Diversity Journal - Summer 2017 - Women Worth Watching

® SUMMER 2017

$35.00

GLOBAL COMPANIES FOR ADVANCING WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP 16th Annual Women Worth Watching Edition Inside this issue 121 profiles celebrating the 2017 Women Worth Watching Award winners, highlighting their accomplishments and applauding the companies supporting them.

Where She is Now... featuring Elaine Chao.

PEOPLE

POSSIBILITIES

STORIES Entertain. Enlighten. Inspire.

The Walt Disney Company congratulates the Women Worth Watching honorees from across our businesses. Every day they help us tell stories that entertain, enlighten and inspire.

TRACEY POWELL

NIKKI KATZ

HÉLÈNE ETZI

NATACHA RAFALSKI

Vice President, Commercial Management Resorts, Walt Disney World Resort

Vice President, Technology, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media

Senior Vice President, General Manager, Disney Channels EMEA and France

Vice President, Chief Financial Officer,The Walt Disney Company, China

KYLIE WATSON-WHEELER

SONIA COLEMAN

WANDA YOUNG

Senior Vice President and Managing Director, The Walt Disney Company, Australia and New Zealand

Senior Vice President, Human Resources – Disney | ABC Television Group

Senior Vice President, Marketing and Consumer Engagement, ESPN

© Disney

Since 1999

®

All Things Diversity & Inclusion

FOUNDER/CEO/PUBLISHER

James R. Rector EDITOR

Michael F. Sheehan VP OF OPERATIONS

James Gorman

PUBLISHER'S COLUMN

DESIGNER

Stephen A. Toth COPY EDITOR

Teresa Fausey EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Elena Rector CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Catalyst

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Profiles in Diversity Journal Gemini Towers #1 • 1991 Crocker Road, Suite 600 • Westlake, OH 44145 Tel: 440.892.0444 • Fax: 440.892.0737 profiles@diversityjournal.com

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Profiles in Diversity Journal® is a quarterly magazine dedicated to promoting and advancing diversity and inclusion in the corporate, government, nonprofit, higher education, and military sectors. For more than 19 years, we have helped to stimulate organizational change by showcasing the visionary leadership, innovative programs, and committed individuals that are making it happen.

Welcome to the 16th Annual Women Worth Watching® Leadership Awards.

I would like to extend my personal congratulations to the 121 women who are being honored and profiled in this issue. The diversity of women, and their experiences and achievements, is inspiring and motivating. It is refreshing to see how many companies have opened pathways for women to advance into leadership and reaped the rewards of their contributions.

Each year, we invite businesses, governmental agencies and nonprofits to nominate women who have achieved positions as leaders and demonstrated leadership qualities. We then ask each candidate to share her growth experiences and encourage emerging woman leaders with her wisdom.

Looking back over 19 years of publishing Profiles in Diversity Journal®, we have focused on many accomplished women who have made significant contributions to their respective organizations. Many have risen to the C-Suite, and to CEO and chairman of the board. We are convinced that women offer unique qualities, and those profiled on the pages of our magazine have proven time and again that women are fundamental to leading successful organizations.

It has become a tradition for Catalyst to introduce our Women Worth Watching Leadership Award winners. We would like to thank Deborah Gillis, president of Catalyst, who prepared this year’s introduction to the Women Worth Watching Leadership Awards feature that begins on page 10.

As we continue our journey, we will sustain and augment our focus on highlighting women from all sectors and do our part to keep the attention on women in leadership. A recent example of our increased commitment to supporting women in leadership can be found in our 2017 spring issue, which highlights the achievements of 48 women leaders in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) fields. Their work is exciting and rewarding.

Profiles of the many women we have featured over the years can also be found on our website: www.womenworthwatching.com.

Personally, I would like to thank our production team, our esteemed advertisers and all of the organizations that year after year nominate deserving women for the Women Worth Watching Leadership Award.

It is an honor and privilege to be so engaged.

James R. Rector, Publisher and Founder profiles@diversityjournal.com SUMMER 2017

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IN THIS ISSUE Since 1999

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14 All Things Diversity & Inclusion

REGULARS

01 09 10 84 148

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PUBLISHER’S COLUMN EDITOR'S COLUMN INTRODUCTION TO PROFILES WHERE SHE IS NOW CORPORATE INDEX

84 ® (COMPANIES IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

Allegis Global Solutions Adele Alvarez Executive Director, Operations.....................28

AT&T Theresa M. Bates Principal........................................................38

American Airlines Suzanne Boda Senior Vice President, Los Angeles.............29

Axinn, Veltrop & Harkrider LLP Rachel J. Adcox Partner........................................................142

Archer Daniels Midland Rachel Hudson Chief Financial Officer – Corn Processing...........................................93

Best Best & Krieger LLP Isabel C. Safie Partner..........................................................76

Arrow Electronics Lisa Gerber President and Region Chief Financial Officer Enterprise Computing Solutions, Americas......................................23 Arrow Electronics Vivian Kwok Vice President, Human Resources, Asia-Pacific, Arrow Electronics.....................99 AT&T Fiona Carter Chief Brand Officer.......................................56 AT&T Jamie Barton Executive Vice President Care and Sales Centers...............................80

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Black Female Lawyers Network Jalana Lewis Lawyer..........................................................12 Brinker Capital Jean Hempel Senior Vice President, National Accounts.........................................87 Burns & Levinson LLP Renee Inomata Partner and Chair of Employment Practice Group........................17 Catalyst Dnika J. Travis, Ph.D. Vice President, Research.............................57 Cathedral Capital Brooke Lively President and CFO......................................24

COMPANY AND EXECUTIVE

2017 AWARD WINNER Charter School Business Management Inc. Michelle Lopez Director.......................................................134 Christian Brothers University Dr. Divya Choudhary Director of Graduate Engineering and STEM Center for Women and Diversity, Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering.....125 Day Pitney LLP Barbara Freedman Wand Partner, Member of Executive Board...........39 Day Pitney LLP Elizabeth A. Alquist Partner..........................................................36

Everyone has a unique perspective.

We see the value of an inclusive and diverse culture.

At KPMG, we believe our people must be as diverse as the clients and communities we serve and that their unique backgrounds, experiences, and talents are essential to our success. We’re proud that at every level of our firm, our professionals take ownership of creating a diverse and inclusive culture.

KPMG congratulates Houston Managing Partner Tandra Jackson on being named one of Profiles in Diversity Journal’s 2017 Women Worth Watching. Learn more at kpmgcareers.com

Anticipate tomorrow. Deliver today.

©2017 KPMG LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership and the U.S. member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. Some of the services or offerings provided by KPMG LLP are not permissible for its audit clients or affiliates. NDPPS 692161

ÂŽ Day Pitney LLP Ellen Knarr Partner..............................................................112 Day Pitney LLP Namita Tripathi Shah Partner, Department Leader Private Equity & Finance...................................92 Dechert LLP Laura Swihart Partner.............................................................129 deepSEE Consulting Sara Taylor President............................................................74 Denny's Inc. Sharon Lykins Sr. Director, Product Innovation.........................70 Dickinson Wright PLLC Katheryne Zelenock Member, Real Estate Group..............................78 Diverst, Inc. Toki Toguri Customer Success Manager............................113 Durham Regional Police Service Jacki Minicola Detective Sergeant (Acting Inspector)...............98 eHealth Ontario Sabrina Siddiqui Director, Partnerships........................................22 Electronic Arts Mala Singh Chief People Officer.........................................108 Engility Gay Porter Vice President, Technical Solutions Group......121 Engility Lynn Dugle Chief Executive Officer......................................55 Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Melissa Gardner Vice President, Strategic Business Programs..........................135 EY Amy M. Brachio Partner, Global and Americas Advisory Risk Leader.........................................40

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Fidelity Investments Teena W. Piccione Senior Vice President, Information Technology....................................144 Fierce Feminine Leadership / Eleanor Beaton & Co. Communications Ltd. Eleanor Beaton President............................................................58 First Horizon National Corporation Aarti Goorha Bowman Director, Investor Relations................................30 Fish & Richardson Corrin N. Drakulich Principal.............................................................44

is proud to celebrate Profiles in Diversity Journal’s 2017 Women Worth Watching

Fish & Richardson Donna A. Balaguer Principal.............................................................51 Fish & Richardson Janis Fraser Principal.............................................................88 Fish & Richardson Sheryl Koval Garko Principal.............................................................77 FordHarrison LLP Michelle Brauer Abidoye Partner.............................................................133

H A N N A H SHOL L AND

L A N I PE R L M A N

Garden City Group, LLC (GCG) Angela Ferrante Senior Vice President, Operations.....................90 Garden City Group, LLC (GCG) Janet M. Brown CIO, GCG and SVP Global Application Development........................95 Gibbons P.C. Susan L. Nardone Director, Employment & Labor Law Department......................................97

Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees!

Greenberg Traurig, LLP Natasha L. Wilson Shareholder; Co-Chair, Atlanta Labor & Employment Practice.......................................128 HARMAN Jasleen K. Makker Director - Corporate Communications...............69 Holwell Shuster & Goldberg LLP Hannah Sholl Counsel..............................................................54 SUMMER 2017

75 0 S E V E N T H AV E N U E 6 4 6 837 5151

N E W YO R K , N Y 10 019 H S G L L P.C O M

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ÂŽ Holwell Shuster & Goldberg LLP Lani Perlman Associate......................................................124

Jones Walker LLP Lara D. Pringle Partner, Houston Office Head........................32

Honeywell Shaun Ellen Zitting Vice President, Human Resources & Communications, Performance Materials and Technology.............................140

JP Morgan Chase Laura Higgins Global Head of Supplier Relationship Management............................120

HP Inc. Kim M. Rivera Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel..........................................106 Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP Alexandra (Sandra) Poe Partner..........................................................136 Humacyte Jenny J. Jackson Associate Director of Reimbursement..........103 Humacyte Juliana L. Blum Cofounder and VP, Business Operations......................................47 Hunton & Williams LLP Ann Marie Mortimer Firm Partner and Los Angeles Office Managing Partner; Head, Environmental & Energy Litigation Team...............................63 Hunton & Williams LLP Lisa J. Sotto Partner and Chair, Privacy and Cybersecurity Practice..........................130 Imprint Plus Kristin MacMillan President........................................................35 JND Legal Administration Jennifer M. Keough Chief Executive Officer...................................18 Johns Hopkins Medicine Eloiza T.B. Domingo-Snyder Senior Director of Diversity and Inclusion, and Deputy Chief Diversity Officer.....................................60 Jones Walker LLP Dionne M. Rousseau Senior Partner - Corporate and Securities Attorney...................................34

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Juniper Networks Jennifer Blatnik Vice President, Marketing..............................89 Juniper Networks Pallavi Mahajan Vice President, Engineering.........................131 Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP Christine A. Montenegro Partner............................................................50 Kelly Services Brenda Marshall Senior Director, Global Diversity Solutions..............................45 Kingsdale Advisors Amy Freedman Chief Executive Officer...................................73 KPMG LLP Tandra Jackson Houston Office Managing Partner..................96 L3 Communication Systems-West Kristin Courcy Director, Finance..........................................127 L3 Communication Systems-West Margaret Coen Calomino Vice President, Advanced Programs............114 L3 Communications Systems-West Aurora Taylor-Rojas Director, Systems Engineering.......................52 Land O'Lakes, Inc. Su Rankin Senior Vice President of Operations..............79 Latham & Watkins LLP Gwyn Williams Litigation & Trial partner..................................61

Legg Mason Global Asset Management Ann Doyle Managing Director, Alternative Distribution Strategies..................33 Mayer Brown LLP Bronwyn F. Pollock Partner, leader of the Litigation & Dispute Resolution Practice Group in Los Angeles and co-leader of the Commercial Litigation Practice Group...............................................82 Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP Elaine K. Kim Partner............................................................68 Moss Adams LLP Shannan Gardner Partner..........................................................143 MUFG Union Bank, N.A. Kathy Patoff Chief Operating Officer, MUFG Union Bank Foundation......................86 MullenLowe U.S. Kristen Cavallo Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Growth Officer.....................................126 NASA Johnson Space Center Melanie W. Saunders Associate Director, NASA Johnson Space Center........................49 New American Funding Patty Arvielo Co-Founder and President.............................14 New York Life Julie Herwig Senior Vice President, Head of Federal Governmental Affairs....................................122 New York Power Authority Kimberly A. Harriman Senior Vice President, Public and Regulatory Affairs.........................65 Northwestern Mutual Kamilah Williams-Kemp Vice President, Disability and Long Term Care Product Management, Northwestern Mutual; President & CEO of the Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company.....................................104

Olo Jackie Berg Senior Director of Marketing........................13 OPTrust Tamara Johnson Associate General Counsel, Labour Relations..........................................21 Optum Dr. Lisa Tseng Executive Vice President.............................62 Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India Kanchana TK Director General..........................................43 PennyMac Financial Services, Inc. Anne McCallion Senior Managing Director and Chief Enterprise Operations Officer......................................102 RBC Wealth Management-U.S. Ann Senne Head, Advice and Solutions.........................42 Reed Smith LLP Roberta G. Torian Partner.......................................................139 Richards Kibbe & Orbe LLP Audrey L. Ingram Partner.........................................................20 Robins Kaplan LLP Stacey P. Slaughter Partner.........................................................81 Ronald McDonald House Charities Saskatchewan Tammy Forrester Chief Executive Officer..............................146 Sandia National Laboratories Esther S. Hernandez Chief Diversity Officer..................................46 SAP Melissa Di Donato Chief Revenue Officer, S/4HANA Cloud.........................................132

SUMMER 2017

ServiceMaster Mary Kay Wegner President, ServiceMaster Franchise Services Group and Senior Vice President, ServiceMaster Supply Management............59 Spring Consulting Group Karin Landry Managing Partner......................................107 Squire Patton Boggs Michele Lynn Connell Managing Partner - Cleveland.....................64 State Street Corporation Kathryn M. Horgan Chief Human Resources and Corporate Citizenship Officer, State Street Corporation..............................72 Sullivan & Cromwell LLP Rita-Anne O'Neill Partner.........................................................16 SunTrust Banks, Inc. Kimberly Eul Senior Vice President, Leadership and Teammate Experience...............................109 T. Rowe Price Aimee DeCamillo Vice President, Head of Retirement Plan Services..........................116 T. Rowe Price Dee Sawyer Vice President-Head of Human Resources, Distribution...................26 TELUS Communications Inc. Sandy McIntosh Executive Vice-president, People & Culture and Chief Human Resources Officer................137 Terex Corporation Jenny Snow-Boscolo Senior Director, Customer Support & Business Planning......................25 The Walt Disney Company Hélène Etzi Senior Vice President General Manager Disney Channels EMEA and France.......................71

The Walt Disney Company Natacha J. Rafalski Vice President, Chief Financial Officer.................................31 The Walt Disney Company Sonia L. Coleman Senior Vice President, Human Resources – Disney ABC Television Group....................111 The Walt Disney Company (Consumer Products and Interactive Media) Nikki Katz Vice President, Technology........................118 The Walt Disney Company (ESPN) Wanda Young Senior Vice President Marketing and Consumer Engagement......................119 The Walt Disney Company (Walt Disney World Resort) Tracey Powell Vice PresidentCommercial Management Resorts............117 The Walt Disney Company Australia and New Zealand Kylie Watson-Wheeler Senior Vice President and Managing Director, The Walt Disney Company Australia and New Zealand........................115 Ulmer & Berne LLP Robin D. Miller Partner and Vice-Chair, Business Litigation.....................................138 UnitedHealth Group Deborah A. Sundal Senior Vice President of Product Architecture....................................66 UnitedHealthcare Community & State Jeri Jones West Region CEO, UnitedHealthcare Community & State....................................100 Walker Law P.C. Tanya C. Walker Owner.........................................................145

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® Weber Shandwick Gail Heimann President........................................................94 Wildly Delicious Fine Foods Michelle Muscat Chief Executive Officer...................................48 WilmerHale Catherine M.A. Carroll Partner..........................................................110 WilmerHale Heather S. Tewksbury Partner..........................................................101 WilsonHCG Crystal Kardys Vice President, Innovation and Organizational Effectiveness...................15

Congratulations, Mary Kay. ServiceMaster congratulates Mary Kay Wegner, President of ServiceMaster Franchise Services Group and Senior Vice President of Supply Management, on being named one of the Diversity Journal's 2017 Women Worth Watching.

We are one of the world’s largest service franchisors with leading brands including AmeriSpec , Furniture Medic , Merry Maids , ServiceMaster Clean and ServiceMaster Restore . ®

®

®

®

®

© 2017 The ServiceMaster Company, LLC. All rights reserved.

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EDITOR'S COLUMN

Presenting the 2017 Women Worth Watching® Putting this issue together has been a very rewarding experience for me. Not only did I get to write about the extraordinary achievements of this year’s Women Worth Watching, I also got to know some very wonderful human beings. I’m honored to be involved in this exciting presentation.

There are a few things that have stood out as I put together 121 profiles – common values, if you will. One is mentoring, another is goal-setting, the third is hard work and the fourth is the willingness to take professional risks.

Every WWW winner talked about the importance of mentoring, both early in their career as a mentee, and now that they are fulfilling a commitment to mentoring others. It was important to these women to have someone or multiple someones in their corner. Their mentors were individuals with whom they could discuss ideas, express fears and share goals, and from whom they could receive honesty in return.

Goal-setting was seen as important because it provided our winners with direction – a vision of the next step. That’s not to say some of our winners didn’t change directions. There were some who made lateral moves in order to learn, and then, moved up. The commonality is they all wanted to take on more challenges.

It goes without saying that hard work is important to these WWW winners, and they take pride in their accomplishments. Our WWW winners chose the hard road rather than the easy one. They specifically welcomed the more demanding path.

The willingness to take professional risks, take on roles that would require them to learn and grow was common. Our WWW winners didn’t want to take the safe route, they wanted roles that would stretch and challenge them. Because they mastered the risks these amazing women developed a broad view of their specific industries.

For these and many other reasons, we are proud to say that Profiles in Diversity Journal’s 2017 Women Worth Watching are truly worth watching.

Michael Sheehan, Editor Michael.Sheehan@DiversityJournal.com

SUMMER 2017

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Advancing Women in

O

ne of the most rewarding parts of my job as president and CEO of Catalyst is meeting hundreds of inspiring women each year. Advancing women in business has been our mission for more than 50 years. And I can proudly say that I’ve never seen more women worth watching than I do at this moment. So I’m certainly not surprised that the Profiles in Diversity Journal’s 16th annual Women Worth Watching list is an exceptional one. All of these women are inspiring leaders who are overcoming barriers, forging new ground and carving a path to success.

This is no easy feat, because Catalyst research reveals there simply isn’t enough diversity and inclusion at work and this is holding women back. Women often face gender-based stereotyping and are unfairly evaluated by their likeability or appearance. Another barrier is an embedded culture of exclusion that means women face death by a thousand cuts – scores of daily micro-aggressions sending the message that they simply don’t belong. And women of color continue to deal with some of the workplace’s most entrenched hurdles. If women hit a glass ceiling, women of color hit a concrete one.

Despite all these barriers, the women featured in this issue are excelling. We are so proud of our colleague Dnika J. Travis, Ph.D., for making this year’s list. Dnika is a pioneering thinker and contributes so much to our organization’s thought leadership. In 2016, she led Catalyst’s groundbreaking research on the “emotional tax” that is levied on black employees—specifically black women. This tax is a psychological burden that leaves black professionals feeling like they have to outwork, outperform and constantly be “on guard” to prepare for potential discrimination or bias. Dnika’s work has helped to shine a spotlight on the critical need to take action to eliminate this unfair tax.

That’s the good news for those of us who care about diversity and inclusion; we can all take action right now, in our own way and in our own communities. Change doesn’t happen by accident – it happens with courageous, intentional and inclusive leadership.

That powerful kind of leadership is needed at every level, from the cubicle to the corner office. Inclusive leaders don’t just get more women and women of color in the room; they make sure every person’s contributions are valued and respected once they are there.

Together, if we collectively redefine leadership in this way, we can redefine the future of work. We can begin to change the world, one workplace at a time.

Deborah Gillis CEO and President, Catalyst

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Business...

7 1 20

...around the world SUMMER 2017

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Jalana Lewis Title: Lawyer Company: Black Female Lawyers Network Industry: Not For Profit/Legal services Headquarters: Toronto, ON Education: J.D., Dalhousie University; B.A., Concordia University Personal philosophy: Don’t try to do things on your own.

Observe, consult and team up with experts in your field.

Words I live by: The world only gets one of you.

C

olleagues say Jalana Lewis, a member of the Black Female Lawyers Network, has a special way of bringing disparate groups of people together.

Her people skills, intelligence and drive serve her well. Currently, Lewis serves as the access to justice coordinator for a Law Foundation of Ontario-funded project tasked with addressing barriers faced by racialized Ontarians at the administrative tribunal level.

Previously, Lewis was a program manager with the Pro Bono Students Canada National Office, as well as a campaign manager during the 2016 municipal elections in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where she helped elect the first African Canadian candidate in 18 years. Lewis recently completed work as chief researcher with the Lord Dalhousie Panel, which was commissioned by the president of Dalhousie University to explore the relationship of Lord Dalhousie, the university’s founder, to racism and slavery.

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I AM FORTUNATE TO HAVE SOME GREAT MENTORS. I CONTINUE TO LEARN AND SHARE MY PATH BY MENTORING OTHER YOUNG WOMEN. ~ JALANA LEWIS

“As social beings, we learn to be achievers by watching others like us achieve. If we don’t have that experience, it’s difficult to imagine ourselves succeeding in a range of roles,” Lewis explains.

Lewis says this about being included in Women Worth Watching: “I am grateful to be honored alongside so many amazing women.

I feel like I’m just starting my career and it means a lot to be recognized for my work. I am fortunate to have some great mentors. I continue to learn and share my path by mentoring other young women.”

Jackie Berg Title: Senior Director of Marketing Company: Olo Industry: Restaurants, Technology, Software as a Service CEO: Noah Glass Employees: 85 Headquarters: New York City, NY Education: B.B.A., Marketing, Pace University Personal philosophy: Do good work with good people Words I live by: e pluribus unum (out of many, one).

IF YOU’RE GOING THROUGH A CHALLENGING TIME, KEEP GOING. LOOKING BACK, I AM HAPPY TO HAVE PUSHED THROUGH SOME DIFFICULT CAREER MOMENTS WITHOUT TAKING THE EASY WAY OUT. ~ JACKIE BERG

A

s senior director of marketing for Olo, a restaurant industry disruptor that helps more than 180 restaurant brands maximize revenues by delivering faster, more accurate and more personal service to 50 million customers nationwide, Jackie Berg works at the forefront of the digitization of restaurant operations. Driven by her mantra, “Make marketing that people love,” Berg employs a datadriven mentality to deliver value to customers and implement initiatives that educate, build interest, and strengthen client relationships.

Since joining Olo in 2014, Berg has been instrumental in driving company growth and shaping strategic vision. Her long-term

SUMMER 2017

marketing program helped to unlock more than $2 million in new business in 2015—a 200 percent increase over the prior year. Her work has increased interest in digital ordering and in Olo by 80% on yearover-year web and social traffic.

The company’s content marketing has an average 40–62 percent email open rate and Olo reaches 50 million consumers with its white label technology. Berg also shares her time, talent and experience with the students she mentors at Pace University, her alma mater.

“As an LGBT woman, I’ve met many people who have taught me why diversity is so crucial,” says Berg. “Diversity means a truly equal playing field, regardless of what

you look like, where you grew up, how much money you have, what school you went to, who or what you worship, or who you love. There are many challenges to overcome and we must be active to ensure that more women and people of color have a seat at the table.”

Berg offers professional women this advice: “First and foremost, support one another. Remind yourselves every day that we are all more alike than different, and that we’re all looking for the same happiness and fulfillment in life.

If you’re going through a challenging time, keep going.

Looking back, I am happy to have pushed through some difficult career moments without taking the easy way out.”

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Patty Arvielo Title: Co-Founder and President Company: New American Funding Industry: Mortgage Lending CEO: Rick Arvielo Employees: 2300+ Headquarters: Tustin, CA Personal philosophy: Dream a big dream. If it makes you happy, helps others and improves the world around you, chase your dream and don’t let anything hold you back.

Words I live by: Stay humble, work hard.

MAKING SURE DIVERSE VIEWPOINTS ARE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION ON ALL LEVELS IN A BUSINESS IS PARAMOUNT. ~ PATTY ARVIELO

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atty Arvielo, a first-generation Latina, started mortgage banking firm New American Funding with her husband in 2003.

Today, New American Funding employs more than 2,300 individuals at more than130 branches across the United States and funds over $1 billion in home loans every month.

environment, where women excel on merit. As a result, New American Funding has been recognized by both Hispanic Lifestyle and Mortgage Women Magazine as an outstanding workplace for women.

Know” that provides employees the opportunity to reach their career objectives. She encourages women to be assertive and to not be afraid to make mistakes – they can be your best lessons.

She is a member of Mortgage Bankers Association’s Consumer Affairs Advisory Council and Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

She is also a member of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals and serves on its corporate board of governors.

When asked what her greatest professional accomplishment has been, Arvielo cites building New American Funding from the ground up and transforming it into a national mortgage lender.

She credits her success as a business leader to working hard and never losing sight of her dreams, while also paying attention to others’ needs.

Arvielo built a highly successful company in which women make up 57 percent of the workforce, with many holding C-level positions.

She has created an inclusive

Because Arvielo believes that mentoring is very important, she has implemented a program at New American Funding called “If You Want to Grow, We Want to

According to Arvielo, diversity is critical because the United States is moving toward becoming a minority-majority nation. Without diversity, businesses will lose relevancy.

“Making sure diverse viewpoints are taken into consideration on all levels in a business is paramount,” she says. “Businesses need to reflect their markets, so they can reach their audiences and transact appropriately.”

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Arvielo summarizes by stating that she tries to see challenges not as obstacles, but as opportunities.

Crystal Kardys Title: Vice President, Innovation and Organizational Effectiveness Company: WilsonHCG Industry: Recruitment process outsourcing CEO: John Wilson Headquarters: Tampa, FL Education: M.A., Management & Leadership, Liberty University; B.S., Business Administration, Human Resources & Marketing, SUNY Buffalo Personal philosophy: Listen twice as much as I speak, deliver on commitments and be honest.

Words I live by: “One’s philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is expressed in the choices one makes … and the choices we make are ultimately our responsibility.” Eleanor Roosevelt

BY TAKING ON STRETCH PROJECTS AND SELF-EDUCATION, I WAS ABLE TO BUILD A SKILL SET THAT EVENTUALLY LED TO MY CURRENT ROLE. ~ CRYSTAL KARDYS

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ver the past six years, Crystal Kardys transitioned from recruiter to vice president of innovation and organizational effectiveness. She has been designated a member of WilsonHCG’s President’s Club five times and named a 2014 WilsonHCG MVP Recruiter.

Kardys also leads the company’s global innovation strategy, which prepares advanced client solutions, including analytics, recruitment technology, recruitment strategy and implementation management. She says that her greatest professional accomplishment was the creation of WilsonHCG’s Fortune 500 Top 100 Employment Brands Report. Her research and analysis team has just published its third annual report.

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“I took a less traditional path for someone with a recruiting background,” Kardys explains.

“Rather than moving into a recruitment management role, I focused on my passion for analytics, research, project management and technology.

By taking on stretch projects and self-education, I was able to build a skill set that eventually led to my current role.”

Kardys had the good fortune to be raised by strong women, to find great mentors and be given ample opportunities to try new tasks, even if it meant failing. “Without these benefits, I feel I wouldn’t be the woman I am today, or be where I am professionally,” maintains Kardys.

“Listen twice as much as you speak, deliver on commitments and be honest.” That is Kardys’ personal philosophy. Her advice to younger professionals is to find a mentor who will encourage, give insight and guidance, and humble you when it is needed. She adds, “Persevere through challenges, as those obstacles help you develop a strong foundation for innovation and leadership.”

Kardys believes diversity is a keycompetitive advantage for any business. “Without it, an organization’s innovation can quickly stagnant. When I think about diversity and inclusion, I think about valuing and appreciating those who are different from me, and realizing that our differences help us all obtain a more well-rounded perspective,” concludes Kardys.

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Rita-Anne O’Neill Title: Partner Company: Sullivan & Cromwell LLP Industry: Legal Services Employees: 875 lawyers Headquarters: New York City, NY Education: J.D., Boston College Law School; B.A., Wellesley College Personal philosophy: Treat everyone with respect – not only is it a good philosophy from a basic humanity perspective, but it is also a good philosophy from a work perspective.

Words I live by: Love what you do and give it your very best – success will follow.

DIVERSITY OF VIEWPOINTS ALLOWS US TO ADDRESS COMPLEX LEGAL ISSUES WITH GREATER CREATIVITY AND OFFER THE BEST SOLUTIONS FOR OUR CLIENTS. ~ RITA-ANNE O’NEILL

R

ita O’Neill, a partner in the Los Angeles office of Sullivan & Cromwell, epitomizes a combination of outstanding leadership, community impact and the kind of impeccable professionalism that is recognized and esteemed by both her S&C colleagues and leaders in the community. O’Neill’s strategic and fresh thinking, coupled with her ability to distill key issues and deliver practical legal advice, has made her a trusted advisor to her clients in their most complex transactions.

and retention of women in the area of mergers and acquisitions.

As vice chair, she dedicates time fostering the participation of women leaders across the country to advance and promote women in the legal profession. She is also a member of S&C’s Women’s Initiative Committee and maintains an active pro bono practice, participating with organizations like the Alliance for Children’s Rights.

service,” she explains. “Law firms that are more diverse are able to recruit and retain top talent with a range of backgrounds, perspectives and life experiences. This diversity of viewpoints allows us to address complex legal issues with greater creativity and offer the best solutions for our clients.”

O’Neill offers this advice to women professionals: “As you build your career, someone at some point will “To truly foster a culture of tell you that you cannot accomplish diversity and inclusion, we must something. Don’t let this negative work to promote diverse people energy get in the way of what you in positions of leadership and are doing. Work hard, earn the trust In January 2016, O’Neill was authority,” says O’Neill. “At Sullivan of your clients and colleagues, be appointed vice chair of the American & Cromwell, for example, fostering assertive and trust the process. Turn Bar Association’s Women in M&A a diverse and inclusive work the negative energy into positive Task Force, a group whose goal environment is essential to providing action.” And, she adds, “It is OK to is to increase the participation our clients with the highest level of love your work.”

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Renee Inomata Title: Partner and Chair of Employment Practice Group Company: Burns & Levinson LLP Industry: Legal Services CEO: David P. Rosenblatt, Managing Partner Employees: 125 attorneys Headquarters: Boston, MA Education: J.D., Boston University School of Law; B.S., Brown University Personal philosophy: Know what your core is, be true to your core. Never give up your integrity.

Words I live by: “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” Eleanor Roosevelt

YOU SHOULD NEVER RUN OUT OF INTELLECTUAL CURIOSITY. TAKE EVERY OPPORTUNITY YOU HAVE TO LEARN, WHETHER IT IS ABOUT SOMEONE, ABOUT SOMETHING OR ABOUT YOURSELF. ~ RENEE INOMATA

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ccording to colleagues, Renee Inomata, partner and chair of the Employment Practice Group at Burns & Levinson LLP, is “one of the most respected names in employment law, sought out for her wise counsel, strategic advice, and composed demeanor, no matter how tense or sensitive the situation.” With more than 20 years of experience, Inomata is often thought of by her clients as their “outside in-house” employment counsel, tackling even the most pressing and difficult workplace issues and helping them shape a dynamic, thriving workforce.

A graduate of Brown University, Inomata earned her J.D. at Boston University School of Law. During her tenure at Burns & Levinson, Inomata and a colleague launched SUMMER 2017

The In-House Advisor, a monthly blog providing in-house counsel and C-level executives with practical advice on a broad range of legal issues. Recently, she was elected to the firm’s Executive Committee, becoming the first minority and the first female minority to serve in that role.

Inomata is also co-chair of Burns & Levinson’s Diversity and Inclusion initiative and serves as the firm’s in-house employment attorney.

Inomata looks for opportunities to share her wisdom and experience with the firm’s female associates.

She brings them to meetings and other events, where they can observe and learn, and looks for opportunities to help them connect with other women.

Inomata feels diversity and inclusion enables organizations to provide better client service, more options for resolving problems, and opportunities to develop stronger relationships with colleagues and clients. “To me, diversity means valuing the differences in all people, even if you don’t always understand them – even if you don’t always agree,” she explains.

Inomata shares her personal philosophy with professional women on their way up: “Know what your core is, and be true to that core.

Never give up your integrity.” She also offers this piece of advice, “You should never run out of intellectual curiosity. Take every opportunity you have to learn, whether it is about someone, about something or about yourself.”

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Jennifer M. Keough Title: Chief Executive Officer Company: JND Legal Administration Industry: Legal Services CEO: Jennifer Keough Employees: Over 100 Headquarters: Seattle, WA Education: J.D., M.S.F., B.A., Seattle University Personal philosophy: I believe you need to define what your core values are and never compromise them. Then find other people to surround yourself with who share those values too.

Words I live by: Good work gets more work.

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verywhere you look in the legal administration industry, you’ll find Jennifer Keough’s fingerprints. After rising through the ranks at one of the country’s largest legal administration firms, Keough took on a new challenge when she co-founded JND Legal Administration. The first and only female CEO in the industry, she steers JND on a rapid growth trajectory, works hands-on with her co-founders, and oversees the company’s day-to-day activities, while JND tackles some of the most complex cases in the industry.

Keough’s mantra, “Good work gets good work,” informs her role as mentor. She helps carve out spaces for other women to do good work, show off what they’ve done and win new challenging assignments. “From childhood, I was taught that I could

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ASK QUESTIONS, RAISE YOUR HAND, VOLUNTEER FOR ASSIGNMENTS THAT WILL CHALLENGE YOU AND HELP YOU GROW, STAY ENGAGED AND BE WILLING TO TAKE CHANCES. ~ JENNIFER M. KEOUGH do anything I set my mind to.

Today I mentor other women and strive to instill the same belief in them. I work hard to create an environment at JND where women (and men) are encouraged to share ideas, work though challenges together and support each other to achieve success.”

being asked to dance.” That is, while diversity is important, you can’t grow a business without inclusion.

Leaders must bring everybody into the conversation and foster participation in order to cultivate ideas, find creative solutions and spark innovation.

What advice does Keough offer women on their way up? “Ask questions, raise your hand, volunteer for assignments that will challenge you and help you grow, stay engaged and be willing to take chances.” She goes on to say, “Define your core values and never compromise them.

Keough thinks diversity advocate Then surround yourself with people Vernā Myers said it best: “Diversity is who share those values.” being asked to the party, inclusion is This busy CEO and mother of 15-month-old twins also makes the time to lend her voice to causes like Make-A-Wish and support organizations such as Public Justice and Washington Women in Need.

Jennifer M. Keough CHIEF E XECUTIVE OFFICER

Celebrating women in leadership who make a difference.

JND Legal Administration Administration is proud to congratulate Jennifer Keough for being named one of Diversity Journal’s 2017 Women Worth Watching. Jennifer is the first and only female CEO in the legal administration space. Her dedication, mentorship and perseverance is an inspiration to all of us at JND and to women everywhere who can, and will, become anything they set their mind to.

Learn more at www.JNDLA.com.

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Audrey Laning Ingram Title: Partner Company: Richards Kibbe & Orbe LLP Industry: Legal CEO: Jennifer Grady, Managing Partner Employees: 130 Headquarters: New York, NY Education: J.D., Georgetown University Law Center; B.A. Middlebury College Personal philosophy: Enjoy the journey.

Words I live by: Work hard, be nice, and get a good night’s sleep.

MOST PROBLEMS CAN BE SOLVED IN A VARIETY OF WAYS. HAVING A DIVERSITY OF IDEAS IS IMPORTANT TO BUSINESSES BECAUSE IT RESULTS IN MORE CREATIVE AND EFFICIENT SOLUTIONS. ~ AUDREY LANING INGRAM

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s an attorney with Richards Kibbe & Orbe LLP, Audrey Laning Ingram is a vital contributor to one of the nation’s most sought-after white-collar legal practices, advising on matters relating to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, insider trading, accounting fraud and money laundering. For more than a decade, she has represented companies in internal investigations, as well as those initiated by regulatory agencies, involving conduct across Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America.

Ingram advises companies on how to best comply with anticorruption laws, and conducts due diligence to minimize their exposure to corruption-related risk through contacts with third

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parties. She has also devised innovative compliance programs for banks, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and manufacturing companies.

In January 2017, Ingram was named partner, which she describes as a milestone in her career and her greatest accomplishment to date.

She previously served as vicechairman of the DC Bar’s International Securities Law Committee and is an active member of the Women’s White Collar Defense Association. She has also acted as a guardian ad litem through the Children’s Law Center.

Mentoring and supporting other women attorneys is important to Ingram. “I’ve been fortunate to work with mentors, both men and women, who have provided amazing

opportunities for me to grow in my career,” she says. “I’m a strong believer in paying it forward and try to identify and refer opportunities to other women whenever I can.”

Ingram describes diversity as “… creating an environment that brings out the best in every individual.”

She goes on to say, “Most problems can be solved in a variety of ways.

Having a diversity of ideas is important to businesses because it results in more creative and efficient solutions.”

She offers this wisdom to women starting out: “Enjoy the journey; be confident in your abilities but don’t be afraid to stretch yourself outside your comfort zone; and finally, work hard, be nice, and get a good night’s sleep.”

Tamara Johnson Title: Associate General Counsel, Labour Relations Company: OPTrust Industry: Financial Services CEO: Hugh O’Reilly Employees: 270 Headquarters: Toronto, ON Education: Master of Industrial Relations, Queen’s University; Bachelor of Laws, University of Windsor; Bachelor of Social Work, McGill University Personal philosophy: Work hard. Achieve Results.

Smile often. Lift as you climb.

Words I live by: Pray more. Fear less. Live better. Give back.

TO BE A FIRST-GENERATION CANADIAN, BLACK WOMAN, ENTRUSTED WITH THAT RESPONSIBILITY IS A TREMENDOUS ACCOMPLISHMENT. MY HOPE IS THAT I CAN INSPIRE OTHER WOMEN OF COLOR TO TAKE THIS PATH. ~ TAMARA JOHNSON

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n less than three years with OPTrust, Tamara Johnson has risen from manager to director to associate general counsel for labor relations and chief negotiator for collective bargaining.

An innovator, Johnson co-created an expedited mediation and arbitration process, which allowed OPTrust to resolve 29 longstanding grievances in only six days of hearings – an incredible savings of time and resources for all parties. Her work resulted in the firm’s legal department winning its first award – an Innovation Award from Canadian Lawyer magazine.

“Being chief negotiator for collective bargaining is a point of

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pride,” relates Johnson. “I am very proud of this because I had never before sat across the table from a woman or a person of color during my career. I was determined to take my place at the table. To be a first-generation Canadian black woman, entrusted with that responsibility is a tremendous accomplishment. My hope is that I can inspire other women of color to take this path.”

For Johnson, success is believing in herself. “I applied for jobs I wanted, even if I may not have had all the qualifications required.

Once I got the job, I worked exceptionally hard to show that the company had made the right decision in investing in me,” she

says. “I was always clear about my career aspirations. I would work on assignments that were outside my scope – what I refer to as ‘stretch’ assignments. This gave me the ability to work with new people and show my value to the organization.”

“I didn’t have a mentor when I started law school, and I recognized that it put me at a disadvantage.

Once I secured a mentor, I saw the value the relationship offered. Since then, I have been very committed to mentoring women. I use mentoring as a vehicle to support women in their careers and share the successes and challenges I’ve experienced throughout my career,” Johnson concludes.

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Sabrina Siddiqui Title: Director, Partnerships Company: eHealth Ontario Industry: Health IT CEO: Cynthia Morton Employees: 750 Headquarters: Toronto, ON Education: Bachelor of Commerce, Honours, specialization in Management Information Systems, University of Ottawa Personal philosophy: Be the change you want to see.

