Diversity Journal - Summer 2015, Women Worth Watching

® SUMMER 2015

$25.00

Towards Transformational Leadership

LYNNE DOUGHTIE

US Chairman and CEO, KPMG

GROWTH STRATEGY

The Big Four’s Newest Chief Executive on Owning Your Success

Executive Presence:

The mistake of “one-size-fits-all” development

The Power of the Purse:

New research provides a business case for more women in health care leadership

14TH ANNUAL AWARDS

Be inspired.

Be ingenious.

Belong.

3M is where individuality is celebrated. Where you’ll connect and take risks. Where you can truly be yourself and be heard. Where you’ll shine.

I’m in. Are you in?

Connect with us Explore opportunities at 3M.com/careers

© 3M 2015. All rights reserved. 3M is a trademark of 3M.

Since 1999

publisher's column

®

Women Keep Making Great Things Happen

All Things Diversity & Inclusion FOUNDER/CEO/PUBLISHER

James R. Rector EDITOR

Kathie Sandlin COPY EDITOR

Women Worth Watching®

Teresa Fausey design & Layout

Dave Potokar

"The most effective way to do it, is to do it." –Amelia Earhart Just in time for Profiles in Diversity Journal to publish its 14th annual Women Worth Watching® issue, the national news is filled with exciting stories of women who are breaking barriers in a number of areas.

Loretta Lynch, for example, who was sworn in earlier this year as US Attorney General, is the first African American woman, and only the second woman, to serve as the nation’s top law enforcement official. Having made community policing a focus early in her term, Lynch has begun touring the nation, sharing innovative policing practices that improve relations between local police and the citizens they serve.

Misty Copeland has just been named a principle dancer with the American Ballet Theater. She is the first African American woman to become principle dancer with a major ballet company. Although she began her ballet studies relatively late in life—at the age of 13— Copeland’s talent and hard work soon opened doors for her. She joined the American Ballet Theater’s Studio Company in 2000, became a member of the corps de ballet in 2001, and was appointed a soloist in 2007.

Sixteen-year-old Melissa Mayeux, a shortstop for a French junior national team, is one of just four French players added to the Major League baseball's 2015 international registration list. If signed, she’ll be the first woman to play with an MLB team, opening a new chapter in the history of women in baseball.

And then, of course, there is Lynne Doughtie, the new US Chairman and CEO for KPMG. Named a Woman Worth Watching in 2008, Doughtie is the tenth recipient of this award to go on to lead a Fortune 1000 company.

Talented, hard-working, and courageous women continue to create their own success in business, the arts, politics, and everywhere they choose to be. To recognize the accomplishments of all these trailblazers would take much more than an annual issue.

Which is why we hope to do more features like this in the near future.

We’re excited at the prospect of expanding the original mission of Women Worth Watching® and championing the success of women throughout the year. We hope by doing so that we help encourage the wave of high achievers that will continue to follow.

On behalf of Profiles in Diversity Journal, I want to congratulate the outstanding women that make up our Women Worth Watching class of 2015. We’re proud to recognize your achievements and look forward to following your continued success!

James R. Rector, Publisher and Founder profiles@diversityjournal.com

VP of Operations

James Gorman

Human Resources

Vicky DePiore

Executive assistant

Elena Rector

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Alanna Klapp Noelle Bernard

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

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twitter.com/diversityjrnl scribd.com/diversityjournal facebook.com/diversityjournal linkedin.com/diversity-journal Profiles in Diversity Journal® is a bimonthly magazine dedicated to promoting and advancing diversity and inclusion in the corporate, government, nonprofit, higher education, and military sectors. For more than 16 years, we have helped to stimulate organizational change by showcasing the visionary leadership, innovative programs, and committed individuals that are making it happen.

Read more at WWW.DIVERSITYJOURNAL.COM

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in this issue Since 1999

®

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All Things Diversity & Inclusion

regulars

01 | publisher’s column 131 | PEOPLE AND PLACES 156 | corporate index

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cover story

Thought Leadership

Growth Strategy

132 | The Power of the Purse:

Health care’s biggest audience drives change

The Big Four’s Newest Chief Executive on Owning Your Success Former Woman Worth Watching award winner Lynne Doughtie was named Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of KPMG US this year.

We spoke with her about her journey, her goals, and the advice she would offer growth-minded women.

How new research on health care decision makers should influence the way health care organizations view women in leadership.

134 | Women Leadership is All Around…If You Know How To Look

The key to identifying and developing stronger female leadership in your workplace, says Judy Corner, might just be understanding the roles women play outside it.

136 | One Size Does Not Fit All: Helping Women Develop Executive Presence

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144

Development programs geared to help women advance through the executive pipeline need to concentrate on building strong executive presence.

140 | Women on the move

Winning Environments 144 | Millennials and the Art of Employee Engagement

With the recent shifts our organizations are experiencing in workforce composition and attitudes, just how does one foster authentic engagement?

Danielle Robin outlines 4 crucial steps.

148 | Starting at the Bottom

A study by KPMG identifies to Increase drivers essential to fostering Organizational Diversity women leaders.

Five steps to increasing leadership and decision-making 143 | Women in Media: an interview capabilities throughout with Tracy “Twinkie” Byrd your organization.

There’s some fresh new faces on-screen that are the result 152 | Many Roads, One Destination of this dynamic woman and Cornell University’s Lynette her work.

Chappell-Williams on the organization’s framework for promoting staff diversity and inclusion.

152

PROFILES IN DIVERSITY JOURNAL Summer 2015

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OUR 14TH ANNUAL AWARD ISSUE CELEBRATES WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP WHO ARE USING THEIR INFLUENCE TO SHAPE THEIR WORKPLACE AND THEIR WORLD. WITH STORIES FROM: (COMPANIES IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

19 | DENISE R RUTHERFORD Vice President, Latin America 3M Company

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61 | JULIA DAVIS Senior Vice President; Chief Information Officer Aflac 26 | MICHELLE O'NEILL Vice President, Government Affairs and Trade Policy Alcoa

60 | GAIL A. KARISH Partner Best Best & Krieger LLP

31 | JILL SURDEK Vice President, Customer Planning American Airlines 70 | CARINE JEAN-CLAUDE Vice President, Legal Affairs and Chief Compliance Officer Arrow Electronics, Inc. 41 | ROBYN PRICE STONEHILL Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer Assurant, Inc. 21 | JERRIE J. KERTZ Senior Vice President–Operations Planning and Optimization AT&T

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44 | STACIE LEE ROPKA Counsel Axinn, Veltrop & Harkrider LLP 46 | LIA PATTON Assurance Partner BDO USA, LLP

20 | CARI DAWSON Litigation Partner; Chair of the firm’s Class Action practice Alston & Bird LLP

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55 | CAROLYN PLEISS Senior Director–Technology Project Management Office Autotrader (Cox Automotive)

49 | JENNIFER MARCHETTI Chief Marketing Officer Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC 27 | RAYNOR DAHLQUIST Vice President & Director, Cyber Solutions Network Booz Allen Hamilton 57 | ALEX JOHNSTON Executive Director, Catalyst Canada Catalyst 66 | CINDI HOOK Senior Vice President, General Auditor and Global Risk Officer Comcast Corporation 90 | DEANNA D. ALLEN Partner Cooley LLP 53 | AMY MILLS Vice President, Strategic Planning Cox Automotive

Read more at WWW.DIVERSITYJOURNAL.COM

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® 59 | KATHLEEN ELIE Director Charter School Business Management Inc.

86 | PATRICIA BETRON Senior Vice President, Multimedia Sales ESPN

37 | JUDY SANSONE Senior Vice President, Front Store Business & Chief Merchant CVS Health

33 | MEGAN GOMEZ, ESQ. Senior Legal Counsel Excellus BlueCross BlueShield

50 | KRISTEN VENNUM Principal, Global Client Service Partner Ernst & Young LLP

72 | ABBI L.COHEN Partner Dechert LLP 45 |

JILL VAN PELT Senior Vice President, Human Resources & Chief People Officer Denny’s Corporation

22 | SAMANTHA RYAN Senior Vice President, Group General Manager Electronic Arts

28 | KRISTY FERCHO Senior Vice President, Customer Engagement, West Fannie Mae 47 | TERESA A. LAVOIE, PHD Principal Fish & Richardson 39 | CHRISTINE D. HANLEY Partner FordHarrison LLP

25 | BONNIE CRATER Cofounder & CEO Full Circle Insights 34 | CHRISTINE FURSTOSS Technology Director, Manufacturing & Materials Technologies GE–Global Research Center (GRC) 38 | TANZANIA (TAN) ADAMS Area Manager– Statesboro, Georgia Georgia Power 24 | NATASHA M. SONGONUGA Director, Financial Restructuring & Creditor’s Rights Department Gibbons P.C. 64 | MARISA IASENZA Corporate Secretary and Associate General Counsel HARMAN

Celebrating our own Leigh Parker, one of 2015’s Women ® Worth Watching .

An award-winning engineer herself, Vice President of Commercial Systems’ Engineering Leigh Parker leads more than 1,000 of the world’s best engineering minds at Rockwell Collins, helping to deliver innovation to commercial and business aviation. As a devoted participant in our mentorship program, she also helps tomorrow’s leaders achieve their own successes.

Diversity and inclusion is a vital part of who we are and what we do at Fannie Mae, and allows us to better serve America’s increasingly diverse housing market. In fact, Fannie Mae is proud to be one of the most diverse financial services companies in the U.S. Having an inclusive workforce helps advance our goals to lead the market and better serve our partners. Simply put, inclusion is the way we do business.

Leaders such as Kristy Fercho are helping us achieve our vision to be America’s most valued housing partner. Would you like to work with Kristy and other leaders like her?

If you want to put your unique talents to use helping us achieve our vision, we want to hear from you.

We’re looking for professionals in a variety of roles, from business and financial analysts to cyber security specialists to developers, and more.

To see our openings and apply online, go to www.fanniemae.com/careers, and connect with us via:

Learn more about Fannie Mae’s commitment to diversity and inclusion at www.fanniemae.com/diversity © 2015, Fannie Mae. All rights reserved. Fannie Mae and the Fannie Mae logo are registered marks of Fannie Mae. Fannie Mae is an equal opportunity employer.

® 65 | DEIRDRE A. LEID Senior Director, Marketing, Headphones HARMAN 30 | JEANNE C. FINEGAN, APR President HF Media LLC 56 | VALERIA CHAPA GARZA General Counsel Latin America Honeywell International Inc. 29 | SHEILA TIERNEY Vice President, Product Management for the HVAC Parts and Supply Solutions Ingersoll Rand 48 | ELIZABETH COOPER International Director JLL 59 | KIMBERLY LEWIS ROBINSON Partner Jones Walker LLP 67 | MEREDITH MCKENZIE Vice President & Deputy General Counsel, IP and Legal Operations Juniper Networks, Inc. 73 | NATALIA A. SHUMAN Senior Vice President and General Manager, EMEA and APAC regions Kelly Services, Inc. 36 | TAMMY HUNTER Tax Partner KPMG LLP 42 | LEXI ALEXANDER Senior Vice President & Chief Growth Officer L-3 Communications– National Security Solutions

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43 | REGINA (GINA) L. ANDRUKAITIS Division President L-3 Electronic Systems, Precision Engagement and Training Sector, Interstate Electronics Corp.

71 | ALISON J. HARTLEY Vice President of Corporate Business Strategy L-3 Communications 68 | MICHELE D. JOHNSON Partner & Executive Committee Member Latham & Watkins LLP 91 | LAURA A. BOYDSTON Managing Director of Affiliate Strategic Initiatives Legg Mason 96 | KAREN FOWLER-WILLIAMS Senior Vice President, Employee Relations & EEO Lincoln Financial Group 97 | JILLIAN MAVER IHSANULLAH Principal Consultant Linkage 52 | DIANNE EARLEY Vice President of Sales Operations Manheim (Cox Automotive) 54 | SUSIE HEINS Vice President of Dealer Sales Manheim (Cox Automotive) 100 | KATHERINE Y.K. CHEUNG Vice President & Senior Counsel Marriott International, Inc. 102 | JULIANNE M. HARTZELL Partner and Chair, Medical Devices Marshall, Gerstein & Borun LLP

PROFILES IN DIVERSITY JOURNAL Summer 2015

104 | REBECCA EISNER Partner-in-Charge, Chicago Office Mayer Brown LLP 105 | LORI LIGHTFOOT Partner Mayer Brown LLP 107 | STEPHANIE WILLSON Chief Professional Resources Officer McCarthy Tétrault LLP 111 | DR. CARLA CAMPBELL-JACKSON Founder & Director Mentoring And Providing Scholarships (MAPS) 110 | SUSAN SUN Chief Information Officer MetroPlus Health Plan, Inc. 113 | MALOU C. HARRISON, PHD Campus President Miami Dade College – North Campus 117 | LAVON D. CHANCY Director of Tax and Small Business Advisory Services Milligan & Company

119 | MICHELLE B. LEE Vice President and General Manager, Consumer Products Mindspark Interactive Network, Inc. 120 | CHERI BURNHAM Tax Partner Moss Adams LLP 122 | ANN MCELANEY-JOHNSON President Mount Saint Mary’s University 124 | TONYA G. NEWMAN Partner Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg LLP

115 | CARLA RUTIGLIANO Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff New York Life 126 | CHRISTI SHAW Novartis US Country Head; President, Novartis Corporation & Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation 128 | ELIZABETH K. KING General Counsel and Corporate Secretary NYSE Group

32 | NANCY SANTIAGO NEGRÓN Chief External Affairs Officer Opportunity Finance Network 125 | ROBIN J. DAVENPORT Vice President, Corporate Finance Parker Hannifin Corporation 123 | JENNIFER GREEN Chief Knowledge & Information Officer Pepper Construction Group 62 |

130 | RACHEL KIRSH Chief Risk and Compliance Officer Oliver Wyman 129 | DANIELLE GRAY Partner O’Melveny & Myers LLP

INA MURRAY Executive Vice President, Retail Market Manager, Chicago–Wisconsin Markets PNC Bank

93 | RANDA G. NEWSOME Vice President of Human Resources and Global Security Raytheon

Assurant applauds Robyn Price Stonehill and the 2015 Women Worth Watching Assurant celebrates the achievements of this year’s Women Worth Watching honorees, including our own Robyn Price Stonehill. We are proud of her success in advancing women in leadership roles and helping foster an inclusive environment at Assurant where all employees can excel.

For more information about Assurant, visit Assurant.com.

Robyn Price Stonehill Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer Assurant, Inc.

121 | KIRSTIN TURNER Complex Director, Senior Managing Director RBC Wealth Management–US 75 | KIRA MAKAGON Executive Vice President of Innovation RingCentral 116 | JENNIFER K. GRADY Managing Partner Richards Kibbe & Orbe LLP 114 | KELLIE LERNER Partner Robins Kaplan LLP 112 | LEIGH A. PARKER Vice President, Commercial Systems Engineering Rockwell Collins 108 | SARA MCCOY Plant Manager, Agua Fria Generating Station Salt River Project (SRP)

® 106 | DEBORAH ROBERTS Senior Vice President, Facilities Sodexo, Inc. 101 | SHIRA GOODMAN President, North American Commercial Staples 98 | NIKI CURCI SCOTT Executive Vice President, National Retail Production Manager SunTrust Mortgage

99 | DORINDA SMITH Executive Vice President, Correspondent Production Manager SunTrust Mortgage 94 | LINDA KAY Director Global Product Development Terex Corporation

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#

87 | ELISSA MARGOLIS Senior Vice President & General Manager, Disney Stores North America Disney Consumer Products– The Walt Disney Company 88 | CATHLEEN TAFF Senior Vice President, Integrated Planning and Franchise Management The Walt Disney Company 92 | Z. ILEANA MARTINEZ Partner Thompson Hine LLP 76 | DEBORAH (DEBBIE) HIGGINS Senior Vice President, Human Resources Title Resource Group (TRG) 78 | CATHERINE CORNELIUS SMITH President & Founder True Blue Inclusion 80 | NURIT KATZ Chief Sustainability Officer, Executive Officer, Facilities Management UCLA

83 | INAJO DAVIS CHAPPELL Partner Ulmer & Berne LLP 82 | STACEY D. STEWART US President United Way Worldwide 79 | SHELLY A. ESPINOSA Vice President, Grants & Programs UnitedHealth Group

58 | DR. ANDREA LINDELL Associate Dean of the School of Nursing Walden University 77 |

JAN STERN REED Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary Walgreens Boots Alliance & Walgreen Co.

84 | ELIZABETH MITCHELL Partner WilmerHale 85 | HEATHER ZACHARY Partner WilmerHale

Take time to recognize the good around you.

At New York Life, we recognize that employees’ unique qualities often lead to innovation, positive change, and a more productive and dynamic workplace.

For more information about New York Life visit us at www.newyorklife.com/diversity © 2014 New York Life Insurance Company, 51 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010 Keep Good Going® is a registered trademark of New York Life Insurance Company, all rights reserved.

Life Insurance. Retirement. Investments.

KEEP

COMING THIS FALL

women and minorities in stem Top professionals to watch and the organizations that allow them to excel.

Reach candidates with your message.

Contact info@diversityjournal.com for editorial and advertising opportunities. 速

GROWTH STRATEGY THE BIG FOUR’S NEWEST

CHIEF EXECUTIVE ON

OWNING YOUR

SUCCESS

hen Lynne Doughtie joined KPMG 30 years ago, her career goal probably didn’t include making history. But that’s exactly what she did last month when she became the first woman to take the helm as Chairman and CEO of at KPMG.

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PROFILES IN DIVERSITY JOURNAL Summer 2015

Read more at WWW.DIVERSITYJOURNAL.COM

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“There have been times when my career took an unexpected turn,” said Doughtie to Diversity Journal when named a Women Worth Watching in 2008. “But my philosophy has always been to take whatever pitch comes your way and knock it out of the park.

When you do your best and embrace new challenges, the opportunity to grow is great.”

Named US Chairman and CEO in July, it seems Doughtie has spent her career “knocking it out of the park.”

After joining KPMG’s Audit practice in 1985, she served in a number of national, regional and global leadership roles, including as the lead engagement partner for some of the firm’s major clients. Her biggest career leap, she said, was when she was given the opportunity to move to KPMG’s Advisory business, which the firm was expanding in the market where she worked at the time.

“One of the skills that became most valuable was the ability to build high-performing teams,” said Doughtie. “You’re only as good as the team around you, and including those that have different points of view makes for a better outcome. It helped form a leadership style—one of seeking out other perspectives and encouraging collaboration—that has served me well.”

By 2011, Doughtie had taken leadership of the US Advisory practice, serving as Vice Chair and steering the practice on a path of tremendous growth. Advisory became the U.S. firm’s fastest growing business, taking market-leading positions in business and risk consulting and deal advisory services.

Doughtie also oversaw the expansion of KPMG’s capabilities in innovative services and solutions, including information security, strategy, digital/

mobile and transformation.

Doughtie will be the first to tell you that a career journey like this is one you cannot take on your own. “It is why I advise the people I mentor to focus on caring for their team,” she said. “Yes, to succeed, you have to nail the technical skills and deliver results.

But true leadership involves much more than that. At KPMG, we talk about our commitment to being a great place to work and build a career. We place a lot of emphasis on mentoring, supporting, and developing people.

“Mentors and sponsors were very important to my career progression,” she added. “Especially sponsors— those people who will talk you up and make things happen for you. I advise the people I mentor to be deliberate about seeking them out. You will need them throughout your career, and they may change as your career path

There’s WealTh in DiversiTy We promote a diverse and inclusive corporate culture At RBC Wealth Management, we recognize and value the many important contributions of women. Which is why we promote an environment where women can be successful. And why we deliver programs and tools to help women create the futures they want—for their clients, for themselves ... and for the people they care most about.

For more information, please visit www.rbcwm-usa.com.

Congratulations Kirstin Turner for being named one of the Profiles in Diversity Journal’s Women Worth Watching!

Kirstin turner Senior Managing Director – Complex Director West Palm Beach, Florida

There’s Wealth in Our Approach.™ © 2015 RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC.

changes. But you cannot be afraid to ask for help.”

A CULTURE OF GROWTH Doughtie’s term in the top spot comes at a time of tremendous momentum for the firm. With strong growth across all three of its businesses, KPMG was the fastest growing Big Four firm in the US for fiscal year 2014.

The firm also surged 17 spots to become the highest ranked of the Big Four on Fortune magazine’s prestigious list of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” in 2015.

Much of their success can be credited to KPMG’s culture, says Doughtie—which took on added importance under her predecessor, John Veihmeyer. Veihmeyer continues to serve as Global Chairman of KPMG International, a role he’s held since February of 2014.

“At KPMG, our vision speaks to being the clear choice for both our clients and our people,” she says.

“People want to connect in a real way with what they do. They are looking for value and meaning in their careers. John was very passionate about creating a purpose-driven environment—one in which all KPMG professionals can see that what they do matters to their clients and their community. The stories they tell are the catalyst that defines our value to our clients and community.”

“YOUR UNIQUE VIEW OF SUCCESS...”

Like many women, Doughtie finds it sometimes tough to balance work and family responsibilities. The key, she says, is defining what success means to you.

“It can seem overwhelming trying to reconcile professional ambition and personal goals. But both are important,” she said. “I was fortunate to have a wonderful

“...WHAT MAKES YOU SPECIAL WILL HELP YOU

RISE TO THE TOP.”

Read more at WWW.DIVERSITYJOURNAL.COM

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Leadership is not gender specific There is a place where people drive success. Where every professional has the opportunity to demonstrate their strengths and achieve their goals.

It’s KPMG LLP. Where leadership is not gender specific.

Congratulations to Tammy Hunter, KPMG’s own 2015 Woman Worth Watching, and all of this year’s honorees! kpmgcareers.com

© 2015 KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and the U.S. member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. The KPMG name, logo and “cutting through complexity” are registered trademarks or trademarks of KPMG International. NDPPS 337450

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PROFILES IN DIVERSITY JOURNAL Summer 2015

Lynne Doughtie and Michelle Wie (L) together at the Pro-Am at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship this past June.

continued from page 13

mother who also happened to be a successful businesswoman. Thanks to her example and the support I’ve received at home and from KPMG, I never doubted that I could have a family and build a rewarding career.

“I have a 21-year-old daughter, and I probably give her a lot of advice and guidance that she doesn’t want to hear,” Doughtie laughed. “But what you learn about leadership early on is important. I want her always to know that what makes you special will help you rise to the top. I have always tried to remain true to who I am. Women might be tempted to change their style or approach because they think ‘this is what it takes to lead.’ But being an authentic leader is what will lead to your success.” PDJ

“I needed a new challenge…”

A huge sports enthusiast, Doughtie says she was inspired by the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship to take on what she calls “her latest challenge,” golf. “It was hard not to be intimidated by it at first, but it’s a great sport and good for building business relationships. You just have to remember to have fun and not take yourself too seriously.”

Heffler Claims Group and HF Media LLC applaud our Notice and Media Expert,

Jeanne C. Finegan, APR for being selected as a Woman Worth Watching!

“I am truly honored to be among these highly accomplished and talented women who have been recognized for their initiative, inspiration and vision.”

-Jeanne C. Finegan, APR, President of HF Media LLC, an affiliate of Heffler Claims Group

Heffler congratulates all of the women who have been selected by Diversity Journal as Women Worth Watching!

1515 Market Street|Suite 1700|Philadelphia, PA|19102 California | New Jersey | New York | Oklahoma | Oregon

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PROFILES IN DIVERSITY JOURNAL Summer 2015

14th Annual Women Worth Watching Awards

M

eet the winners of the 14th annual Women Worth Watching awards—100 dynamic professional women who are using their talents and influence to change our workplaces and our world.

Selected from the hundreds of women named by their organizations as major influencers in their success, these accomplished leaders represent nearly every discipline and business sector—from corporate organizations to educational institutions, public agencies to nonprofit groups.

We’re proud to celebrate the commitment and achievements of these outstanding women, and share their stories in the hope of encouraging the next generation of women leaders. We’re equally proud to celebrate their companies—places where women can truly take their careers to new heights.

Hear more from the Women Worth Watching Class of 2015 at diversityjournal.com.

Read more at WWW.DIVERSITYJOURNAL.COM

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Watch Out

Mayer Brown congratulates our partners Lori Lightfoot, the recently appointed Chair of the Chicago Police Board, and Rebecca Eisner, the new partner-in-charge of our Chicago office, on being selected as “Women Worth Watching.� We thank the Diversity Journal for confirming what we already knew about these remarkable women and lawyers.

Americas | Asia | Europe | www.mayerbrown.com

It might not be obvious now, but the hard work will pay off and it will be in ways that you never dreamed of.

Dr. Denise Rutherford 3M’s VP, Latin America: From STEM Star to International Business Leader Not only is Denise Rutherford a passionate advocate for women, and for women in STEM careers, but also for all employees everywhere. In addition to her substantial technical knowledge and successful business leadership, Denise has gained deep international experience and the respect of colleagues and customers alike. She focuses on delivering results, as well as elevating the skills and effectiveness of her people.

In a 3M career spanning more than a quarter of a century, Denise has contributed to the company’s success in roles ranging from research

chemist to lab manager and technical director, and from vice president and general manager of 3M’s Aerospace and Aircraft Maintenance department to vice president of all Latin American operations—a position she holds today. “Moving from technical management to business management was my big jump,” says Rutherford.

“I learned an incredible amount about how the company works across all functions to meet customers’ expectations and create value in our markets.”

In addition to her valuable contributions at 3M, Denise developed and continues to serve as chair of the

Women’s Leadership Forum for Latin America.

Denise holds a PhD in organic chemistry from Colorado State University–Fort Collins, as well as an MS in chemistry and a BS in chemistry and mathematics from Murray State University. She gives generously of her time as volunteer, board leader, and a mentor and coach to men and women alike.

Her enthusiasm and positivity are contagious, and her ability to candidly and openly address issues that are often uncomfortable is widely admired. PDJ

Read more at WWW.DIVERSITYJOURNAL.COM

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…be authentic and self-aware…

Cari Dawson Alston & Bird’s Class Action Practice Chair Wins Cases and Honors across the US A creative problem solver, legal strategist, and committed advocate, Cari Dawson serves as chair of Alston & Bird’s Class Action practice, where she has successfully defended Fortune 500 companies as lead counsel in highprofile enterprise litigation throughout the United States. She has defended hundreds of class actions across an array of industries and regularly assists clients in the areas of commercial litigation, strategic counseling, and crisis management.

As co-chair of Alston & Bird’s Diversity Committee, Cari has played a leading role in championing diversity and inclusion within the firm and its communities. Her efforts, which include mentoring, advocating for, and sponsoring associates, have helped enhance the

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firm’s workplace diversity and resulted in significant marketplace recognition, such as its recent inclusion on FORTUNE’s “100 Best Companies to Work For™” list for 2015 (making Alston & Bird the first and only law firm to earn this distinction for 16 consecutive years).

She also serves on the Executive Committee of the Commercial Law Section of the National Bar Association, is active in Corporate Counsel Women of Color, and participates in a variety of diverse bar organizations nationwide.

“Being a woman in my profession has been both a challenge and a benefit.” Cari said. “The number of black women partners at Am Law 100 law firms remains less than 2 percent, and unconscious bias impacts

PROFILES IN DIVERSITY JOURNAL Summer 2015

adversely the advancement of women of color in the legal profession.

But I strongly believe many attributes I have, often characterized as “female” attributes, make me a more effective attorney.”

Cari was selected as one of the country’s “Most Influential Black Lawyers” by Savoy Magazine in 2015, and recognized as one of the “100 Most Influential Lawyers in America”

by The National Law Journal in 2013.

She was also recognized as one of the country’s “Most Powerful & Influential Women” by the National Diversity Council in 2014, honored as 2012 “Corporate Counsel of the Year” by the John M. Langston Bar Association, and named to the “45 Under 45” list of remarkable women lawyers by The American Lawyer in 2011. PDJ

Jerrie Kertz was named Senior Vice President, Operations Planning and Optimization in September 2014.

She is responsible for technology operations planning, strategy, support, and optimization for major technology initiatives and products, as well as improvements to the end-to-end customer experience.

Jerrie leads planning efforts in support of the frontline field operations teams, care centers, and technology operations centers, as well as infrastructure planners and engineers. She is also responsible for AT&T’s global fleet, the company’s Business Continuity program, and operational matters for National Security and Emergency Preparedness.

Jerrie began her career with Southwestern Bell as an outside plant engineer in Arlington, Texas. She held field positions in Installation & Maintenance at different management levels in Fort Worth, Dallas, and Houston. She also worked in a dispatch center and served on the Operations Planning and Optimization team while in Houston and San Antonio. In addition, Jerrie has worked in Internal Audit, served as president of AT&T Messaging, led the Global Engineering Support team in Network Planning & Engineering, and served as vice president of application and service management in IT Operations. Along the way, she says, she learned to “never question my ability to take on a new role or assignment no matter how much of a stretch it may seem. I will always have something to offer and something to learn no matter what the role may be.”

