The New York Times Company, Trader Publishing Company, and The Boston Globe

With more than 15 years of experience in information technology, and business operations and strategy, her

Invest in relationships. They are the currency by which everything gets accomplished.

Carolyn Pleiss

Autotrader’s Senior Director Believes in Working Hard and Giving Back

specialties include strategic planning, portfolio management, project and program management, process and methodology development, and software development lifecycle.

“Being a woman in my profession has been challenging,” said Carolyn. “Regularly the only woman in the room, I found that my skills and abilities were often underestimated. However, I have had fabulous male role models and mentors who have supported and encouraged my career growth, and a wonderful support group of women in the industry who are always giving me

new perspectives.”

Carolyn has a passion for volunteering and gives back to the community by lending her talents to several nonprofit organizations. The Georgia-based organization, Women in Technology, named her one of their “Women of the Year in Technology” in 2013.

Carolyn holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Creighton University and a certificate in project management from the Project Management Institute. PDJ

I was given an opportunity…now I try to do the same for others.

Linda Kay Terex Director Tells Women, “Believe in and Challenge Yourself”

Linda Kay’s first proper job, post-university, was as a quality engineer for an automotive switchgear company. Her first task there was to analyze boxes full of returned warranty parts (switches, indicators, wiper levers, and so on). Her boss gave her a set of screwdrivers and showed her how the test equipment worked. She analyzed products for six months. It was the best hands-on training she could ever have wished for. Today, Linda oversees all product development activities for the Terex construction business and leads a team

of eight managers. She is dedicated to continuing to improve the way Terex manages product development and to providing a product customers want, while ensuring the required financial returns for the business.

“I knew my present career was what I wanted to do when the first product I developed rolled off the production line,” said Linda. “Seeing designs come to life and then finally into the hands of customers is something that I continue to love doing.”

Linda is equally passionate about supporting women in the engineering

field, and offers the following advice to women who wish to pursue that path:

• Believe in your abilities and pursue the career you want

• Put yourself into challenging situations/roles; you will be amazed at what you are capable of

• Keep learning; you can learn from everyone around you, every day “I was given an opportunity to try a different role. Now I try to do the same for others,” she said.

Linda has a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) from Coventry University, England. PDJ

Where are they now?

Linda Kay is now vice president, rope hoist cranes at Konecranes in the UK. She became part of Women Worth Watching® in 2015 when she served as director of global manufacturing for Terex Cranes, also in the UK. Kay told PDJ readers that they need to put themselves in “challenging situations/roles; you will be amazed at what you are capable of.”

PROFILES IN DIVERSITY JOURNAL Summer 2015

“Social issues and climate change were not common discussion points at traditional Wall Street …”

Mary Jane McQuillen

The Managing Director for ClearBridge Investments found a role that lets her give back.

Early in my career, I was fortunate to be introduced to a dynamic investment team that provided opportunities for growth with merit. I began in a research capacity, but was transitioned to portfolio management and then, head of an investment strategy that centered on integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into the fundamental research and stockselection process.

Given my lifelong desire to give back, the ESG investment approach has been a perfect way to express both my personal and professional ambitions. Social issues and climate change were not common discussion points at traditional Wall Street investment firms when ESG was first introduced, yet I felt strongly that ESG issues could not be extricated from the investment process, and were important factors for many of our clients. Our investment approach had to prove itself through strong portfolio performance and our ability to make

Madonna Bolano

an impact as shareowners. At ClearBridge Investments, our ESG program seeks to improve society and protect the environment by promoting corporate best practices. Through ESG investing, I believe I have been able to make a significant impact by staying true to my passion to give back. PDJ

This Group VP of HR at Applied Materials juggles her way to success at work and in life.

Discover and exploit your strengths. Often we set unrealistic expectations and think we have to do it all and do it our way. Don’t be so hard on yourself or focus only on what you could have done better. Give yourself credit and reflect on your accomplishments, strengths, and knowledge, so that you can build on them.

I’ve learned as a mom, wife, and HR executive that it’s impossible to achieve

“balance.” Instead, I constantly hone my ability to “juggle.” Sometimes family or personal obligations are higher priorities. At other times, work becomes the main focus. Luckily, Applied Materials helps enable technology that makes mobile devices faster and more power-efficient, which makes it easier for me to juggle all the areas of my life! Learn to use the resources around you. This is a valuable skill in our work

Where are they now?