Words I live by: Attitude, hope, gratitude.

SHED THE VOICE IN YOUR HEAD THAT MIGHT BE MAKING YOU SECOND-GUESS YOURSELF. FORTUNE FAVORS THE BOLD AS THEY SAY, SO BETTER TO GIVE IT A SHOT AND LEARN THAN TO LIVE WITH THE REGRET OF NOT HAVING TRIED. ~ SABRINA SIDDIQUI

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ince Sabrina Siddiqui joined eHealth Ontario, she has consistently exhibited enthusiasm and energy as a builder of external partnerships and a collaboration facilitator in a complex organization, according to her mentor and eHealth Ontario CEO, Cynthia Morton. “Sabrina brings a compelling mix of skills and personal style that opens doors, inspires innovation and builds bridges to achieve common goals.”

establishing a stronger relationship with key stakeholders. She also designed the IT Security practice for a top consulting company and was the recipient of a Culture Champion Award.

As director of partnerships, Siddiqui has exhibited her talents in several powerful initiatives: as the organizational lead for a value assessment by the Ontario Premier’s business advisor, which resulted in the successful renewal of the agency’s mandate; as champion of eHealth’s core business modernization, ensuring service sustainability and

She champions employee engagement, and diversity and inclusion forums, encouraging and mentoring women as leaders in a typically male-dominated industry.

Siddiqui understands the need to deliver results by leading, coaching and inspiring, which has contributed to a renewed sense of purpose at eHealth.

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“Siddiqui exemplifies the type of leader government needs to remain respectful, inclusive and progressive, in touch with public interests and open to change,” according to Morton.

Siddiqui says her greatest professional accomplishment is having built dynamic, multifunctional teams and coaching them to peak performance in delivering services to the people of Ontario. Her efforts have resulted in reduced service-delivery times and cost savings through innovation and the strategic use of technology.

Siddiqui advises other professional women to pursue their passion, have fun and make a difference.

“Surround yourself with positive, inspiring people who will empower you, and also challenge you to new heights,” she says. “Shed the voice in your head that might be making you second-guess yourself. Fortune favors the bold, as they say, so better to give it a shot and learn than to live with the regret of not having tried.

Be the change you want to see!”

Lisa Gerber Title: President and Region Chief Financial Officer Enterprise Computing Solutions, Americas Company: Arrow Electronics Industry: Technology CEO: Michael J. Long Employees: 18,700 Headquarters: Centennial, CO Education: B.S., Accounting, Virginia Tech Personal philosophy: 1. Hard work always pays off.

2. Life is better when you’re laughing.

3. Family first.

Words I live by: Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.

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ow in her seventeenth year at Arrow Electronics, Vice President of Finance Lisa Gerber has developed a sterling reputation as a dedicated and visionary executive. Her steady rise through the Arrow ranks is a testament to her intelligence and perseverance. However, with all her professional success, Gerber still says that her greatest accomplishment is “being able to see folks I have managed become strong leaders.”

Gerber began her tenure with Arrow Electronics after successful stints at American Express, US Airways, and Freddie Mac. She joined Arrow as a senior manager and was promoted to finance director of a $1 billion-per-year business unit, promoted and placed in charge of a $5 billion-per-year business unit, and promoted again to chief financial officer for the $10 billion ECS Americas division.

Now, as vice president of finance, she oversees $14 billion of Arrow’s Americas business groups.

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DIVERSITY INTRODUCES A VARIETY OF VIEWPOINTS TO EVERY PROBLEM, PROJECT OR INNOVATION, WHICH IS CRITICAL FOR MAKING THE BEST BUSINESS DECISIONS. ~ LISA GERBER Gerber has won many awards over the course of her career, starting with the Rings of Reward from American Express. She is a three-time recipient of the Arrow President’s Club Award.

She also received the Outstanding Achievement Award, presented

by Women in the Channel by DRC at the Arrow Global Finance Convention.

The mother of three active children, Gerber, along with her husband, spends much of her free time attending various sporting events. The balance between family life and work is a tricky one, but she excels at both.

To Gerber, diversity means including diverse backgrounds in the formation of teams or organizations. “Diversity introduces a variety of viewpoints to every problem, project or innovation, which is critical for making the best business decisions,” she affirms.

A strong advocate for equality in the workplace, Gerber goes out of her way to help junior executives of either gender become Arrow high achievers. She offers this advice to professionals on their way up: “Seize opportunities to learn new skills, even if it means making a lateral move. And never let fear of failure get in your way.”

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Brooke Lively Title: President and CFO Company: Cathedral Capital, Inc. Industry: Financial Services CEO: Brooke Lively Employees: 4 Headquarters: Fort Worth, TX Education: M.B.A., Investments and Corporate Finance, Texas Christian University B.A., International Relations, Randolph Macon Woman’s College Personal philosophy: It doesn’t matter how you start, finish strong!

Words I live by: Truly knowing what your vision is means being able to practically touch it, smell it, see it. It is then that it can be achieved.

I TAKE GREAT JOY IN WALKING ALONGSIDE MY CLIENTS. HELPING THEM CHART A COURSE, OVERCOME OBSTACLES, DISCOVER HIDDEN STRENGTHS AND SCALE PEAKS THEY NEVER IMAGINED THEY COULD CONQUER. ~ BROOKE LIVELY

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t doesn’t matter how you start, finish strong!” So says Brooke Lively. “My biggest obstacle when I began was fear of visibly failing. I started my business outside my hometown, where nobody knew me, and refined my business model and built my confidence. Then, I moved back to my hometown. It was the safe route. I wish I had started at home and simply pushed through the fear. If I had, my business would be two to three years ahead in its development. The lesson learned?

Be confident in your work and value what you bring to the table.”

Lively brings ten years’ experience in the financial services industry, the last five as founder, CEO and president of Cathedral Capital.

Her company provides carefully 24

chosen team of professionals that help guide companies through growth and expansion. The team becomes the business owner’s trusted advisors, providing strategic financial guidance and ensuring the best possible outcome.

Lively has earned the prestigious and globally recognized Chartered Financial Analyst designation, generally regarded as the key certification in the global investment management industry. She also authored 6 Key Numbers™ Every Entrepreneur Should Know, and is a frequent speaker at smallbusiness events, conferences and national associations.

“The help we give clients is a great source of pride,” says Lively.

“I grow when they are empowered, build their companies, and better support themselves and their employees. I take great joy in walking alongside my clients. Helping them chart a course, overcome obstacles, discover hidden strengths and scale peaks they never imagined they could conquer, is what drives me,” concludes Lively.

Diversity and inclusion is important to Lively. She designed a company where family is a priority and women can achieve work/life balance. She expects team members to strive to do their best, and she believes that each member offers something unique that makes the team more valuable to clients.

Lively wants everyone around her to succeed and helps them do just that.

Jenny Snow-Boscolo

IF YOU’RE NOT AT LEAST A LITTLE INTIMIDATED BY THE NEXT STEP, YOU’RE PROBABLY NOT CHALLENGING YOURSELF ENOUGH. ~ JENNY SNOW-BOSCOLO

Title: Senior Director, Customer Support & Business Planning Company: Terex Corporation Industry: Manufacturing CEO: John L. Garrison Employees: 11,300 Headquarters: Westport, CT Education: B.S.I.E., Georgia Institute of Technology (GA Tech) Personal philosophy: Be true to yourself and your values, leverage your strengths and have fun – you can’t work hard if you’re miserable!

Words I live by: Walk the talk.

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alk the talk. Those are words that Jenny SnowBoscolo strives to live by. And according to her colleagues she succeeds. She is regarded as the epitome of a continuous learner.

Trained as an engineer, over her career she has become a Lean expert, gained expertise in big data and is relentless at building her knowledge base. Snow-Boscolo has made multiple lasting contributions to Terex; helping deliver value to its customers by finding better ways of working.

“I’ve always felt the need to step up and help take care of others, so leading was a natural role for me. I love solving problems and helping people. I’ve mentored many women along the way and helped them chart their career paths, as well as serving on our corporate Women@Terex steering committee.”

When asked what obstacles she had encountered during her career and how she overcame them, Snow-Boscolo simply says, “Prove it!” She explains Starting her career as a process that for many years she had to engineer, Snow-Boscolo currently demonstrate that she was more serves as senior director, customer than capable of handling the support & business planning. But next promotional opportunity. dealing with the technical side of She also offers this advice to business isn’t her only objective. She young women moving up the counts her greatest accomplishments pipeline, “If you’re not at least as the people she’s mentored or a little intimidated by the managed along the path, who in turn next step, you’re probably not elevated themselves to greater roles. challenging yourself enough.”

She continues, “Remember, “I think enabling others to lead speed kills. Our model here is and contribute to their fullest Observe, Orient, Detect, Act; potential is the most important if you do this faster than thing I’ve done,” says Snow-Boscolo, the competition we all win.”

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Dee Sawyer Title: Vice President-Head of Human Resources, Distribution Company: T. Rowe Price Industry: Financial Services CEO: William J. Stromberg Employees: 6,600 Headquarters: Baltimore, MD Education: B.A., Economics, Denison University Personal philosophy: 1. Bring passion to what you do. Find something that excites you or a team of people that inspire you. 2. Invest in yourself and others and in the mission of the organization you are working for. 3. Work hard. 4. Try to put yourself in a position where you are constantly learning, which can come in many different forms.

AS I REFLECT ON MY CAREER, I DIDN’T THINK OF IT AS HAVING ONE DESTINATION. IT’S A JOURNEY. ~ DEE SAWYER

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ee Sawyer is a vice president of T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and T. Rowe Investment Services, Inc., becoming the head of HR for distribution and product earlier this year. Previous roles with the firm included serving as head of corporate marketing and communications and as head of individual investors, U.S. Investment Services. During her more than 25 years in the financial-services industry, Sawyer has also held executive positions with Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Fidelity Investments.

As head of Human Resources for Global Distribution and Product, Sawyer is responsible for championing and driving HR best practices across various distribution channels that are charged with

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growing the firm’s client base and expanding product adoption across the globe.

A strong advocate of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, she served as chair of T. Rowe Price’s Women’s Roundtable, a professional development group that brings together female leaders to offer ideas for increasing the representation of women in management and leadership. The group also helps create an environment in which women (and men) leaders can influence the firm’s culture regarding gender-related issues, workplace policies and practices.

“As I reflect on my career, I didn’t think of it as having one destination. It’s a journey. When I started working in financial services,

I never thought I would end up in a senior leadership position within the human resources department,” relates Sawyer. “You may find yourself weaving in and out of totally different departments before landing a senior role, and that’s okay – careers aren’t always linear.”

Sawyer has definite ideas about the qualities female leaders should possess. “It’s a fact that men and women are different; however, I think we should try to step away from assumptions we may have made. I think all leaders should be confident, diligent, positive, transparent and, perhaps most important, self-aware. I think a vital part of being a leader is recognizing and acknowledging the impact you have on others,” she explains.

dee SAWYER

diversity IS OUR STRENGTH

Our associates’ broad perspectives and experiences help us deliver compelling investment solutions for clients and create a workplace where people feel free to bring their best selves to work.

Dedicated women such as Dee Sawyer, head of Human Resources, Global Distribution and Product, and Aimee DeCamillo, head of Retirement Plan Services, inspire and strengthen our culture.

We congratulate them both for being recognized as two of 2017’s Women Worth Watching.

aimee DECAMILLO

American congratulates Suzanne Boda as a Woman Worth Watching.

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Adele Alvarez Title: Executive Director, Operations Company: Allegis Global Solutions Industry: Staffing and Recruiting CEO: Chad Lane Headquarters: Hanover, MD Education: Saint Mary’s College Personal philosophy: It is good to feel uncomfortable because that is when you learn new skills. If you never take risks, try new things or put yourself out there, you will stay comfortably the same.

Words I live by: “If your ship doesn’t come in, swim out to it.” – Jonathon Winters

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dele Alvarez has more than 20 years of staffing industry experience, currently serving as Allegis Global Solutions’ (AGS) executive director of managed services operations for the West region.

Alvarez oversees solutions, design, implementation and program management for large-scale workforce management accounts.

She is responsible for driving strategic initiatives, such as cost savings, compliance, diversity spend, contractor/consultant quality and risk management, as well as managing the relationship between the technology providers and the customer.

Dedicated to developing and supporting an inclusive culture, Alvarez has been a member of AGS’s Diversity & Advocacy Group, Women’s Leadership Council and the All4 Diversity initiative for many years. “I have never met anyone who is exactly like anyone else. Each person brings his or her own unique

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I HAVE NEVER MET ANYONE WHO IS EXACTLY LIKE ANYONE ELSE. EACH PERSON BRINGS HIS OR HER OWN UNIQUE IDEAS, WHICH WE SHOULD ALL BE OPEN TO. ~ ADELE ALVAREZ

ideas, which we should all be open to,” she says.

She is continually focused on the growth and development of her team, providing them with opportunities, both in the office and in the community. Committed to mentorship, she has influenced the careers of a generation of AGS employees Alvarez admits to failing in her first leadership opportunity by trying to act like the leader she believed everyone wanted her to be. “It was exhausting to put on a façade, and it took energy away from the important work of truly leading,”

she explains. “Upon reflection, I realized how important authenticity is to my leadership style.”

“I have been fortunate to have incredible mentors, who have taught me to be ready when opportunity knocks and, most important, to raise my hand and get in the game. This is a talk track I use with both men and women every chance I get,” says Alvarez.

Her advice for young women?

“Get out of your head. Negative self-talk will literally make you crazy. Instead, ask others for honest feedback. And lastly, don’t take yourself too serious – life is supposed to be an adventure,” concludes Alvarez.

Suzanne Boda Title: Senior Vice President, Los Angeles Company: American Airlines Industry: Airline CEO: Douglas Parker Employees: 113,300 Headquarters: Fort Worth, TX Education: B.A., Asian Studies and Spanish, Gustavus Adolphus College Personal philosophy: Treat everyone with respect and dignity; surround yourself with people that have diverse opinions – different than yours; be flexible and don’t take yourself so seriously; give back at all opportunities.

Words I live by: Never forget where you came from.

Be nice. Be happy and positive, and have fun! Make decisions. Be supportive, collaborative and flexible.

Don’t take yourself too seriously.

THE BEST SOLUTIONS CAN ONLY BE FOUND AFTER PEOPLE WHO SEE THINGS DIFFERENTLY HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE DISCUSSION. ~ SUZANNE BODA

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s senior vice president of Hub & Gateway Operations for American Airlines, Suzanne Boda oversees hub and gateway operations for the world’s largest airlines. Although Boda is a respected leader in her field today, when she began her career in the airlines industry in 1983, she was one of very few women in a largely male environment. But, she says working hard, supporting others and finding creative ways to move through or around this and other challenges made her a better person and a better leader.

In addition to handling her regular responsibilities, Boda recently launched a Disability Task Force to review existing policies and implement changes that would SUMMER 2017

help American Airlines better serve customers with disabilities.

A wheelchair handling project has been launched at all airports, which will greatly improve service to these customers. Boda also serves as the executive sponsor for the company’s LGBT employee group.

Outside work, Boda serves on the board of The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia and the American Association of People with Disabilities in Washington, DC, and is an active member of the Far East Asian Art Committee at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Asian studies and in Spanish from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota.

“To me, diversity and inclusion means welcoming everyone’s opinions, valuing their unique backgrounds, and treating all people with respect and dignity,” says Boda. “The best solutions can only be found after people who see things differently have contributed to the discussion.”

Boda shares this advice with women building careers: “Stay true to yourself. Be proud of your background – who you are and what you bring to the table. Be nice. Be happy and positive, and have fun! Make decisions. Be supportive, collaborative and flexible. Don’t take yourself too seriously! Take on the tasks that others may not want. You’ll soon be recognized as a true leader.”

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Aarti Goorha Bowman Title: Director, Investor Relations Company: First Horizon National Corporation Industry: Financial Services CEO: D. Bryan Jordan Employees: 4,300 Headquarters: Memphis, TN Education: M.S., Public Relations, B.A., Art History, Northwestern University Personal philosophy: Focus, Flexibility and Fun Words I live by: “A straight line is not the shortest distance between two points.” – Madeleine L’Engle

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arti Goorha Bowman took the road less traveled to her appointment as First Horizon National Corp.’s Director of Investor Relations in 2009 – her greatest professional accomplishment to date. Not only is she an Asian woman in a maledominated industry, she holds a bachelor’s degree in art history and a master’s in public relations – both nontraditional degrees in the finance and investment industry.

Bowman has led First Horizon’s investor relations team to top professional honors by Institutional Investor magazine on multiple occasions. Her colleagues say her unique personal and professional background and 16-year career in investor relations have combined to make her an outstanding and well-respected professional.

Bowman gives back as well. An active member of First Horizon’s mentoring program, she is helping develop the next generation of leaders within the company and

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FOCUS ON HARD WORK AND SUCCESS WILL COME; BE FLEXIBLE AND ADAPTABLE TO CHANGE; AND REMEMBER TO HAVE FUN! ~ AARTI GOORHA BOWMAN industry. She is also a member of an affinity strategy executive committee, focused on connecting with multicultural women inside and outside the company, and a leader of the Women’s Initiative employee resource group.

Outside work, Bowman serves in various leadership roles for St. Mary’s Episcopal School, an all-girls college preparatory school and her alma mater, as well as the Memphis Botanic Garden and the Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association.

She explains her personal philosophy, “Focus, Flexibility and Fun,” as follows: “Focus on hard work and success will come; be flexible and adaptable to change; and remember to have fun!”

Bowman became a leader by working with teams across the company to enhance financial communications. She believes that mentoring other women is a great way to share ideas, network and promote others. Bowman advises women first moving up in their professional careers to ask questions, get help and network. “Most opportunities come from making connections with others,” she says. “Relationships matter in the professional world.”

For Bowman, diversity means seeking and understanding different strategic perspectives. She explains, “The global economy is diversifying at a fast pace. To succeed, organizations need to get diverse perspectives that will enable them to best serve their stakeholders.”

Natacha Rafalski Title: Vice President, Chief Financial Officer Company: The Walt Disney Company, China Industry: Media and Entertainment CEO: Robert Iger Employees: 195,000 (globally) Headquarters: Burbank, CA Education: M.B.A., UCLA Anderson Graduate School of Management; B.A., Math/Economics Personal philosophy: Look through every door that opens and ask what you would try if you knew you could not fail.

Words I live by: “What could be worse than getting to the end of your life and realizing you hadn’t lived it” – Edward Albee

LEARNING FROM MISTAKES, VIEWING FAILURE AS SUCCESS AND NEVER GIVING UP TAUGHT ME TO BELIEVE IN MYSELF. ~ NATACHA RAFALSKI

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he chief financial officer, Greater China, for The Walt Disney Company, Natacha Rafalski leads both finance and information technology functions in that region. During her three-years as CFO, Rafalski has been part of a management team driving rapid growth for Disney Greater China.

She has also played a key role in several important negotiations and financing efforts.

After a childhood in France, Rafalski moved to California where she earned a bachelor’s degree in math and economics at the University of California, Santa Barbara. She also earned an M.B.A., finance, at UCLA’s Anderson Graduate School of Management.

According to Rafalski, a diverse workforce is critical to Disney’s business. “When our employees reflect the diversity of the As a diversity and inclusion communities we serve, it enhances representative for Walt Disney the quality and relevance of our International, Rafalski has been entertainment and experiences,” she working to develop a vibrant explains. “Encouraging a broad range diversity and inclusion culture of opinions, ideas and perspectives within the organization. She is also helps drive creativity and innovation the executive sponsor of a mentoring across the company. We are building program that engages senior a workforce representative of the leaders to develop talent across global marketplace, while fostering the organization.

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an inclusive environment for our employees and their families.”

Observing great leaders and choosing powerful mentors throughout her career provided Rafalski with valuable insights that helped shape her own leadership values and beliefs. “Learning from mistakes, viewing failure as success and never giving up taught me to believe in myself,” she says.

“I share my path with other women by being a mentor, telling my story whenever I can, and being accessible and available.”

And she offers this advice to women currently in the career pipeline: “Look through every door that opens and ask what you would try if you knew you could not fail.”

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Lara D. Pringle Title: Partner, Houston Office Head Company: Jones Walker LLP Industry: Legal Services - Energy CEO: William H. Hines (Managing Partner) Employees: 550 Headquarters: New Orleans, LA Education: J.D., cum laude, Executive Editor, Baylor Law Review, Moot Court Team, Baylor Law School; B.B.A., Finance, cum laude, Business Honors, Business Fellows Program, Texas A&M University Personal philosophy: Whatever you do, work at it with all of your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men (Colossians 3:23).

Words I live by: Don’t get too comfortable in your comfort zone. Challenge yourself daily.

THROUGHOUT MY CAREER, I HAVE BENEFITED GREATLY FROM HAVING EXPERIENCED COLLEAGUES AND FRIENDS TAKE THE TIME TO INVEST IN ME WITH THEIR ADVICE AND MENTORSHIP. ~ LARA D. PRINGLE

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ara Pringle is an accomplished lawyer with Jones Walker, focusing on the areas of business litigation, class actions, complex and multidistrict litigation, and toxic torts, as well as the everrelevant pipeline work.

Pringle is not only driven by her work in finding creative solutions that meet her clients’ needs, she is also a proven leader within the firm and serves on the firm’s Attorney Development Committee.

She is committed to her clients, the firm, and to various civic and charitable organizations that benefit her community.

In addition to her many responsibilities as Houston office head and firm partner, Pringle has 32

served for more than 10 years as a Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo volunteer. She is a lifetime member of this charitable and educational organization, which elevates the standards of breeding and raising healthy livestock and farm products, and promotes and maintains research and educational funds throughout the industry.

Through the years, she has served on the Rodeo’s Merchandise, Transportation and International Committees, and enjoys being a part of an event that helps young people attend college and has great economic impact on the city where she lives.

Pringle is also involved with her alma mater, Texas A&M University,

where she serves on the Dean’s Council’s Young Leader Advisory Board of Mays School of Business, advising students who are considering a career in law.

“The opportunity to work with and lead the attorneys in our Jones Walker Houston office is a privilege. There are so many terrific lawyers here,” Pringle says. “Throughout my career, I have benefited greatly from having experienced colleagues and friends take the time to invest in me with their advice and mentorship.”

Pringle advises younger colleagues that hard work is important.

“Challenges are sure to come, but if you continue to persevere and do your best, things will work out. Also,” she adds, “be true to yourself.”

Ann Doyle Title: Managing Director, Alternative Distribution Strategies Company: Legg Mason Global Asset Management Industry: Financial Services/Asset Management CEO: Joseph A. Sullivan Employees: Approximately 3,000 worldwide Headquarters: Baltimore, MD Education: M.B.A., Loyola University of Maryland; J.D., University of Maryland School of Law Personal philosophy: I believe education is an equalizer and the pathway for more women and minorities to become leaders in business and in government.

Words I live by: Investing to Improve Lives!

I BELIEVE EDUCATION IS AN EQUALIZER AND THE PATHWAY FOR MORE WOMEN AND MINORITIES TO BECOME LEADERS. ~ ANN DOYLE

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s managing director of alternative distribution strategies for Legg Mason Global Asset Management, Ann Doyle is responsible for advancing the firm’s technology investment platform. During an impressive career spanning more than 25 years in the financial services industry, Doyle has held global, product, investment and sales roles. She is a highly respected investment leader, committed to excellence and innovation.

Doyle often leads highlevel initiatives at Legg Mason, including the Executive Diversity Council’s education and awareness subcommittee, as well as an innovation committee. She is a member of the firm’s valuation committee and the investment committee of Financial Guard SUMMER 2017

(a technology investment platform).

A strong supporter of the firm’s high school workplace internship program, Doyle often hosts interns in her department. She also mentors developing professionals and female leaders, providing career and networking advice to employee resource group members and others.

Doyle serves on the Baltimore Archdiocese’s Partner In Excellence board and remains involved with her alma mater via the alumni committee. She is also a member of the Greater Baltimore Committee’s LEADERship class.

“I believe education is an equalizer and the pathway for more women and minorities to become leaders,” says Doyle. “A quality education bolsters self-confidence and leads to greater opportunities.” According

to Doyle, diversity within financial services is extremely important, as the industry faces disrupters such as a changing regulatory landscape, the transfer of wealth to a digitalsavvy generation, and access to more powerful technology and big data. Studies show that bringing diverse individuals together boosts net profits and increases innovation, logical analysis, planning and problem solving – tools necessary for success in a changing environment.

Doyle offers this advice to other women: “As a woman on the move within an organization, you are given more responsibility and expected to achieve greater results. But remember, your success depends to a large extent on the development and advocacy of your team.”

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Dionne M. Rousseau Title: Senior Partner - Corporate and Securities Attorney Company: Jones Walker LLP Industry: Legal Services CEO: William H. Hines (Managing Partner) Employees: 550 Headquarters: New Orleans, LA Education: J.D., University of Chicago Law School Personal philosophy: Aim for excellence and integrity in all that you do, and try to make a difference.

Words I live by: If it were easy, everyone would do it.

It’s the hard that makes it great.

WITH PREPARATION, HARD WORK, SELF-CONFIDENCE AND A CONSTRUCTIVE ATTITUDE, YOU CAN DEMONSTRATE THAT YOU ARE A VALUABLE PART OF THE TEAM. ~ DIONNE M. ROUSSEAU

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ionne Rousseau began her legal career at Jones Walker, where she quickly earned the respect of her colleagues and firm leadership for her skills in corporate and securities law, and her ability to develop strong, productive relationships with clients. Today, in addition to providing transactional, finance, and securities advice to an ever-expanding client base, she is Jones Walker’s lead outside corporate and securities counsel for seven publicly traded companies.

Rousseau has one of the leading practices at the firm, is a highly valued legal advisor to top regional, national and multinational businesses, and sits on the board of several Louisiana nonprofits. She has a positive and enduring impact 34

on the business, educational and self-confidence and a constructive charitable communities of Louisiana. attitude, you can demonstrate that you are a valuable part of the team.

Rousseau’s contributions go Serving as counsel to a significant beyond her impressive client roster; number of large, prominent she has helped strengthen the companies that trust me handling firm’s commitment to recruiting, their important legal matters, is mentoring and promoting lawyers a very significant professional from backgrounds that have been accomplishment,” she concludes. underrepresented in the legal arena.

She is equally committed to serving Rousseau says her path to underrepresented communities leadership was guided by terrific in Louisiana and currently works women colleagues who served as closely with two organizations: role models and the support of male City Year Baton Rouge and and female partners who provided Burkenroad Reports. opportunities to serve and succeed as a leader. She offers this message “It can be difficult to figure out to younger women, especially new how to fit in and earn the trust of working mothers: “It will be harder clients when you are the only woman than you think, but do it anyway. The at the table,” explains Rousseau. world is a better place with women “But with preparation, hard work, leaders in it.”

Kristin MacMillan Title: President Company: Illen Products Ltd. (dba Imprint Plus) Industry: Manufacturing CEO: Kristin MacMillan Employees: 60 Headquarters: Richmond, BC Education: Bachelor of Commerce, Laurentian University Personal philosophy: Done is better than perfect!

Words I live by: Treat people like you want to be treated.

I FOUND THE CHALLENGES OF BALANCING FAMILY AND WORK OVERWHELMING AT TIMES, ESPECIALLY WHEN THERE WERE FEW WOMEN ROLE MODELS. I RELIED UPON A SUPPORTIVE PARTNER AND LEARNED NOT TO SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF. ~ KRISTIN MACMILLAN

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ristin MacMillan’s introduction to Imprint Plus occurred in 1997, when she secured a $79,000 scientific research tax credit for the company. She officially joined Imprint Plus in 1999, leaving Ernst & Young as a principal after 13 years. Today, as president, MacMillan has grown Imprint Press’s revenues to over $15 million, launched a new product and online software, and increased shipments to an average of 4,000 units per month.

MacMillan is the company’s resident Lean “black belt,” and a dedicated student of Lean Manufacturing and Office, a production practice implemented

by Imprint Plus in 2010 to preserve value and remove wasteful steps.

She is a member of Office Products

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Women in Leadership, a nonprofit professional organization connecting women in leadership roles in the office products industry. For eleven consecutive years, MacMillan was named to PROFIT/Chatelaine’s list of the Top 100 Female Entrepreneurs in Canada, alongside Imprint Plus CEO Marla Kott.

It hasn’t all been a bed of roses.

“The biggest obstacles I faced in my career arose when I was a new parent,” MacMillan remembers.

“I found the challenges of balancing family and work overwhelming at times, especially when there were few women role models. I relied upon a supportive partner and learned not to sweat the small stuff.”

“Leading is all about making those around you successful – guiding

them to make good decisions, take calculated risks and work on the right things. I am not successful unless my team is successful,” says MacMillan.

A member of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and WEConnect International, MacMillan has a passion for mentoring other women in business. She offers this advice to the women she mentors, “Don’t give up! Keep working and achieving.”

Diversity and inclusion are important, according to MacMillan, because everyone has a unique contribution to make. “Diversity is all about depth of experience and perspective. Without diversity, business opportunity is narrow.”

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Elizabeth A. Alquist Tile: Partner Company: Day Pitney LLP Industry: Legal CEO: Stan Twardy Employees: 581 Headquarters: Parsippany, NJ / Hartford, CT Education: J.D., University of Connecticut School of Law, High Honors Personal philosophy: “To me there are three things everyone should do every day. Number one is laugh. Number two is think – spend some time in thought. Number three, you should have your emotions move you to tears. If you laugh, think and cry, that’s a heck of a day.” – Jim Valvano

WHEN THINGS GET TOUGH, KEEP GOING, EVEN WHEN IT FEELS LIKE YOU’VE TAKEN TWO STEPS BACK. REMEMBER THAT EVERY STEP FORWARD MAKES IT EASIER FOR A YOUNG WOMAN TO SUCCEED. ~ ELIZABETH A. ALQUIST

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lizabeth “Beth” Alquist is a partner at Day Pitney LLP and chair of the firm’s Intellectual Property Department. She is past chair of both its Women Working Together employee group and its Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

Alquist, who leads a group of sixteen attorneys across five locations, has been very successful as a trial attorney, representing a broad range of business clients in patent, trade secret, noncompetition, trademark, copyright and Internet-related disputes in federal and state courts, and before the International Trade Commission.

Alquist is known to her colleagues as an exceptional intellectual property (IP) attorney. She has co-authored several IP articles and been named one of Connecticut’s “Super Lawyers” by Thomson Reuters 36

for the past ten years. However, she says her greatest professional accomplishment is becoming a trusted advisor for her clients.

Outside the office and courtroom, Alquist volunteers at Lawyers for Children America and coaches girls’ youth basketball. She also teaches patent litigation as an adjunct professor at University of Connecticut School of Law. Alquist explains that her path to leadership began while playing youth sports, especially basketball.

She played many roles on many teams from a young age through college and beyond—from last off the bench to captain and leading scorer.

According to Alquist, learning to be part of a team helped shape her current leadership style.

Alquist understands that not everyone has been part of a sports team, so she strives to share her path with other women by demonstrating how teamwork applies to everything they do – whether it’s litigating cases, developing business or balancing work and family. She says that notion inspired her and a colleague to launch an affinity group called WomenWorkingTogether (WWT®), which helps women in the firm find their own leadership path.

When asked what message she wants to pass on to younger women, Alquist says, “When things get tough, keep going, even when it feels like you’ve taken two steps back.

Remember that every step forward makes it easier for a young woman to succeed.”

Congratulations to our Women Worth Watching Day Pitney is proud to have four leaders – Elizabeth Alquist, Ellen Knarr, Namita Tripathi Shah, and Barbara Freedman Wand – among this year’s award winners.

Elizabeth Alquist

Ellen Knarr

Namita Tripathi Shah

Barbara Freedman Wand

One voice can change the whole discussion.

At Day Pitney, we seek out diversity as an inexhaustible source of fresh ideas, innovative strategies and new approaches.

With a team of almost 300 attorneys of diverse backgrounds and unique experiences, we love the way difference adds depth and perspective to all we do.

BOSTON

CONNECTICUT

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FLORIDA

NEW JERSEY

NEW YORK

WASHINGTON, DC | www.daypitney.com 37

Theresa M. Bates Title: Principal Company: AT&T Industry: Technology, Entertainment, & Telecommunications CEO: Randall Stephenson Employees: 270,000 Headquarters: Dallas, TX Education: M.B.A., University of Dallas; B.S., Texas Woman’s University Personal philosophy: Make a positive difference in all you do and pay it forward.

Words I live by: Live in gratitude, Kaizen (continuous improvement), and mindfulness.

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olleagues as AT&T say Theresa Bates is an innovative, solutionsoriented technical leader, focused on talent development, operations and social media. Bates joined the AT&T’s Executive Briefing Center in 2015 as director of the demonstration program for Corporate Briefing Centers, creating and leading a first multicenter C-suite program.

She previously served as lead solution architect for big data client solutions at AT&T’s Big Data Center of Excellence, and as chief of staff and lead diversity consultant.

A volunteer and leader in her community, Bates inspired the GED Attainment Scholarship, AT&T Foundation’s first matching scholarship for at-risk youth, as well as AT&T’s Face-to-Face Mentoring Circle Program for LGBT employees. She collaborated on the company’s multifaceted multimedia, social media and thought leader initiative. Bates also provides leadership for key strategic 38

SOME OF THE BEST ADVICE I WAS GIVEN EARLY IN MY CAREER— WHICH I STILL USE EVERY DAY— WAS TO SURROUND MYSELF WITH DIVERSE PEOPLE WHO THINK DIFFERENTLY. ~ THERESA M. BATES initiatives and, in times of crisis, is a first-communications responder.

Her belief that everyone should “make a positive difference in all you do and pay it forward,” has made Bates a five-time gold recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award. She serves in community and national leadership roles for various nonprofits, including Business and Professional Women, The Women’s Chorus of Dallas, Women of AT&T, LEAGUE at AT&T and Commissioner, City of Dallas.

“Some of the best advice I was given early in my career – which I still use every day – was to surround

myself with diverse people who think differently,” Bates says. She explains that providing an environment where everyone brings their “whole professional self ” to work, and everyone is valued for what they add to the team, allows ideas and innovation to flourish. “When everyone has a seat at the table, she adds, “the possibilities are endless.”

Bates believes she became a leader by being coachable and saying yes to opportunities. “I encourage women to know themselves – know what you want, and then make it happen” she says. “I also advise them to embrace the ‘Carry as You Climb’ philosophy by mentoring and supporting others.”

Barbara Freedman Wand Title: Partner, Member of Executive Board Company: Day Pitney LLP Industry: Legal CEO: Stan Twardy Headquarters: Parsippany, NJ / Hartford, CT Education: J.D., Indiana University School of Law/Bloomington, Summa cum laude Personal philosophy: Give it your all, go for the gusto, treat every human being with respect and live with an attitude of gratitude.

Words I live by: Treat every person with whom you interact with respect.

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arbara Freedman Wand is a partner at Day Pitney LLP’s Boston office, specializing in estate and charitable planning.

When asked to name her biggest accomplishment, she cites her election to the seven-member governing Executive Board at Day Pitney. “Being elected to serve on the Executive Board is very meaningful, since I had joined the firm less than two years before the election,” observes Wand.

Wand was recently recognized by Chambers USA as a leading lawyer in the area of estate planning. The publication noted, “Ms. Wand is renowned for her ability to combine her complete grasp of professional knowledge with an understanding of what’s most important to her clients in developing solutions perfectly tailored to them.”

Certified as an Accredited Estate Planner by the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils, Wand is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel.

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ASK QUESTIONS, RAISE YOUR HAND, VOLUNTEER FOR ASSIGNMENTS THAT WILL CHALLENGE YOU AND HELP YOU GROW, STAY ENGAGED AND BE WILLING TO TAKE CHANCES. ~ BARBARA FREEDMAN WAND She has also received the Boston Estate Planning Council Excellence Award and been named a Top Woman of Law by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly.

Wand enjoys focusing on an organization’s “big picture” and engaging in strategic planning and execution. But she doesn’t dwell on the abstract, taking time to mentor more junior colleagues and make them part of her business development, as well as devoting time to her client and community service activities. Her personal philosophy? Treat people with respect and live life with an attitude of gratitude.

Like many professional women, Wand has had to balance raising a family and building a career – which she admits is a challenge, both logistically and emotionally.

“Finding ways to meet those commitments took energy, creativity and collaboration. Determination and flexibility were key to success on both fronts,” explains Wand.

Wand offers this advice to other women building professional careers: “Decide what your goals are and thoughtfully develop strategies to accomplish them.

Be proactive in taking steps to accomplish those goals by seeking out work that is challenging and brings you fulfillment.”

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Amy M. Brachio Title: Partner, Global and Americas Advisory Risk Leader Company: EY (formerly Ernst & Young) Industry: Professional Services CEO: Stephen R. Howe Jr. Employees: 45,000 (U.S.) Headquarters: New York, NY Education: M.S., B.A., Accounting, University of Alabama Personal philosophy: I believe in approaching opportunities and challenges with enthusiasm, authenticity, confidence and a positive disposition. Having the right attitude can make a big difference in almost any situation.

Words I live by: What you permit you promote. As a leader, you must remember that it is not just what you do that matters in the tone you set, but also the behavior that you allow to be acceptable in others.

FOCUS ON HARD WORK AND SUCCESS WILL COME; BE FLEXIBLE AND ADAPTABLE TO CHANGE; AND REMEMBER TO HAVE FUN! ~ AMY M. BRACHIO

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my M. Brachio joined EY in 1997, was named partner in 2008, and became Americas advisory risk leader in 2014 and global advisory risk leader in 2016. She has 20 years of experience in banking and serves large, diversified organizations in risk management practice, advising clients on risk topics that are top of mind for boards of directors and C-suite executives.

An active leader, Brachio is focused on the advancement of diversity and inclusion, serving on both EY’s Under Represented Minority and Gender steering committees. She was recognized as EY’s 2013 Working Mother of the Year, and currently leads EY’s risk

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advisory business globally and for the Americas.

Brachio is also a longtime volunteer for the ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) Association, and served on her chapter’s board for nine years, holding various officer positions, including president.

She says her greatest professional accomplishment is having an amazing career while being a mother, daughter, wife, sister, friend and active member of the community. Asked how she could take all this on, Brachio explains that she has had amazing coaches, mentors and sponsors over the course of her career. “They took a personal interest in me and provided me with opportunities to grow and

the feedback I needed to hear when I needed to hear it, and they made time to help me think through career options,” she recalls.

“I believe in approaching opportunities and challenges with enthusiasm, authenticity, confidence and a positive disposition,” says Brachio. “Having the right attitude can make a big difference in almost any situation. I openly share my journey and lessons learned with other women by making time for individual career coaching and women’s events.” She concludes by saying, “I encourage women to look for multiple role models – both men and women – and pick and choose traits from each to form their future views of themselves.”

© 2017 EYGM Limited. All Rights Reserved. ED0717

Congratulations Amy M. Brachio on being named one of Profiles in Diversity Journal’s 2017 Women Worth Watching!

There’s Wealth in Diversity We promote a diverse and inclusive corporate culture At RBC Wealth Management, we recognize and value the many important contributions of women. Which is why we promote an environment where women can be successful. And why we deliver programs and tools to help women create the futures they want—for their clients, for themselves ... and for the people they care most about.

For more information, please visit www.rbcwm-usa.com.

Congratulations Ann Senne for being named one of the Profiles in Diversity Journal’s Women Worth Watching!

Ann Senne Head Advice & Solutions © 2017 RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC.

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Ann Senne Title: Head, Advice and Solutions Company: RBC Wealth Management Industry: Financial Services CEO: Michael Armstrong Employees: 4,700 Headquarters: Minneapolis, MN Education: M.B.A., Strategic Management & Finance, University of Minnesota Personal philosophy: Tap people’s potential, find their passions and strengths, and give them opportunities to shine. And in doing so, deliver measurable results!

Words I live by: Don’t sweat the small stuff, and it is all small stuff.

