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October 29, 2024

DIVERSITY & FLEXIBILITY ALLIANCE TO HONOR CROWELL & MORING AND MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL FOR THEIR IMPACTFUL WORKPLACE INITIATIVES

Washington, DC (October 16, 2024) — The Diversity & Flexibility Alliance announced today that Crowell & Moring LLP and Marriott International will receive its 2024 Alliance Impact Award which honors organizations with powerful initiatives proven to have a significant impact on humanizing the workplace. The awards will be presented during the Alliance’s annual conference on Thursday, October 24 in Washington, DC.

“We’re honored to be recognizing these two industry-leading organizations that are demonstrating the importance of putting people first and staying true to their core organizational values,” said Manar Morales, President & CEO of the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance. “Crowell & Moring and Marriott International have implemented inclusive and comprehensive initiatives that directly impact the wellbeing of their employees and reinforce a human-centered culture, resulting in countless business-related benefits,” she added.

Crowell & Moring LLP

International law firm, Crowell & Moring is being recognized for its comprehensive Parental Leave Initiative which includes extensive Off Ramping and On Ramping Policies, available to all its US-based employees and partners. The firm’s leave policy provides parents with eighteen weeks of leave within twelve months following the birth or adoption of a child. This leave is enhanced by impressive ramp off and ramp on opportunities which reduce the billable hours requirement to 75% in the month prior to the leave and during the two months after the leave without any corresponding reduction in the employee’s compensation.

By offering these generous leave options to all attorneys and business professionals the firm is demonstrating its long-standing commitment to flexibility, inclusivity and wellbeing. The firm’s off and on ramping policies, designed to provide a smooth and supportive transition as individuals prepare for and return from extended leave, contribute to a workplace environment where employees feel respected, supported, and valued.

Crowell & Moring’s commitment to supporting its attorneys and business professionals through flexible leave policies and a structured re-entry program have resulted in myriad business advantages, including higher retention rates, enhanced recruitment, a happier and more engaged workforce, and increased client appreciation.

“We are honored to receive this award from the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance recognizing our commitment to supporting our attorneys and business professionals,” said Chahira Solh, Crowell & Moring Partner and Chair of the Executive Committee. “Our initiatives are not just policies, but core values that drive our firm’s success by fostering a more inclusive, innovative, and resilient workplace. By embracing diverse individual perspectives and experiences while also encouraging supportive, flexible work arrangements, we empower our team members to deliver exceptional service to our clients and thrive in their professional and personal lives.”

Marriott International

Marriott International was selected as a 2024 Alliance Impact Award honoree for its TakeCare program and its Be brand, two powerful initiatives designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s workforce. Through TakeCare and Be, Marriott has shown its dedication to fostering an environment of belonging and empowerment and helping its associates build thriving careers and lead fulfilling lives.

The employee-based TakeCare program was created to support the “whole person,” including each associate’s physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. Marriott’s physical wellness programs provide associates the freedom, opportunities, and resources to maintain their health, while their mental wellness programs offer support to build resilience, enjoy life, and find meaning. The company also prioritizes educating associates on ways to make sound financial decisions through regular webinars on controlled spending, managing debt, and prioritizing savings.

The Be brand complements these efforts, showcasing Marriott’s commitment to helping associates thrive and feel valued and supported. Be centers on three core principles: Begin. Marriott is a place to start a career at any life stage. Belong. A career at Marriott means belonging to an amazing global team. Become. Marriott associates can become the best version of themselves, exploring countless career opportunities within the hospitality company.

Marriott’s commitment to holistic associate wellbeing and its focus on fostering an environment of belonging has resulted in the cultivation of a diverse talent pipeline that drives retention, reduces turnover, and supports the long-term growth of the business. These people-first initiatives have helped to increase the number of applicants and considerably decrease their global turnover, which was down by 13% in 2023.