A native Texan, Jerrie graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in industrial engineering and currently serves on the university’s Industrial and Systems Engineering Advisory Council. She and her husband, Lionel, and son, Kyle, make their home in Dallas, Texas. PDJ

Jerrie Kertz

A Senior VP with AT&T, this Texan Knows how to Optimize Success

…I will always have something to offer and something to learn…

Read more at WWW.DIVERSITYJOURNAL.COM

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Samantha Ryan

For this Electronic Arts SVP, Success Is All About How You Play the Games Samantha Ryan joined Electronic Arts in March 2015 as senior vice president and group general manager for EA Mobile, where she will lead the PopCap, Waystone, and Firemonkeys teams to drive successful live services and develop the next generation of mobile games. In her new role at Electronic Arts, she’s tasked with leading incredible mobile games like

…don’t be afraid to leap.

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PROFILES IN DIVERSITY JOURNAL Summer 2015

Plants vs. Zombies, Real Racing, and Bejeweled, and applying her experience in AAA console and PC franchises to the mobile landscape.

“I grew up as a gamer,” said Samantha. “We had an Atari 2600 and a Commodore 64 growing up. At that time, you couldn’t pursue a degree in games, but In the back of my mind I wanted to do something I was really passionate about. I always knew.”

As the lead on games like MiddleEarth: Shadow of Mordor, Mortal Kombat X and Batman Arkham Knight for Warner Bros., Samantha is one of the few women who have led the development of “core” videogames. Her leadership on Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor led to it being named to countless “Game of the Year” lists and recognized as one of the most critically acclaimed games of 2014.

Samantha has emerged as a formidable leader in the interactive entertainment industry traditionally dominated by men.

Prior to joining EA, Samantha served as senior vice president of production and development for Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, where she played a critical role in the success of titles such as Injustice: Gods Among Us, the award-winning Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, and the Batman: Arkham Franchise.

“I was President of Monolith Productions when Warner Bros. acquired the company,” said Samantha. “I had the opportunity to manage all of Warner Bros. Studios, going from managing a 100-person team to eventually over 2,000 worldwide. I got to be there for the full ride.”

Samantha Ryan lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her family. PDJ

T

THIS IS PARKER The challenge

Developing the next generation of business and technology leaders

At Parker, diversity is not just a part of our rich history or present culture, but a central aspect of our long-term goals and future plans. Diversity is essential in creating a workplace in which all of our employees are empowered, have the ability to grow and are recognized for their contributions. This year, Parker is proud to congratulate Robin Davenport, Vice President, Corporate Finance, for being recognized as a Woman Worth Watching.

…SELF-CONFIDENCE IS SIMPLY KNOWING WHAT YOU WANT AND GOING FOR IT. Natasha M. Songonuga

This Director is a “Rising Star” and Critical Member of the Gibbons Team Natasha Songonuga has extensive experience in business reorganization and restructuring matters, working across the full spectrum of Chapter 11 cases, as well as counseling creditors in assignments for the benefit of creditors in state court insolvency proceedings.

She also handles other bankruptcy matters and has represented landlords in FDIC receiverships of banks.

Natasha was one of only 20 attorneys selected to the Super Lawyers 2013 Delaware Rising Stars list.

“My biggest career leap was leaving Gibbons in the middle of my career for the opportunity to take the DE bar exam,” said Natasha. “While that leap was very risky and rocky in the beginning, I learned that self-confidence is simply knowing what you want and going for it.”

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Natasha is a critical member of a team headed by James R. Zazzali, of counsel to Gibbons and former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of New Jersey, who serves as Chapter 11 Trustee for DBSI, Inc., and 51 affiliated Chapter 11 debtors in jointly administered cases pending in the US Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.

Representation of the Trustee involves, among other things, the resolution of many significant issues, as well as numerous contested matters relating to the debtors’ multimillion dollar real estate portfolio. Approximately 34,000 creditor claims have been filed, and liabilities are estimated to be $600 million—the largest number of claims in a single case ever handled by the debtors’ claims agent. Natasha works

PROFILES IN DIVERSITY JOURNAL Summer 2015

closely with the firm’s litigation, corporate, and real estate finance practices in this representation, as well as with other members of the bankruptcy team.

As director of Gibbons P.C.’s Financial Restructuring & Creditors’ Rights Department—a position to which she was named in January 2015—Natasha is a key component of the firm’s robust Delaware practice. In participating in the representation of the Chapter 11 trustee for DBSI, Inc., and its affiliates—a conglomerate of real estate entities with listed assets valued at over $2.65 billion—Natasha was instrumental in a complex process that resulted in the confirmation of a joint Chapter 11 plan of liquidation. PDJ

Bonnie Crater

Full Circle’s Cofounder and CEO Is in it to Win it Every Time Bonnie has been heavily involved in the sales lead management industry since her graduation from Princeton University, and has held executive positions at major companies, including Salesforce, Oracle, Genesys, Netscape, Stratify, and Network Computing Inc. As the cofounder, president, and CEO of Full Circle Insights, Bonnie has helped many companies optimize their sales data and innovate their CRM efforts.

Bonnie and her team bootstrapped Full Circle Insights for the first year and a half, only paying themselves 10 percent of their target salaries.

Gradually, as the business grew, they upped their pay to 50 percent. Her commitment to the company was high and Bonnie was confident that, while most companies fail, Full Circle Insight’s success was a good bet based on her experience and the experience of her team. Bonnie’s next goal is to more than double the company’s size every year for as long as possible.

“I think my biggest career leap was learning to speak in public,” said Bonnie. “Since I am naturally introverted, public speaking was really difficult for me. But I clearly understood that speaking before a large audience was required for a management role. Consequently, I forced myself to learn.”

Repeatedly recognized for her outstanding achievements in the industry, as well as her hands-on approach, Bonnie credits her high standards to being an athlete all her life—from rowing and sailing at Princeton, to speed skating, polo, and tennis as an adult. Her desire to pursue new challenges in business as in athletics springs from her enjoyment of competition, the journey, working hard to win, and living to fight another day after a loss. PDJ

Anything can happen.

Read more at WWW.DIVERSITYJOURNAL.COM

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Michelle O’Neill

This Alcoa VP Plays a Leading Role on the Global Stage

Since 2012, Michelle O’Neill has served as Alcoa’s top government relations executive based in Washington, DC. She plays a leading role in complex business

transactions, including power negotiations in Canada, assets sales in Jamaica and Suriname, and support for major US investments.

Before joining the Alcoa team, Mi-

chelle served as Deputy UnderSecretary of Commerce for International Trade for seven years, overseeing the daily operations of the International Trade Administration (ITA), whose mandate is to promote the competitiveness of US businesses at home and abroad. In this capacity, she managed an annual budget of $500 million and led more than 2,200 employees worldwide. Over the course of her ITA career, Michelle served in every major operating unit of the organization, including Deputy Assistant Secretary for Information Technology Industries, where she established the US government’s first Office of Electronic Commerce, and Commercial Attaché to the US Mission to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development in Paris.

Throughout her career, Michelle has been active on critical trade and commercial issues affecting the US economy, ranging from addressing market access barriers for US firms in China, Russia, and Europe to helping companies across the country expand their export markets. She has received many awards and recognitions.

“My biggest career leap was my move from managing a handful of people to a staff of more than 40,” says Michele. “My boss at the time took a risk; I learned to do the same.”

Michelle has also been an advocate for the homeless and underserved in the DC area through her work with Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Christ House, and Bread Inc. Her devotion to her family and community, and her ability to achieve both professional and personal goals is truly inspiring.

A member of the Carlton Club, the Aluminum Association’s board of directors, and the board of Bread Inc., Michelle earned a bachelor’s degree from Sweet Briar College and a master’s from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas. PDJ

My boss at the time took a risk; I learned to do the same.

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PROFILES IN DIVERSITY JOURNAL Summer 2015

…the greatest resource for success is the team you build around you.

Raynor Dahlquist-Hutchinson

This VP & Director Drives Cyber Success for Booz Allen In March 2015, Raynor Dahlquist-Hutchinson, VP and Director of Booz Allen’s Cyber Solutions Network™, was named a Booz Allen “Leading Lady”—one of sixteen at the firm. The Cyber Solutions Network delivers managedservice infrastructure and tools used by client teams to deliver solutions to our clients including some managedservice offerings. Raynor is responsible for overseeing more than 100 resources, representing an over $10 million investment, that work across all firm markets to deliver client-facing solutions. The team she leads provides cyber assurance testing, client engagement and proposal support, infrastructure and

operations support, and engineering and project management support.

Accomplished and driven, Raynor’s contributions have had tremendous business impact. In her prior work, she founded the first research and authoritative quarterly statistical publication for the domain industry and created a new research category for analysts. Her expertise is often sought, and quoted, by publications like The Business Journal.

Prior to joining the Booz Allen team, Raynor was responsible for leading Verisign Naming Services (a leading global provider of Internet infrastructure services) division, with P&L and operational oversight.

During her tenure with Verisign,

Raynor grew total revenues, year-overyear, by as much as 23 percent—even reporting 12 percent growth during the recent global economic downturn.

“My biggest career leap came from raising my hand and asking to take on a role that others did not want,” said Raynor. “It was a lot of hard work— turning around a large business unit and creating a sustainable relationship with the clients—but it turned out to be a great role. I learned that great opportunities come most often when we have to admit that we have absolutely no idea what we are doing and then set a course to master the opportunity. I also learned that the greatest resource for success is the team you build around you.” PDJ

Read more at WWW.DIVERSITYJOURNAL.COM

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Kristy Fercho

This Dynamic SVP Builds Relationships and Revenues for Fannie Mae Kristy Fercho, Fannie Mae’s senior vice president of customer engagement–west, and head of customer management, is responsible for the

creation and management of Fannie Mae’s value propositions for all customers in the 27 states in the western United States. She also works to maxi-

mize the value of existing customer relationships, develop new customers, negotiate pricing and contracts, and coordinate company activities intended to establish, support, execute, and enforce business arrangements.

Previously, Kristy served as senior vice president for Fannie Mae’s singlefamily mortgage business, central region. Responsible for managing the business contributions of nearly 2,000 lenders, she drove the achievement of revenue, profitability, and housing mission goals through business development, risk management, credit and pricing, technology initiatives, and best market execution.

Earlier in her Fannie Mae career, Kristy served as vice president of human resources, responsible for company-wide programs and initiatives to improve work force performance, utilization, and satisfaction. She led the company’s culture transformation effort, guided development of its people strategy, and oversaw the design and execution of programs and initiatives required to implement this strategy.

“I think the most important quality a woman leader should have is authenticity,” said Kristy. “Be comfortable in who you are. You will always be more effective being your true and authentic self.”

Prior to joining Fannie Mae in 2002, Kristy was with PepsiCo for eight and a half years, most recently as director of HR for several corporate functions worldwide. She began her career at Baxter Healthcare, with positions in sales, operations, and HR. Kristy served as chairperson of the National Advisory Council for First American Corporation until 2010.

That same year, she was recognized

by STEM magazine as one of 50 Top Women in Finance. She was also named one of Diversity MBA Magazine’s “2012 Top 100 Under 50 Diverse Executive and Emerging Leaders.” PDJ

YOU WILL ALWAYS BE MORE EFFECTIVE BEING YOUR TRUE AND AUTHENTIC SELF. 28

PROFILES IN DIVERSITY JOURNAL Summer 2015

We are living and leading in an ever-changing world…

Sheila Tierney

Education, Hard Work, and Perseverance Propelled this Ingersoll Rand VP to Success As vice president of product management for the HVAC Parts and Supply Solutions business unit at Ingersoll Rand, Sheila Tierney is responsible for product management and pricing. To enable her team to deliver solutions to customers that drive sustainable growth and improve overall customer satisfaction, Sheila leads crossfunctional programs and works externally with channel partners and customers to better understand their needs.

After joining Ingersoll Rand in April 2010 as vice president of global procurement, Sheila led more than $7 billion of purchases globally, developed a supplier development team to manage 7,000 direct material suppliers, and led the global logistics and compliance execution team. As part of the company’s growth plan,

Sheila focused her efforts on new product development, functional expertise, and supplier innovation.

Her prior experience includes three years with General Electric as general manager of strategic sourcing and 10 years with Navistar, where her roles included product manager of engine service, program manager for Ford accounts, director of service parts, and vice president of purchasing and logistics.

Sheila credits her Irish parents with instilling in her the quality of perseverance and impressing upon her that education is the key to success in America. She worked her way through college at the University of Illinois; as a result of her performance with Navistar, her MBA at Northwestern University was sponsored.

“We are living and leading in an

ever-changing world, which requires tenacity and drive,” said Sheila of the lessons her parents taught her.

“It’s important to have confidence in your ideas and approaches, and to push through obstacles to see them through.”

Sheila shares her leadership skills in the community with efforts close to her heart. For the past 15 years, she has been a team leader for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Great Strides Walk, where she has helped raise more than $120,000. She is also a member of Be the Miracle, an organization of 100 women focused on improving the quality of life for families in Iredell County, North Carolina. Most recently, Sheila joined the National Minority Supplier Development Council board. PDJ

Read more at WWW.DIVERSITYJOURNAL.COM

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Jeanne C. Finegan, APR

HF Media’s President Sets the Standard for Legal Communication Outreach For the past 25 years, Jeanne Finegan has been recognized as a distinguished legal notice and communications expert. She is a leader in her field, planning and implementing mission-critical, highstakes, legal communication projects, such as FTC government enforcement actions, class action settlements, product recall, and crisis communication, including consulting with the Consumer Protection Safety Commission to make product recalls more effective. Today, she is president of HF Media LLC. Jeanne’s early career as a broadcast reporter and market researcher gave her a unique lens on business and communication—to be thorough and thoughtful, to look at all the angles, and to always support your decisions.

This created a basis for her multifaceted career in legal communications, sales, and marketing, starting with the founding her own communications firm, which was later acquired by one of the largest legal administration firms.

Joining that firm as a senior corporate executive, she developed high-level sales infrastructures, business cases, and corporate branding strategies. She also contributed to a more than $100 million buyout of a major administration firm.

“Starting my own business was a huge leap,” said Jeanne. “My best take away from the experience was that you can’t win every time out, but if you focus on doing the best job you can every day, the rest falls into place.”

Jeanne is accredited in public relations (APR) by the Universal Accredi-

tation Board, a program administered by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), and has served on examination panels for APR candidates. Additionally, she has served as a volunteer judge for the prestigious PRSA awards.

As the first notice expert to integrate social and mobile media into courtapproved legal notice programs, she continues to set the standard for modern legal communication outreach. Her efforts have also been praised by many federal courts. PDJ

…if you focus on doing the best job you can every day, the rest falls into place.

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PROFILES IN DIVERSITY JOURNAL Summer 2015

Jill Surdek

This Talented VP Makes Customer Service Soar at American Airlines A valued member of the American Airlines team since 1998, Jill Surdek has served in many strategic roles. In her current position as vice president of customer planning, Jill oversees airport and reservation policies, automation and training, customer relations, service recovery, and lounges, with responsibility for the overall airport experience, including implementing new tools the let employees and customers access real-time operational information and leading American’s service recovery team in assisting customers experiencing an operational disruption. Jill also oversees a network of over 50 lounges to ensure that we deliver world-class service to frequent travelers.

Previously, Jill was American’s managing director of brand and customer experience strategy, with a variety of

responsibilities, including menu design and operations for onboard food and beverage offerings, and strategy for airport lounges. She led the successful multi-year modernization of the iconic American Airlines brand.

The brand re-launch had a significant impact on company advertising, digital channels, airport environments, communications, lounge design, employee uniforms, and aircraft livery.

The new brand identity won a prestigious CLIO award in 2013. Jill’s focus on the customer experience, combined with her business acumen, leadership skills, and diverse airline experience, helped achieve these exceptional results.

Jill has also held leadership positions in sales and revenue management, overseeing teams collaborating with Latin American stations to improve

revenue and establish relationships with international alliance partners offering joint business programs.

“I believe any leader should be a good listener and communicate effectively,” says Jill. “Being able to articulate your team’s goals in a way that energizes the group and addresses concerns will always get you much closer to achieving them.”

A past member of the International Flight Services Association board and currently active in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America program, Jill received her undergraduate degree from Boston College and her MBA from the University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School.

She is married, with two children—a 12-year-old daughter and a 10-yearold son. PDJ

…have confidence in your abilities, but be humble enough to learn...

Read more at WWW.DIVERSITYJOURNAL.COM

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The right decisions are never the easiest to make, but they are the most rewarding…

Nancy Santiago Negrón

The OFN’s Chief External Affairs Officer Builds Partnerships that Change Lives Nancy Santiago Negrón currently serves as the Opportunity Finance Network’s chief of external affairs, where she manages OFN’s publicfacing work, building relationships that create new opportunities and strategic partnerships for the organization, its members, and the entire opportunity finance industry.

Nancy brings many years of experience advocating for policies that transform lives in underserved communities, including experience as a senior-level official in the Obama Administration—as chief of staff for the Department of Education’s Strategic Partnerships team in the Office of the Secretary and as acting deputy director at the Women’s Bureau in the Department of Labor.

“Taking that job was my biggest

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career leap,” said Nancy. “The right decisions are never the easiest to make, but they are the most rewarding in the end. I had to leave my family, my friends, and my ‘safe’ career path to make a big difference.

I don’t regret it.”

While with the Obama Administration, she developed partnerships with local communities and businesses in high-poverty areas in order to create jobs, increase economic activity, improve educational opportunities, and leverage private investment.

Through her work on national initiatives like Promise Zones, Performance Partnership Pilots, and “My Brother’s Keeper,” she partnered with local leaders to make investments that reward hard work and expand opportunity.

PROFILES IN DIVERSITY JOURNAL Summer 2015

She also served as director of policy and planning at the Philadelphia Youth Network, performed legislative work at PECO/Exelon, and held leadership roles with the School District of Philadelphia.

Nancy’s professional life has been focused on finding ways to move children and families of minimal financial means out of poverty, increasing their access to power, and expanding their opportunities for social mobility—while supporting and inspiring staff and team members to reach their full potential. She is a dynamic, action-oriented leader who embraces ambitious goals and inspires others to do the same. Nancy holds a Master of Education degree, as well as an undergraduate degree, from Temple University. PDJ

…opportunity presents itself in unusual ways.

Megan Gomez, Esq.

This Sr. Legal Counsel Helps Create a Truly Inclusive Workplace at Excellus BCBS Megan Gomez is senior legal counsel for Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. Since joining the company in 2007, Megan has supported many departments within the health plan, including Utilization Management, Credentialing, and Analysis and Recovery. Currently, she works with the company’s medical group and long-term care insurance company. She also serves as attorney for Human Resources across the enterprise, which includes about 6,000 employees, handling issues raised by the HR team, as well as external inquiries from oversight agencies.

In her work with Human Resources, Megan has focused on diversity and inclusion, challenging management

to embrace the idea that diversity is broader than skin color or ethnic background. One recent project she worked on with the Employee Resource Group seeks to achieve greater inclusion of employees experiencing gender transition. The team-based project aims at ensuring companywide support for those individuals.

“I have to say that my biggest career leap was switching practice areas 8 years into my career and taking on the labor and employment legal work in our organization,” says Megan.

“I learned to listen more, assume nothing, and that opportunity presents itself in unusual ways.”

After realizing the tremendous benefit of having wonderful mentors throughout her career, Megan is proud

to serve as a mentor to less senior attorneys and others in her department.

“Being a woman in my profession has been made easier by the women who came before me,” she says. “We still have a long way to go to achieve gender equality in the professions, and my predecessors inspire me to continue to fight for it.”

Megan earned her law degree from the University at Buffalo in 2005 and began her career as an attorney in 2006 at Brown & Kelly, LLP, in Buffalo, New York. She completed her undergraduate studies at Binghamton University in just three years and graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in English literature in 1999. PDJ

Read more at WWW.DIVERSITYJOURNAL.COM

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…your team defines you...

Christine Furstoss

GE’s Tech Director Drives Innovation and Mentors Tomorrow’s Leaders Christine Furstoss is responsible for GE’s advanced manufacturing agenda in the company’s Global Research Center (GE’s innovation hub) and oversees the activities of more than 600 team members. She works with research and development leaders in GE’s industrial businesses to drive growth strategies and implement critical process and material developments for industry-leading products and manufacturing.

Christine’s GE career spans 26 years, multiple GE business units, and many engineering roles. She is an expert on GE’s Brilliant Machines and manufacturing materials, and was an advocate for advanced manufacturing long before it was popular. She

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devotes time to developing the next generation of leaders and GE’s Affinity Networks through mentoring, speaking at events, and leadership roles. She formerly co-led the Women’s Network’s Women & Technology group, an initiative for women in engineering and technology roles. She is currently Global Research Center champion for the Women’s Network small group mentoring program.

“At just 5 years into my career, I went from a contributor to a coordinator/program manager,” said Christine.

“I learned that communication and influence skills were your greatest asset, and that your team defines you—so invest in them, be open with them, and support them so you all

PROFILES IN DIVERSITY JOURNAL Summer 2015

grow and succeed.”

In October 2014, Christine was selected by Penny Pritzker, US Secretary of Commerce, to serve on the National Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship (NACIE).

She also leads GE’s participation in the manufacturing innovation institutes launched by President Obama as a way to boost advanced manufacturing in the US. The Saratoga County School District recognized her for recruiting technologists from GE’s GRC mentor students participating in the district’s STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) initiative. At home, Christine grows a large garden each summer, so she can donate fresh produce to a local food bank. PDJ

For such a diverse group of people, it’s amazing how alike we are.

Janani P. Devoted Wife & Mother Director of Information Technology

Diversity and Inclusion at UnitedHealth Group. To the uninitiated, we may appear quite different. We represent a widely diverse group of cultural backgrounds, beliefs, perspectives and lifestyles. But inside each of us beats the heart of a relentlessly driven, crazy talented, mission focused professional. Our modest goals: Improve the lives of others. Change the landscape of health care forever. Leave the world a better place than we found it.

So if you ever ask yourself, “Do people like me work here?”

The answer is yes. We invite you to join us.

Whatever makes you special will SM inspire your life’s best work.

Online at: yourlifesbestwork.com facebook.com/uhgcareers

http://bit.ly/uhglinked

twitter.com/uhgcareers

youtube.com/uhgcareers

A job shouldn’t define you.

It should reflect you.

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

UnitedHealth Group is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment. © 2015 UnitedHealth Group. All rights reserved.

…we all have to make decisions…

Tammy Y. Hunter

KPMG Tax Partner Makes a Powerful Impact—at Work and in Life A KPMG tax partner and co-leader of KPMG’s Compliance Management Services, Tammy Hunter specializes in assisting clients with state and local tax issues. She has written articles appearing in the Journal of Multistate Taxation and Incentives and the Interstate Tax Report, and is a frequent speaker at seminars, including the Council on State Taxation, Georgetown University Law Center’s State and Local Tax Institute, and the Paul J. Hartman State Tax Forum. In 2011, Tammy was named an IMPACT Leader by Business to Business Magazine, in honor of her contribution to the improvement of the greater Atlanta business and civic communities.

In addition to her national tax role, Tammy serves as co-chair of KPMG’s Women’s Advisory Board (WAB) and

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is the executive sponsor of KPMG’s Network of Women (KNOW) in Atlanta, where she works with women from the firm and the Atlanta community to cultivate the next generation of women leaders. Tammy serves as a role model, sponsor, mentor, and advocate for the women in her office and practice, and for women across the firm. She also serves on the board of trustees for the KPMG Foundation.

Tammy lives by the adage Lead, follow, or get out of the way. “In business, we all have to make decisions to accomplish tasks, so you either lead or follow,” she said. “However, if you don’t want to lead and you don’t want to follow either, you need to move on and make room for someone else who does, so the group can be productive.”

In 2008, Tammy’s daughter Hayley

PROFILES IN DIVERSITY JOURNAL Summer 2015

was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive childhood cancer of the sympathetic nervous system.

While the news was devastating, the mother of three quickly channeled her energy in a positive direction. She founded CURE Childhood Cancer and became an advocate for cancer patients and pediatric cancer research.

Following Haley’s recovery, Tammy remains active with CURE, currently serving as board vice president. She also founded the Hayley Hunter Research Fund to raise money for neuroblastoma research and a cure for pediatric cancer. In 2013, Tammy was named KPMG’s Working Mother of the Year. PDJ

As senior vice president of front store business and chief merchant for CVS Health, Judy Strauss Sansone is responsible for all non-pharmacy merchandising and CRM personalization efforts, including CVS/pharmacy’s industry-leading loyalty program ExtraCare, in the company’s 7,800 retail stores nationwide.

Over the course of her 30-year career with CVS Health, she has had held several leadership roles, including vice president of retail innovation and store design and vice president of merchandising. In those roles, she was responsible for beauty, health care, store brands, general merchandise, consumables, and international sourcing.

“The words I live by are ‘decide and go,’” said Judy. “When you have an idea but no execution, there will be no result. I always encourage my team to bias toward action.”

In addition, Judy has also served as a member of CVS Health’s executive planning team and executed a series of successful store acquisitions and integrations that significantly increased CVS/pharmacy’s store count, while expanding into high-growth new markets.

“I knew my present career was what I wanted to do when I realized I couldn’t wait to come to work,” said Judy. “I work with a smart empowered team that’s focused on growth and innovation. We are working toward winning the hearts and minds of our customers and that is…fun!

“When I see the work our company does to help people on their path to better health, such as stopping the sale of cigarettes and tobacco products, it makes me even more proud to work here.” PDJ

…bias toward action.

Judy Strauss Sansone

CVS Health SVP Leads Strong and Enjoys a Healthy Dose of Success Read more at WWW.DIVERSITYJOURNAL.COM

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…do your best for the right reasons...

Tanzania (Tan) Adams

Georgia Power’s Area Manager Is a Powerful Advocate for Women in STEM An interest in telecommunications and power generation led Tan Adams to pursue a degree in electrical engineering at the University of Alabama. It also led her to become a power delivery distribution engineer at Alabama Power, one of the four US utilities operated by Southern Company. Over the years, she has held positions of increasing responsibility and leadership, including her current role as an area manager for Georgia Power.

Tan’s flexibility and business acumen have led to her being selected for roles in a variety of company organizations and departments, including power delivery, industrial/large commercial accounts, generation development and fuels, finance, pricing and rate design,

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transmission financial, and regulatory affairs. She has always been quite visible, in terms of her performance, and successful in each role she filled.

“I knew my present career was what I wanted to do when I was able to ride by my first completed project,” said Tan. “I had a great sense of pride and excitement. I still feel that way about each project I complete.

“When you do your best for the right reasons, everything will work out.”

Tan exemplifies Georgia Power’s motto, “A citizen wherever we serve,” in both her professional and personal life. As someone who has had mentors throughout her professional career, and strongly believes in paying it forward, she serves as an adviser,

PROFILES IN DIVERSITY JOURNAL Summer 2015

mentor, and friend to men and women throughout the company. In the community, Tan gives her time and effort to coaching and mentoring students, and encouraging them to seek rewarding STEM careers in the electric utility industry.

Tan led Gwinnett Technical College’s Women in Technology Corporate Advisory Board, and is a graduate of the United Way of Greater Atlanta Volunteer Involvement Program. In Alabama, she led the Southern Division United Way Campaign, was a Boy Scouts of America Engineering Explorer Advisor, and served as vice president for the Society of American Military Engineers Post in Montgomery. PDJ

Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence…

Christine D. Hanley

This Partner Helps FordHarrison Lawyers and Staff Grow Great Careers A graduate of The University of Miami Schools of Law (JD) and Business (MBA), Christine Hanley founded and grew her own law practice before merging her 20-year business into FordHarrison in 2013. Leading without ego, she provides the resources, support, and environment that facilitate the professional growth of staff and lawyers alike.

“Starting my own practice in 1983 was my biggest career leap,” said Christine. “Twenty years and 600+ corporate clients later I learned that Calvin Coolidge was right when he said ‘Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence… persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.’”

Board certified in Labor & Employment Law by the Florida Bar and certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources by HRCI, Christine’s practice is largely preventive. She has counseled and advised hundreds of clients in scores of industries to bring or keep them in compliance with workplace laws, rules, and regulations, so they can concentrate on their businesses. Christine has also presented training programs on employment law, labor law, risk avoidance, and more for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County (BGCPBC), BGC of America, the local Chamber, and dozens of other organizations.

Christine has served as BGCPBC vice chair of operations and legal since 1998, and has been a member of its

board since 1994. She is also general counsel and a trustee of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches, as well as a former board member.

The recipient of many well-deserved accolades, Christine received the 2014 Private Sector Leadership Award from Executive Women of the Palm Beaches, the 2011 Athena Business of the Year award, the 1999 “Pro Bono Employment Law Award,” and the 2010 “Pro Bono Firm Award” from Palm Beach County Legal Aid Society.

She is “AV” Rated by MartindaleHubbell, a Florida Super Lawyer (since 2006), and recognized by The Best Lawyers in America (since 2008).