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n November 2016, Ann Senne became head of RBC Wealth Management’s new Advice & Solutions Group, which will drive the firm’s strategy and the growth of key initiatives focusing on the client experience. She manages a growing team of more than 100 employees that support financial advisors who provide clients with wealth-management solutions. The group unites product development, design and delivery, training, and education teams under one umbrella to enhance the financial advisorclient experience and relationship.

For more than a decade, Senne has dedicated herself to enhancing RBC Wealth Management’s client experience. From developing a global client strategy, to her new role as head of the newly created Advice & Solutions Group, she remains committed to developing and executing dynamic strategies

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OUR ROLE AS LEADERS IS TO ENCOURAGE, EQUIP AND ENABLE PEOPLE – NOT TO JUDGE THEM BASED ON DIFFERENCES. ~ ANN SENNE that enhance and improve the advisor-client relationship. She is also committed to RBC Wealth Management employees, serving as a mentor in the firm’s Diverse Perspectives Mentoring Program, which joins leaders and employees as partners in learning about diversity, inclusion, career development and other areas.

When it comes to diversity, Senne says 1+1 = 3. She goes on to explain, “I believe that bringing together people with different perspectives leads to richer dialogue and debate, and better decisions and outcomes.

I also believe our role as leaders is to encourage, equip and enable people – not to judge them based on differences.”

“Early in my career, my manager gave me a copy of Richard Carlson’s book, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff, and It’s All Small Stuff: Simple Ways to Keep the Little Things from Taking Over Your Life. I still have the book in my office, and pull it out from time to time.

It is easy to become too focused on things that don’t go well and let them take over. Learning to accept that some things will work and others won’t, and not letting negativity drag you down, can help reduce stress, improve productivity and keep you on a path to achieving goals.” She concludes, “Take calculated risks, believe in yourself, work hard and always be true to your values.”

Kanchana TK Title: Director General Company: Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India Industry: Pharmaceuticals Employees: 10 Headquarters: Mumbai, India Education: M.A., B.Sc. Personal philosophy: Be the brave voice in the room.

Words I live by: Success doesn’t have a Gender.

MY JOURNEY TO BECOMING A LEADER WAS UNPLANNED BUT WITH AN INTENT TO PROVE EQUALITY. ~ KANCHANA TK

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anchana TK is the director general of the Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India. She has also served in senior leadership positions with BristolMyers Squibb, Vantage Insurance Brokers & Risk Advisors Pvt. Ltd. and Marsh/Mercer India.

Becoming a woman leader (in fact, the only woman leader) in a bastion of male leadership within the male-dominated pharmaceutical industry speaks volumes of Kanchana’s professional abilities and leadership skills. Her strategic focus on building business through building trust among stakeholders, and her attention to performance ensures that teams under her able leadership outperform competition.

A woman who believes that actions speak louder than words, Kanchana

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often demonstrates leadership by being a silent performer. A leadership trait she displays almost effortlessly is her ability to stay calm before, during and after the storm.

Kanchana has received many honors, including being named one of the ‘Top 50 Impactful Women in Healthcare’ (global listing) by World Health & Wellness Congress.

She has also won the BloombergUTV Women in Leadership Award, Women at Work Leadership Award

by Bloomberg-UTV, and WILL Choice Award by Forum for Women in Leadership (WILL Forum India).

She also co-authored the WILL Mothers’ Handbook.

and the evolving policy ecosystem.

Consulting on new product offerings for healthcare insurance, understanding patent and pricing issues in pharma, and designing patient assistance programs and access initiatives enable her to understand healthcare needs in India. Her experience managing public affairs in the Middle East and Africa gives her an understanding of healthcare paradigms in other geographies.

“My journey to becoming a leader was unplanned but with an intent to prove equality. My writing on diversity and inclusion is a way to share experiences and inspire fellow women colleagues,” Kanchana Having worked in two highly explains. Her advice for younger regulated sectors – insurance professionals? “Keep an eye on the and pharmaceuticals – Kanchana goal, the rest will miraculously fall understands stakeholder expectations into place.”

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Corrin N. Drakulich Title: Principal Company: Fish & Richardson Industry: Intellectual Property Law CEO: Peter Devlin Employees: 1,100 Headquarters: National Education: J.D., University of California, Berkeley School of Law; B.A. and B.S., University of Georgia Personal philosophy: Be nice, do excellent work and, when you want something, ask for it.

Words I live by: The harder you work, the luckier you get.

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ENJOY THE PEOPLE YOU WORK WITH. SEEK OUT

orrin Drakulich brings PEOPLE YOU RESPECT AND ENJOY INTERACTING a unique science WITH, AND WHO WILL SUPPORT YOUR background to her career as an intellectual property (IP) EFFORTS TO GROW AND THRIVE. lawyer at Fish & Richardson. She ~ CORRIN N. DRAKULICH attended University of Georgia, with a full academic scholarship and opportunities for hands-on In the community, Drakulich I now try to be that kind of mentor scientific research in UGA’s applied co-chairs the Legal and Regulatory and champion for others,” she says. biotechnology research lab. She Affairs committee of Georgia Bio also conducted research at ViaGen, (a nonprofit aimed at advancing Her message to other women Inc. Swine and Cattle Cloning growth in the life sciences industry building their own professional Company, where she cloned two in Georgia). She is active in careers is this: “Enjoy the people piglets. After receiving two degrees the Atlanta IP Inn of Court you work with. Seek out people you from University of Georgia, she respect and enjoy interacting with, attended the University of California, (an invitation-only honorary bar association) and ChIPs (a and who will support your efforts to Berkeley School of Law, where she professional organization grow and thrive.” Drakulich believes earned her J.D. dedicated to advancing women in a leader should listen with empathy coupled with reflection, and foresight.

Her colleagues say Drakulich, now technology). She also volunteers with the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers a principal with the firm, has built an For Drakulich diversity means impressive record of success working Foundation, representing domestic violence survivors. valuing people because of, not in with biotechnology, pharmaceutical spite of, their differences. “Teams and medical-device companies.

Drakulich credits mentors, “who with varied backgrounds and Drakulich gauges her success by were consistently and continually experiences deliberate more critically, how effectively she helps her clients committed to my growth and make more-informed decisions and achieve their specific business success,” for helping her advance achieve better overall results than objectives. She regularly serves as lead counsel for med-tech companies professionally. “Their confidence in teams consisting of only like-minded me gave me confidence in myself. people,” she explains. in patent and trademark litigations.

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Brenda Marshall Title: Senior Director, Global Diversity Solutions Company: Kelly Services, Inc. Industry: Professional Services / Workforce Solutions CEO: George Corona Employees: 8,100 Headquarters: Troy, MI Education: Criminal Justice, University of Detroit Personal philosophy: My philosophy is simple but effective: 1. Lead by Example – be the change you want to see in others.

2. Prioritize what’s Important (faith, family, friends) – life/work balance. 3. Pay it Forward – each one, teach one. 4. Life is a privilege – don’t waste it. 5. Gratitude – it is all that is required.

Words I live by: I strive to make a difference every day in the lives of everyone I touch and ask are they better because of our experience.

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ince Brenda Marshall joined Kelly Services® nearly 20 years ago as national account manager, she has served in several leadership positions, including her current role as senior director of global diversity solutions. She is responsible for developing strategies, designing processes and building alliances that support the organization’s overall strategic direction for Diversity & Inclusion, as well as delivering innovative solutions for Kelly and clients.

An active member of several professional boards, including the Executive Advisory Board for the Center for Empowerment and Economic Development, Marshall currently serves as Chair of the Council of Supplier Diversity Professionals’ Board of Directors.

She was recently named a “Supplier Diversity Champion” by MBN USA, one of WE USA’s “Top 100 Leaders,” and a “Diversity Business Leader”

by Corp! magazine. However, when asked to name her most important

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I BELIEVE THERE IS GREATNESS IN EVERYONE, AND THE FIRST STEP TO REACHING YOUR MAXIMUM POTENTIAL IS TAKING CONTROL OF YOUR CAREER. ~ BRENDA MARSHALL accomplishment, she replies, “My greatest professional achievement is my ability to empower others to succeed.”

According to Marshall, in a world of supply and demand, diversity and inclusion are a valuable source of innovation and the key to personal, professional and organizational growth. “The one constant in business is change, and as the market continues to evolve, so does the face of diversity,” she explains. “What began as a compliance-driven activity has become a profit-motivated initiative in organizations that want to remain adaptive and innovative in a global economy. From employment

opportunity to the procurement process, diversity creates a competitive advantage.”

Marshall believes there are more opportunities for women today, but there is also more competition. “To succeed, each woman must find her passion, set high standards, develop a strategy, seek out mentors, stay ready, and make no excuses,” she advises. “I believe there is greatness in everyone, and the first step to reaching your maximum potential is taking control of your career.

Establish a clear and direct vision for your career and define your contribution to your company, your team and yourself. Choice, not chance, determines your future.”

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DIVERSITY MEANS THAT WE CAN EACH BRING OUR “FULL SELVES” TO WORK AND BE APPRECIATED, RATHER THAN JUDGED, FOR OUR DIFFERENCES. ~ ESTHER S. HERNANDEZ

Esther S. Hernandez Title: Chief Diversity Officer Company: Sandia National Laboratories Industry: Government CEO: Laboratory Director, Dr. Stephen Younger Employees: 12,200 Headquarters: Albuquerque, NM Education: M.B.A., University of New Mexico; B.B.A., New Mexico State University Personal philosophy: Being humble doesn’t mean thinking less of yourself, but actually thinking more of others.

Words I live by: Have confidence knowing that you have what it takes to succeed! Know that you have a purpose, pursue it with passion and love what you do!

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s chief diversity officer at Sandia National Laboratories, Esther Hernandez has been pivotal in establishing awareness, implementing policy and launching initiatives to improve the work environment for all employees. She says that her greatest professional accomplishment is “having the opportunity to serve as the Chief Diversity Officer at Sandia.” In addition to that role, she mentors young professionals and leads various committees and groups that work to highlight diversity and build an inclusive work environment.

Hernandez, who has served in various roles at Sandia for more than 30 years, earned her MBA at the University of New Mexico and her BBA at New Mexico State University.

Hernandez’s leadership and championing of Sandia’s employee resource groups have helped establish the company as a diverse and inclusive workplace that continues to grow and improve, while advancing mission success. She co-chairs the company’s Military Support Committee and Women’s Action Network, and is a member of the Hispanic Leadership Committee.

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Hernandez also mentors several women at Sandia. “I had great mentors and champions throughout my career, and I feel strongly that it is my responsibility to give back in the same capacity,” she explains.

“Diversity means that we can each bring our ‘full selves’ to work and be appreciated, rather than judged, for our differences,” says Hernandez. “A diverse workforce generates a variety of ideas and inspires innovation. An inclusive environment values and engages employees, who are then more productive. And our constantly changing world demands fresh, fast and innovative solutions.”

“Know your strengths and use them!” is the advice Hernandez offers women. “Too often we spend so much time worrying about what we are not good at, that we lose sight of where we excel,” she explains. “Discover your talents, have confidence in yourself and find a job that allows you to use your gifts. Don’t worry if you do things differently from those who came before. This is YOUR journey and you have to walk it YOUR way.”

Juliana L. Blum Title: Cofounder and VP, Business Operations Company: Humacyte, Inc. Industry: Biotech/Regen Med CEO: Carrie Cox Employees: 70 Headquarters: Research Triangle Park, NC Education: Ph.D., Loyal University Chicago Personal philosophy: My personal philosophy is to live my life with a focused and honest purpose, approach all aspects of my life with integrity and respect, and find balance in both my professional and personal life.

Words I live by: Live each day with purpose and lead by example – “know” who you are and “be” who you are.

BE CONFIDENT IN YOUR ABILITIES AS A LEADER; TAKE RISKS TO EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES IN NEW ROLES; AND EMBRACE THE CHALLENGES OF WORKING IN FIELDS THAT HAVE BEEN TRADITIONALLY MALE DOMINATED. ~ JULIANA L. BLUM

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ver the past 15 years, Dr. Juliana Blum, cofounder of and vice president of business operations for regenerativemedicine company Humacyte, has applied her technical expertise in vascular access product development to advance Humacyte’s novel biotechnology platform through Phase III trials.

Leveraging her Ph.D. in molecular biology from Chicago’s Loyola University, she helps develop better options for patients by addressing significant unmet medical needs through bioengineering and tissue regeneration. Blum says that her greatest professional accomplishment to date has been contributing to the company’s success and working alongside such a dynamic team of leaders.

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Blum’s inventions have been granted 14 patents, and she has earned a number of awards, including the Trainee Abstract Award from the American Heart Association. As an advisory board member of Women in Bio, a mentor for W.O.M.E.N. in Advanced Therapies and a member of Young Women in Bio, she provides guidance to other female leaders in the industry.

To Blum, diversity and inclusion means respectful acceptance without boundaries and the ability to work in a productive environment led by unique individuals. “Diversity is critical to businesses because it drives innovation and progress,” she goes on to explain. “It means working as part of a diverse group, where everyone has something unique to contribute, and where

the input and contributions of each individual are promoted equally.”

According to Blum, confidence, self-awareness, motivation, respect and a positive approach, attitude and outlook that is shared with the entire team are the hallmarks of a true leader.

She offers this advice to other women who are on the path to leadership, especially in STEM industries: “Stay true and committed to your own beliefs and personal philosophies. Be confident in your abilities as a leader; take risks to explore opportunities in new roles; and embrace the challenges of working in fields that have been traditionally male dominated.

Finally, always continue to improve upon both your strengths and your weaknesses – a great leader is always learning.”

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Michelle Muscat Title: Chief Executive Officer Company: Wildly Delicious Fine Foods Industry: Food Manufacturing Employees: 100 Headquarters: Toronto, ON Education: B.A., Interior Design, Ryerson University Personal philosophy: Live to Eat versus Eat to Live Words I live by: Be yourself, everyone else is taken. Love what you do and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.

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ccording to her colleagues, Michelle Muscat is the very definition of a Canadian entrepreneur. Wildly Delicious Fine Foods, the company she started in her basement over twenty years ago, has become Canada’s largest specialty food manufacturer, with a distribution that includes some of the largest retail outlets across the country. She recently opened the company’s first “experiential” retail location, dedicated to bringing more than 300 Wildly Delicious products directly to customers.

Like many great CEOs, Muscat is a hands-on executive. She has done every “job” in the company and knows what’s required to take an idea from concept to production to sales to fulfillment. One of her toughest challenges was learning to work with Chinese manufacturers.

“It has taken years of commitment on both sides to learn each other’s cultures and expectations, and establish standards we both must adhere to,” she explains. Under

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DIVERSITY FOR US IS CELEBRATING THE FLAVORS OF THE WORLD. WE’VE DONE THIS FOR 23 YEARS, BY LISTENING TO OUR TEAM AND BEING INSPIRED BY THE DIVERSITY THE WORLD’S INGREDIENTS HAVE TO OFFER. ~ MICHELLE MUSCAT

her leadership, the company has consistently won national awards for best-in-class food products, hard goods and packaging.

“I believe in people, not stereotypes,” she explains. “I always hire people for their ability to contribute, not their specific experience in my industry.”

She goes on to say, “Diversity for Innovation is at the heart of Wildly us is celebrating the flavors of the Delicious and Muscat’s leadership world. We’ve done this for 23 years, powers it. Distinctive products by listening to our team and being developed by the company have inspired by the diversity the world’s won many Specialty Food Industry ingredients have to offer.”

Awards, including its Cheese Knife Set (2011), Outstanding Product Muscat offers this advice to young Line (2012), Petite Maison Red Brie women professionals: “Stay true to Baker (2009), Fig Pear with Orange your ideas and be passionate about Fruit Compote (2010), Peri Peri what you do. Your enthusiasm will Sauce (2012), and Beet & Red Onion infect those around you with positive Marmalade (2013). energy.” And she adds, “Love what you do and you’ll never have to work Muscat is convinced that diversity a day in your life.” creates positivity in the workplace.

Melanie W. Saunders Title: Associate Director, NASA Johnson Space Center Company: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Industry: Aerospace CEO: Robert Lightfoot, Acting Administrator Employees: 18,000 Headquarters: Washington, DC Education: J.D., University of California, Davis; B.A., History, University of California, Santa Barbara Personal philosophy: Figure it out. Don’t spend a lot of time worrying about a challenge. Figure out where to start and press – you’ll get more done.

Words I live by: An old swim coach used to tell us, “Put your head down and go.” I try to limit worrying to my subconscious mind and spend my days getting things done!

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE EACH EMPLOYEE’S PASSION IS IGNITED. SO INSTEAD OF PEOPLE JUST MEETING THEIR JOB REQUIREMENTS, THEY ARE ENERGIZED AND EXCEL. EVERYONE CONTRIBUTES MORE TO THE MISSION. ~ MELANIE W. SAUNDERS

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elanie Saunders plays a critical leadership role as associate director of the NASA Johnson Space Center, where she manages nearly a third of NASA’s total procurements. Saunders’ keen business sense and operational perspective have established her as a key player in defining the future of NASA’s business services.

She works to advance the NASA mission by building coalitions with universities, industry, other government agencies and international entities.

Saunders oversees a team of more than 14,000 employees and the management of fiscal resources worth approximately $5 billion.

During her 23-year tenure with NASA, she has served in a variety

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of roles, including associate manager for the International Space Station program. She describes being part of the team that built the space station as her greatest professional accomplishment to date.

Saunders demonstrates her dedication to the NASA workforce by serving as chair of the agency’s Inclusion and Innovation Council, promoting diversity across programs and being an advocate for employee engagement. “Diversity and inclusion create an environment where each employee’s passion is ignited,” she explains. “So instead of people just meeting their job requirements, they are energized and excel. Everyone contributes more to the mission.”

She sums up by stating that diversity and inclusion lead to better problem solving because, “All of us together are smarter.”

A highly sought-after mentor, who has mentored many of NASA’s current and upcoming leaders, this mother of triplets serves as an inspiration to the next generation of women and demonstrates that it is possible to have a full family life and a successful career.

Saunders urges women, “Don’t spend a lot of time worrying about a challenge. Figure out where to start and press – you’ll get more done.”

She goes on to explain, “Men tend to apply for jobs they will be qualified for once they’ve been in them awhile. Women tend to apply for jobs they are fully qualified for. Have confidence in your ability to learn and adapt. Lean forward and take a chance! An old swim coach used to tell me, ‘Put your head down and go’.”

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Christine A. Montenegro Title: Partner Company: Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP Industry: Legal Services CEO: Marc E. Kasowitz Employees: 367 Headquarters: New York, NY Education: J.D., Fordham University School of Law; B.S., cum laude, Fordham University Personal philosophy: Be present and give it your all. I work in a team setting and have found that passion brings out the best work in others.

Words I live by: Set your goals high, word hard, and enjoy what you do.

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et your goals high, work hard and enjoy what you do.” These are words that Christine Montenegro, a partner at Kasowitz Benson Torres, lives by. And they have served her well.

Montenegro is one of the few women or Hispanic lawyers in the country today handling high-stakes litigation matters – traditionally, an arena dominated by white men.

Her exceptional skills, zealous representation and innovative approaches to tough legal arguments have enabled her to achieve impressive successes for the firm’s clients. She has also represented Native Americans in certain Constitutional-related matters.

A graduate of Fordham University School of Law, Ms. Montenegro is a strong advocate for collaborating with and mentoring other women lawyers. She has taken an active role in reconstituting Kasowitz’s Women’s Initiative Committee and now serves as co-chair and an active leader for

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TO ME, DIVERSITY MEANS BEING RESPECTED AND RECOGNIZED FOR YOUR TALENTS AND SKILLS, WHILE ALSO BEING APPRECIATED FOR YOUR UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE. ~ CHRISTINE A. MONTENEGRO

that group. Under Montenegro’s leadership, the Committee is working closely with the firm’s women partners, associates and staff to ensure professional growth opportunities and improved mentorship.

In addition to the many highprofile, high-stakes cases she handles in her day-to-day work, Montenegro also provides pro bono legal services to clients in need.

According to Montenegro, diversity is essential to a legal firm’s success. When a team of attorneys is confronted with a complex and challenging case, the diversity of perspectives and experiences

provided by team members can help ensure not only a just and creative solution for clients – but also a successful one. What’s this litigator’s personal view? “To me, diversity means being respected and recognized for your talents and skills, while also being appreciated for your unique perspective.”

Montenegro offers the following advice to women pursuing a career in law: “Be present and give it your all – your passion will help bring out the best work in others; and be yourself and listen to your instincts – the practice of law requires good judgment. I have found that following these principles leads to successful results.”

Donna A. Balaguer Title: Principal Company: Fish & Richardson Industry: Intellectual Property Law CEO: Peter Devlin Employees: 1,100 Headquarters: National Education: J.D., magna cum laude, Order of the Coif, Georgetown University Law Center; B.A., George Washington University Personal philosophy: Actions speak louder than words.

Words I live by: Take pride in everything you do and you will do it well.

A DIVERSE TEAM COMPRISES INDIVIDUALS WITH DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES AND IDEAS. THE COMBINATION OF THESE IDEAS LEADS TO CREATIVE SOLUTIONS AND INNOVATION FOR THE BUSINESS. ~ DONNA A. BALAGUER

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or more than 20 years, first as in-house counsel in the technology industry and now as principal at Fish & Richardson, Donna Balaguer has helped companies navigate the ever-changing landscape of complex technology, privacy and cybersecurity issues.

Balaguer knows firsthand that while technological advancements create incredible business opportunities, they also bring threats of cyber-attacks and data breaches that companies must mitigate and work around. Much of her work requires creativity and forward thinking, as technology and its potential uses outpace cyber regulations and guidelines. She counsels clients across multiple industries, including hospitality, health care, media, communications, manufacturing and retail.

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Balaguer addresses a range of issues, from developing core cybersecurity policies to responding to data breaches. One of her areas of expertise is helping companies that are building innovative “Internet of Things” products. She assists these innovators in solving novel challenges regarding consumerrelated privacy issues and health care privacy laws. She also guides clients through high-stakes regulatory and government agency matters, including FTC and FCC requirements and investigations.

She regards being promoted to an executive position in a technologyrelated company, at a time when there was resistance to women assuming such roles, as her greatest professional accomplishment to date.

Asked what aided her in obtaining leadership roles, Balaguer says she

has always been dedicated and passionate in her work. She cites the phrase “lift as you climb” as a motivator.

Careers are also shaped by negatives. Balaguer points to a corporate bankruptcy as a turning point in her own career. “Although it was stressful, with a lot of employees leaving, I stuck it out to help the company through the bankruptcy.

I ended up getting a great job with the new owner.”

“It is important to make a conscious decision to include people with different backgrounds and viewpoints,” explains Balaguer. “A diverse team comprises individuals with different perspectives and ideas.

The combination of these ideas leads to creative solutions and innovation for the business.”

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Aurora Taylor-Rojas Title: Director, Systems Engineering Company: L3 Communication Systems-West Industry: Aerospace & Defense CEO: Michael T. Strianese Employees: 38,000 Headquarters: New York, NY Education: M.E., B.S., Electrical Engineering, University of Utah Personal philosophy: I believe the most important quality in one’s life is taking responsibility for everything that is under your control.

Words I live by: You can achieve anything you are willing to work hard to accomplish. Put in the work, there are no short cuts.

EXPERIENCE HAS SHOWN ME THAT ESTABLISHING AN INCLUSIVE TEAM ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH EVERYONE HAS A VOICE, ENCOURAGES THOSE OF DIVERSE BACKGROUNDS TO SHARE THEIR UNIQUE APPROACHES AND IDEAS. ~ AURORA TAYLOR-ROJAS

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s director of systems engineering for L3 Communication Systems– West, a division of L3 Technologies, Inc., Aurora Taylor-Rojas’s responsibilities include technical architectures, system solutions and technical program execution. She has been with the company since she served as a college intern. After graduation, she was hired as an RF and modem design engineer, and soon promoted to manager of the Advanced Modem and Waveform group, then to director of hardware development and, four years ago, to her present role.

Utah. During her senior year, she was president of the IEEE University chapter. She currently serves as the chair of the University of Utah Electrical and Computer Engineering Advisory Board.

Born in Durango, Mexico, TaylorRojas earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in electrical engineering at the University of

Diversity is vital to business success according to Taylor-Rojas.

When leaders build diverse teams and welcome different points of view, creativity is enhanced, innovation

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A member of the Japan International Karate Do Center, Taylor-Rojas has won six consecutive Utah Open championships. She was a member of the U.S. Women’s Karate team in 1997, 2003 and 2005, and has competed at international competitions. She also greatly enjoys participating in triathlons and spending time in the mountains.

is increased and the outcome of every task is improved. “Experience has shown me that establishing an inclusive team environment in which everyone has a voice, encourages those of diverse backgrounds to share their unique approaches and ideas,” she explains. Individuals, companies and clients all benefit from a strong diversity and inclusion program.

Taylor-Rojas offers this advice to women building professional careers: “Work hard and step up to challenges. It is when we are stretched past our comfort level that we learn and grow the most. So if you are offered a task, role or job that seems a bit scary, step up and take it. Every risk I have taken has been a great opportunity.”

GREAT PEOPLE DON’T JUST ACHIEVE.

THEY EXCEED.

Š Crown copyright 2015.

Congratulations to all of the Women Worth Watching honorees.

At L3, we proudly acknowledge and congratulate our own Margaret Calomino, Kristin Courcy and Aurora Taylor-Rojas, along with all of the Women Worth Watching honorees, on this inspirational achievement.

COMPANY AND EXECUTIVE

2017 AWARD WINNER

Margaret Calomino

Kristin Courcy

Aurora Taylor-Rojas L3T.com

L3 Technologies is proud to be an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. L3 provides equal employment opportunity for all persons, in all facets of employment. L3 maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply for any open position for which they feel they are qualified and all will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status or any other legally protected status.

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Hannah Sholl Title: Counsel Company: Holwell Shuster & Goldberg LLP Industry: Legal Services Employees: 84 Headquarters: New York, NY Education: J.D., University of California at Berkeley School of Law Personal philosophy: Find ways to learn and grow as a litigator and a person every day.

Words I live by: Take each challenge one step at a time and treat challenges as opportunities for growth.

I ALWAYS KNEW THAT I LIKED TO WORK WITH TEAMS AND MANAGE PROJECTS, BUT I DIDN’T KNOW HOW IMPORTANT THOSE SKILLS WERE UNTIL I SAW REALLY SMART, ACCOMPLISHED PEOPLE WHO COULDN’T NECESSARILY CREATE A STRONG TEAM. ~ HANNAH SHOLL

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s counsel with Holwell Shuster & Goldberg LLP, Hannah Sholl has worked on highly charged cases, including cases involving the credit crisis, 9/11, and Bernard Madoff ’s Ponzi scheme. She currently leads a team performing extensive work for banks in litigation over residential-mortgage-backed securities valued in the billions of dollars. In one high-profile First Amendment case, she successfully defended the National September 11 Memorial & Museum’s display of the “Ground Zero Cross.”

Sholl also leads teams charged with providing critical pro bono legal services. Successes in this area include extensive collaboration with the Innocence Project and the vindication of a parent in a case

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involving allegations of shaken baby syndrome.

She currently represents four female Frontier Airlines pilots in a cutting-edge, highly publicized workplace discrimination case.

Working with the American Civil Liberties Union, Hannah has charged that the policies of Frontier Airlines toward pregnant and breast-feeding pilots violate the Civil Rights Act. Sholl says she learned leadership by listening to others and to herself.

She looked to identify and honor the strengths and talents of each member of her team. “It took me several years to really own my skill set,” she explains. “I always knew that I liked to work with teams and manage projects, but I didn’t know how

important those skills were until I saw really smart, accomplished people who couldn’t necessarily create a strong team.”

This very successful attorney advises fellow and younger colleagues to make professional decisions based on what works for them, not on others’ views of success.

She takes pride in mentoring junior associates and encouraging them to take on leadership roles.

To Sholl, diversity and inclusion means recognizing and honoring the unique talents each team member contributes. This enables each person to bring a full range of experiences and strengths to the table, allowing the team to reach its highest potential.

Lynn Dugle Title: Chief Executive Officer Company: Engility Industry: Government/Technology Employees: Nearly 10,000 Headquarters: Chantilly, VA Personal philosophy: Do what you have a passion for and focus on what really gives you energy – the rest will figure itself out.

Words I live by: Failure is never fatal, and success never permanent.

EXPERIENCE HAS SHOWN ME THAT ESTABLISHING AN INCLUSIVE TEAM ENVIRONMENT, IN WHICH EVERYONE HAS A VOICE, ALLOWS US TO SHARE UNIQUE APPROACHES AND IDEAS. ~ LYNN DUGLE

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ince becoming CEO of Engility in 2016, Lynn Dugle has led the company into a new era of progress and success, effectively transforming the company from a low-cost, technically acceptable provider to a highly innovative corporation, delivering best-value solutions to government customers.

Under Dugle’s leadership, the company has won some of the largest and most technically complex services contracts in Engility’s history.

roles at ADC Telecommunications and Texas Instruments.

Dugle’s career spans more than three decades and includes leadership experience in the defense, intelligence and telecommunication sectors. Before joining Engility, she spent 12 years at Raytheon, most recently as president of its intelligence, information and services business. She also held leadership

Dugle considers her current role as CEO of Engility, her greatest professional accomplishment to date. “I am honored to have this opportunity to lead an organization that makes such a positive contribution to our nation and employs so many amazing professionals,” she says.

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Her passion for activities and causes that support women’s leadership, science and education earned Dugle a spot on STEMconnector’s 2012 list of the Top 100 Women in STEM. A member of the Defense Science Board, she is also a director and member of the Audit and Technology Committees of State Street Corporation.

“I have always had a passion for taking on new experiences and challenges. Because of this, I’ve held many roles in a variety of departments and at various levels, including working abroad,” Dugle explains. “This diversity of experiences gives me a unique perspective about organizations, teams and people, and how they work best. And that has prepared me, more than anything else, for being a leader.”

What’s her advice to women embarking on their professional careers? “Don’t ever tell yourself ‘No.’ You will face plenty of other hurdles in your life – don’t be an obstacle to yourself. Don’t be afraid to take on a challenge; have courage and confidence in yourself, you will be amazed at the results.”

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Fiona Carter Title: Chief Brand Officer Company: AT&T Industry: Technology, Entertainment, & Telecommunications CEO: Randall Stephenson Employees: Nearly 270,000 Headquarters: Dallas, TX Education: Masters, Modern Languages, University of Oxford Personal philosophy: Leadership is not about where you sit in a company. Everyone has a special skill --a “superhero” power. Find yours and do it well. Do it with passion and confidence. All eyes will be on you and people will follow.

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iona Carter, chief brand officer at AT&T, leads sponsorships, media, brand, and corporate and business advertising. A passionate advocate for diversity and gender equality, Carter leads the company’s partnership with the Association of National Advertisers’ three-year #SeeHer campaign to improve the way girls and women are portrayed in the media, so that, by 2020, they will see themselves portrayed accurately. She is also involved with Lift & Connect at AT&T, a program in which senior leaders coach, advise and sponsor high-performing colleagues looking to advance their careers.

Carter founded AT&T Presents: Untold Stories, developed in collaboration with the Tribeca Film Festival. The program recently awarded its first $1 million grant to an underrepresented filmmaker.

The winner will use the funds to produce a film based on his screenplay, which will be premiered at the festival and distributed on AT&T’s video platforms.

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Words I live by: It’s easy to get used to the status quo.

Curiosity and the ability to learn and transform are hugely important. Disrupt yourself. Lean into change.

I BELIEVE BUSINESS FLOURISHES WHEN YOU HAVE A TEAM MADE UP OF PEOPLE WITH DIFFERENT OPINIONS, WORLDVIEWS AND BACKGROUNDS. ~ FIONA CARTER ethnicity, lifestyle, and thought is an issue Carter is passionate about.

“At AT&T, we serve a diverse set of customers,” she explains.

“Fostering a culture of diversity and innovation not only lets us think more creatively and execute more effectively, it lets us empathize with our customer base. I believe business flourishes when you have a team made up of people with different opinions, worldviews and backgrounds.”

Gender equality in advertising is especially near and dear to her heart. “The inaccurate portrayal of women and girls in advertising – or their complete absence – perpetuates regressive and discriminatory narratives,” she

says. “At AT&T, we’re working to end the global marginalization of women and address the gender-gap by participating in projects like the #SeeHer campaign.”

Carter has always offered colleagues career-related advice. However, at AT&T, she has launched a formal mentoring program. Leaders set aside two hours each month to meet with colleagues seeking to learn how to grow their careers. She also offers this wisdom to all professional women: “First, network, network, network – make your personal brand known; second, work hard, market your accomplishments and talk about your contributions; and third, ask for what you want – it’s your best chance of getting it.”

Dnika J. Travis, Ph.D. Title: Vice President, Research Company: Catalyst Industry: Nonprofit CEO: Deborah Gillis Employees: 90 Headquarters: New York, NY Education: Ph.D., University of Southern California; M.S.W., University of Michigan; B.A., Hampton University Personal philosophy: I aspire to live each day filled with gratitude. No matter the obstacles, embrace my vulnerabilities and learn from my mistakes.

Words I live by: Revel in even the smallest of victories.

Learn from missteps. Lead with curiosity and compassion.

DISCOVER AND BUILD ON YOUR STRENGTHS, AND APPRECIATE YOUR UNIQUE CONTRIBUTIONS. EVEN WHEN YOU FEEL UNSETTLED, TAKE A RISK AND CHALLENGE YOURSELF. ~ DNIKA J. TRAVIS, PH.D.

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nika J. Travis, Ph.D., is a researcher, educator and expert in leadership and communication effectiveness, organizational change and workplace inclusion. She leads Catalyst’s research on organizational effectiveness and gender, race and ethnicity in the workplace. In both areas, she is responsible for developing and delivering recognized research agendas, serves as a primary investigator on selected Catalyst studies and leads large, multi-year research projects.

Travis’ most recent research examines the “emotional tax” that is levied on women and men of color as they try to navigate their careers; she has found that the experience of being different affects an employee’s sense of well-being and productivity.

She is widely published, and her research is funded by several foundations and government entities. Travis maintains an SUMMER 2017

affiliation with the University of Texas at Austin as a research fellow.

She is also a consulting editor for several publications.

embraces opportunities to learn, listen and have conversations that help build inclusive teams and organizations.

Her career is devoted to equipping organizations, communities and individuals with tools for building inclusive environments and communicating across differences. This commitment was ignited during her college years, when she served as a volunteer in Guinea-Bissau, West Africa, and energized during her time as a social work professor. In her current role at Catalyst, Travis developed and teaches an online course, CatalystX: Leading With Effective Communication, which to date has been completed by more than 20,000 learners across the world.

“I am quite proud of my ability to launch a long-term, strengths-focused research agenda concentrated on honoring, documenting and creating solutions for women across intersections of gender, race and ethnicity in the workplace,” explains Travis.

“A critical component of this work focuses on unpacking and overcoming roadblocks to communicating across difference.”

Most importantly, Travis is committed to modeling the change she wishes to see in the world. She

Travis shares these thoughts with other career women: “I appreciate the saying, ‘change is the only constant.’ Discover and build on your strengths, and appreciate your unique contributions. Even when you feel unsettled, take a risk and challenge yourself.”

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LEARNING TO ‘UNLEARN’ SOME OF THE LESSONS WE OFTEN HAND DOWN TO GIRLS WAS ONE OF THE BIGGEST OBSTACLES I NEEDED TO OVERCOME. ~ ELEANOR BEATON

Eleanor Beaton Title: President Company: Fierce Feminine Leadership Industry: Women’s Leadership Development Employees: 4 Headquarters: Windsor, ON Education: B.A., Honors., English & Economic History, University of Toronto Personal philosophy: A pound of solid execution is worth an ounce of brilliant strategy.

Words I live by: Just do it.

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leanor Beaton, founder, president and CEO of Eleanor Beaton & Co. Communications Ltd., is a women’s leadership development mentor and host of her podcast Fierce Feminine Leadership: The Success Podcast for Ambitious Women in Business. Peers say she dreams big and achieves big; and helps other women dream bigger and achieve more too. She sends out a tidal wave of empowered women ready to smash the glass ceiling.

Beaton has this to say: “I teach emerging women leaders how to ask for – and get – what they deserve. And it’s not just the money.

It’s more time, more recognition, and their place in the spotlight.”

Early in her career, Beaton faced a challenge. “… like many women in our society, I was raised to listen to authority, follow the rules, raise my hand and wait to be called upon.

While this was helpful in school, it was not very useful in the world of work, and kept me from speaking up, being visible and taking risks.

Learning to ‘unlearn’ some of the lessons we often hand down to girls was one of the biggest obstacles I needed to overcome.”

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Beaton is one of eight global advisors on women’s leadership development to the Visiting Women’s Executive Exchange Program at the Yale School of Management. In 2017, Bet on Me, a book she co-authored, was short-listed for a National Business Book Award and her column, The XX Factor, was a finalist for a National Magazine Award.

For Beaton, diversity and inclusion means that high-level decisions are influenced by a group of people who represent a variety of cultures, genders and socio-economic backgrounds. Diversity is important in the workplace, she believes, because it “…always leads to greater ROI, ROE and a stronger record on innovation.”

Beaton offers women this wisdom: “What got you to your current level of success will not empower your next leap. Hard work is now just table stakes. To unlock the next level of success, you need to cultivate a distinctive brand, own your leadership presence and develop the relationships and political savvy required to make a meaningful impact.”

Mary Kay Wegner Title: President, ServiceMaster Franchise Services Group and Senior Vice President, ServiceMaster Supply Management Company: ServiceMaster Industry: Residential and Commercial Services CEO: Robert J. Gillette Employees: 13,000 Headquarters: Memphis, TN Education: M.S., Logistics Engineering, National University; B.S., Mathematics/Operations Analysis, U.S. Naval Academy Personal philosophy: I learned a philosophy during my time at the U.S. Naval Academy that has had a profound impact on how I approach decisions: ship, shipmate, self. As a leader in business, my first priority is to make decisions that are best for the company, then for the people I work with, and then and only then, best for me.

Words I live by: There’s a verse in Proverbs that says, “Strength and honor are her clothing and she can laugh at the time to come.” It’s a good reminder that when I feel overwhelmed, I am strong, and when things look their darkest, there will be laughter in the days ahead.

EVERYONE, REGARDLESS OF POSITION, HAS A PERSPECTIVE THAT NEEDS TO BE CONSIDERED IF THE BUSINESS IS TO FIND THE MORE EFFECTIVE WAYS TO ACCOMPLISH ITS OBJECTIVES.

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ary Kay Wegner’s leadership philosophy comes from her days at the U.S. Naval Academy: First, do what’s best for the ship (company).

Then, what’s best for your shipmate (co-workers). And only then, what’s best for you.

As president of ServiceMaster Franchise Services Group, Wegner leads a team that supports more than 6,000 independently owned franchise locations, with over 33,000 employees in all 50 states and 13 countries. She also oversees $1.3 billion in direct and indirect products covering sourcing, real estate and fleet operations; leads efforts to categorize and analyze purchasing patterns, increase supplier quality, improve supplier diversity and deliver greater value

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~ MARY KAY WEGNER to the company; and manages one of the nation’s largest commercial fleets.

During her seven years of active duty with the Navy, Wegner worked in aviation maintenance, communication and administration for an anti-submarine squadron, and as a calculus and logistics instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy.

Wegner chairs the board of directors for Girl Scouts Heart of the South, where she shares its mission of “building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world better.”

“Diversity,” says Wegner, “is about tapping into the experiences of a broader group than those who look like me, or have the same background as me. It’s also about learning to meet people where they

are, so that they can contribute at their highest level. Everyone, regardless of position, has a perspective that needs to be considered if the business is to find the more effective ways to accomplish its objectives. When that happens, we unlock the true strength that diversity brings to an organization.”

“I appreciate those who paved the way for me,” explains Wegner, “which is why I’m determined to help young women embrace their talent and take every opportunity to pursue their passion.” And she offers this advice: “Go for it! You’re probably ready to take on more than you think you are! Determine your purpose and keep working toward it, using every opportunity to learn. And finally, find your authentic self and be true to it. Don’t try to be someone you’re not.”

