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FI R S T Q UA R T ER 2015 D I V E R S I T Y & I N C L U S I O N NE WSLET TER
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Barnes & Thornburg, Levin Lauded by Leadership Council on Legal Diversity
LCLD Mentor Reception hosted in the Indianapolis office
The Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) acknowledged the firm and Chairman Emeritus Alan Levin for being one of the most active member law firms in 2014. LCLD is an organization dedicated to creating a diverse U.S. legal profession through action programs that are designed to attract, inspire, and nurture the talent in society and organizations, thereby helping a new and more diverse generation of attorneys ascend to positions of leadership. Indianapolis partner David Wong serves as a 2015 LCLD Fellow and Portia Bailey will represent the firm as a 1L Scholar. Bill Padgett, Charlie Edwards, Jimmie McMillian, David Wong and Kara Kapke of the Indianapolis office serve as LCLD mentors in the Law School Mentoring program. “The LCLD Fellows program is having a personal impact on me by helping me build meaningful relationships with peer attorneys in other law firms and in-house,” David said. “The program is having a professional impact on my practice by increasing my exposure to potential clients, creating new professional networking opportunities, and providing a platform to make myself a better attorney by learning from others. The LCLD Mentor program has given me the opportunity to share experiences, advice, David Wong and provide support law students.”
Firm Donates $4 Million in Pro Bono Legal Services Barnes & Thornburg has a long-standing tradition of providing pro bono service at the local, regional and national level. In 2014, the firm delivered more than $4 million in pro bono legal services for the communities in which we live and work. We are proud of our attorneys who helped complete more than 9,000 hours of pro bono work. John Maley of the Indianapolis office chairs the firm’s Pro Bono Committee. “Unfortunately every community has people with unmet legal needs who cannot afford counsel,” Maley said. “We help bridge that gap. Non-profit service organizations help serve the community, and our pro bono guidance to those organizations helps them fulfill their important missions. The firm promotes pro bono service because it helps us all give back to the community with the unique legal and problem-solving skills we’ve acquired. Doing pro bono work feels good and helps build our culture of teamwork and caring. Lawyers are uniquely qualified to protect the rights of those who most need protection. Too many in our communities lack the financial means to afford legal counsel; pro bono service is critical in filling that gap.”
Knebel Recognized as Ambassador of the Year Retired partner Don Knebel of the Indianapolis office was honored as the “Interfaith Ambassador of the Year” by the Center for Interfaith Cooperation. Don is the founding board chair of the center, serving in that role from early 2012 through 2014. Don is passionate about the need for members of all religious traditions to have a better understanding of each other.
Chicago Defender Recognizes Boykin as ‘Man of Excellence’ Richard Boykin of the Chicago office was recognized by the Chicago Defender as one of its “Men of Excellence” honorees at a dinner held on Jan. 16. Richard was recognized for his commitment to public service and serving as a role model to African-American males. The Chicago Defender is a popular, widely distributed African-American newspaper in Chicago.
Richard Boykin
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Alan Mills, Partner, Indianapolis Alan Mills of the Indianapolis office was selected for Savoy Magazine’s 2015 Most Influential Black Lawyers featured list. The listing is comprised of the “best of the best” of black lawyers who are partners in leading national law firms or corporate counsel from Fortune 1000 corporations. Alan was also recognized in the Indianapolis Bar Association newsletter for being the first AfricanAmerican partner at Barnes & Thornburg. The Indianapolis Bar Association joined the Marion County Bar Association to celebrate Black History Month by “honoring historical heroes and current trailblazers in the Central Indiana legal community” with a photo montage of local trailblazers.
