Diversity Ever After

Welcome back! We recognize that we've all experienced moments where we've felt excluded. Through Diversity Ever After, we strive to empower you with the knowledge and tools to create inclusive spaces, which will increase feelings of belonging and lessen feelings of exclusion for us all. This week, we emphasize the importance of creating safe spaces for difficult conversations.  We explore how those who have expressed contrary opinions to our work has strengthened our resolve to continue the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion.  We also preview the upcoming season. Join us as we engage in important conversations that aim to make a difference in our organizations and communities.Our Hosts this Week:Nakimuli Davis-Primer, Shareholder, Baker DonelsonTenia L. Clayton, Associate, Baker DonelsonAaliyah Locke, Associate, Baker DonelsonDo you have a topic or idea that you would like to hear more about? Send us an email!Visit us at https://www.bakerdonelson.com/diversity

Welcome back as we continue our discussion with Laurie Robinson Haden, the founder and CEO of the Corporate Counsel Women of Color (CCWC).  Do you have a career playbook?  In this episode, Laurie shares impactful strategies that have influenced her new book, “It's Time to Shine: A Guide for Professionals of Color on How to Advance Their Career,” emphasizing the significance of leaving a legacy for others to learn and grow from.  Embracing personal growth involves welcoming change, charting your own course, and sharing knowledge along the way to empower others, all of which help you distinguish yourself in the process.  Through our conversation, we uncover some top-notch approaches that can help propel your career forward.Join us as Laurie leaves us motivated to forge a path for others to excel.Our Host this Week:Nakimuli Davis-Primer, Shareholder at Baker DonelsonSpecial Guest:Laurie N. Robinson Haden, Founder, President, and CEO of Corporate Counsel Women of ColorResources:  You may purchase a copy of Laurie's book, "It's Time to Shine: A Guide for Professionals of Color on How to Advance Their Career" here:https://www.amazon.com/Its-Time-Shine-Professionals-Advance/dp/B0CHLC7T6D

In this episode, we hear the inspiring story of Laurie Robinson Haden who founded the Corporate Counsel Women of Color (CCWC). She explains her remarkable journey of growth and empowerment as well as the mission driving CCWC and its evolution, highlighting its pivotal role in supporting women of color in the legal profession. We discuss the significance of organizations like CCWC that provide resources and guidance for women of color seeking to thrive and succeed in the profession. We uncover some of the key factors contributing to CCWC's success. We also talk about the future trajectory of CCWC and other organizations striving to drive meaningful change to advance diversity and inclusion. Join us as we celebrate the achievements of CCWC and envision a brighter, more inclusive future for the legal profession.Our Host this Week:Nakimuli Davis-Primer, Shareholder at Baker DonelsonSpecial Guest:Laurie N. Robinson Haden, Founder, President, and CEO of Corporate Counsel Women of ColorDo you have a topic or idea that you would like to hear more about? Send us an email!

In this episode, Oz Sanchez, who has served our nation both as a Marine and a three-time Paralympic medalist, shares valuable insight and perspectives with our hosts about being a veteran.  Some veterans may encounter challenges in transitioning from military service to a civilian workplace.  We discuss the importance of belonging and cultivating a supportive culture for veterans in the workplace, as well as Oz's journey to joining the military and finding his path after his service.  Join us as we explore the profound impact of camaraderie in bridging the military-civilian gap for veterans, offering valuable perspectives on mental well-being, personal growth, and beyond.Our Host this Week:Tom Barnard, Shareholder, Baker DonelsonMartha Boyd, Shareholder, Baker DonelsonNakimuli Davis-Primer, Shareholder, Baker DonelsonSpecial Guest:Oz Sanchez, Veteran and three-time Paralympic MedalistDo you have a topic or idea that you would like to hear more about? Send us an email!

Today's episode draws on the work of an extraordinary American, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who sacrificed so much on behalf of so many. Our hosts discuss Baker Donelson's first annual firmwide Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service as well as the impact of serving others.Baker Donelson's Day of Service, which was on January 15, 2024, was a day-on rather than simply a day-off.  Various individuals across the firm planned opportunities for everyone in the firm and their families to give back to their communities through service projects. We encouraged everyone to participate in the in-person activities or to reflect on Dr. King's legacy and create their own unique ways to learn and serve. After listening to some personal stories, we hope you feel inspired to get creative in how you choose to serve and also reflect on Dr. King's legacy of service and how this legacy can be advanced daily to create more inclusive climates. We each have a role to play in uplifting our communities and those in need!Our Hosts this Week:Clint Crosby, Shareholder, Baker DonelsonNakimuli Davis-Primer, Shareholder, Baker DonelsonAaliyah Locke, Associate, Baker DonelsonDo you have a topic or idea that you would like to hear more about?  Send us an email!