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Eloiza T.B. Domingo-Snyder Title: Senior Director of Diversity and Inclusion, and Deputy Chief Diversity Officer Company: The Johns Hopkins Health System Industry: Healthcare CEO: Paul B. Rothman, M.D. Employees: 25,419 Headquarters: Baltimore, MD Education: M.S., Higher Education and Student Affairs, Indiana University

GENUINELY LISTENING AND INTENTLY LEARNING BUILDS THE ACUMEN YOU NEED TO NAVIGATE THE PIPELINE GRACEFULLY AND DELIBERATELY.

Personal philosophy: “Don’t hope, Work.” I believe that hope without work can quickly turn into complaining or misplaced vision. I believe in having hope, creating a vision with a strategy, then employing hard work to execute on the plan. Hope needs work, and work needs hope.

Words I live by: “Do You. Everything else is taken.” “Don’t prostitute yourself.” These two sayings remind me to be true to who I am because I am the only one of me. And to know my worth, and not believe that I have to sell myself to others in order for them to see my value.

~ ELOIZA T. B. DOMINGO-SNYDER

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loiza Domingo-Snyder, senior director and deputy chief diversity officer for Johns Hopkins Medicine, is a visionary leader with a history of spearheading positive organizational shifts around cultural competence, diversity and inclusion. Over a 16-year career, Domingo-Snyder has held leadership roles and brought about transformative change at organizations involved in higher education, business, law enforcement and health care.

She achieves this change by assembling teams of unique and talented individuals, and inspiring them to work collectively to devise strategies that will help create a climate of inclusive excellence. Her peers describe her as an outstanding leader who will advance the field of diversity, inclusion and cultural competence for years to come.

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In 2016, Domingo-Snyder was recognized by the Filipina Women’s Network as one of the 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the World, and in 2007, she was awarded Ally of the Year by the Office of LGBTQ Services at Miami University (OH). She also co-developed the Cultural Competence Instrument for the Psychometric Assessment of Healthcare Providers, which was featured in a 2015 issue of INQUIRY: The Journal of Health Care Organization, Provision, and Financing. She gives back by mentoring women of color, especially in the areas of career development, identity development and career-family balance.

According to DomingoSnyder, diversity recognizes and values individual differences, while inclusion mobilizes those differences and leverages individual

contributions to generate new ideas and innovative solutions. “While already large, the body of literature is growing that shows how bringing together diverse talents, ways of thinking, styles of working, approaches and backgrounds is not only essential, but critical to successful, efficient and financially effective teams,” she explains.

As women move up the career pipeline, she says there is a fine balance to strike between asserting yourself and listening to, and learning from, current leadership.

“Genuinely listening and intently learning builds the acumen you need to navigate the pipeline gracefully and deliberately,” she advises. “Each move you make is more secure because, along the way, you’ve absorbed the skills necessary to live and succeed within each part of the pipeline.”

Gwyn Williams Title: Litigation & Trial partner Company: Latham & Watkins LLP Industry: Legal Services CEO: William Voge, Chair and Managing Partner Employees: 5,000 (approx.)

Education: J.D., Boston University School of Law; B.A., Princeton University Personal philosophy: “Keep Calm and Carry On.” So much about being a good lawyer (and parent, for that matter) is about being like the duck that’s calmly gliding along, but paddling furiously below the water.

Words I live by: I don’t really have a motto, but I suppose if I had to pick one, it would be “it’s better to ask for forgiveness than for permission.”

STICK WITH IT. IF YOU’RE STRUGGLING AT WORK, TALK TO YOUR MENTORS, TALK TO YOUR PEERS. I CAN’T TELL YOU THE NUMBER OF TIMES I HEAR THE STORY OF A TALENTED YOUNG WOMAN WHO QUIT AND IT WAS THE FIRST ANYONE KNEW THAT SHE WAS UNHAPPY. ~ GWYN WILLIAMS

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s a litigation and trial partner, and leader in Latham & Watkins’ Boston office, Gwyn Williams has developed an extensive practice defending mass tort and product liability claims, as well as other types of personal injury/ wrongful death claims, for clients like Philip Morris International.

In addition, she serves as global chair of the Product Liability, Mass Torts and Consumer Class Actions Practice, overseeing 80 Latham lawyers across jurisdictions.

She also provides product liability counseling to clients on matters such as the content and dissemination of product warnings, disclaimers of warranties, and indemnification strategies, and is a contributing author for the 50-State Survey

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of Consumer Class Action Law, published by the American Bar Association.

Williams is a longtime member of the firm’s Women Enriching Business Committee, whose mission includes promoting and supporting the success of women in the legal industry. For many years, she served on the firm’s Associates Committee, focused on associate progression, and held a position on its Reduced Pace Subcommittee, a role which allowed her to have a direct impact on the advancement of women at Latham.

She mentors women lawyers in the Boston office by participating in the local Women Lawyers Group, and maintaining an “open door” policy that allows mentees to reach out at any time with questions

about business development, leadership and work-life balance – something she accomplished as a mother of three.

Asked what is her greatest accomplishment, Williams responds by saying it is still a work in progress.

“I’m confident that helping to found and grow Latham’s Boston office, specifically the litigation and trial group, will ultimately be my greatest professional accomplishment.”

Williams offers this advice to young women: “Stick with it. If you’re struggling at work, talk to your mentors, talk to your peers. I can’t tell you the number of times I hear the story of a talented young woman who quit and it was the first anyone knew that she was unhappy.”

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Dr. Lisa Tseng Title: Executive Vice President Company: Optum Industry: Health Care CEO: Larry Renfro Employees: 132,000 globally Headquarters: Eden Prairie, MN Education: M.D., UCLA School of Medicine; B.S., Physiological Science, minor in Neuroscience, UCLA Personal philosophy: Be accountable, adaptable and ambitious.

Words I live by: Offer the best of myself to my team and the people we serve.

I FEEL A PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY TO ‘PAY FORWARD’ THE GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT I’VE RECEIVED FROM VARIOUS MENTORS. ~ DR. LISA TSENG

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isa Tseng, M.D., is an entrepreneurial leader who has developed several innovative businesses, products and systems within UnitedHealth Group, the nation’s largest health company and a Fortune 6 company. Needless to say, she has made a significant impact on the company.

Currently an executive vice president at Optum, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group, Tseng leads cross-functional teams that improve operations, increase profitability and deliver high level customer satisfaction for states and major customers. Earlier in her Optum career she founded hi HealthInnovations, a national hearing aid company. She also built a network of urgent care clinics and led Optum Complex Population Management, which delivers care to individuals with medically complex conditions in 36 states.

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Committed to the professional growth of the next generation of leaders, Tseng serves as an informal mentor to younger Optum colleagues. “I feel a personal responsibility to ‘pay forward’ the guidance and support I’ve received from various mentors,” she says.

Previously, she served on the National Leadership Team of the American Medical Student Association and was the National President of the Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association.

This Optum executive believes that diversity is vital to the success of any organization competing in the global economy. “As the world continues to evolve and become more connected, it is important that businesses bring in talented people with a range of experiences

and perspectives,” she explains.

“No one person has all the answers, so it is crucial to develop teams with diverse backgrounds and ways of solving problems. Studies show that diverse companies outperform industry norms. For example, a McKinsey study of 366 public companies found that those in the top quartile for diversity were also 35 percent more likely to have financial returns above national industry medians.”

Tseng has this bit of advice for other women: “As my mentors advised me, I would encourage women to ‘hit the wall hard.’

By giving your best effort and stretching yourself, you can achieve better results than if you accept the status quo.”

She also shares her personal philosophy: “Be accountable, adaptable and ambitious.”

Ann Marie Mortimer Title: Firm Partner and Los Angeles Office Managing Partner; Head, Environmental & Energy Litigation Team Company: Hunton & Williams LLP Industry: Legal Services CEO: Walfrido J. Martinez, Managing Partner Employees: 1,409 Headquarters: Washington, DC Education: J.D., University of California (Boalt Hall) M.Sc., London School of Economics, B.A., Smith College Personal philosophy: My personal philosophy is to always strive to do my personal best, as a professional, a wife, a parent and a friend.

I do not compare myself to others to measure my success. My yardstick is my personal expectation that I will always give my best effort and focus, and the results that achieves on an individual and team basis.

Words I live by: Be your best, every day and in every way. If you fall short, try again, and try harder

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ne of a handful of female managing partners in California, Ann Marie Mortimer also heads Hunton & Williams’ energy and environmental litigation practice. For 20 years, she has successfully counseled clients through high-impact consumer protection and false advertising class action lawsuits, as well as environmental and toxic tort multiparty litigation. Besides lead-ing a high-profile and demanding practice, she manages a variety of pro bono matters, making her one of the state’s most well-regarded lawyers.

Currently, Mortimer is defending an internet service provider in approximately 40 class action lawsuits involving what has been described as one of the largest security incidents in history – a state-sponsored criminal intrusion into the client’s network systems.

“The complexity of the matter is challenging and exciting, as well as timely, given the current national focus on the risks of foreign criminal cyber intrusions into U.S. affairs and businesses,” she explains.

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NOBODY WILL BE AS INVESTED IN YOUR SUCCESS AS YOU ARE. IT IS NOT A PASSIVE PROCESS, SO ACTIVELY LOOK FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO BUILD AND SHOWCASE YOUR PROFESSIONAL ABILITIES. ~ ANN MARIE MORTIMER “I am the product of a women’s college, so I am a big believer in the power of women united. I believe my willingness to speak up and make my ideas known, candidly and without apology, helped me become a leader in my profession,” Mortimer observes. “I am proud to be able to recruit women lawyers and recommend them to firm clients, giving them an opportunity to share their ideas and move into leadership roles.”

“In today’s marketplace, companies do business across the globe. Those with management teams that most closely reflect this diversity have greater insights, find more markets and, consequently, earn higher profits,” continues

Mortimer. “The same is true in legal representation. Inclusion and diversity is not only the right thing to do, it also ensures better results.”

Finally, Mortimer advises younger women to be the stewards of their own destiny. “Nobody will be as invested in your success as you are. It is not a passive process, so actively look for opportunities to build and showcase your professional abilities. Also, while it is a natural and human tendency to be humble about your skills, in the workplace, stretch yourself and have confidence that when you reach, you can achieve,” she concludes.

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IN BUSINESS, UNITY OF PURPOSE COUPLED WITH DIVERSITY OF OPINION IS THE MODEL OF SUCCESS. ~ MICHELE LYNN CONNELL

Michele Lynn Connell Title: Managing Partner - Cleveland Company: Squire Patton Boggs Industry: Legal Services CEO: Mark Ruehlmann Headquarters: Cleveland, OH Education: J.D., Case Western Univeristy Reserve School of Law; B.S., International Relations, School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University Personal philosophy: Elevate the good of the whole over the good of the individual. When I follow this in my professional or personal life, it always leads me to the right result.

Words I live by: To whom much is given, much is required.

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ichele Lynn Connell is managing partner of Squire Patton Boggs’ Cleveland office, the city in which the firm was founded and is headquartered.

Also a member of the firm’s Latin America Executive Committee, Connell focuses on international mergers and acquisitions, compliance and securities matters.

She has completed transactions in more than 20 countries, manages teams across the globe and counsels public and private companies, and their boards, regarding corporate governance practices and securities compliance matters.

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Connell has chaired women’s leadership conferences and is a champion of the Squire Patton Boggs Foundation Fellowship program that matches students with public interest work each summer. She also serves on the board of directors of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, is a member of United Way of Greater Cleveland’s Women’s Leadership Council, and is a committee member for Direct Women, an organization dedicated to increasing the representation of women on corporate boards.

The firm’s global chairman and CEO Mark Ruehlmann has this to say about Connell, “In the years that I have known Michele, she has proven to be an exceptional lawyer and a highly regarded, natural leader, whose experience, integrity and commitment to the community set her apart.”

“Diversity and inclusion means everyone gets to bring his or her best self to work every day,” states Connell. “When we achieve that level of inclusion, we will have assembled a group best equipped to achieve our goals,” she explains.

“In business, unity of purpose coupled with diversity of opinion is the model of success. Diversity will counter weakness, amplify strength and move the company forward.”

Before attending law school, Connell was a foreign service officer with the U.S. Department of State, serving as a diplomat in Warsaw, Poland, and Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

She received the Meritorious Honor Award for her service.

Connell offers women this wisdom: “Don’t be afraid to ask for advice, seek counsel and discuss. But at the end of the day, be confident in your decisions. And manage your career so that you are comfortable with your balance, your goals and your choices.”

Kimberly A. Harriman Title: Senior Vice President, Public and Regulatory Affairs Company: New York Power Authority Industry: Electric Utility CEO: Gil Quiniones Employees: 1,500 plus Headquarters: White Plains, NY Education: J.D., Albany Law School Personal philosophy: Everyone is replaceable; just work hard to ensure that no one wants to start looking for your replacement.

Words I live by: Be passionate, be bold, and be unafraid.

I AM ALWAYS LOOKING FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO ENCOURAGE OTHER WOMEN WITHIN NYPA AND ACROSS MY INDUSTRY TO HAVE THE COURAGE TO TAKE THE LEAP INTO THE SOMEWHAT UNKNOWN. ~ KIMBERLY A. HARRIMAN

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s senior vice president for Public and Regulatory Affairs at New York Power Authority (NYPA), Kimberly Harriman recently led a complex integration project that saw the successful transfer of jurisdiction over New York’s 524-mile canal system from the New York State Thruway Authority to NYPA. Her 60-member team coordinated with canal employees, labor and stakeholders; addressing legal, regulatory, economic, policy and management issues.

The transfer opens the door for innovation throughout the system, ranging from harnessing hydro power to seeding economic development opportunities across canal communities. Harriman cites this transfer as, perhaps, her greatest professional accomplishment.

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Harriman has dedicated her career to forging connections between energy regulations and human benefits to create and implement solutions that improve, and sometimes save, the lives of New Yorkers. When Superstorm Sandy caused outages that stretched into weeks, she was on the front line of the investigation, getting to the heart of what went wrong, while working to create a response system that would ensure increased security for all New Yorkers.

presided over major utility rate cases.

Previously, Harriman served as general counsel to the Department of Public Service (DPS), where she was pivotal in helping design and administer Governor Andrew Cuomo’s landmark Reforming the Energy Vision, a new and comprehensive energy strategy for cleaner, more resilient and affordable energy. While at DPS, she also

Her advice to up-and-coming professional women: “Take control of your destiny and always keep reconsidering what is possible. Do not let someone else determine your future or your worth as a professional. You have far more authority to control your fate, and what you eventually do, than you first imagine.”

Harriman explains her role in leadership as stepping up to challenges and operating outside her sphere of responsibility. “With these experiences guiding and encouraging me, I am always looking for opportunities to encourage other women within NYPA and across my industry to have the courage to take the leap into the somewhat unknown.”

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Deborah A. Sundal Title: Senior Vice President of Product Architecture Company: UnitedHealth Group Industry: Health Care CEO: Stephen Hemsley Employees: 265,000 Headquarters: Minnetonka, MN Education: M.A., University of Minnesota; B.A., Luther College

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t a time when innovation is needed to improve the health care system, Deborah Sundal is at the forefront of change at the nation’s largest healthcare company, developing new products, programs and solutions.

Sundal has more than two decades of success developing transformational healthcare products and programs by applying academic research in business settings. As senior vice president of product architecture at UnitedHealth Group, she leads the design and implementation of programs that engage healthcare consumers, improve quality and reduce costs.

In addition to Sundal’s work on the company’s research and development team, overseeing a portfolio of transformational projects, she leads the Corporate Innovation Council, which communicates innovative goals and successes, builds collaborations, facilitates innovation, and partners across the enterprise to drive positive and real solutions.

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Personal philosophy: No matter the situation or challenge, I strive to give full effort, approach projects and relationships with curiosity, and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams with the goal to positively impact the lives of others.

Words I live by: “Action springs not from thought, but from a readiness for responsibility.”- Dietrich Bonhoeffer

MY PURSUIT TO FIND AN EFFECTIVE INTERVENTION TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF OVERWEIGHT CHILDREN CAUSED ME TO LEAVE A CAREER IN EDUCATION AND JOIN A WELLNESS START-UP COMPANY. ~ DEBORAH A. SUNDAL care, child-hood obesity, adult weight loss, pre-diabetes, diabetes and transparency resources for healthcare quality and cost.

“Since joining UnitedHealth Group, I have spent more than a decade creating, architecting and scaling evidence-based products.

Every day we are breathing new life into the healthcare system by creating a series of innovations that use clinical evidence and intuitive design to help improve the health of adults and children,” Sundal says.

She is especially proud of JOIN for ME, an evidence-based childhood obesity intervention she developed and launched. “My pursuit to find an effective intervention to improve the health of overweight children caused me to leave a career in education and join a wellness start-up company in 2005. Our

small team focused on helping kids and families who struggled with excess weight see results.

When our approach caught the attention of UnitedHealth Group, my company, MYnetico, was acquired in 2006 with the goal of using our assets and capabilities to help scale wellness products for UnitedHealthcare members.

An instinct to pursue a personal passion early in my career has led me to years of meaningful work in transforming healthcare.”

“My message to women early in their career path is to find your passion, surround yourself with excellence and have the courage, confidence and tenacity to pursue selfless goals, no matter the challenge or obstacle,” counsels Sundal.

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Elaine K. Kim Title: Partner Company: Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP Industry: Legal CEO: Kevin Gaut, Chairman Employees: 287 Headquarters: Los Angeles, CA Education: J.D., Yale Law School Personal philosophy: My grandmother hammered into my psyche from a very young age that I should always do everything to the fullest and finish what I started, from eating everything on my plate to trying new things even if I might fail.

Words I live by: Live by your code of ethics and morals.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION MAKE COMPANIES BETTER PLACES TO WORK, AND BETTER AT MEETING THE NEEDS OF CLIENTS AND CUSTOMERS. ~ ELAINE K. KIM

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olleagues at Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp (MSK) say that Elaine K. Kim, who joined the firm in 2011, is a remarkable role model for female and diverse attorneys. A 2005 graduate of Yale Law School and a partner at MSK, Kim is an effective rainmaker and accomplished litigator. She represents clients in cases involving complex commercial litigation and high-stakes IP issues, and thrives in a male-dominated legal environment. In one such case, she successfully represented a major motion-picture production company and the writer/director of one of the highest-grossing movies of all time in a highly publicized breach of contract and fraud case.

As a member of MSK’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee, Kim has

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been instrumental in helping to bring new perspectives and best practices to the firm. She is also working to implement recruitment, retention and promotion policies consistent with the firm’s diversity and inclusion goals.

Community service and advocacy for women and minorities in the legal profession are important to Kim. In addition to serving on the board of the Asian Pacific Community Fund, she belongs to several professional and civic associations, including the Korean American Coalition, Korean Community Lawyers Association, Korean American Bar Association of Southern California and Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Los Angeles.

Diversity and inclusion are more than words to Kim. “To me, diversity and inclusion mean that differences in backgrounds and thinking are valued and welcomed,” she says, “and that the workplace actively seeks to address all forms of bias.” Kim goes on to explain, “Today, businesses— like the societies they serve—are made up of diverse individuals.

Diversity and inclusion make companies better places to work, and better at meeting the needs of clients and customers.”

Kim offers this advice to women building careers: “Seek out mentorship and advice from women who have moved up the pipeline ahead of you. And don’t forget to include and support the women who are moving up the pipeline after you.”

Jasleen K. Makker Title: Director - Corporate Communications Company: HARMAN Industry: Technology CEO: Dinesh Paliwal Employees: 30,000 Headquarters: Stamford, CT Education: Post-Graduation from Indian Institute of Mass Communications (IIMC), Delhi University Personal philosophy: “If you bring curiosity and faith to your work every day, the rest will follow.” I made this my mantra for life and work. To date, I am curious of everything that is around me and I keep faith when the chips are down.

Words I live by: “Bring your faith and curiosity and the rest will follow”

I URGE WOMEN TO REMAIN CONFIDENT, SPARK NEW IDEAS AND CONVERSATIONS, AND FOLLOW THEIR DREAMS … AND HAVE FUN ONCE IN A WHILE. ~ JASLEEN K. MAKKER

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asleen Makker, HARMAN’s director of corporate communications, leads the company’s communications in India, the company’s largest employee base of over 8,500. She also leads the Connected Services division, with 12,000 employees globally.

A key member of HARMAN’s communications leadership team, Makker demonstrates a powerful mix of communications and operational leadership. At a time when companies vie for talent, she has helped strengthen recruiting, and increased retention and engagement through effective storytelling, strong communications, community relations, and diversity and inclusion programs. She also oversees thought leadership and media relations, securing strong media coverage for HARMAN even when competing against much larger companies.

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Although Makker contends that diversity in the workforce, and its positive effect on business is nothing new, she also believes that truly successful and innovative companies build diverse teams.

“Diversity and inclusion means support for a collaborative environment that values open participation from individuals with different ideas and perspectives,” she explains. “A diverse set of minds within a company will better serve tomorrow’s customers; companies that accept unique ideas and perspectives will be most successful.”

She goes on to say, “I read somewhere that companies that give their employees ‘the freedom to fail’ are most successful. At HARMAN, I’ve always had a strong backing from my manager to introduce new ways of working

and engaging employees. For me, this is also inclusive.”

Makker’s advice to professional women is to block any negative chatter they hear, particularly if it relates to gender. “Throughout my career, I haven’t let negative voices block my vision. I continue to use that approach even today,” she says.

“I urge women to remain confident, spark new ideas and conversations, and follow their dreams … and have fun once in a while.”

She also encourages women to help, support and engage with each other. “We need to form informal networking groups of working and stay-at-home mothers, and lend a hand when things get difficult for someone,” she says. Makker relays a piece of advice she was told: “If you bring curiosity and faith to your work every day, the rest will follow.”

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Sharon Lykins Title: Sr. Director, Product Innovation Company: Denny’s Inc. Industry: Restaurant CEO: John C. Miller Headquarters: Spartanburg, SC Education: Executive Leadership Program, Northwestern University; B.S., Food Science, University of Kentucky Personal philosophy: Servant leadership—make sure your team has what they need to do the job (including good direction), then get help to remove barriers to their success.

Words I live by: It doesn’t matter how many times you fall down, it matters how many times you get up again.

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haron Lykins, senior director I HAVE CHANGED COMPANIES TO of product innovation for FURTHER MY GROWTH AND I HAVE Denny’s Inc., is an integral APPROACHED SENIOR LEADERSHIP member of Denny’s product development team. Her colleagues WITH BUSINESS PLANS REGARDING see her as tireless in her search for HOW I WOULD LEAD. the best products and solutions to ~ SHARON LYKINS ensure high-quality, flavorful food that meets their guests’ needs. They say her passion is contagious, quickly spreading to her team members and resulted in her being named to business plans regarding how I would others. Lykins shares credit with her the Griffin Report’s 2014 listing lead. Both options were successful.” team for their successes. of Women of Influence in the Food Industry.

“Throughout my career, I have A food science graduate from been fortunate to have managers the University of Kentucky, Lykins “I have worked to gain experience willing to give me assignments that continued her culinary education in every aspect of the business that stretched my abilities,” she says. “In with courses at both Johnson & touches product development,” says my current role, I try to give those Wales and the Culinary Institute Lykins. “Accomplishing this gives in my group similar opportunities to of America. Over the last 20-plus me a unique perspective on how the shine. I encourage the members of my years, she has gained experience puzzle pieces fit together to yield team to voice their concerns and offer in disciplines affecting the food results and how to teach/lead my solutions to hurdles they see.” product development process. She teams effectively.” has worked on both the food service Lykins’ message to those in her and processing sides of the food “When you are with one company group, as well as other women industry, with accomplishments for many years, there is risk of starting their careers, is to speak in product development, quality being type cast in one role. Lykins up, focus on results and make sure assurance, purchasing and explains. “I have changed companies you have a champion within your international product manageto further my growth and I have company to sing your praises. And ment. Her passion and dedication approached senior leadership with remember to champion others as well.

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Hélène Etzi Title: Senior Vice President General Manager Disney Channels EMEA and France Company: The Walt Disney Company Industry: Media CEO: Robert Iger Employees: 195,000 (globally) Headquarters: Burbank, CA Education: Master of Marketing and Communication, Celsa, Sorbonne Paris Personal philosophy: “I have striven not to laugh at human actions, not to weep at them, nor to hate them, but to understand them” – Spinoza Words I live by: When there is a will there is a way.

TRUST YOURSELVES, FOLLOW YOUR INSTINCTS AND YOUR HEART, AND FIGHT FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN – YOUR VALUES, YOUR IDEAS, YOUR VISION OF THE FUTURE AND YOUR MANAGEMENT STYLE. ~ HÉLÈNE ETZI

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s senior vice president and general manager of Disney Channels EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa), Hélène Etzi oversees Disneybranded television channels available in 117 countries and 22 languages, and leads teams in charge of programming, production and acquisitions, marketing and operations. Etzi’s responsibilities include the development of Disneybranded channels in the digital world by creating new experiences on all platforms, consolidating Disney Channels’ audience leadership throughout EMEA, and increasing the local production of new content and the emergence of local talent.

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marketing officer for The Walt Disney Company France. She was responsible for marketing Disney brands in France and developing the franchise portfolio. Under her leadership, Disney Channels France won prestigious industry honors.

aspirations for the future (from both a personal and professional point of view). Our content is designed to entertain them, of course, but it should also trigger conversations with their friends, their caregivers and their parents.”

Etzi thinks that although diversity as a concept is very simple, it’s very complicated to execute. “To me, diversity and inclusion mean that workplaces reflect the world we are living in.”

With regard to diversity in media, she has this to say, “As storytellers, I think we have a huge responsibility and must take it very seriously.

The characters in our stories are role models for many kids – and their families. Every day, we help shape their view of the world, their understanding of the roles of women and men, and their

Etzi offers this advice to women, “Trust yourselves, follow your instincts and your heart, and fight for what you believe in – your values, your ideas, your vision of the future and your management style. After you, your boss and a few key people on your team are the most important resources in your career. Make sure you share something in common, or something complementary, with them. This is important, as you need to develop a relationship based on trust, goodwill and kindness. Be fair and respectful – however, be careful not to be naive or weak.”

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Kathryn M. Horgan Title: Chief Human Resources and Corporate Citizenship Officer, State Street Corporation Company: State Street Corporation Industry: Financial Services CEO: Joseph Hooley Employees: 34,000 Headquarters: Boston, MA Education: B.S., Industrial & Labor Relations, Cornell University Personal philosophy: Treat people the way that you like to be treated.

Words I live by: Stay humble, work hard, be kind.

WITHOUT AN ABILITY TO CREATE AN INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT THAT ATTRACTS AND RETAINS A DIVERSITY OF TALENT FROM ALL SOURCES, BUSINESSES WILL NOT BE ABLE TO COMPETE IN TODAY’S WORLD. ~ KATHRYN M. HORGAN

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n her current role at State Street, Kathy Horgan leads all global functions related to talent acquisition, career and leadership development, compensation and benefits, succession planning, diversity and inclusion, and corporate citizenship.

Since joining State Street eight years ago, she has advanced rapidly and is now the global head of human resources and corporate citizenship, and a member of the Management Committee, the company’s most senior strategy and policy-making team. She works to ensure that State Street’s 34,000 employees feel engaged, valued and committed to the markets and clients they serve.

She also advocates for issues related to diversity and inclusion, gender pay equity and flexible work.

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Horgan chairs the company’s North American benefits committee and is a member of the professional women’s network global advisory board. As a member of Leading Women, a sponsorship program for senior women across the company, she has been a mentor for countless female employees.

Describing her journey to becoming the leader she is today, Horgan says, “I have always operated best as part of a team, and that has allowed me to develop informal and formal leadership skills over the course of my career. At State Street, we have a very strong professional women’s network, and through their programming, including mentoring, panel discussions and other events, I have been able to share my story with State Street women around the world.”

For Horgan, diversity means “creating an environment where everyone can be successful, thereby fostering creativity, innovation and better solutions to problems.”

She explains, “Talent is a critical input for all businesses. Without an ability to create an inclusive environment that attracts and retains a diversity of talent from all sources, businesses will not be able to compete in today’s world.”

Horgan offers this advice to other women: “Keep pushing, trying new things and putting yourself in challenging situations.

The earlier in your career you face adversity – whether that is balancing the demands of your job, working with a difficult colleague or manager, or having to stretch yourself in order to solve a business problem – the better prepared you are for the uncertainty and hurdles that come with advancement.”

Amy Freedman Title: Chief Executive Officer Company: Kingsdale Advisors Industry: Financial Services Employees: 70 Headquarters: Toronto, ON Education: J.D., M.B.A., University of Toronto Personal philosophy: Operate with integrity – it is the only way to get any sleep at night.

Words I live by: Do to others as you would have them do to you.

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my Freedman was recently named CEO at Kingsdale Advisors, the dominant player in shareholder advisory services, shareholder activism and contested merger and acquisitions situations. In an industry generally populated by males on Bay Street and Wall Street, Freedman’s capital markets and governance expertise makes her a trusted strategic advisor to the biggest names on the TSX. She provides advice in high-stake situations to the C-suite and boardroom, and oversees the day-to-day operations of Kingsdale’s Toronto and New York offices.

Freedman has extensive experience leading transaction management, positioning companies for success in the marketplace across a broad spectrum of industries and a deep understanding of capital markets.

A seasoned capital markets professional with more than 12 years of experience in investment banking, Freedman focuses her team on providing superior service and outstanding strategic advice to public company boards and

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OPERATE WITH INTEGRITY – IT IS THE ONLY WAY TO GET ANY SLEEP AT NIGHT. ~ AMY FREEDMAN management as they strive to enhance value for shareholders. She is also responsible for leading the firm’s growth and thought leadership.

In addition to her current role at Kingsdale, she is a director of Mandalay Resources Corporation.

Freedman began her career at Morgan Stanley in New York as an investment banking associate, where she managed equity transactions and client coverage. Four years later, she returned to Toronto and joined National Bank Financial. Her most recent position was as managing director of equity capital markets for Stifel, where she spent eight years.

A commitment to diversity in the workplace, along with an inclusive environment that

welcomes a variety of opinions, perspectives and behaviors, helps ensure that new ideas are introduced that result in better decisions. Less homogenous workplace environments can lead to greater enjoyment, higher productivity and more frequent successes.

Driven by her desire to succeed, Freedman says it was “sheer grit and determination,” coupled with skill and experience, that enabled her to become the leader she is today. She offers women building careers this advice: “Operate with integrity – it is the only way to get any sleep at night.” She also shares these words of encouragement: “Stick with it – opting out comes at a cost.”

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Sara Taylor Title: President Company: deepSEE Consulting Industry: Training and Consulting Employees: 12 Headquarters: St. Paul, MN Education: M.A., Organizational Development and Diversity, University of Minnesota Personal philosophy: Joy and positivity are always an option. Like the line from Pipen, “Make the ordinary extraordinary,” I can choose to make every day fabulous!

Words I live by: Assume positive intent and seek to understand the perspective of others.

AS A DIVERSITY PRACTITIONER, MY GOAL IS TO DEVELOP THAT COMPETENCE IN INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANIZATIONS, SO THAT THEY CAN FULLY EXPERIENCE THE RICHNESS OF DIVERSITY. ~ SARA TAYLOR

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ara Taylor is the founder and president of deepSEE Consulting, a global firm specializing in diversity and leadership development. Taylor and her team work with organizations and individuals, helping them operate as effectively as possible as they conduct business in the context of today’s diverse communities and work environments. She has partnered with executives around the world, applying her particular expertise in cultural competence to improve their organizational effectiveness.

A thought leader in the D&I community, Taylor’s unique style moves individuals and organizations through measurable change. In the board room or the boiler room, she ably translates her knowledge of 74

cultural competence and transforms challenges into learning. An innovator in the field of diversity and inclusion, she works to evolve the practice to the next level— Diversity 3.0 or Transformational Diversity. Her expertise is showcased in her recent best seller Filter Shift: How Effective People SEE the World.

She literally wrote the book on how to be more effective as we interact across differences.

Taylor holds a master’s degree in diversity and organizational development from the University of Minnesota, and served as a chief diversity officer before founding her own company.

Organizations began the practice of diversity – Diversity 1.0 – with a focus on representation and a goal

to offer equitable workplace opportunities, says Taylor. Current practices, or Diversity 2.0, focus on inclusion, respect and engagement. Diversity 3.0, or Transformational Diversity, will enable leaders to transform situations and organizations through understanding and responding to increased complexity, and developing cultural competence.

“As a diversity practitioner,” explains Taylor, “my goal is to develop that competence in individuals and organizations, so that they can fully experience the richness of diversity.”

Taylor offers this advice to other women: “Be kind to yourself and other women. Quiet your inner critic. Be true to yourself and your passion. And remember, joy and positivity are always an option.”

“Becoming our most effective selves as we interact across difference requires an effort to understand the origin of our own unconscious beliefs, values, and preferences, as well as those of everyone around us.”

Sara Taylor President and Founder deepSEE Consulting

Sara Taylor has been helping others achieve this vital level of interaction for over 25 years, recently distilling her thoughts in her best-selling book, Filter Shift: How Effective People SEE the World. We at deepSEE Consulting applaud our founder and CEO for being named one of this year’s Women Worth Watching. You inspire us every day, and help change the world with your ongoing work.

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Isabel C. Safie Title: Partner Company: Best Best & Krieger LLP Industry: Legal Services CEO: Eric Garner Employees: 331 Headquarters: Riverside, CA Education: J.D., University of California Los Angeles, School of Law; B.A., Political Science with a minor in Human Biology, Stanford University Personal philosophy: To never forget where I came from. I am the daughter of a Mexican immigrant mother who came to this country looking for a better life for herself and her future children.

I understand the odds were against me, but I earned my place and I owe a debt to those that helped pave the way for me. I’ll pay that debt for the rest of my life by helping others like me, and unlike me, because diversity is our strength.

Words I live by: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” – Dr. Seuss

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ow a partner at Best Best & Krieger, Isabel Safie joined the firm in 2005 straight out of law school and soon became an authority on public agency employee benefits, with an emphasis on pension and retiree health benefits. Safie’s rise in this practice area was impressive, not only because there were no attorneys at BB&K specializing in this area, and therefore no one to learn from, but also because she was able to forge connections with key professionals at administrative and regulatory entities who could facilitate the resolution of critical issues.

As part of her practice, Safie helps public agencies understand and navigate the world of pension law. Regarded as an authority, she is able to align the interests of the public agencies, their employees and the public they serve. Her practice also includes advising nonprofits regarding tax law and other issues unique to these organizations.

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DESPITE THE OFTEN SOLITARY GENESIS OF MY SUCCESS, I VALUE THE COLLABORATIVE PROCESS AND BELIEVE STRONGLY THAT IT IS MY OBLIGATION TO CLEAR THE PATH FOR OTHER WOMEN INTERESTED IN MY FIELD. ~ ISABEL CESANTO SAFIE Safie has served on the board of directors of Quest Scholars Program, Inc. for more than 15 years. An alumna of Quest, she brings a unique perspective that helps the nonprofit organization work to ensure that the nation’s most talented underserved students have access to the top universities in the United States.

Regarding diversity and inclusion, Safie explains, “If we surround ourselves with people who think and look like us, not only will we be out of touch with our increasingly diverse society, but we will also overlook valuable perspectives. In a global economy, a business that shuns diversity – in whatever form –

will not succeed. A diverse workplace suggests openness, tolerance and acceptance – all qualities that attract diverse clientele.”

“Despite the often solitary genesis of my success, I value the collaborative process and believe strongly that it is my obligation to clear the path for other women interested in my field,” Safie says.

“I do this by sharing my knowledge, guiding associates and putting an emphasis on team effort.” She also offers this advice, “We all face our own personal obstacles but nothing worth having is easy, so persevere and look ahead because your voice and perspective matter.”

Sheryl Koval Garko Title: Principal Company: Fish & Richardson Industry: Intellectual Property Law CEO: Peter Devlin Employees: 1,100 Headquarters: National Education: J.D., pro bono honors, University of Virginia School of Law; B.A., cum laude, Dartmouth College Personal philosophy: Don’t just take opportunities, create them.

Words I live by: “In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.” – Coco Chanel

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heryl Koval Garko, a principal with Fish & Richardson, focuses her intellectual properties practice on trademark, copyright and trade secret litigation.

She helps clients, from start-ups to Fortune 100 companies, protect their brands, copyrighted works, and trade secrets. While working with clients to avoid litigation, Garko also prepares to successfully defend them when the need arises.

For ten years, Garko has served as IP counsel for New Balance, one of the world’s largest manufacturers and distributors of athletic footwear and apparel. She recently secured a major victory for New Balance, and its iconic PF Flyers sneaker brand, in a case that has significance for the entire industry. It invalidated the trade dress for certain design elements. The case, which was named the top trademark ruling of 2016 by a leading industry magazine, is currently on appeal in the Federal Circuit.

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SEEING WHERE YOU CAN BRING A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE AND ADD VALUE, COUPLED WITH HARD WORK AND THE WILLINGNESS TO TAKE CHANCES, WILL GET YOU WHERE YOU WANT TO BE. ~ SHERYL KOVAL GARKO Garko was a special assistant district attorney for Middlesex County in 2008 and received the New England Diversity Counsel Leadership Excellence Award in 2015. A member of the Boston IP Inn of Court, an invitation-only honorary bar association, she also serves as the national litigation marketing leader at Fish & Richardson.

“I have gained success by following in the footsteps of the women who came before me. I had excellent mentors,” she continues. “I now strive to be one of those mentors to the more junior women I work with and empower them on their path forward.” Garko assures younger women that it gets easier. “You need to look at the long-term picture as you evaluate your career path.”

“Working my way up to become a principal at the nation’s number one IP litigation firm and being recognized as one of the leading practitioners in my field, but still able to spend lots of quality time with my daughter, is my most significant accomplishment,” observes Garko.

Like many others, Garko thinks diversity is important. “It leads to a better work product,” she says.

“The more diverse the people are at the table, the more diverse the viewpoints discussed, and the more creative and thoughtful the process becomes.”

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Kathy Zelenock Title: Member, Real Estate Group Company: Dickinson Wright PLLC Industry: Legal Services CEO: William T. Burgess Employees: 850 plus Headquarters: Detroit, MI Education: J.D., University of Notre Dame Law School; B.A., University of Michigan Personal philosophy: The vast majority of the time, hard work pays off. If you’ve put in the work, success will follow.

Words I live by: Work hard, play hard.

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athy Zelenock, an attorney at Dickinson Wright and a member of the firm’s real estate group, leads a team that represents commercial mortgage lenders and loan servicers, including Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac multifamily and manufactured housing lenders. Zelenock has acted as closing or supervising counsel for several billion dollars in commercial mortgage loans.

Chair of the Dickinson Wright Women’s Network, Zelenock led the development of innovative training and professional development coaching that helps female attorneys advance professionally. She also helped expand the Network beyond the firm’s Southeast Michigan location to the entire 18-office network, and led an effort to win participation in a university study of the firm’s diversity and inclusion efforts.

Leaving the practice of law briefly, Zelenock founded and served as CEO of a company that developed transaction management and document automation software 78

AS LAWYERS, WE CANNOT FULLY UNDERSTAND OUR CLIENT’S CHALLENGES AND PROVIDE HELPFUL COUNSEL WITHOUT A DIVERSITY OF VOICES INFORMING OUR ADVICE. ~ KATHY ZELENOCK that improves the efficiency of loan closing transactions.

A member of the American College of Mortgage Attorneys, Zelenock co-chairs its capital markets committee and is vice-chair of its technology committee. She is a member of the American Bar Association, the Mortgage Bankers’ Association of America and the Commercial Real Estate Finance Council. She has been named a leading real estate practitioner in Michigan by Chambers USA, Best Lawyers in America, Michigan Super Lawyers and DBusiness magazine.

For Zelenock, diversity and inclusion mean that everyone has the opportunity to contribute and achieve at work – gender, race,

religion, sexual preference and similar factors are not impediments.