Madonna Bolano is off to a new phase in life after serving as group vice president of human resources for Applied Materials. Bolano retired from Applied Materials and now she’s a board director and compensation committee member for Technology Credit Union based in California. Bolano is also board co-chair for Teen Success, Inc., an organization which helps low-income mothers graduate from school, find jobs and manage their money.

Where are they now?

Reena A. Gambhir is a familiar name on our Women Worth Watching® list since she was awarded that title in 2014 and 2015. Profiles in Diversity Journal® also honored her with a “The Diverse Lawyers Making a Difference” award in 2023. Gambhir is a long-standing partner at Hausfeld who has added diversity, equity and inclusion partner and global and U.S. management committee member to her title over the years.

There is no one path to success but there are principles I live by:

First, and I cannot overstate this, be confident, remain true to yourself, and know yourself. As a woman, you may find that people sometimes question your capability to take on new challenges or doubt your intellect. It is

This Partner with Hausfeld maps out a clear path to success.

up to you whether you buy into that mindset.

Second is mentorship. A good mentor can give you career advice, help you navigate difficult obstacles, introduce you to opportunities, and be a strong advocate for your career.

If you cannot find the right mentors within your organization (as women, we often don’t have role models in management positions), look outside—at colleagues, professors, or business contacts. It’s surprising how eager people are to offer assistance.

Third, do it well. There is no better path to success than to let your work

“Working hard to master something new will earn you respect and, ultimately, open doors for you.”

Meritor Salutes Krista Sohm

Congratulations to Krista Sohm, our 2014 Women Worth Watching award recipient, for her ongoing contributions to Meritor’s success.

speak for itself. Ultimately, that is what others remember. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take on new challenges. Working hard to master something new will earn you respect and, ultimately, open doors for you.

Fourth, be a team player. Cooperate with those around you. Listen to their ideas. Understand their points of view. Support the team. Promote others. Good team players earn respect, which is essential for leadership and success. Finally, take ownership. This is vital. Don’t finish an assignment and wipe your hands of it. Instead, own the project—follow up and see it through to the end. That may mean staying late to see that a deadline is met, helping a paralegal get a brief filed, or making sure details don’t slip through the cracks. In the end, the more trust you earn in this way, the more respect and responsibility you gain. And isn’t that the goal? PDJ

At Meritor, we understand the importance of attracting, retaining and developing diverse talent. As a leader in the commercial truck, industrial and aftermarket industries, we rely on the unique contributions of 9,000 employees in 18 countries. The result is not only success for our business, but tremendous personal and professional growth for our people.

For more information about career opportunites at Meritor, visit meritor.com.

WOMEN WORTH WATCHING

Reena Gambhir

Where are they now?

Way back in 2013, Joy Fitzgerald was Rockwell Collins’ director of diversity and workforce effectiveness. Now she is senior vice president, chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer at UnitedHealth Group in addition to being an executive coach, a motivational speaker and an author of two books – The Journey to Joy: 5 Generations Share Stories Every Woman Needs to Hear and The Journal to Joy. Fitzgerald advised emerging employees to “take every opportunity available to read, study and gain knowledge, both formal and informal in your career interest.”

Has discrimination affected you as a woman in the workplace? How did you deal with it? I have not had some of the experiences my parents or grandparents had as it relates to discrimination, but I’ve benefited by having more and better opportunities as an African American female in corporate America. Often times I am in meetings where I am the only African American in attendance. I can only attribute that to individuals who have come before me. I can never forget the struggles of the civil rights movement, and it is because of it that I live my life everyday humbly proud of who I am, where I am, and what I am. I just hope that I too can be an influence for others.

What advice would you give young women building/preparing for a career?

I would advise young women to become passionate about educating yourself. Life education starts at home and affords one a strong sense of values, responsibility, character, and pride. Take every opportunity available to read, study, and gain knowledge both formal and informal in your career interest.