During our first episode in this two-part series, we had an engaging conversation with our guest Tiffany Obeng, who is an attorney and author, about representation and how it is an important step toward creating a sense of belong in workplace settings. In this episode, we continue this conversation by discussing how Ms. Obeng's children's books can help create more inclusive professions. Ms. Obeng's books contain images of BIPOC people in workplaces where they are either historically absent or severely underrepresented while also teaching children about the careers. These images and storytelling ignite children's imagination as they read about an array of specialties and options even within various professions.  We discuss how this representation helps create diverse pipelines.  Join us as for an inspiring conversation as we learn why Ms. Obeng's books and goals of educating children through representation will help create more inclusion and a greater sense of belonging.Our Host this Week:Nakimuli Davis-Primer, Shareholder at Baker DonelsonTenia L. Clayton, Associate at Baker DonelsonSpecial Guest:Tiffany Obeng, Attorney and Author – Sugar Cookie BooksResources:  Sugar Cookie Books - Career Books for ChildrenDo you have a topic or idea that you would like to hear more about?  Send us an email!

Welcome to season 6! We have covered a lot of topics in our past seasons, but one that stands out is the importance of representation. Sometimes you do have to see it to believe it. So, in this episode, we are revisiting our conversation about representation with our guest, Tiffany Obeng. Tiffany is an attorney and children's book author. During our discussion, we learn why belonging and representation is important for everyone but also why it's so important that we expose children of diverse backgrounds to various professions so they can see themselves in any career and so that we can create a pipeline in various professions. Join us for an engaging discussion about the importance of having access to professionals at a young age and how various industries can benefit from reaching a more diverse workforce.Our Hosts this Week:Nakimuli Davis-Primer, Shareholder at Baker DonelsonTenia L. Clayton, Associate at Baker DonelsonSpecial Guest: Tiffany Obeng – Sugar Cookie BooksResources:  Sugar Cookie Books - Career Books for ChildrenDo you have a topic or idea that you would like to hear more about?  Send us an email!

In this episode, some of our Summer Associates who worked across Baker Donelson's footprint discuss their summer experience and how they will use what they have learned this summer in their third year and future legal career. They share experiences on networking, being confident, taking chances, and being willing to grow from mistakes. Whether you are a current or future law student, a legal professional, a recruiter, or a mentor, you will gain invaluable insight from this engaging and honest discussion by the next generation of lawyers.Our Hosts this Week:Iyana Arrington, Summer Associate in the Baltimore office at Baker DonelsonNakimuli Davis-Primer, Shareholder at Baker DonelsonAmearah Elsamadicy, Summer Associate in the Nashville office at Baker DonelsonNick Fowler, Summer Associate in the Knoxville and Nashville offices at Baker DonelsonBrandee Permenter, Summer Associate in the Fort Lauderdale office at Baker DonelsonKayla Pfeifer, Summer Associate in the Atlanta office at Baker DonelsonDo you have a topic or idea that you would like to hear more about?  Send us an email!

This week, our host is joined by some of our summer associates, who share their thoughts about the meaning of belonging and how we can help create a sense of belonging on teams and with colleagues. As rising third year law students, our guests provide invaluable insight into how many in the next generation of lawyers view what makes a workplace great. Join us for an engaging discussion that examines key characteristics of belonging and the significance its presence can have in our work and personal lives.Our Host this Week:Nakimuli Davis-Primer, Shareholder at Baker DonelsonSpecial Co-Hosts:Iyana Arrington, Summer Associate in the Baltimore office at Baker DonelsonAmearah Elsamadicy, Summer Associate in the Nashville office at Baker DonelsonBrandee Permenter, Summer Associate in the Fort Lauderdale office at Baker DonelsonKayla Pfeifer, Summer Associate in the Atlanta office at Baker DonelsonDo you have a topic or idea that you would like to hear more about?  Send us an email!

Each summer, law firms around the country host summer associates who are aspiring lawyers seeking to experience what it is like to work in a firm. In this episode, five of our summer associates introduce themselves and discuss the key factors that led them to join Baker Donelson as a summer associate, among other topics. Join us for an engaging discussion that allows us to reflect on various perspectives of workplace culture and the effect it can have on the hiring process. Our Hosts this Week:Nakimuli Davis-Primer, Shareholder at Baker DonelsonTenia Clayton, Associate at Baker DonelsonSpecial Co-Hosts:Iyana Arrington, Summer Associate in the Baltimore office at Baker DonelsonAmearah Elsamadicy, Summer Associate in the Nashville office at Baker DonelsonNick Fowler, Summer Associate in the Knoxville and Nashville offices at Baker DonelsonBrandee Permenter, Summer Associate in the Fort Lauderdale office at Baker DonelsonKayla Pfeifer, Summer Associate in the Atlanta office at Baker DonelsonDo you have a topic or idea that you would like to hear more about?  Send us an email!

Fostering a sense of belonging is critical to create an inclusive workplace climate. What does belonging mean? In this episode of Diversity Ever After, we define belonging and discuss findings in a recent Bloomberg article highlight how belonging is the next step for DEI. Join us for an engaging discussion in which we explore how to tap into employees' differences and unique perspectives in the work environment to create a sense of community and ownership and to maximize work performance and employee satisfaction.We hope you tune in to every episode this season and send us any topic ideas you are interested in hearing more about.  Our Host this Week:Nakimuli Davis-Primer, Shareholder, Baker DonelsonSpecial Guest:Molly Huie, Team Lead – Data, Legal Analytics & Business, Bloomberg Industry GroupResources:ANALYSIS: DEI...B? Why 'Belonging' is Law's Next Step for DEIHarvard Business Review: The Value of Belonging at WorkDo you have a topic or idea that you would like to hear more about?  Send us an email! 