Notwithstanding, she’ll tell you she’s never worked a day in her life.

Christine tends to smile ... a lot. PDJ

Read more at WWW.DIVERSITYJOURNAL.COM

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Delivering

ACCOLADES.

SRP congratulates this year’s Women Worth Watching award recipients, including our own Sara McCoy. Thank you for inspiring us.

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PROFILES IN DIVERSITY JOURNAL Summer 2015

Leadership is about bringing people together to achieve a common goal.

Robyn Price Stonehill

Assurant’s EVP and CHRO Increases Employee Engagement and Saves Millions As chief human resource officer for Assurant, Inc.—a Fortune 500 publicly traded company with nearly 17,500 employees around the world—Robyn Price Stonehill oversees all aspects of human resources, total rewards programs, and organizational development at the company.

During her 15 years with Assurant, Robyn has held roles of increasing responsibility, ultimately leading to her present role in July 2014. Her many accomplishments have had a quantifiable impact on the company— saving millions of dollars and increasing employee engagement. A pension actuary by trade, Robyn brings an extraordinary depth of financial expertise to her role that is

complemented by significant administrative and managerial skills, which have been critical for managing a wide range of initiatives in areas such as talent acquisition, diversity and inclusion, compensation, employee engagement, and employee financial literacy.

Prior to joining Assurant in 1999, Robyn served as manager in the human capital services consulting practice at Arthur Andersen, where she advised clients on retirement and benefits issues during mergers and acquisitions. She began her career as a pension actuary in the retirement consulting practice at KPMG. “I think my biggest career leap was leaving the actuarial profession and

moving into a human resources role,” Robyn says. “In changing positions, I learned that you don’t need to have all the technical qualifications for your job to be good at it.”

A lifelong champion of women in leadership roles, Robyn mentors and advocates for women leaders at Assurant. She is a member of the board of the Athena Leadership Council at Barnard College, which is dedicated to the advancement of women in leadership worldwide. And she serves as a member of the board of directors and finance committee of AMIT, an organization that runs more than 70 schools educating more than 20,000 children in Israel. PDJ

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Fight for what you believe in...

Christi (Lexi) R. Alexander

L-3 Communications’ SVP Has a Passion for National Security Lexi Alexander’s passion for the national security mission has deep roots.

During the Clinton administration, Lexi worked with the US Department of Defense, State Department, and allied embassies around the world on the first training and communication plans for US Special Operations Forces and their counterparts around the globe. The object was to ensure that these nations had adequate capabilities and communication lines for future operations.

Lexi was responsible for writing the transition plan for counterterrorism senior leaders and related operational policy during the change from the Clinton to the Bush administration.

The plan became the baseline for

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action during 9/11 and is still in use under the Obama administration. She also managed all aspects of federal chemical/biological tabletop and functional field exercises in more than 20 cities across 12 states.

A leadership style best described as “grace under fire,” along with an approachable personality and great expertise in the realm of US government and global affairs, has won Lexi the trust of her colleagues, her 120 subordinates, and her customers.

“Women in leadership must have grit,” said Lexi. “You can’t be afraid to fail. Fight for what you believe in or for an opportunity to achieve something of significance.”

Lexi has been a very active member

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of the Junior League for years, with particular time and attention paid to the Battered Women’s Shelter in Washington, DC. She led L-3 NSS to officially participate in its first fundraising walk for the homeless shelter in Reston, Virginia, garnering the support and participation of more than 250 employees from across all business sectors and enabling organizations.

Lexi holds a master’s degree in defense policy analysis and counterterrorism from George Washington University. PDJ

There is always something better just over each hill…

Regina (Gina) L. Andrukaitis

Her Technical Know-How Led to L-3/IEC Division Presidency Gina Andrukaitis is president of Interstate Electronics Corporation (IEC), a company that employs approximately 350 employees at its home office in Anaheim, California, and field services sites in Washington, DC, Port Canaveral, Florida, and on US Navy submarine bases and shipyards. IEC provides range and test systems for DOD weapons systems—as well as position, navigation, and timing subsystem components for precision weapons and platforms—in contested navigation environments.

During her 39 years of service in support of the L-3/IEC Fleet Ballistic Missile program, Gina has served in several positions in engineering support, logistics management,

application software development and field technical support, and program management. In 2006, she became vice president and general manager of range and test solutions, and retained that P&L responsibility until her promotion to president of Interstate Electronics in 2013.

As a divorced single mom reentering the workforce, Gina took on challenges that would shape her career and leadership style. “I went from administrative work to electronics work in a predominantly male-dominated workforce—it was a real career leap,” she said. “I learned that overcoming fear is the key to learning and growth. Trying new things brings opportunity. There is always something better just over

each hill we climb.

“While in the early days of my career it was uncommon for females to work alongside male military and field engineers, what I found was that if I didn’t make a big deal of it, neither did they,” said Gina. “I’ve had great support from both men and women as I have evolved in my career.”

Gina earned a Master of Science in business administration (with a concentration in information technology) from the University of Laverne.

She is an avid supporter of the Orange County United Way (OCUW), a member of the Tocqueville Society, and volunteers for the OCUW’s Women’s Philanthropy Fund. PDJ

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Do not let others define you.

Stacie L. Ropka, PhD This Axinn Counsel Brings the Perfect Blend of Science and Law Stacie Ropka began her career in the field of biology, having received both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in endocrinology from DePaul University.

She worked at Northwestern University, and then SUNY Upstate Medical University, as a research scientist in the fields of neurology, virology, and immunology, while also earning a PhD, with distinction, in microbiology and immunology. During this time, Stacie taught and engaged in original research, primarily on the role of immunity in motor neuron disease.

Presenting her research findings at numerous scientific conferences and in several peer-reviewed journals, she contributed significantly to the field of biology.

When she decided to change careers, she attended Syracuse

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University College of Law, where she graduated magna cum laude. After a short time at the intellectual property law firm Lerner David, she joined Axinn in 2007. Currently holding the position of counsel at the firm Stacie works primarily in the Intellectual Property practice group and focuses on IP litigation, due diligence, and client counseling. In particular, she deals with the life sciences, biologics, and biologic-based pharmaceuticals industries.

“Making the leap from scientist conducting experiments at the bench to lawyer providing legal advice was challenging,” said Stacie. “The subject matter might be the same, but each side uses a completely different vocabulary.

Becoming proficient in both provided me with a career niche as translator.”

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Stacie has served on the trial team for several patent lawsuits involving major pharmaceutical companies. She also provides extensive support for product development efforts relating to biologics and reconstructive biomaterials, including products that make use of adult stem cells.

An active member of the American Bar Association, The American Society for Microbiology, and The Antibody Society, Stacie also volunteers her time with the Connecticut Technology Council, providing support that fosters a collaborative network of women scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs. She remains up to date on scientific trends and technology, as well as legal developments, by regularly attending legal and scientific conferences. PDJ

Be confident, be genuine, be positive, be kind.

Jill Van Pelt

This SVP of HR is a Passionate Supporter of Denny’s Employees Everywhere Jill Van Pelt is the senior vice president of human resources and chief people officer for Denny’s Corporation, the franchisor and operator of one of America’s largest full-service restaurant chains, with more than 1,700 franchised, licensed, and company restaurants, located in all 50 states and 11 countries around the world.

As chief people officer, Jill is responsible for all human resources functions, including compensation, benefits, recruiting, employee relations, organizational and executive development, human resources systems, payroll, and local community and charitable activities. Additionally, she is significantly involved in internal communications

and crisismanagement, and cosponsors Denny’s corporate social responsibility activities.

As a member of Denny’s executive leadership team, Jill partners with Denny’s CEO, CFO, COO, and CMO to define and guide the strategy for the organization. She is a passionate advocate for the company’s employees, and promotes and encourages its many diversity and community-service activities.

Prior to joining Denny’s in 2006, Jill held human resources leadership positions with various organizations, including Maytag, Coastal Corporation, and Dynegy.

“My biggest career leap,” she said, “was taking an overseas assignment early in my career. On this project, I was the

only woman, the only American, and quite junior to most of my peers. I learned a lot about myself and my values while I gained great work experiences, amazing friendships, and a new level of confidence.”

Jill is actively involved in restaurant industry leadership groups and the local community in Denny’s home market of Spartanburg, South Carolina. Jill sits on several community and nonprofit boards, including Spartanburg Little Theatre, Spartanburg Youth Theatre Parent Advisory Council, United Way of the Piedmont (beginning in June 2015), and Women’s Foodservice Forum’s Learning & Development Advisory Committee. PDJ

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…tough, but rewarding…

Lia Patton

This BDO USA Assurance Partner Is Passionate about Diversity and Inclusion In her current role with BDO USA, LLP, Lia Patton serves as the firm’s Anchorage office lead for audits of Native Corporation entities, nonprofit entities, federal and State of Alaska Single Audits, employee benefit plan audits, and alternative investments.

She calls on her more than 15 years of auditing and accounting experience to oversee the large, complex engagements handled by this office.

Lia participates in the development and implementation of the firm’s national strategies and initiatives, including activities that support industry, business, technical, and client-service goals. Passionate about creating a culture of flexibility, diversity, and inclusion within the firm, she supports the BDO Women’s Initiative and flex strategies by hosting many of the local office events focused on

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women’s networking and career development, and by serving as a mentor to women, both locally and nationally. “Being a woman in my profession has been tough but rewarding,” said Lia. “I have been fortunate to have a strong family support system and incredible professional mentors along the way.”

Lia has been a frequent speaker on the topic of Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) for organizations such as the ERISA Forum and Associated General Contractors of Alaska, and attends annual American Institute of Certified Public Accountants national conferences, as well as BDO’s Annual Audit and Attest Conferences.

Prior to joining BDO USA, LLP, Lia served as an audit partner with Mikunda, Cottrell and Co. PDJ

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Because the drug development lifecycle can stretch up to 20 years, Teresa Lavoie knows that helping her clients achieve patent exclusivity is just one step in what must be a long-term strategic plan to position them for success in the marketplace. She ensures that a company’s patent and clinical development strategies are aligned to maximize the synergies and competitive advantages that derive from both patent and FDA regulatory approval exclusivities, and she helps clients build portfolios that deter generic entry.

Having earned both a master’s and doctorate in chemistry from Princeton University, as well as a law degree, magna cum laude, from the University of Minnesota Law School, Teresa brings a unique blend of scientific and legal expertise to the business and regulatory challenges her clients face. She shares her knowledge by teaching a biotech patent law course as an adjunct professor at the University of Minnesota. For the past five years, she has coordinated Fish’s annual Life Sciences IP Summit, which brings approximately 75 industry leaders, clients, and potential clients together to discuss issues, trends, and best practices. And she runs the firm’s Patent Boot Camp program, an intensive two and a half day course that enables clients and Fish staff to learn the basics of patent prosecution.

“I knew my present career was what I wanted to do when I no longer felt dread on Sunday nights thinking about going to work on Monday morning,” said Teresa. “My clients do amazing science and I get to see it and their enthusiasm first-hand.

What could be better than that?”

Teresa mentors young lawyers through the firm’s Diversity in Practice program, as a group leader for associates, and as a member of the firm’s Professional Development Committee.

In 2006, after her mother was

diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s, Teresa launched “The Give to Remember Foundation,” a nonprofit organization that gives grants to caregivers of Alzheimer patients who can’t afford to hire help. PDJ

When you are passionate about your work, it’s a lot easier to do.

Teresa A. Lavoie, PhD

This Fish & Richardson Principal Loves to Share What She’s Learned Read more at WWW.DIVERSITYJOURNAL.COM

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…inspire others to be their best.

Elizabeth Cooper

Blazing New Trails Is Just Business as Usual for JLL’s International Director Elizabeth Cooper began her career as a commercial real estate attorney at Covington & Burling LLP, where she negotiated client leases and the firm’s office transactions. She then joined The Staubach Company, quickly becoming the only female revenueproducing member of its northeast management committee and a top producer. When Staubach merged with JLL in 2008, Elizabeth took on a leadership role with her new company.

Today, Elizabeth leads JLL’s brokerage practice, which represents some of the world’s top law firms. She is consistently ranked as a top producer— achieving a top-ten ranking several times. As a thought leader and trusted advisor, she has negotiated commer-

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cial leases that represent more than 50 million square feet of space; quadrupled the size of the law firm group; and closed transactions with a total lease value of more than $5.7 billion.

“The most important quality any leader can have is the ability to inspire others to be their best,” says Elizabeth.

Calling on her more than 26 years of professional experience, Elizabeth mentors other women. She has created, participates in, or leads JLL programs that establish leadership paths for women brokerage professionals, including the firm’s Women’s Business Network, Diversity & Inclusion Council, Leadership Council & Advisory Board, Brokerage Leadership Council, and mentor protégé program.

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Elizabeth also has participated in The Mid-Atlantic Women’s Business Network’s “Walk in My Shoes” program, and is a graduate of Leading Women Executives.

Succeeding in an industry in which women are the exception rather than the rule is nothing new for this mother of four. She played on the boys’ varsity tennis team in high school and was a member of one of the first co-ed classes at Amherst College. Elizabeth’s ability to understand the law, law firm real estate strategies, and effective negotiating strategy has led to significant value creation for her clients, her colleagues, and her community. PDJ

You never know where your career will take you.

Jennifer Marchetti

On and off the Job, BHGRE’s CMO Helps Brands Stand Out Jennifer Marchetti became chief marketing officer at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, a franchisor of residential real estate companies and a subsidiary of Realogy Holdings Corporation, four years into her tenure with the brand, which began in 2010. At BHGRE, Jennifer oversees brand marketing, technology, events, social media, and communications.

Under her marketing leadership, BHGRE launched a groundbreaking lifestyle search-based website (bhgre.com), introduced the real estate industry’s most comprehensive social media strategy, and launched a series of innovative marketing and thought leadership campaigns that have gained the brand a strong share of voice and accelerated growth. She also led the creation of the brand’s Be Bettersm industry campaign and Expect Bettersm

consumer campaign, and published leading-edge research on millennials, Gen Z, luxury buyers, and Baby Boomers in real estate.

“The real estate industry is teeming with entrepreneurial women,” said Jennifer. “Our CEO, Sherry Chris, is the epitome of what a woman can achieve in business. Our company strives to connect women through events, personal interactions, and social media. Through collaboration, we apply our collective expertise to move the industry forward.”

She has also used her branding, strategy, and communications expertise to help the New Jersey Chapter of the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, as well as the American Hippotherapy Association, develop effective marketing and strategic planning.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology with honors from Duke University, Jennifer began her career in press and investor relations at Trilogy, a business software company.

She moved on to oversee marketing for Cendant Corporation’s hospitalityfocused business development group, managing a portfolio of partnerships representing tens of millions of dollars of revenue.

In 2005, Jennifer joined Wyndham Worldwide, where she first led strategy for the world’s largest hotel loyalty program, Wyndham Rewards, and oversaw its global rebranding efforts.

Later, she provided oversight and guidance to marketing, technology, and branding for Wyndham’s stable of hospitality brands, including Wyndham, Wingate, and TRYP. PDJ

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Every person, thing, and moment matter.

Kristen Vennum

EY Principal Helps Companies Achieve Healthy Business Transformation Outcomes Kristen Vennum is a principal in Ernst & Young LLP’s Advisory Services, Performance Improvement– Customer practice, specializing in the health care sector globally. Kristen helps companies achieve profitable growth through business transformation efforts focused on acquiring, developing, and retaining valuable customer relationships. She has extensive experience in customer

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strategy development, customer experience design and execution, sales and marketing effectiveness, customer-focused process improvement, and the people and organizational change components that support successful business transformation outcomes.

Kristen currently serves as EY’s Global Client Service Partner for a Fortune 100 global health service company.

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“Going from a small consulting company in my hometown to joining EY as a direct admit partner—and then taking on the leadership role of Global Client Service Partner—was a big career leap,” said Kristen. “I thought this large, global firm would overwhelm me, but instead, I was so warmly welcomed and within a few months, EY felt like home. I was able to turn around and offer the same kindness to the next person joining EY. As I look forward to serving global clients in bigger and better ways, I take this experience with me and look forward to helping others feel at home and welcomed, so we can spend our energy worrying about our clients’ problems, instead of about fitting in.”

Kristen speaks at industry conferences on the transformation occurring in the health care industry, and has been published in Forbes, Managed Healthcare Executive, Becker’s Hospital CFO, and CRM Magazine.

Her customer transformation work was recognized in an independent case study by Kennedy Information as leading edge for strategy and operations consulting, as clients “grow more with less.” In 2009, she was recognized as one of Consulting Magazine’s “Women Leaders in Consulting.”

In 2015, Kristen and her team coordinated EY’s nationwide support of the March of Dimes Foundation’s March for Babies. She also supports several charities focused on the LGBT community. PDJ

The place you belong Our unique backgrounds, life experiences and passions make us individuals. But when we work together as a diverse group of creative thinkers and doers, we make real-world impact.

Built on the strengths of RockTenn and MWV, we’re a leading global packaging company focused on customers, innovation and operational excellence. Our 42,000 team members in 30 countries work side by side with our customers, combining practical innovation with rigorous execution to deliver unbeatable paper and packaging solutions.

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If you can develop people and create business solutions, you can lead anywhere.

Dianne Earley

Manheim’s VP of Sales Operations Sets High Standards—Especially for Herself A natural leader with a calm and professional demeanor, Diane Earley currently serves as the vice president of sales operations for Manheim, a division of Cox Automotive. Prior to taking on that role, she was market vice president for Manheim’s Mid-Atlantic region, where she was responsible for executing business strategy to achieve revenue and market share targets. During her tenure with the Cox organization, she also spent eight years as a vice president with Cox Automotive’s sister company, Cox Communications.

Diane has a knack for identifying top talent and developing those who work for her. She is a also strategic

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thinker with high personal standards, who fosters open communications, builds talent pools to ensure continued success, displays a genuine interest in the well-being of others, sets high standards of performance for herself and her team, and puts the success of team above her own interests.

“I spent many years in the media business before shifting to automotive with Manheim,” said Diane. “I transitioned from leading a sales team to leading an operations team, from focusing on revenue to focusing on operational efficiency. I quickly learned that people are people and business problems are business problems. If you can develop people

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and create business solutions, you can lead anywhere.”

In addition to establishing a highpotential advisory board, Diane also worked to establish a diversity council in her former market.

“Being a woman in my profession has been self-affirming,” she said.

“There are times as a woman (and a minority) in business when I’ve faced some stereotypical thinking. I’ve always tried to combat those negatives by affirming myself…working hard to ensure my work is valued, being clear on my professional strengths, and exhibiting behaviors that command respect from others.” PDJ

…you can achieve almost anything with the right team and support network in place.

Amy Mills

Strategist, Innovator, Team Builder— this VP Does it All for Cox Automotive As vice president of strategic planning for Cox Automotive, Amy Mills leads a talented team focused on strategic plan development across Cox Automotive, as well as measurement and progress reporting.

With Cox for 13 years, Amy was a key executive behind the architecture and strategy development for the company, defining how the 20 different automotive businesses would come together. She assembled the Cox Automotive strategic planning team and delivered the first strategic roadmap.

In her role with Manheim (a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises), Amy led the transformation of the com-

pany’s digital presence to include live and listed bid technologies, positioning the company as the lead digital commerce site in the wholesale automobile industry. Manheim now sells more than one million vehicles via its digital channels, with monthly visits of five million. She was instrumental in the development and implementation of Manheim’s mobile device strategy, leading the project that enabled search, bid, and purchase across mobile devices. The mobile project provides customers with an open experience that allows them to move from physical to digital, and pc to mobile device.

“I consider my first role in product

management and operations my biggest career leap,” said Amy. “I learned that you can achieve almost anything with the right team and support network in place.”

An outstanding strategist, digital technology innovator, and high-performance team builder, Amy does an excellent job of bringing organizations together toward a common vision and purpose. She focuses on her team’s development, helping to shape many up-andcoming Cox Automotive strategic and product executives. Amy earned her bachelor’s degree at Appalachian State University. PDJ

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Don’t be afraid to sell yourself more.

Susie Heins

Manheim’s VP of Dealer Sales Leads by Example Susie Heins is a dynamic leader with extensive experience and tremendous passion for the automotive remarketing industry. In her current role as Manheim’s vice president of dealer sales, Susie oversees national and regional dealer sales, which involves the company’s largest dealer accounts.

She is responsible for all aspects of the company’s overall sales initiative, from strategy and business planning, to budgeting and forecasting, to coaching and developing key sales teams that play a consultative role for these critical accounts.

Susie joined Cox Automotive (the parent company of Autotrader and Manheim) in 1999, when she became a district sales manager for Autotrader.

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Approximately one year later, she made the move to the Manheim sales team.

Susie’s career success and industry recognition are the result of her ability to lead by example, remain customer centric, build strong relationship, and take a strategic and thoughtful approach in everything she does. She has achieved double digit growth in new business for key Manheim verticals by implementing a winning sales strategy and building a topnotch analytics team, and creating world-class recognition programs that increase employee engagement, productivity, and satisfaction.

“Being a woman in my profession

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has been both interesting and groundbreaking,” said Susie. “Fifteen years ago, I would look around and see only men in decision-making roles.

Our business and our customers’ businesses have definitely changed, and along with it the dynamic in decision-making. In my opinion, it’s become much more collaborative, which leads to more opportunity for everyone.”

Well respected in the automotive industry, Susie has spoken at several industry events, including the Conference of Automotive Remarketing and the National Automotive Dealers Association Conference. In 2012, she was named one of AutoRemarketing’s Women of the Year. PDJ

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 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

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

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…you have to visualize where you want to be with every molecule in your body and believe it.

Valeria Chapa Garza Honeywell’s General Council Is a Passionate Advocate for Women in Law As Honeywell’s Latin America general counsel, Valeria Chapa Garza provides commercial, corporate governance, and compliance advice. Because of her expertise, she is also engaged in Honeywell’s High Growth Regions strategy, participating in regional leadership teams. Valeria also leads the

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Business Conduct Leaders network for Mexico and South America, which strengthens Honeywell’s integrity and compliance program.

In 2015, Valeria launched an innovative program for women lawyers in Mexico that pairs senior lawyers with junior lawyers to provide mentoring,

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share best practices, and guide professional growth. And this year, Valeria co-founded Abogadas MX, which aims to increase the representation of women in law through professional development, networking, and leadership opportunities. The organization now includes 170 attorneys.

Valeria is a fellow of the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity, an organization that actively promotes diversity and inclusion, and a member of the Women in the Profession Leadership Committee, led by the Cyrus R. Vance Center for International Justice. In 2014, she was recognized by the Latin American Corporate Counsel Association as one of the most inspiring female corporate counsels working in the region.

“I was 31 when I took on the role of Regional General Counsel for Honeywell without any prior in-house experience,” says Valeria. “I learned quickly that you have to visualize where you want to be with every molecule in your body and believe it.

If you focus your energy and passion on a goal, you will unquestionably accomplish it.”

Valeria holds a JD from the Universidad de Monterrey, where she graduated cum laude, and a Master of Laws (Harlan Stone Fiske Scholar) from Columbia University.

Born in Monterrey, Mexico, Valeria now lives in Mexico City with her partner Dhyana. She enjoys collecting contemporary art, attending art and interior design fairs, and practicing yoga. Her most recent initiative is building a webpage for Abogadas MX, and creating a blog about diversity and inclusion relevant to women attorneys across Latin America. PDJ

As leader of the Catalyst Canada office, Alex Johnston is responsible for shaping a strategy for Catalyst’s continued growth and member engagement in that country.

Before joining Catalyst, Alex accumulated more than a decade of leadership experience in the public and private sectors. She practiced corporate law at Goodmans LLP in Toronto before joining the office of Ontario’s Premier in 2003, where she served as Executive Director of Policy. In this role, she worked closely with policy, community, and business leaders, as well as senior members of government, to develop, implement, and communicate the government’s agenda. She also played a key role in advancing a progressive women’s agenda during her tenure at Goodmans LLP by working on initiatives to support women’s economic independence and health.

A long-time advocate for women, Alex was a founding member of the first student-run sexual assault center in Canada, served as a legal advisor at a shelter for women and children, and, after living in China for two years, began graduate studies on Chinese women’s legal rights and their experience with the justice system.

“This is a beautiful time to be advocating for women and inclusion,” said Alex.

A member of the board of directors for Desjardins General Insurance Group, the board of trustees for the McGill Institute for the Study of Canada, and the advisory board for the Women’s College Hospital Institute for Health Systems Solutions and Virtual Care, she speaks French and English fluently and holds a BA, LLB, and BCL from McGill University. Born in Montreal, Alex now lives in Toronto, where she and her husband are raising their three young children. PDJ

Alex Johnston

Catalyst Canada’s Executive Director Is an Advocate for Women Everywhere

The most important quality of any leader is integrity.

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Andrea Lindell, PhD, RN, MSN, ANEF Educating the Next Generation of Nurses Is her Passion

After Andrea Lindell received her PhD in psychiatric mental health from The Catholic University of America, two hospitals extended job offers— director of nursing service and clinician. Instead, she chose a career as an educator and became one of the youngest nursing deans at the time in the United States.

During her 20-year tenure as dean of the University of Cincinnati’s College of Nursing, she founded and became first interim dean of the

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university’s College of Health Sciences, and served as senior associate vice president for health affairs for the Medical Center. She also headed the schools of nursing at Oakland University and the University of New Hampshire, and taught at The Catholic University of America.

Four years ago, Andrea retired, but soon found she missed helping students learn and master challenging concepts, so in 2011 she returned to academia as a Walden University

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faculty member and director of its new online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. After overseeing the launch of the doctoral programs in nursing and leading the initial accreditation process, she was named associate dean of Walden’s School of Nursing in 2012. She also facilitated a new accelerated pathway for RN-BSNMSN and AGACNP program that increased enrollment and added staff and faculty.

“Being a woman in my profession has been self-actualizing—a process of choices,” says Andrea. “As a nurse, I provide care, health promotion, and education. As a leader, I advocate for and mentor future nurses, faculty, and deans. As an academic, I educate students and work with faculty to impact healthcare, including the development of nursing programs at Walden University.”

Licensed to practice as an RN in Ohio and Pennsylvania, Andrea is a past president of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and engaged in professional organization accreditation as an onsite reviewer for the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. She serves as a consultant for accreditation preparation and represents academia and nursing on the boards of two for-profit companies, including a Fortune 500 company. Andrea received the Sister Bernadette Armiger Award from the AACN for significantly advancing nursing education. PDJ

Be open to an unscripted journey.

WHATEVER YOU DO, GIVE IT YOUR ABSOLUTE BEST.

Kimberly Lewis Robinson

This Successful Jones Walker Partner Is Empowering Others to Succeed Kimberly Lewis Robinson is a partner with Jones Walker LLP in the firm’s Tax & Estates practice group.

Her practice focuses on state and local tax matters, including tax and business planning, tax incentives, appeals, audits, tax litigation and appeal, tax controversies, and state and local tax statutes. Her practice also includes the areas of economic development financing and incentives, and government relations.

Kimberly is also an editor and contributor for Cooking with SALT, a legal blog committed to providing timely insights on recent legal and practical developments concerning clients in many state and local taxing jurisdictions on matters involving income, franchise, net

worth, gross receipts, sales/use, business and occupational license, severance, ad valorem property, and other miscellaneous taxes.

Before joining Jones Walker, Kimberly served as special counsel for the Office of the Governor of the State of Louisiana, where she provided legal counsel to Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco. During her tenure with the governor, Kimberly acted as a liaison to the Departments of Revenue and Economic Development, and as senior policy adviser on economic development, insurance, and revenue policy. She also worked for six years in the Louisiana Department of Revenue, serving as assistant secretary for the Office of Legal Affairs and confidential assistant to the secretary. From 1998

through 2000, she served as a judicial clerk to the Honorable Justice Bernette J. Johnson, Louisiana Supreme Court.

“The leap from the public sector to private practice was the biggest in my career,” said Kimberly. “I learned that the good reputation and strong work ethic you build in one setting will follow you into your new career path.”

Kimberly’s professional path has been lined by strong and successful female mentors in the areas of law, government, and tax. Now she is empowering others to succeed— through her service as a charter school board member, her work empowering taxpayers, her community and civic involvement, and her various leadership roles within the law firm. PDJ

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…the most interesting opportunities are those that require you to jump off the deep end.

Gail A. Karish

As a Partner at BB&K, Gail Combines Innovative Thinking with Keen Advocacy Gail Karish has always had an interest in infrastructure and the interplay of public policy goals and private sector activities. She began her legal career in her native Canada, representing a large, government-owned electric utility at environmental and rate tribunals. She then assisted its international division in developing and implementing an international investment strategy focused on privatization opportunities in Latin America in partnership with a privatized utility from Chile. She was instrumental in the consortium’s 1994 acquisition and management of a state-owned Peruvian electric utility.

