The Driving Diversity in Law & Leadership conference is an annual event organized by CenterForce, focusing on advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the legal profession. This conference brings together legal professionals, industry leaders, and advocates to discuss and promote strategies for fostering a more inclusive legal environment.
Key topics covered at the conference include evolving leadership in a post-pandemic world, creating inclusive workplace cultures beyond mere metrics, effective strategies for recruiting and retaining diverse talent, and engaging dominant groups as allies and advocates. The event also explores personal definitions of success and methods for achieving them within the legal field.
Attendees have the opportunity to participate in networking sessions, panel discussions, and workshops led by notable speakers such as Amanda MacDonald, Partner at Williams & Connolly LLP, and Carrie Ricci, General Counsel of the U.S. Army. These sessions provide practical insights and actionable strategies for implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives in legal settings.
The conference is designed for legal professionals at all career stages, including attorneys, in-house counsel, law firm partners, and diversity officers. It offers valuable perspectives and tools for those committed to driving meaningful change and fostering inclusive practices within their organizations.
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Speakers(35)
Adrienne Lawrence
Senior Counsel/Senior Manager - Retail Bank at Capital One
Adrienne Lawrence is a Senior Manager at Capital One, providing strategic guidance on new products, customer interactions, and compliance with laws and regulations. She is active in the Legal Department’s Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee and volunteers with the pro bono program.
Amanda MacDonald
Partner at Williams & Connolly LLP
Anne Kamosso
Corporate Counsel, U.S. Legal Affairs at Aflac Worldwide Headquarters
Anne Kamosso has been in-house counsel for ten years and is currently head of legal for Aflac’s dental and vision subsidiary, Argus Dental & Vision, Inc. She supports stakeholders in a variety of areas including technology licensing, regulatory compliance, corporate governance, strategic partnerships, product development, and privacy. Anne also owns the Aflac Incorporated Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, managing its review, training, case management, and board reporting.
Ashlei Ferguson
Corporate Counsel at Microsoft
Ashlei Ferguson is Corporate Counsel at Microsoft, conducting and reviewing workplace investigations. She previously served as Assistant General Counsel at the Office of Administrative Hearings and as a Human Rights Officer at the Office of Human Rights in the District of Columbia Government.
Audrey Jean
SVP, Privacy Officer & Senior Associate GC at AARP
Audrey Jean is a senior legal executive for AARP, leading a team on data privacy, media, IP, innovation, real estate, and strategic transactions. She has prior experience at Bloomberg BNA and Discovery, Inc., and began her career in private practice. Audrey holds a BA from Princeton University and a JD from Georgetown University.
Brionna Denby
Associate at Cohen Seglias Pallas Greenhall & Furman PC
Brionna Denby is an associate at Cohen Seglias Pallas Greenhall & Furman PC, where she represents scientists accused of plagiarism, fabrication, or falsification of data in the context of scientific research supported by federal funds at universities and other research institutions. She advocates on their behalf by performing a thorough examination of the allegations and analysis of the issues while protecting the client’s confidentiality.
Carrie Ricci
General Counsel at U.S. Army
Carrie F. Ricci serves as the 23rd General Counsel of the United States Army, providing legal counsel to the Secretary of the Army and other senior leaders. She has extensive experience in military and civilian legal roles, including positions at the USDA and the Department of Defense Education Activity.
Chimdi G. Tuffs
Partner at Gfeller Laurie
Chimdi G. Tuffs represents employers and entities in complex litigation, including employer liability claims, premises liability, and product liability matters. She draws on her experience as a former prosecutor to develop expertise in defending negligent security claims in the sexual assault context.
Crystal Evans
Counsel, Regulatory Affairs
Elizabeth Bower
Partner at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
Elizabeth J. Bower is a partner in the Litigation Department at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP. She focuses on complex commercial litigation, representing clients in civil securities actions, professional liability actions, and various business disputes. Liz has extensive experience in trials, internal investigations, and regulatory matters.
Fiona R. Moran
Partner at Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP
Fiona Moran is a partner in the White Collar Defense & Investigations practice group at Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP. She focuses on sensitive government investigations and enforcement actions, representing clients in securities fraud, insider trading, and other financial crimes. Fiona also advises on corporate governance and compliance matters.
Funmi Olorunnipa Badejo
Head of Compliance at Palantir Technologies
Grace Aduroja
Manager of Women's Initiatives at Williams & Connolly LLP
Jason Knott
Partner at Zuckerman Spaeder
Jason M. Knott is a litigator and employment lawyer with nearly two decades of experience, representing organizations and individuals in civil and criminal disputes involving employment, insurance, and healthcare issues.
Jenna Dmuchowski
Talent Consultant at Bridgestone Americas, Inc.
Jenna Dmuchowski is a Talent Consultant at Bridgestone Americas, supporting the creation and deployment of talent management strategies. She partners with HR Business Partners and leaders to integrate talent strategies and programs.
Jennifer Schatzman
Global Chief Integration Officer at Publicis Health
Jennifer Schatzman is the Global Chief Integration Officer at global healthcare communications network, Publicis Health, where she leads the unification of talent, processes, and culture across agencies to strengthen organizational alignment and accelerate growth. A former General Counsel and Chief Human Resources Officer, Jennifer brings a rare blend of legal expertise, people leadership, and strategic business insight.