How do we navigate parenting while working? In this episode, our hosts discuss the challenges and experiences of being working parents by focusing on workplace policies and the transition of taking parental leave and returning to work. They discuss the policies that were available to them during their parental leave and the support they received from their respective workplaces.  Additionally, they highlight the pivotal role that legislation, such as the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections Act (the PUMP Act), and the Nursing Mothers Act has had in improving accommodations for all parents. They do so by highlighting the significance that the culture of a workplace has in portraying a corporate company's initiative and commitment to upholding these policies. Join us for an engaging discussion that reminds us of the role that we play in creating a supportive environment for new and expecting parents and the steps that we can take to create an inclusive workspace.We hope you tune in to every episode this season and send us any topic ideas you are interested in hearing more about.  Our Hosts this Week:Nakimuli Davis-Primer, Shareholder at Baker DonelsonAaliyah Locke, Associate at Baker DonelsonSpecial Guest:Shayla Fletcher, Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, Regions Bank, Legal DepartmentDo you have a topic or idea that you would like to hear more about?  Send us an email!

Welcome to the first episode of season 5! In our first episode, we talk to our Baker Donelson attorney hosts about this season.  We get to know each other better and realize how impactful a sense of belonging is to creating the best workplace cultures and team dynamics. We acknowledge that people who feel as though they are part of the team and have a sense of belonging within an organization are more engaged and committed to the organization and discuss some topics we will tackle this season. We also talk about our summer associate program and what we are looking forward to most this summer. This includes having several of our summer associates across the Firm join us throughout this season as guests to share their perspectives on several topics. We will release a special episode to introduce our summer associate hosts, so be on the lookout for that episode.Our Hosts this Week:Tenia Clayton, Associate at Baker DonelsonNakimuli Davis-Primer, Shareholder at Baker DonelsonAaliyah Locke, Associate at Baker DonelsonLucas Lopez, Associate at Baker DonelsonDo you have a topic or idea that you would like to hear more about?  Send us an email!

Do you want to know more about the difference between a mentor and sponsor and why sponsorships are game changers for a person's professional growth, especially those in underrepresented groups? In this episode, we discuss the differences between a sponsor and a mentor, why both are important in the success of developing talent within an organizations, what should be considered when trying to get a sponsorship initiative off the ground, and suggestions for those who do not have access to a formal sponsorship program.Our Host this Week:Nakimuli Davis-Primer, Shareholder at Baker Donelson Special Guest:Paula Edgar, CEO, PGE Consulting Group, LLCVisit us at https://www.bakerdonelson.com/diversity

Diversity Lab, an incubator for innovation, collaborates with law firms and legal departments to increase diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. Diversity Lab's initiatives are rooted in data, behavioral science, and design thinking, and it is committed to not only test its initiatives but also to share the results and lessons learned. This episode discusses one of Diversity Lab's innovative initiatives, the Mansfield Rule. This rule is designed to increase diversity in leadership and the pipeline to leadership in law firms.When this episode was recorded, Baker Donelson was in the certification process for Mansfield 5.0.  We have since achieved Mansfield 5.0 Certification Plus status.  Additionally, special guest Natalia Marulanda was Diversity Lab's Mansfield Rule Director at the time of the recording. Our Host this Week:Brian Fernandez, Associate, Baker DonelsonCheryl Hunt, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, Baker DonelsonSpecial Guest:Natalia Marulanda, former Mansfield Rule Director at Diversity Lab, currently the Talent Retention and Development Director at Gunster

How can you help small businesses become big businesses? In this week's episode, our hosts discuss how creative partnerships that focus on using your own resources to help others can make a lasting and impactful change in our communities and specifically the economic competitive marketplace for small business owners. The hosts discuss The Light of Baltimore Incubator, created in partnership with Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg Philanthropies and Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses to help small businesses grow and advance. Our Host this Week:Nakimuli Davis-Primer, Shareholder, Baker DonelsonSpecial Guest:Alicia Wilson, Managing Director and Global Head of Philanthropy for the North America Region for JP Morgan Chase.  NOTE: Alicia was VP of Economic Development and Community Partnership at Johns Hopkins University and Johns Hopkins Health System at the time this podcast was recorded in early 2023.