HEADQUARTERS: Cedar Rapids, Iowa

WEBSITE: www.rockwellcollins.com

BUSINESS: Aerospace and defense

REVENUES: $4.8 billion

EMPLOYEES: 19,000

TITLE: Director, Diversity & Workforce Effectiveness

EDUCATION: BS, MS, University of Memphis

FIRST JOB: Vocational trainer

MY PHILOSOPHY: Faith is taking the first step even when you can’t see the whole staircase.

What I’m Reading: Harvard Business Review

Fitzgerald

TEN MONTHS AFTER I BEGAN MY FIRST JOB AT A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION, my supervisor and mentor needed to take a leave of absence and asked me to apply for her position. It came as a surprise, as others had more experience. Through our mentoring relationship, she observed competencies in me that outweighed experience alone. I quickly found myself serving in the role of a young African American female leader.

I was concerned initially because I was the youngest in my group. I asked my informal mentor, my mother, how I could get my peers to follow me.

My mother worked in corporate management back when African American mothers in Memphis were traditionally not in leadership roles.

Watching her leave for work with her briefcase, I wanted to follow in her footsteps as an African American leader. “You are a born leader and you will be successful,” my mother said. She advised me to find someone in the organization that I would like to emulate, a mentor.

I engaged in a mentoring relationship with a female senior leader whose wisdom and insight has been foundational in my career. Her greatest gift to me was providing a secure place where I could talk to her about anything.

Over the next seven years, I grew. I learned to write grants and manage an apartment complex for homeless single mothers and a shelter for people with HIV/AIDS. Working around people from disadvantaged backgrounds humbled me and helped me to see how life’s circumstances affect our opportunities. I came to believe that leaders are given a gift to serve people.

Today I am the director of diversity and workforce effectiveness at Rockwell Collins. Mentoring in particular is key to our diversity journey.

Through our mentoring program, I have three mentors. They’ve taught me, among other things, that a leader’s role is not to be liked, but to be respected. Our decisions will not always be popular, but we will be respected if we are fair and reasonable in the process. Leveraging the power of strong relationships, I have been able to achieve many aspirations early in my career. Mentoring provided exposure, support, and insight to continue to help me develop and grow. Today I mentor four employees. It is rewarding and time well-spent in developing others. One of my grandmother’s favorite sayings was, “Take it on and take it farther.” That’s what I intend to do by helping others to “take it on farther,” to exceed my accomplishments.

Company and Executive Women Worth Watching® 2014 Award Winner Joy

Rockwell Collins

and

Lisa The Structure Group

2012

Blackwood

“School curriculums should be geared more toward DEVELOPING analytical skills and problem solving in general. ”

TODAY’S SCHOOL PROGRAMS WOULD BENEFIT FROM A PLATFORM WHICH WOULD OFFER HIGHER INTEGRATION OF STUDENTS WITH LOCAL BUSINESSES AIMED AT FOSTERING AN ENVIRONMENT OF MUTUAL BENEFIT. This type of effort could launch a myriad of possibilities such as improved cooperative education programs, joint research and development programs, courses lead by business personnel, and mentor advisor relationships between students, faculty, and business people. The big idea would be aimed at bridging the chasm between the typical student that traditional education turns out and the human capital that modern business needs to be successful. School curriculums should be geared more toward developing analytical skills and problem solving in general. Often I have found it is not only what you do know, but knowing how to apply what you know to solve a problem that does not have a clear solution. Most problems are not black and white and do not have one correct answer. In my experience, the challenge is in selecting the best solution to a problem that has no clear resolution.

I have found program availability is not enough. Looking back, it seems to be about the choices I made as a student. I sought out programs that helped me build skills that prepared me for my chosen career path and unforeseen challenges ahead. These skills combined with the desire to continually learn and improve myself provided the strong foundation for my success in a heavily male-dominated industry that is both technology- and engineering-centric.

I wish I had taken more math and science classes. I recommend students today focus in these areas, as well as technical writing and public speaking. Look for your areas of weakness and focus on improving these with your core strengths. When something seemed uncomfortable, I embraced it. I built skills to overcome it. I may not claim it as a true strength, but I have invested in my skills to attain a level that was above average. I took advantage of cooperative education programs and intern programs as soon as possible in my college career. These experiences provided a wealth of insight that no classroom experience could replicate. I began to build my future network and I gained significant confidence in entering my professional career.

