Driving Diversity in Law & Leadership: Washington DC

June 12, 2024
Washington D.C.

CenterForce is hosting the Driving Diversity in Law & Leadership Summit, an exclusive event dedicated to providing solutions and fostering collaboration in tackling the critical DEI challenges currently affecting the legal landscape in Washington D.C. and surrounding areas.

Our summit takes a comprehensive approach to address the obstacles posed by the backlash against DEI initiatives and the consequences of Affirmative Action repeal, encouraging an insightful dialogue on the continuously evolving aspects of the legal profession.

We invite you to join us and be a part of this solution-oriented event. Connect with industry leaders and legal professionals for a day filled with powerful discussions, fresh perspectives, and practical strategies centered on empowering talent across socioeconomic lines, breaking down glass ceilings, and effectively navigating the ever-changing landscape of workplace diversity initiatives.

In addition to these enlightening discussions, our summit provides unparalleled networking opportunities, offering a vibrant platform to engage with industry leaders and benchmark against best practices. By participating in this event, you will not only gain valuable knowledge but also become part of a dynamic community of support that extends far beyond the conference itself. We eagerly anticipate your presence at the summit, and we look forward to your active involvement in shaping the future of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal field.

Key Topics
  • The Diversity Dividend: Strategies for Making a Stronger Case for the ROI of Diversity
  • Breaking the Mold: Empowering Legal Talents Across Socioeconomic Lines
  • Shattering Glass Ceilings: The Unwritten Playbook for Career Success Beyond Hard Work
  • From Fitting In to Standing Out: Transforming Code-Switching and Imposter Syndrome into Strengths
  • De-Risking and Future-Proofing Workplace Diversity Initiatives in a Changing Legal Landscape
  • Redefining Success: From Burnout to Balance in a Multigenerational Workforce
  • From Vision to Reality: Making ERGs a Driving Force in Your DEI Initiatives

 

Attendees
  • Chief Legal Officer
  • C-Suite Executives
  • General Counsel
  • Associate General Counsel
  • Assistant General Counsel
  • Senior Vice President Legal
  • Vice President Legal
  • Assistant Vice President
  • Senior Counsel
  • Corporate Counsel
  • Counsel

Agenda

7:50 am
Registration Opens + Breakfast Begins
8:50 am
Opening Comments
9:00 am
The Diversity Dividend: Strategies for Making a Stronger Case for the ROI of Diversity

Businesses invest millions of dollars to gain a competitive advantage and boost their revenue and profitability. Yet, some companies are hesitant to prioritize diversity within their leadership and key stakeholders, despite numerous studies demonstrating that achieving a 25% diversity threshold can lead to increased profits. Explore effective tactics for obtaining buy-in from management, showcasing the ROI of diversity, and aligning DEI initiatives with overarching business goals.

This panel will explore:

  • Strategies to securing management buy-in and overcoming resistance
  • Showing leadership the organizational pitfalls of ignoring DEI
  • How to align with business objectives
  • Demonstrating the ROI on DEI using Metrics + KPIs
Lusanna Ro
Vice President & Chief Counsel, East Region
AECOM
Travonte Warren
Senior Counsel
Procter & Gamble
Matt Cohen
Director & Associate General Counsel
Meta
Nakia Arrington
Associate
Van Ness Feldman
Esther Y. Kim
Associate
Reed Smith
9:45 am
Breaking the Mold: Empowering Legal Talents Across Socioeconomic Lines

Professionals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds encounter significant challenges including biases, stigmas and misconceptions that hinder their journey from well before law school, through the hiring process, and into their professional career. They are also at increased risk of leaving the professional workforce, suffering burn-out due to prioritizing finance over work-life integration, facing imposter syndrome, and attaining less advancement. What can be done to develop and guide legal professionals across socioeconomic lines?

