Insights

 

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Action Step – Surveys: Making Sure All Voices Are Heard

The Alliance’s Action Steps are designed to assist organizations with implementing practical strategies and policies related to diversity and flexibility. Members can access full versions of all of the Alliance’s Action Steps in the Member Resource Center.

Many organizations utilize surveys to gather employee feedback regarding D&I, talent and workplace flexibility. Surveys are an efficient way to take the pulse of your workforce and to make sure management hears all voices when launching, revamping or ending programs, policies and practices. Organizations should conduct regular surveys on their D&I, talent and workplace flexibility programs to make sure they are iterative and improved upon appropriately. The following are our recommendations with surveys:

Members: continue reading this Action Step in the Member Resource Center

To read this entire Action Step become a member of the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance. To learn more contact Manar Morales.

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Women@Work: A Global Outlook – December 7, 2023

2023 Signature Seminar

Women@Work: A Global Outlook

Featuring Emma Codd, Global Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, Deloitte

December 7, 2023 | 12:00pm – 1:00pm ET

Since 2021, Deloitte’s Women @ Work: A Global Outlook Report has provided insight into women’s experiences in the workplace. 2021’s findings were dominated by the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women, while 2022 showed an equally concerning and stark picture of increasing exposure to non-inclusive behaviors, burnout, and challenges with hybrid working. This year, the responses of 5,000 women across 10 countries show improvement, but the underlying data emphasizes how much remains to be done.

Join us as Emma Codd, Deloitte’s Global Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, talks through some of the key findings and recommendations from this year’s report and provides additional insights based on her experience as a thought leader in an organization focused on gender equality.

This program has been approved by the Board on Continuing Legal Education of the Supreme Court of New Jersey for 1.0 hour of total CLE credit. Of these, 1.0 qualify as hours of credit for diversity, inclusion and elimination of bias (BCLE Reg. 302:1).

This event is open to all individuals at member organizations.

Learn more about the Signature Seminar Series here.

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Six Critical Strategies to Create Culture & Engagement in a Hybrid Workplace

This article written by Alliance President & CEO, Manar Morales was published in the October issue of the NALP Bulletin.

We are living in an uncertain, sometimes volatile, world. Our workplaces have been impacted by this uncertainty becoming more complex. Obviously, in 2020 COVID-19 turned everything we knew on its end and forced us all to reevaluate the way we work. But beyond the pandemic, there are a myriad of new forces at play affecting today’s workplaces.

For the first time, we have five generations of talent working together in the legal industry. Two of those generations are “digital first,” meaning they grew up with technology. Further, many of those new to the workforce in the last three years have never worked fulltime in-person in the office. As we think about the hybrid workplace, consider that connecting in person does not come naturally to some in your workforce.

Additionally, technology is growing at a rate faster than many can keep up with. For example, artificial intelligence is advancing and expanding its reach before we really understand its true capabilities and impact. In fact, in just two short months Chat GPT reached one hundred million users!

The global economy is uncertain. The global climate is volatile. The political climate is unpredictable at best.

I do not say this to be alarmist, but to put the evolution of the workplace in context. I often say, “The way that 9/11 forever changed the way we travel, COVID will forever change the way we work.” We’re not going back to the pre-COVID workplace. We need to accept that the evolution of the workplace must go handin-hand with the way the world is changing. The future of work is much bigger than simply adapting to the challenges and opportunities COVID brought about.

Read the full article here.

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DEI LEADERS TO BE HONORED AS CULTURE CATALYSTS

Inaugural Awards to be Presented at Alliance Conference on November 2

Washington, DC (October 6, 2023) – The Diversity & Flexibility Alliance has announced that Maja D. Hazell, Managing Director of D. E. Shaw & Co., L.P. and Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the D. E. Shaw group, and Yusuf Z. Zakir, Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, will receive their inaugural 2023 Culture Catalyst Awards.