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Firm Sponsors Indianapolis Mayor’s Celebration of Diversity Awards
Portia Bailey Selected as Barnes & Thornburg’s 2015 Diversity Scholarship Recipient Portia Bailey has been awarded the 2015 Barnes & Thornburg Diversity Scholarship. The scholarship was created as part of Barnes & Thornburg’s ongoing commitment to diversity. “It is an honor to be the recipient of the Barnes & Thornburg Diversity Scholarship Portia Bailey and join the firm’s summer associate program,” said Bailey, who is a first-year law student at Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law in Indianapolis. “I am excited to join a firm that is taking an initiative to create a diverse and inclusive environment. There are astounding benefits in creating this type of culture and I look forward to growing and learning in it this summer.” Bailey will serve as a summer associate in the firm’s Indianapolis office. Prior to attending law school, Bailey worked in community development as a project manager with the Town of Fishers. Bailey graduated with a bachelor’s degree in public affairs from Indiana University, where she was a member of the track and field team and an Academic All-Big Ten selection. “We are so pleased to be able to award Portia with this scholarship,” said Shannon Williams, the firm’s director of law school recruiting and diversity. “This is the second year the firm has given the diversity scholarship and we are thrilled to offer Portia this opportunity. She is an outstanding student and aspiring lawyer.” The Diversity Scholarship is open to first-year law students. Barnes & Thornburg recognizes that a commitment to diversity requires action. The firm is committed to hiring, retaining and developing a diverse team of employees that reflects the various communities in which we live and work. Barnes & Thornburg strives to create a climate of inclusion, grow our talent pool and foster innovation and creativity to compete in the global market.
Firm attendees at the Mayor’s Celebration of Diversity Luncheon
The firm sponsored the 14th annual City of Indianapolis Mayor’s Celebration of Diversity Awards Luncheon. The awards luncheon recognizes local businesses and organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to diversity. “As we celebrate diversity, it is important to recognize companies and organizations that share our commitment to making our workforce and our places of business representative of the rich diversity and breadth of talent that exists in Indianapolis,” Indianapolis Mayor Gregory A. Ballard said. Participating from the Indianapolis office were: Tony Prather, Jimmie McMillian, Chris Tucker, Rubin Pusha, Oni Harton, Angela Freeman, Alicia Raines, Naomi Kwang and Shannon Williams. David Wong of the Indianapolis office attended as a guest of the American Asian Alliance.
Firm Attorneys Chart Their Own Course at Annual Conference in Orlando The firm sponsored the 2015 Charting Your Own Course (CYOC) Career Conference in Orlando on Feb. 5-8. CYOC is a career development conference for diverse associates, partners and in-house counsel in the U.S. Dawn Rosemond of the Fort Wayne office, Jimmie McMillian, Brian Weir-Harden, Chris Tucker, Rubin Pusha, Angela Freeman, Oni Harton and Alicia Raines of the Indianapolis office and Lindsey Dates of the Chicago office participated in the conference. Jimmie shared his insights during a panel discussion of “When Men Place Family First: Lessons Learned.” Jimmie also spoke during a Junior Associate Breakout workshop entitled,
“Leveraging Associate Evaluation as an Asset.” Dr. Cornel West, the keynote speaker, engaged participants by addressing “What Courage Means for Us.” Associate Alicia Raines articulated one impact of this year’s CYOC conference, “CYOC not only gave me the chance to make connections externally, but helped me get to know the associates and partners from Barnes & Thornburg in a more Cornel West (left) and Rubin Pusha meaningful way.”
Firm Sponsors Annual Down Syndrome Association Dancing with our Stars Gala
Left to right: Maggie Neely, Tim Skamfer, Andrea Skamfer, Ryan Garland, Marci Leach and Kathie Skamfer of the Columbus office join Kristin Skamfer, in the front row
The firm sponsored the Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio’s annual Dancing with our Stars Gala on Feb. 7. More than 400 people attended, which made it the largest Dancing with our Stars Gala to date. Thirty young adults with Down Syndrome received professional dance instruction for three months and then provided the evening’s entertainment.
Attorneys Attend Bet Tzedek Anniversary Gala Rachel Segal, Kelley Olah and Matt O’Hanlon of the Los Angeles office attended the Bet Tzedek 41st Anniversary Dinner Gala. Nearly 1,100 gala attendees helped raise more than $2.2 million for the continued success of the
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organization. For the past 40 years, Bet Tzedek has provided free legal services for lowincome individuals and families in Los Angeles.