It is important to have diverse representation of lawyers on TV and in films because representation shows possibility. In this week's episode, our hosts discuss these possibilities and the common themes and biases often portrayed in the storylines of some of our favorite TV lawyers such as Olivia Pope and Annalise Keating. Is the existence of these diverse characters enough of a win, or can the stereotypes they present do more harm than good? Our hosts consider this and discuss the tangible experience in entertainment law that our guest host, Loren Mulraine, has in negotiating the terms of his clients' portrayal. Join us for this engaging discussion of some critical TV lawyer scenes as we contemplate the commentary that these scenes consciously or unconsciously spark.Our Hosts this Week:Tenia L. Clayton, Associate at Baker Donelson Nakimuli Davis-Primer, Shareholder at Baker Donelson Special Guest Host:Professor Loren Mulraine, Esq., Director of Music and Entertainment Law Studies at Belmont University and Of Counsel at Spencer Fane Bone McAllester, LLPResources:Why Diverse Representation in Media MattersWhat ‘She-Hulk' and ‘Partner Track' tell us about law firms' diversity problems

On June 30, 2022, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson made history by becoming the first African American woman to be sworn in as an Associate Justice on the United States Supreme Court. We had a chance to discuss this monumental day with Chief Judge Anna Blackburne-Rigsby of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. In Episode 2, Chief Judge Blackburne-Rigsby, who authored a 2010 law review article titled Black Women Judges: The Historical Journey of Black Women to the Nation's Highest Courts, discusses the historic meaning of Justice Jackson's ascension to our nation's highest court, why diversity in the appellate judiciary is so critical to our judicial systems, and how events in the past few years created an environment ripe for Justice Jackson's appointment in 2022.Chief Judge Anna Blackburne-Rigsby was sworn in as Chief Judge of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals on March 17, 2017. Prior to being designated Chief Judge, she was nominated by President George W. Bush in August 2006 to serve as an Associate Judge of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. Before that, Chief Judge Blackburne-Rigsby, nominated by President Bill Clinton, served as an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia from 2000-2006, and served as a Magistrate Judge on the Superior Court of the District of Columbia from 1995-2000.Chief Judge Blackburne-Rigsby is married to Judge Robert R. Rigsby, Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, former corporation counsel for the District of Columbia, and a retired colonel and military judge of the United States Army Reserves. They are the proud parents of a son, Julian Rigsby, who recently graduated from Elon University.Chief Judge Blackburne-Rigsby also holds a special place in history as being a part of the first sitting mother-daughter judicial team in the country. Her mother, Judge Laura D. Blackburne, was elected to the New York City Civil Court in 1995 and in 1999 she was elected to the New York State Supreme Court. Chief Judge Blackburne-Rigsby had wonderful public servant role models in her mother and father who supported her and inspired her throughout her career. Our Hosts this Week:E. Bahati Mutisya, Associatehttps://www.bakerdonelson.com/bahati-mutisyaNakimuli Davis-Primer, Shareholderhttps://www.bakerdonelson.com/Nakimuli-Davis-PrimerSpecial Guest Host:Chief Judge Anna Blackburne-Rigsby, Chief Judge of the District of Columbia Court of Appealshttps://www.dccourts.gov/court-of-appeals/judges/chief-rigsby-anna-pageResource Guide:"Black Women Judges: The Historical Journey of Black Women to the Nation's Highest Courts"https://www.nawj.org/uploads/pdf/black_women_judges_by_anna_blackburne_rigsby_howard_law_journal.pdf

We are starting the new year and a new season by checking-in with some of our hosts.  We recognize the importance of having a platform where we can openly discuss important and sometimes difficult and uncomfortable conversations that impact professionals, but you may wonder what we enjoy about hosting these episodes. The topics we discuss on Diversity Ever After can benefit any organization or professional as they strive to be more inclusive. At the heart of inclusion is creating spaces where everyone feels valued and seen, so focusing on inclusion is critical for all of our overall wellbeing. Tune in to learn why we continue to record these podcast episodes, why we believe discussing diversity, equity, and inclusion topics is important, and what we hope you gain from tuning in to our podcast. We also provide a sneak peak of a couple upcoming episodes.Our Hosts this Week:Tenia Clayton, AssociateNakimuli Davis-Primer, ShareholderJerrick Murrell, AssociateBahati Mutisya, Associate

Firm clients are focusing on diversity internally and with their outside counsel.  While we all generally know what ‘diversity' means, we all may not have diligently considered what it takes to create diversity in a law firm, worked to intentionally and meaningfully advance diversity in our law firms, and/or identified innovative ways to foster inclusion in law firms that support retaining diverse talent.  In this episode of Diversity Ever After, host Kennard Davis reflects on these questions by obtaining the perspective of three special guests:  Marcus Brown, Executive Vice President and General Counsel at Entergy Corporation, Chris Walker, Associate General Counsel at Jacobs Engineering Group, and Danielle Agee, Market General Counsel for the Southcentral Market at Verizon.  Join us for an engaging discussion on the meaning of diversity, how law firm clients are also working internally to create more diverse and inclusive teams, actionable ways to facilitate purposeful development of minority attorneys who work in law firms, and methods for holding firms accountable to the diversity requirements set by their clients. Our Host this Week:Kennard Davis, Associate at Baker DonelsonSpecial Guest Hosts:Marcus Brown, Executive Vice President and General Counsel at Entergy Corporation Chris Walker, Associate General Counsel at Jacobs Engineering GroupDanielle Agee, Market General Counsel for the Southcentral Market at VerizonSpecial Thanks to:John Page, SVP, Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer and Chief Legal Officer at Golden State FoodsDana M. Douglas, United State Magistrate Judge at United States District Court, Eastern District of LouisianaNakimuli Davis-Primer, Shareholder at Baker DonelsonChristopher Joseph, Associate Attorney at D'Arcy Vicknair, LLCKarl Connor, Chief Change Agent