Created this year, the Culture Catalyst Awards are presented to Talent, Diversity, or Human Resources professionals who have led significant efforts to transform their organizational culture and embrace innovation, inclusion, and/or flexibility. The Awards will be presented on Thursday, November 2 during the Alliance’s annual conference in Washington, DC, Humanizing the Workplace: Thriving Beyond the Global Reset. Registration is open to non-members and is available here.

“Unsung heroes are often at the heart of cultural change in organizations,” said Manar Morales, President & CEO of the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance. “We created this award to honor the exceptional professionals who are tackling the tough topics, building consensus, and transforming organizational cultures behind the scenes,” said Manar Morales, President & CEO of the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance.  “Maja Hazell and Yusuf Zakir are extraordinary leaders who have shown the skills, resilience, and passion necessary to successfully drive cultural change in their organizations.”

Maja Hazell

Since 2021, Maja Hazell has served as Managing Director and Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the D. E. Shaw group, a global investment and technology development firm. Previously she was global head of diversity and inclusion at White & Case LLP, director of diversity and inclusion at Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP, and an assistant dean for career development at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University.

As the first Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at the D. E. Shaw group, Maja draws on years of experience to strengthen existing talent practices at the firm, and develop new ones, as both the workplace and workforce evolve. The impact of her work extends to the wider finance and technology industries.

Maja has spent much of her career developing and supporting a diverse pipeline of professionals and has contributed significantly to creating diversity in organizational leadership. Her skills, tenacity and compassion have enabled her to successfully develop inclusive cultures that foster creativity, flexibility, and authentic growth. A trained executive leadership coach and Society for Human Resources Management Senior Certified Professional, Maja is former president of the Association of Law Firm Diversity Professionals (ALFDP).

“Maja has an incredible ability to garner respect and build consensus and collaboration amongst individuals with differing viewpoints,” said Manar Morales. “She has an impeccable reputation and track record for driving change, guiding future leaders, and creating engaged and inclusive work cultures.”

“I’ve personally benefitted from the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance as champions of practical change and cultural evolution in the workplace. So, it is a particular honor to be recognized with this inaugural Culture Catalyst Award for my career in DEI,” said Maja Hazell. “I knew that I wanted to be a lawyer so that I could use my skills to make a difference for people. Law also opened my eyes to opportunities everywhere in schools, firms, and professional associations to develop high performance cultures that work for everyone.  Diversity, equity, and inclusion drives overall organizational excellence.”

“We brought in Maja as a Managing Director, and our first Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, because we valued her expertise and leadership gained over a long professional career. She challenges our culture to live our commitments to excellence and fairness in making our firm a place where extraordinary people can thrive,” said Eddie Fishman, Executive Committee member, the D. E. Shaw group.

Yusuf Zakir

Yusuf Z. Zakir, Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at Davis Wright Tremaine, leads his firm’s efforts in building a culture where all attorneys and staff—including those from traditionally underrepresented communities in the legal profession—can be successful. He collaborates with key stakeholders to develop and implement strategies, programs, and initiatives to build a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization.

Yusuf’s role at Davis Wright Tremaine has been positioned to allow for influence in important processes at the firm, including Executive Committee meetings, equity partner compensation deliberations, and the partnership admission process. In addition to these big picture opportunities that help bend the trajectory of the firm towards equity and inclusion, Yusuf works one-on-one with firm leaders as they work through opportunities and challenges on their teams. A thought leader in the DEI space, he also partners with clients and external organizations to foster DEI in the broader legal profession.

“Yusuf has been particularly successful at building relationships and collaborating with senior leaders and infusing diversity, equity, and inclusion into all aspects of the firm’s goals and strategies,” said Manar Morales. “Yusuf has a unique ability to persuade his colleagues to be authentic and vulnerable, resulting in a culture that encourages inclusion and allows everyone to thrive.”