Shifting her focus to telecommunications in the United States in the late 1990s, she assisted a Chilean telecommunications carrier with its entry into the US market. Under her management of state and federal licensing and

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regulatory matters, and negotiation of related contracts, the company successfully launched retail telecommunications and Internet services for the US Hispanic market.

“Moving from a large governmentowned electric utility in Toronto to a Miami-based startup telecom company was a big career leap,” said Gail. “I changed jobs, industries and countries all at once. Through it, I learned that the most interesting opportunities are those that require you to jump off the deep end.”

She joined Miller & Van Eaton (a Washington D.C. law firm later acquired by Best Best & Krieger LLP) and began representing local governments and municipal utilities throughout the United States. She has been involved with some very innovative projects, such as advising a consortium of North Carolina municipali-

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ties in a successful bankruptcy court dispute with cable providers, which resulted in their acquisition of the local cable system. With her colleagues at BB&K, Gail applies innovation to advocacy in leading clients in diverse locations to work together and address common interests through the formation of coalitions to participate in policy and legal debates at the FCC and in court.

Gail is often called on to share her knowledge and experience with telecommunications professionals. Last year, she made more than a half dozen presentations, including appearances before the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors, the International Municipal Lawyers Association, and the State Bar of California. PDJ

As Aflac’s senior vice president/ chief information officer since July 2013, Julia Davis oversees the day-to-day operations and the strategic initiatives of the company’s Information Technology division. In this role, Julia has shown herself to be a dedicated visionary who possesses the integrity, character, competence, and decisiveness that are essential to lead successfully. She has also been tenacious in her quest to modernize the IT division and enable Aflac to remain at the top of the innovation charts in the insurance industry.

Julia began her career as a software engineer in the United States Air Force, where she rose to the rank of captain. Prior to joining Aflac, she served as chief information officer at American Safety Insurance (ASI), as well as the Equipment Finance Division of GE Capital Healthcare Financial Services and GE Capital Business Productivity Solutions.

Additionally, she has held IT l eadership positions at GE Energy, Armstrong World Industries, Information Builders, Ogden Government Services, and CRSS Services, Inc. Her biggest career leap, however, came outside of the technology realm.

“I was always on the engineer/ technology career track and I saw an opportunity to triumph in an area that was out of my comfort zone—sales,” said Julia. “It’s one of the jobs I’ve held in which I have learned the most.

In sales, I mastered the skill of building my brand and selling my ideas/innovation. As a project manager, I learned the craft of communication and how to manage different teams. These critical skills have helped me as CIO to meet strategic goals.” PDJ

Julia Davis

This Senior VP & CIO Leads Aflac’s IT Division to an Innovative Future

Always understand what your goal is. Don’t try to be something you don’t want to be.

Read more at WWW.DIVERSITYJOURNAL.COM

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Ina Murray

PNC’s EVP Partners with Communities to Deliver Financial Education to All A member of the PNC team since 2006, Ina Murray served as retail banking market manager in St. Louis and regional manager in the Northern Virginia region before being named executive vice president and retail market manager for the Chicago– Wisconsin markets. Under her leadership, the bank achieved double-digit

growth and created highly engaged, customer-focused teams. She excels at sales management—particularly in key growth markets, where she creates and develops local strategies for business development and community-based initiatives that support financial education.

Ina spent many of her 27 years in

the banking business with Washington Mutual Bank in Southern California.

When Washington Mutual entered the Chicago region, she was selected as a regional manager to help launch one of the largest market entries in banking history. In less than 36 months, the bank’s retail team successfully opened 167 new locations in Chicago.

“Being a woman in my profession has been rewarding,” said Ina, “as I have an opportunity to do what I love every day. I am fortunate to be able to inspire, coach, develop, and mentor employees to achieve their aspirations.

As my team is committed to helping our customers achieve financial well-being, I also feel that my work is meaningful.”

Her participation in various community initiatives includes her current role on the board of directors of All Chicago, an organization that provides immediate resources with long-term housing solutions to help people in need of housing and those trying to keep their homes. Ina also partnered with community and nonprofit organization leaders to conduct financial education workshops. The program gives PNC the opportunity to work with faith leaders and other strategic partners in Chicago communities to promote financial education and financial well-being.

Her community outreach leadership efforts have earned several service awards, including Community Reinvestment Act recognition for outstanding work in the South Central communities of Los Angeles and Chicago. PDJ

Take control of your career and help others achieve their goals.

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Financial support for the things that matter most.

Whether you’re running a household, growing a business, serving on a board or planning for retirement, our PNC-Certified Women’s Business Advocates are here to help. We’ll work closely with you to understand your unique needs. Then we’ll access resources and connections, and provide financial solutions to help you get where you want to go, in work and in life.

Reach out to an advocate today at pnc.com/women

©2015 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Member FDIC

BB PDF 0515-0112-192910

…taking that leap of faith…

Marisa Lasenza

HARMAN’s Corporate Secretary Is Becoming an International Star In her six years at HARMAN, Marisa Iasenza has played a variety of senior legal roles as the firm has gone through a period of significant growth and transformation. She has been a key player in mergers and acquisitions activities, working on the acquisitions of Symphony Teleca, Bang & Olufsen Automotive Audio, Red Bend Software, and Martin Lighting, among others. She has demonstrated her ability to perform in high-stakes, highintensity situations, developing strong bonds with colleagues throughout.

Marisa was recently elevated to the position of corporate secretary and associate general counsel for two of HARMAN’s three divisions—Infotainment and Lifestyle. She manages a sixperson legal team and acts as a mentor

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to women who currently serve in roles she has previously held.

Her own mentor, HARMAN CEO Dinesh Paliwal, recently encouraged Marisa to take an international assignment. Always looking for new opportunities to grow, she took the plunge, moving to HARMAN’s Munich office and into her current leadership role.

Fluent in French, and with a good grasp of Italian, Marisa has enjoyed traveling extensively in her new role and welcomes opportunities to get out of the “ivory tower” of corporate headquarters and see how the business operates globally.

“I think my biggest career leap was when I moved from a law firm job in Santa Monica, California, to my first in-house job in Greeley, Colorado,”

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said Marisa. “I learned that sometimes taking that leap of faith based on your gut instinct really does pay off in the end.”

On the job, and as a leader, Marisa’s greatest strength lies in her ability to communicate and build relationships.

She is passionate about being open and available to her team and colleagues. Her management philosophy is to give people the freedom to run with projects, while being available to support and guide them when needed. Above all, Marisa aims to maintain a collegial and collaborative culture in which everybody works as a team to accomplish great things for HARMAN. PDJ

Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone, that’s where the really good stuff happens.

Deirdre A. Leid

HARMAN’s SR. Director of Marketing Brings Her Very Best to Work and Life Deirdre Leid boasts more than 15 years of experience in product marketing, communications, and business operations. After starting her corporate career at Texas Instruments, Deirdre served as senior product manager of new product development at Bose Corporation, advancing to the position of director of marketing and business operations. At Bose, Deirdre delivered overall improvement in the global launch process for new products, and was responsible for executing the worldwide launch for the largest product introduction in the history of the company’s professional system division.

Her work at HARMAN has earned many accolades and positive

recognition. Deirdre and her team have been awarded five Consumer Electronics Innovation Awards, and her work on the flagship JBL Synchros S700 headphone, launched in spring of 2013, was highlighted in Fast Company.

“I got goose bumps launching my first product,” said Deirdre.

In 2013 and 2014, Deirdre mentored a team of MBA students at her alma mater Babson College through a challenge to develop a marketing strategy to bring HARMAN’s JBL products to the youth market. The team’s efforts were praised by HARMAN’s executive team, who selected one of the ideas to be pursued by the company.

Prior to her corporate ventures, Deirdre served in the US Coast Guard from 1990 to 1995. At 25 years of age, she became one of the youngest commanding officers of a Coast Guard cutter, and one of very few women to hold the position. Deirdre was also involved in search-and-rescue efforts during the “perfect storm” of 1991, the notorious nor’easter that swept northward along the US Atlantic coast and claimed 13 lives. PDJ

Read more at WWW.DIVERSITYJOURNAL.COM

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…I learned to be bold and to drive change.

Cindi Hook

Why Comcast’s SVP Has Been Called “One of the Most Powerful Women in Cable” Cindi Hook, Senior Vice President, General Auditor, and Global Risk Officer for Comcast Corporation, leads the Comcast Assurance and Advisory Team (CAAT), including all internal audit staff, risk management, and the performance of financial, operational, and systems audits.

Additionally, she leads the company’s governance on enterprise-wide cyber, data, and security risks, evaluating many of the company’s processes and systems from a financial, operational, and regulatory perspective.

Since joining Comcast in 2010, Cindi has had an enormous impact.

One key contribution involved transforming the company’s internal audit’s engagement model to include both assurance and advisory work. She also designed, developed, and implemented NBCUniversal’s internal audit function upon the closing of the Com-

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cast and General Electric joint venture in 2011.

Cindi founded, and serves as executive sponsor for, several company-wide professional development programs, including the Financial Management Leadership Program (FMLP), Career Opportunities and Rotational Experience (CORE) Finance Program, and the Finance and Accounting Intern Program. She also serves as executive sponsor of Comcast’s Young Professionals Network.

Prior to joining Comcast, Cindi spent more than a decade at Dell, Inc., eight years in a variety of finance and IT roles at Hewlett Packard, and two years at Price Waterhouse.

“I left Dell after more than 12 years and left the ‘high tech’ industry after 20 years to join Comcast,” said Cindi.

“I learned that I can adapt and learn quickly. I also learned to be bold and

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to drive change. It can be easier to drive change in a new environment because you don’t really know where all the ‘land mines’ are and, therefore, you aren’t as afraid of where to step.”

Outside Comcast, Cindi is a member of the National Advisory Council for Brigham Young University’s Marriott School of Management, an Advisory Board member for America’s Freedom Festival, and a trustee of the University of Philadelphia. In 2013 and 2014, she was recognized as one of CableFAX’s Most Powerful Women in Cable.

Cindi holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting, graduating magna cum laude, and an MBA in finance from Brigham Young University. The mother of four divides her time between Philadelphia and Salt Lake City so she can spend time with her family. PDJ

Meredith McKenzie

Juniper Networks VP Found Success at the Intersection of Engineering and Law Meredith McKenzie joined Juniper Networks in 2012 as vice president and deputy general counsel of intellectual property and operations. She manages all aspects of intellectual property, including litigation, in-bound licensing and product support, patents, open source, trademarks, copyright, trade secret, standards, and privacy. She currently manages a team of twelve and a multimillion dollar budget.

Before she decided to become a lawyer, Meredith worked at Intel Corporation as an embedded microprocessor design engineer. Her engineering background, combined with her law degree prepared her to successfully litigate patents in the US and internationally.

Prior to joining Juniper, Meredith spent five years at Symantec Corporation as senior director of IP and

another five years at Cypress Semiconductor as director of litigation, licensing, and IP. Her career path speaks volumes about her ability to take on increased responsibilities at each stage of her career, while remaining connected and committed to technology.

“I think one of the most important qualities a leader should have is perseverance,” said Meredith. “There are always stumbling blocks along the way. Do not take it personally. Do not give up. Keep at it. If you believe in yourself and know your own capabilities, you will be able to better weather the bumps along the road.”

At Juniper, Meredith has established a track record of improving the quality of patent filings, while controlling costs, ensuring adequate protection of corporate intellectual property, and managing high-profile, complex litigation cases. She set a goal to better

understand and manage open source.

Working cross-functionally, and leveraging the resources of her own team, she successfully implemented an open-source policy and established an operational online tool for reviewing open source inbound and outbound requests by those on the business and legal side.

Meredith holds two US patents—for an automatic external clock detect and source select circuit and for a method for controlling clocking frequency in an integrated circuit, which she invented while working as an embedded microprocessor design engineer at Intel. PDJ

“Do not take it personally. Do not give up.”

Read more at WWW.DIVERSITYJOURNAL.COM

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…failure is only ever the middle of the story.

Michele D. Johnson

This Latham Partner Serves Clients and Community When companies and boards of directors face complex litigation, Michele Johnson is often called on to advise on “bet-the-company” matters that threaten a company’s success, including corporate governance challenges, shareholder suits, insider trading claims, financial restatements, and other disputes. In the past two years, she has handled more than a dozen consolidated shareholder class actions, and she is regularly recognized as one of the top litigators in California.

As a member of the Executive Committee at Latham & Watkins, Michele is responsible for overseeing the firm’s operations and shaping its strategy. She recently served as the managing partner of the Orange County office and as chair of the office’s Litigation Department. She has also served on Latham’s Pro Bono, Associates, and Diversity committees.

Michele serves as president of the Board of the Association of Business Trial Lawyers–Orange County, as a board member of the Public Law Center (PLC), and as co-chair of the Orange County United Way’s Bench & Bar. An avid supporter of the United Way, she has raised and

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contributed tens of thousands of dollars in support of efforts to address barriers to self-sufficiency in the community.

“Agreeing to join my law firm’s management committees and charitable organizations’ boards—even though my child was still small—was a big career leap for me,” said Michelle.

“Often I’d just bring her along to the meetings. What did I learn from this?

The miracle of Netflix on Demand.”

Recognizing the ways in which her unique skills might further benefit the community, Michele has developed an active pro bono practice.

In partnership with PLC, she spearheads efforts to represent victims of family violence in order to obtain restraining orders, file VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) petitions, and take other legal steps to help victims. Michele also plays keyboards in an all-Latham, charityfocused rock band called Diversion.

Since its formation in 2013, Diversion has raised more than $100,000 for such charities as Food Bank LA, March of Dimes, Alliance for Children’s Rights, and pro bono law firm Public Counsel. PDJ

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…these challenges give me more reason to give nothing but the best in all that I do.

Kathleen Elie

This CSBM Director Makes Sure a Lot of Deserving Kids Get a Quality Education After joining Charter School Business Management Inc. (CSBM) as a financial manager in 2010, Kathleen Elie quickly rose through the ranks to become a director in 2012.

Kathleen and her team manage over $150 million of public funds for the more than 30 clients they serve.

Ensuring fiscal viability and accurate financial audits is paramount for the highly scrutinized charter school sector. Knowing that one in seven charter schools is shutdown, and that 80% of these closures are the result of financial mismanagement, drives Kathleen to safeguard the staff and students of these schools, which are typically located in impoverished neighborhoods, like Harlem, the South

Bronx, and various parts of Brooklyn and Queens. An equally important part of her job is to provide professional development focused on fiscal management for school leaders, board members, and finance and operations staff. Her efforts enable thousands of low-income students to benefit from a high-quality education they would not otherwise receive.

Prior to joining CSBM, Kathleen worked as the founding director of finance for Bronx Community Charter School. She has also worked as an accounting and financial professional for various nonprofits, including an international think tank, curriculum developers, and education organizations.

“Being a woman in my profession has been rewarding,” said Kathleen.

“Women dominate this sector of nonprofit finance. As a woman of color, I face additional challenges, but these challenges give me more reason to give nothing but the best in all that I do.”

Never one to be idle, Kathleen serves as a mentor through iMentor, as well as treasurer of the board of her sorority chapter, and she participates in races and cycling events throughout New York City. In addition, Kathleen has been a licensed and active real estate professional and tax preparer since 2007. She holds a master’s degree in public administration from Baruch College and a bachelor’s in sociology from Stony Brook University. PDJ

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…I AM THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN PUT LIMITS ON MY POTENTIAL.

Carine Jean-Claude

This VP and CCO at Arrow Communicates Compliance Messages to a Global Team Born in Haiti, Carine and her family fled first to Central Africa and then to the United States to escape coups d’état. When Carine landed in the United States as a child, she didn’t speak English. She and her sisters had a hard time in school, and her parents—well-respected professionals in both Haiti and Africa—were forced to work in a factory to make ends meet. Despite these challenges, Carine thrived, eventually attending New York University’s Stern School of Business and then Boston University Law School.

Early in her legal career, Carine took on pro bono cases where she had a chance to help asylum seekers like her parents. “I saw how much my parents

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suffered and how hard they worked when they came to this country,” said Carine. “I’ve always been driven to help others in their shoes.” She came to Arrow in 2000 as a legal generalist and climbed the corporate ladder, eventually becoming Arrow’s chief compliance officer and vice president of legal affairs. She now leads and mentors a team of seven working around the globe.

Carine is an innovator who is always looking for new ways to effectively communicate important legal directives to Arrow’s 17,000 employees. For example, she is currently developing a series of videos that feature actual employees explaining key policies. She launched

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“In the News,” a site that uses current compliance headlines to further educate Arrow employees with regard to ethical conduct. And she co-chaired Arrow’s first diversity task force, which was responsible for developing specific recommendations for how to increase diversity in the company’s global workforce.

The recipient of several distinguished awards, including the YWCA’s Salute to Women Leaders, Carine helped her sister establish the Renal Care Institute, which provides dialysis equipment for Haitians, and she will soon begin volunteering her time with a legal defense fund that seeks to empower women in domestic violence situations. PDJ

…FROM ‘WHERE WE ARE’ TO ‘WHERE WE WANT TO BE’...

Alison J. Hartley

This VP of Helps L-3 Reach New Heights of Success In 2003, Alison Hartley joined L-3 Communications as a director of business development, and, since that time, she has taken on many leadership roles. During the past six years, she served as president of L-3’s ComCept division responsible for meeting all profit and loss objectives. The division specializes in persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) networking, Multi-INT sensor systems, advanced aperture solutions, and “Big Data” information management technology solutions in support of US Department of Defense ground and airborne theater operations.

In April 2015, Alison was promoted to vice president of corporate business strategy, reporting to the corporate executive vice president (EVP) of

corporate strategy and development.

She also supports the aerospace systems segment—one of L-3’s largest businesses. In her new business strategy role, she will assist the EVP in overseeing L-3’s worldwide customer relationships, research and technology initiatives, and new business development activities.

Alison has a broad background in P&L, business development, program management, contract management, and marketing/communications roles and responsibilities.

“I think my biggest career leap was moving from SVP Group Business Development to Division President,” said Alison. “This was a shift from being (chiefly) externally focused to being focused on all aspects of the business. I learned how important it

is to listen and adapt to the changing priorities that each new day would bring. It required being deliberate and consistent in my actions, having the right team in place to get things done, and driving performance excellence in everything we do.

“I also learned that the ability to stretch ourselves—to find more effective, innovative ways of doing business—aligns with both this business’s core values and my own.

As leaders, we must cultivate this ability throughout our organizations and ensure that our people are properly equipped to do the job we are asking them to do. It is critical to our efforts to go from ‘where we are’ to ‘where we want to be’ in the future.” PDJ

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…you can’t wait for your career to happen to you; you have to take control and create the career you want.

Abbi L. Cohen

This Dechert Partner Is a Leading Environmental Lawyer Abbi Cohen has been recognized as a leading environmental lawyer by many legal publications and directories for more than a decade.

She focuses her practice on evaluating environmental liabilities associated with corporate, real estate, and financing transactions—including with respect to energy—and providing state and federal permitting and regulatory compliance advice. She has assisted clients in siting and permitting industrial facilities, including resource recovery and cogeneration facilities, as well as power plants.

Abbi has provided environmental advice on thousands of transactions nationally and internationally, ranging in value from tens of millions of dollars to billions of dollars. She played a prominent role on behalf of the Mortgage Bankers Association

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in a highly publicized negotiated rulemaking with the US Environmental Protection Agency on the environmental due diligence rules under the federal Superfund law.

“I called several real estate and banking trade associations with whom I wasn’t currently working to alert them to an upcoming US Environmental Protection Agency negotiated rulemaking that had the potential to dramatically affect how environmental investigations of real property were conducted,” said Abbi of this pivotal role. “As a result, I was retained to represent the Mortgage Bankers Association in the most interesting project of my career. I learned that you can’t wait for your career to happen to you; you have to take control and create the career you want.”

She also helped a leading US

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rating agency develop environmental assessment and insurance criteria, and evaluate the potential impact of environmental conditions on mortgage-backed securities in numerous transactions.

Abbi lectures and writes frequently on environmental issues in business transactions and is an active participant in community affairs. On behalf of the firm, she is the outside general counsel to the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey. Abbi serves on the Spectrum Awards committee of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of Red Cross and the Public Interest Law Corporation board, as well as several other national real estate, energy, and environmental organizations. PDJ

Natalia Shuman is senior vice president and general manager of the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) and APAC (Asia and Pacific) regions for Kelly Services, Inc. She also serves as a member of the board for Kelly’s joint venture, TS Kelly Workforce Solutions, in North Asia.

After joining Kelly Services in 1997, Natalia successfully launched the company’s recruitment business in the Moscow market. Several years later, she moved to New York City and opened Kelly’s Wall Street office, while overseeing several branch offices in the New York area. In 2005, she joined the company’s global client relationships team, where she was responsible for developing and executing solutions for a top client. She moved to Singapore in 2011 to focus on strategy and solutions for Kelly’s large accounts in the APAC region in addition to serving as vice president of Global Solutions in APAC. She was promoted to her current role in 2013 and is based in Singapore.

“I think my biggest career leap,” said Natalia, “was when I was asked to manage North Asia region (China, Hong Kong, Korea and Taiwan) as a Chief Operating Officer of Kelly’s joint venture. What I learned from the experience is that confidence is as important as competence.”

Because she is passionate about helping more women gain leadership roles in the business world, Natalia is avid about mentoring women and connecting them to key professional opportunities.

Natalia completed a dual global executive MBA program with Columbia University and the London Business School, and graduated with distinction from St. Petersburg University of Economics and Finance in Russia. PDJ

Natalia A. Shuman

This SVP Found a World of Opportunity on Kelly’s Global Team

…confidence is as important as competence.

Read more at WWW.DIVERSITYJOURNAL.COM

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BRAVO! We congratulate our very own Jan Reed, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, for being on this year’s “Women Worth Watching” list. Her leadership and hard work inspires our team members to champion everyone’s right to be happy and healthy.

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Kira Makagon started her career as the youngest employee at Ingres, a startup founded by a team of UC Berkeley professors. She then went on to serve in a number of leadership roles at innovative startups before being named vice president of product development at Scopus Technology— her first of many high-level positions at that company. Next, she co-founded Octane Software, where she served as senior vice president of products, chief technology officer, and a member of the board of directors until the company’s acquisition

by Epiphany.

Throughout her career, Kira has chosen to work with startups and small companies in order to expand her skill sets. She excelled as president of Ventures & Alliances and vice president of Marketing & Business Development for Exigen Group, and made her mark as co-founder, president, and chief executive officer of NebuAd—an industry disruptor that demonstrated the value of data and audience targeting. She then co-founded and served as CEO and president of Red Aril (later acquired by Hearst Corporation). She currently represents 700 employees across four continents as the executive vice president of innovation at RingCentral.

Kira’s contribution to the technology and startup arena requires her to continuously demonstrate her value— to venture capitalists, to a male-dominated hierarchy, and to those who think a woman can’t successfully lead a large technology organization. In the face of these challenges, Kira paves the way for gender neutrality in the workplace, actively recruiting women in all roles, especially technology.

“I played competitive chess as a kid,” said Kira. “It forces you to think ahead and strategize your moves well in advance of making them, and not letting interruptions destroy your focus. What I learned then are the life lessons I continue to implement every day—think ahead and keep your focus.” PDJ

Kira Makagon

RingCentral’s EVP of Innovation Proves that a Woman’s Place Is … Everywhere

…NOT LETTING INTERRUPTIONS DESTROY YOUR FOCUS.

Read more at WWW.DIVERSITYJOURNAL.COM

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Deborah (Debbie) Higgins

For Title Resource Group’s SVP of HR, it’s Truly All about People

…I have been fortunate to learn from many smart, focused professionals…

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Debbie Higgins has over 25 years of experience in all disciplines of human resource management. At Title Resource Group, she oversees the human resources function for 2,000 TRG employees in 385 offices across the United States. This includes performance management, learning and development, compensation, benefits, organizational change and development, and the company’s affirmative action plan.

In addition to her work with the SERVICE committee, Debbie is the executive sponsor of the TRG Diversity & Inclusion Council. She is also executive sponsor of the TRG Cares committee, which raises funds and organizes events for local and national charities, and helps support a local women’s shelter.

Outside work, Debbie is actively involved in fundraising, volunteering for, organizing, and participating in bike rides, runs, and other events to benefit multiple sclerosis, cancer organizations, a local food bank, Special Olympics, and the Willow Tree Center’s anti-bullying campaign. She served on the Willow Tree Center’s board for three years and held the position of president for one year.

Debbie was instrumental in sending more than 30 local middle school children to the Willow Tree Center’s annual camp, which focuses on teaching children how to cope with the stresses of growing up, live a healthy life, and avoid negative peer pressure. PDJ

THEY ENCOURAGED US TO COME TO CONCLUSIONS ON OUR OWN…

Jan Stern Reed

For This Walgreen SVP, it’s Dedication that Makes the Difference Jan Stern Reed joined Walgreens in 2013 as deputy general counsel and was appointed general counsel in October 2014. She assumed her role as senior vice president, general counsel, and corporate secretary with Walgreens Boots Alliance, the world’s first global, pharmacy-led health and wellbeing enterprise, in February 2015.

Before joining Walgreens, Jan served as executive vice president of human resources, general counsel, and corporate secretary at Solo Cup Company in Lake Forest, Illinois.

She came to Solo from Baxter International Inc., where she was associate general counsel, chief governance officer, and corporate secretary. Jan began her legal career in the corporate group at Bell, Boyd and Lloyd in Chicago, before moving to an in-house position at Waste Management.

“If you ask me what has best served me in my career it would be my mom Dale Stern, a therapist, and my dad Bud Stern, an attorney,” said Jan. “They were balanced and sane in their approach to raising my brother

and me. They encouraged us to come to conclusions on our own, always within the guardrails of ethical decision-making.“ Jan holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and a JD from Northwestern University. She is a member of the Illinois Bar Association and serves on the boards of directors of Meals on Wheels in Chicago and Umoja Student Development Corporation. PDJ

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We really don’t yet know what’s at journey’s end.

Catherine Cornelius Smith

True Blue Inclusion’s Founder & President Has Long Been a Diversity Leader During her career, Catherine Cornelius Smith has served in the White House, been a trusted advisor to the US Secretary of Agriculture in the preparation for and negotiations regarding the Seattle Round of the WTO, and devised a corporate strategy for a diversity & inclusion platform in broadcasting, publishing, and online media, on behalf of NBC Universal, iVillage, Inc., and its subsidiary Lamaze Publishing, as well as Bonnier Corporation.

Catherine served as an executive team member with Diversity Best Practices where she led relationships and provided consultation to dozens of Fortune 500 companies. She is known for being particularly effective at bringing the best in approaches and solutions to bear on a wide range of

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challenges and opportunities for chief diversity officers.

Currently the president of True Blue Inclusion, which she founded in 2010, Catherine has also served as vice president of business development for Diversity Best Practices and Working Mother Media Publishing, vice president for iVillage, vice president of strategy and sales at Business Women’s Network and Diversity Best Practices, chairperson at Working Families for Wal-Mart, director of outreach and exporter assistance at the US Department of Agriculture–Foreign Agricultural Service, and special assistant to the President of the United States.

“Being a woman in my profession has been the best kind of adventure,” said Catherine. “There’s something

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new and unexpected at every twist and turn in a road full of amazing people from every walk of life. And know what the best part is? We really don’t yet know what’s at journey’s end.”

Catherine developed and launched three of the company’s four signature events and revenue vehicles—The Annual Women’s Trailblazer Symposium, the Business Women’s Network’s Legacy Award, and the Rising Star Awards. Through outreach and communications, she was successful in expanding public understanding of foreign markets for US agricultural producers.

Catherine holds a BSBA in management and marketing from the Mays Business School at Texas A&M University. PDJ

You are responsible for carving your own path…

Shelly A. Espinosa, MPH

United Health Foundation VP Helps Build Healthier Communities Shelly Espinosa’s work with United Health Foundation is helping build healthier communities. In her role as vice president of grants and programs, she develops relationships and programs to further enhance the Foundation’s mission.

Established by UnitedHealth Group in 1999, United Health Foundation is a nonprofit, private foundation that works to improve the health system, build a diverse and dynamic healthrelated workforce, and enhance the well-being of local communities through community partners, grants, and outreach efforts.

Prior to joining United Health Foundation, Shelly spent four years working in Target’s community relations department. As manager of community relations, she was responsible for Target’s national social services programs and for consulting with executive teams throughout the company to build and execute their community relations plans. Prior to her tenure with Target, she was state director of program services for the Minnesota Chapter of the March of Dimes.

“I think my biggest career leap was when I made the decision to move from the nonprofit sector to the corpo-

rate sector,” said Shelly. “It’s one of the best decisions I ever made. I’m fortunate to be in a role where I still have the opportunity to work with some amazing nonprofit organizations and support the great work they do for communities in need.”