HEADQUARTERS: Houston, Texas

WEBSITE: www.thestructuregroup.com

BUSINESS: Business advisory, system integration, and customized solution development services

REVENUES: $50 million

EMPLOYEES: 200

TITLE: Managing Partner

EDUCATION: BBA, Texas A&M University

FIRST JOB: Salesperson at JC Penney selling men’s work clothes

MY PHILOSOPHY: To whom much is given, much is required.

FAMILY: My husband David Schmidt and parents Bob Blackwood and Kay Vaughn

› Has discrimination affected you as a woman in the workplace? If so, how did you deal with it? Age has been more difficult than gender. Most of my career, I have been perceived to be “too young” in my position to be credible. In larger organizations, as I progressed through the ranks, I did see some bias around promotions. It seemed men played the game more, where women focused on the work. I dealt with discrimination largely by ignoring it; I refused to accept it as a limitation. I worked hard to exceed expectations on all of my responsibilities and have been almost always rewarded.

Where are they now?

Lisa Blackwood, the former managing partner of The Structure Group, is now the senior director at Slalom, a global technology consulting company with employees in eight countries and 45 markets. Blackwood’s Profiles in Diversity Journal® essay urged students to take more math and science classes. “I recommend students today focus in these areas, as well as technical writing and public speaking. Look for your areas of weakness and focus on improving these with your core strengths.”

Ann Cathcart

Fish & Richardson Chaplin

Hereare some simple things you can do to get ahead in your company.

• Define Success – If you want to be successful, you need to know what that means in your organization. What does it take to gain promotion from your current position? Can you articulate the requirements? Who decides whether you will be promoted? Who has input into that decision? What information do they consider? Are there things you need to avoid doing to be promoted?

Wherever you work, you need these answers. If you do not know what it takes to succeed in your organization, you need to ask and learn this information.

“

” Your attitude is critical to your success.

Where are they now?

Ann Cathcart Chaplin is general counsel and corporate secretary for QualComm after holding several legal positions since 2011. Her PDJ essay urged people seeking job promotions to understand what success means in their field, to ask questions about new job duties and to understand expectations. Her own philosophy seems wise: Work hard and laugh often.

Where are they now?

Sally Brooks came to our attention when she served as vice president, medical director of health services for Kindred Healthcare. Now she’s a chief medical officer/consultant at Abode Care Partners and other companies. Her advice to Profiles in Diversity Journal® readers: Surround yourself with your circle of supporters, stay true to your passion and invest in and care for yourself.”

Kindred Healthcare women worth watching in 2011

Sally Brooks

The key to forging a

cessful career path is to know your strengths and leverage them when life takes you in unexpected directions. If you know what drives you, you will wake up most mornings with energy, focus, and passion.

Medical training is focused on improving weaknesses, but I have found that surrounding yourself with a team that balances strengths and weaknesses is the best approach. My professional life has been devoted to improving the care for older adults and educating their personal and professional caregivers.

I grew up in a rural community, attended pharmacy school and decided to continue my training in medical school. During my pharmacy internship program, I worked in my hometown drugstore. Through home delivery of medication it was evident that the healthcare system fails to provide ongoing support for chronic care needs contributing to poor quality for many of our most vulnerable Americans.

It is second nature to me to care for older adults because of fabulous female role models, my grandmother and godmother. Before the term work-life balance was in our vocabulary, they both successfully demonstrated this balance through some extremely dif-

ficult times. Despite personal financial hardship, they sacrificed to share their resources with others. I strive for worklife balance; however, remembering I am a work in progress helps me to accept my shortcomings.

In addition to personal mentors and friends, I have been fortunate to find professional mentors. Having the courage and humility to accept their guidance is difficult at times, but worth it. I continue to connect with mentors, not only because of our shared professional interests but because we lift each other up.

Most of these positions have been acquired through personal and professional relationships, which demonstrate the importance of investing the time to know colleagues on a personal level. I am also a wife, mother, and supporter of other women who have so much to offer. My advice is to surround yourself with your circle of supporters, stay true to your passion and invest in and care for yourself.