“We are honored to be recognized by the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance. At Marriott, we’re committed to investing in our associates and providing tools that support their physical, mental, and financial well-being,” said Ty Breland, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer for Marriott International, Inc. “Our TakeCare program offers valuable resources to help associates thrive and be their best selves – at work and home. This award reflects the dedication of the thousands of TakeCare champions at properties around the globe who bring TakeCare to life at our hotels each day.”

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, flexibility and wellbeing.

Contact: Manar Morales

301-580-2490

October 16, 2024

DIVERSITY & FLEXIBILITY ALLIANCE ANNOUNCES ITS 2024 CULTURE CATALYSTS

DEI Leaders to Receive Awards at Alliance Conference on October 24

Washington, DC (September 18, 2024) – The Diversity & Flexibility Alliance announced today that Sylvia James, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer at Winston & Strawn LLP, and Michelle Patterson Wimes, Senior Vice President & Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer at Children’s Mercy Kansas City , will receive their 2024 Culture Catalyst Awards.

Created in 2023, 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, October 24 during the Alliance’s annual conference in Washington, DC, Harnessing the Power of Your Organizational Culture. Registration is open to non-members and is available here.

“Our 2024 Culture Catalysts personify the powerful skills and unwavering passion needed to drive cultural change and prioritize inclusion even amidst challenging political times,” said Manar Morales, President & CEO of the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance. “We’re honored to recognize Sylvia James and Michelle Wimes, two extraordinary DEI trailblazers who have proven track records of thoughtfully and strategically transforming organizational cultures and humanizing their workplaces.”

Sylvia James

A law firm DEI professional for nearly twenty years, Sylvia James serves as Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer for international law firm, Winston & Strawn, where she develops and implements an integrated, metrics-driven DEI strategy to enhance the firm’s diversity and inclusion programs, performance, and profile. Prior to joining Winston, Sylvia served as the diversity lead for a national law firm and practiced law as a labor and employment attorney for more than a decade.

Sylvia masterfully collaborates with key stakeholders to ensure that diversity and inclusion are woven into all aspects of the firm’s recruiting, development, retention and advancement efforts, as well as communications and client relations. She has successfully fostered an inclusive culture that attracts top talent, fosters loyalty, values diverse perspectives, and drives innovation, creativity and growth. Throughout her impressive career, Sylvia has been a steadfast champion of diversity, equity and inclusion and has tirelessly advocated for women and diverse professionals in the legal field. Her self-described “proudest moments” have been witnessing former law students and associates who she championed thrive as leaders, highlighting the power of creating pathways to success for those who might otherwise be overlooked.

Sylvia is a former President, and current co-chair for the Training and Development Committee, of the Association of Law Firm Diversity Professionals (ALFDP); a member of the Advisory Board for the Institute for Inclusion in the Legal Profession (IILP); a member of Duke Law School’s inaugural Diversity Committee; a former commissioner on the American Bar Association’s Diversity and Inclusion 360 Commission; and, the current Director and Vice President for DEI for the National Association for Law Placement (NALP). She has also been named to VERCIDA’s Global Diversity List: Top 50 Diversity Professionals.

“Receiving the Culture Catalyst Award from the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance is a tremendous honor that underscores the importance of fostering a culture of inclusion within the legal profession,” said Sylvia James. “Throughout my career, I have been driven by a passion for creating environments where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. This award is a testament to the collective efforts of so many dedicated professionals who share this vision. Together, we are paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive future, where innovation and flexibility are embraced, and all voices are heard.”

“Winston is incredibly proud—and I am personally thrilled— about Sylvia receiving the Culture Catalyst Award from the Diversity and Flexibility Alliance,” said Stephen D’Amore, Chairman of Winston & Strawn. “The award recognizes many qualities, including innovation, in advancing the goals of diversity, equity, and inclusion. I can say on behalf of so many that Sylvia’s unwavering commitment and pioneering work in DEI has been transformative for our firm and the legal profession. She has enriched our world. This well-deserved recognition reflects the impact of Sylvia’s extraordinary contributions.”