By mid-spring, law students and law firms are gearing up for the start of summer associate programs, and your Diversity Ever After hosts are here to help! Time spent at a law firm as a summer associate can be a whirlwind of interesting and challenging assignments, networking events, and enormous personal and professional development opportunities. It can be difficult for both the law student and the law firm to figure out how to best navigate this busy time, and naturally, there are many questions (i.e., transactional work vs. litigation, when and how to give and get feedback, and critically, how to ensure that the summer associate experience is a fit for both parties).In this episode, our hosts, Reba Letsa and Nakimuli Davis-Primer, are joined by Shareholder, Tom Barnard, and incoming Associate, Sabrina Marquez, for a discussion on how to maximize your summer associate experience and tips for leaving a lasting impression.Join us as we reflect on our summer associate experiences and offer valuable insights and advice to help you navigate your time this summer and land the offer at the end.Our Hosts this Week:Nakimuli Davis-Primer, Shareholder Reba Letsa, Associate Special Guest Hosts:Tom Barnard, ShareholderSabrina Marquez, Incoming Associate (Fall 2022)

Everyone should be able to be their authentic selves at work, which includes wearing the hair that naturally grows out of their head in natural hairstyles. Yet, this is not the reality for many people of color. Congress has noted the seriousness of this issue as demonstrated by the United States House of Representative's recent passage of the CROWN Act, which prohibits discrimination at work based on texture or style of hair. In Episode 2, we discuss the need for inclusive views of professionalism in the legal profession, why the CROWN Act is so important, and how the legal profession must adapt and embrace a culture of diversity. The hosts of this episode are joined by our special guest, Judge Ashleigh Parker Dunston, a District Court Judge in the 10th Judicial District of Wake County in North Carolina. Judge Dunston has extensively written and spoken about the CROWN Act. She also serves as a role model by embracing her authentic identity from the bench and promotes an environment that does not pressure black women or any person of color to conform to dated, Eurocentric views of what is deemed “professional.”Our Hosts this Week:E. Bahati Mutisya, Associatehttps://www.bakerdonelson.com/bahati-mutisyaTenia L. Clayton, Associatehttps://www.bakerdonelson.com/tenia-claytonNakimuli Davis-Primer, Shareholderhttps://www.bakerdonelson.com/Nakimuli-Davis-PrimerSpecial Guest Host:Judge Ashleigh Parker Dunston, District Court Judge in the 10th Judicial District of North Carolinahttps://judgeashleigh.com/about-ashleigh-parker-dunston/Resource Guide:My Crown is Professional: Wearing Natural Hair in the Courtroom by Judge Ashleigh Parker Dunstonhttps://www.actec.org/assets/1/6/MyCrownIsProfessional.pdf?hssc=1Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act (CROWN) of 2022 (H.R. 2116)https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/2116/text

When considering how to provide support and resources to help minority owned businesses on a pathway towards long-term sustainability, growth, and success, do not overlook the power of community and paying-it-forward.  One way Baker Donelson has chosen to pay-it-forward is through BakerBridge, a program wherein attorneys partner with minority owned businesses on their legal needs to help them scale and enterprise. In this episode, our hosts examine the power of using relationships and community to support minority owned businesses.  The guests, three Black women owners of two businesses based in Memphis, Tennessee, share their individual journeys as a food scientist, foodpreneur, and business professional, how they contribute to each other's success, and the impact of Baker Donelson's BakerBridge program on their business journey.  They also share actionable best practices for how minority business owners can invest in themselves and how other businesses can support minority owned businesses.  We hope this episode will challenge you to remember community and pay-it-forward by considering how you can support minority owned businesses. Our Hosts this Week:Nakimuli Davis-Primer, Shareholder and Co-Chair of BakerBridgeMary Wu Tullis, ShareholderSpecial Guest Hosts:City Tasting BoxLisa BrownCristina McCarterUmami Food ConsultingAli Manning Resources:Click HERE to purchase, “Can I play with my Food?” – by Ali ManningTo learn more about the BakerBridge program, please visit:  https://www.bakerdonelson.com/bakerbridge

What is the purpose of a Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer? Join us this week in Episode 6 as we sit down with Mark Baugh, Baker Donelson's Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer (CDIO), to discuss the role of a CDIO and how it is constantly changing. As members of a continually diversifying workforce, it is vital for employers to facilitate a welcoming and inclusive environment. Mark describes the capability of everyone to serve as an ally and advocate in the workplace and to remain committed to open dialogue and promotion of diversity and inclusion. Our Hosts this Week:Jerrick D. Murrell, Associatehttps://www.bakerdonelson.com/jerrick-murrellMark A. Baugh, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officerhttps://www.bakerdonelson.com/Mark-A-Baugh 