“I am truly humbled to be one of the inaugural recipients of this award.  While I am honored to be recognized as a catalyst, my success can only be measured by the success of those around me.  At Davis Wright Tremaine, we have been fortunate to create opportunities for success for many – but there is still much more to be done.  I am fortunate to be surrounded by colleagues who care deeply about and are committed to advancing a culture of equity and inclusion.  I am honored to walk alongside them,” said Yusuf Zakir.

“We are incredibly thankful to have Yusuf leading our DEI efforts.  The DFA Culture Catalyst Award is a tremendous and well-deserved honor.  It is a testament not only to his individual efforts, but also to his ability to build a broad coalition of people across our firm who work thoughtfully and intentionally to effect positive change at our firm and within our industry,” said Scott MacCormack, Firmwide Managing Partner, Davis Wright Tremaine.

For more than a decade, the Diversity and Flexibility Alliance has collaborated with organizations to develop inclusive flexible working cultures that cultivate diversity in leadership, drive workplace wellbeing, and foster a more humanized work experience.  The Alliance provides practical research-based solutions, customizable training programs, strategic advisory services and a peer-learning network that increase organizational effectiveness through diversity and flexibility.

REGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCE NOW!

Contact: Manar Morales

manar@dfalliance.com

301-580-2490

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DIVERSITY & FLEXIBILITY ALLIANCE TO HONOR CAPITAL ONE SMALL BUSINESS BANK & CHAPMAN AND CUTLER FOR THEIR IMPACTFUL WORKPLACE INITIATIVES

Awards will be presented during the Annual Conference on Nov. 2 in DC

Washington, DC (October 5, 2023) — The Diversity & Flexibility Alliance announced today that it will present its 2023 Flex Impact Award to Capital One Small Business Bank and law firm, Chapman and Cutler LLP.  The Flex Impact Award, which recognizes initiatives that demonstrate a significant impact on the culture of workplace flexibility, will be presented during the Alliance’s annual conference on Thursday, November 2.  Registration information is available here.

“We selected Capital One Small Business Bank and Chapman and Cutler as our 2023 Flex Impact honorees because both organizations have intentionally created extremely effective new systems that support a thriving workplace and embrace flexibility,” said Manar Morales, President & CEO of the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance. “These unique initiatives have provided employees with autonomy, inclusivity and flexibility, while fostering increased engagement and productivity,” she added. 

Capital One Small Business Bank

Capital One Small Business Bank is being recognized for its highly effective hybrid working initiative that has successfully incorporated the changing needs of its team and optimized new technology to create a “best of both worlds” system.  Their hybrid model smoothly blends both time in their corporate offices for face-to-face collaboration and innovation, along with time for connecting with colleagues and working virtually, while consistently preserving their corporate culture. 

Recognizing the powerful new opportunities available for leveraging connections with associates around the country, the team conducted surveys and focus groups to gain employee feedback, created hybrid guidelines and team norms, and implemented new virtual connection tools. By using simple technology to designate their work location, for example, employees at Capital One Small Business Bank are now able to see who will be attending a meeting virtually and in-person, allowing the transparency for individuals to make the best decision for how they will participate.

“The team at Capital One Small Business Bank seems to have found the perfect sweet spot merging the benefits of in-person collaboration with the unique opportunities provided by virtual connections,” said Manar Morales, President & CEO of the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance. “Understanding that different individuals have different needs and preferences, the leadership at Capital One Small Business Bank has provided their colleagues with the training and autonomy to work when and how they choose using the latest technology that works best for them.” 

“As a leader, I’ve seen firsthand how hybrid work can help foster inclusivity and collaboration. I am honored to accept this award on behalf of Capital One Small Business Bank and am fortunate to work for a company that prioritizes a culture of flexibility and connection,” said Jenn Flynn, Head of Small Business Bank at Capital One. “Our hybrid work model provides an opportunity for our team to match the work we’re doing with the environment that best supports that work leading to better outcomes for our associates and customers.”