Shelly earned a bachelor’s degree in community health education from the University of Northern Iowa and a Master of Public Health in maternal and child health from the University of Minnesota. She currently serves as president of the University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health alumni board. PDJ

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Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it…

Nurit Katz

UCLA’s First Chief Sustainability Officer Acts Local, Thinks Global Nurit Katz earned an MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Management (named one of its 100 Inspirational Alumni at the school’s 75th anniversary), a master’s degree in public policy from the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs (where she is being honored as MPP Alumni of the Year), and a BA in environmental education from Humboldt State University. While a graduate student, Nurit founded the UCLA Sustainable Resource Center. She then served as president of the Graduate Students Association and assisted Dr. Charles Corbett in developing the interdisciplinary graduate certificate program, Leaders in Sustainability, which brings together graduate students from programs as diverse as management, medicine, and urban planning to problem solve and integrate sustainability into their

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careers. UCLA’s first chief sustainability officer, Nurit also serves on the executive committee of the Luskin Center for Innovation, as well as the boards of the Los Angeles Sustainable Business Council and the Southern CA Green Business Council.

The Sustainable LA Grand Challenge in Environment and Sustainability is a groundbreaking interdisciplinary research initiative that brings together more than 100 faculty members from more than 40 departments. Its goal is to move the region to 100 percent renewable energy and local water by 2050. The campus is a living laboratory for sustainability, demonstrating what’s possible for the region and the world. Nurit oversees the intersection between the academic and operations sides of the university, coordinating applied research projects like the pilot

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of a smart water system developed by UCLA’s Water Technology Research Center at the campus cogeneration plant, or the installation of EV charging stations developed by UCLA’s Smart Grid Center.

“Howard Thurman once said, ‘Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it.

Because what the world needs is people who have come alive,’” said Nurit. “The best advice I got in my career was from a friend who told me: You don’t need to figure out what you want to do the rest of your life. Just focus on what you want to do the next two years and make sure it’s a position where you will be learning and growing.”

In 2010, Nurit completed a full Ironman distance triathlon with Team in Training in support of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. PDJ

We’re committed to helping people on their path to better health.

To honor this commitment, CVS Health is building a workforce that is as diverse as the communities we serve. It’s simple: we believe that when we truly reflect our customers, we can better serve them. That’s why we’re inviting you to explore a world of careers in everything from pharmacy to retail where your unique skills, talents and abilities are welcome. Join us in helping people on their path to better health.

cvshealth.com/diversity

CVS Health is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Female/Minority/Disability/Protected Veteran – committed to diversity in the workplace.

Read more at WWW.DIVERSITYJOURNAL.COM

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Stacey D. Stewart

United Way’s US President Is Driven to Make a Difference Stacey Stewart grew up believing that we are all called to help one another, and that no problem is insurmountable. She learned that lesson at the dinner table, from a mother who was part of the first black-majority city council in Atlanta’s history and a physician father who helped desegregate hospitals across America and win for black Americans the right to equal access to health care.

Her parents instilled in her a can-do attitude and passion for making a difference that is reflected in her work today at United Way Worldwide.

They can also be seen in her efforts to help other women achieve. “Being a woman in my profession is more challenging than I expected it to be,” said Stacey. “There are still a lot of barriers for women in senior positions and there are sometimes different standards for women and men in the workplace. Although we have made progress, I still believe there are great strides that need to be made regarding women in the workplace today.”

Stacey sees her job as helping United Way Worldwide fulfill its potential to be part of the change that so many Americans are working hard to achieve, by creating opportunities for all through education, financial stability, and health—the building blocks of a good quality of life.

Drive, passion, and enthusiasm for the work of community change propels Stacey and her team to find new, collaborative ways to build stronger communities. She is leading a new era of collective action at United Way, creating a national network of change leaders who are doing more than raising money for good causes. They are galvanizing their communities around a common agenda.

These efforts have helped accelerate

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United Way’s relevance in the nonprofit sector as a leader of community impact. The organization has set three 10-year goals: Improve education, and cut the number of high school dropouts (1.2 million students every year) in half; help people achieve financial stability, and get 1.9 million

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working families (half the number of lower-income families who are financially unstable) on the road to economic independence; and promote healthy lives (increase by one-third the number of youths and adults who stay healthy and avoid risky behaviors). PDJ

…there are great strides that need to be made.

…I was able to incorporate my passion.

Inajo Davis Chappell

This Ulmer & Berne Partner Is Committed to Serving Her Community Inajo Davis Chappell is a partner at Ulmer & Berne LLP, where she chairs the firm’s Nonprofit Practice Group and co-chairs the firm’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee. Under her leadership, the firm’s representation of exempt organizations grew from 88 to more than 250. Her clients range from social service agencies to arts groups, health organizations, foundations, community development corporations, and educational and governmental institutions. Inajo has particular experience in representing school districts in the provision and delivery of educational programming and services to disabled students.

Outside her legal practice, Inajo is an active civic leader and community volunteer. She holds positions on the

boards of several nonprofit organizations, including the Cleveland Foundation, Medical Mutual of Ohio’s Charitable Foundation, and the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections. She was co-chair of the Cuyahoga County Economic-Inclusion Task Force, a countywide initiative focused on improving economic opportunities for women and minorities in the region.

“I knew my present career was what I wanted to do when I was able to incorporate my passion for civic engagement and community service into my law practice,” Inajo said. “It is particularly rewarding to assist nonprofit clients in resolving ‘bottom line’ issues to enable delivery on mission

and community benefit.”

Savoy Magazine named Inajo one of the Most Influential Black Lawyers in America, an honor awarded to elite influencers and achievers in the legal community across the country. She has been recognized in Best Lawyers in America® for five consecutive years, earning the distinction of “Lawyer of the Year” for Non-Profit/Charities Law in 2015. The Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association presented Inajo with their 2014 Diversity & Inclusion Award, and the organizaiton’s Women in Law Section recognized her for making a difference in the lives of women and contributing to the Northeast Ohio community at a recent “Women in Law Making a Difference” event. PDJ

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Elizabeth Mitchell

WilmerHale Partner Stands Up for Her Global Clients and Fellow Female Attorneys

…ALL PATHS ARE OPEN…

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As a partner at WilmerHale, Elizabeth Mitchell’s practice focuses on representing global financial institutions, investment advisers, broker-dealers, futures commission merchants, accounting firms, and public companies and their employees in regulatory investigations, enforcement actions, and litigation involving the federal securities laws. She has extensive experience representing clients in investigations and proceedings involving algorithmic trading and complex trading systems, alleged insider trading, alleged accounting irregularities, and compliance with numerous regulatory requirements, such as best execution, Regulation NMS, Regulation SHO, and the market access rule.

Elizabeth has represented clients before the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the Department of Justice, self-regulatory organizations, and state attorneys general. She also conducts internal investigations and counsels clients on regulatory and compliance matters.

From 1999 to 2001, she served as a

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trial Attorney in the Torts Branch of the United States Department of Justice. In this role, she represented the White House and several federal agencies in the government’s litigation against the tobacco industry.

“Being a woman in my profession has been both an asset and far more unique than one might expect,” said Elizabeth, “given the relatively balanced split between women and men law school graduates. One rewarding aspect of my job is mentoring talented younger women and encouraging them to see that all paths are open to them.”

Actively involved with the WilmerHale’s Hiring Committee and Women’s Leadership Initiative, Elizabeth helps to implement policies and develop programs (both formal and informal) designed to assist women attorneys with career development. This includes mentoring programs that seek to ensure that all firm attorneys receive the opportunities, advice, and encouragement needed to achieve their full potential. PDJ

Heather Zachary

When Cybersecurity Counts, Businesses Count on this WilmerHale Partner As a partner with WilmerHale, Heather Zachary counsels and advocates for industry-leading clients on a wide range of privacy and datasecurity issues—from routine matters to cutting-edge issues where the law is far from clear and the enforcement risks are high. She helps clients draft and implement privacy policies and procedures; comply with federal and state laws regulating privacy and data security; navigate complex and often conflicting foreign laws across six continents that regulate data protection and marketing; investigate, report, and remediate data breaches; prevent and respond to “deceptive” and “unfair” trade practices; exploit “big data” obtained by tracking consumers online and offline; craft information-security programs and policies for consumer data and confidential business information; comply with legal requirements for marketing; and configure transactions and new product offerings to avoid privacy and data-security pitfalls.

Heather also represents wireline telecommunications providers,

wireless carriers, broadcasters, video providers, industry trade associations, and Internet service providers in FCC proceedings and appellate litigation.

She counsels communications clients on their statutory and regulatory obligations and, for some time, has been their go-to attorney for a variety of high-profile issues, including net neutrality, privacy, cybersecurity; and more.

“My biggest career leap was transitioning my practice from telecommunications to privacy and cybersecurity,” said Heather. “Though I still do some of the former, the latter were (and are) huge growth areas, and they were a natural fit given my tech expertise. In retrospect, failing to evolve would have been far riskier than leaving my comfort zone.”

Heather was selected as a leader in telecom, broadcast, and satellite law in the 2012, 2013, and 2014 editions of Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers in Business, and she was recommended in the area of data protection and privacy law in the 2013 edition of The Legal 500. She regularly

presents webinars and participates in panels on privacy and data-security issues. PDJ

…FAILING TO EVOLVE WOULD HAVE BEEN FAR RISKIER THAN LEAVING MY COMFORT ZONE.

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I NEVER THOUGHT OF MYSELF AS A SALES PERSON...

Patricia Betron

ESPN’s Savvy SVP Connects Audiences and Advertisers in a Multimedia World By focusing on advertising effectiveness and delivering quality audience and potential customers for ESPN’s clients, Patricia Betron has reshaped the way businesses think about ESPN. Its fans are not just sports fans, but also consumers, and this savvy senior vice president of multimedia sales has led efforts to understand the often underappreciated buying power of its traditional audience, and develop insights into a growing bicultural Hispanic audience, as well as a growing female sports fan base.

She has also pushed the company to understand media consumption behaviors in a multiscreen environment. Over the past two years, Tricia has led innovative deals that incorporate the multiscreen nature of video, developing industry-leading concepts that are not only revenue generators, but major breakthroughs in scale, scope, and concept.

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Tricia has been a leader in focusing on serving both ESPN’s viewing customers and its advertising clients— engaging customers to best achieve results in marketing to them. She has blazed a trail among women in ESPN’s sales organization, runs a vast multimedia team that spans the country, and handles some of the biggest accounts with whom ESPN does business—all while raising two children.

“My first sales position was a real leap for me. I never thought of myself as a sales person,” said Tricia, “and realized I really enjoyed it. I knew this was what I wanted to do when my first client told me I helped grow his business.”

Tricia is a well-regarded member of ESPN’s executive team—respected by her peers, her superiors, and her staff. She’s an active member of the Executive Women’s Forum at ESPN and a mentor to many women across the company. PDJ

Elissa Margolis

Calm Leadership and a Thoughtful Approach Helped Make this Disney Stores SVP a Star

BE OPEN TO DIFFERENT PATHS…

As senior vice president and general manager of the Disney Stores, Elissa Margolis oversees the day-to-day operations for more than 200 brickand-mortar locations across North America and Disneystore.com. In FY14, her first year in the role, Elissa led the Stores team, and the business, to deliver all-time, record-breaking revenue and operating income.

Prior to assuming leadership of the Disney Stores organization, Elissa served as vice president of e-commerce and marketing for Disney Consumer Products, and grew the division by 20 percent in a single fiscal year.

“My biggest career leap came in moving from Marketing to General Manager of our ecommerce business,” said Elissa. “I learned how to provide leadership, direction, and guidance in areas where I wasn’t the subject matter expert and have confidence doing it.”

Before joining The Walt Disney Company, Elissa spent nearly 20 years in the retail industry, providing datadriven, consumer retail marketing strategies for Harte-Hanks Direct Marketing, Tweeter Home Entertainment, Charming Shoppes, and others. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing, from Temple University.

Elissa’s pragmatic, thoughtful, solution-oriented approach, while displaying calm leadership, makes her a woman worth watching. And the business results tell the story of how well her extended team of more than 5,000 cast members and Disney Store customers respond to her winning style. PDJ Read more at WWW.DIVERSITYJOURNAL.COM

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…MAKING THE RIGHT MOMENTBY-MOMENT DECISION...

Cathleen Taff

This Talented SVP Helps Drive Brand and Employee Success at Disney Senior vice president of integrated planning and franchise management for The Walt Disney Studios, Cathleen Taff drives collaborative efforts to maximize the value of the studio brands and creative properties across all company divisions. A 21-year Disney veteran, she champions many company initiatives, while simultaneously emphasizing the development of her team.

Cathleen began her career as a Senior Financial Analyst and earned several promotions, becoming the vice president of finance for the Disney Music Group. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in transforming the struggling segment into a $100 million business and was promoted to senior vice president in 2001.

In 2003, Cathleen transitioned to the role of senior vice president and

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controller of The Walt Disney Studios, where she was instrumental in developing and implementing a cost-saving initiative that generated over $100 million. In 2008, she became the head of Strategic Operational Initiatives, a role created specifically with her in mind. Cathleen built and developed a new team whose goal was to collaborate across all lines of business to identify and implement sustainable efficiencies and cost savings. She later rejoined the Disney Music Group as senior vice president and general manager and became the principle architect of a reorganization transitioning the group to a more streamlined model.

As executive sponsor of Women@ Disney, which supports and develops female leaders, Cathleen helped grow the group to more than 1,000 mem-

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bers. She also participates in the Young Storytellers Program, where employees mentor elementary students, guiding them in writing their own screenplays.

“Being a woman in this profession has been a journey of balance,” said Cathleen. “I needed to learn how to give my best to all facets of my life, whether as an employee, a leader, or mom. It is not a ‘one size fits all’ approach, but as my mentor taught me, it’s about making the right moment-by-moment decision for me.”

Cathleen holds a bachelor’s degree in business economics (emphasis in accounting) from the University of California–Santa Barbara and is a certified public accountant in California. Prior to joining the Disney organization, she worked at Deloitte & Touche. PDJ

G R E AT P E O P L E D O N ’ T J U S T A C H I E V E .

THEY EXCEED.

Congratulations to all of the Women Worth Watching honorees.

At L-3, we proudly acknowledge and congratulate our own Lexi Alexander, Gina Andrukaitis and Alison Hartley, along with all of the 2015 Women Worth Watching honorees, on this inspirational achievement.

Lexi Alexander

Gina Andrukaitis

Alison Hartley L-3com.com

Read more at WWW.DIVERSITYJOURNAL.COM

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Who I am defines what I do, not the other way around.

DeAnna D. Allen

Cooley Litigation Star Shines a Light on the Importance of Diversity DeAnna Allen is a partner in the litigation department, and member of the intellectual property litigation and patent counseling & prosecution practice groups, in Cooley’s Washington, DC, office. Her practice involves various aspects of intellectual property, including patent litigation and counseling, as well as trademark litigation, copyright litigation, and computer technology. In addition to litigating and counseling on cases involving patents directed to

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inventions in a variety of technologies, DeAnna is an active member of the Cooley community.

As chair of Cooley’s firm-wide diversity committee, DeAnna leads efforts among attorneys in all Cooley offices to promote communication and understanding among all firm attorneys and staff. In 2015, she was selected as the firm’s Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) diversity fellow, and will participate in a year-long program created to

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identify, train, and advance the next generation of diverse leaders in the legal profession.

“My biggest career leap,” said DeAnna, “was when I briefly stepped away from full-time practice when I had young children; I learned that a successful career can follow many paths.”

Her leadership extends beyond Cooley, as she serves as co-chair of the Programs Subcommittee to the American Bar Association Section of Litigation IP Committee, and is an executive board member and diversity committee liaison of the National Association of Women Lawyers.

DeAnna is also a seasoned orator, speaking on topics pertinent to patent litigators, as well as on the importance of diversity and the advancement of women in the legal profession.

DeAnna has often been recognized for her professional accomplishments.

In 2012, she was selected as a Future Washington DC Star by Benchmark Litigation and as a national and Washington DC Litigation Star by Benchmark Plaintiff. The Legal 500 has referred to Allen as a “hi-tech specialist” and recommended her in 2011 in the Intellectual Property: Patent Prosecution category. She was also recognized in 2010 by the National Diversity Counsel as one of the Most Powerful and Influential Women in the DC-MarylandVirginia region. PDJ

Laura A. Boydston

This Legg Mason Managing Director Sees Education as the Key to Success Since joining Legg Mason in 2002 as a business analyst, Laura Boydston has held a variety of business roles, including director of strategy, product development, and risk management of Legg Mason Capital Management, and transition manager for the Office of the Chairman and CEO. She is currently the managing director of affiliate strategic initiatives, a role she assumed in 2011.

Before she became a member of the Legg Mason team, Laura served as Merrill Lynch Investment Management’s global manager of eLearning and as The Motley Fool’s executive officer of technology.

“My biggest career leap was accepting a position that was junior to the role I held at the time,” said Laura.

“There were no opportunities for career growth at my company and an opportunity presented itself elsewhere that was significantly more junior but offered me exposure to more executives and more lines of business.

I took the role and it has propelled my career.”

Laura is a member of the board of directors of East Baltimore Development, Inc. and The LEADERship, an entity affiliated with the Greater Baltimore Committee. She is also a trustee of the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company.

Passionate about education, Laura recently played a key role in the development and success of an urban charter school as board chair.

She is also a mentor and role model to women across the firm and the community.

Laura earned a bachelor’s degree in government, with a concentration in Sub-Saharan African studies, from Smith College. She also holds MBAs from ESADE Business School and Georgetown University. PDJ

If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough.

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…unexpected change can be a very good thing.

Z. Ileana Martinez

Thompson Hine Partner Is a Forceful Advocate—In and Out of the Courtroom Ileana Martinez has been practicing law for 28 years and is a member of the Georgia, Florida, and Connecticut bar associations. As a partner at Thompson Hine, she handles complex business and commercial cases, including those involving breach-of-contract and fiduciary duties, tortious interference, trade secrets, fraud, civil conspiracy, and noncompete provisions. She serves as national, regional, and local product liability litigation counsel for pharmaceutical and medical device companies, and other commercial product manufacturers.

Among her professional distinctions, Ileana is AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rated by MartindaleHubbell and was selected to the 2014 and 2015 Georgia Super Lawyers® lists.

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In 2014, Ileana received an Outstanding Advocacy Award from one of her clients, Medmarc, an industry-leading company.

“One of the important lessons I’ve learned along the way is that unexpected change can be a very good thing,” said Ileana about her career path. “After working with the same law firm and partners for 17 years, the firm disbanded and I left the comfort of the known for the risk of the unknown.

Yet, I have continued to thrive both personally and professionally.

“When I reflect back on what I perceived as a failure at the moment it was happening, I find that it was actually a blessing in disguise and a catalyst for events that later put me in a better place or situation,” she said.

Ileana leads the Atlanta

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committees for Thompson Hine’s Spotlight on Women program and Diversity & Inclusion Initiative.

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed named her to his Welcoming Atlanta Advisory Committee, a select group of business and community leaders who collaborated to provide the mayor with recommendations related to the immigrant population and its role in Georgia society and business. Ileana also serves on the boards of the Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta and Cristo Rey High School.

Ileana is an immigrant to this country, having been born in Cuba in 1960, at the height of the communist revolution. She is married to Ed Martinez, president of the UPS Foundation, and has three children and three grandchildren. PDJ

Randa G. Newsome

Raytheon’s VP of HR Believes in High Expectations and Individual Empowerment As Raytheon’s top human resources officer, Randa Newsome is responsible for providing worldwide direction for the company’s human resource initiatives, and overseeing all human resources and security operations for a global workforce of more than 61,000.

Randa has more than 20 years of experience in human resources and holds a master’s degree in public administration, with emphasis on human resources management. This varied background helps her understand the employee population she supports, as well as her HR and Security organization.

It’s also the career she knows she was meant for. “I was working as a planner/scheduler on my second job at Lockheed Martin,” said Randa, “ and started being pulled in to help HR

with some initiatives, such as rolling out the first Diversity and Inclusion learning at my site and working with the workforce on outplacement when the program was terminated. I decided then I wanted to stay in Human Resources as a career.”

Along the way, she’s learned some valuable lessons. “My husband and I moved halfway across the country— both starting brand new jobs—with 14-month-old twins and no support infrastructure in place.” she said.

“It was not easy! However, the job I moved for is the one I still reflect upon as the one that really built the foundation for my career. I learned then that you can do so much more than you think you can do!”

A trusted advisor and team player, Randa believes in the power of

knowledge-sharing and collaboration, and in providing an atmosphere in which everyone feels valued and empowered to perform at peak level.

She drives positive change—both organizationally and individually— through her results focus and her ability to effectively influence senior leaders. And, because she balances high expectations with true appreciation, top talent enjoys working in her organizations. PDJ

…you can do so much more than you think you can do!

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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

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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

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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

Karen Fowler-Williams

Karen Fowler-Williams serves as senior vice president of employee relations for Lincoln Financial Group.

In this critical role, she oversees HR policy development, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) compliance and risk management, recognition, the Employee Engagement Survey, tuition reimbursement, and other employee programs. Karen is a member of the company’s HR leadership team, which is responsible for HR governance enterprise-wide. She also serves on Lincoln’s RadnorPhiladelphia Grant Committee.

After serving for nearly a decade as the executive assistant for minority affairs for the governor of Indiana and executive director of the Indiana Civil Rights Commission, Karen began her Lincoln Financial career in 1989. She became HR director for Lincoln National Life and Lincoln’s Employee Benefits division and, before taking on her current role, served as the company’s assistant vice president for diversity initiatives and director of EEO strategy.

Karen earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration at Indiana Wesleyan University and an associate degree in mental health technology at Purdue University.

“Being an unmarried teen mom, I originally selected a degree and career that I thought would offer job security,” said Karen. “Five years into this career, I had an ‘aha moment’ when I needed to respond to a charge of discrimination on behalf of my employer. I realized that I wanted to build my career around fair employment practices, and set a goal that, someday, my name would be on the letterhead as Director of that state agency. Looking back, if I could give my younger self career advice, I’d say, ‘Take the risky path not the safe one.’ ” Dedicated to supporting diversity initiatives and employee engagement, Karen was an inaugural member of

Lincoln Financial’s SVP Is All about Diversity, Engagement, and Opportunity

The Conference Board’s Employee Engagement Council and The Engagement Institute. She is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management and the Wharton Financial Services Group. PDJ

Take the risky path not the safe one.

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WE’RE LOOKING AHEAD — AND SEEING YOU.

Are you taking a long view of your professional life? Looking for a place not just to earn a buck, but to start a career?

If so, you and Halliburton are a good match. We offer training, career development, job rotations, international assignments — every opportunity for you to build the career you want, while working at a Company that’s recognized for innovation, diversity and, frankly, a world-class workforce.

Find out about employment, paid internships and what your future might look like at Halliburton. Visit us at jobs.halliburton.com/diversity Real People. Real Careers.

HALLIBURTON © 2015 Halliburton. All rights reserved.

Solving challenges.

TM

…failure is staying in a job or relationship where your very best qualities are not celebrated…

Jillian Maver Ihsanullah

This Linkage Consultant Is Passionate about Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders An industrial/organizational psychologist, leadership consultant, and executive coach, Linkage’s Jillian Ihsanullah specializes in building strategic competency models to drive performance, and creating the systems and tools to support them.

She has significant experience in mergers and acquisitions, change communication, the creation of new organizational structures, career paths, and assessment of large groups of employees for job placement.

Jill has designed and facilitated a wide range of leadership development programs, including classroom experiences, action-learning teams,

executive coaching, and executive retreats. Most recently, she integrated her passion for leadership with her expertise in measurement as the architect of Linkage’s Return on Leadership Development system—a unique offering designed to measure the bottom-line impact of leadership development efforts. Her clients include Aldo Shoes, American Airlines, GE Capital, General Motors, John Deere, Lockheed Martin, Mattel, McDonald’s Corporation, Morgan Stanley, Toyota, and the United Nations, to name a few.

“I knew my present career was what I wanted to do when I was 16 years

old,” said Jill. “I was on a family trip touring a cave, and the tour guide was not well matched to the job. I couldn’t stop thinking about my desire to help him find a career more suited to his strengths.”

Prior to joining Linkage, Jill earned recognition for excellence in teaching undergraduate psychology courses at Purdue University. She previously worked at the Hudson Institute, an Indianapolis think tank; cofounded Thought Labs, a social media consulting company; and ran Decisions That Matter, her own executive consulting and coaching business. PDJ

Read more at WWW.DIVERSITYJOURNAL.COM

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Niki Curci Scott joined SunTrust in 2004, after working at other top national mortgage lenders for almost 15 years. She served as region and division manager before being named to her current national sales leadership role.

The best career advice she ever received, is this: “Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.” Her philosophy and commitment to her clients guided Niki’s sales channel to produce more than $8 billion in volume in 2014, and helped more than 30,000 individuals and families realize the dream of home ownership.

As the daughter of a single mother, Niki understands that things are not always easy—for anyone. She loves the feeling of accomplishment and success that comes with putting people in homes. Says Niki, “That’s especially true when a potential borrower has challenging circumstances and we’re able to help them.”

Leading a sales team through the recent financial crisis and the dramatic change in the housing finance industry was one of the most difficult career challenges she has faced. Helping that team navigate and understand those changes, and adapt to the “new and evolving normal,” is one of her most meaningful achievements.

Niki is active in the community, including her work with Making Strides/American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, and Habitat for Humanity. She earned a BS in mass communications from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond and an Executive MBA from Queens University in Charlotte, North Carolina. PDJ

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Niki Curci Scott

This SunTrust EVP Not Only Helps People Own Homes, She Helps Build Homes Too

NOBODY CARES HOW MUCH YOU KNOW, UNTIL THEY KNOW HOW MUCH YOU CARE.

PROFILES IN DIVERSITY JOURNAL Summer 2015

Dorinda Smith

Saying Yes to a New Challenge Revealed this SunTrust EVP’s True Calling

Believe in the POSSIBILITY OF YOU.

Dorinda Smith joined SunTrust more than 25 years ago, and has held roles of increasing responsibility during her tenure with the company.

She served in several operational leadership roles, guiding the business through enormous transformation.

But, as she describes it, she never really knew what her calling was until she was asked in 2013 to lead a sales channel. Since accepting the role of sales leader, Dorinda has introduced the new and fast-growing, nondelegated division and, in 2014, delivered more than $8.5 billion in production, working with nearly 600 correspondent clients.

Recently, Dorinda led a professional development session for the company’s Women’s Teammate Network and shared her list of the “Top Things I’ve Learned.” Among the highlights were the following: Change equals opportunity; know your strengths; love your job; have fun at work; learn every day; let go— things are not always going to go your way; learn what you need to learn from even the bad times and move on; be grateful; listening is power; be bold; take action quicker—don’t wait for life to hand you something—grab it; don’t wait for your employer to hand you the perfect career—go after it; talk with a lot of people about what you want to do—spend time with the person who has the job you want.

“If you only take one piece of advice from this, make it: ‘Believe in the possibility of you,’” said Dorinda.

“It’s the career advice I’d give my former self.”

Her passionate advocacy for her clients, her team, and the professionals she mentors make her one of the most dynamic leaders from one of America’s top mortgage lenders. And she takes that can-do approach into the community as a volunteer with Junior Achievement and the YWCA. PDJ

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Your reputation precedes you.

Make sure that it is stellar.

Katherine Y.K. Cheung

This Marriott VP & Senior Council is a Powerful Advocate for Company and Causes An inspirational leader, an excellent lawyer, and a skilled communicator, Katherine Cheung serves as vice president and senior counsel in the Employment Law group at Marriott International, Inc. Prior to joining the Marriott law department five years ago, Kathy was with the law firm of Norris, Tysse, Lampley & Lakis in Washington, DC, which is the primary firm for the Equal Employment Advisory Council, an employer membership group designed to keep employers abreast of cases, laws, and regulations in the employment arena. She

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also served as vice president of employment law at U.S. Foodservice for five years.

Earlier in her career, Kathy worked at both the US Department of Commerce and Hogan & Hartson, and clerked for Judge Hargrove on the US District Court for the District of Maryland.

“Being a woman in my profession has been both challenging and rewarding,” said Kathy. “It is exciting to see more women in leadership opportunities in different legal jobs, but there is still more that can be done.”

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Kathy has the rare diplomatic ability to obtain consensus without alienating anyone, which inspires others to do and be better. Her legal expertise and superb listening skills enable her to be a powerful advocate for her company, and her commitment to diversity inspires her peers and the larger legal community. She is always willing to speak on important topics, champion causes, and provide valuable input as needed.

Kathy is a graduate of Harvard Law School and Harvard College..PDJ

Shira Goodman

President “Makes More Happen” for Staples across North America

…I also learned the value of a great coach.

Shira Goodman is president of Staples North American Commercial division, as well as head of the company’s supply chain and customer-service operations in North America.

Shira joined Staples in 1992 and has held a number of leadership positions across the company. Before stepping into her current role, she served as executive vice president of Staples Global Growth group, where she was responsible for identifying and developing new sources of growth and driving Staples best growth ideas across the company. In that role, Shira led the development and launch of Staples Reinvention, as well as the company’s highly successful “Make

More Happen” branding campaign.