How can we continue to advance Dr. King's legacy in a way that creates more equitable and inclusive spaces all around us? In Episode five, we discuss how we can continue Dr. King's living legacy through service.  Of note, we discuss how we can use our own resources, including our privileges, to level the playing field for those who may not have the same privileges. It is as simple as using your skills and talents to give back in ways that are meaningful to you. Join us as we discuss the importance of hope, service, and continuing to fight for civil and voting rights for all. Our Host this Week:Nakimuli Davis-Primer, Shareholderhttps://www.bakerdonelson.com/Nakimuli-Davis-PrimerSpecial Guest Hosts:Charles Grant, Shareholderhttps://www.bakerdonelson.com/Charles-K-GrantBahati Mutisya, Associatehttps://www.bakerdonelson.com/bahati-mutisyaResources:Drum Major Sermonhttp://bethlehemfarm.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/DrumMajorInstinct.pdfI Have a Dream Speechhttps://www.gilderlehrman.org/sites/default/files/inline-pdfs/king.dreamspeech.excerpts.pdfA Testament of Hopehttps://www.faculty.umb.edu/lawrence_blum/courses/318_11/readings/king_ethical_demands.pdf

What is ableism? In Episode four, we define ableism, discuss how ableism can impact everyone, including those not living with a disability, and identify ways leaders, managers and individuals can tackle ableism in the workplace.  Understanding ableism requires education and addressing it in the workplace requires intentional and inclusive action. Catarina Rivera, a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Consultant specializing in disability diversity, joins us to unpack ableism, which is hardly discussed.  Catarina also offers steps we can follow to address ableism in the workplace.  Our Hosts this Week:Juan Hernandez, Associatehttps://www.bakerdonelson.com/juan-hernandezNakimuli Davis-Primer, Shareholderhttps://www.bakerdonelson.com/Nakimuli-Davis-PrimerRebecca Kent, Legal SecretarySpecial Guest Host:Catarina Rivera, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Consultanthttps://www.catarinarivera.com/ Resource Guide:For Phyllis M. May-Machunda's Paper, Exploring the Invisible Knapsack of Able-Bodied Privilegehttps://vetvoicenational.files.wordpress.com/2018/10/exploringinvisibleknapsack.pdfFor Catarina Rivera's Article, Addressing Ableism in the Workplacehttps://inclusively.com/news-and-resources/catarina-rivera-addressing-ableism-in-the-workplace

Are you a trailblazer, an illuminator, or an advocate? Find out in Episode 3 as we define tokenism, share personal experiences of feeling tokenized, discuss the detrimental impact tokenism can have on individuals and organizations, and identify how we each can tackle tokenism as a trailblazer, Illuminator, and/or advocate. Combating tokenism requires intentional and inclusive action by everyone. Alycia Sutor of GrowthPlay joins us to help unpack some best practices. Listen to this episode to learn more about what you can do, whether you are a minority feeling/have felt tokenized or you are a leader with the power to eliminate tokenism.Look for our next episode on Ableism and Privilege, which releases on Friday, January 7, 2022.Our Hosts this Week:Nakimuli Davis-Primer, Shareholderhttps://www.bakerdonelson.com/Nakimuli-Davis-PrimerTenia L. Clayton, Associatehttps://www.bakerdonelson.com/tenia-claytonSpecial Guest Host:Alycia Sutor, Managing Director of GrowthPlayhttps://growthplay.com/teams/alycia-sutorResource Guide:https://www.law.com/americanlawyer/2021/12/15/rushing-to-meet-client-demands-law-firms-risk-alienating-diverse-lawyersTokenism: What It Is & How It Affects Our Workplaces: https://www.inhersight.com/blog/diversity/tokenism 

Are you an insider, an outsider, or both? In Episode two, we discuss how insiders set the norms and rules in the workplace and describe how outsiders are burdened with navigating and flawlessly executing those norms and rules in order to thrive – and in some instances survive. Being an insider in an organization comes with a level of unearned privilege. So, in this episode, Peggy Nagae, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Consultant, talks with our hosts about not only how to recognize your privilege as an insider, but how to leverage that privilege to uplift, encourage, and amplify the voices of your outsider colleagues through allyship.We release a new episode every other week. Look for our next episode on Friday, December 17, 2021.Our Hosts this Week:Reba Letsa, Associatehttps://www.bakerdonelson.com/Reba-LetsaNakimuli Davis-Primer, Shareholderhttps://www.bakerdonelson.com/Nakimuli-Davis-PrimerSpecial Guest Host:Peggy Nagae, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Consultant, Peggy Nagae Consultinghttps://diversitycollaborative.com/peggy-nagaeResource Guide:For more information about Kimberlé Crenshaw and the concept of intersectionality:https://www.vox.com/the-highlight/2019/5/20/18542843/intersectionality-conservatism-law-race-gender-discriminationTo watch “That Little Voice” and learn to #SpeakUpForInclusion:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ll56imVATLkFor more information about privilege, watch “Why Does Privilege Make People So Angry?” By Franchesca Leigh Ramsey, an American comedian, activist, television and YouTube personality: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeYpvV3eRhY  After watching Episode 2, test your knowledge and walk through the privilege and insider/outsider scenarios we covered in this episode with your colleagues:Scenario 1: I am an individual who is traditionally perceived as an “insider,” but my company has many different diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and I want to get involved, but I don't want to feel like I'm overstepping or speaking for others.  How should I respond? Scenario 2:  An insider made a joke at work in front of a colleague with a disability. I talked to my colleague with a disability afterward, and they said they weren't offended by the joke, but I took the joke as offensive and want to take action. How should I respond? Scenario 3:  During a meeting, one of my outsider colleagues made a point and it was dismissed. Shortly thereafter, one of my majority or insider colleagues made the same exact point and it was embraced by the group and acknowledged as a great idea. I am an insider. How should I respond?Reach Us:Learn more about Diversity & Inclusion at Baker Donelson at https://www.bakerdonelson.com/diversitySend your feedback and topic ideas to D&ISocialCommunications@bakerdonelson.com