Chapman and Cutler LLP

Law firm, Chapman and Cutler LLP, was selected for its well-designed and highly detailed Lateral Attorney Integration program implemented within their hybrid workplace. Recognizing that successful lateral integration was a key to the laterals’ success, the Talent Development and Diversity team embarked on a year-long process of overhauling their integration system to increase attorney retention, engagement, and productivity, regardless of whether they were working virtually or in-person. The team created a task force comprised of attorneys and business professionals and dedicated countless hours to meticulously researching firm and competitor data, developing goals and milestones, polling employees, and overhauling workflow systems, social structures, and virtual team management. 

The outcome was a revamped Lateral Attorney Integration Process that includes targeted pre-boarding and orientation programs, improved connections with mentors and sponsors, new on-boarding and workflow liaisons, increased touch points and follow-up, improved communication, technology training, and an electronic welcome binder. The team paid particular attention to the unique challenges and opportunities for integrating new attorneys who had been hired virtually during the pandemic or those who may continue to work a hybrid or flexible schedule now. 

“By investing so much time and effort into conducting research, creating a taskforce of those with differing viewpoints and acquiring buy-in from firm leadership, the team at Chapman and Cutler was able to create a highly effective new integration process that works regardless of the employee’s work schedule and location,” said Manar Morales. “Their initiative serves as a perfect example of the importance of being intentional, thoughtful and authentic when developing impactful policies in today’s hybrid workplace.” 

“It is important to our firm that all of our attorneys start their career at Chapman with a solid foundation.  When a lateral attorney joins our firm, we want them to know they are an integral part of the team right away and to provide them with challenging work, supportive team members, meaningful mentoring, and opportunities to exceed their professional goals while at Chapman,” said Kelley Bender, Chief Operating Partner at Chapman and Cutler LLP. “I appreciate our Task Force members and recognize the time and energy they invested into creating thoughtful, meaningful integration practices for our lateral attorneys.”  

For more than a decade, the Diversity and Flexibility Alliance has collaborated with organizations to develop inclusive flexible working cultures that cultivate diversity in leadership, drive workplace wellbeing, and foster a more humanized work experience. The Alliance provides practical research-based solutions, customizable training programs, strategic advisory services and a peer-learning network that increase organizational effectiveness through diversity and flexibility.

REGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCE NOW!

Contact: Manar Morales

manar@dfalliance.com

301-580-2490

Manar Morales Honored with 2023 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award

 

We’re extremely proud to announce that our President & CEO Manar Morales recently received the 2023 President Joseph R. Biden Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award. This award was established by former President George W. Bush and recognizes “citizens who have made major differences within their communities and around the world.” Please join us in congratulating Manar on this honor!

 

Manar Morales pictured with her father (left), Dr. Attia Sweillam, and her husband (right), David Morales, at the award ceremony.

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Action Step – Hybrid & Virtual Work Policies: Considerations in the New Workplace

The Alliance’s Action Steps are designed to assist organizations with implementing practical strategies and policies related to diversity and flexibility. Members can access full versions of all of the Alliance’s Action Steps in the Member Resource Center.

Our 2022 Law Firm Flexibility Benchmarking Study (“2022 Study”) found that hybrid/virtual work (80.9% in 2022 Study vs. 48% in 2019 Study) has significantly increased over the years. The pandemic enhanced acceptance of and demand for hybrid/virtual work. There are many provisions and considerations to keep in mind when drafting your policy. Below are the Alliance’s recommendations when creating your hybrid/virtual work policy…

Members: continue reading this Action Step in the Member Resource Center

To read this entire Action Step become a member of the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance. To learn more contact Manar Morales.