“Life has taken me in unexpected directions.”

Where are they now?

DeAnna Allen, currently a partner at Cooley LLP in Washington, DC, has had a varied legal career and life from balancing her work at high profile law firms to raising two children and facing evening daycare pick up many years ago. Her PDJ essay talked about the need to balance being a mother, a lawyer and taking care of an elderly parent. Her lasting lesson: “I think my greatest lesson from trying to balance the seemingly un-balanceable has been to always strive for improvement while remaining true to myself.”

TITLE: Partner

EDUCATION: BSEE from University of Maryland (College Park); JD from University of Miami (Coral Gables)

FIRST JOB: Design Engineer for Florida Power & Light

WHAT I’M READING: Eat, Pray, Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert; The Purpose Driven Life, by Rick Warren

MY PHILOSOPHY: Embrace the truth and always value what you and others can bring to the table. Your circumstances will always change, but you are the one constant in all of your experiences, so regardless of your ups and your downs, never forget your value and always look for ways to improve yourself and your impact on those around you.

FAMILY: Two sons: Robert Jr., 13; and Joseph, 8.

INTERESTS: Culinary arts, photography, reading, traveling, shopping.

FAVORITE CHARITY: The American Cancer Society

COMPANY: Dickstein Shapiro LLP

HEADQUARTERS: Washington, D.C.

WEB SITE: www.dicksteinshapiro.com

BUSINESS: Law firm.

ANNUAL REVENUES: $312 million

EMPLOYEES: 855

Aas a law school student, all of the female law firm partners i knew had wellplanned careers in which they first focused on becoming good lawyers (while routinely indulging in good shopping and occasionally in great vacations) before deciding whether to have children. i imagined myself following the same cosmopolitan and ordered path. True to plan, i joined one of chicago’s largest law firms right out of law school, but my well-laid strategy had already begun to go astray: i found myself with an eight-month-old baby, a 6pM daycare pick-up that my husband and i juggled (with no extended family support), and a 2,000hour billable requirement.

Within weeks of becoming a lawyer, i was struggling to balance everything while trying to ignore the voice in the back of my mind telling me there was no way i could pull it all off. i would like to say that the little voice was completely wrong and that i breezed through my first few years of motherhood and law firm life, but the truth is, the adjustment was difficult, and i was extremely self-conscious about my ability to keep up with my peers while being the mother i wanted to be. Despite the difficulties, i was committed to being a good mother and a good lawyer. it took a while, but eventually i learned i could not be all things to all people (at least not simultaneously). i began to focus on incrementally improving myself and those around me. i also surrounded myself with moresenior lawyers who had the patience and foresight to see that, even though i was a work in progress, i had both loads of potential and a pretty good dose of present value.

“…eventually I learned I could not be all things to all people…”

over the past 13 years, i have raised two boys while working full- and part-time, telecommuting, and driving as many as 100 miles round-trip to the office, as well as working (briefly) in-house and in law firms. in 2002, i joined Dickstein shapiro as a lateral, and in 2006, i made partner. My time with the firm has provided me great opportunities to become a better lawyer and person. My colleagues also have supported me through major life transitions, including a divorce and a parent’s terminal illness. at times throughout my career, i have felt at the top of my game in lawyering, mothering, and just being me. at other times, i have felt out of balance. Regardless of the circumstances, i make a point of learning and growing. i think my greatest lesson from trying to balance the seemingly un-balanceable has been to always strive for improvement while remaining true to myself. For me, this means looking for and encouraging the best in myself and in others, because doing so inevitably leads to good results— even if the path is not exactly what i had envisioned.

women worth watching in 2010

Dickstein Shapiro LLP

DeAnna Allen

2008

women worth watching in 2009

Virginia ‘Ginny’ Calega

Wwhen i was growing up, the best way to get me to do something was to tell me that i couldn’t do it. That would motivate me. For example, my college advisor told me that i’d never be accepted into medical school. but i was. years later, i earned my Mba, too.