Attorneys Attend Minnesota Women Lawyers Event Laura Maupin, Erin Westbrook and Annamarie Daley of the Minneapolis office attended the Minnesota Women Lawyers annual president’s reception on Feb. 12. The reception honored law firms and companies that sponsor the Minnesota Women Lawyers. Barnes & Thornburg was recognized as a Gold Supporter Sponsor.
Firm Sponsors One Billion Rising Event in Fort Wayne On Feb. 14, the firm sponsored a One Billion Rising event at the Parkview Field Lincoln Event Center in Fort Wayne. One Billion Rising is a mass action to end violence against women. The campaign, launched on Valentine’s Day 2012, began as a call to action based on the staggering statistic that 1 in 3 women will be beaten or raped during her lifetime. Lisa Starks of the Fort Wayne office coordinated the firm’s involvement and participated in the event with firm clients. Other members of the Fort Wayne office participated by promoting awareness and completing personal statements in an effort to stand up and be counted as part of the global revolution.
Lori Nelson of the Fort Wayne office
Prather Honored with Samuel S. Dargan Award On Feb. 13, Tony Prather of the Indianapolis office was honored by the Indiana University Maurer School of Law and the Black Law Students Association (BLSA) with the Samuel S. Dargan Award. The award, which was presented at the 27th Annual Rapheal M. Prevot, Jr. Barristers’ Ball, is given by IU BLSA to a distinguished alumnus for continued involvement with the BLSA and Maurer communities. Tony’s contributions to helping establish a mentor program for the BLSA chapter set the stage for IU Maurer to create a school wide mentor program for interested students.
Cotillion Debutantes Visit Fort Wayne Office Dawn Rosemond of the Fort Wayne office spoke to 2015 Debutante Cotillion and Scholarship Program participants on Feb. 16 in the Fort Wayne office. Dawn’s topic was “Success Deconstructed.” Four of the young women in the picture are a part of this year’s Debutante Cotillion because of the firm’s sponsorship.
Raines Judges Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition Alicia Raines of the Indianapolis office served as a judge for the Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition for the Midwestern Region of the Black Law Student Association. The mock trial was held during the organization’s regional convention Feb. 18-22 in Indianapolis.
Firm Celebrates Diversity on Feb. 19 On Feb. 19, all offices celebrated the diverse backgrounds that make up our firm by gathering to enjoy lunch and to hear from guest speaker Dr. Arin Reeves, a lawyer and leading researcher, author and advisor in the fields of leadership and inclusion. She provided an insightful and thoughtful presentation regarding implicit bias and inclusiveness in the workplace. It has been stated “inclusive intelligence” will be the hallmark of successful leaders of the future. More than 300 attorneys and staff participated throughout the firm’s various offices. “I was gratified by the high level of interest in Dr. Reeves’ presentation,” said Kathleen Shannon Williams (left) and Kathleen Anderson (right) of Barnes & Thornburg with Arin Reeves (middle) Anderson, co-chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee. “The interest spanned our 12 offices and from top to bottom. We are a firm that cares about inclusion.”
Atlanta Business Radio Puts Cleary on the Air Kara Cleary of the Atlanta office was on Atlanta Business Radio’s broadcast of “Special Edition: NAWBO” on Feb. 19. As a corporate sponsor of the Atlanta Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), the firm was invited to participate in the broadcast. The broadcast was posted online at Atlanta Business Radio. Kara took the opportunity to discuss why the firm values working with NAWBO and its mission of advancing women. Kara Cleary
Minneapolis Attorneys Join in Celebrating Women, Judges and Lawyers of Color
Connie Lahn of the Minneapolis office attended “A Celebration of Minnesota Women in Law” on Feb. 23 at the Minneapolis Federal Courthouse in Minneapolis. “This was an amazing event that was thoughtful and showcased women leaders throughout the court system, including state and federal courts,” Connie said. “It was an inclusive program and powerful for all in attendance.” On Feb. 26, Annamarie Daley of the Minneapolis office attended the Minnesota Federal Court’s “Celebration of Female Judges and Lawyers of Color” at the Minnesota Federal Courthouse. Dawn Rosemond, right, and the Cotillion Debutantes
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Firm Participates in National Bar Association Annual Conference
McMillian Partners with IMPD for Education Program
During the National Bar Association Commercial Law Section’s 28th Annual Conference in Naples, Florida, Harold Bickham of the Indianapolis office received the Cora T. Walker Award. The prestigious award was created by the National Bar Association Commercial Law Section in honor of Cora T. Walker, who became one of the first black women to practice law in New York in 1947.