Welcome to Season Two of Diversity Ever After: A Baker Donelson D&I Podcast.  In this season, we will discuss “Privilege.”  The initial response of many when someone says privilege might be white privilege, but during this season we will explore various kinds of privileges.  We will uncover how many of us are likely benefitting from privilege by discussing how to recognize our own privilege.  We will also discuss how we can use our privilege to help those who do not benefit from the same privilege we might benefit from. In this first episode of season two, Brenda Gadd, Founder and President of Rethink Public Strategies, joins our hosts to define privilege, highlight various kinds of privilege, and discuss the history of privilege including the need to risk losing our privilege for the benefit of others. We invite you to stay in touch and in tuned with this season as we explore privilege throughout our episodes this season.We release a new episode every other Friday. Look for our next episode on Friday, December 3.Our Hosts this Week:Nakimuli Davis-Primer, Shareholder(https://www.bakerdonelson.com/Nakimuli-Davis-Primer)Mary Wu Tullis, Shareholder(https://www.bakerdonelson.com/mary-wu-tullis)Brian Fernandez, Associate (https://www.bakerdonelson.com/brian-w-fernandez)Special Guest Host:Brenda Gadd, Founder and President of Rethink Public Strategies(https://rethinkpublicstrategies.com/)Resource Guide:For a handout with definitions of privilege: https://uca.edu/training/files/2017/11/Privilege-What-Does-It-Mean-Handout.pdfFor Peggy McIntosh's Paper, White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack:https://psychology.umbc.edu/files/2016/10/White-Privilege_McIntosh-1989.pdf

This week, Terrence Reed, Managing Director of Employment Litigation for Federal Express Corporation and President of the Center for Excellence in Decision Making, joins us to continue our topic on code switching. The Center for Excellence in Decision Making is a non-profit organization that partners with the University of Memphis, Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law and the Memphis Bar Association to educate and train community stakeholders in addressing factors that inhibit equitable decision-making in the delivery of services.  Baker Donelson is a proud sponsor of the Center.During this episode, we discuss what is implicit bias, whether there is a correlation between implicit bias and code switching, the fine line between code switching and “corporate hygiene,” and much more.Hosts:Jerrick Murrell, Associatehttps://www.bakerdonelson.com/jerrick-murrellNakimuli Davis-Primer, Shareholderhttps://www.bakerdonelson.com/Nakimuli-Davis-PrimerSpecial Guest:Terrence Reed, Managing Director of Employment Litigation for Federal Express CorporationTerrence O. Reed has been litigating since 2000.  He manages a team of employment litigation attorneys who represent FedEx in state and federal courts and administrative tribunals throughout the United States and in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Terrence has tried numerous jury trials in various jurisdictions including Memphis, Nashville, Philadelphia, Dallas, San Rafael, Manhattan, Long Island, Newport News, and Norfolk. He has also litigated appeals in all the Circuit Courts of Appeal. In addition to employment litigation, Terrence specializes in class action litigation.Prior to joining FedEx's legal team, Terrence was in private practice at Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis in Nashville, Tennessee where he specialized in complex commercial civil litigation. Terrence was a faculty member of the 2019 International Association of Defense Counsel's Trial Academy, conducted on Stanford Law School's campus, and serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Memphis law school teaching Fair Employment Practices.Terrence has also served as President for the Memphis chapter of the American Inns of Court, President for the Center for Excellence in Decision-Making, and a Board member of the Memphis Bar Association and Memphis Bar Foundation.  Terrence also serves on the University of Memphis Law Alumni Board and the law school dean's advisory council. For four years, Terrence also served as the Chairman of the Nashville Bar Association's Minority Opportunities Committee. He is a frequent presenter on diversity, equity, and inclusion issues.  He earned his juris doctorate from the University of Memphis law school, where he served as the Chief Justice of the Moot Court Board and an articles editor on the Law Review Board.Terrence earned his undergraduate degree from Tennessee State University, graduating summa cum laude.Reach Us:Learn more about Diversity & Inclusion at Baker Donelson at https://www.bakerdonelson.com/diversitySend your feedback and topic ideas to D&ISocialCommunications@bakerdonelson.com