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DIVERSITY & FLEXIBILITY ALLIANCE TO HONOR KATHRYN CAMERON ATKINSON AS 2023 FLEX LEADER

Miller & Chevalier Chair’s Career Exemplifies Successful Use of Flex Schedules

Washington, DC (September 27, 2023) – The Diversity & Flexibility Alliance has announced that Kathryn Cameron Atkinson, Chair of Miller & Chevalier Chartered, will receive its 2023 Flex Leader Award. The Flex Leader Award recognizes an executive who is moving their organization toward a more inclusive workplace through holistic flexibility. The Award will be presented on Thursday, November 2 during the Alliance’s annual conference in Washington, DC, Humanizing the Workplace: Thriving Beyond the Global Reset. Registration is open to non-members and is available here.

“By building and maintaining a thriving practice and ascending to the position of Firm Chair while working a flexible schedule for more than 25 years, Kate Atkinson exemplifies the powerful benefits of flexibility,” said Manar Morales, President & CEO of the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance. “We selected her as our 2023 Flex Leader because she not only serves as a role model for other professionals, but she has also helped to build an organizational culture that celebrates holistic flexibility and encourages her colleagues to create unique career paths that work for them.”

“I am delighted to accept the Diversity and Flexibility Alliance’s Flex Leader Award, which spotlights the idea that flexibility can smooth rather than derail the path to professional excellence and sustainable success,” said Kathryn Cameron Atkinson. “I am grateful to Miller & Chevalier for agreeing to break new ground more than 25 years ago and learning how to walk the path with me and my colleagues. Allowing for flexibility – simply that, no more, no less – helps people bring their whole selves to work, and that can make all the difference.”

Kathryn Cameron Atkinson joined Miller & Chevalier as an Associate in 1992 and held multiple leadership positions before becoming Firm Chair in 2019. For more than 25 years of her impressive career at the firm, she has worked a flexible schedule, allowing her to balance her significant client responsibilities and firm citizenship with her family commitments. She notes that her success came “largely because of, not in spite of, the flexible schedule,” by providing “space to bring my full energy and my whole self to my family and my career, rather than feeling I was always trading one off against the other.” By embracing flexibility, Miller & Chevalier has been able to attract, grow, and retain top talent and create a culture of inclusivity, trust, and support.

In addition to serving as Firm Chair of Miller & Chevalier, Kathryn Cameron Atkinson maintains her practice focused on advising global clients on international corporate compliance and related governance and investigations, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), economic sanctions, export controls, business and human rights, and anti-money laundering laws. Described by Chambers USA as a “leading figure in the world of FCPA compliance,” Ms. Atkinson has been selected three times as a government-appointed Independent Compliance Monitor pursuant to FCPA resolutions.

For more than a decade, the Diversity and Flexibility Alliance has collaborated with organizations to develop inclusive flexible working cultures that cultivate diversity in leadership, drive workplace wellbeing, and foster a more humanized work experience. The Alliance provides practical research-based solutions, customizable training programs, strategic advisory services and a peer-learning network that increase organizational effectiveness through diversity and flexibility.

REGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCE NOW!

Contact: Manar Morales

manar@dfalliance.com

301-580-2490

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Money Talks: Why and How to Navigate Business Origination Credit Conversations – October 17, 2023

2023 Signature Seminar

Money Talks: Why and How to Navigate Business Origination Credit Conversations

Featuring Tasneem Khokha, Managing Director, GrowthPlay

October 17, 2023 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm ET

As law firms continue to explore ways to cross-sell and collaboratively serve clients, a frequent question arises regarding origination credit allocation. While many firms have modified their compensation systems to encourage collaboration, origination credit often remains a sticking point.This program will demonstrate why law firm leaders and partners should address origination credit allocation and how they can do so in a way that fosters collaboration. In particular, this program will help participants:

  • Understand the critical role origination credit allocation plays in promoting collaboration, succession planning, and DEI values
  • Assess whether the firm’s current systems and practices serve these objectives or need to evolve
  • Approach conversations about credit allocation in ways that support collaboration, client continuity, and inclusion

This event is open to all individuals at member organizations.

Learn more about the Signature Seminar Series here.