Area organizations partnered with the Indianapolis Metro Police Department to bridge the gap between middle school students and police officers in the community. The program, held at the KIPP Indianapolis College Preparatory, focused on informing students of their rights and how to respond to officers during routine traffic stops. Jimmie McMillian spoke to students about the perspective of a law enforcement officer during an encounter with a citizen, common community interests with law enforcement and making good choices in school and in life.
Firm Participates in Twin Cities Diversity in Practice Program Left to right: Christina Studebaker, Dennis Stolle, Lindsey Dates and Leslie Davis
ThemeVision, Barnes & Thornburg’s trial consulting affiliate, presented a plenary session at the conference on Feb. 26. Dr. Dennis Stolle and Dr. Christina Studebaker of the Indianapolis office led the session on managing Left to right: Lindsey Dates, Alan Mills, Vickie Turner, chair of the National Bar AssociaDennis Stolle, Pamela Meanes, president of National Bar litigation risk through jury tion Commercial Law Section, Association, Harold Bickham, Bob Grand and Jimmie McMillian research. Lindsey Dates of the Chicago office also participated on the panel, with Leslie Davis of Drinker Biddle & Reath and Clarence Davis of Greenberg Traurig. Harold Bickham was involved in coordinating the session. The session included a mock trial pre-recorded in Barnes & Thornburg’s Chicago office. Attending from the firm were Lindsey Dates, Alan Mills, Dennis Stolle, Harold Bickham, Bob Grand and Jimmie McMillian.
Indiana Super Lawyers Magazine Features Swhier
Through the Diversity in Practice’s First-Year Hiring Program, Barnes & Thornburg hired a first-year law student, Sheri Stewart, and will share that student with firm client 3M. Sheri is a student at Hamline University School of Law and received her undergraduate degree from Wellesley College. Sheri will be working in the Minneapolis office of Barnes & Thornburg for eight weeks and with 3M for four weeks. Diversity in Practice is a nonprofit association comprised of the leading Twin Cities legal employers with a single mission: to attract, recruit, advance, and retain attorneys of color in and to the Twin Cities legal community.
Columbus Office Hosts Award, Scholarship Reception On March 5, the Columbus office hosted the Capital University Law School’s David D. White Award and Scholarship Reception. The award was given to John Strick II, a longtime administrator at the law school. The award memorializes the outstanding accomplishments of the law school’s first African-American graduate, David D. White, who was the first African-American attorney licensed to practice in Columbus and had a distinguished legal career. David Paragas of the David D. White Award and Scholarship Reception attendees Columbus office, a graduate of the Capital University Law School, provided opening remarks.
Minneapolis Attorneys Attend Equal Justice Benefit
Claudia Swhier of the Indianapolis office was featured in the Indiana Super Lawyers magazine cover story, “Why Are You Competing With Me?” Claudia discussed the trend of women in law firms and was also included in the magazine’s cover photo.
On March 10, Tom Boardman, David Vander Haar and Allison Mann of the Minneapolis office attended the Equal Justice Benefit, an annual fundraising luncheon benefitting the Council on Crime and Justice at the Town and Country Club in St. Paul, Minnesota. The firm is a sponsor for the Council on Crime and Justice. Each year, the Equal Justice Benefit celebrates the milestones of criminal justice reform and crime victim advocacy in Minnesota. Claudia Swhier
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Courageous Breakfast Benefits Euell A. Wilson Center
Firm Sponsors Thurgood Marshall Performance
Barnes & Thornburg sponsored the annual Euell A. Wilson Center’s Courageous Breakfast held on March 11 at the Summit Community Center in Fort Wayne. The Euell A. Wilson Center provides more than 300 children each year with an after-school safe haven and programs that help them improve study habits, and learn through educational, social, performing arts and spiritual development. Tuck Hopkins of the Fort Wayne office is a board member of the Euell A. Wilson Center.