Michelle Patterson Wimes

As the inaugural Senior Vice President & Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer at Children’s Mercy Kansas City, Michelle Wimes has developed systems, initiatives and policies that ensure an inclusive and equitable environment for both patients and employees. She has been instrumental in creating a positive culture where employee recruitment, engagement and retention, supplier diversity and health equity are prioritized. During her four-year tenure at the hospital, Michelle has implemented a new DEI action plan and infrastructure, diversity workforce assessments, cross-cultural media assessments, comprehensive diversity education and training, a supplier diversity policy and program, a health equity action plan, community health equity council and much more.

In recent years, under her leadership, the hospital has been named one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Women by Newsweek; a Top Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker’s Review; a Best Place to Work for Diversity by Newsweek; and earned a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index (CEI).

Prior to joining Children’s Mercy, Michelle had an impressive career in the legal industry where she practiced law over 14 years and most recently served as the inaugural Chief Diversity and Professional Development Officer at Ogletree Deakins for nine years. While at Ogletree, Michelle built both a professional development and diversity and inclusion program from the ground up, successfully instilling a culture of inclusion to attract, develop, train and advance a diverse group of lawyers around the world.

Michelle has received countless honors for her impact on diversity and inclusion, in recent years most notably she received the Mid-America LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce’s Ally of the Year Award; a Top Black Healthcare Leaders to Know award from Becker’s Hospital Review; the 2024 Women Transforming Business Award for Community Impact from CBIZ, the Becker’s Hospital Review Top 86 Chief DEI Officers to Know award; and, the Inaugural Deans Kramer & Clayton Award for Leadership in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion from her alma mater, Tulane Law School.

“When I heard that DFA had created this award and that my dear friend, Maja Hazell, was one of the first recipients last year, I was thrilled for her as I know the very serious work she’s done in her new industry to build a culture of inclusion,” said Michelle Wimes. “Doing this work in this climate is not easy. There are so many challenges, and the work can often feel overwhelming. But, we must remain steady and steadfast. Now, more than ever, DEI champions and gamechangers are needed to drive organizational success and sustainability. This award means the world to me. To be recognized by an organization who has always passionately championed innovation, flexibility, and inclusion motivates me to continue this work at the highest level possible,” she added.

“Michelle is the epitome of a culture catalyst. She champions the equity and inclusion strategy for Children’s Mercy and advises leadership on how to use data to close gaps in cultural competency and health disparities,” said Paul Kempinski, MS, FACHE, President and CEO of Children’s Mercy Kansas City. “Even beyond our walls, reducing health disparities in the communities where our patients and families live and building an organizational culture of engagement, diversity and collaboration are crucial steps in this work as we advance our vision of creating a world of well-being for all children.”

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, flexibility and wellbeing.

Contact: Manar Morales

301-580-2490

Register now to join us on 10/24 and hear from these extraordinary DEI trailblazers!

September 18, 2024

DIVERSITY & FLEXIBILITY ALLIANCE TO HONOR HAIN CELESTIAL GROUP CEO WENDY P. DAVIDSON FOR CREATING SUCCESSFUL FLEXIBLE WORKING CULTURE

Washington, DC (September 4, 2024) – The Diversity & Flexibility Alliance announced today that Wendy P. Davidson, President & CEO of Hain Celestial Group, will receive its 2024 Flex Leader Award, which recognizes an executive who is moving their organization toward a more inclusive workplace through holistic flexibility. The Award will be presented on Thursday, October 24 during the Alliance’s annual conference in Washington, DC, Harnessing the Power of Your Organizational Culture. Registration is available here.

“Wendy Davidson is one of those unique leaders who truly understands the direct link between a human-centered culture focused on flexibility, wellbeing and inclusion, and impressive performance and productivity outcomes,” said Manar Morales, President & CEO of the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance. “By prioritizing employee health, flexibility, and belonging, Wendy is leading an incredibly successful team that balances working virtually with making time for intentional connections to ideate, collaborate and celebrate. Congratulations to Wendy and her team for truly embodying their company purpose of ‘Inspiring Healthier Living’.”