MEMBERS - REGISTER HERE
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DIVERSITY & FLEXIBILITY ALLIANCE TO HONOR DEI TRAILBLAZER TAMIKA TREMAGLIO

Prestigious Luminary Award to be presented at DC Conference on 11/2

Washington, DC (September 13, 2023) – The Diversity and Flexibility Alliance will present Tamika L. Tremaglio, Executive Director of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), with its 2023 Luminary Award. This award recognizes a global thought leader who is consistently and uniquely devoted to the advancement of diversity and whose vision is leaving a lasting legacy of inclusivity for future leaders. The Alliance will present the award during its 2023 Annual Conference, Humanizing the Workplace: Thriving Beyond the Global Reset on Thursday, November 2 in Washington, DC. Registration is open to the public and available here.

“Tamika Tremaglio has shattered many glass ceilings in her extraordinary career, but it’s her unwavering commitment to serving others with authenticity, selflessness and grace that makes her a true Luminary,” said Manar Morales, President & CEO of the Diversity and Flexibility Alliance.  “Throughout her career Tamika has consistently demonstrated her passion for mentoring, her dedication to leading with inclusivity, and her determination to holding the door open for the next generation of leaders.”

“I am humbled and honored to receive the 2023 Luminary Award from the Diversity and Flexibility Alliance,” said Tamika L. Tremaglio, Executive Director of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA). “As leaders, we have amazing opportunities on a daily basis to lift others up, strengthen our culture of inclusivity, and enable the people around us to learn, develop, and cultivate critical professional skills. I hope future leaders will continue to embrace their responsibility as champions of diversity and inclusion. Embracing diversity and inclusion is not just about checking a box; it’s a pillar of leadership and a strategic advantage that enriches organizations and propels all of us toward greater innovation and success.”

In her role as Executive Director of the NBPA, Tremaglio works on behalf of NBA players to ensure their rights are protected and that they are fairly compensated for the value they bring to the court and as ambassadors of the game around the world. In April of this year, Tremaglio successfully completed the negotiation of the 7-year NBA/NBPA collective bargaining agreement, which will run through the 2029-2030 season. Prior to joining the NBPA, Tremaglio had an extensive career with Deloitte and served as the Managing Principal for the firm’s Greater Washington offices where she built a thriving practice and served as a trusted advisor to many Fortune 1000 clients.  At Deloitte, she managed over 15,000 professionals across 17 offices that provided market-leading audit, tax, advisory, and consulting services.

Tremaglio has been widely recognized for her excellence in leadership and outstanding career achievements, including receiving the 2023 Corporate Counsel Women of Color Diamond Award of Excellence, and being named to the Sports Illustrated Power List 2023: The 50 Most Influential Figures in Sports.  In 2022, she received the Charlotte E. Ray Award, named for the first African American female lawyer in the US and presented by the Minority Corporate Counsel Association to a woman lawyer for her exceptional achievements in the legal profession and extraordinary contribution to the advancement of women in the profession. Last year, she was also named to the Sports Business Journal’s 2022 Most Influential in Sports Business list. In 2020, Tremaglio received the Triple-Impact Executive Award from the Positive Coaching Alliance for her community leadership and commitment to youth development, college preparedness and STEM education in the Washington DC area.

In addition to her extensive career, Tremaglio has devoted significant time to giving back to her community by volunteering, mentoring, and serving others. She has served as a Director on the Board of more than ten organizations including, Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation, the United Way of the National Capital Area, Tuskegee University and as the Chairman of the Board at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law.

For more than a decade, the Diversity and Flexibility Alliance has collaborated with organizations to develop inclusive flexible working cultures that cultivate diversity in leadership, drive workplace wellbeing, and foster a more humanized work experience.  The Alliance provides practical research-based solutions, customizable training programs, strategic advisory services and a peer-learning network that increase organizational effectiveness through diversity and flexibility.

REGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCE NOW!

Contact: Manar Morales

manar@dfalliance.com

301-580-2490