Annamarie Daley of the Minneapolis office attended the Illusion Theater’s performance of Thurgood Marshall. The Minneapolis office was a bronze sponsor of this powerful play that followed Thurgood Marshall’s life from a childhood in the back alleys of Baltimore to the position of Justice on the Supreme Court of the United States. Along the way, this larger than life figure became one of the key architects of the American Civil Rights movement, including the landmark Brown v. Board of Education and key voting rights cases. Tracking a journey Annamarie Daley of epic proportions, Thurgood was an eye-opening, humorous, and uplifting portrait of a true American hero. Congressman Keith Ellison provided a personal commentary after the performance.
Freeman Participates in Panel; Recognized as Up and Coming Lawyer On March 20, Angela Freeman of the Indianapolis office participated in a panel entitled “How to Build a Career in STEM” at the Women Working in Technology Conference held at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. Angela, a board member of Women & Hi Tech, participated in the panel along with Jane Richardson of Cummins, Inc., Christina Dunbar of Healthx, Tonya Hanshew of Agency 360 Public Safety Software, and Barbara Alder of Purdue University. Angela also received a 2015 Leadership in Law Award from The Indiana Lawyer. Left to right: Jane Richardson, Christina Dunbar, Tonya Hanshew (standing), Barbara Alder and Angela Freeman She was recognized as an “Up and Coming” lawyer, a distinction given to only 15 attorneys throughout Indiana this year.
Law Student Selected for Floyd Skinner Minority Clerkship Program The Grand Rapids Bar Association’s Clerkship Committee, in conjunction with the Floyd Skinner Bar Association (FSBA), strives to increase the number of minority attorneys in the Grand Rapids area. The program is designed to offer minority law students an opportunity to participate in summer clerkship/associate programs with Grand Rapids law firms and other legal employers. Ashwin Ganesan, a first-year student at Northwestern University School of Law, will be working in-house with Aeromark in Philadelphia for the first half of the summer and in Barnes & Thornburg’s Grand Rapids office for the remainder of the summer. Ashwin received his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan.
Prominent Sports Attorney David Cornwell Joins Barnes & Thornburg in Atlanta David Cornwell has joined the firm’s Litigation Department and Entertainment, Music, Media and Sports Practice Group as a partner in the Atlanta office. For more than 25 years, Cornwell has represented a variety of sports industry individuals and entities, including professional and amateur athletes, sports agents, coaches, league and team executives, professional teams and universities, sports and marketing agencies, and related companies. In addition to his experience in private practice, Cornwell has served as legal counsel to the National Football League (NFL), as a professional sports agent, and as vice president and general counsel for the Upper Deck Company. Many of Cornwell’s representations have been covered by national media, including his representation of Heisman Trophy winner Jameis David Cornwell Winston, NFL player Jonathan Martin, and Major League Baseball players Ryan Braun and Alex Rodriguez, along with other appeals of discipline under the major sports’ disciplinary, drug and steroid policies. “Having been at the forefront of some of the biggest precedent-setting cases in professional and amateur sports, David’s credibility and recognition in the market will be tremendous assets for growing our sports and entertainment platform, both in the Southeast and nationally,” said Jason Karlov, chair of the Entertainment, Music, Media and Sports Practice Group. “He brings a diverse and sophisticated skill set and we are excited to welcome an attorney of his caliber to the firm.”