“Creating flexible work environments, models, and systems allows employees to perform at their best without feeling like work is a sacrifice,” said Wendy Davidson, President & CEO of Hain Celestial Group. “Hain Celestial’s purpose of Inspiring Healthier Living goes beyond what you put in and on your body. It’s also how you live and work. We have an opportunity to demonstrate that we can attract, retain, and engage top talent…AND…deliver high performance by leveraging the lessons learned with flexible work during the pandemic. At Hain, we focus on performance outcomes rather than activities to deliver on our business goals.”

As CEO & Board Director of The Hain Celestial Group, Wendy Davidson leads over 3,000 employees across the U.S., Canada, UK, Ireland & Western Europe, across 5 core categories, including, Better-For-You Snacks, Baby/Kids Food, Beverages, Meal Prep and Personal Care. In 2023, Davidson led Hain Reimagined, a multi-year transformation plan involving large-scale global integration of organizational structure, processes, systems, and culture, including the rollout of its Agile Work Model, which provides team members with the flexibility to work virtually and come together for “moments that matter.”

Since launching the agile working program, applications at Hain Celestial have increased by 300%; female applications have gone up by 500%; and employee engagement scores have increased by 8%. A champion for diversity and inclusion, as well as gender parity, Davidson leads an Executive Team comprised of 50% women, and 43% of Hain Celestial employees who identify as female are currently in leadership roles.

Prior to joining Hain Celestial, Davidson was recognized for successful business growth and improved employee performance and engagement as former President, Americas, Glanbia Performance Nutrition, and previously, as President of Kellanova (Formerly Kellogg’s, Away from Home).

Davidson has been a champion for diversity and inclusion and women in business through her volunteer and board work as well. She is a non-Executive Director on the Board of First Horizon National Corporation; and serves on the Board of Directors of Consumer Goods Forum (CGF), Consumer Brands Association (CBA) and NextUp (formerly The Network of Executive Women). She is a Trustee of the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Global Board; past Board Chair of the Women’s Foodservice Forum (WFF); a member of the International Women’s Forum, The Chicago Network, Commercial Club of Chicago and the Economic Club of Chicago.

Davidson is a member of Fortune’s World’s Most Powerful Women. In 2023, she was named to the Most Influential Women of the Mid-Market list by CEO Connection. She was recognized as a 2021 Women of Influence Honoree by Chicago Business Journal, was among Crain’s 2020 list of Notable Women Executives over 50 and made the 2019 list of Most Influential Corporate Board Directors by WomenInc. Magazine. In 2017, she was awarded the National Diversity Council’s Top 15 Business Women in Illinois and received the Luminary Award in 2016 from Girl Scouts of Chicago & Northwest Indiana.

Recent Diversity & Flexibility Alliance Flex Leader honorees have included: Kathryn Cameron Atkinson (2023), Chair, Miller & Chevalier; Jason M. St. John (2022), Managing Partner, Saul Ewing LLP; Lara Abrash (2021), Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Deloitte & Touche LLP; Barri Rafferty (2020), former EVP & Head of Communications, Wells Fargo; Jennifer M. Flynn (2019), Managing Vice President, Head of the Small Business Bank (SBB) Division, Capital One; and, Kim Koopersmith (2018), Chairperson, Akin.

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.

Contact: Manar Morales

301-580-2490

Register now to join us on 10/24 and learn how Wendy’s leadership philosophy inspires healthy living.