“Embracing the contributions of diverse team members demonstrably benefits a company,” she explains. “As lawyers, we cannot fully understand our client’s challenges and provide helpful counsel without a diversity of voices informing our advice.”

She offers other women this advice: “Don’t compromise your dreams – if you can dream it, do it. Yes, it will be tough at times to succeed at home or at work, and there are going to be some tradeoffs, but everyone faces and overcomes many obstacles to succeed in life.”

And she adds, “The vast majority of the time, hard work pays off. If you’ve put in the work, success will follow.”

Su Rankin Title: Senior Vice President of Operations Company: Land O’Lakes Industry: Agriculture CEO: Chris Policinski Employees: 10,000 Headquarters: Arden Hills, MN Education: M.B.A., University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management; B.S., Food Science, University of Wisconsin Personal philosophy: Make inclusion a priority. Be real.

Be authentic.

Words I live by: Try and go a little slower, breathe a little deeper, and stretch a little farther; treasure the journey and people who are with you on it more than where you are headed.

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u Rankin’s story is one of determination, perseverance and a passion for finding ways to add her unique value to the agribusiness industry, helping blaze the trail for women in the field and making sure Land O’Lakes delivers on its mission to feed the world.

As senior vice president of operations at Land O’Lakes, Inc., Rankin oversees more than 90 facilities manufacturing products delivered under the LAND O’ LAKES® Dairy Foods, Purina Animal Nutrition and Winfield® United brands.

Rankin started her career as a canning foreman – the only female foreman – overseeing production at a meatpacking plant. She was then hired in a managerial position and learned on the job how to lead and develop her team.

This job helped Rankin realize that supply chain and manufacturing was the place for her. She found mentors in other colleagues and learned the ins and outs of a production line. She learned more exponentially in those first three SUMMER 2017

I THINK I’M FINALLY AT A LEVEL WHERE I CAN START BEING THE ONE TO LISTEN TO AND HAVE AN IMPACT ON COMPANY-WIDE INITIATIVES REGARDING INCLUSION, AND MAKING IT A PRIORITY. ~ SU RANKIN

years on the manufacturing floor than in any position since.

Gaining so much early in her career, Rankin has become an advocate and mentor for other professionals – especially women.

She leads the Women’s Leadership Network, which is one of six employee resource groups at Land O’Lakes. She also facilitates the company’s new roundtable series, which gives employees and leaders an opportunity to discuss tough topics. Rankin also sits on the Diversity Enrichment Council and recently helped Land O’Lakes achieve 100% on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index for the fourth consecutive year.

With all this success, Rankin says her proudest achievement was earning an MBA at the age of 48. “I learned a lot, but that experience really gave me an opportunity to build my network.

I didn’t have much of one and the MBA program allowed me to make connections across the Twin Cities,” she explains.

Looking back on her early career, Rankin says she spent time trying to get others to hear her concerns. “I think I’m finally at a level where I can start being the one to listen to and have an impact on company-wide initiatives regarding inclusion, and making it a priority,” she says.

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Jamie Barton Title: Executive Vice President Care and Sales Centers Company: AT&T Industry: Technology, Entertainment, & Telecommunications CEO: Randall Stephenson Employees: 270,000 Headquarters: Dallas, TX Education: M.B.A., University of Missouri–St. Louis Personal philosophy: I find a way. Regardless of the situation I’m facing, I know that I can always find a way to deliver results, fix what’s broken and win.

Words I live by: Once you make a decision and act, release your guilt and never look back.

THERE IS NO TIME TO GET STUCK IN THE STATUS QUO, AND CREATING DIVERSE TEAMS ENABLES US TO CONTINUOUSLY REDEFINE AND PROMOTE CORE VALUES THAT DRIVE OUR ACTIONS, DECISIONS AND OPERATIONS. ~ JAMIE BARTON

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amie Barton, AT&T Services’ executive vice president of Care and Sales Centers, oversees all consumer and business mobility contact centers, including sales, loyalty, service, care, technical support and digital. Her team of 87 thousand employees handles more than 400 million calls and chats each year.

best-in-class results and helped redefine customer service for the entire industry.

Barton launched her AT&T career in 1990 as a call center representative and has risen through the ranks to her current role. Her varied experiences over the past 25 years provide a unique perspective and understanding of the business that cannot be taught. According to colleagues, her unwavering loyalty to the customer, her community and AT&T make her an invaluable asset.

Her propensity to “find a way” has enabled her to lead teams to

When Barton isn’t working, she spends time giving back to her community. Through her involvement with Aspire Mentoring Academy, she shares her passion for careers in STEM and teaches key professional skills to underprivileged youth.

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In 2016, Barton was recognized

by CableFAX as one of the Most Powerful Women in Cable for her outstanding leadership, innovation and continued efforts to improve the industry.

Barton believes that creating an inclusive culture is crucial for success in business. “We are more successful when we promote an

environment of inclusion, where each individual is valued and every voice is heard,” she explains. “There is no time to get stuck in the status quo, and creating diverse teams enables us to continuously redefine and promote core values that drive our actions, decisions and operations.”

Always looking for ways to prepare her employees for their next career step, Barton encourages team members to think outside the box and to take opportunities that will stretch them to be better leaders in the future. She offers her teams these words of encouragement and wisdom: “You can do more than you think – take smart risks and trust your ability to deliver results. Once you make a decision and act, release your guilt and never look back.”

Stacey P. Slaughter Title: Partner Company: Robins Kaplan LLP Industry: Legal Services CEO: Martin R. Lueck, Chairman of the Executive Board Employees: 570 Headquarters: Minneapolis, MN Education: J.D., cum laude, University of Minnesota; Masters, University of Minnesota; B.A., magna cum laude with honors, Florida State University Personal philosophy / Words I live by: See the big picture and take the long view.

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tacey Slaughter, partner at Robins Kaplan LLP, has helped litigate, and resolve, several high-profile and innovative cases, affecting the financial markets over the past decade. In lawsuits involving residential-mortgagebacked securities and conspiracies in private-equity buyouts, she helped recover more than one billion dollars for her clients.

LIBOR (Intercontinental Exchange London Interbank Offered Rate) and foreign-exchange manipulation in Europe are also among the large cases she has been involved in.

Slaughter’s profile on issues impacting financial institutions is such that she has been named one of the 25 Most Influential Women in Securities Law by Law360 and has taught New York State Bar Association courses on high-volume trading and dark pools. She also co-chairs the Hennepin County Bar Association’s Business & Securities Law Section and is the executive director of the International

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I APPROACH OBSTACLES WITH SOLUTIONS IN MIND AND USE THEM AS LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES MOVING FORWARD. IT’S HOW YOU DEAL WITH OBSTACLES THAT’S IMPORTANT. ~ STACEY P. SLAUGHTER Financial Litigation Network, a leading global litigation network consisting of more than 40 law firms in 20 countries.

Slaughter’s legal work has been recognized by clients for its creativity, judgment, skill, strategy, and flawless execution—and for achieving extraordinary results. She says this recognition is her proudest professional accomplishment.

Slaughter says she became a leader as soon as she realized that leadership takes many forms and that you don’t need to have the title “leader” in order to be one. “Today’s exemplary leadership paradigms are

less ego-centric, do not require one to be anointed a leader, and value the input of many talented and diverse voices. I hope that the people I work with see leadership as something that we can all share,” she explains.

For Slaughter, obstacles are opportunities. “I approach obstacles with solutions in mind and use them as learning opportunities moving forward. It’s how you deal with obstacles that’s important.” She also offers this advice to women moving up in their careers: “Know what you want and why you want it. Be honest with yourself and allow that to guide your path.”

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Bronwyn F. Pollock Title: Partner, leader of the Litigation & Dispute Resolution Practice Group in Los Angeles and co-leader of the Commercial Litigation Practice Group Company: Mayer Brown LLP Industry: Legal Services Employees: More than 1,500 Education: J.D., Georgetown University Law Center; B.A., cum laude, University of Southern California Personal philosophy: Work hard, play hard.

Words I live by: “Good things happen to those who hustle.”

– Coach Chuck Noll

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partner at Mayer Brown LLP, Bronwyn Pollock also leads the firm’s Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice group in Los Angeles and co-leads its Commercial Litigation practice group. Pollock, the go-to SoCal lawyer for defending financial services and real estate companies in high-profile cases, has developed a cutting-edge litigation practice and is known for handling cases involving complex, difficult political and economic issues that require innovative and creative strategies.

As co-chair of Mayer Brown’s Women’s Leadership Committee, Pollock leads efforts to recruit, retain and support women lawyers.

She is also a member of the firm’s Committee on Diversity & Inclusion.

After graduating cum laude from the University of Southern California at the age of 18, she earned her J.D. from Georgetown University.

Pollock is passionate about many causes, including economic empowerment, diversity and

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OUR BACKGROUNDS AND EXPERIENCES SHAPE OUR THOUGHT PROCESSES, AND IT IS CRITICAL TO CONSIDER OUR VARIOUS VIEWPOINTS IF WE ARE TO DEVELOP THE BEST STRATEGY FOR OUR CLIENTS. ~ BRONWYN F. POLLOCK

inclusion, and women in leadership.

Since 2014, she has donated more than 300 pro bono hours to the Gary Sinise Foundation, supporting their efforts to build homes for severely wounded veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan and their families. Pollock also was a member of the Executive Committee of the Litigation Section of the LA County Bar Association. She supports several nonprofit and public interest organizations through pro bono work and other contributions.

For Pollock, diversity “means that everyone has a meaningful opportunity to earn a seat at the table.” She goes on to say, “I firmly

believe that diverse legal teams consistently produce the best results for our clients. Our backgrounds and experiences shape our thought processes, and it is critical to consider our various viewpoints if we are to develop the best strategy for our clients.”

Pollock offers this advice to other professional women: “Be proactive about ensuring that clients are aware of your interest in and commitment to solving their problems, and that partners understand your commitment to supporting them in that shared mission for our clients.” She also says, “Work hard, play hard.”

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Where She is Now...

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Elaine Chao as Secretary of Labor.

(2001-2009)

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here She is Now. This is an ongoing series in which we feature a past Woman Worth Watching, take a look at her accomplishments since she last appeared in our publication and show our readers why she continues to be worth watching. PDJ features hundreds of high-achieving women, as well as women with great promise. It’s worthwhile to see where they are now.

This year, PDJ is watching Elaine Chao, Secretary of Transportation.

Secretary Chao was featured in the 2002 Women Worth Watching issue, when she was Secretary of Labor under President George Bush. In 2017, Chao was appointed Secretary of Transportation by President Donald Trump.

June 9, 2017. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao sits with President Donald Trump while participating in the Roads, Rails, and Regulatory Relief Roundtable.

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Secretary Chao comes Critics and supporters alike 2 er 200 ecemb mber/D ve to the U.S. Department o believe Secretary Chao understands N • mber 6 e 4, Nu Volum of Transportation with the vital role the Department extensive experience in the plays in ensuring the safety of transportation sector. Early the country’s transportation in her career, she specialized systems. They also believe in transportation financing in she is keenly aware of the the private sector. She began her key role infrastructure plays executive career in public service in the nation’s economic working on transportation and competitiveness and in r pion fo trade issues at the White House.

Cham e strengthening economic forhc k r has o She went on to serve as Deputy o a growth in both the urban and W .C turetayry of LaboAr EplaersinoenLal ins wteitrvhiehwis n e C Maritime Administrator for the rural areas of our country.

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The 2 beeItnisprea proarithnge wfoormhearn PremsieridecantinB the global w EAL U.S. Department of Transportation, A R of with The iative vision Init who use Chairman of the Federal Maritime Secretary Chao will om mene’s r omen tions— o F w W S ss s usin PLU e Studiee . rpora -tw o b ake their co better place ch ty s u n a Commission and Deputy Secretary o e help spearhead President C itte & T Tw —a to m any cl out their world Delo otor Comp their ho te . and K ek i B Ford M /Ireland au th or of the U.S. Department of Trump’s efforts on st o om P fr n es A a se ri ton ife fi rs t in MetL llen Hamil re. lo gy,” A Transportation.

M et ho do d mo infrastructure investment. ty n Booz a si , ark a D iv er Highm ix S ig m :T he S e of u en ti on s et R is y And she assures that safety will be in or it 2002 turing P lu s “M Dec. a ./ e v f l o a In a season of contentious Senate a top priority for the U.S. DOT eN h urn r of th ersity Jo e Chao wit Cove in Div la confirmations, Secretary Chao was during her tenure. in E s r Profile ry of Labo ush. a B t perhaps the least challenging of e e r Sec eorg ent G President Trump’s major nominees.

Presid PDJ will continue to watch Elaine At her November 29 nomination Chao, because we believe her service hearing, senators from both parties to America is not over. remarked on her strong professional qualifications. Secretary Chao – Michael Sheehan, Editor n ectio ial S Spec

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Kathy Patoff Title: Chief Operating Officer, MUFG Union Bank Foundation Company: MUFG Industry: Financial Services CEO: Stephen Cummings Employees: More than 12,000 employees across the Americas Headquarters: New York, NY Education: M.P.A., San Diego State University; B.A., Economics, Pomona College Personal philosophy: Do your best.

Words I live by: Seek a physical, intellectual and spiritual balance and apply it to a good purpose.

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he chief operating officer for MUFG Union Bank Foundation, Kathy Patoff creates partnerships with communities, volunteers and bank employees to meet goals for stabilizing and revitalizing underprivileged communities.

She promotes social equity in foundation-supported activities and enterprises, and fosters a community-focused culture at the Foundation. Her colleagues describe her as “an inclusive and inspiring leader. Her devotion for serving the underserved population demonstrates her community commitment, as well her engagement with inclusion and diversity.”

Patoff ’s two decades at the intersection of San Diego’s public, private and nonprofit sectors have focused on serving vulnerable, low-income and multicultural populations. Since assuming the role of COO a year and a half ago, she has helped refine the Foundation’s philanthropic strategy, improved the grant process for both the Foundation and grantees, and engaged more bank employees in hands-on community building.

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FIND MENTORS. ASK FOR HELP. BE PATIENT WITH YOURSELF AND OTHERS. AND, STAY TRUE TO THAT WHICH MATTERS MOST TO YOU. ~ KATHY PATOFF “I strive to distinguish linchpin needs, viable solutions, effective partnerships and substantive outcomes from the greater clamor of activities and expectations,” she explains.

When asked about her greatest professional accomplishment to date, Patoff tells this story: “I encouraged our Foundation Board and local business line leaders to direct philanthropic resources to start an in-prison entrepreneurship program. It’s controversial, risky, and quite unusual in financial services, but such efforts are much needed,” she says. “It’s easy to espouse broad principles about diversity and compassion, but more difficult to stand behind them with deeds and resources. We did.”

For Patoff, diversity and inclusion means harmonizing different voices

and perspectives, so individuals can feel and act more effectively as one.

Diversity also means inviting and respecting different backgrounds and perspectives, which leads to questioning assumptions. That questioning leads to innovation.

And innovation affects the bottom line.

Patoff says that, when it came to growing professionally, she was her own greatest obstacle. “I’m slowly learning to find, hear and heed my own voice.”

Beyond her personal philosophy of “Do your best,” Patoff shares these nuggets of wisdom with other women who are building careers: “Find mentors. Ask for help. Be patient with yourself and others.

And, stay true to that which matters most to you.”

Jean Hempel, CIMA Title: Senior Vice President, National Accounts Company: Brinker Capital Industry: Financial Services CEO: Noreen Beaman Employees: 151 Headquarters: Berwyn, PA Education: B.A., English, New Jersey City University Personal philosophy: Set goals in life, both professionally and personally. The goals help you create a roadmap and the steps you need to get there. From there it is just one foot in front of the other!

Words I live by: The glass is always half full. Sometimes you need to work on finding the positives in every situation but it is there.

IT TOOK ME A WHILE TO RECOGNIZE THAT I WAS BEING OVERLOOKED JUST BECAUSE I WAS A WOMAN. I HAD TO LEARN TO STAND A LITTLE TALLER AND SPEAK A LITTLE LOUDER, SO IT WOULDN’T HAPPEN. ~ JEAN HEMPEL, CIMA

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ean Hempel, Brinker Capital’s senior vice president of national accounts, is responsible for the execution of the firm’s business development and relationship management strategies for key broker/dealer clients, and for the ongoing relationship management of key platform providers using Brinker Capital’s investment strategies. Previously, she worked as a national accounts manager, overseeing Brinker Capital’s broker/ dealer and registered investment advisor relationships, and as a sales associate for metropolitan New York and New Jersey.

One career-related obstacle Hempel had to overcome resulted from growing up with only sisters and attending an all-girl high

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school. “I was not exposed to gender discrimination,” she explains. “I grew up in a world where girls believed they could accomplish the same things boys could – and they did!

It took me a while to recognize that I was being overlooked just because I was a woman. I had to learn to stand a little taller and speak a little louder, so it wouldn’t happen.”

Hempel is a member of the Investment Management Consultant Association and was awarded its Certified Investment Management Analyst® designation in 2008. She is also a member of the Women in Insurance & Financial Services’ national and Philadelphia/TriCounty Pennsylvania chapters, and on the board of the Envestnet Institute’s Women in Wealth program.

“Workplace diversity is critical,” says Hempel, “Because businesses need an employee base that reflects the clients they serve if they want to be successful. For example, women now control about 33% of the wealth in North America – a number that is growing by roughly 8% per year – and firms need to attract the best female talent if they want to serve this growing client base.”

She shares this wisdom with women on their way up, “One of the best pieces of advice I received along the way is that you are the CEO of your own career. People will help you and they will mentor you, but ultimately it is up to you to figure out where you want your career to go and work hard to get there. Don’t wait for it to come to you, go after it.”

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SET YOUR GOALS TO PLEASE YOURSELF, BUT SET THEM HIGH, SO YOU’LL ALWAYS NEED TO STRETCH AND LEARN. ~ JANIS FRASER, PH.D.

Janis Fraser, Ph.D. Title: Principal Company: Fish & Richardson Industry: Intellectual Property Law CEO: Peter Devlin Employees: 1,100 Headquarters: National Education: Ph.D., biochemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; J.D., Harvard Law School; B.S., chemistry, with highest distinction, Nebraska Wesleyan University Personal philosophy: We are given only one life to live, so it should be lived as wonderfully as possible.

Words I live by: Never stop learning. Don’t even slow down.

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rom a one-room Nebraska schoolhouse to a doctorate in biochemistry from MIT and a law degree from Harvard, Dr. Janis Fraser broke many barriers on her way to becoming a top patent attorney at Fish & Richardson, the nation’s largest intellectual property (IP) law firm. Specializing in patent issues surrounding biologics and personalized medicine, Fraser helps clients obtain and defend U.S. patents for inventions such as antibodies, genes, gene therapies, cosmetics, pharmaceutical compounds and formulations, screening and treatment methods, diagnostics and transgenic animals.

Under Fraser’s leadership, a team from Fish & Richardson wrote a twovolume, 1,000-page course book on pharmaceutical and biotechnology patent law. She also co-created, and lectures at, Patent Resources Group’s advanced patent law course on Hatch-Waxman and biosimilars.

Fraser has served on the Leadership Council of the David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at MIT since its founding.

“I joined Fish & Richardson in the early days of the biotech revolution 88

and have, over the last 28 years, helped shape our biotech patent practice into the amazing industry leader it is today,” Fraser says.

One of Fraser’s proudest accomplishments was obtaining worldwide patent rights covering INOmax™ inhaled nitric oxide gas, an innovative therapy for safely delivering this toxic gas to newborns suffering from “blue baby” syndrome. Since it was brought to market in 2000, the therapy has saved countless infants’ lives worldwide. In 2003, the inventors were awarded the Intellectual Property Owners Association’s “Inventor of the Year” prize.

“Set your goals to please yourself, but set them high, so you’ll always need to stretch and learn,” she advises younger professionals.

“Treat mistakes as teachable moments, not as sources of guilt or blame. When the work stops being fun, change the work.” She goes on to say, “I banished guilt from my life as a ridiculous waste of mental energy. My kids are lucky to have me as a mom. My employer is lucky to have me as an employee. So there!”

Jennifer Blatnik Title: Vice President, Marketing Company: Juniper Networks, Inc. Industry: Technology CEO: Rami Rahim Employees: 9,000 plus Headquarters: Sunnyvale, CA Education: B.A., Computer Science, University of California Berkeley Personal philosophy: Establish the right principles and to always aim for the greater good.

Words I live by: Always speak the truth in love.

I WOULD RECOMMEND TO WOMEN MOVING UP THE PIPELINE TO HAVE PATIENCE AND TO LOOK FOR MENTORS AND COACHES THAT WILL SPEAK TRUTH TO YOU. ~ JENNIFER BLATNIK

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ennifer Blatnik, vice president of marketing at Juniper Networks, is responsible for overseeing enterprise deployments of security, routing, switching and SDN products, as well as cloud solutions.

Her current success is built on more than 20 years’ experience helping enterprises solve network security challenges. Additionally, Blatnik’s innovation and creativity have earned her patents for Dynamically Troubleshooting Voice Quality and Dynamically Provisioning Digital Voice Trunks.

Her leadership style combines strategic thinking and goal setting, with a strong emphasis on operational excellence and an awareness of the impact of what she’s driving. Blatnik maintains high standards for herself and her team, and is a true coach and mentor for

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those she works with. Never satisfied with the status quo, she is constantly challenging herself, her team and her peers to think differently and to ensure that every activity augments the success of the business.

Although her professional life would be expected to keep anyone busy, Blatnik still finds time to invest in her community and her family. She is an active member of several women’s leadership organizations, including Watermark and Grace Hopper.

She is also an active volunteer for her church and the Girl Scouts.

Blatnik believes that diversity is important for any business concern, and she cites the IMF’s Diversity Annual Report as evidence that she is right. The Report, she explains, shows statistically that companies

that are more diverse are also more financially successful. “This is not a mere correlation, because academic studies have shown that companies that embrace diversity have higher performing teams,” she explains.

“So, distilled into a simple equation, greater diversity equates to higher performing teams and higher performing teams lead to more financial success.”

Her advice to women in the pipeline? “I would recommend to women moving up the pipeline to have patience and to look for mentors and coaches that will speak truth to you,” she offers. “Having mentors and coaches who helped triangulate my values and goals against my actions and capabilities has been an invaluable way for me to continue to improve as a person and a professional.”

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Angela Ferrante Title: Senior Vice President, Operations Company: GCG Industry: Legal Services CEO: Kenneth Cutshaw Employees: 500 plus Headquarters: Lake Success, NY Education: J.D., Brooklyn Law School Personal philosophy: Always treat others as you would like to be treated, keeping in mind how THEY would like to be treated.

Words I live by: Never ask someone to do something you would not do yourself. Roll up your sleeves and follow your curiosity in order to challenge “business as usual.”

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ngela Ferrante began her career at two prominent global law firms, where she quickly established herself as a highly sought-after restructuring industry resource. After joining GCG in 2007, she proceeded to grow a seven-person bankruptcy and insolvency practice into one that has had as many as 90 professionals in multiple offices.

Today, Ferrante serves as GCG’s senior vice president of operations, responsible for the oversight and management of the hundreds of class action settlement administrations and restructuring matters, mass tort settlements, regulatory administrations, legal notice programs, product recall programs and data breach response programs handled from the company’s New York operations center. Her tenacity and leadership has earned the trust of law firms, corporations and courts who, based on Angela’s industry reputation, hire GCG for their largest and most challenging restructuring cases, including General Motors and American Airlines.

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I ENCOURAGE WOMEN TO HAVE A SEAT AT THE TABLE AND NOT SHY AWAY FROM EXPRESSING IDEAS AND SHARING THEIR INPUT. ~ ANGELA FERRANTE A true innovator, she spearheaded the evolution of the firm’s technology to support its restructuring services, including robust online claim and solicitation portals, providing clients with industry leading efficiency, accuracy and cost savings.

Despite competing demands as a professional and a working mother, Ferrante seeks to maintain both perspective and a sense of humor.

Coworkers view her as generous with her time as a mentor and a true example of how life experiences, not just career accomplishments, shape success.

Ferrante says her greatest professional accomplishment has been helping to grow a GCG division from a handful of professionals to 90, and multiplying

revenues more than six-fold.

“That success was based on a highly focused strategy to seize the potential of our company’s unique position within the marketplace and lead our team with clear direction and purpose aimed at ensuring the best experience possible for our clients,” she observes.

“I am curious and excited about the rapid changes happening in our industry. I encourage women to have a seat at the table and not shy away from expressing ideas and sharing their input,” Ferrante explains.

“While your most impactful contributions will be those that are thoughtful, factual and supported by data, don’t discount the unique perspective women offer on many issues which often go unspoken,” states Ferrante.

EXPERIENCE. Evolved.

GCG is pleased to celebrate our two

2 017 W O M E N W O R T H WAT C H I N G. Their decades of experience and commitment to business strategy, cutting-edge technology and operational efficiency drive our culture of excellence.

JANE T BROWN Seattle Chief Information Officer, GCG

ANGELA FERRANTE New York Senior Vice President,

SVP, Global Application Development, Crawford & Co.

Operations

C HOOSEGCG.COM

ADM congratulates

Rachel Hudson for being named one of this year’s Women Worth Watching.

We thank Rachel for her commitment to helping us serve the world’s vital needs.

www.adm.com SUMMER 2017

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Namita Tripathi Shah Title: Partner, Department Leader Private Equity & Finance Company: Day Pitney LLP Industry: Legal Services CEO: Stan Twardy Employees: 581 Headquarters: Parsippany, NJ / Hartford, CT Education: J.D., magna cum laude, Boston University School of Law Personal philosophy: My personal philosophy is to always perform to the best of my abilities. I try to never lose sight of the bigger picture even when focusing on the smallest details.

Words I live by: Have balance, stay humble and care.

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amita Shah, a partner at Day Pitney and chair of its Private Equity and Finance business unit, practices in the area of public and private finance. She is a member of the firm’s Institutional Finance and Commercial Lending and Municipal Finance practice groups. Shah serves as primary attorney in Day Pitney’s roles as lead bond counsel and lead disclosure counsel for the state of Connecticut.

Shah is actively involved in all aspects of public finance, including bond authorizations, disclosure, tax issues and issuance. Shah acts as bond counsel, disclosure counsel, borrower’s counsel, underwriter’s counsel and trustee’s counsel on general obligation and conduit financings throughout the Northeast region.

“My greatest professional accomplishment,” says Shah, “was being named partner at my firm.

The firm recognized the value I could add and voted me in while I was working part-time and pregnant with my third child.”

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OUR CLIENTS AND THEIR BUSINESSES ARE NO LONGER HOMOGENOUS – THEY ARE DIVERSE. THEY (AND WE) RECOGNIZE THE VALUE IN HAVING A DIVERSITY OF THOUGHTS, EXPERIENCES AND CULTURES TO BEST MEET THE NEEDS OF CONSUMERS AND CLIENTS. ~ NAMITA TRIPATHI SHAH Shah mentors new attorneys and helped create pipeline programs.

She has been a strategic partner with and currently co-leads the firm’s Attorneys of Color Employee Group, and belongs to five Connecticut-area bar associations, including the South Asian Bar Association. She has been recognized as a Women of Power by the Urban League of Southern Connecticut and has authored or co-authored ten articles.

Shah explains that diversity – making sure that everyone has a seat at the table – is ultimately important because clients demand

it. “Why our clients are demanding it really goes to the heart of why it is important,” she says. “Our clients and their businesses are no longer homogenous – they are diverse.

They (and we) recognize the value in having a diversity of thoughts, experiences and cultures to best meet the needs of consumers and clients.”

Shah wants to tell the women moving up the pipeline to not give up. “There will always be challenges and tough times,” she assures women, “but in time, when you look back on those challenges, you will find that plowing through them was worth it.”

Rachel Hudson Title: Chief Financial Officer – Corn Processing Company: Archer Daniels Midland Co. Industry: Agriculture CEO: Juan Luciano Employees: 32,000 Headquarters: Chicago, IL Education: M.A., Law & Diplomacy, The Fletcher School, Tufts University; B.A., Colgate University Personal philosophy / Words I live by: Never stop; never give up.

I ENJOY SHARING MY EXPERIENCES THROUGH MENTORING, AND I REGULARLY CHECK IN WITH THOSE I MENTOR, SO THEY REMEMBER MY DOOR IS OPEN, EVEN WHEN I MAY BE LOCATED ON A DIFFERENT CONTINENT! ~ RACHEL HUDSON

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Pittsburgh native fluent in English, Russian and Portuguese, Rachel Hudson joined Archer Daniels Midland Company as a business development analyst in Hamburg, Germany. Ever since, she has excelled in a series of increasingly challenging leadership roles in ADM’s global treasury, finance and commercial risk-management organizations. Today, she is chief financial officer of a $9-billion corn processing business unit, driving strategy, growth initiatives and portfolio-management.

Previously, she was CFO for the company’s South American business, based in São Paulo. ADM Brazil’s first female director, she is acknowledged as one of the company’s standout strategists and leaders. Hudson is regularly tapped for her global expertise in treasury, SUMMER 2017

credit, controlling, IT, shared services, commodity trading and administration.

“When I moved to São Paulo to assume the role of regional CFO, I knew that I had big shoes to fill. My predecessor was an experienced and respected executive who had been with the regional team for more than 15 years,” Hudson recalls. “So, I started by establishing the obvious with my new team and peers: ‘I am me; I am not my predecessor.’

When I left the region to assume my next role, I had the satisfaction of knowing that I had contributed to the empowerment and development of my team, and that through our efforts we had achieved a number of large goals together,” she adds.

“After much observation, practice and bumps in the road, I figured out that leadership was

about connecting people and diverse skill sets to solve problems, build bridges across individuals and teams and motivate those around me to achieve common goals,” she explains.

“I enjoy sharing my experiences through mentoring, and I regularly check in with those I mentor, so they remember my door is open, even when I may be located on a different continent!” she says smiling.

“To me, diversity is what makes the world exciting – an awareness that there is more than one way to live, succeed or face any challenge.

Diversity can drive creative solutions, fuel progress and open opportunities for investment,” sums up Hudson.

In addition to Hudson’s busy work load, she is active in her suburban Chicago community, offering her finance expertise to the local public-school district.

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Gail Heimann Title: President Company: Weber Shandwick Industry: Communications/PR CEO: Andy Polansky Headquarters: New York City, NY Personal philosophy: Always – always – push for the biggest, boldest, most cataclysmic and new idea imaginable. Ideas that break the boundaries of what’s possible.

Words I live by: “Talent hits a target no one else can hit; Genius hits a target no one else can see.” – Arthur Schopenhauer

CHALLENGES ARE CONTINUOUS. HOWEVER, EACH CHALLENGE MAKES YOU THINK DIFFERENTLY. IT MAKES YOU GROW. IT MAKES YOU BETTER! ~ GAIL HEIMANN

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ail Heimann has pushed the boundaries in the public relations industry for more than two decades. And as president of Weber Shandwick, she’s accelerated innovation and expanded the company’s reach far beyond traditional PR. Heimann was instrumental in the development of Mediaco, Weber Shandwick’s pioneering branded content arm, and has driven the firm’s evolution from a PR firm to a full-fledged marketing services agency, now recognized as a leader in integrated marketing. Her keen insights and creative talents have been a catalyst for brands like Mattel, Unilever, Mondelez and General Motors.

Heimann has led several conversations on pressing industry issues, from digital diversity at Advertising Week to gender equality at the Cannes Lions International

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Festival of Creativity. In 2015, she was a member of the inaugural Cannes Glass Lions jury, recognizing work that breaks down gender bias. Heimann was inducted into PRWeek’s inaugural Hall of Femme in 2016, celebrating women who challenge the status quo. She also serves on the board of the PR Council and The LAGRANT Foundation, which works to increase diversity in advertising, marketing and PR. “My mother believed that women should work to achieve whatever they want and can for themselves and their families. That belief is deeply ingrained in me. If you want something, vocalize it. It doesn’t have to be a battle.” She continues, “There always are, and always will be, obstacles. However, each challenge makes you think differently. It makes you grow. It makes you better.”

Heimann says she always believed that she could obtain whatever she wanted, if she had passion for it.

“I think a true leader has unwavering passion for what they do, for the high highs and for the low lows, and they inspire those around them to push forward no matter the circumstance. I try the best I can to walk-the-walk and lead by example.” She feels proud to be part of the leadership team that helped build Weber Shandwick into the force it is today.

When it comes to diversity and inclusion, Heimann feels it is the engine of change, growth and success – for businesses, individuals and society. “It’s a nonnegotiable – not only in the working world, but in our everyday lives,” she states.

Janet M. Brown Title: CIO, GCG and SVP Global Application Development Company: GCG Industry: Legal Settlement Administration Management & Claims Administration CEO: Kenneth A. Cutshaw Employees: 500 plus Headquarters: Lake Success, NY Education: North Seattle Community College & Washington State University Personal philosophy: Even if you don’t agree, be respectful – you own your actions.

Words I live by: Being an effective leader is getting great work done through others. Be a servant leader – they will go the extra mile for you.

BEING AN EFFECTIVE LEADER IS GETTING GREAT WORK DONE THROUGH OTHERS. BE A SERVANT LEADER – THEY WILL GO THE EXTRA MILE FOR YOU. ~ JANET M. BROWN

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anet Brown joined GCG as CIO in 2016, where she leads a team of more than 100 IT employees.

Using her considerable IT and business analysis expertise, she quickly identified an opportunity to create a framework for the company’s IT solutions that includes embarking on the creation of a game-changing legal administration platform.

Her expertise and efficiency strategies, coupled with her natural leadership style and humility, have left an indelible mark on the organization. The leadership team at GCG was so impressed with her work, that they recently announced that, in addition to her current role, Brown will also serve as their senior vice president of global application development. In that role, she will

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oversee application development by teams around the world, and ensure a consistent architecture and software development life cycle.

A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Brown is also a committed community volunteer.

She currently serves on the board of directors for the Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center in Redmond, Washington.

For Brown, diversity means valuing and respecting the differences that make each person unique. It also means being able to listen to and respect a wide variety of views in order to provide a superior client experience. “The most effective decisions are made when we capitalize on collaboration

across the company,” she explains.

“Understanding the goals of IT, operations, marketing, legal and compliance enables us to deliver the best result for the company.”

During her career, Brown says she has often made the decision to take on roles that weren’t, on the surface, the most desirable.

However, she says it was in tackling those roles that she was able to gain a more diverse set of IT experiences and showcase her skills as an effective leader. She offers other women in the career pipeline this piece of advice, “Be willing to be honest if a project isn’t working and suggest creative fixes or even starting fresh, notwithstanding the people, time and resources invested in that project.”

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Tandra Jackson Title: Houston Office Managing Partner Company: KPMG LLP Industry: Accounting CEO: Lynne Doughtie Employees: 189,000 (globally) Headquarters: New York, NY Education: M.B.A., information systems, University of Houston; B.S., accounting, Louisiana State University Personal philosophy: Be passionate – it shows you’re invested, it shows you have energy and motivates those around you.

Words I live by: Live each day with purpose!

I WAS GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY BECAUSE OF MY TRACK RECORD OF DELIVERING RESULTS. ALSO, I RAISED MY HAND AND PUT MYSELF FORWARD FOR THE OPPORTUNITY. ~ TANDRA JACKSON

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s managing partner for KPMG’s Houston office, Tandra Jackson uses her 24 years of experience across multiple industries – including energy, chemicals, industrial, manufacturing and health care – to lead a team of more than 1,270 professionals dedicated to helping clients achieve their business potential.

She also helps drive the advancement of women – and, more broadly, inclusion and diversity – within the firm and across the broader marketplace through her involvement with KPMG’s Network of Women (KNOW) and the Women Corporate Directors (WCD) chapter in Houston, and by mentoring other female professionals.

Her greatest asset is her ability to inspire others to take charge of their careers and make a positive contribution to the community in which they live and work.

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Having been selected as Managing Partner for KPMG’s Houston Business Unit is a source of pride for Jackson. “It is such an honor to serve as leader of a major market, with an incredible team of talented professionals. I was given the opportunity because of my track record of delivering results. Also, I raised my hand and put myself forward for the opportunity,” Jackson reflects.

perspectives and experiences of all people, regardless of their backgrounds. “Diversity is important to business because the collective experiences and insights of people from different backgrounds drives innovation, yields the best solutions and breeds success,” she explains. “It means respecting individual differences, including race, gender, age, personality, education and background.”

Active in, and committed to her community, Jackson serves on the boards of the Ronald McDonald House of Houston, Greater Houston Partnership, Houston Zoo and Central Houston, Inc. She is also a founding member of the Houston chapter of CEOs Against Cancer.

Jackson offers this advice to other professional women: “Be passionate. Be persistent. Be mindful of your goals and objectives. Speak up for yourself. Volunteer to take on new challenges. Seek out mentors who can help you reach your goals.

Take the bumps along the road in stride—things won’t always go your way. Celebrate your successes, and thank those who helped. Support others on their journey. And live each day with purpose!”

For Jackson, diversity and inclusion mean respecting the differences that make each of us unique, and valuing the

Susan L. Nardone Title: Director, Employment & Labor Law Department Company: Gibbons P.C.

SOME PEOPLE ARE BORN LEADERS. OTHERS, THROUGH DRIVE AND DETERMINATION, LEARN TO BE GOOD LEADERS. ~ SUSAN L. NARDONE

Industry: Legal Services CEO: Patrick C. Dunican Jr. Employees: 321 Headquarters: Newark, NJ Education: J.D., Villanova University School of Law; B.S., cum laude, Villanova University Personal philosophy: “If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Words I live by: “Live simply. Dream big. Be grateful. Love deeply.”

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oth an experienced litigator and strategic advisor, Susan Nardone helps regional and national employers meet challenges associated with the employment relationship. A director in Gibbons P.C.’s Employment & Labor Law department, she provides strategic and preventive legal services throughout the employment life cycle, using all available forums – litigation, counseling, employee training, workplace investigations and mediation.

Nardone provides thought leadership for the New Jersey employment law community. She presents educational programs and writes about trending human resources and employment topics in leading regional publications and forums. She is also on the roster of court-approved mediators for the Superior Court of New Jersey and the certified mediator list for the District Court for the District of New Jersey.

She is active in the firm’s mentoring programs, including the Gibbons Women’s Initiative, through which she helps new associates integrate into firm life and provides support, career development counseling, and institutional and professional knowledge.

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Nardone, who has been practicing law since 1993, can point to many professional accomplishments.

“However, if I had to pick one thing, I think it was being the first female attorney at my current law firm, where I have been for 18 years, to be promoted to Counsel and then Director while working a reduced schedule,” she relates. “When I had my children and began working parttime as an associate, I was determined to prove not only that it could work, but that it was beneficial for the firm and our clients. My commitment to my job never wavered; I was efficient and focused. With the support of the firm and my family, I was able to keep my career moving forward.”

“It sounds cliché, but I became a leader by watching and learning from male and female leaders that I was fortunate enough to come into contact with. I also ran into some not-so-great leaders along the way and learned from them, too,” Nardone explains.

“Some people are born leaders. Others, through drive and determination, learn to be good leaders. I encountered people in my career who, for one reason or another, impressed me.

I tried to incorporate what I saw as their positive attributes into my own professional self. I think that the best way to help other women is by sharing your experiences.”

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Jacki Minicola Title: Detective Sergeant (Acting Inspector) Company: Durham Regional Police Service Industry: Law Enforcement CEO: Stan MacLellan – Chief Administrative Officer Employees: 1,200 Headquarters: Whitby, ON Education: Honours Diploma, Police Foundations Leadership Program; Humber Institute of Technology and Advance Learning Personal philosophy: “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff….and It’s All Small Stuff”.

Words I live by “Treat others as you would have others treat you.”

Kindness does not equal weakness.

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acki Minicola has spent her 27-year career as a Durham regional police officer demonstrating the impact a leader can have with or without a title.

Her coworkers and supervisors say her positive energy is infectious, producing an environment in which everyone feels included.

Her commitment to help, guide and support those within her sphere of influence is evident in their collective efforts and results.