Earlier in her career, Shira led the company’s global HR strategies and programs as executive vice president of human resources, and oversaw marketing, advertising, public relations, and charitable giving programs as Staples’ executive vice president of marketing.

“It was perhaps my biggest career leap,” said Shira of that leadership role. “I had never had a marketing job of this scope before. I learned how to rely on other members of the team who had much deeper expertise. I also learned the value of a great coach.

Tom Stemberg, Staples Founder and a brilliant marketing mind, met with me

weekly to discuss our work. It was an incredible learning opportunity.”

Shira led the company’s global business integration efforts following the company’s acquisition of Corporate Express in 2008, and has held senior executive positions in the delivery business units, which serve business customers of all sizes. She is also a member of the board of directors of CarMax, Inc. Shira holds a Master of Management Science degree (with a concentration in strategy and marketing) from MIT’s Sloan School of Management, a JD from Harvard Law School, and a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University. PDJ

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Don’t let fear stop you from trying something new.

Julianne M. Hartzell

This Partner at Marshall, Gerstein & Borun Is an IP Litigation Star Julianne Hartzell is a leading partner in Marshall, Gerstein & Borun’s intellectual property litigation (IP) practice, and was recently appointed chair of the firm’s medical devices practice. Julianne has a reputation as an accomplished IP litigator and trial attorney, representing clients as lead counsel in district court, the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals, the

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Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, and arbitration proceedings.

Julianne has increased the firm’s pro bono participation, is a founding partner of its diversity committee, recruits new talent as chair of the recruiting committee, and actively mentors associates. She also has devoted significant time to serving the legal community as a past board

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member of the Richard Linn American Inn of Court; a board member, past president, and committee chair of the Coalition of Women’s Initiatives in Law; and a committee member of the Intellectual Property Owner’s Association and the International Trademark Association.

“The most important quality a woman leader should have is confidence,” said Julianne. “You have to believe that you can accomplish the goals that you set for yourself, so that you can convince those people in control of the opportunities to give you the chance to prove it.”

Julianne received the Chicago Bar Association Alliance for Women’s 2012 Alta May Hulett Award, which recognizes women lawyers who have significantly contributed to the advancement of women in the legal profession and whose careers exemplify the highest level of excellence. She has been has been selected to Super Lawyers® Illinois Rising Stars lists (2011–2015), was invited to be a Litigation Counsel of America fellow, holds a MartindaleHubbell® AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, was recognized as one of Chicago Daily Law Bulletin’s 2014 “40 Illinois Attorneys Under 40 to Watch,” and was selected a 2013 “Top Rated Lawyer in Intellectual Property” by American Lawyer Media (ALM) and Martindale-Hubbell. PDJ

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KNOW YOUR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL TRUE NORTH, AND FOLLOW IT.

Rebecca Eisner

This Mayer Brown Partner Works Hard and Makes Smart Choices Rebecca Eisner was inspired to be a lawyer while working in the government affairs department at Dow Chemical. Her job required knowledge of certain laws and regulations that were important to the company. She became interested in learning more, and decided to attend law school.

After graduating cum laude from the University of Michigan Law School, Rebecca joined Mayer Brown in 1989 as an associate. But in 1993,

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she left the firm to move with her family to Atlanta, where she became an assistant vice president of legal at Equifax, supporting legal contracting for the company’s top 20 financial institution clients. It was during Rebecca’s tenure with Equifax that the Internet exploded onto the scene, leading her to develop a tech, privacy, and outsourcing niche.

In 1996, Rebecca returned to Chicago and joined the Mayer Brown’s

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Business & Technology Sourcing group. Over the years, she helped the group grow from one of mere transactional legal counsel to one that helps clients develop and implement their overall sourcing strategy. She has also served on the Mayer Brown Global Partnership Board, a committee of 13 global partners who oversee the firm management committee, and as co-leader of Mayer Brown’s Privacy & Security group for the past seven years.

“Being a woman in my profession has been very satisfying,” said Rebecca. “I love it when people break stereotypical norms. There have been many times in my career and life when I felt that people underestimated what I could do because I did not fit their norms. It has been immensely satisfying to change their views on what is possible.”

Rebecca is widely recognized by numerous legal industry ranking guides, including Chambers USA, Legal 500, and Best Lawyers in America. She is co-chair of the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals Security Chapter and a member of the International Association of Privacy Professionals.

Active in Mayer Brown’s women’s initiatives, Rebecca speaks on panels with clients about women and business development, mentors female associates, and participates in the firm’s women’s conferences.

Outside the office, Rebecca recently served as a board member of Interfaith House, a 56-bed facility on Chicago’s west side that focuses on curing homelessness through healing and supporting the whole person. PDJ

After earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and a JD from the University of Chicago Law School, Lori Lightfoot began her career in 1989 as a Michigan Supreme Court law clerk. The following year, she joined Mayer Brown, and spent six years with the firm as a litigation associate.

From 1996 to 2002, Lori served as an assistant US attorney in the Criminal Division of the US Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Illinois.

In this role, she tried many cases to verdict and also handled federal appeals. While an AUSA, Lori worked on a range of public corruption, fraud and violent crime cases.

From 2002 to 2005, Lori served the city of Chicago in various roles. As interim first deputy procurement officer at the Department of Procurement Services (DPS), she conducted an across-the-department reorganization and reform of DPS business practices, including redesigning Chicago’s minority and women business enterprise program. Lori also served as general counsel and chief of staff in the Office of Emergency Management and Communications and as chief administrator in the Office of Professional Standards (OPS) of the Chicago Police Department.

During her time with the OPS, she managed a 100-person office of civilian investigators charged with investigating police-involved shootings, allegations of excessive force, and other misconduct alleged against Chicago police officers.

In 2005, Lori returned to Mayer Brown as a partner, and currently serves as co-leader of the firm’s Commercial Litigation action group.

Earlier this year, Lori was appointed chair of the Chicago Police Board

by Mayor Rahm Emanuel. She was also recognized as one of Global Investigations Review’s “Women in

…I know I have a responsibility to make a way for all women...

Lori Lightfoot

This Top Attorney at Mayer Brown is also Chair of Chicago Police Board Investigations” for her achievements.

“Being a woman in my profession has been a very interesting challenge,” said Lori. “I embrace the reality that women have been, and likely for my lifetime, will be measured by different standards. Those are the cards that we have been dealt. But that is the start of the conversation, and what I have done is figured out how to navigate

with those terms of engagement.”

Lori is deeply committed to helping at-risk youth, partly through her involvement with Link Unlimited, a Chicago nonprofit serving economically disadvantaged high school students. She believes it’s critical to teach children about respect, dignity, and sense of community. PDJ

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Deborah Roberts

Sodexo’s SVP Is a Dynamic Leader and a Global Success Deborah Roberts, Sodexo’s North America senior vice president of facilities for the health care market, has over 25 years of leadership experience in business operations, sales, and general management. She lived and worked in Singapore and Shanghai, China, for nearly five years, where she led facility management and OE product businesses. Deborah was responsible for more than 3,000 employees in Asia, and her team in Singapore implemented an innovative and highly successful customer engagement program which led to retention, employee engagement, and growth.

“I believe my greatest career leap was during expat assignments in

Asia—three years in Singapore and two in Shanghai,” said Deborah.

“Through prior global roles, I thought I had a good foundation with cultural differences. However, expat assignments are life-changing experiences and offer unique insight.

From these, came my understanding of the significance of diversity as a prerequisite for leading global engagement and growth.”

Deborah and her husband have volunteered with Habitat for Humanity for more than 20 years.

They most recently volunteered for two years at the Shanghai Baby Home in Shanghai, China—a nonprofit that helps orphans with correctable medical problems. While in China,

they were foster parents for one year to a special needs baby and adopted a 13-year-old girl.

Deborah’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of care and delivery for customers and teams brings her the most satisfaction.

As a mentor to scores of employees, she has been able to help advance the careers of many team members, specifically women and diverse candidates and employees. Many of her mentees have gone on to senior leadership positions. And her One Team approach has resulted in employee engagement, client satisfaction, and business success. PDJ

…expat assignments are life-changing experiences.

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…listen to your intuition.

Stephanie Willson

This Leading Litigator has a Passion for Engaging Top Talent Before developing her talent management and engagement practice, Stephanie Willson practiced as a commercial litigator. Today, she is a recognized leader in lawyer recruitment, talent management, and leadership development. As McCarthy Tétrault’s chief professional resources officer, she has implemented an industry-leading national talent strategy, with competency-based recruitment, innovative mentorship and education programs, and accountability metrics that have increased lawyer engagement year over year, as measured by a firm-wide survey. As a result of her efforts, Legal Media Group has named McCarthy Tétrault “Best Law Firm in Canada” and “Best National Firm for Talent Management.”

In December 2014, Stephanie was honored in Washington DC by the Professional Development Consor-

tium with the inaugural Richard Pearson Award for her achievements.

She was most recently recognized by HRD magazine as being one of the Best of the Best, on its 2015 Hot List.

“We all have unique talents. Part of building a successful career is having the confidence to use those talents and play to your strengths,” said Stephanie.

“Many people questioned my decision when I made the switch from practicing law as a litigator to talent development, but I was really excited by the work, and never looked back.

I had found my passion!”

Stephanie has always participated fully in her community, often in a leadership role. She advised the Rotman School of Management regarding the creation and continuing innovation of a leadership program for women lawyers, and was the only lawyer among the many professionals on a council advising Rotman on

the creation of a leadership program for senior practitioners in professional services.

She is a member of the Legal Talent Leadership Forum, the National Association for Law Placement, and the Professional Development Consortium. In 2014, she was a member of the Canadian Bar Association’s Legal Futures Initiative Education and Training Team.

Previously, she served three years as the firm’s Justicia representative and two years as a member of the Admissions Committee of the Law Society of Upper Canada. She was also a member of the Canadian Bar Association’s subcommittee on Diversity in the Legal Profession and Catalyst’s advisory committee on work-life balance in Canadian law firms. PDJ

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Sara McCoy

SRP’s First Female Plant Manager Reaches Out to Mentor Other Women

When Sara McCoy graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in mechanical engineering, she was one of a handful of female graduates. When she was hired by Salt River Project 21 years ago, she was one of a few female trailblazers.

Today, Sara is the SRP’s first female power plant manager. Under her leadership, the Aqua Fria power plant provides reliable power to the more than one million customers in the Phoenix metropolitan area. And, during her tenure with the utility, Sara has made her mark as a pioneer and mentor to younger female engineers.

“I would have to say my biggest career leap came when being promoted to manager—leading people instead of managing projects,” said Sara. “I learned that people are much more dynamic.

“Facts and information are interesting, but it’s people that make things happen.”

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As SRP’s first female plant manager, Sara knows she has a unique opportunity to have a lasting impact, by giving employees opportunities to learn and by working with the next generation of employees as a steering committee member on two SRP internal groups—the Rotational Engineer Program and the Women’s Interest Network (WIN), which supports SRP women employees and fundraising for community nonprofits. She also participates in SRP’s mentoring program, which enables her to support development plans and provide learning opportunities for employees and college interns.

The Scottsdale resident, and working wife and mom, is also an active member of the company’s Employee Booster Association and a supporter of and participant in Adopt-a-Family, Christmas Angel, and other SRP community volunteer programs. PDJ

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…IT’S PEOPLE THAT MAKE THINGS HAPPEN.

“Our auditor? She knows the industry as well as we do.”

People who know, know BDO.

SM

The diverse and dedicated professionals at BDO honor the contributions of women like Lia Patton, Anchorage Assurance Partner, who have helped place us among the world’s leading accounting and consulting firms.

Accountants and Consultants www.bdo.com © 2015 BDO USA, LLP. All rights reserved.

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Be true and be yourself.

Susan Sun (Sun-Xie)

The Determination to Be Better Every Day Is the Secret of this CIO’s Success As chief information officer (CIO) for MetroPlus Health Plan, Susan is part of the MetroPlus leadership team and oversees the information technology and computer systems that support MetroPlus’s goals and align with the MetroPlus Core System.

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She also prepared the Plan for the technological side of the Affordable Care Act, which included working with New York State of Health, the state’s health insurance exchange, and the transition to offering commercial insurance products.

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Susan has 20 years of managed care IT experience—18 years in IT management—and has spent almost 15 years at MetroPlus Health Plan.

Prior to joining MetroPlus, Susan was the director of MIS at Ryan Community Health Network, where she designed, tested, and implemented a new enrollment system for their Child Health Plus program, improving efficiency by 75 percent.

She reorganized the MIS department to ensure smooth operations.

Born and raised in Shanghai, China, Susan immigrated to the US in 1988.

She is a true reflection of the American ideal that every US citizen should have the opportunity to achieve success and prosperity through hard work, determination, and initiative. She demonstrates this every day as a leader, a wife, a mother, and her experiences as an immigrant.

“I came to America 26 years ago,” said Susan, “and started my career and with a distinct Chinese accent.

I remember encouraging myself, thinking, ‘I should do this not only for me, but for other people too.’ Race is a sensitive subject in this country— sometimes overly so. I believe that you should be transparent. You can’t hide your color or your accent, so why should you?”

Much of her success can be linked to her determination to better herself and others. She has a master’s degree in computer science, and makes it her practice to stay up-to-date on industry standards and innovations that can best serve the strategic needs of MetroPlus.

Despite her busy work schedule, Susan is actively involved in community service. She has been a volunteer with the Livingston Huaxia Chinese School, where she has helped with student registration and administrative duties. Currently, she volunteers at local events, such as the Livingston Chinese Cultural Day, Lunar Year Celebration, and Memorial Day Parade. PDJ

I refuse to allow anyone to dictate my limits.

Dr. Carla Campbell-Jackson

This MAPS Founder Is Passionate about Diversity and Inclusion Founder and director of Mentoring and Providing Scholarships, or MAPS, Dr. Carla Campbell-Jackson has long been a formidable advocate for the disenfranchised, the ostracized, and the downtrodden. MAPS focuses on preparing young people to take on the challenges of higher education, while

encouraging them to think critically and act responsibly.

Carla has long worked to further women’s issues and causes, serving as a core committee member for the first Women’s Network for Entrepreneurial Training (WNET) chapter in Bloomington, Illinois. An

organization that brings women together to explore business issues and create strategies to develop leaders for the future, WNET leverages the diverse talents, skills, and experiences of women to support an inclusive and nurturing culture.

Carla also mentors more than 30 young professionals within her organization, instilling strong values, hope, and determination. She has never rejected a request to mentor an employee.

“Being a womanin my profession has been challenging, yet rewarding,” said Carla. “I have learned to continue to strive for excellence, in spite of obstacles I encounter, and that challenges, while difficult, build character. We are human and capable of making mistakes. The recovery from mistakes, disappointments, and failures is what matters. I refuse to allow anyone to dictate my limits.”

A firm believer in the notion that education and personal development must be a continual process, Carla recently earned her PhD in organizational communications (with an emphasis in diversity and inclusion) and continues to educate others on the business and moral imperatives associated with building and supporting robust diversity and inclusion programs.

In addition to heading up MAPS, this busy wife and mother holds leadership positions with several organizations committed to building better communities and brighter futures. She is president of the Southwestern Michigan Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, and first vice president of the Metropolitan Kalamazoo Branch of the NAACP. Carla’s passion for diversity and inclusion will continue to leave a positive and indelible mark on the lives of many. Every day, she fosters rich relationships with the people she meets and makes certain that every person feels embraced, appreciated, and uniquely valued. PDJ

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…A SUCCESSFUL LEADER WILL HAVE RESPECT FOR HERSELF AND OTHERS.

Leigh A. Parker

Rockwell Collins VP Is Passionate about Innovation Leigh Parker started her career at Rockwell Collins as an engineer, but was quickly promoted to a position of leadership. She has held key leadership roles in several successful programs at Rockwell Collins, including development of air transport displays, situational awareness applications, and Pro Line Fusion development.

Prior to becoming vice president of Rockwell Collins’ Commercial Systems Engineering division, she held the role of senior director of engineering for avionics programs, where she was responsible for overseeing the engineering design and development for all Rockwell Collins Pro Line projects and systems.

“I think my biggest career leap

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was transitioning from an individual contributor to a leader and manager of people,” said Leigh. “Figuring out how to shift from accomplishing work myself to accomplishing work through others was a significant enabler to my career and made me a better person.”

Leigh won Rockwell Collins’s 2013 Commercial Systems Lean Achievement Award and was a finalist for the 2007 Chairman’s Team Award, as well as semifinalist for the 2005 Engineer of the Year. She is seen as a leader in the industry, having been selected as one of Aviation Week’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2014 and a 2012 Waypoint Tribute to Women of Achievement honoree. In addition, she is a board member of the

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Aerospace Vehicle Systems Institute.

Within the organization, Leigh serves as enterprise vice chair for the Friends of Asia Employee Resource Group, participates in the Women’s Forum, acts as a mentor in the company mentor program, and sponsors the Engineering Management Community of Practice.

She is passionate about encouraging innovation and uses these venues to do it.

Away from Rockwell Collins, Leigh regularly volunteers at her daughter’s elementary school, helping young students reach their potential, especially in STEM (science, engineering, technology and math) disciplines. PDJ

Malou Harrison

Miami Dade College’s President is Passionate About Empowering All Learners

…an example to the next generation of women leaders...

Malou Harrison, who has 35 years of experience in the field of higher education, is the president of Miami Dade College (MDC) North Campus—the college’s first location, which opened in 1960. She also oversees the institution’s two major academic centers: MDC–West and the Carrie P. Meek Entrepreneurship Education Center.

During her 25 years with MDC, Malou has served in various capacities, including dean of students, chief of staff to the college president, and adjunct professor of English. She holds a doctorate in community college leadership from Walden University, a master’s degree in TESOL from Florida International University, and a bachelor’s degree in management from the University

of Buffalo.

Malou’s tireless dedication to empowering youth and adult learners has led her to author scholarly articles, which have been published in the League for Innovation in the Community College’s Student Services Dialogues, as well as the Association of American College and Universities.

“What makes my career so extremely rewarding,” said Malou, “is to be able to serve as an example to the next generation of women leaders that they, too, can grow and contribute in higher education professions.”

On a national level, Malou serves on the Blue Ribbon Panel of the Community College Consortium for Immigrant Education. Locally, she sits on the Coordinating Council of Miami Dade County Sister Cities

International, City of North Miami University Relations Board, African American History Task Force of Miami Dade County Public Schools, and the Board of Directors of Miami Book Fair International. She is also the PTSA vice president of Coral Gables Senior High School.

An avid volunteer in her own community, Malou spends time with clients of Camillus House, a nonprofit organization that provides humanitarian services to men, women, and children who are poor and homeless. She also helps address issues of food insecurity with Meals of Hope, a nonprofit organization that helps feed the less fortunate, both locally and internationally. PDJ

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Kellie Lerner

Robins Kaplan Partner Pursues Justice and Fairness with a Passion Kellie Lerner represents both plaintiffs and defendants in some of the nation’s largest antitrust lawsuits.

A Partner with Robins Kaplan LLP, her talent for sifting through large swaths of data to uncover antitrust violations has made her a champion for victims of anticompetitive conduct.

For example, she filed a lawsuit against Abbott Laboratories over the pricing of its life-saving HIV medication and secured a settlement that benefitted nonprofits helping HIV-positive individuals. More recently, she led ongoing litigation against Merck, for falsifying data to protect its monopoly on the mumps vaccine; Keurig, for monopolizing its popular K-Cup market; and manufacturers of contact lenses, for conspiring to keep consumer prices artificially high.

“I think my biggest career leap was when I first took on the defense of an antitrust class action after a decade of prosecuting antitrust cases,” said Kellie. “Although it defies the industry norm of picking one side or another, I learned that representing clients on both sides of the ‘v’ gives them a competitive edge because I understand first-hand how each side of the litigation thinks.”

An equally passionate and effective leader in her community, Kellie sits on the Tri-State Area Advisory Board of Jumpstart, a nonprofit that provides language and literacy support to preschool children in low-income communities. She also sits on the board of directors of the Jewish Community Project Downtown, formed after the September 11 attacks to revitalize the Jewish community in lower Manhattan. She has devoted pro bono services to Kids In Need of Defense, AARP, and the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under the Law. At Robins Kaplan, Kellie serves

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as co-chair of the diversity committee, where she is piloting several innovative programs to enhance diversity at the firm and within the profession, and cementing her status as a valuable mentor and role model to the next generation of women and minority leaders. PDJ

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…I HAVE ALWAYS HAD A SENSE THAT I WAS EXACTLY WHERE I SHOULD HAVE BEEN...

Carla Rutigliano

New York Life’s SVP Is a Pro at Balancing Work and Family In her role as senior vice president and chief of staff to Ted Mathas, chairman and CEO of New York Life, Carla Rutigliano ensures the oversight and coordination of key strategic initiatives in the Office of the Chairman and CEO, and provides a link between the chairman’s office and all other business areas within the company, as well as with external organizations. In addition to these responsibilities, she provides senior executive oversight to the New York Life Foundation.

Carla joined New York Life in 2001, as a member of the Office of Governmental Affairs, where she represented the company in state legislative and regulatory matters.

After being promoted to roles of increasing responsibility during her first five years with the firm, she began reporting to Mr. Mathas—first, when he became chief operating officer and vice chairman of the board in 2006, and then, when he moved to the position of CEO in 2008.

Prior to joining New York Life, Carla was an assistant attorney general in the New York State Office of the Attorney General, an assistant corporation counsel for the City of Syracuse Office of the Corporation Counsel, and an intern and staffer for New York state assemblyman Paul Harenberg.

In 2014, Carla’s ability to maintain a healthy balance between her high-profile job and her family earned her a well-deserved place as one of Working Mother magazine’s Working Mothers of the Year.

“Remembering that New York Life has been successful for over 170 years, most of that time without me, helps me retain my balance,” said Carla.

“I don’t let what I do define who I am. I am a wife, mother, daughter, and friend.” PDJ

I DON’T LET WHAT I DO DEFINE WHO I AM.

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Jennifer K. Grady

This Managing Partner Has a Habit of Breaking New Ground As managing partner of Richards Kibbe & Orbe, Jennifer Grady is responsible for directing the affairs of a law firm that represents nine of the top ten global investment banks, six of the top ten private equity funds, and more than a third of the 100 largest hedge funds. Her supervisory responsibilities encompass all aspects of the firm’s operations—from financial performance to hiring strategies and relationships with staff and vendors. She also leads meetings of the firm’s executive committee.

At the nation’s largest law firms, only about one out of five equity partners is female, and the number of women in leadership positions at those firms “can be counted on two hands,” according to the Wall Street Journal.

Jennifer has achieved that level of success. And the fact that the firm’s partners, including many former senior officials from the Department of Justice, Securities and Exchange Commission, and other agencies, have selected her as their leader speaks powerfully to her legal talent and the confidence she inspires in others.

“While I am a rarity as a female managing partner, and while there are advances yet to be made, thanks to women who’ve gone before me I find myself judged largely on my work rather than my gender,” said Jennifer.

Jennifer stands out not only for her well-respected judgment, but also for the groundbreaking work she has done in connection with complicated financial instruments known as derivatives. She developed such a level of expertise in emerging, but little-understood derivative products, that she began to draw new business to the firm while she was still an associate—a rare occurrence at law firms. Her work led to the creation of a new derivatives practice that now

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Believing in yourself encourages others to do the same. occupies the time of multiple firm attorneys. Recently, she represented The Loan Syndications and Trading Association (LSTA) before the SEC and CFTC on the treatment of

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certain loan market products under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. PDJ

…with God and some determination, you can accomplish just about anything.

LaVon D. Chancy

Milligan & Company’s Tax Director Helps Clients Find Optimal Business Solutions As Milligan & Company’s director of tax and small business advisory services, LaVon Chancy helps individuals and small-business clients develop and execute comprehensive and seamless solutions designed to maximize their after-tax income.

LaVon is consistently recognized as the “go-to” by her clients for guidance in tax planning, as well as working with their other service providers to produce optimal business solutions.

LaVon began her career with Milligan & Company almost nine years ago, as a senior tax accountant.

After being promoted to the role of director of tax, she realized that her department did much more than provide tax services and expanded the department to include business

advisory services. LaVon continues to oversee the strategic direction of the department and provide tax advice to high-net-worth individuals, not-forprofit organizations, and small- and medium-sized businesses, including those involved in the mergers and acquisitions process.

“My biggest career leap,” said LaVon, “was being promoted from Senior Tax Accountant to my current position. I learned that, although technical skills are important, having good people skills and the ability to influence others to get onboard with your vision are what make a true leader successful.”

Away from the office, LaVon’s passion lies in serving her community, educating children, and giving others a chance for a better life. Through the

United Way and other community organizations, she regularly participates in service projects, such as cleaning up local parks, running food drives, and mentoring high school students. She has chaired Milligan’s annual United Way Campaign, and currently serves on the board, as treasurer, of the Faith Community Development Corporation, a nonprofit dedicated to helping residents in the Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia with issues of housing, unemployment, and poverty.

LaVon holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a Juris Doctor from Temple University. She is a CPA, a certified QuickBooks™ ProAdvisor, and a member of the Pennsylvania State Bar Association. PDJ

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At BAnk of the West, We vAlue the individuAl.

Different perspectives generate fresh ideas. That’s why at Bank of the West, we value diversity and equal opportunity for all our employees. We’ve grown stronger thanks to our unique blend of people. After all, in today’s competitive banking environment, it is our employees that keep us a step ahead of the rest. For career opportunities, visit us online at bankofthewest.com.

Bank of the West and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity/affirmative action employers.

Member FDIC. ©2012 Bank of the West.

Life throws you curveballs.

Michelle Lee

Mindspark’s VP & GM is an Inspiration to Women in Tech Every day, Michelle Lee maneuvers the male dominated technology industry with grace and intelligence.

She currently serves as vice president and general manager at Mindspark

Interactive, a software technology company whose product portfolio spans browser applications, desktop utilities, and mobile applications.

In addition to general manager

responsibility, Michelle has P&L ownership across the browser products division. She manages a product portfolio of more than 90 of the company’s brands, and works cross-functionally with finance, technology, developers, designers, and product managers to ensure consistent product excellence.

Michelle also directs the Customer Insights & Support team, with a focus on eliciting quantitative and qualitative customer feedback to make smarter product decisions, and improve product quality and customer satisfaction.

Throughout her tenure at Mindspark, Michelle has helped grow the company, mentored her staff, and earned the respect of her colleagues.

She is an inspiration for women who want to develop careers in the technology industry.

Before joining the Mindspark team, Michelle served as chief strategy officer and head of product at EdLab, at Teachers College, Columbia University; was the director of product management at Reed Elsevier in New York; and served in related roles at Sony Pictures Entertainment and Deutsche Bank. She was also a founding member of RottenTomatoes. com—a popular Internet site devoted to movie reviews and news.

“I think my biggest career leap was when I took the position at Reed Elsevier managing an international team and a large-scale, global project,” said Michelle. “It was daunting, but the multicultural experience helped me rapidly learn how to adapt to different environments and working styles.

“Life throws you curveballs. You must remain flexible and recognize opportunities when they present themselves.”

Michelle earned an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BBA from the University of California at Berkeley. The mother of a young daughter, she is also an accomplished jazz musician and a proud Korean American. PDJ

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Cheri Burnham

This Moss Adams Partner Provides Telecom Tax Advice and Education

I am continually reminded to get outside my comfort zone…

Cheri Burnham has focused professionally on telecommunications and cooperative tax since 1995, providing tax planning and compliance, as well as consulting services for cooperative and corporate organizations. She serves wireline commercial and cooperative enterprises, wireless carriers, cable television companies, fiber transport companies, and telephone associations.

Responsible for the tax work performed by the Spokane and Kansas City offices’ telecom group, and for the firm’s utility cooperative tax practice, Cheri is lead instructor for two national cooperative seminars and one corporate tax seminar—part of the firm’s annual series of 20 accounting and business courses for the telecom industry. In addition, she is regularly asked to speak to cooperatives’ boards

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of directors on capital credit strategies.

“I think my biggest career leaps have been when I’ve said ‘yes’ to scary opportunities—whether they are speaking engagements, challenging projects, or leadership positions— particularly when I doubt my capability,” said Cheri. “I am continually reminded to get outside my comfort zone and stretch what I believe I am capable of.”

Cheri’s experience includes cooperative capital credit policy design and strategy development; cooperative patronage strategy; cooperative and corporate structure analysis and consulting; consulting on mergers, reorganizations, and corporate restructuring; IRS audit assistance; consolidated tax returns compliance and planning; state income tax compliance and

PROFILES IN DIVERSITY JOURNAL Summer 2015

planning; deferred tax and ASC 740 compliance and planning; utility cooperative tax compliance and planning; S corporation analysis and conversions; shareholder income tax planning and strategy; and corporate acquisition strategy and analysis.