Photo Credit: Steph Grant Studios

September 4, 2024

DIVERSITY & FLEXIBILITY ALLIANCE TO HONOR BARRI RAFFERTY FOR COMMITMENT TO THE ADVANCEMENT OF WOMEN

Prestigious Luminary Award to be presented at DC Conference on 10/24

Washington, DC (August 15, 2024) – The Diversity and Flexibility Alliance announced today that Barri Rafferty, CEO – Americas, Sodali & Co, will receive its 2024 Luminary Award, an annual award which recognizes a global thought leader who is consistently and uniquely devoted to the advancement of diversity and whose vision is leaving a legacy of inclusivity for future leaders. The award will be presented during the Alliance’s 2024 Annual Conference, Harnessing the Power of Your Organizational Culture, on Thursday, October 24, in Washington, DC. Registration is open to the public and available here.

“Barri Rafferty is a powerful pioneer for gender parity who has devoted her career to transforming businesses and building organizational cultures based on diversity & inclusion, belonging, engagement, well-being and flexibility,” said Manar Morales, President & CEO of the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance. “Her commitment to leading with empathy, mentoring the next generation and uplifting others, women in particular, made her an obvious choice for our 2024 Luminary Award.”

“As an advocate for women’s leadership through day-to-day workplace initiatives and holding board positions at Omniwomen, Step Up, and C200, I am deeply committed to fostering inclusive and supportive work environments,” said Rafferty. “With success comes responsibility to pay it forward. This Diversity & Flexibility Alliance award represents a significant milestone in my journey and a testament to our collective efforts in advancing diversity and equity, but also reminds me how much work is still to be done,” she added.

Since 2023, Rafferty has served as CEO – Americas for Sodali & Co, leading the shareholder consulting firm’s North and South American businesses. Prior to joining Sodali & Co, Rafferty led communications and brand management for Wells Fargo, and was the first woman to run a top five communications consultancy in her position as the Global CEO of Ketchum.

Throughout her impressive career, Rafferty has demonstrated a leadership philosophy centered on collaboration, empathy, and inclusivity, and a commitment to creating flexible cultures that prioritize work life integration, strong family leave benefits, employee autonomy and flexible vacation policies. She has passionately championed efforts to advance women in business through her role as CEO and ongoing work with C200, a global organization that provides networking and support for women in corporate and entrepreneurial leadership. Rafferty is the former National Chairperson, and current Board Emeritus, of Step Up, a non-profit after-school program designed to help girls from under-resourced communities become more confident, empowered and reach their full potential. She is also a Founding Global Board Member of Omniwomen, a professional support group that provides skills and networking opportunities to empower women and help them advance within the Omnicom organization.

The Diversity & Flexibility Alliance Luminary Award, which was launched in 2019, has been presented to Jo Ann Jenkins, CEO of AARP; Susan Neely, President & CEO of the American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI); The Honorable Tonya Parker, Judge Presiding 116^th Judicial District Court, Dallas County, Texas; Anne Chow, former CEO of AT&T Business; and, Tamika L. Tremaglio, former Executive Director of the National Basketball Players Association.

For more than twelve years, 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.

Contact: Manar Morales

301-580-2490

Register now to join us on 10/24 and learn more about Barri’s leadership philosophy centered on collaboration, empathy, and inclusivity.

August 15, 2024

78 Law Firms Recognized For “Tipping the Scales” Towards Gender Parity In Their 2023 New Partner Classes

2023 New Partner Report Shows 3.5% Increase in Women New Partners

Washington, DC (November 3, 2023) – Today, the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance released the results of its 2023 New Partner Report, a compilation of public data related to the gender breakdown of attorneys promoted to partner in US and global law firms. Yesterday, the seventy-eight law firms that had 50% or more women in their 2023 new partner class, globally and/or US-based, were recognized as “Tipping the Scales” and honored at the Alliance’s annual conference.

The Report revealed that 43.7 percent of new partners from 196 major US law firms in 2023 were women, representing a substantial increase of 3.5% from last year’s 40.2%. Accounting for increased globalization of the legal industry, this year’s report also includes global new partner promotion data for the first time. Globally, women accounted for 43.3% of new partners.