This panel will explore:

  • Bridging the cultural gap between lower socioeconomic backgrounds and the corporate legal environment
  • Stereotypes and misconceptions tied to socioeconomic background
  • Recruitment & retention strategies to overcome inadvertent bias and stereotypes
  • Importance of mentorship programs and providing invaluable insights into career navigation
Sal Phillips
Senior Privacy Counsel
Atlassian
Eugenia Hernandez
Vice President & Assistant General Counsel
Sodexo
Mervin A. Bourne, Jr.
Associate General Counsel - Security Legal
Meta
Chimdi G. Tuffs
Partner
Gfeller Laurie
Kenya K. Davis
Partner
Boies Schiller Flexner
10:30 am
Shattering Glass Ceilings: The Unwritten Playbook for Career Success Beyond Hard Work

For many diverse professionals, trusting that good work, dedication, and responsiveness will propel their careers has created a glass ceiling and disillusionment. It’s time to break the rules and propel your career to the next level. Unlock the secrets to career advancement by cultivating a clear vision, fostering self-belief, and proactively advocating for your accomplishments. Discover actionable steps to showcase your achievements, express your goals, strike the right balance between networking, soft skills, technical knowledge, and more. Are you ready to overcome obstacles and take control of your career trajectory?

This panel will explore:

  • Steps to showcasing the quality of your work
  • Elevating your professional visibility by expressing what you want and your goals
  • Developing sponsors, advocates, and allies
  • Utilizing feedback as a catalyst for professional development
Kecia Boney
Senior Managing Associate General Counsel
Verizon
Kristen Budris
Lead North America Privacy Counsel
Dell Technologies
Aisha Bembry
Managing Partner
Lewis Baach Kaufmann Middlemiss PLLC
Jennifer Jones
Director
Goulston & Storrs PC.
Tony Johnson
Assistant General Counsel & Senior Vice President
Bank of America
Ashley R. Lynam
Chair
Montgomery McCracken
11:15 am
NETWORKING BREAK
11:55 am
From Fitting In to Standing Out: Transforming Code-Switching and Imposter Syndrome into Strengths

Code-switching and Imposter Syndrome derail and haunt many talented diverse executives. How can you turn these phenomena into strengths allowing you to fulfill your potential and work authentically? This is a call to action, empowering you to navigate your identity, embrace your unique voice, and foster a workplace that celebrates diversity and authenticity.

This panel will explore:

  • Distinctions between code-switching and imposter syndrome
  • Strategies for conquering fear and breaking free from the grip of imposter syndrome
  • Navigating workplace identity and working with authenticity
  • Transforming imposter syndrome into a driving force of career advancement
Danielle Hart
Assistant General Counsel
Lockheed Martin
Bukola Landis-Aina
Associate General Counsel
Verizon
Arianna Scavetti
Partner
Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
Rachel Adcox
Partner
Axinn
Kiran Mand
Assistant General Counsel
Capital One
Ash Masrani
Associate
Clifford Chance
12:40 pm
De-Risking and Future-Proofing Workplace Diversity Initiatives in a Changing Legal Landscape

This panel offers a comprehensive examination of de-risking strategies for businesses in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s affirmative action ruling. Justices Gorsuch and Thomas have hinted that they would like to go further on affirmative action. As a result, there has been increased litigation from advocacy groups and reverse discrimination cases from employees. Companies need to audit and safeguard their operations while effectively running their DEI initiatives that align with their values and culture. What is the balance between robust DEI practices and the management of potential liabilities? How can we future-proof for what is coming? This panel is crucial for businesses looking to navigate the complexities of a changing legal and social environment.

This panel will explore:

  • Strategies for de-risking companies in light of the Supreme Court’s affirmative action ruling and related litigation
  • Auditing values and the importance of DEI to the organization
  • Methods for future-proofing businesses while maintaining active DEI initiatives
  • ESG, hiring, and firing, to align with evolving DEI expectations
  • Balancing DEI practices with potential legal liabilities
  • Training leadership, managers, and stakeholders
Om Jahagirdar
Deputy General Counsel
Amtrak
Veronica Nelson
Vice President, Consumer Data Use and Access
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Tanya Salgado
Partner
White and Williams LLP
Lindsay Burke
Partner
Covington
Graphic of a person.
Sahra Park-Su
Lead Senior Legal Counsel
SAP
Jason Knott
Partner
Zuckerman Spaeder
1:25 pm
LUNCH & NETWORKING BREAK
2:15 pm
Redefining Success: From Burnout to Balance in a Multigenerational Workforce

In today’s rapidly changing professional landscape, the pursuit of career fulfillment and a well-balanced life transcends generational boundaries. Every generation brings its unique perspective to the table – from those who have witnessed the traditional, career-centric model, to younger generations advocating for a life that equally values personal and professional satisfaction. This panel aims to bridge these diverse viewpoints, offering insights into how each generation can learn from the other to achieve a harmonious blend of career success and personal well-being.