Minicola takes on challenges with courage, poise and vision, which ensures that others have the support and confidence they need to succeed.

Minicola spent 16 years as a uniform patrol officer in Oshawa, Ontario, before specializing in domestic violence, where she shared the task of implementing the Domestic Violence Bail Unit.

She then fulfilled a two-year teaching assignment in the School of Justice and Emergency Services at Durham College, educating students in the police foundations program.

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NOW I REALIZE THE BIGGEST OBSTACLE WAS MY OWN PERSPECTIVE. I HAD TO LET GO OF THE NEED TO ALWAYS TRY AND PROVE MY WORTH. I’VE LEARNED TO RECOGNIZE THE VALUE OF MY OWN INDIVIDUALITY. ~ JACKI MINICOLA After her teaching assignment, Minicola was promoted to the position of detective, then detective sergeant, which enabled her to pursue her passion of advocating for victims of domestic violence and launch the Domestic Violence Investigative Unit.

Minicola is currently acting inspector in charge of the Durham Regional Police Service Major Crime Unit. Proud of her work in this role, she says, “It is an honor to have the Service display faith in my leadership ability and allow me to stretch my wings in such a significant position.”

She recalls thinking her greatest obstacle was not being treated as

an equal in a male-dominated field.

“Now I realize the biggest obstacle was my own perspective. I had to let go of the need to always try and prove my worth. I’ve learned to recognize the value of my own individuality,” Minicola observes.

Minicola sites one of her favorite books Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff ... and It’s All Small Stuff, by Richard Carlson. In it he explains that the less compelled you are to try to prove yourself to others, the easier it is to feel peaceful inside. He goes on to say that people are drawn to those with a quiet inner confidence. “I would suggest that this message of genuine humility is essential to true success,” she concludes.

Vivian Kwok Title: Vice President, Human Resources, Asia-Pacific, Arrow Electronics Company: Arrow Electronics Industry: Technology CEO: Michael J. Long Employees: 18,700 Headquarters: Centennial, Colorado Education: M.B.A., University of Otago, New Zealand; diploma of marketing, Chartered Institute of Marketing, United Kingdom Personal philosophy: Stay positive! Positive. Positive. Positive.

Words I live by: Strive for growth mindset. Stay positive. Seek balance between ambition and pragmatism.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION ARE AN ONGOING LEARNING JOURNEY, AND THE MORE WE INTEGRATE THESE ELEMENTS INTO OUR TALENT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY AND COMPANY CULTURE, THE MORE WE ARE ABLE TO BRING OUT THE BEST IN OUR PEOPLE. ~ VIVIAN KWOK

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ivian Kwok is Arrow Electronics’ vice president of human resources, Asia-Pacific region.

Since she joined Arrow in 2012, Kwok has successfully established a talent-focused human resources strategy, and enhanced HR capabilities and practices for Arrow’s Asia-Pacific components business. And her efforts have been rewarded. Arrow was named one of the “Best Companies to Work For” in Hong Kong and Singapore in 2015, and the Hong Kong Council of Social Services has awarded Arrow the Caring Company logo for five consecutive years in recognition of the company’s commitment to caring for the community, its employees, and the environment.

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But what Kwok loves most about her job has nothing to do with awards. “What I love most about my job is the constant stream of new opportunities I have to connect, collaborate and help others to excel and bring out their best performance and potential,” she states.

Kwok holds a diploma in marketing from Chartered Institute of Marketing in the United Kingdom and a Masters of Business Administration from University of Otago in New Zealand. She also completed the Accredited Coach Training Program in Organizational Coaching given by the IECL (Institute of Executive Coaching and Leadership). In fact, she calls it her greatest professional accomplishment to date.

“Diversity and inclusion create a thriving, innovative and harmonious work atmosphere where everyone can excel,” says Kwok. “Diversity and inclusion are an ongoing learning journey, and the more we integrate these elements into our talent development strategy and company culture, the more we are able to bring out the best in our people.”

She advises women who are moving up the career pipeline to: “First, pat yourself on the back and appreciate how far you’ve come, no matter where you are now. Get your voice out there. Seek advice from mentors. Plan your next career step. And acquire the skills and knowledge you need to achieve your goals.” She also shares her personal philosophy: “Stay positive! Positive.

Positive. Positive.”

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Jeri Jones Title: West Region CEO, UnitedHealthcare Community & State Company: UnitedHealth Group Industry: Healthcare CEO: Stephen J. Hemsley Employees: 260,000 Headquarters: Minnetonka, MN Education: B.S., Accountancy, Northern Arizona University Personal philosophy: Live with integrity and enjoy what you do.

Words I live by: Be true to yourself and never compromise your integrity.

I ENCOURAGE FEMALE LEADERS TO FIND STRONG MALE AND FEMALE MENTORS, AND SURROUND THEMSELVES WITH DIVERSE VIEWS.

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eri Jones is the CEO for the west region of UnitedHealthcare Community & State, a business segment of UnitedHealthcare committed to providing Medicaid coverage for more than six million people. Accountable for Medicaid health plans in seven west region states, Jones is driving additional growth efforts. She works closely with state governments to understand their needs, and the needs of their residents, and ensures that the company is exceeding expectations for all involved.

A primary focus for Jones over the past 18 months has been the integration of physical and behavioral health care – within UnitedHealthcare Community & State and across the Medicaid landscape. In most Medicaid programs, these systems are separate entities, resulting in inefficient 100

~ JERI JONES spend and missed opportunities for holistic care. She has worked with UnitedHealth Group leaders, state partners, individual providers and community organizations to demonstrate the importance of an integrated, whole-person approach to care. So far, 12 states have adopted a more fully integrated model of care.

Jones is a champion of UnitedHealth Group’s five core values – integrity, relationships, innovation, compassion and performance – not only at work, but in everything she does. An active member of her community, she currently serves as the chair of the board of directors for the American Heart Association and sits on the board of Downtown Phoenix Inc. This CEO believes that businesses that embrace diversity and inclusion outperform their peers by driving

innovation and responding to the wants and needs of their diverse customer base. To be successful, businesses must build a diverse and inclusive culture by hiring diverse talent, creating an inclusive environment and inviting diverse ideas.

As an active participant in UnitedHealth Group’s mentoring program for women, Jones mentors colleagues on their way up. She has also coached many women through various connections and boards. “I encourage female leaders to find strong male and female mentors, and surround themselves with diverse views,” she says. She also advises women to be open to the possibility of making lateral career moves if they seem beneficial and to create challenges for themselves along the way.

Heather S. Tewksbury Title: Partner Company: WilmerHale Industry: Legal Services CEO: Co-Managing Partners: Robert Novick and Susan Murley Employees: 2,134 Headquarters: Boston, MA and Washington, DC Education: J.D., University of California, Berkeley School of Law; B.A., Political Science, University of California, Berkeley Personal philosophy: Work hard. Be compassionate. Believe in people and instill within them the confidence that they can be outstanding.

Words I live by: Push yourself. Recognize you have a voice, and your contributions matter.

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eather Tewksbury leads WilmerHale’s California cartel practice, part of the firm’s internationally recognized Antitrust and Competition Group. Since joining the firm in 2014, Tewksbury has represented multinational corporations and executives in cross-border criminal and civil antitrust investigations and litigation.

Before joining WilmerHale, Tewksbury was a trial attorney with the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice in San Francisco, where she handled some of the most significant investigations and criminal prosecutions brought by the agency in recent years. Most notably, she served as one of the lead trial lawyers in United States v.

AU Optronics Corporation, a case involving price-fixing in the LCD industry. Tewksbury also led the sentencing of the corporations involved, which resulted in a record $500 million fine and the first-ever appointment of a corporate compliance monitor in a contested sentencing.

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THROUGH HARD WORK, SINCERITY AND BEING YOURSELF, YOU CAN MAKE CONTRIBUTIONS THAT WILL BE VALUED AND ALLOW YOU TO GROW. ~ HEATHER S. TEWKSBURY Tewksbury was named Attorney of the Year by The Recorder in 2012, received a California Lawyer Attorney of the Year Award for corporate antitrust in 2013, was recognized as one of the Top Women Lawyers by the Daily Journal in 2014 and 2016, and was named Litigator of the Week by GCR USA for her defense work in 2014.

According to Tewksbury, for the legal profession to mature and provide value, it must be made up of people with a diversity of backgrounds and views. In this constantly evolving profession, she says it’s critical that practitioners come from a wide variety of backgrounds. “For businesses to reach new levels, there must

be a diversity of viewpoints and experiences that contribute to their overall growth.” She explains, “There are plenty of examples of companies that are too homogeneous, and those business stagnate, whereas businesses that embrace diversity have endless possibilities for growth.”

Tewksbury advises women to be themselves. “Success does not come by trying to mimic others,” she points out. “There are so few women in many areas of practice that there isn’t a model for how to be successful. There is no playbook.

But through hard work, sincerity and being yourself, you can make contributions that will be valued and allow you to grow.”

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BETTER DECISIONS RESULT WHEN YOU HAVE DIVERSE VIEWS AROUND THE TABLE – AND PEOPLE SPEAK HONESTLY ABOUT THEM. ~ ANNE McCALLION

Anne McCallion Title: Senior Managing Director and Chief Enterprise Operations Officer Company: PennyMac Financial Services, Inc. Industry: Financial Services CEO: David Spector Employees: 3,000 Headquarters: Westlake Village, CA Education: M.B.A., Ashland University; B.S., Gannon University Personal philosophy: Life is a series of opportunities – take them as they come.

Words I live by: Focus, strength and mercy.

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nne McCallion is the senior managing director and chief enterprise operations officer for PennyMac, a leading public company specializing in the U.S. mortgage market. She joined the company in 2009 as chief financial officer and was instrumental in the successful launch of the publicly traded PennyMac Mortgage Investment Trust that same year, as well as the public launch of PennyMac Financial Services, Inc. in 2013.

PennyMac’s financial results tell a story of consistent growth throughout McCallion’s tenure as CFO, beginning with its first full year of operations.

The reason it’s important,” she explains, “is when a business reflects its customer base it can produce goods or provide services that are better aligned to customers’ needs. Also, better decisions result when you have diverse views around the table – and people speak honestly about them.”

Earlier this year, McCallion was named the company’s senior managing director and chief enterprise operations officer.

Her management responsibilities now span several divisions: legal, human resources (including diversity and inclusion), corporate administration and enterprise operations.

She says her greatest professional accomplishment to date has been building a capable and professional finance organization at PennyMac. “We went from a startup to two public companies, and from 72 employees to approximately 3,000.

That accomplishment is all about world-class people, systems and processes.” McCallion offers other women who are currently building their own careers this advice, “Have clear goals, be flexible in your goals and be yourself.”

McCallion sees diversity as a “core value and a business imperative that drives growth.

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A key supporter of inclusion, McCallion leads organizationwide efforts for meaningful, deep and positive people-impact. She actively promotes an environment in which the unique strengths of all individuals are recognized and valued as the building blocks of a successful organization.

Jenny J. Jackson Title: Associate Director of Reimbursement Company: Humacyte, Inc. Industry: Biotechnology CEO: Carrie Cox Employees: 70 plus Headquarters: Research Triangle Park, NC Education: M.P.H., Health Policy Management and Behavior, University at Albany; B.S., Health Policy and Administration, B.S., Biology, The Pennsylvania State University Personal philosophy: Do everything with a spirit of excellence!

A spirit of excellence will cause you to be successful in a hostile environment, it will open doors, and it is required to reach your purpose in life. Your gift does not need to be BIG, but your spirit excellent!

Words I live by: To build a satisfying and fulfilling career, I remind myself every day to be a: Success Stalker! Goal Digger! Goal Getter!

TO BUILD A SATISFYING AND FULFILLING CAREER, I REMIND MYSELF EVERY DAY TO BE A: SUCCESS STALKER! GOAL DIGGER! GOAL GETTER!

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enny Jackson, associate director of reimbursement for Humacyte, an award-winning biotechnology company located in The Research Triangle of North Carolina. She applies her technical expertise in government and third-party repayment strategy to ensure successful reimbursement for the company.

To create the economic case for Humacyte’s innovative products and how they translate to significant cost savings, Jackson develops strong relationships with key public and private constituents, including commercial/private insurance, MCOs, ACOs, and Medicare and other government providers, as well as payer and payer stakeholders.

Her extensive experience collaborating with and working alongside Washington legislative and regulatory networks elevates the company’s biotech leadership SUMMER 2017

~ JENNY J. JACKSON role, especially for Medicare and private-payer reimbursement policies that can help reduce Medicare spending and enhance the company’s reimbursement opportunities.

Jackson has published several research and education articles on coding and payments to aid physician practices in the implementation of health information technology, electronic medical records and reimbursement policies in their practices. In 2012, she co-authored an educational primer for surgeons on employment and coding specifications titled “Surgeons as institutional employees: A strategic look at the dimensions of surgeons as employees of hospitals.”

Diversity, says Jackson, enables each person to bring everything that makes that person unique into the workplace. And out of that uniqueness come new ideas

and perspectives. “Diversity in the workplace is essential, not only because our country thrives on it, but also because it enriches the workplace,” she explains. “Diversity allows people with different backgrounds and perspectives to bring ideas, thoughts and approaches to problem-solving, making the workplace stronger and more resilient to shifts in the marketplace.”

As a member of the Women’s Leadership Initiative, Jackson mentors an emerging woman leader each year, providing her with opportunities to develop the core values, attitudes and competencies that are the foundation of quality leadership.

She offers women the following words of wisdom: “Leaders search for opportunities to change the status quo. Do not be afraid to do something different. Just because something has always been done a certain way does not mean it cannot be done better.”

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Kamilah Williams-Kemp Title: Vice President, Disability and Long Term Care Product Management, Northwestern Mutual; President & CEO of the Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company Company: Northwestern Mutual Industry: Financial Services/Insurance CEO: John E. Schlifske Employees: 5,500 plus Headquarters: Milwaukee, WI Education: M.B.A., The University of Chicago Booth School of Business; B.S., Northwestern University Personal philosophy: I am deeply driven by creating a positive, long lasting impact on the people and the businesses I serve.

I realized very early in my career that you cannot accomplish anything of great impact alone – but instead working effectively with and through others. I also believe you shouldn’t be afraid of what data (or people around you) tells you; addressing real issues head on is the only path towards sustainable change.

Words I live by: Gratitude, optimism, perseverance.

IF YOU WANT TO BE THE BOSS, BE CLEAR ON WHY. IT ISN’T ALWAYS AS GLAMOROUS AS IT LOOKS! YOU NEED A DEEP SENSE OF PURPOSE DRIVING YOU WHEN THINGS GET TOUGH. ~ KAMILAH WILLIAMS-KEMP

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s vice president of the long-term care department at Northwestern Mutual, and president and CEO of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company, Kamilah Williams-Kemp is the only executive leading multiple profit and loss areas, and the only female executive with P&L responsibility.

She also serves as a mentor for young people and people of color at the company, and developed and chaired the African-American Employee Resource Group (ERG).

Recognized by Savoy Magazine as one of the Top 100 Most Influential Blacks in Corporate America, she was also named one of Black Enterprise’s 2017 Most Powerful Women in Business.

Outside work, Williams-Kemp serves her alma maters by helping 104

to recruit future influencers – particularly women and people of color. She also sits on the local board of Rocketship Education, a national network of charter schools seeking to eliminate the achievement gap for low-income kindergarten-to5th-grade students through educator empowerment, parent engagement and community inspiration.

“Diversity and inclusion is deeply personal for me,” Williams-Kemp explains. “Certainly, I have broken through many barriers, but D&I is a larger vision for me. What keeps me in the financial services industry is knowing how valuable financial planning is to the families we serve, especially families of color. I have seen the impact of people living life without an adequate financial plan in place. Helping families and businesses preserve their wealth or build a new legacy is tremendously important to me as an African-

American woman in a community where many are able to build wealth for the first time.”

“I am a founding member of Northwestern Mutual’s AfricanAmerican Employee Resource Group, which paved the way for our other ERGs and expanded our dialogue about diversity and inclusion,” says Williams-Kemp.

“To unleash the potential of employees, tap into new markets, inspire innovation and cut through the noise in the marketplace, you must include diverse perspectives.”

Williams-Kemp offers this advice to other women: “Immerse yourself in learning the business, developing your skills and taking on new challenges. If you want to be the boss, be clear on why. It isn’t always as glamorous as it looks! You need a deep sense of purpose driving you when things get tough.”

PEOPLE ARE THE POWER BEHIND NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL, AND DIVERSITY MAKES US BETTER. We all have a voice and a role in creating a work environment where diverse people, perspectives and ideas enable our leaders and our workforce to achieve great things for our clients.

Northwestern Mutual congratulates Kamilah Williams-Kemp on being named among the 2017 Women Worth Watching. Her leadership and vision contribute to our ongoing success.

Kamilah Williams-Kemp vice president – disability and long-term care product management and president/CEO of Northwestern Long Term Care Company

Š 2017 Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM), Milwaukee, WI, and its subsidiaries.

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Kim M. Rivera Title: Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel Company: HP Inc. Industry: Technology CEO: Dion Weisler Employees: 50,000 Approx.

Headquarters: Palo Alto, CA Education: J.D., Harvard Law School; B.A., Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies Duke University Personal philosophy: Who you are defines your voice and perspective. You don’t have to change that, but you must be determined and self-aware. Work really hard, learn from your mistakes, put them behind you and press on.

Words I live by: Ask for help, help others.

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im M. Rivera, the chief legal officer and general counsel for HP Inc., manages the company’s worldwide legal department and is responsible for all aspects of legal, government affairs, compliance and ethics. She has 20 years of experience advising Fortune 500 companies regarding significant corporate transactions and governance, securities, compliance, risk management, audit and litigation matters.

She also serves as a member of HP’s inaugural Global Diversity Advisory Board, comprising the company’s senior thought leaders from around the globe who are driving actions that advance its vision of belonging, innovation and growth.

Under Rivera’s leadership, HP is disrupting the system, with the intention of creating more opportunities for diversity in the legal profession. In 2016, she was one of three Fortune 500 general counsels who publicly called on outside counsel to scrutinize law firms’ diversity demographics and 106

BE CURIOUS, NEVER JUDGE A BOOK

BY ITS COVER; TURN WHO YOU ARE INTO YOUR MOST POWERFUL TOOL FOR ACHIEVING YOUR GOALS AND OBJECTIVES. ~ KIM M. RIVERA inclusion policies as part of the ABA president’s Diversity and Inclusion 360 Commission. In 2017, she implemented HP’s innovative “diversity holdback” requirement, allowing HP to withhold a percentage of its U.S. law firm fees for as long as a firm does not meet diverse staffing requirements.

The program ignited a national conversation about the effectiveness of law firm diversity and inclusion efforts.

Her commitment to diversity and inclusion, and her dedication to supporting the Latino community and underrepresented groups are the driving forces behind Rivera’s very visible support of overall diversity.

Her goal is to create and drive culture that will build teams

in Legal and across the company that are rich in diversity and inclusive of everyone.

Passionate about giving back to the community, Rivera has served on numerous nonprofit boards, including the California Latino Community Foundation and the Denver Metro Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. She is a frequent speaker on diversity and inclusion in business and in the legal profession, with emphasis on women in leadership.

Rivera’s advice to others building careers? “Be curious, never judge a book by its cover; turn who you are into your most powerful tool for achieving your goals and objectives.”

Karin Landry Title: Managing Partner Company: Spring Consulting Group Industry: Benefits & Actuarial Consulting CEO: Karin Landry Employees: 25 Headquarters: Boston, MA Education: B.S., B.A., Babson College Personal philosophy: Follow up and follow through; it’s what makes a strong person and leader.

Words I live by: Do your best every day and live up to your own expectations!

NEVER ALLOW ANYONE TO LIMIT YOUR SUCCESS; YOU – AND ONLY YOU – HAVE THE POWER TO PROPEL YOURSELF FORWARD. ~ KARIN LANDRY

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fter 25 years in the insurance and riskmanagement industry, Karin Landry still tackles each new challenge with drive, enthusiasm and innovation.

A managing partner at Spring Consulting Group, Landry holds eight patents in insurance, and, this year, launched Bloom, the Group’s first insurance company.

She has grown Spring’s revenues by 6% and continues to advance the company’s reputation as the premier consultancy in the benefits industry.

Throughout her career, Landry has proven her dedication to innovation. Solutions in this complex field are neither simple nor obvious, but her eight patents are a testament to her ingenuity and determination to deliver

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impact for her clients. Her recent launch of Bloom Insurance Company will bring risk management to the sharing economy. She is a role model for young women entering the field.

In addition to her workplace responsibilities, Landry is a member of numerous boards and advisory committees, as well as a professor of employee benefits and member of the finance committee at the University of Vermont’s International Center for Captive Insurance Education.

“To me, diversity and inclusion go hand in hand,” says Landry. “A diverse environment is inclusive of all people – no matter their race, creed, or gender identity – and is accepting and appreciative of their ideas. Only when we create an environment like this, can we truly begin to foster an inclusive,

innovative and productive workplace that values people as individuals and what their minds can do together.” She goes on to explain, “Diversity is one of the key drivers in an innovative and collaborative environment. It drives so much of the cutting-edge work we execute for clients.”

Landry offers this wisdom to other women, “Never allow anyone to limit your success; you – and only you – have the power to propel yourself forward. Find strong mentors – male or female – and learn from them. And when it feels like you cannot go any further, keep pushing. There is always another level you can reach, regardless of what anyone else tells you. You are helping to pave the way forward for yourself and the women who come after you.”

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Mala Singh Title: Chief People Officer Company: Electronic Arts Industry: Video Games - Interactive Entertainment CEO: Andrew Wilson Employees: Approx. 9,000 Headquarters: Redwood City, CA Education: M.H.R.M., Human Resources, B.A., Human Resources, Rutgers University Personal philosophy and Words I Live By: Be the change you wish to see in the world. Serve as the role model for what you want to see in others.

AS WE STEP FORWARD, WE ALSO NEED TO REMEMBER TO REACH OUT TO OTHERS, TO LISTEN AND BE PROACTIVE IN HELPING SOMEONE ELSE GROW AND ACHIEVE THEIR GOALS.

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~ MALA SINGH

erving as Electronic Arts’ chief people officer, Mala Singh focuses on developing talent and cultivating the company culture.

In this critical position, she oversees human resources, talent acquisition, facilities and corporate services.

digitally driven organization. She spent nearly six years in various HR leadership roles at Electronic Arts, starting as HR lead for the Asia Pacific region and ultimately serving as vice president of HR for EA Labels.

Having taken a strong lead in organizational development and culture change, she helped redefined the company’s HR strategy. By incorporating HR data analytics into the goal-setting process and refocusing on employee experience and recognition, she empowers teams to do their best work and drive the company to be faster and more disruptive.

“I’m proud to have had an incredibly diverse career – different geographies, settings, roles – and the privilege of working with and helping develop people across those varied experiences,” says Singh.

“What I’ve learned by working in so many different cultures is the importance of listening carefully, analyzing the situation to find the right approach, and helping remove barriers that get in the way of people doing the best work of their careers.”

Singh brings a rare blend of broad experience, a commitment to her people, and knowledge of the talent and teamwork it takes to power a

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“I was born in a Guyanese village and brought up in Indian culture.

My parents left behind so much so

I could have a better education and more opportunities. But, they still clung to many expectations for me as a woman in our culture. My biggest obstacle was breaking out of those cultural expectations,” explains Singh.

“It took the right mentorships at the right times to help me build the confidence to make those difficult choices. That’s something I always keep in mind and continue to tell my teams. As we step forward, we also need to remember to reach out to others, to listen and be proactive in helping someone else grow and achieve their goals.”

Singh advises other women to have the courage to ask for the support needed. “Don’t wait to be developed by someone else. Seek out the opportunities that will help you grow,” she offers.

Kimberly Eul Title: Senior Vice President, Leadership and Teammate Experience Company: SunTrust Banks, Inc. Industry: Financial/Banking CEO: William H. Rogers, Jr. Employees: 25,000 Headquarters: Atlanta, GA Education: M.B.A., Xavier University; B.S., Organizational Behavior, Miami University Personal philosophy: Personal values drive my leadership style. Relationships, fairness and collaboration fuel my passion for advancing an inclusive, teammate centric culture. I have a career and a family, and value the reality, intentionality and calibration required so these dimensions not only simply commingle but also thrive together.

Words I live by: “Lighting the Way to Financial Well-Being” resonates very personally with me because it aligns with my personal values of inclusion. Moving everyone toward financial confidence is what drives me every single day because everyone deserves to achieve a life well spent.

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imberly Eul currently serves as leadership and teammate experience leader and a member of the Human Resource Leadership team at SunTrust Banks, Inc. In her role, Eul provides governance and oversight of the Leadership Development, Teammate Experience, Learning and Enterprise Inclusion teams.

Eul’s colleagues describe her as a dynamic leader whose influence, and leadership style have helped to shape a highly engaged, inclusive and purpose-driven culture. In just two and a half years, she has held four increasingly responsible leadership positions at Sun Trust, and now leads a team of 117 employees across four centers of expertise.

While Eul held leadership roles in the financial services and healthcare

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BE OPEN TO CAREER EXPERIENCES THAT EXPAND YOU IN NEW, DIFFERENT AND, SOMETIMES, UNCONVENTIONAL WAYS. ~ KIMBERLY EUL

industries for much of her career, she smoothly transferred her strong consultative and criticalthinking skills to the human resources arena. According to her peers, she has succeeded in driving collaborative outcomes, building and engaging highperforming teams, enhancing teammate performance and implementing sustainable organizational changes – all with a keen eye toward the bottom line.

and shareholders thrive when we bring the best thinking and ideas to bear. Diversity drives innovation, different perspectives, connectivity and stellar performance.”

Regarding the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, Eul has this to say, “Every person is important and needed to win. In order for every teammate to play, there must be a work environment that embraces, treasures and rewards inclusive behaviors.” She goes on to explain, “Clients, teammates, communities

Eul offers other women on their own career paths the following advice: “Be open to career experiences that expand you in new, different and, sometimes, unconventional ways. Also, be willing to share and mold your career interests; don’t wait for someone to tell you how your career will unfold.”

Early in Eul’s career, she says that she was often the outlier at executive tables because of her relative youth and gender. However, she concludes, “When I shifted my mindset from being an outlier to owning my seat, I unlocked renewed confidence in my abilities.”

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Catherine M.A. Carroll Title: Partner Company: WilmerHale Industry: Legal Services CEO: Co-Managing Partners: Robert Novick and Susan Murley Employees: 2,134 Headquarters: Boston, MA and Washington, DC Education: J.D., magna cum laude, University of Michigan Law School Personal philosophy: I like to approach work like a team sport.

It’s most fulfilling when the team works hard together to produce our best work, and when we learn from one another and have fun along the way – and hopefully pick up the win!

Words I live by: If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well.

VALUING ALL VOICES, MAKING SURE THAT OPPORTUNITIES AND SUPPORT ARE ACCESSIBLE TO ALL, AND STRIVING TO RECRUIT, TRAIN AND PROMOTE WOMEN AND DIVERSE LAWYERS.

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atherine Carroll, WilmerHale’s partner-incharge for the Washington, DC office, plays a significant role in appellate litigation in the U.S. Supreme Court and federal courts of appeals, as well as district court litigation and client counseling in matters raising complex legal questions. Carroll’s practice spans a wide range of issues of federal law. Her recent litigation matters have involved such diverse areas as ERISA, insurance and reinsurance, tax law, antitrust law, foreign sovereign immunity, copyright, and criminal law and procedure.

She frequently represents clients’ pro bono cases raising issues of constitutional law and capital habeas procedure. “I’m lucky to work in a firm that values pro bono legal service. Many of the legal 110

~ CATHERINE M.A. CARROLL matters I’m most proud to have handled are ones where we’ve been able to give an effective voice to clients who might not otherwise have had one.”

Prior to joining WilmerHale, Carroll served as a law clerk to Associate Justice David H. Souter of the U.S. Supreme Court, and clerked for The Honorable Harry T. Edwards of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

In 2016 and 2014, Carroll was named a “Rising Star” by Law360 as one of the top appellate attorneys under 40 years of age.

For Carroll, diversity means “valuing all voices, making sure that opportunities and support are accessible to all, and striving to recruit, train and promote women

and diverse lawyers.” Although there are business considerations – clients increasingly value and expect diverse teams – she says that making diversity and inclusion a priority is important because it’s the right thing to do. “When your teammates have diverse experiences, voices and backgrounds, we all grow as people and professionals. It’s an expression of our culture and the values we aspire to.”

Carroll advises women to “Speak up. Raise your hand for opportunities, and ask for help and advice when you need it. Be prepared, and then let your voice be heard to show the value you add. Also, keep your office door open and stroll down the hall whenever you can; it creates opportunities to build connections and relationships that will help you succeed, and that make the workplace fun and fulfilling.”

Sonia L. Coleman Title: Senior Vice President, Human Resources – Disney ABC Television Group Company: The Walt Disney Company Industry: Entertainment CEO: Robert Iger (The Walt Disney Company) Employees: 195,000 Headquarters: Burbank, CA Education: B.A., Organizational Leadership, Chapman University Personal philosophy: Deliver impactful work – after you do that, everything will fall into place.

Words I live by: Connect with someone who grounds you every day. Staying grounded allows for my best authentic self.

HAVE THE COURAGE TO HAVE CONVERSATIONS. ASK FOR FEEDBACK. ASK THE HARD QUESTIONS. SELFISHLY OWN YOUR CAREER.

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onia Coleman, formerly vice president of corporate human resources for The Walt Disney Company, was recently promoted to the Disney/ABC Television Group as senior vice president of human resources. In her new position, she is responsible for all employee development, compensation, organizational development, employee relations, diversity, recruitment and employee operations for Disney/ABC’s portfolio of businesses.

As vice president of human resources, Coleman oversaw HR strategy, change management initiatives, organizational development and engagement strategies for Disney’s corporate, enterprise, and cross-functional employees; additionally, she served as the lead HR business partner to the company’s senior corporate executives. She was also responsible for employee relations for The Walt Disney Company.

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~ SONIA L. COLEMAN A seasoned HR professional, Coleman has extensive experience in compensation, learning and organizational development, providing strategic leadership in support of talent management, succession planning, integration strategies, change management, training and development, organizational effectiveness and talent acquisition. She gained this experience not only at Disney, but also at The Children’s Place (acquired by Disney in 2008) and The Home Depot.

“My greatest professional accomplishment was having the opportunity to lead human resources for Disney Stores North America, within the greater Disney Consumer Products & Interactive Media business,” describes Coleman. “It was in that role I felt I could deliver my best work, in part, because I had a strong curiosity about the business. Driving HR

strategy to align and drive tangible, positive business results created what I’ll call a ‘perfect harmony.’”

“I didn’t wake up one day and say, ‘I want to be a leader,’” reflects Coleman. “Instead, I knew that I wanted to do great work for dynamic brands and be surrounded by amazing people.

Once I knew this, my career and leadership path took shape. I marry my principles of work ethic with encouragement. You’ll often hear me say, ‘You got this!’ And, they have. Then, I offer reinforcement with direction to ensure they have the right lift and trajectory.”

“Diversity is a key business driver,” Coleman acknowledges.

“And, for Disney, so is storytelling.

We can’t have the best product on the shelf, shows on the air, and movies in theaters, unless we have the right talent to tell stories.”

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Ellen Knarr Title: Partner Company: Day Pitney LLP Industry: Legal Services CEO: Stan Twardy Employees: 581 (Includes attorneys and staff) Headquarters: Parsippany, NJ / Hartford, CT Education: J.D., cum laude, St. John’s University School of Law Personal philosophy: 1. Be yourself. 2. Always do your best, and try your hardest – there is nothing more anyone can ask of you. 3. Don’t let the question “What’s in it for me?” guide your decision-making process. Your life and your career will be a lot less fulfilling.

Words I live by: Treat others as you would like to be treated.

Try your hardest, but remember that no one is perfect.

Perspective is everything.

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llen Knarr, a partner at Day Pitney LLP, counsels public companies regarding corporate and securities law matters.

Knarr practices primarily in the areas of public reporting, SRO-compliance, corporate governance best practices and executive compensation. She also advises senior management, boards of directors and board committees with respect to these and other legal-compliance matters.

Her practice serves NYSE- and Nasdaq-listed clients from a wide array of industries, including retail, hospitality and banking, as well as technology, document and data services companies.

As a leader in the firm, Knarr serves as the office managing partner of the New York office.

She serves on the leadership committee of Day Pitney’s firmwide women’s initiative Women Working Together (WWT), and she is an active member of the firm’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee.

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EVOLVING INTO A LEADERSHIP ROLE DID NOT HAPPEN OVERNIGHT. I HAD TO EARN THE RESPECT AND TRUST OF MY COLLEAGUES. I DID THIS BY ESTABLISHING MYSELF AS HARD WORKING AND RELIABLE, AND TAKING OWNERSHIP OF MY WORK. ~ ELLEN KNARR Knarr is also a member of the board of directors of Little Flower Children and Family Services of New York and Long Island.

Knarr says her greatest professional accomplishment to date was becoming a partner at Day Pitney at the age of 33. “It was the culmination of years of hard work and dedication, and I am honored to be part of such an impressive group of colleagues.”

“Evolving into a leadership role did not happen overnight. I had to earn the respect and trust of my

colleagues. I did this by establishing myself as hard working and reliable, and taking ownership of my work,” Knarr explains. “I learned as much as I could about each matter and went above and beyond to help my clients and colleagues.”

Knarr offers advice to other women starting out: “Don’t shortchange yourself. You will only get out of your career what you put into it. Also, take advantage of opportunities to build professional relationships and develop a network.

Success isn’t achieved without the help of others.”

Toki Toguri Title: Customer Success Manager Company: Diverst Industry: Tech – D&I Software CEO: Andre Laurin Employees: 10 Headquarters: Montreal, QC Education: B.A., McGill University Personal philosophy: Everything is negotiable – this means not giving up what you want when facing adversity, but finding a way to make it happen.

Words I live by: Your mind is like a parachute – it doesn’t work unless it’s open.

I CAME TO UNDERSTAND THAT MY NEW IDEAS AND DIFFERENT APPROACH WERE PERCEIVED AS A THREAT. THROUGH PERSISTENCE AND MEASURABLE RESULTS, I PROVED I COULD EXCEED EXPECTATIONS. ~ TOKI TOGURI

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ustomer success manager for Diverst, Toki Toguri is front and center for some of the company’s most prolific and forward-thinking clients, delivering implementations tailored to meet their unique needs, on time and on budget. Toguri has worked in leadership positions with some of biggest global brands.

This experience gives her a keen understanding of what works from a people-centric perspective. Her experiences as a woman, a visible minority and a parent give her a sensibility that bridges the divide of misunderstanding and creates the kind of trust necessary for collaboration.

employee onboarding, inclusion, belonging and engagement. Her efforts and insight enable technology enhanced processes to deliver on the company’s diversity and inclusion promise. She says her greatest professional achievement to date was “leaving a secure position to join a start-up focused on making diversity and inclusion work in a real way.”

Toguri operates at the cutting edge of diversity-and-inclusion technology at Diverst, expanding

“Diversity means recognizing that what makes us unique and different is an integral part of who

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Toguri says that learning not to be intimidated by those who expected her to fail was a challenge early on. “I came to understand that my new ideas and different approach were perceived as a threat. Through persistence and measurable results, I proved I could exceed expectations.

we are,” says Toguri. “Inclusion means that we accept each other for who we are and that our personal cultures, beliefs and experiences are valued. Combined, this power to bond a culture with innovation is limitless.” She continues, “Corporate commitment to build a culture of diversity and inclusion is key for any business. Besides being the right thing to do, there is mounting empirical data confirming the value of D&I to an organization’s overall success and financial performance.”

Toguri offers this advice to women on their way up, “Be authentic, be strong, be grateful and be supportive of others. Ask for help when you need it and take responsibility when the going gets tough. Always feel secure that we have each other’s backs.”

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Margaret Coen Calomino Title: Vice President, Advanced Programs Company: L3 Communication Systems-West Industry: Aerospace & Defense CEO: Michael T. Strianese Employees: 38,000 Headquarters: New York City, NY Education: B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame; Certificate of Program Management, Harvard Graduate School

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ice president of advanced programs for L3 Communication SystemsWest, a division of L3 Technologies, Inc., a Fortune 300 company, Margaret Coen Calomino, a Notre Dame- and Harvard-trained mechanical engineer, brings an abundance of knowledge from her relationships with the Air Force, Navy, Missile Defense Agency and industry partners to address extremely difficult military needs and requirements and find innovative solutions. Her background in technical research, mechanical design, program management and systems engineering has enabled her to deliver cutting-edge technical solutions to those in combat, and she has a proven record of delivering products ahead of schedule and under budget.

Personal philosophy: The sum of the whole group is far more valuable than just an individual. I like to surround myself with the best people possible, put a schedule in place and together we create a better solution. Not only do many hands make light work, but with a good plan and schedule, more work is accomplished and completed in a timely fashion.

Words I live by: Steadily push forward.

ALL PEOPLE, ALL PERSONALITIES, ALL LEVELS OF THE ORGANIZATION AND ALL DISCIPLINES NEED TO WORK TOGETHER IN ORDER TO CREATE SUCCESS. ~ MARGARET COEN CALOMINO training of more than 50 engineers over a three-year period.

For Calomino, diversity means listening, encouraging and engaging everyone in solving the problem at hand. “All people, all personalities, all levels of the organization and all disciplines need to work together in order to create success,” she states.

Dealing with diversity is critical to business because addressing Calomino has a strong background differences and getting employees in strategic planning, addressing to work together creates a common both long- and short-term needs focus, the product; a common goal, and product development planning. delivering the product; and common While working with ICBMs, she results, success. As individuals, we was responsible for developing each bring our own perspectives, a critical missile engineering our distinct personalities and our skill pipeline that would support different experiences,” Calomino corporate missile programs. She explains. “When we work together handled hiring and overseeing the – understanding and accepting 114

our differences, and creating a collaborative work environment – we become much more productive and achieve much better results.”

Having experienced pushback on creative ideas and collaboration many times, Calomino says this about overcoming obstacles, “I have found that communication, including listening, closes most gaps in understanding each other.

Once we can come to a common language and understanding of each other’s positions, we can discuss the project or product and move forward in a constructive way.” With that in mind, she offers women at every stage of their careers the following advice, “Let your voice be heard in a positive, problem-solving and collaborative way.”

Kylie Watson-Wheeler Title: Senior Vice President and Managing Director, The Walt Disney Company Australia and New Zealand Company: The Walt Disney Company Industry: Media and Entertainment CEO: Robert Iger Employees: 195,000 Headquarters: Burbank, CA Education: Graduate Diploma, Communications, Marketing and PR, Monash University; B.A., Politics and English Literature, University of Canberra Personal philosophy: Lead by example – always.

Words I live by: “Sure, why not?”

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ylie Watson-Wheeler is the senior vice president and managing director for The Walt Disney Company Australia and New Zealand. She is responsible for all areas of the company in Australia and New Zealand, which includes film, consumer products, digital, home entertainment distribution, and television.

Previously, Watson-Wheeler was responsible for driving Disney’s consumer product and retail businesses across fashion, apparel, toys, interactive games and digital products, home décor, books, magazines, stationery and fast-moving consumer goods; while also directing Disney’s retail sales strategy across all businesses, including home entertainment, e-commerce and direct-to-retail programs.

Before joining Disney, WatsonWheeler was the director of advertising and brand management for Hallmark Cards Inc. Thinking back to that time, she remarks, “when I ran Hallmark U.S.’s sponsorship of, and involvement in,

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MY ADVICE TO ANYONE IS TO BE OPEN TO NEW AND DIFFERENT OPPORTUNITIES, AND NOT THINK THAT A CAREER PATH NEEDS TO BE LINEAR. ~ KYLIE WATSON-WHEELER the Salt Lake Olympics, I was proud to lead a team of peers delivering a multifaceted, complex partnership that was executed flawlessly. It was when I first realized I could lead a team to achieve amazing things.”