My best advice is: Never take “no” as a final answer. instead, explore what the “no” really means. what are the alternatives? is there a different method, format, or avenue? Can i work this out? how? Trust your own abilities, and have confidence in your own remarkable potential. Don’t discount yourself. i come from a family headed by Depression-era parents who did not have the opportunity to attend college. Early on, my parents established the clear expectation that we were all college bound. They also imparted a very strong work ethic. They expected top grades from my siblings and me. Today we are doctors, engineers, and nurses. My parents set high goals for us. They expected us to achieve and reach our potential. That was a gift.

Trust

i attended an all-girls high school in western pennsylvania, where the girls ran the show. we gained valuable leadership experience and learned about the power of collaboration and teamwork. later, i attended a medical school established in 1850 exclusively for women. when i arrived there in the 1980s, the classes were still approximately 60 percent women. women physicians were the department chairs and professors. i learned from these role models to have the courage to break barriers.

as a physician, i had the opportunity to manage a practice. i was elected the president and became so interested in the business side of medicine that i decided to earn my Mba. i saw an exciting new direction and pursued it, developing new skills and maintaining the flexibility and confidence to grow.

Now i’m fortunate to work at highmark, where i combine my skills in medicine and business overseeing the development of medical policy and utilization management activities. highmark is unique in its large number of female executives. what strikes me is how very effective they are in their jobs, their visibility, and their willingness to assist other women in their professional development. women in management roles here are generous with their time and experience in mentoring others. Now, that’s a winning attitude!

TITLE:

EDUCATION:

Virginia Calega, the former vice president, medical management and policy at Highmark in 2008, is still in the medical field, this time as the founder and principal of VCC Healthcare Solutions. Her LinkedIn account notes that she has been driven to fix the broken parts of the American healthcare system and she wrote in Profiles in Diversity Journal®: “My best advice is: Never take “no” as a final answer. Instead, explore what the “no” really means … don’t discount yourself.”

2007

“Ifyouarenotwillingtoworkonyourself inadedicatedanddisciplinedmanner,no oneelsewillbewillingtohelpyou.”

IreneChangBritt I

’moftenaskedforadviceoncareerdevelopment,andthefirst thingItellpeopleisthatdevelopingyourselfishardwork. WhatI’vefoundhelpfulistohavesomebasicprinciples toliveby:Workhard;haveapositive,can-doattitude;take personalresponsibilityforyouractions;andknowyour personalvalues.

Butbeyondthat,Ihavefounditbeneficialalsotobeopen toallpossibilities.Itrulybelievethat,toalargeextent,you makeyourownluck.Goodthingshappenwhenyouarepreparedandofopenmindandspiritwhenopportunitiescome knocking.Thismeansbeingwillingtotakerisks,pushpast yourcomfortzoneandtakeontheuglychallenges,because someoftheprettiestopportunitiesinitiallycomedressedin theugliestclothing.

Withallthatsaid,itissafetosaythatIbelievethatyou areyourownbestmentor.Ifyouarenotwillingtoworkon yourselfinadedicatedanddisciplinedmanner,nooneelse willbewillingtohelpyou.So,pushyourself,experiment, reflect,learn,andseekfeedbackfromothersonyourteam.

COMPANY: CampbellSoupCompany

HEADQUARTERS: Camden,NewJersey

WEBSITE: www.campbellsoup.com

BUSINESS: Consumergoods

2006REVENUES: $7.3billion

EMPLOYEES: 23,000

TITLE: VicePresidentandGeneralManager,Sauces& Beverages,CampbellUSA

EDUCATION: UniversityofToronto,undergraduate; MBA,UniversityofWesternOntario

FIRSTJOB: Kimberly-ClarkCorporation,assistant brandmanager

READING: TrueNorth, byBillGeorge

PHILOSOPHY: Workhard.Behappy.Dogood.Bepassionate. Begrateful.Spreadjoy.Reachdownandliftup.

FAMILY: Husband,2children

INTERESTS: Cooking,walking,charitablework

FAVORITECHARITIES: RefugeesInternational;anyorganizationthathelpsfighthomelessness

Onformalmentorship,Idothinkthatitisagreatwaytofurtherdevelopyourself.Ihavebeenveryfortunatetohavehadmany mentorsinmycareer.Someofthemknewtheywerementoring me,whilesomeneverknewthattheywereservingthatrole.Itis importanttoseekoutmentorsandnotwaitforonetobegivento you.Knowyourdevelopmentneedsandfindpeoplewhocanhelp youimprove.