This panel will explore:

  • Shifting attitudes towards mental health and burnout: what this means for creating healthier work environments
  • The evolving definition of ‘success’ and moving towards a more holistic view
  • Managing and perfecting the work-life integration balancing act
  • The impact of remote and in-office work environments on career advancement opportunities and preferences across different age groups
Marissa Comart
Assistant General Counsel, Employment
Etsy
Melanie Younger, Esq.
Associate General Counsel, Privacy Commerce
Meta
Ariane Mann
Associate
Reichman Jorgensen Lehman & Feldberg
Katherine Maddox Davis
Associate
Gibson Dunn
Graphic of a person.
Raleigh Lancaster
Corporate Assistant Deputy General Counsel
Comcast
Tamara S. Grimm
Partner
O'Hagan Meyer
3:00 pm
From Vision to Reality: Making ERGs a Driving Force in Your DEI Initiatives

Organizations nationwide have established ERGs, but transforming these groups into catalysts for genuine, diverse change requires strategic guidance. How can we leverage these invaluable resources to effect diverse change within the corporate sphere? Uncover the keys to success, best practices for recruiting and engaging membership, and aligning your DEI group with organizational objectives to secure essential buy-in and support in the current landscape.

This panel will explore:

  • Blueprints for running successful ERGs and committees
  • Showcasing wins to build momentum and ensure lasting impact
  • Embedding DEI principles into organizational policies and procedures
  • Building robust membership and the importance of allyship
  • Measuring outcomes and demonstrating the positive organizational impact
Aryeh Fishman
Associate General Counsel, Regulatory Legal Affairs
Edison Electric Institute (EEI)
Janet Baker
Assistant General Counsel and Data Privacy Lead
S&P Global Market Intelligence
Graphic of a person.
Yaphett Powell
VP, International Business Affairs & Acquisitions
Disney
3:45 pm
NETWORKING BREAK
3:55 pm
Champagne Roundtables

Roundtable 1: “Shattering Glass Ceilings: The Unwritten Playbook for Career Success Beyond Hard Work”
Chimdi Tuffs, Partner, Gfeller Laurie

Roundtable 2: “Title TBA”
Presentation by O’Hagan Meyer

Chimdi G. Tuffs
Partner
Gfeller Laurie
5:15 pm
Closing Comments + Networking Cocktail Hour