She believes that leadership isn’t anointed. “I think you can be a leader regardless of your position or level of seniority. Leadership is about clarity of direction and consistent demonstration of work ethic, integrity and focus. This is the perspective I share with my team,” states Watson-Wheeler.

“My advice to anyone is to be open to new and different opportunities, and not think that a career path needs to be linear,” she relates. “I’ve worked across many different areas of The Walt Disney Company (consumer

products, publishing, retail and marketing), and all of those varied experiences and learnings have shaped the person and leader that I have become.”

Watson-Wheeler feels diversity is all about welcoming and embracing different mindsets and perspectives. “As leaders of a business, it’s incumbent upon us to create a diverse recruiting panel to help guarantee a varied and rich slate of candidates for all open positions,” she explains. “Having a diverse workforce is not only the right thing to do, but quite simply, it’s also good business. Disney appeals to a broad range of consumers, and we need and want to be just as diverse as our customer base. The knowledge and insights we glean from reflecting our consumers is what helps us remain relevant to them.”

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LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO NOT LOVE WHAT YOU DO AND ENJOY THE PEOPLE YOU WORK WITH EACH DAY. ~ AIMEE DECAMILLO

Aimee DeCamillo Title: Vice President, Head of Retirement Plan Services Company: T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. Industry: Financial Services CEO: William J. Stromberg Employees: 6,600 Headquarters: Baltimore, MD Education: B.A., International Relations, Michigan State University Personal philosophy: Be passionate about what you do, have perseverance because it won’t always be easy and surround yourself with great people to continuously learn from and to serve.

Words I live by: Family first, always. Life is too short to not love what you do and enjoy the people you work with each day.

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ead of Retirement Plan Services, Aimee DeCamillo is also a vice president for T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. DeCamillo is a dynamic leader who is responsible for the growth and management of the company’s institutional retirement business, representing more than 3,500 companies and over $150 billion in assets under administration.

Prior to assuming her current position in 2014, she was head of product and marketing for Retirement Plan Services.

DeCamillo serves on the board of The SPARK Institute, the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) and the Howard Hospital Foundation, and chairs the LIMRA LOMA Secure Retirement Institute.

She is also a founding member of the Women’s Roundtable at T. Rowe Price and holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor designation.

Considering her 20-year career, DeCamillo finds many things to celebrate. “Watching employees grow and advance, helping turn a business around, leading the integration of retirement 116

platforms for two major organizations post-acquisition and launching new products into the market are just a few of the things I’m proud of,” she recalls.

“But one of my most meaningful accomplishments occurred two years ago. Every quarter, I talk to middle school students about financial literacy and the importance of saving.

After one such presentation, a mother stopped my husband at the bus stop. She said that after my class, her daughter announced that she wanted to pursue a career in financial services. Her story reminded me how important it is for us to share our knowledge to inspire others,” observes DeCamillo.

DeCamillo offers this advice to women starting their careers: “First, have confidence in yourself to pursue your dreams, and let people know what those dreams are. Second, don’t be afraid to step sideways or backwards to get there – it’s not always a linear path. Third, give back. We all need role models and support systems; paying it forward is so important.”

Tracey Powell Title: Vice President-Commercial Management Resorts Company: The Walt Disney Company Industry: Entertainment CEO: Robert Iger Employees: 195,000 Headquarters: Burbank, CA Education: M.B.A., Barry University; B.S., Finance, Indiana University Personal philosophy: Always be open to new ideas, and work to build strong relationships. I have discovered the importance of relationships and developed the courage to be open to new opportunities that may not be on your intended path.

Words I live by: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou

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ntil recently, Tracey Powell was the vice president of operations for Deluxe Resorts at Walt Disney World Resort.

In that role, she oversaw operations at all deluxe resort hotels at Walt Disney World. Today, she serves as vice president of commercial management for resorts. In this new role, she is responsible for driving new business initiatives within the hotel’s profit centers.

FOSTERING AN OPEN-MINDED AND INNOVATIVE CULTURE WITH A FOCUS ON DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION ALLOWS LEADERS TO CONTINUALLY ADAPT TO THE NEEDS AND PRIORITIES OF OUR BUSINESS. ~ TRACEY POWELL

Powell joined The Walt Disney Company in 2002 as a manager in resort pricing, and held several positions with increasing responsibility. She eventually served as vice president of global initiatives and integration for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, where she led strategic business initiatives, all while driving synergy between internal business partners to enhance the guest experience.

“This year marked the 10th anniversary of the Disney Dreamers Academy. The high school students (Dreamers) who participate each year are such an inspiration to me,” says Powell. “This year, one young man specifically stood out.

He demonstrated such bravery and conviction that he was voted the Courage Award by his fellow Dreamers. With Disney Dreamers Academy, Walt Disney World hopes to enhance and change the trajectory of these Dreamers’ lives.

Well, that young man changed my life. I’m honored to be the executive champion of this powerful program for youth.”

As a member of the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Diversity Council, Powell champions change with a goal of shaping a culture of inclusion and leadership.

Powell credits one former role as being integral in expanding her inclusive leader experience. “In my role as VP, Global Initiatives and Integration, I was leading teams in

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Hong Kong and Shanghai remotely.

I had to gain trust quickly, so that the team and partners could be as productive as possible,” she explains. “It was important for me to understand the differences in cultures to find ways to connect with the team. This allowed us to be innovative and drive the business.

Although cultures can be very different, there are commonalities that bring people together.”

“Fostering an open-minded and innovative culture with a focus on diversity and inclusion allows leaders to continually adapt to the needs and priorities of our business.

This enables our organization to elevate performance based on evershifting business dynamics, thus expanding our relevance in a global marketplace,” Powell concludes.

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Nikki Katz Title: Vice President, Technology Company: The Walt Disney Company Industry: Media & Entertainment CEO: Robert Iger Employees: 195,000 Headquarters: Burbank, CA Education: B.S., Symbolic Systems, Stanford University Personal philosophy: Work hard, think big, and act with integrity, and all the other pieces will fall into place.

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s vice president of technology for Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media (DCPI), Nikki Katz is a driving force behind Disney’s efforts to bring its stories to consumers in inventive ways. Her responsibilities range from designing, developing and operating technology platforms that power games and websites; to new, expanded responsibilities in e-commerce. She leads and shapes DCPI’s platform services organization, while delivering large-scale technology solutions that are leveraged across The Walt Disney Company.

She launched her career at Yahoo! as a software engineer and progressed through technology roles across engineering, operations, product and management.

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HARD WORK, BIG IDEAS AND CHARACTER ARE ALWAYS GOING TO HELP YOU WIN, AND ARE COMPLETELY WITHIN YOUR CONTROL. ~ NIKKI KATZ innovation and leadership inspire her peers. She believes in creating and investing in programs that will spawn the next generation of women engineers, and is a leader and an example in the technology world.

A champion for women in STEM, Katz helped found DCPI’s Women & Technology, an organization designed to support and grow female talent in technology roles. “I am very proud of our Women & Technology organization,” she notes. “It is a vibrant community of over 300 that continues to grow, achieve, give back and cement Disney’s position as a great workplace for women in technology.”

She is also the primary driving force behind a program that enables employees in

non-engineering roles to pursue a new career in engineering.

Katz believes she achieved her leadership organically: “It was through a blend of hard work, an amazing sponsor and mentor, great teams, a supportive family and the opportunities that luck and life afforded me.” She reflects, “I do my best to pay forward the support I’ve received and success I’ve had through the mentorship of, and advocacy for, women at Disney and beyond.”

“Play your own game,” she tells younger coworkers. “Don’t worry about external expectations or limitations. Hard work, big ideas and character are always going to help you win, and are completely within your control. And when you have arrived, reach back to bring other women up with you.”

Wanda Young Title: Senior Vice President Marketing and Consumer Engagement Company: ESPN Industry: Sports Media CEO: Robert Iger (The Walt Disney Company) Employees: 195,000 Headquarters: Burbank, Calif.

Education: B.A., English, Advertising minor; University of Arkansas Personal philosophy: Have faith in life, yourself and others.

Show respect for everyone. Be known for hard work and follow through. Be grateful for the opportunities that come your way and make the most of them when they arrive.

Words I live by: Live life with no regrets.

BECOMING A LEADER IS A JOURNEY I’M ON – I’M NEVER FINISHED. BEING OPEN TO THE IDEA THAT WE ARE ALL WORKS IN-PROGRESS IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT MEANS YOU ARE OPEN TO FEEDBACK AND THE IDEA OF CONSTANT IMPROVEMENT.

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hen Wanda Young was hired by ESPN in March 2016, she immediately assumed the newly created post of senior vice president of marketing and consumer engagement. In that role, she oversees the company’s marketing, media, research and analytics, and marketing solutions.

She works to ensure that brand, content, data and distribution are marketed with innovation and positioned for growth, while enhancing ESPN’s relationship with fans.

A 20-year marketing veteran, Young’s expertise and stellar reputation precede her. Her use of data and technology to enhance marketing efforts makes her both exceptional and vital in today’s media. “However,” she admits, “having spent a large part of my career focused in the digital space, SUMMER 2017

~ WANDA YOUNG I found that my subject matter expertise could be alienating to others. I had to develop an ability to translate complex and technical concepts into plain language so I could not only communicate in a normal business setting, but also to gain support and buy-in for critical projects.”

Before joining ESPN, Young was vice president of media and digital marketing for Walmart, where she says she had a career transformation. “I was given the opportunity to develop Walmart’s digital marketing strategy, innovate in different advertising and measurement models, and understand how to serve customers at scale in the digital space.”

“Becoming a leader is a journey I’m on – I’m never finished. Being open to the idea that we are all works

in-progress is important because it means you are open to feedback and the idea of constant improvement,” explains Young.

“I try to look at past moments in my own development and share those with people I’m investing in, so they realize the long process that all leaders go through. I’m also committed to sharing direct feedback in the kindest way possible in the absolute belief that feedback is a gift.”

Young has four thoughts for women starting their own journeys: “One, be your authentic self. Two, if you’re in a meeting, use your voice and contribute – every time. Three, learn to ask more questions to build your inner curiosity. And four, be fearless. You are the only one who can push yourself to go beyond your comfort zone.”

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Laura Higgins Title: Global Head of Supplier Relationship Management Company: JPMorgan Chase & Co. Industry: Banking, Financial Services CEO: Jamie Dimon Employees: 246,345 Headquarters: New York, NY Education: B.Sc., Accounting and Management Information Systems, University of Delaware Personal philosophy: I truly believe that in any community or environment we are stronger together; and yet only as strong as our weakest links. Therefore, it is in our interest to help each other.

Hard work pays off and we can accomplish more – individually and collectively – through collaboration, and supporting each other.

It takes a village.

Words I live by: “You must do the things you think you cannot do.”

– Eleanor Roosevelt “We have got to get women to sit at the table.” – Sheryl Sandberg

WHENEVER I SPEAK TO WOMEN ON MY TEAM OR OTHER WOMEN I MENTOR, I TALK ABOUT HOW EVERY DAY I WAKE UP AND I TRY TO DO MY BEST — FOR MYSELF, MY FAMILY, MY TEAM, JPMORGAN CHASE AND MY COMMUNITY.

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aura Higgins is a seasoned financial services executive with broad experience driving global, large-scale programs across technology, procurement, vendor management and client relationship management. Currently, she heads JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s supplier relationship management. Prior to joining JPMorgan Chase, Higgins held several leadership positions in supply chain and global technology with Deutsche Bank.

Under Higgins’ leadership, JPMorgan Chase implemented a firm-wide transformational strategic supplier program that that ensures the company’s relationships with suppliers are mutually beneficial and yield significant value. She reflects on that program with a sense of accomplishment. “I was handed a blank sheet of paper and asked to build a new business 120

~ LAURA HIGGINS from the ground up. This involved defining our mission and value proposition, selling the concept and securing stakeholder buy in, securing funding, and building a brand-new team from scratch. In year one, we saw some quick wins and gained incredible momentum.

We are now in year two, with a well-established business recognized for adding measurable value to the JPMorgan Chase platform. I am extremely proud of what our team accomplished in a relatively short time,” she states.

Leading a global team, Higgins helped deliver strategic technology platforms re-engineering key business processes, including CRM and global equities research publishing. She has built global teams spanning the United States, Europe, Asia and India, using strategic outsourcing partnerships.

Asked about leadership, Higgins replies, “Whenever I speak to women on my team or other women I mentor, I talk about how every day I wake up and I try to do my best – for myself, my family, my team, JPMorgan Chase and my community. It’s hard work and there are sacrifices, but success does follow,” she stresses.

She continues, “Don’t be afraid to ask for help. And don’t self-select out. You can do both if you want to. I wouldn’t be where I am today without amazing mentors to advise and guide me, and who told me I didn’t have to make a choice. I stuck it out and had the courage to ask for what I needed to be successful.

You must deliver first, but after that, you are well positioned to be proactive in managing your career,” she concludes.

Gay Porter Title: Vice President, Technical Solutions Group Company: Engility Industry: Government/Technology CEO: Lynn Dugle Employees: Nearly 10,000 Headquarters: Chantilly, VA Education: B.S., Industrial Psychology, George Mason University Personal philosophy: It’s always your responsibility to treat others the way you’d like to be treated.

Words to live by: Through partnership, so much is possible.

EVERY STEP TAKEN TOWARD YOUR GOALS, NO MATTER HOW SMALL IT SEEMS, MUST BE WORKED FOR AND LEARNED FROM. THAT IS WHAT ULTIMATELY CREATES SUCCESS. ~ GAY PORTER

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s vice president of the Technical Solutions Group for Engility, a $2 billion government contractor, Gay Porter serves as chief technology officer and leads strategic efforts to turn innovation investment into practical solutions. Porter has played a pivotal role in making Engility a top provider of highly complex, mission-critical systems.

practice, communities of interest and outreach activities, including technical webinars, the 50-member Technical Fellows program and the Annual Internal Technical Trade Show. Previously, she headed Engility’s Federal Civilian Health division. Porter leads with enthusiasm and a positive outlook that inspires others to strive for greater excellence.

A recognized federal technology industry leader, Porter has over 30 years of experience growing and leading successful businesses dedicated to government service.

She now leads a cross-matrixed team, specializing in Engility’s primary capability areas – high-performance computing (HPC), cybersecurity, enterprise modernization, and systems engineering and integration.

“Establishing the Technical Solutions Group at Engility has been an enormous accomplishment and honor,” says Porter. “In this role, I manage a group that touches every aspect of the company, and I have a tremendous opportunity to create connections that foster innovation and progress.

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“I was fortunate enough to be surrounded by influential leaders throughout my career, and I always knew I wanted to follow in their

footsteps,” relates Porter. “To me, it’s only fair to pay their influence forward and continue to foster the next generation of Engility leaders by recognizing value in others and working with them to grow their confidence.

“I advise my younger colleagues to use every experience as a learning opportunity and recognize that careers evolve over many years,” counsels Porter.

“Every step taken toward your goals, no matter how small it seems, must be worked for and learned from. That is what ultimately creates success.”

Porter summarizes, “I believe that the best ideas come from diverse perspectives, and can result in a much richer and more powerful solution to the problem at hand.”

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Julie Herwig Title: Senior Vice President, Head of Federal Governmental Affairs Company: New York Life Industry: Insurance CEO: Ted Mathas Employees: 12,000 Headquarters: New York, NY Education: M.P.A., Princeton University; J.D., B.A., University of Virginia Personal philosophy: Integrity. Respect for others. Commitment to excellence.

Words I live by: Commit to excellence, but cut yourself (and others) some slack if things don’t work out as you hoped. Laugh at your mistakes, learn from them, and move on.

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ulie Herwig, senior vice president and head of federal governmental affairs at New York Life, is responsible for developing and executing positions and strategies regarding public policy issues and communicating with policymakers and regulators at the federal and international levels. Besides managing a team of government affairs representatives in Washington, DC, she represents New York Life and its business before Congress, the administration and other rule-making bodies.

Colleagues call her a strategic thinker who quickly grasps and anticipates emerging issues facing the industries in which New York Life operates.

Before joining New York Life in 2006 as assistant vice president for legislative affairs, she worked as trade counsel for the Ways and Means Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives, advising Members of Congress on international trade negotiations and other legislative and regulatory trade issues.

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DO THE LITTLE AND BIG THINGS WELL; YOU NEVER KNOW WHO IS PAYING ATTENTION TO THE LITTLE THINGS OR WHICH LITTLE THINGS MAY BECOME BIG THINGS. ~ JULIE HERWIG Herwig is a member of the board of directors of the Public Affairs Council and Higher Achievement, a nonprofit dedicated to closing the opportunity gap for middle school students through after-school and summer programs. In 2015, she was featured in Working Mother magazine as “Working Mother of the Year.”

For Herwig, diversity means ensuring that the people at the table reflect a variety of viewpoints and experiences, and that their voices are heard. It is a crucial business asset that helps leaders do their jobs better. “In any setting,” she explains, “sameness leads to ‘group think’ and poor decision-making.

In government relations, diversity

is a necessity for effectively engaging with members of Congress, who reflect the range of backgrounds and viewpoints of the people they represent.”

She offers this advice to women building careers: “Be curious – ask questions, read, look to understand the bigger picture. Do the little and big things well; you never know who is paying attention to the little things or which little things may become big things.” She goes on to share these words she lives by, “Commit to excellence, but cut yourself (and others) some slack if things don’t work out as you hoped. Laugh at your mistakes, learn from them and move on.”

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Lani Perlman Title: Associate Company: Holwell Shuster & Goldberg LLP Industry: Legal Services Employees: 84 Headquarters: New York, NY Education: J.D., Fordham University School of Law Personal philosophy: I truly believe that what goes around comes around. If you treat others with dignity and respect, and conduct yourself in an honorable way, it will pay long-term dividends.

Words I live by: Walk softly and carry a big stick.

THE BEST WAY TO RECEIVE GOOD ADVICE IS TO BE OPEN ABOUT THE ISSUES YOU ARE FACING AND WHAT YOUR GOALS ARE. ~ LANI PERLMAN

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ani Perlman started her legal career by clerking for Judge Cogan of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. She then moved on to practice at two premier litigation boutiques: Quinn Emanuel and now Holwell Shuster & Goldberg.

Since joining HSG, she has become a leader in residential mortgagebacked securities “putback” cases, which are resolving billions in liability associated with the bursting of the housing bubble.

Perlman has emerged as a commercial litigation rising star, while making great contributions to the legal profession, her firm, and her clients through pro bono service.

She has launched a formal pro bono program, through which HSG

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provides assistance to prisoners’ rights cases and currently partners with the American Civil Liberties Union on a groundbreaking discrimination case in which she is playing a prominent role.

She also represented the former president of the board of directors of a New York City nonprofit in a state investigation.

Asked about her professional success, Perlman reflects: “At a critical juncture in my career, I was staffed on a massive litigation, with the expectation that I would work on one distinct part. I threw myself into the case and carved out a significant role, spanning numerous issues and high-level strategy. By going all-in, I made significant contributions to the

case and showed the full range of my litigation abilities.

“Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to have wonderful mentors,” Perlman recalls. “As I become a more senior attorney, it is important for me to reach out and help younger attorneys – by championing their work, making sure they get the recognition they deserve and taking the time to get to know them on a personal level.”

Perlman advises young women to be honest with themselves and their mentors about the challenges they face. “The best way to receive good advice is to be open about the issues you are facing and what your goals are,” she states.

Dr. Divya Choudhary Title: Director of Graduate Engineering and STEM Center for Women and Diversity, Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering Company: Christian Brothers University Industry: Higher Education CEO: Dr. John Smarrelli Jr. (President of Christian Brothers University) Employees: 100 – 500 Headquarters: Memphis, TN Education: Ph.D., University of Memphis Personal philosophy: Be honest always – you will earn people’s trust.

Be compassionate – there is a greater joy in giving; find time and be involved in your community. Be confident – push yourself out of your comfort zone. Set goals for yourself, short-term and long-term – you can reassess those goals from time to time.

Words I live by: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

– Mahatma Gandhi

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r. Divya Choudhary, an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at Christian Brothers University (CBU), is also the director of graduate engineering.

She is the only woman faculty at CBU’s Gadomski School of Engineering and the first woman faculty to receive tenure in Gadomski School of Engineering.

The graduate engineering program was in decline prior to Choudhary’s appointment as director. Under her visionary leadership, effective cost reduction, strategic planning, innovative recruiting and marketing methods, and new curriculum development were implemented.

Her efforts lead to a substantial growth in the program. She also developed a new master’s degree, Master of Science in computer information systems and Graduate Certificate in data analytics.

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SET GOALS FOR YOURSELF, SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM – YOU CAN REASSESS THOSE GOALS FROM TIME TO TIME. ~ DR. DIVYA CHOUDHARY Choudhary also founded and is the director of the STEM Center for Women and Diversity at CBU. Through industry collaborations with the STEM Center, she developed several free engineering hands-on workshop programs for middle and high school girls; and Future Women Engineers Program, a week-long engineering camp for high school girls. She has worked with Girls Incorporated and Reach Memphis, conducting free workshops.

“Being a woman in maledominated fields can be intimidating. Having mentors and winning people’s trust and respect through competence and hard

work, can break barriers and build bridges,” Choudhary points out. “Because of my experience, I participate in mentoring programs, organizing and giving talks at women’s leadership events, outreach activities and workshops for young women, encouraging them to pursue STEM majors and careers,” she adds.

Her message to others moving up in their careers? “Focus and Perseverance. Reminding yourself that you are capable and tuning out the naysayers. Remember, the important qualities of leadership are to be well prepared, be a good listener, be confident, be assertive and work towards consensusdriven solutions.”

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Kristen Cavallo Title: Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Growth Officer Company: MullenLowe U.S. Industry: Advertising CEO: Lee Newman Employees: 900 Headquarters: Boston, MA Personal philosophy: Do one impossible thing a year. You define what’s impossible. And it’s ok to be scared. Being scared means you’re about to do something brave. I like myself best when I’m being brave.

Words I live by: Have more stamps in your passport than candles on your birthday cake.

PROGRESS DEMANDS WE QUESTION CONVENTION. THE SAME IS TRUE FOR PEOPLE. DIVERSITY FORCES US TO REWRITE THE RULES. ~ KRISTEN CAVALLO

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fter years as a sales rep, Kristen Cavallo launched her advertising career as an intern at MullenLowe in 1994. She rose to the position of chief strategy officer and was eventually named the first female president of MullenLowe Boston. As CSO and president, Cavallo helped the flagship office grow by 86% over six years and create innovative work for American Greetings, Royal Caribbean, JetBlue, Acura and others. In 2015, she was asked to guide the agency’s mission and growth in all four domestic offices as chief growth officer.

As MullenLowe’s chief female officer, Cavallo encourages women to take a seat at the table, pulls them on stage and supports a family-forward culture. She has

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spoken at the 3% Conference, the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity and Hult International Business School’s commencement.

She is twice winner of the Jay Chiat Award and was named an Ad Age Woman to Watch in 2014.

as they are winning by the rules already set. Brands like JetBlue, Netflix and Airbnb change the way we view things. Progress demands we question convention. The same is true for people. Diversity forces us to rewrite the rules.”

Cavallo has raised two children and currently cares for abandoned children in Rwanda through New Homes, which she has supported for ten years.

She has also summited Mt. Kilimanjaro and completed the Richmond Marathon.

Kristen teaches employees how to sprint and to think, mentors them to speak up and inspires them to challenge themselves. “You can’t always choose your title or your salary. But you can often choose your boss. Choose someone who will invest in you, put you on stage, push you out there – someone who will ‘leap out of the dugout should you ever charge the mound.’ Then be that for someone else, preferably a woman. Don’t compete with the other women in the room. No one wins. Be the kind of woman you go to war beside, not against.”

For Cavallo, diversity “means having a real appreciation for differences and a belief that our differences make us better.” She goes on to explain, “In branding, revolution starts on the sidelines – never with market-share leaders,

Kristin Courcy Title: Director, Finance Company: L3 Communication Systems-West Industry: Aerospace & Defense CEO: Michael T. Strianese Employees: 38,000 Headquarters: New York, NY Education: B.S., Accounting & Finance; CPA Personal philosophy: Don’t be afraid of failure. You have to fail to succeed, so take on any and all opportunities and you are bound to succeed. Your potential will eventually shine through and be justly recognized.

Words I live by: Never give up, work hard, have no fear, and always maintain your authenticity and integrity.

WARREN BUFFET SAID THE MOST IMPORTANT QUALITY IN LEADERSHIP IS INTEGRITY. IF YOU DON’T HAVE THAT, NOTHING ELSE MATTERS. NEVER SACRIFICE YOUR INTEGRITY TO GET AHEAD.

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ristin Courcy is the director of finance at L3 Communication SystemsWest, a division of L3 Technologies, Inc., responsible for finance-related aspects of a $1-billion division.

Her executive responsibilities include negotiating financial terms with customers, ensuring company financial commitments and metrics are obtained, and leading financial discipline throughout the organization.

Previously, Courcy served as a corporate audit manager for L3, working alongside CFOs to ensure strong financial compliance. She brings focused financial discipline to the business, increasing financial analysis capabilities and strengthening key customer relationships. She leads a diverse organization, is a strong advocate for developing female talent across

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~ KRISTIN COURCY the company, and serves as a sponsor of L3’s Finance Rotational Development Program.

Courcy has received multiple company awards and strengthens her position in the industry by maintaining her certified public accounting license. As a result of her innovative approach, L3’s corporation accounting platforms have been upgraded, financial processes and control structures strengthened, and operational processes streamlined. Finally, Courcy is dedicated to mentoring women and ensuring that they have access to relationships and opportunities across the business enterprise.

“Diversity and inclusion is about equality,” says Courcy. “Every individual deserves an opportunity, regardless of ethnicity, genetic makeup, position or background.

As challenges or barriers arise, whether real or imagined, if we don’t let them impact our personal sense of worth or ability to succeed, we are paving the way to true equality.”

She continues, “Diversity of thought produces optimized business outcomes. As teams of individuals with diverse backgrounds work together, they develop a familiarity that creates an environment of trust.

When companies work to create this kind of workplace, everyone feels valued, and the company is able to out-innovate, out-produce and outperform its competitors.”

Courcy shares her own experience with future women leaders, “I have found that by seeking mentors, setting goals, working collaboratively and keeping my skills at the top of my game, I have been able to build bridges that allow me to navigate over the obstacles.”

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Natasha L. Wilson Title: Shareholder; Co-Chair, Atlanta Labor & Employment Practice Company: Greenberg Traurig, LLP Industry: Legal Services CEO: Brian L. Duffy Employees: 3,800 Education: B.S., Mississippi University for Women; M.S., University of Southern Mississippi; J.D., Tulane University School of Law Personal philosophy: Brig. Gen. John E. Michel wrote, “The most effective form of leadership is supportive. It is collaborative. It is never assigning a task, role or function to another that we ourselves would not be willing to perform. For all practical purposes, leading well is as simple as remembering to remain others-centered instead of self-centered.”

Words I live by: “Everything that has happened to me is happening for me.” – Oprah Winfrey

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atasha Wilson’s steady rise from associate to co-chair of Atlanta’s Labor & Employment Practice at global law firm Greenberg Traurig (GT) is a testament to her dedication to the practice of law and to the firm.

As the first woman to serve in this position, she has welcomed every challenge inherent to GT’s dynamic client-driven practice and sought new opportunities to help strengthen her community. She exemplifies the firm’s commitment to excellent client service, professionalism and charitable spirit. Colleagues say Wilson demonstrates by example, and through compassion on behalf of clients and in the community, influencing those around her to not only be better attorneys, but also better people.

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TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR OWN PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND NEVER GIVE UP ON YOURSELF. ~ NATASHA L. WILSON clients regarding employment issues before courts and administrative agencies on federal and state levels, and issues involving prevention and compliance.

A source of achievement Wilson sites is the skilled, knowledgeable and diverse team of attorneys, paralegals and staff she has assembled, who make it their goal to provide superior client services on a daily basis.

Since 2013, Wilson has served as co-liaison to GT’s Associate Committee and mentors young associates firmwide. She serves the greater Atlanta community as a board member for both the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta and Atlanta Habitat for Humanity.

Despite her steady professional rise, Wilson has encountered obstacles that she turned into

opportunities. “As an African American, female shareholder in the legal field, where less than 1% of us are represented in majority law firms, I routinely encounter challenging situations in practicing law. But my response to each situation is the same – I treat the encounter as a stepping stone, a learning experience and an opportunity for growth,” she recounts.

Drawing on her own experience, Wilson counsels women early in their careers to believe in themselves.

“Great mentoring moments don’t always need to come from other people,” she explains. “They can come from having the discipline to reflect and be honest about what is most important. The gift of self-evaluation, self-reflection and self-motivation is priceless.

Take charge of your own professional development and never give up on yourself.”

Laura Swihart Title: Partner Company: Dechert LLP Industry: Legal Services CEO: Henry N. Nassau Chairman: Andrew J. Levander Employees: 2,000 Headquarters: New York, NY Education: J.D., New York University School of Law; B.A., summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, University of Connecticut Personal philosophy: “Be the change you wish to see in the world” – Gandhi. If you want to see more diverse, open minded, thoughtful and humane leaders in the corporate, legal and political world, first become one and then help promote and support others.

Words I live by: A mix between an oldie but goodie – “Carpe Diem” and a new one, compliments of Tony Horton of P90X fame – “Do your best and forget the rest.”

WORK HARD, TRY TO LEARN SOMETHING FROM EVERY EXPERIENCE, EVEN THE BAD ONES, AND EVERYONE YOU MEET, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO HAVE DIFFERENT EXPERIENCES THAN YOU. ~ LAURA SWIHART

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aura Swihart stands out for her breadth of experience in commercial real estate finance. As a partner working in the area of global finance at Dechert LLP, she has spearheaded the expansion of the firm’s commercial mortgage-backed securities capabilities since joining the firm in 2010.

Acting as seller’s counsel and special securitization counsel for a federal institution, Swihart was instrumental in multiple securitizations totaling more than $140 billion. She led Dechert’s expanding relationship with the institution, resulting in several new commercial real estate-related matters, including the establishment of an investment fund for holding securitization certificates.

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Swihart has nearly tripled her book of business over the past two years by bringing in new work from major banks and financial institutions.

Asked about her greatest professional accomplishment, Swihart says it was making equity partner. “I have had some fabulous female and male equity partner mentors, all of whom I highly respected. Reaching their level was my greatest accomplishment.

There are very few female equity partners in my practice area and it meant a lot to join their ranks.”

“I have always challenged myself to try things outside my comfort zone,” Swihart continues. “I have pushed past my fears and insecurities on numerous occasions during my career. I learned from

my mentors that almost everyone has doubts about being ready for more responsibility and leadership roles, but the only way to overcome these doubts is to volunteer for more and do your best. You will soon realize that you are more capable than you think; the more you step up and try, the better you get.”

Swihart is a mentor and member of the women’s group at the firm.

She also co-leads her industry trade association’s professional development program for women.

She offers this advice to her mentees: “Work hard, try to learn something from every experience, even the bad ones, and everyone you meet, especially those who have different experiences than you. Don’t be afraid to try new things and move to the next step. No one starts out as a leader. It takes hard work, courage and a lot of practice.”

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Lisa J. Sotto Title: Partner and Chair, Privacy and Cybersecurity Practice Company: Hunton & Williams LLP Industry: Legal Services CEO: Walfrido J. Martinez, Managing Partner Employees: 1,409 Headquarters: Washington, DC Education: J.D., University of Pennsylvania Law School; B.A., Cornell University Personal philosophy: My philosophy begins with putting the client first and being the person who sees around the corners for them. I also focus on integrity and fairness, with a dose of tenacity.

Words I live by: Follow the golden rule: always treat people the way you want to be treated.

START BY BEING AN A-LEVEL LAWYER, SOMEONE CLIENTS CAN RELY ON AND TURN TO AT ANY MOMENT. THEN SEEK THE CHANCE TO FLY SOLO AND SHINE. ~ LISA J. SOTTO

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isa Sotto serves as managing partner of Hunton & Williams’ New York office and is a member of the firm’s Executive Committee. Seventeen years ago, Sotto anticipated the coming wave of privacy, data security and cyber threats and took action, creating and building one of the world’s foremost privacy and cybersecurity law practices.

Today, she is chair of Hunton & Williams’ Global Privacy and Cybersecurity practice and works with a renowned group of privacy and data security professionals located across the United States, Europe and Asia. Together, they have handled more than 1,200 data breaches, including some of the largest cyber incidents in history, and have helped shape cybersecurity and privacy policy across the globe.

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When it comes to privacy matters, Sotto is so well respected that governments around the world seek her counsel. She is chair of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Data Privacy and Integrity Advisory Committee and has testified before the U.S. House of Representatives, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Subcommittee on Privacy and Confidentiality and the CSIS Commission on Cybersecurity for the 44th Presidency. She is also editor and lead author of the 1,400-page Privacy and Cybersecurity Law Deskbook.

Sotto still finds time to give back to her community. As the former chair of the New York Office Pro Bono Committee, she established a legal clinic at the St. Agnes Homeless Drop-In Shelter and was awarded the Champion of Justice Award by the New York City Bar Association.

“Diversity and inclusion mean having a seat at the table and being regarded as an equal,” says Sotto. “The world is not just one gender and one race. My clients are global, and their consumers and employees come from around the world. When company management and their lawyers reflect this diversity, companies can make better business decisions, find more growth opportunities, and drive up revenues.”

Sotto advises up-and-coming lawyers: “Start by being an A-level lawyer, someone clients can rely on and turn to at any moment. Then seek the chance to fly solo and shine. Finally, have someone in your court who can vouch for you and pave the way forward.”

Pallavi Mahajan Title: Vice President, Engineering Company: Juniper Networks Industry: Networking/Telecommunications CEO: Rami Rahim Employees: 9,500 Headquarters: Sunnyvale, CA Education: M.S., Computer Science Personal philosophy: One, there is no substitute to hard work, and two, be the change you want to see. Lead by example.

Words I live by: Integrity, Courage, Perseverance.

SOME OF US WANT TO PRIORITIZE OUR CAREERS, SOME WANT TO PURSUE OTHER PASSIONS AND SOME, FAMILIES. IN THE END, WHATEVER OUR CHOICE, WE SHOULD BE PROUD OF IT AND NOT COMPARE OURSELVES WITH OTHERS. ~ PALLAVI MAHAJAN

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allavi Mahajan, vice president of engineering for Juniper’s Junos Software, is responsible for driving strategy and execution for all engineering functions.

During her tenure, Mahajan has served Juniper in a number of roles, including defining and leading the company’s Software Automation and Programmability story and global engineering teams. As a member of Juniper Networks India founding engineering team, she was credited with incubating numerous new software teams in Juniper, India. Her technical and leadership contributions include many successful products and the filing of eight patent applications, six of which have been granted.

However, she is more than a leader, she is also an inspiration.

Mahajan is a mentor for women engineers inside and outside Juniper.

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She empowers women and girls by involving herself in organizations that help motivate young girls to continue their education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.

Active in philanthropy. Mahajan leads the Juniper Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) charter in India, which has adopted a village cluster, focusing on education and health, while empowering the female population. She also assembled a group of colleagues to determine the needs of rural Indian villages and improve living standards.

Leadership has been a journey for Mahajan. She says that there was no one defining moment, but rather a series of opportunities to be seized.

“From picking up projects without being assigned, to always looking ahead and being in a constant

learning mode, looking to see where the industry is trending and staying ahead of those trends, to defining areas where I could make meaningful difference to the society, that has been my journey,” she reflects.

Mahajan tells mentees that they get to make their own choices.

“Some of us want to prioritize our careers, some want to pursue other passions and some, families.

In the end, whatever our choice, we should be proud of it and not compare ourselves with others.

Nothing comes for free, and there will always be tough moments and times when you will want to call it quits. In those times, always remember that the world is full of good people, all you need is to stretch out your hand and ask for help,” she coaches.

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Melissa Di Donato Title: Chief Revenue Officer, S/4HANA Cloud Company: SAP Industry: Enterprise Software CEO: Bill McDermott Employees: 84,000 plus Headquarters: Walldorf, Germany Education: M.B.A., International Business, American University Kogod School Of Business; B.A., Russian Language and Literature, American University Personal philosophy: Ensure all-around diversity, not just gender diversity, in all roles on my team.

Words I live by: “You can’t be what you can’t see” and “Pressure makes diamonds.”

ALTHOUGH AN ENVIRONMENT MAY BE DIVERSE, WHAT’S REALLY IMPORTANT IS AN INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT WHERE EVERYONE FEELS WELCOME AND THAT THEIR IDEAS MATTER. ~ MELISSA DI DONATO

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elissa Di Donato, technology industry veteran and chief revenue officer for global business solutions leader SAP’s S/4HANA cloud business, has more than 20 years of experience in senior enterprise roles and is dedicated to delivering innovative and transformative cloud solutions.

She spearheads the creation of digital strategies that align sales, partners, products and channels to deliver deeper customer relationships. This includes building high-performing sales engines, ensuring diversity across the business and developing go-to-market strategies. Di Donato has proven herself in fast-paced environments where digital strategy affects growth and revenue. Prior to joining SAP, she was vice president of analytics for Salesforce.

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A recognized industry expert in the enterprise technology space, Di Donato earned ComputerWeekly’s 2015 Personality of the Year for Cloud Computing. She is a board member for iDEA (The Duke of York’s Charitable Program for digital skills for UK youth) and the Data Science Institute at Imperial College in London, and a trustee for Founders4Schools.

Di Donato is a dedicated philanthropist and a champion of workplace diversity who works to elevate the role of women and girls in STEM and mentor women in business. As the technology group chair of the 30% Club, which advocates for greater women representation on th FTSE 100, she aims to affect positive change in the workplace and ensure that more women sit at the top of leading technology companies.

Regarding workplace diversity, Di Donato says, “You have a better chance of being a profitable, high-growth business if diversity is reflected in everything you do.

It’s also important to note that although an environment may be diverse, what’s really important is an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and that their ideas matter.”

“As a senior female executive,” explains Di Donato, “you have a platform from which to communicate, mentor, volunteer and be a role model – things that can have a tangible impact on future generations.” She offers this simple, but powerful, advice to women on their way up, “Don’t. Give. Up.”

Michelle Brauer Abidoye Title: Partner Company: FordHarrison LLP Industry: Legal Services CEO: Lash Harrison Employees: 350 Headquarters: Atlanta, GA Education: J.D., Loyola Law School, Los Angeles; B.A., UCLA Personal philosophy: Live an authentic life and be true to yourself.

Surround yourself with people who you trust and respect.

Words I live by: My husband taught me the phrase, “the cream always rises to the top.” It means a good person cannot go unnoticed for long just as cream poured in coffee eventually rises to the top. During times in my career when I felt like I could not succeed, I learned as long as I believed in myself, I would eventually find the right opportunity where my talents could be recognized.

IF YOU DEVELOP A CURIOSITY ABOUT PEOPLE THAT TRANSLATES INTO GENUINE FRIENDSHIPS, YOU MAY LEARN THINGS THAT CAN TAKE YOUR CAREER IN A DIRECTION YOU NEVER IMAGINED. ~ MICHELLE BRAUER ABIDOYE

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ichelle Brauer Abidoye, a partner in FordHarrison’s Los Angeles office, is a successful litigator and a firm leader, as well as liaison for the FordHarrison School in Cambodia, a primary school the firm funded and built in partnership with World Assistance for Cambodia. Over the past two years, she has successfully represented clients from various industries in complex multimillion dollar employment lawsuits, including three class action cases.

While a student, she founded the Evening Women’s Law Association at Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, and received the Dean’s Service Award for her efforts. She served as student liaison for Women Lawyers of Los Angeles and currently serves on that organization’s board of governors and executive committee.

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Abidoye also served on the board of governors and executive committee for California Women Lawyers from 2012–2016 and chaired CWL’s annual conference.

She is deeply committed to helping others and to advancing the role of women in the legal profession and society. Through her involvement in women lawyer associations and in serving as a mentor, she consistently promotes the advancement of women both in law and in life.