Makecertainthattherelationshipisfoundedonhonestyand trust.Beclearinyourownmindthatmentorshipisnotsponsorship,andthatyourmentorshouldhelpyouimprove,notnecessarilyguaranteeadvancementtothenextjob.Also,seekouta broadnetworkofmentorsandadvisors,notjustoneindividual relationship.Ashardasself-developmentseems,Ihavefoundthat youreapwhatyousow.

Irene Chang Britt, the former president of the popular snack brand, Pepperidge Farm, is a super independent board member for IPEXX, First Watch Restaurants, Just Boardrooms and more. PDJ featured her when she served as vice president for Campbell USA. Chang Britt’s basic principles for success: “Work hard; have a positive, can-do attitude; take personal responsibility for your actions; and know your personal values.”

Where are they now?

Catherine King is now managing director of Crown Talent Assets. When she was a part of Women Worth Watching® in 2006, she was a senior vice president of Kelly Services. Altogether the highly successful executive spent 30 years in international country management positions in North America and Europe. In her Profiles in Diversity Journal® essay she wrote, “As mentors, we remember that many people are affected by the decisions we make and the things we do—even the small things we do, especially the small things.”

Catherine King

“As leaders, we have a unique opportunity to dispel the cynicism that dominates the post-Enron era.”

As leaders, we have a unique opportunity to dispel the cynicism that dominates the post-Enron era. Character does exist. It does, in fact, permeate throughout the global business community. Proving our character in the midst of what many believe to be a characterless, commercial world is the responsibility of the chieftains of business today.

Unsung heroes who rarely make the newspapers are all around us, often in unexpected positions and without institutional power. Integrity does not sit exclusively in boardrooms.

Personally, I have had the privilege of learning the most valuable lessons of business from people who never even knew they were mentors. These leaders led by example, uncompromising and relentless in their pursuit of what was right. They just happened to be in business. Indeed, they could have been found in law, religion or academia.

One was Terry Adderley, former chairman of Kelly Services, who for 50 years breathed the life of his mentor,

COMPANY: Kelly Services Inc.

HEADQUARTERS: Troy, MI

WEBSITE: www.kellyservices.com

BUSINESS: Staffing solutions that include temporary staffing services, staff leasing, outsourcing, vendor on-site and full-time placement in 30 countries and territories. Kelly provides employment to more than 700,000 employees annually in office services, accounting, engineering, information technology, law, science, marketing, light industrial and education.

RANKING: Second largest in the United States and fifth largest in the world; Fortune 500 company

2005 REVENUE: $5.3 billion

EMPLOYEES: 8,600 full-time employees

110 Profiles in Diversity Journal November/December 2006

TITLE: Senior Vice President and General Manager, United Kingdom and Ireland

EDUCATION: Executive studies at Harvard Business School

FIRST JOB: Finance clerk

READING: Essays of Ralph Waldo Emerson, the philosophical writings of Niels Bohr, and The Seven Pillars of Wisdom, by T. E. Lawrence

PHILOSOPHY/LEGACY: “To do good to all and harm to none.” –On Duties, Cicero

FAMILY: Husband, married 24 years

INTERESTS: Astronomy, physics, music, philosophy

FAVORITE CHARITY: American Red Cross

William Russell Kelly, into the DNA of generations of the industry leaders who followed him. Now the wisdom of both resonates throughout the organization in a sort of spiritual patina.

Another was businesswoman Sheila Prentice, former vice president for Olsten Staffing Services. After two decades of retirement in Houston, she still can commandeer those of us who worked for her. Twenty years later, we still gather to hear her voice and seek her advice on life.

Such is the influence of those who are authentic guides of life.

As mentors, we remember that many people are affected by the decisions we make and the things we do—even the small things we do, especially the small things. We are reminded of the wisdom of Mother Teresa, another great mentor for the world, when she said, “We do no great things; only small things with great love.”

KELLY SERVICES INC.