Other highlights include:

Since 2012, when the Alliance began compiling this data, the share of women new partners has increased 10.5 percentage points (from 33% in 2012 to 43.7% in 2023).
The share of firms with 50% or more women in their new partner class increased from 27.6% last year to 38.3% this year.
The gap in the share of new women partners compared to the share of women associates decreased from a gap of 8.1% in 2022 down to 5.7% this year.
Alliance member firms achieved a 2.6% higher share of women new partners than the overall US-based percentages (46.3% vs 43.7%).

“I’m optimistic about the overall upward momentum of the percentage of women in new partner classes in the US and globally,” said Manar Morales, President & CEO of the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance. “However, law firm leaders must continue to be intentional about developing strong, equitable systems for recruitment, work distribution, mentorships, training, pay and evaluations to maintain and grow their gender parity in leadership,” she added. “Once again this year, I’m immensely proud of the Alliance member firms who consistently prioritize flexibility, wellbeing, engagement, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and achieve higher percentages of women partners.”

The Alliance’s New Partner Report, which is released in full to its members, is a yearly compilation of data from the nation’s largest and top-grossing law firms examining the gender breakdown of attorneys promoted to partnership in their U.S. offices. The data is based upon publicly available firm announcements and other self-reported sources on new partner classes with an effective date of promotion between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2023.

The “Tipping the Scales” firms recognized for having 50% or more women in their 2023 new partner class included:

1. Akin

2. Armstrong Teasdale

3. Arnold & Porter***

4. Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo

5. Baker Donelson

6. Barnes & Thornburg

7. Beveridge & Diamond

8. Bilzin Sumberg

9. Bond Schoeneck

10. Bracewell*

11. Bradley

12. Brownstein

13. Burns & Levinson

14. Burr & Forman

15. Chapman and Cutler

16. Choate

17. Cleary Gottlieb

18. Cole Schotz

19. Covington

20. Crowell & Moring**

21. Davis Polk

22. Davis Wright Tremaine***

23. Day Pitney

24. Debevoise*

25. Dechert*

26. Dentons

27. Dykema

28. Epstein Becker & Green**

29. Faegre Drinker

30. Finnegan

31. Fish & Richardson

32. Fisher Phillips

33. Goldberg Segalla

34. Goodwin

35. Goulston & Storrs

36. Greenspoon Marder

37. Hodgson Russ

38. Hogan Lovells*

39. Honigman

40. Ice Miller

41. Jackson Lewis**

42. Jenner & Block*

43. Jones Day**

44. Kelley Drye

45. Littler**

46. Locke Lord

47. Loeb & Loeb*

48. Lowenstein

49. Manatt*

50. Mayer Brown

51. McDermott Will & Emery

52. McGuireWoods

53. Miller & Chevalier**

54. Morrison & Foerster

55. Munger, Tolles & Olson

56. Offit Kurman

57. Ogletree Deakins*

58. Orrick

59. Parker Hudson

60. Perkins Coie*

61. Phelps Dunbar

62. Porter Wright

63. Robins Kaplan

64. Saul Ewing

65. Seyfarth*

66. Shutts & Bowen*

67. Smith Gambrell

68. Spencer Fane

69. Stoel Rives*

70. Thompson Hine

71. Troutman Pepper

72. Venable

73. Weil*

74. White & Case*

75. Wiggin and Dana

76. Williams Mullen

77. WilmerHale*

78. Wilson Elser

*One asterisk is next to firms that have been recognized as “Tipping the Scales” firms for three years.
**Two asterisks are next to firms that have been recognized as “Tipping the Scales” for four years.
***Three asterisks are next to firms that have been recognized as “Tipping the Scales” for five years.
Diversity & Flexibility Alliance Member Firms are bolded.

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.

November 3, 2023

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.

Contact: Manar Morales

301-580-2490

October 6, 2023

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.

Contact: Manar Morales

301-580-2490

October 5, 2023

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.

Contact: Manar Morales

301-580-2490

September 27, 2023

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.

Contact: Manar Morales