Johnine P. Barnes
Shareholder at Greenberg Traurig LLP
Johnine P. Barnes has extensive experience in litigating and defending administrative claims of harassment, retaliation, and discrimination. She counsels companies on labor law issues, including the Fair Labor Standards Act, collective bargaining, and grievance arbitration. Johnine also handles business litigation matters such as non-compete disputes and trade secret issues.
Johnjerica Hodge
Partner and Chair, ESG Risk and Investigations at Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP
Johnjerica Hodge focuses on appellate litigation and represents clients in the healthcare industry. She is an emerging leader in the ESG space, advising companies on evaluating and incorporating ESG values into their operations.
Kenya K. Davis
Partner at Boies Schiller Flexner
Kenya K. Davis, formerly an Assistant United States Attorney, has 20 years of experience in high-stakes trials and investigations. She focuses on investigations and compliance work, particularly ESG-related issues.
Kiran Mand
Assistant General Counsel - Head of Legal at Capital One's Velocity Black
Kiran Mand is a legal and business executive with over 15 years of experience providing strategic counsel across various industries. She currently serves as Assistant General Counsel at Capital One, supporting the Premium Products and Experiences team.
Kristy Offitt
Associate General Counsel, Labor and Employment at Bridgestone Americas, Inc.
Kristy Offitt is an employment attorney representing internal clients at Bridgestone in a myriad of employment-related matters. She provides advice and counsel on all areas of labor and employment law, including noncompetition agreements, reductions-in-force, discrimination laws, wage and hour laws, performance management, severance, mergers and acquisitions, and other employment matters. She also manages litigation and compliance for all California operations.
Lela M. Ames
Partner at Womble Bond Dickinson
Lela M. Ames is a versatile litigator recognized as a Rising Star by Washington DC Super Lawyers. She has experience in commercial real estate, environmental issues, financial services, and business torts. Lela is committed to excellent client service, providing upfront case assessments aligned with clients' objectives.
Lindsay Burke
Partner at Covington
Lindsay Burke co-chairs Covington's Employment Practice Group, advising employers on employee management, culture issues, and international HR compliance. She conducts culture assessments, internal investigations of executive misconduct, and civil rights audits. Lindsay has been at the forefront of workplace issues impacting employers in the U.S.
Liza Craig
Partner at Reed Smith LLP
Liza is a Partner in the Washington, DC Office of Reed Smith LLP and a member of the Firm’s Global Regulatory & Investigations Group. She advises clients in the U.S. and abroad on matters associated with public procurement and government compliance. She also serves as Reed Smith’s U.S. Deputy Chair for Diversity & Equity & Inclusion (DE&I), a role in which she provides training to the Firm and to clients on matters related to DE&I. Additionally, she is a member of the adjunct faculty at the George Washington University Law School and at the Georgetown University Law Center.
Olivia Fines
VP and Chief Ethics and Compliance Counsel at Parsons Corporation
Olivia Fines is a Federal government contracts attorney for Parsons Corporation. She has experience as General Counsel for Golden Key Group and PRO-telligent, and has served as an adjunct law professor in Germany.
Rachel Adcox
Partner at Axinn
Rachel Adcox is a standout antitrust practitioner, leading clients through high-stakes trials and negotiating advantageous resolutions in complex disputes. She has extensive experience representing clients in antitrust matters, including civil and criminal investigations, and complex commercial litigation.
Rizwan A. Qureshi
Partner at Reed Smith LLP
Rizwan Qureshi represents corporations and individuals in government investigations, criminal and regulatory proceedings, and related civil litigation. He has tried over 30 cases and successfully represented clients in complex investigations with the Department of Justice and other regulators.
Sahra Park-Su
Lead Senior Legal Counsel at SAP
Sara Alpert Lawson
Partner at Zuckerman Spaeder LLP
Sara Alpert Lawson represents businesses and individuals in high-stakes government investigations and commercial litigation. Her clients include major health systems, healthcare organizations, and senior leaders across industries. Sara has prior experience as in-house Corporate Counsel for a multinational chemical distributor and manufacturer.
Shaila Lakhani Ohri
Senior Vice President, General Counsel at Uplight
Shaila Lakhani Ohri is Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Uplight, advising on risk, strategic transactions, data privacy, IP, and corporate governance. She has prior experience at Exelon, Pepco Holdings, and CapitalSource Finance.
Stephanie Win Hu
Corporate Counsel at Google
Teresia Bost
General Counsel at 54gene
Tim Brown
Associate Director, Legal Affairs at National Automobile Dealers Association
Tim Brown serves as Associate Director, Legal Affairs at the National Automobile Dealers Association. He handles the legal needs of the association, including reviewing contracts, antitrust compliance, and corporate sponsorship agreements. Tim is also a member of the association's internal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee.
Tony Johnson
Senior Vice President, Senior Legal Counsel at Bank of America
Tony Johnson joined Bank of America in 2022, providing legal guidance for middle market and large commercial banking. He has extensive expertise in banking and finance law and has been recognized by the NAACP as one of the 100 Most Influential Young Blacks.
Yaphett Powell
Former Vice President, International Business Affairs, Acquisitions & Licensing at The Walt Disney Company
Yaphett K. Powell is a corporate and entertainment deal lawyer and executive with over 22 years of experience representing companies in complex corporate and business transactions, including licensing, distribution, acquisitions, mergers, joint ventures, and related financing. He has a recent emphasis on international and cross-border deals in the entertainment, sports, media, and content streaming technology sectors.
Event Details
- Date
- September 15, 2022
- Location
- 🇺🇸 Washington D.C., United States
- Washington D.C.
- Audience
- Legal professionals, industry leaders, diversity advocates