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Diversity & Inclusion Barnes & Thornburg is committed to building a more diverse workplace and promoting an environment of inclusion through various diversity initiatives. We strive to sustain a work environment in which each individual’s perspective, background, skills and abilities are valued. The Diversity & Inclusion Committee advises on diversity issues; provides career development for women and minorities; develops flexible work options; and serves as a liaison among personnel, recruiting and management to create an inclusive environment. Barnes & Thornburg is committed to supporting diversity throughout our communities. Organizations and initiatives Barnes & Thornburg supports include: American Immigration Council l American Indian Center l American Red Cross l Asian American Alliance l Asian Bar Association of Central Ohio l Asian Law Student Associations l Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Indiana l Black Law Student Association l Center for Leadership Development l Charting Your Own Course l Chicago Foundation for Women l Circle City Chapter of the Links l Columbus Bar Association Managing Partners l Diversity Initiative l Constitutional Law Foundation l Constitutional Rights Foundation l Council on Crime and Justice l David White Award & Scholarship l Down Syndrome Association l Dress for Success l Emma Norton Services l Equality Illinois l Euell A. Wilson Center l Floyd Skinner Minority Clerkship Program l Happy Hollow Children’s Camp l Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association l Hispanic Law Student Association l Hispanic Lawyers Scholarship Fund l HNBA Annual Convention & Corp Counsel Conference l Human Rights Awareness Day l Human Rights Campaign l Indiana Black Expo l Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence l Indiana Conference for Legal Education Opportunity l Indiana Governor’s Conference For Women l Indiana Latino Scholarship Fund l Indianapolis Bar Association Diversity Job Fair l Indianapolis Mayor’s Celebration of Diversity Luncheon l Japan – America Society of Indiana l Joseph Maley Foundation l Just the Beginning Foundation l Lambda Legal l Leadership
Counsel on Legal Diversity l LGBT Law Student Associations l LifeTown & Friendship Circle l Los Angeles Gay Lawyer’s Association l Louis Redding Benefit & Awards Gala l Managing Partners l Diversity Collaborative l March of Dimes March for Babies l Marion County Bar Association l Michigan Diversity Leadership Initiative l Michigan Women’s Tax Association l Minneapolis/St Paul Business Journal Women’s Leadership l Awards and Diversity in Business Awards l Minnesota Asian Pacific American Bar Association l Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers l Minnesota Hispanic Association l Minnesota Women Lawyers l Minority Corporate Counsel Association l MLK Dream Classic Basketball Shootout l MLK Foundation l NAACP Chicago l National Asian Pacific American Bar Association l National Association for Women Business Owners l National Association of Students with Disabilities l National Association of Women Lawyers l National Bar Association l National Bar Association Corporate Counsel Conference l National Black Students Association l National Coalition of 100 Black Men l National Coalition of 100 Black Women l National LGBT Bar Association l Neighborhood House l Ohio Women’s Bar Association l One Billion Rising Fort Wayne l People for Parks l Project Home Indy l Providence Cristo Rey High School l Race for All Races l Reach for Youth, Inc. Teen Court Program l Republican Women’s Leadership Institute l Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services l Starfish Initiative l Tahirh Justice Center l The Junior Blind of America l The Mentor Teacher Brother Mock Trial l Twin Cities in Diversity in Practice Hiring and Retention Program l United Negro College Fund l United Way Executive Women’s Leadership Program & Leadership Training and Diversity Series l Upward Bound House l Urban League l Volunteer Lawyers Network l VSA Indiana l West Michigan WomenOwned Business Certification Committee of the Women’s Business Enterprise l Wheeler Mission Center for Women & Children l Who’s Who in Black Indianapolis l Women & Hi-Tech l Women Employed l Women in Leadership – Minnesota l Women Lawyers of Franklin County l Women’s Bar Association of Illinois l Women’s Fund of Central Indiana l Women’s Fund of Central Ohio l YWCA
The Diversity & Inclusion Committee collaborates to improve diversity and increase growth opportunities for legal professionals and staff firmwide. Co-chairpersons: Bob Grand Kathleen Anderson Members at large: Edward Ayoob Kara Cleary Marques Crain Annamarie Daley
Lindsey Dates Michael DeLargy Angela Freeman Jeanine Gozdecki Steve Hernandez Jeffrey Hopper Ken Inskeep Amy Ita
Jade Jurdi Naomi Kwang Nick Kile Sarah Kuhny Connie Lahn Denise Lazar Alan Levin Rachel Lerman
Melanie Mawema Laura Miller Shubham Mukherjee LeDonna Nichols David Paragas Hae Park-Suk Paul Olszowka William Padgett
Tony Prather Alicia Raines James Robinson Dawn Rosemond Alice Springer Lisa Starks Jennifer Stocker Katrina Thompson
Deborah Thorne Steve Thornton Chris Tucker Heather Willey Shannon Williams Erin Westbrook