Regarding diversity, Abidoye has this to say, “I believe the most important element of any diversity effort relates to inclusion. While it is important for an organization to have diverse members, it is critical that all members of an organization feel included. This requires people

of different backgrounds to make an effort to develop genuine relationships and develop trust with each other.” She goes on to explain, “The United States is a patchwork of individuals with different life experiences and perspectives. A successful organization must embrace those differences and recognize that unconscious bias is a real obstacle that must be addressed.”

Abidoye offers professional women on their way up this advice, “Network with as many people as possible, especially outside of your immediate office or organization. If you develop a curiosity about people that translates into genuine friendships, you may learn things that can take your career in a direction you never imagined.”

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Michelle Lopez Title: Director Company: Charter School Business Management Inc. Industry: Financial Consultants CEO: Raj Thakkar Employees: 55 Headquarters: New York, NY Education: B.S., Lehman College Personal philosophy: Failure has never been an option for me.

There are always obstacles and hardships in your path, but overcoming them is what leads to personal and professional growth and success.

Words I live by: At the end of the day, my word is all I have.

Therefore, I always strive to conduct myself with honesty and integrity.

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s a director at Charter School Business Management Inc. (CSBM), Michelle Lopez oversees a team of financial consultants who manage in excess of $150 million of public funds for the clients they serve.

Because she believes strongly in her clients’ missions, Lopez goes above and beyond the norm for a financial service provider by serving as a financial thought partner for school leaders and board members, helping them make sound financial decisions.

In addition to ongoing team coaching, Lopez provides crucial professional development focused on fiscal management. She also trains and mentors less-seasoned finance and operations staff members, so that they become comfortable with complex charter school finances. Through these endeavors, she has been able to share her knowledge and have an even greater impact on the charter schools and the communities they serve.

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BELIEVE IN YOURSELF, AND DO NOT SHY AWAY FROM SPEAKING UP OR DEALING WITH DIFFICULT SITUATIONS. A FIRM HANDSHAKE, EYE CONTACT AND CONFIDENCE WILL HAVE YOU OWNING A ROOM. ~ MICHELLE LOPEZ When asked her views on diversity and inclusion, Lopez had this to say, “Diversity is something I never much paid attention to until I came to CSBM. At this company, I’ve seen that having people with different backgrounds, perspectives and thought processes is a true asset. Seeing different cultures and experiences represented in one place signals automatically that difference is accepted here and you will fit in. For me, it means that I never worry about being judged based on my gender, culture or religion. It means all of us can focus on doing our best work.

“Being female is just my gender and my anatomy. Being Puerto Rican is just my culture and where I was born. Neither of these things dictates my ability or potential.

To me, believing this is true for all people is the essence of inclusion.”

Eighty percent of the people on Lopez’s team are women, and she offers them each this advice as they follow their respective career paths, “Believe in yourself, and do not shy away from speaking up or dealing with difficult situations.

A firm handshake, eye contact and confidence will have you owning a room. Don’t worry about how you look.”

Melissa Gardner Title: Vice President, Strategic Business Programs Company: Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Industry: Health insurance CEO: Christopher C. Booth, Esq. Employees: 3,410 Headquarters: Rochester, NY Education: M.P.H., University of North Carolina; B.S., Health Care Administration, Ithaca College Personal philosophy: Time is the most precious thing you can give or take from someone.

Words I live by: Never accept no for an answer when you know it is the wrong one. My nana told me this once when I was little and I have carried it with me personally and professionally.

IF YOU DEVELOP A CURIOSITY ABOUT PEOPLE THAT TRANSLATES INTO GENUINE FRIENDSHIPS, YOU MAY LEARN THINGS THAT CAN TAKE YOUR CAREER IN A DIRECTION YOU NEVER IMAGINED. ~ MELISSA GARDNER

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elissa Gardner, vice president of strategic business programs for Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, builds relationships with hospital systems and physician networks that enable a shift away from incentives, based on the volume of health care services provided, toward population health management. She leads a team of clinical, program management and analytic professionals who work with systems of care to align incentives and enable change. They identify, develop and implement innovative solutions to meet cost, quality, trend and member-satisfaction goals across a network of nearly 1.5 million members and 30,000 providers.

During her 13-year Excellus BCBS career, Gardner has made important and innovative contributions, including supporting the successful implementation of ICD-10, the SUMMER 2017

most significant change in coding in the United States in more than 30 years; launching an interactive quoting tool; attracting and developing leaders to drive cultural improvements resulting in increased employee engagement and satisfaction; helped to oversee the transition from five membership claims systems to one; and mentoring other future leaders from inside and outside the company. She has been a member of the Health Care Financial Management Association since 2013.

one story to the next; appreciation, to value the role stories play in personal interactions; and intention, to ensure openness to everyone’s story.

“In thinking about diversity,” says Gardner, “I think of people’s stories. Each story is made up of experiences, backgrounds and values that are unique. Inclusion requires curiosity, to want to understand each story, as well as similarities and differences from

Gardner, who says that her greatest professional accomplishment has been “connecting people and passion,” offers this bit of wisdom to other professional women, “Don’t underestimate your own abilities or the impact you can have on others.”

“Businesses operate in communities made up of people with varying backgrounds and experiences, so the best way to ensure a business is meeting the needs of its customers is to be like its customers,” Gardner explains.

“Beyond this, when teams of people come together and maximize individual strengths, the potential for excellence is much greater.”

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Alexandra (Sandra) Poe Title: Partner Company: Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP Industry: Legal Services CEO: Theodore V.H. Mayer (Chair) Employees: 675 Headquarters: New York, NY Education: J.D., New York University School of Law; B.S., Cornell University Personal philosophy: Life is not a dress rehearsal.

Words I live by: “None of us is getting out of here alive, so please stop treating yourself like an afterthought.

Eat the delicious food. Walk in the sunshine. Jump in the ocean. Say the truth that you’re carrying in your heart like hidden treasure. Be silly. Be kind. Be weird. There’s no time for anything else.” – Christopher Walken

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION ARE SIGNIFIERS OF INDIVIDUALS SEEKING A PATH TO EQUAL RESPECT, VISIBILITY, OPPORTUNITY AND FULL PERSONHOOD FOR EVERY KIND OF PERSON IN OUR WORKPLACE AND OUR COMMUNITIES. ~ ALEXANDRA (SANDRA) POE Sandra Poe, partner at Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP and a leader in the firm’s Private Funds practice, has served as a respected counselor to asset managers, investors and boards of directors for more than 25 years.

The incredibly active Poe was cofounder and chair of High Water Women Foundation. She launched the Global Risk Consultancy for Microfinance and NGOs, and the HWW Symposium: Investing for Impact; was board chair of Artists to End Hunger; led diversity committees, recruiting efforts, women’s initiatives and pro bono projects; and advocated for and won HR policy changes affecting LGBTQ employees at four employers. She was also a founding member of the Community Relations and 136

Development Committee at Callen Lorde Community Health Center, a healthcare service provider for the LGBTQ community, and a founding Angel for 100 Women in Finance.

Two years ago, Poe went back to school and passed three days of exams to become a certified sommelier, under the auspices of the Court of Master Sommeliers.

She shows biodynamic French wines at international wine fairs and recently joined hundreds of women wine professionals as a taster in the Feminalise World Wine Competition in Burgundy, France.

For Poe, “Diversity and Inclusion are signifiers of individuals seeking a path to equal respect, visibility, opportunity and full personhood for every kind of person in our

workplace and our communities.”

She elaborates, “We are all in this together. All kinds of people are everywhere – they are our coworkers, our clients and our family members.

Leadership is the last thing to change, but it will change to reflect the society that gave rise to it. And there are opportunities for businesses that get it and adapt.”

Poe offers this advice to women building careers: “Look for openings to speak up. Consider what your personal sphere of influence is.

Sometimes it is expertise. Sometimes it’s because you are in the right place at the right time; that was true for me when companies still had HR policies unfriendly to LGBT folks.

Every time I started a new job I had the ‘opportunity’ to educate and get better practices adopted.”

Sandy McIntosh Title: Executive Vice-president, People & Culture and Chief Human Resources Officer Company: TELUS Communications Inc. Industry: Telecommunications CEO: Darren Entwistle Employees: 47,000 Headquarters: Vancouver, BC Education: M., Industrial Relations, M.B.A., Queen’s University Personal philosophy: strive for the triple threat – do what you love, go where you are needed, and play to your strengths. Real success, reward and joy come when you can achieve all three of these things together Words I live by: Be authentic. Be true to yourself. Don’t compromise. Trying to be anyone else would be painfully obvious.

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andy McIntosh – the Executive Vice-president of People & Culture, and Chief Human Resources Officer – champions the growth and development of the TELUS team, transcending traditional HR accountabilities as a key voice in setting the company’s vision.

Under McIntosh’s leadership, TELUS is reimagining work – empowering everyday innovation, collaboration and ownership in advancing priorities. She drives transformational change, organizational effectiveness and human capital development to ensure the company’s success in the marketplace.

As a member of the company’s executive leadership team, she advances strategy and priorities; including human capital development, organizational effectiveness, transformational cultural change, progressive labor relations, compelling total rewards and differentiated talent acquisition.

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IF YOU ARE IN A PLACE THAT DOES NOT ALLOW YOU TO REACH YOUR FULL POTENTIAL OR BE YOUR AUTHENTIC SELF, MOVE ON. SOMEONE SOMEWHERE IS DESPERATE FOR WHAT YOU HAVE TO OFFER. ~ SANDY MCINTOSH Committed to her community, McIntosh serves as vice-chair of the Greater Toronto Area TELUS Community Board and for the past seven years has served as honorary chair for OneWalk to Conquer Cancer (Princess Margaret Hospital).

“Diversity is about getting the right mix. Inclusiveness is about getting the mix to work,” says McIntosh. “It takes a while for cultures to evolve, but I believe to extract the true value of diversity of thought, you need to drive real collaboration that includes every voice.” She goes on to explain how diversity drives business success, “In order to serve our different customers, our team needs to reflect them. This helps us understand their values, norms, preferences, cultures

and so on, which drives creativity and innovation. We live in a rapidly changing world. If you want to be in business 10 years from now, you must have a diverse team with the real solutions to drive your success.”

McIntosh tells women, “Be honest about what makes you happy. Don’t act on the expectations of others – stay true to who you are. Define the narrative for your career and work on creating it. If you are in a place that does not allow you to reach your full potential or be your authentic self, move on. Someone somewhere is desperate for what you have to offer. Develop resiliency.

It is one of the most undervalued attributes, but research indicates that it is a key to success.”

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Robin D. Miller Title: Partner and Vice-Chair, Business Litigation Company: Ulmer & Berne LLP Industry: Legal Services CEO: Scott Kadish Employees: NA Headquarters: Cleveland, OH Education: J.D., University of Dayton School of Law Personal philosophy: There is no room in life for stress – only hard work, which produces great results and obviates the need for stress. (It becomes a wonderful self-fulfilling prophecy.)

Words I live by: Start out the way you mean to go.

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artner and vice chair of the Business Litigation Group at Ulmer & Berne LLP, Robin Miller’s practice focuses on complex commercial litigation.

She represents publicly traded corporations and small private businesses, as well as universities at all stages of litigation, including requests for immediate injunctive relief, trials and appeals. Miller has experience defending and pursuing a variety of cases involving breach of contract, fraud, defamation, noncompete agreements, trade secret misappropriation, construction, employment discrimination and product liability. Her voice and leadership are helping to shape the Group’s trajectory in years to come and its ability to deliver unsurpassed quality to clients today.

Miller’s trial advocacy skills reach all the way to the Supreme Court of Ohio, where she has successfully argued on behalf of her clients. Her skills as a lawyer and unwavering professionalism have earned her the respect of her colleagues, both inside her firm and throughout 138

TAKE CALCULATED RISKS, ASK FOR THE TOUGH ASSIGNMENTS AND HOLD YOURSELF ACCOUNTABLE. AND ALWAYS REMEMBER WHERE YOU CAME FROM AND WHAT IT TOOK (AND WHO HELPED) TO GET YOU WHERE YOU ARE. ~ ROBIN D. MILLER the legal community. She has served as co-chair of the firm’s women’s professional development committee and is involved with the National Association of Women In Construction. She was recently named a Client Service All-Star by BTI Consulting.

When asked to recount her biggest professional obstacle and how she overcame it, Miller replies, “There are not a lot of women who practice in complex commercial litigation. I had to fight for challenging opportunities and then prove to colleagues, judges, juries and clients that I was just as aggressive and worthy as my adversaries.”

For Miller, diversity and inclusion have a personal importance.

“Inclusion promotes compassion and teamwork, both of which are very important to me,” she says.

“We all have different values and experiences. Inclusion allows us to capitalize on both for the greater good. No organization benefits from being narrow-minded.”

Miller tells young women on their way up, “Believe in yourself and don’t be afraid to speak up and out. Take calculated risks, ask for the tough assignments and hold yourself accountable. And always remember where you came from and what it took (and who helped) to get you where you are.”

Roberta G. Torian Title: Partner Company: Reed Smith LLP Industry: Legal Services CEO: Alexander Y. Thomas, Global Managing Partner Employees: 1,700 plus Headquarters: Pittsburgh, PA Education: J.D., Boston University; B.A., cum laude, Howard University Personal philosophy: Treat each day, each assignment as the one that will be used to define your abilities so achieving excellence is a consistent goal. It is also crucial to always treat others fairly and appreciate those who support you, especially family.

IF YOU BELIEVE THAT YOU CAN CONQUER A CHALLENGE, EVEN ONE FOR WHICH YOU MAY NOT FEEL PERFECTLY PREPARED, BUT FOR WHICH YOU HAVE THE PASSION AND DRIVE, THAT WILL BE THE DIFFERENTIATOR IN ACHIEVING SUCCESS.

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oberta Torian, a partner at Reed Smith in Philadelphia, is one of the most experienced bank regulatory and consumer compliance lawyers in the United States. After having held senior roles at several prestigious financial institutions for many years, Torian joined Reed Smith in 2009, where she set about building a very successful practice within a large law firm. She refined her expertise, developed many new clients and soon became a member the firm’s executive committee.

One of Torian’s greatest achievements at Reed Smith was leading the representation of Avis Budget Group, the world’s thirdlargest car rental agency. Because of her efforts, Reed Smith was one of only seven firms to be appointed by Avis to its first-ever approved law firm panel.

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~ ROBERTA G. TORIAN Torian chairs the Reed Smith African American Affinity Group’s Retention Subcommittee and was named a fellow of the American College of Consumer Financial Services Lawyers. She chaired the American Bar Association’s Internet Banking/Electronic Delivery Subcommittee and co-chaired its Corporate Governance Subcommittee and Deposit Account Control Agreement Task Force.

As an attorney, she served on the board of Chester County Women’s Commission and was a founding member of the National Bar Association’s Women Lawyers’ Division Foundation, Philadelphia Chapter. This Chapter was created to raise funds for scholarships for diverse young women pursuing legal careers. She is also a member of The Forum of Executive Women.

“Diversity means being open to and appreciating differences among people,” says Torian. “Inclusion means bringing someone who differs from you into your work experience, onto your team and your projects and treating them as a valued colleague.” She explains that diversity in the workplace enhances the quality of decision making, because sharing differing views will cause everyone to consider a perspective other than his or her own. This leads to better outcomes.

Torian offers professional women this advice: “Understand that selfperception is at the heart of what you can achieve. If you believe that you can conquer a challenge, even one for which you may not feel perfectly prepared, but for which you have the passion and drive, that will be the differentiator in achieving success.”

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Shaun Ellen Zitting Title: Vice President, Human Resources & Communications, Performance Materials and Technology Company: Honeywell Industry: Software, Industrial CEO: Darius Adamczyk Employees: 130,000 Headquarters: Morris Plains, NJ Education: B.S., Oakland University

NO ONE PROMISED LIFE WOULD BE FAIR, IT’S NOT. PUT ON YOUR BIG GIRL PANTS AND KICK SOME BUTT. ~ SHAUN ELLEN ZITTING

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ice president of human resources and communications for Honeywell Performance Materials and Technologies (PMT), an $8 billion growth engine and a leader in the global energy sector, Shaun Zitting combines decades of experience with a relentless drive to get results. She loathes the status quo, welcomes tough challenges and is sought out by senior executives for her perspective and advice. She has significantly improved the way Honeywell thinks about diversity, talent acquisition and retention.

Zitting lectures frequently and has been recognized for innovative thinking and problem solving

by Computerworld and Human Resources Executive magazine.

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Personal philosophy: Lean into the tough stuff, do the things that scare you the most –they will make you a better leader and human being. Be authentic and vulnerable in your work, learn from experience and be confident, but humble. You’ll encounter plenty of people who may question your value, don’t be one of them. You can’t lead change from the fence – leadership is a full contact sport. Be provocative, flexible and willing to do things differently. If you don’t get the results you are looking for, try something new, never accept the status quo.

Words I live by: Do or do not, there is no “try.”

Originally from Traverse City, Michigan, Zitting now lives in Denville, New Jersey, with her wife Kris, three rescue dogs and two rescue cats. The couple are active supporters of several nonprofit and academic organizations, including animal rescues.

“When you put people together with different perspectives and backgrounds,” says Zitting, “they will invariably create something better than people who think, look and act the same. If you get it right, diversity can be a huge business differentiator.” She continues, “It’s simple. The best people in any field come from all over the world – from different religions, political views, socioeconomic backgrounds, race, gender, sexual orientation, working preferences, values ‒ If you don’t

believe this, you will miss out on attracting and keeping the best people.”

Asked about obstacles she has faced in her own career, Zitting has this to say: “I probably thought they were my fault – something I should have done better. I think other women in business take more responsibility for ‘what’s not working’ than they own. I’ve learned not to personalize problems. I have a ‘never give up, bring it on’ attitude, I don’t let them see me sweat and, if all else fails, I have a glass of really good wine (after work, of course)!”

Zitting offers women this wisdom, “Forget the ‘why’ of why things are the way they are; just aspire to be better than you are today and, over time, you will be in front! No one promised life would be fair, it’s not. Put on your big girl pants and kick some butt.”

Distinguished Performance

Honeywell invents and manufactures technologies to address some of the world’s toughest challenges in science, technology, and society. Diversity is the foundation of our performance culture that promotes respect, understanding, and appreciation of different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences.

Our people are what make us great—and diversity is what makes our team great. Our more than 130,000 employees are proud to be a part of a company that is building a smarter, safer, and more sustainable world.

Honeywell congratulates Shaun Zitting, Vice President, Human Resources and Communications, Performance Materials and Technology, and all of the Women Worth Watching award winners, for their leadership and

THE POWER OF CONNECTED

achievements in their businesses and their communities. © 2017 Honeywell International. All rights reserved.

Exceptional people.

Exceptional contributions.

When your goal is to provide exceptional service to the nation, you need exceptional people. That’s why Sandia National Laboratories seeks out team members whose principles, perspectives, and outlook can contribute to game-changing solutions. We value the qualities that make our people unique—and know that what makes each person different makes all of us stronger.

Visit sandia.gov/careers to learn more about an exceptional career at Sandia and how you can add to our legacy of discovery, innovation, and achievement that has enhanced the well-being and security of people all over the world.

World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers.

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Exceptional service in the national interest

Equal opportunity employer/Disability/Vet/GLBT

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Rachel J. Adcox Title: Partner Company: Axinn, Veltrop & Harkrider LLP Industry: Legal Services CEO: James Veltrop – Managing Partner Employees: 119 Headquarters: New York, NY Education: J.D., with Honors, The George Washington University Law School; B.S., with High Honors, Michigan State University Personal philosophy: Be a straight shooter – your integrity will earn others’ respect, regardless of whether or not they agree with you.

Words I live by: “Do. Or do not. There is no try.” – Yoda

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hether leading clients through complex multidistrict litigation cases or negotiating criminal fine reductions in the hundreds of millions of dollars, Rachel Adcox, partner at Axinn, Veltrop & Harkrider LLP, has proven herself a standout among antitrust practitioners. Her work in groundbreaking litigation is a testament to the trust her clients place in her skill and judgment. She also says that helping to found and grow Axinn’s Washington, D.C. office is her greatest professional accomplishment to date.

Early in her career, Adcox was appointed by the U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia to represent a union member pro bono in a duty of fair representation suit against his union, becoming one of only a handful of attorneys in the District to litigate such a claim

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IT IS A GREAT TIME TO BE A WOMAN IN THE LEGAL PROFESSION. THE OPPORTUNITIES AND TOOLS FOR SUCCESS ARE THERE FOR YOU LIKE NEVER BEFORE. ~ RACHEL J. ADCOX successfully. She was recognized

by Global Competition Review for her early accomplishments, when it profiled her as a new partner in its feature, “The Class of 2014.”

In addition to leading by example, Adcox is an avid ambassador for women in the legal profession. She devotes considerable energy to advancing the visibility and status of women in her firm and in the American Bar Association’s Antitrust Section. She is also an active promoter of the network of women cartel practitioners.

“To me, diversity means seeking out and accepting a variety of approaches and viewpoints, which most often come from people who

have traveled a different road,” explains Adcox. “Ideas can’t be fully fleshed out in an echo chamber – you need to come at problems from different angles. A homogenous group of people may be very collegial, but they are far less likely to spur each other to creative or innovative solutions.”

She offers this advice to women on their way up: “It is a great time to be a woman in the legal profession.

The opportunities and tools for success are there for you like never before. And to the extent you find yourself in a situation where there are not so many others in the room like you, consider that being memorable is a huge part of the battle, and turn it to your advantage.”

Shannan Gardner Title: Partner Company: Moss Adams LLP Industry: Public Accounting CEO: Chris Schmidt Employees: 2,322 Headquarters: Seattle, WA Education: M. Business Taxation, University of Southern California; B.S., Business Administration / Accounting, California State Polytechnic University Personal philosophy: You can accomplish any goal with a good plan.

Every Sunday, I sit down with my planner and map out my week.

This includes listing out the everyday items on my to do list as well as mapping out my larger, strategic goals to make sure that what I am doing takes me closer to my personal and professional goals.

Words I live by: Always do a little extra – this is something my mom always taught me – don’t just meet expectations, always do a little more than what someone is expecting of you.

I TRY TO PAY IT FORWARD BY LEADING BY EXAMPLE AND SHARING MY STORY WITH THE FIRM’S WOMEN. EVERY DAY IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN AND TO TEACH.

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hannan Gardner is a partner at Moss Adams LLP. Her work is focused on providing tax consulting and compliance services to public and private companies in the technology and manufacturing industries. In public accounting since 1995, including 11 years with a Big Four firm, Gardner’s experience includes tax provision assistance, income tax consulting, implementation of internal controls assistance, documentation and computation of uncertain tax positions, consulting relative to tax issues inherent in mergers and acquisitions, and representation of companies under examination by the IRS and state taxing authorities.

Gardner is a key leader of Forum W, an effort focused on attracting, developing, retaining and advancing SUMMER 2017

~ SHANNAN GARDNER women. Since the initiative was launched by Moss Adams in 2008, her influence has expanded from advancing women in her office to driving overall strategy as a member of the advisory board. She implemented a mentoring program, created a series of workshops to inspire women to have a long-term career with the firm and acted as a mentor and coach to women across the firm.

“I believe diversity and inclusion means that everyone has a fair shot, removing any unconscious bias that may exist and truly making decisions based upon and individual’s skills and abilities,” says Gardner. “Having a diverse organization means you have individuals with multiple viewpoints from which to tackle opportunities and obstacles. This is

vital to an organization that wants to grow and thrive.”

“I have learned to be a leader both by watching our successful leaders lead and through the mentoring that I have received,” she relates. “I try to pay it forward by leading by example and sharing my story with the firm’s women. Every day is an opportunity to learn and to teach.”

Gardner goes on to offer this career advice to other women: “Plan ahead – think about where you want to be in one, five or ten years and make sure you are on the path to get there. Often, professionals get caught up in day-today activities and forget to be strategic.

I advise women to plan ahead, so they can choose opportunities that will help steer them toward their goals.”

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Teena W. Piccione Title: Senior Vice President, Information Technology Company: Fidelity Investments Industry: Financial Services CEO: Abby Johnson Employees: 50,000 Plus Headquarters: Boston, MA Education: Masters, George Washington University Personal philosophy: The path will not always be easy so strap on boots, start your journey and enjoy the ride every day! We all have the ability to make a difference in society or even where we live, work and play. Our determination and willingness to take the path less traveled is what makes the difference in the lives of others.

Words I live by: Pack your own sunshine and dare to make a difference in the lives of others – after all, you only have 86,400 seconds today.

WOMEN DRIVE 70–85% OF ALL CONSUMER PURCHASES. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A DIVERSE WORKFORCE, YOU WILL LOSE BUSINESS – IT’S THAT SIMPLE.

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eena Piccione, currently senior vice president of information technology at Fidelity Investments, has held significant leadership roles in a number of service-critical and high-profile positions. She is a leader and professional who is always looking for new, better and innovative approaches.

According to her peers, she is also a personable and approachable colleague, who works well in a collaborative and innovative environment. She is generous with her time and recognizes the value of giving back to both her community and other professionals.

Truly a valuable asset to her team and Fidelity Investments, Piccione is consistently recognized in the

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~ TEENA W. PICCIONE financial and telecommunications industry as best in class. In 2015, she won both a Women of Color award and the Innotech IT Executive Leader of the Year award.

Piccione is committed to giving back to her community.

While working as an assistant vice president at AT&T, she volunteered more than 500 hours a year mentoring and teaching middle and high school, as well as college, students. Working with Lamar Middle School in Texas, she designed and developed an innovative approach to math that involved middle school students in building a business. At Southern Methodist University, University of Texas Austin/Dallas and University of North Carolina, she judged graduate Capstone projects.

“Diversity to me is everyone’s personal story and journey,” says Piccione. “Celebrate your diversity, for that is your story. Then, be inclusive of everyone else’s story as well.” When it comes to the importance of diversity to business, she expands, “Women drive 70–85% of all consumer purchases. If you do not have a diverse workforce, you will lose business – it’s that simple.”

For women building careers, Piccione offers this advice, “Be laser focused on what you want to achieve and know your boundaries, limitations and compromises. Say yes to opportunities. Be relevant and bold. Speak up in meetings, but be sure you know the topic better than anyone else in the room. As a woman, you will need to know more, be more adaptable and creative, than anyone else in the room.”

Tanya Walker Title: Owner Company: Walker Law Professional Corporation Industry: Legal Services Employees: 6 Headquarters: Toronto, ON Education: LL.B., Osgoode Hall Law School, York University; Honours Bachelor of Commerce, McMaster University Personal philosophy: We have to learn to walk before we can run.

Words I live by: “If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them” – Bruce Lee

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fter practicing law at prestigious Bay Street firms and representing numerous clients in high-profile cases, Tanya Walker decided to open her own boutique litigation firm. That was seven years ago. Today, Walker Law P.C. has earned a reputation for excellence within Toronto’s financial district.

But it wasn’t always easy. “Very few lawyers open their own firms in their fourth year of practice,” she explains. “It took time to be taken seriously by many of my peers.

Through extensive preparation for every court appearance, extensive preparation for speaking engagements and attending networking events, I gained their respect and now seen as their equal.”

Walker is the first black female bencher elected from Toronto to the Law Society of Upper Canada, which she views as her greatest professional achievement to date. She is also a member of the Supreme Court of Canada Liaison Committee, has written many SUMMER 2017

WORK HARD, HAVE MENTORS AND LEARN FROM FAILURE. DO NOT BE AFRAID TO FAIL. ~ TANYA WALKER

articles and regularly appears on television as a legal expert. Walker received the Precedent Setter Award (2016); The Canadian Association of Black Lawyers Law Practice Award (2015); and The National Bar Association Chair’s Award for Outstanding Service (2014). She was also named The Universal Peace Federation’s Ambassador for Peace from two organizations affiliated with the United Nations (2014).

To become an effective leader, Walker believes there are some important traits one must have.

“Confidence is needed, as are emotional intelligence and the ability to focus on and build up individual strengths. A successful team leader will encourage their team members to work together

and achieve success by taking advantage of each other’s strengths.”

For Walker, diversity means “to create and nurture an environment without artificial obstacles – an environment where character and merit matter most.” She goes on to say, “Talent isn’t measured by your skin color. A business that treats everyone equally, including those from diverse backgrounds, creates a positive environment where employees can work more effectively towards a common goal.”

Walker regularly mentors women who are building their own legal careers, and she offers this advice, “Work hard, have mentors and learn from failure. Do not be afraid to fail.”

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Tammy Forrester Title: Chief Executive Officer Company: Ronald McDonald House Charities Saskatchewan Industry: Not-for-profit Employees: 20 Headquarters: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Education: Bachelor of Commerce, University of Saskatchewan Personal philosophy: Be authentic, be genuine and be real.

Words I live by: Be authentic, be genuine, be real – choose your attitude each day and ensure you are “making their day.”

A

s chief executive officer of Ronald McDonald House Charities Saskatchewan, Tammy Forrester has spearheaded the expansion of the Ronald McDonald House in Saskatoon from a modest support mechanism for families to a modern, inclusive and welcoming space. The House grew from 13 rooms to 34 in the span of two years, and families are reaping the benefits.

Forrester is continually identifying new partners to work with in the corporate and not-for-profit space, and has become a go-to resource for the Ronald McDonald Canada and North America network. Her leadership and guidance have proven valuable, as she has built a strong team able to work across the province from the southern tip to the northern regions.

For this dynamic CEO, diversity means, “difference of thought, opinion, culture and values. When you can embrace diversity in your work

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THERE IS SO MUCH STRENGTH IN A WORK ENVIRONMENT, AND GROWTH ON A PERSONAL LEVEL, THAT CAN BE GAINED BY OPENING OURSELVES UP TO TRULY LISTEN TO OTHERS. ~ TAMMY FORRESTER environment and include all views as a part of the whole, you are truly working towards an inclusive environment.

All opinions matter and all opinions count.”

valuable, strong and right decisions for our organizations and ourselves. Diversity and true cultural humility helps us see and value our place in the world, as well as others’.”

She goes on to explain, “We live in a diverse world, with a mix of cultures, races, experiences, thoughts and opinions. There is so much strength in a work environment, and growth on a personal level, that can be gained by opening ourselves up to truly listen to others. Perspective is an important thing and we each have our own. When we can see another’s perspective, we are better able to solve problems and make

Finally, Forrester offers this advice to women on their way up, “Honor one another and raise each other up whenever you have the opportunity to do so. There are so many things that you can accomplish and influence, but you first must know yourself, value your own strengths and create teams that bring different strengths to the table. As a leader you can only be as strong as the team you have around you.”

ÂŽ Profiles in Diversity Journal salutes women of achievement the world over. We are proud to present a representation of those women on these pages. The 16th edition showcases women worth watching in all walks of life, from professional services to government, manufacturing to charities, and health care to food service.

Congratulations to the 2017 Women Worth Watching!

Since 1999

ÂŽ

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All Things Diversity & Inclusion

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CORPORATE INDEX Allegis Global Solutions...............................Adele Alvarez .............................................28 American Airlines ......................................Suzanne Boda....................................27, 29 Archer Daniels Midland Co. .....................Rachel Hudson ...................................91, 93 Arrow Electronics ........................................Lisa Gerber.................................................23 Arrow Electronics ........................................Vivian Kwok ................................................99 AT&T............................................................Fiona Carter ...............................................56 AT&T............................................................Jamie Barton ..............................................80 AT&T............................................................Theresa M. Bates .......................................38 Axinn, Veltrop & Harkrider LLP ...................Rachel J. Adcox .......................................142 Best Best & Krieger LLP .............................Isabel Safie.................................................76 Black Female Lawyers Network ..................Jalana Lewis...............................................12 Brinker Capital ...........................................Jean Hempel, CIMA ..............................8, 87 Burns & Levinson LLP.................................Renee Inomata ...........................................17 Catalyst........................................................Deborah Gillis. ............................................10 Catalyst........................................................Dnika J. Travis, Ph.D..................................57 Cathedral Capital.........................................Brooke Lively ..............................................24 Charter School Business Management Inc. .....................................Michelle Lopez .........................................134 Christian Brothers University .......................Dr. Divya Choudhary ................................125 Day Pitney LLP ..........................................Barbara Freedman Wand .........................39 Day Pitney LLP ..........................................Elizabeth A. Alquist ............................36, 37 Day Pitney LLP ..........................................Ellen S. Knarr .......................................... 112 Day Pitney LLP ..........................................Namita Tripathi Shah................................92 Dechert LLP.................................................Laura Swihart ...........................................129 deepSEE Consulting .................................Sara Taylor ..........................................74, 75 Denny’s Inc. .................................................Sharon Lykins .............................................70 Dickinson Wright PLLC ...............................Katheryne L. Zelenock ...............................78 Diverst .........................................................Toki Toguri ................................................ 113 Durham Regional Police Service ................Jacki Minicola .............................................98 eHealth Ontario ...........................................Sabrina Siddiqui .........................................22 Electronic Arts .............................................Mala Singh ...............................................108 Engility .........................................................Gay Porter ................................................121 Engility .........................................................Lynn Dugle .................................................55 Excellus BlueCross BlueShield ...................Melissa Gardner .......................................135 EY (Formerly Ernst & Young) ...................Amy M. Brachio ..................................40, 41 Fidelity Investments.....................................Teena W. Piccione ....................................144 Fierce Feminine Leadership ........................Eleanor Beaton...........................................58 First Horizon National Corporation ..............Aarti Goorha Bowman ................................30 Fish & Richardson .......................................Corrin N. Drakulich .....................................44 Fish & Richardson .......................................Donna A. Balaguer .....................................51 Fish & Richardson .......................................Janis Fraser, Ph.D. .....................................88 Fish & Richardson .......................................Sheryl Koval Garko ....................................77 FordHarrison LLP ........................................Michelle Brauer Abidoye...........................133 GCG ............................................................Janet M. Brown ...................................91, 95 GCG ............................................................Angela Ferrante ..................................90, 91 Gibbons P.C.................................................Susan L. Nardone ......................................97 Greenberg Traurig, LLP...............................Natasha L. Wilson ....................................128 HARMAN.....................................................Jasleen K. Makker ..............................67, 69 Holwell Shuster & Goldberg LLP .............Hannah Sholl ........................................5, 54 Holwell Shuster & Goldberg LLP .............Lani Perlman .......................................5, 124 Honeywell ...................................................Shaun Ellen Zitting .........................140, 141 HP Inc. .........................................................Kim M. Rivera ...........................................106 Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP.....................Alexandra (Sandra) Poe ...........................136 Humacyte, Inc. ............................................Jenny J. Jackson ......................................103 Humacyte, Inc. ............................................Juliana L. Blum ...........................................47 Hunton & Williams LLP................................Ann Marie Mortimer ....................................63 Hunton & Williams LLP................................Lisa J. Sotto .............................................130 Imprint Plus .................................................Kristin MacMillan ........................................35 JND Legal Administration.........................Jennifer M. Keough ............................18, 19 Johns Hopkins Health Systems ..................Eloiza T.B. Domingo-Snyder ......................60 Jones Walker LLP .......................................Dionne M. Rousseau ..................................34 Jones Walker LLP .......................................Lara D. Pringle ...........................................32 JP Morgan Chase & Co. .............................Laura Higgins ...........................................120 Juniper Networks.........................................Pallavi Mahajan ........................................131 Juniper Networks.........................................Jennifer Blatnik ...........................................89 Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP ......................Christine A. Montenegro .............................50 Kelly Services ..............................................Brenda Marshall .........................................45

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BOLD DENOTES ADVERTISER BLUE PAGE NUMBER OF AD Kingsdale Advisors ......................................Amy Freedman ..........................................73 KPMG LLP ..................................................Tandra Jackson ....................................3, 96 L3 Communication Systems-West ..........Kristin Courcy....................................53,127 L3 Communication Systems-West ..........Margaret Coen Calomino ................. 53, 114 L3 Communications Systems-West ........Aurora Taylor-Rojas ...........................52, 53 Land O’Lakes ..............................................Su Rankin ...................................................79 Latham & Watkins LLP ................................Gwyn Williams ............................................61 Legg Mason Global Asset Management .....Ann Doyle ...................................................33 Mayer Brown LLP ......................................Bronwyn F. Pollock ............................82, 83 Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP ............Elaine K. Kim ......................................67, 68 Moss Adams LLP ........................................Shannan Gardner .....................................143 MUFG ..........................................................Kathy Patoff ................................................86 MullenLowe U.S. .........................................Kristen Cavallo .........................................126 NASA Johnson Space Center .....................Melanie W. Saunders .................................49 New American Funding ...............................Patty Arvielo ...............................................14 New York Life .............................................Julie Herwig ....................................122, 123 New York Power Authority ...........................Kimberly A. Harriman .................................65 Northwestern Mutual .................................Kamilah Williams-Kemp.................104, 105 Olo ...............................................................Jackie Berg.................................................13 OPTrust .......................................................Tamara Johnson .........................................21 Optum ..........................................................Dr. Lisa Tseng ............................................62 Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India ....................................Kanchana TK..............................................43 Parker Hannifin ...................................................................................Inside Back Cover PennyMac Financial Services, Inc. .............Anne McCallion ........................................102 PNC ................................................................................................................. Back Cover RBC Wealth Management .........................Ann Senne...........................................41, 42 Reed Smith LLP ..........................................Roberta G. Torian .....................................139 Richards Kibbe & Orbe LLP ........................Audrey Laning Ingram ................................20 Robins Kaplan LLP......................................Stacey P. Slaughter ....................................81 Ronald McDonald House Charities Saskatchewan...........................Tammy Forrester ......................................146 Sandia National Laboratories...................Esther S. Hernandez ........................46, 141 SAP .............................................................Melissa Di Donato ....................................132 ServiceMaster ............................................Mary Kay Wegner .................................8, 59 Spring Consulting Group .............................Karin Landry .............................................107 Squire Patton Boggs ...................................Michele Lynn Connell .................................64 State Street Corporation..............................Kathryn M. Horgan .....................................72 Sullivan & Cromwell LLP .............................Rita-Anne O’Neill ........................................16 SunTrust Banks, Inc. ...................................Kimberly W. Eul ........................................109 T. Rowe Price .............................................Dee Sawyer .........................................26, 27 T. Rowe Price ............................................Aimee DeCamillo .............................. 27, 116 TELUS Communications Inc. ......................Sandy McIntosh........................................137 Terex Corporation ........................................Jenny Snow-Boscolo ..................................25 The Walt Disney Company (ABC Television Group) ............................Sonia L. Coleman ..Inside Front Cover, 111 The Walt Disney Company (Consumer Products and Interactive Media) ...................................Nikki Katz ........................................ IFC, 118 The Walt Disney Company (ESPN) ..........Wanda Young .................................. IFC, 119 The Walt Disney Company (International) .........................................Hélène Etzi ........................................ IFC, 71 The Walt Disney Company (International) .........................................Natacha Rafalski............................... IFC, 31 The Walt Disney Company (International) .........................................Kylie Watson-Wheeler .................... IFC, 115 The Walt Disney Company (Parks and Resorts) ...............................Tracey Powell.................................. IFC, 117 Ulmer & Berne LLP .....................................Robin D. Miller ..........................................138 UnitedHealth Group.....................................Deborah A. Sundal .....................................66 UnitedHealthcare Community & State ........Jeri Jones .................................................100 Walker Law P.C. ..........................................Tanya C. Walker .......................................145 Weber Shandwick ......................................Gail Heimann ........................................4, 94 Wildly Delicious Fine Foods ........................Michelle Muscat..........................................48 WilmerHale ..................................................Catherine M.A. Carroll .............................. 110 WilmerHale ..................................................Heather S. Tewksbury ..............................101 WilsonHCG ..................................................Crystal Kardys ............................................15

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what makes us unique as individuals, makes us stronger together.

At PNC, we believe our differences make the difference in who we are as individuals. And when you bring together individuals from different backgrounds, with unique interests and perspectives, you can do more. You can be more. And you can achieve more, together.

Visit pnc.com/diversity Š2017 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved. PNC Bank, National Association. Member FDIC