In addition to holding a BBA in accounting from Gonzaga University, Cheri is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the National Society of Accountants for Cooperatives, and the Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants. She previously served as chair of the Telergee Alliance Tax Committee, where she ensured that the committee met its goals of improving tax practice efficiency and sharing best practices among the seven member firms. PDJ

…our business is about people, not investments.

Kirstin Turner

This RBC Complex Director Nurtures People and Business Growth Kirstin Turner has 15 years of experience in the financial industry, and more than a decade of managerial experience. She came to RBC Wealth Management–US 16 months ago from Morgan Stanley’s Houston branch, where she had overseen 40 financial advisers with $5 billion in assets under management. As a complex director at RBC, she manages 68 financial advisors across seven different branches, with $6 billion in assets under management.

When Kirstin started with RBC, her complex was one of the smallest in the firm. But instead of being limited by that fact, she sought to change it by focusing on recruiting. Just months later, those efforts have paid off—eight new financial advisors are bringing in $7 million in revenue. In fact, the overall productivity of the team

Kirstin manages has increased, putting her complex in RBC’s top five overall in terms of net new assets. As the only female complex director at RBC Wealth Management–US, Kirstin is a role model and leader for women in the company.

“I think my biggest career leap came in 2008,” said Kirsten. “I became the manager of a three-branch complex in Illinois after spending two years as a sales manager of a branch in Houston. It was then, in the middle of the largest financial crisis of our generation, that I learned that our business is about people, not investments. Our employees and our clients needed to feel safe and cared for—a natural trait for a female leader, and one that I continue to nurture.”

Outside of work, Kirstin dedicates herself to her community by working

with organizations that help empower women and girls through financial literacy. In February of this year, she organized and hosted a Women’s Empowerment Forum that attracted 100 local women who had the opportunity to learn the basics of insurance, estate planning, and more.

Her goal is to help women be proactive, rather than reactive, with their finances.

Kirstin is also involved with Adopt-a-Family, an organization that helps families avoid homelessness and provides stability in times of crisis. She is also a member of Women’s Resource Center, Coastal Conservation Association, Compassion International, and the Loggerhead Marine Life Center. PDJ

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President of Mount Saint Mary’s University (the only women’s university in Los Angeles), Dr. Ann McElaney-Johnson is recognized as a thought leader for women’s issues and a champion for innovative teaching and learning. Her leadership style is inclusive and collaborative, and her strategic vision for the university is to foster a culture of innovation and excellence that will prepare students to pursue successful lives filled with purpose.

Ann launched the Center for the Advancement of Women at Mount Saint Mary’s University to expand the university’s international presence by partnering with other universities, recruiting and retaining outstanding and diverse students, and expanding academic offerings. In 2011, Ann led the creation of the Report on the Status of Women and Girls in California™, the first comprehensive report of its kind to examine gender gaps in the state, and provide recommendations and resources to legislators, nonprofit leaders, and community advocates.

Past winner of the YWCA Woman of Vision award and Alston & Bird’s Women of Distinction award, Ann is a member of the advisory board for the Women in Public Service Project at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, the Advisory Council of the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, the board of directors for the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU), the board of trustees for the College of the Holy Cross, and the board of the Women’s College Coalition, among others.

“Being a woman in my profession has been incredibly gratifying and empowering, since senior administrative positions in higher education have traditionally been filled by men,” said Ann. “The increasing number of women in my field has brought new perspectives and approaches to higher education

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…BRINGING NEW PERSPECTIVES AND APPROACHES…

Ann McElaney-Johnson

For the President of this University, Women’s Issues Are a Top Priority leadership. As women, we are able to be visible role models to those coming through the ranks.”

Ann earned her PhD at University of Wisconsin–Madison, her master’s

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degree at Middlebury College in Vermont, and her bachelor’s degree at the College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts. PDJ

Always look for ways to improve.

Jennifer Green

Chief Uses IS Savvy to Streamline Pepper’s Business Strategy Jennifer Green began her career with Pepper Construction Group as a project accountant before serving in a variety of controller positions, including CFO for the company’s Illinois operation. In 2013, she was named chief information officer and in 2014, she was promoted to her current position—chief knowledge and information officer.

Focusing her energy on building a bridge between business strategy and information systems, Jennifer led the design and implementation of a single, integrated system (CMiC) that replaced more than a dozen independent systems and had the

effect of eliminating redundancies, improving efficiencies, and providing real-time information to the entire construction team. Today, she is collaborating with CMiC to develop mobile applications that will put information in the hands of project teams on the ground. She also leads Pepper’s innovation cohort—a group of eight cross-functional employees investigating and funding technologies and ideas that drive real value for customers.

“I think my biggest career leap was when I moved from CFO at the subsidiary level to Chief Information Officer at the corporate level,” said

Jennifer. “I learned to adapt and use my talents to contribute to the company’s success. I’m more focused on uniting the organization as a whole and not letting one subsidiary be the sole driver.”

Jennifer joined Pepper Construction Group in 1999 after earning her Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Arkansas State University and her MBA from Northern Illinois University. She is a frequent speaker on technology systems in the construction industry, and was recently featured in the AGC’s IT forum. PDJ

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After she graduated from law school, Tonya joined Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg, LLP, practicing in the Litigation and Insurance Policyholder practice groups, where she represents clients in complex civil litigation, product liability, and insurance coverage matters. In 2015, she was recognized as one of the Top 50 Women Illinois Super Lawyers.

Actively engaged in pro bono legal service, as well as her community, Tonya served as a leadership council member with the Posse Foundation for four years and is a chapter member of her faith community. She also enjoys teaching middle schoolers about the impact of the constitution in real life through the Constitutional Rights Foundation’s Lawyers in the Classroom program.

Tonya is a member of the American Bar Association’s Section of Litigation’s Insurance Coverage Litigation Committee and Product Liability Committee. She is also a member of the Chicago Bar Association; co-chair of the Community Outreach Committee and a member of the board of directors of the Coalition of Women’s Initiatives in Law Firms; and a member of the board of directors of the Propane Gas Defense Association. Tonya is a marathon runner, triathlete, creative cook, and proud dog owner. PDJ

Tonya G. Newman

This Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg Partner is “Super” in Courtroom and Classroom A proud native of Louisville, Kentucky, Tonya Newman graduated with honors from the University of Louisville before attending the Chicago–Kent College of Law. During her time as a law student, she was elected to the Order of the Coif and served as the executive notes and comments editor for the Chicago–Kent Law Review.

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“I worked as a legal secretary when I went back to college after taking several years off, and for a few years worked full time while attending school part time,” said Tonya. “It meant a great deal to me to be able to go back to school and work toward— and achieve—my goals. I learned that almost anything is possible with dedication and hard work.”

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…almost anything is possible with DEDICATION and HARD WORK.

…HARNESSING THE POWER OF OUR DIFFERENCES IS CRITICAL TO SUCCESS.

Robin J. Davenport

Parker’s VP Is a Respected Leader—at the Office and in the Community Robin J. Davenport is vice president of corporate finance of Parker Hannifin Corporation, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. In this role, she has lead responsibility for the company’s global treasury, corporate credit, risk management, retirement plans, investor relations, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate strategic planning functions.

Robin joined Parker in 2004 as vice president of corporate business planning and development, with leadership responsibility for the company’s global mergers & acquisitions, divestitures, integration process, and corporate strategic planning functions.

Prior to joining Parker, Robin served as vice president of business development and planning for CNH Capital

Corporation (formerly Case Capital).

She began her career with Firstar Corporation (now US Bancorp), where she rose to the role of vice president and regional senior lending officer.

“Earlier in my career, I was purposeful in maintaining gender neutrality. I would have taken exception to being singled out or offered a position because of my gender,” said Robin. “Yet as time has passed, I have developed an increased appreciation for the benefits of having a different perspective and being able to recommend what might seem to be a unique approach that is due, in part, to my particular perspective. It’s clear to me now that, in addition to hard work and determination, harnessing

the power of our differences is critical to success.”

Robin earned a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from the University of Illinois and an MBA in finance and management policy from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. A community leader, she serves as a board member for the Cleveland Institute of Art, The Gordon Square Arts District, and Saint Joseph Academy. She is a member of Financial Executives International (FEI) and the National Investor Relations Institute (NIRI), as well as the Manufacturers Alliance/MAPI Strategic Planning & Development and Investor Relations Councils. PDJ

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Christi Shaw This Novartis President Is an Ardent Advocate for Inclusivity As US country head, president of Novartis Corporation, and president of Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Christi Shaw leads the US General Medicines business and Novartis Corporations Operations.

She is responsible for cross-divisional coordination across three Novartis Group companies and the Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research.

The organization has embraced her patient-centric approach and commitment to exceptional business results.

During her more than 25 years in the health care industry, Christi has worked across more than 10 disease areas and dedicated her career to empowering individuals through employee engagement, leadership development, and diversity of thought.

After rising through the ranks at Eli Lilly and Johnson & Johnson, Christi joined Novartis in 2010 as head of North America Oncology, and led the unit to unprecedented growth, while overcoming patent losses. She also championed the groundbreaking “SIGNATURE” program, which revolutionized clinical trials by bringing the protocol to any cancer patient with certain genetic

mutations—no matter the diagnosis— and significantly speeding up drug-to-patient time. In recognition of her accomplishments, Christi was awarded the 2012 Novartis “Chairman’s Award for Business Excellence,” and was appointed to her current role in 2014.

“I have known since high school that my present career was what I wanted to do, when I understood how science and innovation could help solve serious problems, like disease,” said Christi. “I feel extremely fortunate to have been able to pursue my passion.”

Recognizing that diversity and inclusion are critical to innovation, Christi reviews a diverse slate of candidates for all open positions. As a result, about 60 percent of her direct reports are women. She also advocates for inclusivity, and is always open to having her views shaped by other perspectives.

Christi’s passion for serving patients and developing talent extends beyond Novartis. She is on the board of the Biotechnology Industry Organization, the Healthcare Leadership Council, and the Young Women’s Leadership Network. PDJ

…BE OPEN TO UNCONSIDERED POSSIBILITIES. 126

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Congratulations to our four Women Worth Watching.

We’re proud to have four Cox Automotive leaders – Amy Mills, Dianne Earley, Susie Heins and Carolyn Pleiss – who were named among this year’s top 100 Women Worth Watching. Thank you for helping to make our company one of the world’s largest providers of products and services in the automotive industry.

Read more at WWW.DIVERSITYJOURNAL.COM ©2015 Cox Automotive

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…TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF THE OPPORTUNITIES PRESENTED…

Elizabeth K. King

NYSE General Counsel Works at the Intersection of Law, Policy, and Business Practice As general counsel of NYSE Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE:ICE), Elizabeth King manages the legal department (including its five cash equity and equity options exchanges), which features the globally recognized New York Stock Exchange. She is also responsible for the NYSE’s interaction with regulators, such as the SEC and others.

In her current role, Elizabeth leads a diverse team focused on compliance, risk management, and legal operation of the company’s global business units. She also

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continues to be a key voice in the NYSE’s core management team under the new ownership of the Intercontinental Exchange.

Prior to joining NYSE Group, Elizabeth was deputy general counsel and global head of regulatory affairs at securities trading firm KCG Holdings, Inc. Before joining KCG, she was associate director of the Division of Trading and Markets at the US Securities and Exchange Commission, where she was responsible for the SEC’s regulatory program for oversight of the securities markets.

Elizabeth says it was that role—and

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the senior professional women at the SEC—that helped shape her career. “I learned something different from each of their leadership styles.

“I was a junior attorney at the SEC in the late 1990s.” said Elizabeth, “a time when new computer technology was disrupting business practices in the financial industry. I found, and continue to find, this intersection of law, policy, and business practices to be rewarding and never boring.”

Elizabeth holds a JD from the University of Pennsylvania and an AB from Duke University. PDJ

…PLANS ARE OVERRATED.

Danielle Gray

O’Melveny’s Dynamic Partner Tackles Legal Issues and Public Policy After several years in the Obama Administration, where she held a number of senior legal and policy roles, most recently as President Obama’s chief liaison to his cabinet, Danielle Gray returned to O’Melveny last year. She represents financial institutions, health care companies, and other consumer financial-services companies on complex regulatory problems and litigation. In an increasingly challenging regulatory environment, her wealth of knowledge and experience in a range of policy areas—including health care, consumer financial services, innovation and technology, labor, and energy and environmental—is of tremendous benefit to the firm’s clients.

Her tenure as one of President

Obama’s principal advisors on matters of national importance prepared Danielle to advise business leaders on critical issues, including cybersecurity and compliance with the Affordable Care Act. She was also recently a lead member of an O’Melveny team that conducted a high-profile investigation and review of allegations of sexual violence at the University of Virginia, following a Rolling Stone article that reported alleged sexual abuse on campus.

“I think the one piece of career advice I’d give my former self,” said Danielle, “is that plans are overrated.”

Danielle regularly works on pro bono matters, including joint efforts with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and the Southern Coalition for Social

Justice on civil and voting rights.

Still frequently tapped by the Obama Administration for her outstanding leadership and judgment, she recently served on an independent panel tasked with reviewing the Secret Service’s protection of the White House compound in the aftermath of recent breaches, and is active in driving President Obama’s “My Brother’s Keeper” initiative led by an outside council of private sector leaders focused on improving opportunities for boys and young men of color. Additionally, Danielle serves on the boards of the Center for Employment Opportunities, Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, and other influential organizations. PDJ

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Rachel Kirsh

This Oliver Wyman Group CRO Goes the Distance—at Work and in Life As chief risk officer, Rachel Kirsh oversees the global management of Oliver Wyman Group’s Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) program, which includes identifying, assessing, and prioritizing risks; working with the management committee and individual practice group leaders to develop risk mitigation plans; handling crisis management planning and execution; and leading all risk training and communication efforts.

She also leads compliance efforts for OWG, working with members of the MMC Compliance team on developing and implementing policies, procedures, systems, and controls that support OWG’s ERM program.

“I knew my present career was what I wanted to do when a mentor suggested it to me,” said Rachel. “I realized that it captured the parts of my prior job in HR that I really loved.”

Rachel served as global head of human capital operations for Oliver Wyman Group from 2002 to 2012, and was responsible for developing and managing the global human resources operations function. She was responsible for global payroll and benefits administration, HRIS, global mobility, compliance, global security and safety issues, mergers and acquisitions, and other employmentrelated issues. Prior to joining the firm, Rachel worked as an employment lawyer.

“I would not change a thing in my career,” said Rachel. “Even the misfires taught me resilience and to not be afraid to admit when something is not working.”

She holds an AB in history from Harvard College and a JD from the College of William & Mary Law School. A dedicated runner, Rachel has completed eight marathons, including Boston, New York, Chicago, and Cleveland. PDJ

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If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will.

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PEOPLE AND PLACES

Bellagio Names Industry Leader to General Manager Post Bellagio Resort & Casino has named hospitality-industry leader Olivia C. Brown as its General Manager.

Brown joined Bellagio’s executive team in June. She has spent more than 25 years in the industry, most recently as the General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common.

Since 2008, Brown has managed Ritz-Carlton hotels in Atlanta, Philadelphia and White Plains, N.Y., as well as Boston. In 2011, she was named Global General Manager of the Year for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company.

“This is such an exciting career opportunity for me,” Brown said.

“I’m delighted to begin working with Bellagio’s dedicated leadership team and award-winning staff to further enhance the destination’s premiere status. I’m confident my tenure and experience with some of the industry’s top luxury hotel brands, including Ritz-Carlton, will help further Bellagio’s unparalleled reputation for excellence.”

Brown served on the executive board of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau and as a board member for The Greater Philadelphia Hotel Association. During her time in Boston, she also served on the board of the Boston Improvement District.

A certified public accountant, she is

an active member of the National Association of Black Accountants, which honored her with its “Walking the Road Less Traveled” award. She also is a recipient of the esteemed Trumpet Award, which recognizes accomplishments in justice and equality.

Born in Jamaica and raised in Canada, Brown earned a degree in hospitality and tourism administration from the Centennial College of Applied Arts and Technology in Toronto. She also completed the managerial accounting/finance program at Toronto’s Ryerson Polytechnic University. PDJ

At Mount Saint Mary’s University in Los Angeles, we know that strong women can be extraordinary catalysts for positive change.

The Board of Trustees at Mount Saint Mary’s congratulates President Ann McElaney-Johnson and all of the 2015 Women Worth Watching honorees for their outstanding leadership.

msmu.edu

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NEW RESEARCH BY THE CENTER FOR TALENT INNOVATION PROVIDES THE BUSINESS CASE FOR WOMEN IN HEALTH CARE LEADERSHIP

eismic changes are rocking health care globally, moving the industry from a business-to-business to a business-to-consumer model.

Low adherence to prescriptions demonstrates a wealth of missed opportunities in patient treatment.

Public policy shifts in many markets encourage doctors and insurance providers to focus on patients’ outcomes as never before.

Technological advances have handed patients a megaphone; meanwhile, big data has handed professionals unprecedented consumer insight.

This drive to a consumer-centered model, however, confronts countervailing forces: a $6.5 trillion market* resists change; low consumer trust in the health care industry prevents loyalty; and the industry can’t build trust with consumers until it truly understands those who make decisions regarding health care.

These consumers are overwhelmingly female, as the Center for Talent Innovation (CTI) found in a multimarket survey of 9,218 respondents in the US, UK, Germany, Japan, and

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Julia Taylor Kennedy

Carolyn Buck Luce

Brazil. Among women across these markets, regardless of their marital status and whether they have children, 94 percent make decisions for themselves and 59 percent make health care decisions for others. Among those who work and have children under the age of eighteen, 94 percent make decisions for others.

These decision makers, who CTI terms the Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) of the family in their report, comprise the industry’s core consumer segment, as they set the health and wellness agenda for themselves and others, choose treatment regimens, and hire and fire doctors, pharmacists, and insurance providers.

These CMOs have needs and requirements that are not understood by most health care organizations, to the point where trust becomes one of the biggest casualties in the provider/ patient relationship.

“If we were gender blind and didn’t tell you these consumers were women and showed you this huge market failure, you would be all over it,” said Carolyn Buck Luce, executive in residence for the Center for Talent Innovation and one of the authors of the study. “It’s the elephant in the room. And it tells you there’s unconscious bias at an extensive level.”

Trusting relationships with health care professionals and the organizations they represent would go a long way toward bolstering women’s confidence. To address women’s lack of trust in the message and the messenger, doctors, pharmacists, pharmaceutical companies, and insurance providers need to change their behaviors.

And to ensure health care professionals adopt these behaviors, and to develop products and services

that support CMOs, companies must work on their leadership models.

“There are three current systems that lock in unconscious bias that levies the biggest tax on the organization and impedes progress most,” said Julia Taylor Kennedy, vice president and senior fellow at the Center for Talent Innovation, and co-author of the study. “Those three areas include: Who gets promoted into leadership? What’s the dominant archetype? And how are women being perceived when they do make it to the top. Then, whose ideas get endorsed?

Leaders only endorse the ideas they personally see the need for. When they hear from females, do they understand that they are hearing from the core of their market?

“Finally, there’s the unconscious misunderstanding of the customer,” continued Hewlett. “The patient and the customer aren’t always one-andthe-same. There’s much more of an affinity with the organs and the disease than the person making the decisions.

Organizations don’t see a customer as ‘she,’ so they make assumptions about what she wants and needs.”

THE VOID AT THE TOP

Even though the vast majority of health care professionals are female, very few of their companies are led by women. The study found that, while women make up nearly 80 percent of health care professionals, their ideas, insights, and capabilities aren’t being fully supported, endorsed, and promoted.

Without women in power, women’s ideas don’t get the audience they deserve, because—as CTI’s research on innovation, diversity, and market growth reveals—leaders only see value in ideas they personally relate to or see

a need for (as 56 percent of employees surveyed report).

Research CTI conducted in 2013 on women in science, engineering, and technology fields also shows that US women in pharmaceutical and life sciences companies are 34 percent more likely than their male peers to feel unwelcome in or excluded by their teams, and 76 percent of them perceive gender bias in performance evaluations.

“There is no silver bullet,” said Luce. “But readying women for leadership roles and developing leadership competencies that addressed leading diverse teams to drive breakthrough change would be high on the list. Organizations need to concentrate on creating speak-up cultures, rather than developing new products. This can help them better listen to their customer’s needs—to women’s needs—so they can truly connect with their core customer.” PDJ To learn more about the Center for Talent Innovation and their studies, visit talentinnovation.org.

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WOMEN LEADERSHIP IS ALL AROUND …

If You Know HOW TO LOOK

By Judy Corner

A

What You See (Isn’t All of) What You Get

ccording to a new Pew Research Center survey on women and leadership, the majority of Americans hold the opinion that not only are women every bit as capable of being good political leaders as men, but that women are indistinguishable from men on key leadership traits such as intelligence and capacity for innovation. In fact, many say that women are actually stronger than men in terms of being compassionate and organized leaders.

Study after study indicates that, given the percentage of women in the workplace, the percentage of women in leadership positions is growing.

However, it is still far behind the same percentage comparisons for men. This isn’t surprising, since for decades the number of men in the workforce have exceeded the number of women. In many ways, women are just playing catch up to men who have had a tremendous head start.

But an important part of the reason that women are still not filling a larger number of leadership positions is how people who have the power to hire and elevate them to positions of leadership see them.

There’s a lot of talk about “work-life balance” that is mostly centered around

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the very real problem of how a woman solves the problem of not being able to be everything to everyone 100 percent of the time, no matter what combination of partner, mother, aunt, sister, friend, mentor, and employee she may choose at any given moment.

But perhaps the real problem here is exactly the fact that we aren’t just forcing women to choose between these roles and separate them out into “work” and “non-work”—we’re excluding everything from our understanding of women that doesn’t belong in the “work” category. Most of the time that means we only see women as a employees and maybe mentors. But to do that is to consider only about 30 percent of a woman in the workplace, with the misguided assumption that it is separate from, and not influenced by, the other 70 percent of her life.

I’m not advocating that those who hire women or elect them to boards or political office should pry into every aspect of a woman’s life. What I am advocating is that we develop a more holistic understanding of how that 70 percent of a woman’s roles outside work—mother, partner, friend, sister—influences the 30 percent.

The Gap between Theory and Practice Although in today’s world, there are more men than ever before taking on roles at home, the numbers are still very, very small. The bulk of house work and leadership still primarily

falls to women. I’m not saying this is either a good or bad thing. Just that it is a fact that we need to take into account when we’re looking at the way we consider women. When you ask a woman “What do you do?” and she answers “I am a stay-at-home mother,” what is your reaction? I can pretty much guarantee that it is not, “That’s wonderful. You must be gaining great leadership skills!”

Women tend to be hardest on themselves, driving themselves to fulfill perfect standards that have been set for them by a society where to be male in the workforce is the norm.

That means the norm is governed by the expectation that an individual in the workforce doesn’t have a household to lead when they come home from work. Because of this, the expectation is that what you see of an individual at work is a holistic representation of them.

How then do we deal with the fact that what you see of a woman often isn’t all you get? The Pew Research

Center study cited above suggests that we’ve made a significant amount of progress towards the acceptance of the theory that men and women are capable of equal work, but how many generations will it take until we see equal numbers of men and women in leadership in practice?

Changing the Way Women View Women Before anything approaching equal representation in leadership positions can occur, our perception of women and the experience they bring from all areas of their lives must occur.

We must learn to look at the totality of each woman’s experience rather than only considering her experience within an organizational or corporate setting. For us to not consider doing so is to continue discrediting 70 percent of women’s roles, while lauding the pursuit of a career within an organizational setting as the best way forward, and the only experience worth our notice.

When I say “we” and “our,” I am including women, because this shift has to start with women and the way we consider and present ourselves to others. That means it’s time to take a good look in the mirror and consider a few things: 1. The skills we have 2. How we can adapt those skills to the workplace 3. How we have used those in the past, and how we can use them in the future 4. How we can help others to recognize those skills and how they can add value for an employer PDJ Judy Corner is founder of Evolutions Consulting and a subject matter expert in corporate mentoring at Insala, a leading global provider of mentoring. She has been providing specialized talent management consulting services to medium to large organizations, both national and international, for 29 years.

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ONE SIZE Does Not FIT ALL: HELPING WOMEN DEVELOP EXECUTIVE PRESENCE

By Suzanne Bates and Scott Weighart

K

elly and Nancy sat down next to each other at a women’s leadership program and introduced themselves.

Senior leaders from different organizations, each had completed an assessment on executive presence.

They had rated themselves and then saw how their supervisor, peers, and direct reports had rated them.

“What did you learn from the experience? Nancy asked.

“Funny,” Kelly replied. “I rated myself lower than others did in all

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the qualities of presence.”

“Interesting,” said Nancy. “I rated myself higher than others did in just about every category!”

That story captures one of the most fascinating and distressing truths about developing women leaders.

For years we have taken a one-size-fitsall approach to programs that develop women. It is one of the failure points organizations are beginning to recognize as they recommit to diversifying the executive pipeline.

It isn’t only that women see

PROFILES IN DIVERSITY JOURNAL Summer 2015

themselves differently; others see them differently as well. A woman’s direct reports may perceive her quite differently than do her peers, for example. Our research on executive presence—with data gathered using Bates ExPI (Executive Presence Index) assessment, a multi-rater instrument that measures 15 qualities of executive presence, which helps leaders align, motivate, and inspire others to drive results—has yielded some fascinating trends.

What Kelly and Nancy had in

common was that their organizations recommended our Executive Presence Mastery Program to them as part of their executive development plans. But, that’s where the similarities ended.

Their strengths and areas for development in the 15 facets were practically polar opposites.

What does this tell us?

It tells us that we aren’t doing justice to women in our organizations if we design group training programs based on assumptions. For example, Assertiveness in the Style dimension measures a leader’s ability to speak up, value constructive conflict, and raise issues directly without shutting others down. Because of the construction of the model, one woman could rate low in Assertiveness because others do not notice her speaking up. Another could

receive low ratings because she is too direct, not constructive, and doesn’t prompt thoughtful exchanges when controversy arises.

These two women might be asked to attend a program of development that encourages Assertiveness and leave either misinformed about their individual opportunities to develop, or, worse, assuming they need to rely on that aspect of leadership too much, instead of balancing it with other social-emotional qualities such as Resonance or Restraint.

The point is, if we continue to offer programs that assume most women have similar profiles when it comes to executive presence, we are not helping women advance. One size does not fit all.

With that in mind, here are three recommendations for organizations looking to help women leaders develop executive presence.

Congratulations to All of the 2015 Women Worth Watching Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation researches, develops, manufactures and markets innovative medicines aimed at improving patients’ lives. We offer a broad range of medicines for cancer, cardiovascular disease, endocrine disease, inflammatory disease, infectious disease, neurological disease, organ transplantation, psychiatric disease, respiratory disease and skin conditions. The company’s mission is to improve people’s lives by pioneering novel healthcare solutions.

We are committed to embracing and leveraging diverse backgrounds, cultures and talents to create an inclusive, high-performing culture, to address the evolving needs of patients and customers, to support diverse suppliers, and to enrich the communities we serve.

Please visit our website at: www.pharma.us.novartis.com

Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation East Hanover, NJ 07936

Scott Weighart Director of Learning and Development

1. Women leaders need constructive feedback based in scientifically validated assessment.

A scientifically valid assessment of strengths and gap areas is a necessary tool in providing credible advice to each individual leader, to help her understand how she is perceived in the organization.

This helps eliminate “blind spots.”

We must also ensure that any feedback or developmental recommendations will be specific, relevant, and aligned with that leader’s business imperatives and situation.

If we want to really help women move the needle on executive presence, we need to begin by conducting an assessment that looks at an individual leader’s strengths and gaps in her particular business context—rather than offering developmental efforts based on

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Suzanne Bates CEO and founder of Bates

preconceived notions or sweeping generalizations.

2. Organizations need to provide targeted development to help women advance.

Too often, leaders receive vague feedback that can be easily misinterpreted and is not relevant to business drivers. We need to get specific: What behaviors would we notice if you were to develop this quality as a strength? Who could notice and guide your development in this area? What strengths would you be able to leverage to improve a gap area? Addressing these questions will help women advance further, faster.

3.We can help women change perceptions that they are not ready to advance.

What if a woman thinks she is receiving feedback that is unhelpful or even unfair—possibly

PROFILES IN DIVERSITY JOURNAL Summer 2015

due to gender bias? The most constructive step would be coaching her on ways to disconfirm negative perceptions. If a women received feedback about failing to demonstrate industry knowledge, for example, you might encourage her to ask questions such as, “What would it look like if I were more on top of industry trends and where things are going?” or “From your perspective, how could I best show that kind of insight in a meeting or presentation?”

The Bates ExPI measures perceptions and behaviors that leaders can constructively address. Since it is based on theoretical research from many disciplines, including leadership, management, psychology, social action theory, philosophy, and ethics, we know it is a holistic model and that it measures the right things.

Any leader can address behaviors and

change perceptions with the right combination of assessment, coaching, and mentoring. If we can just remember that one size does not fit all, we can appreciate how to size leaders up and find developmental approaches that are fitting. PDJ Suzanne Bates is CEO and founder of Bates, a global coaching and consulting

firm whose mission is to help leaders shape the world. She is the author of such bestsellers as Speak Like a CEO, Motivate Like a CEO, and Discover Your CEO Brand (all from McGraw-Hill) and writes a popular leadership column, Thoughts for Tuesday.