Speakers

Marissa Comart
Assistant General Counsel, Employment
Etsy
Aryeh Fishman
Associate General Counsel, Regulatory Legal Affairs
Edison Electric Institute (EEI)
Sal Phillips
Senior Privacy Counsel
Atlassian
Lusanna Ro
Vice President & Chief Counsel, East Region
AECOM
Nomi Goheer
Assistant General Counsel, Financial Crimes
Robinhood
Sally Wick
Associate General Counsel, Americas
IBM Corporation
Danielle Hart
Assistant General Counsel
Lockheed Martin
Luisa Lopez
Vice President & Senior Associate General Counsel - Labor, Employment & Ethics
National Geographic Society
Om Jahagirdar
Deputy General Counsel
Amtrak
Veronica Nelson
Vice President, Consumer Data Use and Access
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Janet Baker
Assistant General Counsel and Data Privacy Lead
S&P Global Market Intelligence
Kecia Boney
Senior Managing Associate General Counsel
Verizon
Bukola Landis-Aina
Associate General Counsel
Verizon
Kristen Budris
Lead North America Privacy Counsel
Dell Technologies
Melanie Younger, Esq.
Associate General Counsel, Privacy Commerce
Meta
Arianna Scavetti
Partner
Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
Tanya Salgado
Partner
White and Williams LLP
Travonte Warren
Senior Counsel
Procter & Gamble
Aisha Bembry
Managing Partner
Lewis Baach Kaufmann Middlemiss PLLC
Jennifer Jones
Director
Goulston & Storrs PC.
Matt Cohen
Director & Associate General Counsel
Meta
Mervin A. Bourne, Jr.
Associate General Counsel - Security Legal
Meta
Eugenia Hernandez
Vice President & Assistant General Counsel
Sodexo
Tony Johnson
Assistant General Counsel & Senior Vice President
Bank of America
Chimdi G. Tuffs
Partner
Gfeller Laurie
Lindsay Burke
Partner
Covington
Rachel Adcox
Partner
Axinn
Graphic of a person.
Yaphett Powell
VP, International Business Affairs & Acquisitions
Disney
Graphic of a person.
Sahra Park-Su
Lead Senior Legal Counsel
SAP
Kenya K. Davis
Partner
Boies Schiller Flexner
Jason Knott
Partner
Zuckerman Spaeder
Kiran Mand
Assistant General Counsel
Capital One
Ariane Mann
Associate
Reichman Jorgensen Lehman & Feldberg
Katherine Maddox Davis
Associate
Gibson Dunn
Nakia Arrington
Associate
Van Ness Feldman
Ash Masrani
Associate
Clifford Chance
Graphic of a person.
Raleigh Lancaster
Corporate Assistant Deputy General Counsel
Comcast
Ashley R. Lynam
Chair
Montgomery McCracken
Tamara S. Grimm
Partner
O'Hagan Meyer
Esther Y. Kim
Associate
Reed Smith

Sponsors

Venue

The Mayflower Hotel
1127 Connecticut Avenue NW,
Washington, DC, 20036-4301

June 12, 2024

Pricing

Register By In House Counsel Law Firms & Vendors
May 15, 2024 $0 $895
May 29, 2024 $0 $1195
June 12, 2024 $0 $1395
Term and Conditions / Payment Policy
  • Payment is due in full at the time of registration and includes lunches, refreshments and detailed conference materials.
  • Your registration will not be confirmed until payment is received and may be subject to cancellation.
Cancellation, Postponement and Substitution Policy
  • You may substitute delegates at any time. CenterForce does not provide refunds for cancellations.
  • For cancellations received in writing more than seven (7) days prior to the conference you will receive a 100% credit to be used at another CenterForce conference for up to one year from the date of issuance.
  • For cancellations received seven (7) days or less prior to an event (including day 7), no credit will be issued. In the event that CenterForce cancels an event, delegate payments at the date of cancellation will be credited to a future CenterForce event. This credit will be available for up to one year from the date of issuance.
  • In the event that CenterForce postpones an event, delegate payments at the postponement date will be credited towards the rescheduled date. If the delegate is unable to attend the rescheduled event, the delegate will receive a 100% credit representing payments made towards a future CenterForce event. This credit will be available for up to one year from the date of issuance. No refunds will be available for cancellations or postponements.
  • CenterForce is not responsible for any loss or damage as a result of a substitution, alteration or cancellation/postponement of an event. CenterForce shall assume no liability whatsoever in the event this conference is cancelled, rescheduled or postponed due to a fortuitous event, Act of God, unforeseen occurrence or any other event that renders performance of this conference impracticable or impossible. For purposes of this clause, a fortuitous event shall include, but not be limited to: war, fire, labor strike, extreme weather or other emergency.
  • Please note that speakers and topics were confirmed at the time of publishing, however, circumstances beyond the control of the organizers may necessitate substitutions, alterations or cancellations of the speakers and/or topics. As such, CenterForce reserves the right to alter or modify the advertised speakers and/or topics if necessary. Any substitutions or alterations will be updated on our web page as soon as possible.
Cancellation, Postponement and Substitution Policy
  • All discounts must require payment at time of registration and before the cut-off date in order to receive any discount.
  • Any discounts offered whether by CenterForce (including team discounts) must also require payment at the time of registration.
  • All discount offers cannot be combined with any other offer.
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