AAON…………………………………………...........……...........66

Abode Care Partners……………………………………......…155

Akin…………………………………………………....….18, 67, 68

AMD, Inc……………………………….....….........69, 70, 141, 143

Applied Materials…………………………………........………150

AT&T Business………………………………..……....….71, 72, 73

Axinn, Veltrop & Harkrider LLP……………….........42, 43, 44, 74

Bristol Meyers Squibb…………………………....................…142

Catalyst………………………………………............................75

Circana…………………………………………….............….76, 77

Cohen Ziffer Frenchman & McKenna LLP……………..............78

Coldwell Banker Warburg……………………………................79

Common Spirit/Dignity Health………………………................80

Cooley LLP………………………………………........................156

Cox Enterprises…………………………………………........…148

Crown Talent Assets………………………………………........159

Curriculum Associates…………………………………..............81

Dechert LLP……………………......Inside Front Cover, 38, 82

DRG Talent………………………………………………........83, 84

DTO Law……………………………….....…...........................….85

Entergy…………………………………………………................86

Epiq………………………………….....……………....................45

First Advantage………………………………………............…147

FordHarrison LLP……………………………………...............….87

Freddie Mac………………………………………….........…26, 27

FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation……………......28, 88

FUJIFILM North America Corporation……….....……..............89

Gallaudet University……………………….................................90

Gibbons P.C.……………………………………...….....46, 91, 138

Globality Inc. ………………………………………….............….92

Hausfeld…………………………………………....................…151

Herrick, Feinstein LLP………………………….....…......93, 94, 95

Highmark……………………………………………….......…157

Hoguet Newman Regal & Kenney, LLP……………….....….....96 HP, Inc.....…………………………………………………….......145

Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP……………………….....….........97

Idaho National Laboratory..................................................

…............................3, 11, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 98, 99, 100

Kelly Services……………………………………………........…146

Kindred Healthcare………………………………….................155

Knobbe Martens……………………………………........….53, 101

Konecranes……………………………………………........…149

Krauss Shaknes Tallentire & Messeri LLP……………….........102

Latham & Watkins………………………………….......54, 55, 103

Lighthouse…………………………………………...........…….104

LinkedIn................................…………………………...............144

BLUE PAGE NUMBER OF AD

Mayer Brown LLP………………………………………….........105

McDonald Carano LLP………………………………..........29, 106

MG+M The Law Firm…………………………………............….19

Mindtree………………………………………………...........…147

Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP……………….....…........….107

MoloLamken LLP……………………………………....…..........108

National Debt Relief……………………………...….................109

Native Forward Scholars Fund……………………..……...........20

Newark Housing Authority………………………….................138

New American Funding……………………............110, 111, 112

New York Life………………………………….113, Back Cover

Nelson Mullins…………………………………...................…….30

Norton Rose Fulbright………………………….........……31, 114

OneTrust…………………………………………………...........145

Outside GC LLC………………………………………..…….......32

Pepperidge Farm……………………………………............…158

Pitts Leadership Consulting LLC……………………..........….115

Prosperity Now………………………………………................116

QualComm…………………………………………...............…154

Reichman Jorgensen Lehman & Feldberg LLP…….....117, 118

Robins Kaplan LLP…………………………..…..........56, 119, 120

Rockwell Collins……………………………..............................152

Samina Bari Advisors……………………………..…………….121

Sanford Heisler Sharp…………………………………......57, 122

Sempra…………………………………....……….......33, 123, 124

Seward & Kissel LLP……………………………….......…..……125

SimplePractice……………………………….............................126

Slalom……………………………..............................................153

Spirent Communications……………………......…….....….....127

Stretto………………………………………………...............….128

Stride, Inc……....………………………….....………...………..129

Tapestry 360 Health…………………………….....…...............130

Terex……………………………………….................................149

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso........ ………………………….......................................….7, 58, 131

The Structure Group………………………...................………153

Transamerica………………………………...........................34, 35

Union Pacific Railroad………………………………......….36, 139

UnitedHealth Group……………………...................................152

Upbound Group……………………..…….............................….59

UW Tacoma…………………………...…..............................….132

Valley National Bank………………………….....……….133, 140

Van Dermyden Makus Law Corporation……….....................134

VCC Healthcare Solutions…………………………..........……157

WilmerHale……………………………….....…............21, 37, 135 BOLD DENOTES ADVERTISER

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