Scott Weighart is Director of Learning and Development at

Bates, where he co-leads programs including Speak Like a CEO immersion experience for leaders, the Executive Presence Mastery Program, and the Bates ExPI Certification Program for executive coaches.

To learn more about the ExPI measurement, visit www.bates-communications.com

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Women A STUDY BY KPMG IDENTIFIES DRIVERS ESSENTIAL TO FOSTERING WOMEN LEADERS

majority of women aspire to hold top leadership and board roles, but often find it difficult to see themselves as leaders, according to the KPMG Women’s Leadership Study released today. The survey, which polled more than 3,000 professional and college women in the United States, identified confidence building and leadership training, along with the ability to network with women leaders, as key elements to expanding women’s leadership in the years ahead. The

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findings were released in association with the inaugural KPMG Women’s Leadership Summit— an event bringing together today’s most accomplished leaders in business, politics, sports, and media to inspire the next generation of women leaders— being held in conjunction with the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship this week.

“Every organization is stronger when its leadership has diverse perspectives and experiences to draw from. It is critically important for the business community to look at the challenges

on the move women often face in the workplace, and take action to clear the path for talented and dynamic leaders to rise and inspire new generations,” said KPMG Global Chairman John Veihmeyer.

“The insights from female professionals across the American business landscape, as well as women in our study on the cusp of entering the workforce, offer valuable lessons about moving more women into leadership roles. We’re looking forward to discussing many of the most critical issues from the study when we gather together with current and future women leaders

at the KPMG Women’s Leadership Summit,” added Veihmeyer.

According to the study, six in ten women said they aspire to be a senior leader of a company or organization, and more than half aspire to serve on a board. But six in ten also said that they find it hard to see themselves as a leader when sharing how they perceive themselves, and 56 percent of working women said they were more cautious, as women, about taking steps toward leadership roles.

“It’s vital that leadership teams reflect the diversity of the modern world. In a business landscape of continuous change, success is often

going to depend on having a range of experiences and perspectives around the boardroom table,” said Lynne Doughtie, KPMG US Chairman and CEO-elect. “We are seeing in these responses a number of opportunities to strengthen connections with high-performing women at the critical points on their career paths, so they are prepared and encouraged to step into leadership roles.”

LEADERSHIP LESSONS START EARLY Three-quarters of women today expressed the desire to have learned

You Rock!

HARMAN is proud to congratulate Marisa Iasenza and Deirdre Leid on being named Women Worth Watching by Diversity Journal. They are the true rock stars!

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more about leadership while growing up, and to have had more opportunities to practice leadership.

“School and academics” was identified as the area where they most felt like a leader growing up, and professional working women chose “smart” as the leading descriptor for themselves at this stage of their lives.

When asked what training and development skills were needed to help move more women into leadership roles in the future, women cited leadership training (57%), confidence building (56%), decision-making (48%), networking (47%), and critical thinking (46%) most often.

Professional working women believe it is critical for companies to support a woman’s development in her 20s (80%) and career advancement in her 30s (61%).

CONFIDENCE IS KEY Confidence is an attribute respondents identified as most essential to leadership success. Throughout their

professional careers, women struggle with a lack of confidence; fewer than half of all respondents personally identified as confident in the study.

Sixty-seven percent of women said they need more support in building confidence in order to feel as if they can be leaders.

The lack of confidence affects an array of other activities tied to ultimately becoming leaders: nine in ten women said they do not feel confident asking for sponsors (92%), with large numbers also lacking confidence seeking mentors (79%), asking for access to senior leadership (76%), pursuing a job opportunity beyond their experience (73%), asking for a career path plan (69%), or requesting a promotion (65%), a raise (61%), or a new role or position (56%).

“This is an area of opportunity for organizations to identify and develop factors that help women gain confidence to lead at work,” said Doughtie. “Reinforcing

confidence can go a long way in helping to bridge the gap between the aspiration to lead and ultimately becoming a leader.”

BUILDING NETWORKS Another key finding was the importance of support from other women leaders.

Two-thirds of women said they have learned the most important lessons about leadership from other women. In addition, 82 percent of working women believe access to, and networking with, female leaders will help them advance in their career.

A discrepancy was found between the importance of engaging other women and the realities of who is doing it. While seven in ten working women feel a personal obligation to help more women advance in the workplace, only one-third of working women have learned to leverage and support other female employees. PDJ

Congrats to one of our diner favorites.

We take great pride in congratulating our very own Jill Van Pelt, Denny’s Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer, for being named a 2015 Woman Worth Watching. Thank you for your leadership and outstanding contributions to our company, community and employees.

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Denny’s is an equal opportunity employer. © 2015 DFO, LLC PROFILES IN DIVERSITY JOURNAL

Summer 2015

Women in Media: an interview with

Tracy “Twinkie”Byrd

F

or the past 20 years, casting director Tracy “Twinkie” Byrd has helped bring magic to the screen. Producers, writers, and director for movies, TV, and music videos rely on her to find the just right talent, and in the process she’s brought into our homes us some of media’s most magnetic characters.

Twinkie’s insight has been trusted for such films as Fruitvale Station, Sparkle, Stomp the Yard, Notorious, The Blind Side, and many others, including When the Bough Breaks (to be released in 2016), starring Regina Hall, Morris Chestnut, and newcomer Jaz Sinclair.

“There’s a feeling you get when you’re watching a performance and you know they’re tapping into a truth,” said Byrd. “Sometimes you just know that person is made for that role.” It’s this gut feeling that has helped Byrd put so many fresh faces in major roles on the big screen, like Jamal Woolard in Notorious and Quinton Aaron in The Blind Side.

She has been responsible for introducing breakout talents on the small screen, too. Her most recent television casting credits include Being Mary Jane, The Gabby Douglas Story, Aaliyah, The Princess of R&B, and the upcoming Southside with You, starring Tika Sumpter that chronicles the first date of Barack and Michelle Obama.

We met up with Byrd at ATX, a television festival in Austin, Texas, where she was part of a panel of professionals on diversity in the TV landscape. “I kept looking for the diversity in the group and was frankly having a hard time finding it,” she said.

“BET and series like Being Mary Jane are not represented here. It’s not yet in their paradigm. But I’m here. I have my foot in the door.”

According to a study last year by the Media, Diversity and Social Change Initiative hosted by USC Annenberg and the Harnish Foundation, part of the reason diversity is hard to find represented on the screen is the lack of diversity behind it. Across the top 100 films of 2014, only 15.8 percent of content creators working as directors, writers, and producers, were women. Only 5.8 percent were African American.

“I have seen roles for women change, but I think it goes back and forth. I grew up watching shows like A Different World, Cosby, and Julia, and women were there—their stories

were being told. But the quantity and quality of roles varies, and when a woman is in the main role and the show is a success, everyone acts like it’s an anomaly. Women will always play a pivotal role. There is no them without us.”

It does make her job a challenge, Byrd admits. “Sometimes you have to get in a room with people so they can tell you why it’s not important to tell the story of a black underage woman.

It can push you down or it can fuel you.

“And you find out exactly how much you believe in yourself.” PDJ

“Women will always play a pivotal role.

There is no them without us.”

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MILLENNIALS

and the Art of

There are many changes in our workplaces that can impact employee engagement and retention. Our concept of “work-life balance,” for one, has been replaced with “work-life integration.” The workforce composition itself is shifting as millennials (born after 1982) enter the workforce and baby boomers retire. Managers and human resources professionals will need to develop new engagement models to take into account the generational differences between the two groups and the attitudes in play.

By Danielle Robin

M

illennial employees are entering the workplace expecting to feel not only excited and passionate, but also fully engaged in what the whole team is building.

Keeping the team engaged is the secret sauce for creating a company culture that engages all groups and, ultimately, turns “team” into “family.” Here are a few tips to move your organization towards total engagement: 1. Encourage outside-the-box employee growth We used think of employee growth opportunities as marketing classes, design workshops, or industry conferences. This is no longer the case.

Sometimes the best and most rewarding employee growth opportunities might appear at first to have little to do with your company’s function or purpose. In fact, the more you allow employees to explore other interests, the more they will stretch and open up to the possibility of new skills. This may include supporting your team in activities like training for a marathon, personal growth courses like the Landmark Forum, meditation classes, and self-exploration festivals like Burning Man. Guaranteed, they will return with a better sense of self, which will be quickly applied to their work.

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And the positive energy from their experience will permeate the team.

2. Share, share, share How much of your personal life you share with your team is up to you and specific to every organization. You are never required to divulge details of your personal life if that doesn’t work for your team and your company culture. However, every team member can find one minute in their day to share something—something that inspired them or that they simply found interesting. This can be an article, a photo, a link to something interesting about a partner or a client.

We’re all human, we all have a life outside of the office, and it’s important to set a tone among colleagues that embraces that humanity. You will be amazed how much team members can bond over interesting news articles, beautiful photos of travel destinations, or hilarious viral videos.

3. Link back to the team Continuing with this generation’s trend towards the social, many of us are sharing more content that has to do with our careers and jobs. It’s exciting to tell the world about a new project, a business trip, or a speaker you saw at a recent conference.

Because millennials value finding passion in the workplace, we are

PROFILES IN DIVERSITY JOURNAL Summer 2015

EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT

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MILLENNIALS constantly expressing this passion through our social channels. It’s one of the things we take the most pride in (rather than the amount of our winter bonuses or the size of our offices).

By tagging your coworkers in congratulatory posts about your team’s accomplishments, you can create a real sense of team pride even when you aren’t at work. You could even inspire out-of-the-box thinking. For example, in our company culture, when we come across something we think is a great idea or could relate to a project, we tag the whole team by company name or call out specific individuals on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

4. Switch it up Yes, it’s true that each team member was hired to perform a specific function and that this expertise contributes to the success of a team. But have you ever asked your colleagues what else they might like to try handling at

work, even in a small way? Maybe the head of biz dev has always wanted to show off her graphic design skills, or perhaps your COO is also a great writer. Try to discover these interests and create opportunities to let people flex some different muscles. Who knows, you could discover some seriously amazing hidden talents on your team, and give team members a small break from their everyday job functions.

Sometimes, you have to think outside the box in order to keep the team engaged and activated. This might mean skill building outside the workplace, interaction via social media, and even “role playing” as it relates to your industry. The more creative you can be in tying new skill development to the core work, where it matters most, the more engaged your team members will be over the long term. PDJ

Danielle Robin is the Director of Content Strategy for CatalystCreativ.

Listed on this year’s Forbes 30 Under 30 for Advertising and Marketing, CatalystCreativ is an experience studio that’s focused on helping cities, brands, and institutions flourish by developing educational and inspirational experiences through strategy, as well as on- and offline campaigns to engage Millennials. CatalystCreativ is funded

by Zappos CEO and venture capitalist Tony Hsieh as part of the Downtown Project. Robin and CatalystCreativ have worked with brands such as NPR, Dell, Ekocycle, and Starwood Hotels. © 2015 EYGM Limited. All Rights Reserved. EDNone

Forward thinking got you here. And it’s what will fuel a future of possibilities.

People who are moving the world forward, these are the kinds of people who build our success at EY. We’re pleased to congratulate Kristen Vennum for being named one of Proles in Diversity Journal’s Women Worth Watching. It’s an achievement that helps drive us all forward.

Visit ey.com.

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Karen Fowler-Williams Senior Vice President, Employee Relations and EEO Lincoln Financial Group

‘making it happen’

Lincoln Financial congratulates Karen Fowler-Williams for being named one of this year’s Women Worth Watching. It’s your perseverance and hard work that continue to make a difference in the world and inspire women everywhere to take charge of their future. Thank you for all you do.

To learn more about Lincoln Financial, please visit LFG.com.

Life | Income | Retirement | Group Benefits | Advice Lincoln Financial Group is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation and insurance company affiliates, including The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, Fort Wayne, IN, and in New York, Lincoln Life & Annuity Company of New York, Syracuse, NY. Variable products distributed by broker-dealer-affiliates. Lincoln Financial Distributors, Inc., Radnor, PA. Securities and investment advisory services offered through other affiliates. © 2015 Lincoln National Corporation. LCN-1235505-062515

STARTING AT THE BOTTOM TO INCREASE DIVERSITY IN ORGANIZATIONS

By Steve Scheier

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I

t’s no secret that there’s a diversity gap at the top of our nation’s largest and most powerful organizations.

According to the Huffington Post, when Don Thompson stepped down as McDonald’s CEO last month, there were officially only four black CEOs left in the Fortune 500.

This phenomenon permeates not only the Fortune 500, but is present throughout the business and nonprofit sectors. Derwin Dubose, in his December 5, 2014 article in The Nonprofit Quarterly suggests that the nonprofit sector has its own “Ferguson problem.” And while the reference was intended for the nonprofit sector, the issue is apparent across the spectrum of organizational leadership.

Who leads and who makes decisions in our organizations is reflective of larger societal challenges and is not going to change unless we take specific, granular actions to disrupt the status quo.

The preponderance of white leaders means that there is comparatively little opportunity for more diverse leaders to emerge. That’s because the people who make decisions want to keep on

making them and when it’s time to turn over decision-making to others, they typically seek to install decision makers that mirror themselves. For, whether we know it or not and whether we like it or not, we are all affected at some level by inherent biases that impact our choices and affect our views about who should be making the big decisions in our organizations.

Every step of the way, the ability or inability of people to make, or be at least involved in, the decisions that affect their jobs will drive their performance and their ability to advance. And unspoken biases often lead people in the workplace to lean toward giving more decision-making power to those who already have power or are perceived to be on the path to power.

This means that people who don’t have power, or who make relatively few decisions, may feel awkward, reluctant, or reticent to ask for a role in the decision-making processes of their organizations. This is particularly true for people of color, who may be held back by the fear that the people around them might subscribe to

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preconceived ideas about their merit and qualifications. Thus, those who need more support to grow their decision-making skills and abilities might not get it. As a result, they will not advance into positions of decisionmaking and power.

If we don’t take steps to actively build a more diverse base of talent prepared to move into leadership positions, nothing will change. The so-called “Ferguson problem” will be perpetuated and we’ll let opportunities to tap valuable talent slip away. We’ll also miss out on the opportunity to gain a badly needed diversification of leadership.

But there is a solution. Organizations simply need to start at the bottom and give individuals of all backgrounds the tools they need to become decision makers. When people

feel encouraged to make decisions, they’ll become better decision makers and their organizations will benefit.

Here’s how to do it: • Make a commitment to drive real and important decision-making down in your organization. There are people on your team who can make decisions if you’ll only trust them to do so. If you let them make decisions and hold them accountable, your organization will benefit.

• Examine your biases about who should be making which decisions in your organizations and think about how these biases affect the way decisions currently get made. Do you only give decision-making to those that went to elite schools? Do you want to give decision-making to those who act, look, and sound like you— or can you broaden your view?

• Next, examine who has power and who doesn’t in your organization, and why.

• Encourage people to speak up and advocate for the decisions they make.

• Finally, support and reinforce a culture that makes it a priority to proactively resolve conflict and confusion surrounding how decisions are made.

Ultimately, your organization will gain increased leadership and decision-making capabilities, and will be far better off. PDJ Steve Scheier is the CEO and Founder of Scheier+Group, and author of Do More Good. Better. Using the Power of Decision Clarity™ to Mobilize the Power of Your Nonprofit Team

The Right Work, Right Now Distinguished Performance Our more than 127,000 employees are proud to be a part of a company that’s making our world safer and more secure, more comfortable and energy efficient, and more innovative and productive.

We’re equally proud when our employees, customers, partners, and friends are recognized in their respective fields for great accomplishments or for being the best at what they do.

Honeywell congratulates Valeria Chapa Garza, Honeywell’s Latin America General Counsel, and all of the Women Worth Watching award winners, for their leadership and achievements in business.

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For more information, visit www.honeywell.com © 2015 Honeywell International Inc. All rights reserved.

Congratulations to Susan Sun Chief Information Officer MetroPlus Health Plan

Bringing technology and healthcare together to better serve nearly half a million New Yorkers.

MKT 15.50

MANY ROADS, Cornell University’s Framework for Staff Diversity and Inclusion

By Lynette Chappell-Williams, Associate Vice President, Inclusion and Workforce Diversity, Cornell University Lynette Chappell-Williams

In January of 2000, with the introduction of its diversity statement, Cornell University began its journey to increase the diversity of its staff and create a more inclusive work environment. Despite the desire to address diversity and inclusion holistically, initiatives were implemented on an ad hoc/individual basis. Though the initiatives were successful, alone, they could not be sustained.

In 2006, Cornell began exploring ways to create a comprehensive framework for the university’s diversity and inclusion efforts that would allow for sustained programs to support recruitment, retention, and an inclusive climate. Several models were considered, including Dr. Edward Hubbard’s Diversity Scorecard and the Equity Scorecard developed

by Professor Estella Bensimon from

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USC’s Center for Urban Education.

However, Cornell was interested in developing a framework that would address diversity for students, faculty, and staff—understanding that these populations were interconnected. The university also wanted a framework that addressed all aspects of diversity and could be implemented in a coordinated, but decentralized, manner.

In 2012, the university designed and implemented Toward New Destinations, a diversity framework intended to accommodate the decentralized nature of the university by charging each college and administrative unit with developing five annual, measurable diversity initiatives. Composition, or the demographic representation of a diverse group, was required for all units. However, the framework

PROFILES IN DIVERSITY JOURNAL Summer 2015

went beyond the traditional focus of diversity scorecards (and affirmative action plans), including initiatives that addressed the experiences of the diverse populations: Engagement (an opportunity for individuals to contribute to the university’s mission and goals); Inclusion (a climate supportive of diverse populations); and Achievement (opportunities for personal and professional growth).

Beyond the required compositional initiative, colleges and administrative units could develop initiatives that fell under any of the four categories within the framework.

In addition to students, faculty, and staff, the framework also includes community members, such as alumni and parents, and community partners, such as the city, county, and school district in which the university is

ONE DESTINATION: located. We were better able to address staff diversity and inclusion by embedding existing diversity programs, so they could be measured and sustained, building on our employment compliance obligations, and developing new programs as we identified gaps.

COMPONENTS OF THE FRAMEWORK

The first core component of the Toward New Destinations framework, Composition, refers to the demographic makeup of our staff population and includes increasing representational diversity, expanding pipelines through strategic partnerships with external organizations, and evaluating and reducing attrition.

Because this component has, as its foundation, the federal affirmative action plans for individuals of

color, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans, it involves developing outreach efforts, measuring recruitment success, and tracking actual hires.

Executive Order 11246, and now Section 503, of the Rehabilitation Act, requires federal contractors to establish numerical targets for the placement of women, individuals of color, and individuals with disabilities for job groups consisting of positions that are similar in scope of responsibilities, educational requirements, and skills and experience. In addition, Section 4212 of VEVRA now requires annual hiring benchmarks for veterans. For purposes of diversity plans, the affirmative action goals for each of these populations can be referred to as diversity benchmark goals, and what is referred to by the

federal government as availability can be called pipeline data. This provides organizations with an opportunity to compare the current composition of the workforce with the population of individuals with the required skills who could be part of the workforce.

The second principle of the framework, Engagement, refers to opportunities and environments that, regardless of a staff member’s background, allow that individual to significantly contribute in the workplace. Employee resource groups can help increase the level of engagement. Rubrics can be used to measure the level of engagement of diverse staff populations.

The third component, Inclusion, takes into account workplace climate and interpersonal relationships, including preventing

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and addressing bias, and increasing the availability and integration of work/life options.

This principle provides the foundation for the university’s development of Inclusive Excellence Academy, a comprehensive multicultural skills development program that includes workshops for staff. To help develop a common language and expectations about diversity and inclusion in the local community, the university invites senior workforce leaders from the city of Ithaca and Tompkins County to participate in diversity training efforts at no cost to them.

The inclusion principle also incorporates the university’s commitment to work/life, with a focus on increasing the use of flexible work options. The commitment to work/life in general and flexible work in particular has been advantageous in addressing the needs of individuals with disabilities and staff with family responsibilities, as well as providing

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Five annual, measurable diversity initiatives help UCLA track its success in four areas of the Toward New Destinations diversity framework

religious accommodations.

The last component of the framework is Achievement, which refers to the level of attainment for underrepresented staff compared to the population as a whole. The goal of this component is to provide leadership, and career and professional development opportunities. Although much of this work takes place through the offerings of the human resources department, diverse individuals can be

PROFILES IN DIVERSITY JOURNAL Summer 2015

connected to these opportunities, or participate directly, through employee resource or affinity groups.

Diversity and inclusion initiatives can best be advanced through a comprehensive framework that goes beyond representational diversity. Organizations should focus on the holistic experiences of diverse staff members, including the ways in which they connect or engage with their work groups, the university, and the surrounding community. It is also important to aggressively address the workplace climate by providing cultural skills for all staff and making “progress in advancing diversity” part of staff performance evaluations. A comprehensive diversity framework provides a foundation from which to establish partnerships with other relevant units, such as the compliance/ affirmative action function and work/life programs, and also allows connections with diversity efforts in the surrounding community. PDJ

Intellectual Property Law

Julianne M. Hartzell Partner and Chair, Medical Devices

2016 Women Worth Watching Honoree

Jennifer Burnette

Pamela L. Cox

Partner and Board Member, Adler Planetarium Women’s Board

Shelley C. Danek, Ph.D.

Partner, Partner and Chair, IP Transactions, Member, Diversity Board Member and and Inclusion Secretary, CLP, Committee Chair, LESI Life Sciences Committee, and 2015 Women Worth Watching Honoree

Maureen Beacom Gorman

Marsha K. Hoover

Partner, Member, Marketing Committee, and Board Member, Women’s Bar Foundation

Partner and Trustee, Union League Boys and Girls Club

Heather R. Kissling

Katherine L. Neville, Ph.D.

Partner, Partner, Biotech Committee Chair, Biotechnology, and Advisory Board, Member, IPLAC, and Past President, Women in Bio-Chicago Women in Bio-Chicago

Li-Hsien (Lily) Rin-Laures, M.D.

Sharon M. Sintich, Ph.D.

Partner, Partner, Member, Executive Chair, Diversity and Committee, and Inclusion Committee, 2014 Women Worth and Co-Chair, Young Watching Honoree Women in Bio Committee, Women in Bio-Chicago

Marshall, Gerstein & Borun LLP congratulates Julianne M. Hartzell for being named one of this year’s Women Worth Watching.

Julianne Hartzell, a founding member of Marshall, Gerstein & Borun’s Diversity Committee, current member of the Firm’s Recruiting Committee, and board member, past president, and committee chair of the Coalition of Women’s Initiatives in Law, is committed to the advancement of women, both inside and outside the firm. Her achievement and leadership are representative of the lawyers of Marshall, Gerstein & Borun, a firm founded on assisting clients with their highest value, complex intellectual property legal matters.

Learn more at: marshallip.com

CORPORATE INDEX

BOLD DENOTES ADVERTISER 3M Company...............................3m.com..................... Inside Front Cover, 19 Aflac.............................................aflac.com............................................ 61, 103 Alcoa............................................alcoa.com........................................... 26, 154 Alston & Bird LLP.........................alston.com................................................... 20 American Airlines..........................aa.com......................................................... 31 Arrow Electronics, Inc...................arrow.com.................................................... 70 Assurant, Inc...............................Assurant.com........................................ 7, 41 AT&T............................................att.com.......................21, Inside Back Cover Axinn, Veltrop & Harkrider...................................axinn.com.................................................... 44 Bank of the West........................bankofthewest.com................................. 118 BDO USA, LLP............................bdo.com............................................. 46, 109 Bellagio Resorts...........................bellagio.com.............................................. 131 Best Best & Kreiger......................bbklaw.com.................................................. 60 Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC...........................bhgrealestate.com....................................... 49 Booz Allen Hamilton.....................bah.com....................................................... 27 Catalyst Canada Inc.....................catalyst.com................................................ 57 Charter School Business Management Inc. (CSBM)............csbm.com.................................................... 69 Comcast Corporation...................comcast.com............................................... 66 Cooley LLP...................................cooley.com.................................................. 90 Cornell University.........................cornell.edu................................................. 152 Cox Automotive..........................coxautoinc.com...............52, 53, 54, 55, 127 CVS Health..................................cvshealth.com..................................... 37, 81 Dechert LLP.................................deschert.com............................................... 72 Denny’s........................................dennys.com....................................... 45, 142 Electronic Arts..............................ea.com......................................................... 22 Excellus BlueCross BlueShield...................univerahealth.com....................................... 33 EY.................................................ey.com................................................ 50, 146 Fannie Mae..................................fanniemae.com...................................... 5, 28 Fish & Richardson........................fr.com........................................................... 47 FordHarrison LLP.........................fordharrison.com......................................... 39 Full Circle Insights........................fullcircleinsights.com................................... 25 GE (Global Research Center)............ge.com......................................................... 34 Georgia Power.............................southernco.com........................................... 38 Gibbons P.C................................gibbonslaw.com................................ 24. 139 Halliburton...................................halliburton.com......................................... 96 HARMAN......................................harman.com................................. 64, 65, 141 HF Media LLC.............................hefflerclaims.com................................ 15, 30 Honeywell International Inc.......Honeywell.com.................................. 56, 150 Ingersoll Rand..............................irco.com....................................................... 29 JLL................................................jll.com.......................................................... 48 Jones Walker LLP........................joneswalker.com.......................................... 59 Juniper Networks, Inc................juniper.net.......................................... 67, 135 Kelly Services...............................kellyservices.com........................................ 73 KPMG LLC...................................kpmg.com.................................... 14, 36, 140 L-3................................................l-3com.com..............................42, 43, 71, 89 Latham & Watkins LLP.................lw.com......................................................... 68

156

PROFILES IN DIVERSITY JOURNAL Summer 2015

Legg Mason..................................leggmason.com........................................... 91 Lincoln Financial Group............lfg.com................................................ 95, 147 Linkage.........................................linkageinc.com............................................. 97 Lockheed Martin.........................Lockheed.com........................... Back Cover Marriott International, Inc..............marriott.com.............................................. 100 Marshall, Gerstein & Borun LLP...............................marshallip.com................................ 102, 155 Mayer Brown LLP.......................mayerbrown.com....................... 18, 104, 105 McCarthy Tétrault LLP................mccarthy.com............................................ 107 MetroPlus Health Plan, Inc........metroplus.org.................................. 110, 151 Miami Dade College.....................mdc.edu......................................................113 Milligan & Company.....................milligancpa.com..........................................117 Mindspark Interactive Network, Inc.................................mindspark.com...........................................119 Moss Adams LLP.........................mossadams.com....................................... 120 Mount Saint Mary’s University........................msmu.edu........................................ 122, 131 Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg LLP..............................ngelaw.com............................................... 124 New York Life..............................newyorklife.com.................................. 8, 115 Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.................................novartis.com.................................... 126, 137 NYSE Group.................................nyse.com................................................... 128 O’Melveny & Myers LLP...............omm.com................................................... 129 Oliver Wyman...............................oliverwyman.com....................................... 130 Opportunity Finance Network.......ofn.org......................................................... 32 Parker Hannifin Corporation.....parker.com......................................... 23, 125 Pepper Construction Group..........pepperconstruction.com............................ 123 PNC Bank....................................pnc.com................................................ 62, 63 Raytheon......................................raython.com................................................. 93 RBC Wealth Management-U.S........................rbc.com.............................................. 12, 121 Richards Kibbe & Orbe................rkollp.com...................................................116 RingCentral...................................ringcentral.com............................................ 75 Robins Kaplan LLP.......................robinskaplan.com.......................................114 Rockwell Collins.........................rockwellcollins.com............................ 4, 112 Salt River Project........................sprnet.com......................................... 40, 108 Sodexo, Inc..................................sodexo.com............................................... 106 Staples..........................................staples.com............................................... 101 SunTrust Mortgage.......................suntrust.com.......................................... 98, 99 Terex Corporation.........................terex.com..................................................... 94 The Walt Disney Company...........Disney.com...................................... 86, 87, 88 Thompson Hine LLP.....................thompsonhine.com...................................... 92 Title Resource Group...................trgc.com....................................................... 76 True Blue Inclusion.......................trueblueinclusion.com.................................. 78 UCLA............................................ucla.edu....................................................... 80 Ulmer & Berne LLP......................ulmer.com.................................................... 83 UnitedHealth Group...................uhg.com............................................... 35, 79 United Way Worldwide.................unitedway.org.............................................. 82 Walden University.........................walden.edu.................................................. 58 Walgreens...................................walgreens.com.................................... 74, 77 WestRock....................................westrock.com............................................ 51 WilmerHale...................................wilmerhale.com..................................... 84, 85

Innovation that touches all Start with a diverse and inclusive culture…welcome everyone’s ideas… and innovation shines through.

Congratulations to the Women Worth Watching honorees.

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