Is it worth it? This week, Cornell University Professor Dr. Courtney McCluney joins us for a real talk discussion about black fatigue and the upsides and downsides of code-switching. We unpack whether, codeswitching in spaces where negative stereotypes of black professionals run counter to what is considered suitable and normal behavior for a particular environment worth the large implications to their well-being and economic advancement. Additionally, Dr. McCluney recommends tangible action items that provide everyone in their respective workplaces a way forward in beginning to tackle this behavior.We release a new episode every other week. Look for our next episode on Friday, August 20, 2021.Hosts:Nakimuli Davis-Primer, Shareholderhttps://www.bakerdonelson.com/Nakimuli-Davis-PrimerTanisha Pinkins, Associatehttps://www.bakerdonelson.com/tanisha-pinkinsSpecial Guest:Dr. Courtney McCluneyDr. McCluney co-authored the "Cost of Code-Switching," an article published in the Harvard Business Review, which you can read here: https://hbr.org/2019/11/the-costs-of-codeswitchingLearn more about Dr. McCluney here: http://courtneylmccluney.com/researchReach Us:Learn more about Diversity & Inclusion at Baker Donelson at https://www.bakerdonelson.com/diversitySend your feedback and topic ideas to D&ISocialCommunications@bakerdonelson.com

Imagine how taxing it can be feeling like you have to code switch when deciding simple things such as what name to put on your resume. In this episode, we talk about the mental health effects of code switching. We are joined by two mental health professionals, Andrew Breland and Jessica Davis, who share their own experiences with code switching, practical coping strategies, and ways that leadership can help people feel comfortable removing their masks and showing their true selves.We release a new episode every other week. Look for our next episode on Friday, August 6, 2021.Hosts:Nakimuli Davis-Primer, Shareholderhttps://www.bakerdonelson.com/Nakimuli-Davis-PrimerTenia Clayton, Associatehttps://www.bakerdonelson.com/tenia-claytonGuest Speakers:Andrew Breland MS, LPC, BC-TMH, NCC Andrew is a TeleMental Health Therapist, and you can find more information about him at his website: www.CounselingByBreland.comYou can also email at bybreland@gmail.com or call at 662-883-0331.Jessica Davis, Ed. S, LPC Jessica is a Licensed Mental Health Therapist and Psychometrist who believes in the power of change and individuality. You can find more information and contact information here: https://essentialtouchstones.com/davis/Reach Us:Learn more about Diversity & Inclusion at Baker Donelson at https://www.bakerdonelson.com/diversitySend your feedback and topic ideas to D&ISocialCommunications@bakerdonelson.com

Executive leaders are often seen as unavailable or otherwise veiled from day-to-day workplace interactions.  In fact, many believe that while executive leaders define the rules of success, those rules are not transparently communicated from the C-suite or do not account for the needs of the general workforce.  As a result, employees continuously code-switch to follow what they perceive (or guess) are the rules, spoken and unspoken, to succeed within the organization.  In today's episode, we have a transparent conversation with Baker Donelson's Chairman and CEO, Tim Lupinacci, and President and COO, Jennifer Keller, about their own code-switching experiences, commitment to cultivating authentic relationships, and tools that leaders can use to foster community, diversity, and inclusion in their respective workplaces.We release a new episode every other week. Look for our next episode on Friday, July 23.Our Hosts this Week:Victoria Young, Associate(https://www.bakerdonelson.com/victoria-e-young)Nakimuli Davis-Primer, Shareholder(https://www.bakerdonelson.com/Nakimuli-Davis-Primer)Special Guest Hosts:Timothy M. Lupinacci, Chairman and CEO(https://www.bakerdonelson.com/Timothy-Lupinacci)Jennifer P. Keller, President and COO(https://www.bakerdonelson.com/Jennifer-P-Keller)Reach Us:Learn more about Diversity & Inclusion at Baker Donelson at https://www.bakerdonelson.com/diversitySend your feedback and topic ideas to D&ISocialCommunications@bakerdonelson.com

Welcome to episode two of Diversity Ever After: A Baker Donelson D&I Podcast.  In season one, we are focusing on the topic of Code Switching, and how it is an ever-present reality for many of us in the workplace, in school, and in so many aspects of our lives. Yet, one thing is for certain when discussing Code Switching: the past informs the present.In episode two, our hosts and special guest host explore the historical roots of code switching and how the concept gained traction throughout history, beginning in 1903, with the concept of Double Consciousness coined by W.E.B. DuBois, which describes the sense of hyper awareness of how we are perceived by others and the desire to adjust and adapt our speech and the way we present seamlessly to tackle those perceptions.In this episode, our guest host, Brianna Gaddy, discusses her recently-published essay, What's Hair Got to Do with It?: How School Hair Policies Violate the United States Constitution, which takes a deep dive into issues surrounding Black hair, how personal grooming policies in school can have a disproportionate impact on students who style their hair in a way that is natural and authentic to them, and legislative efforts to address this issue.  We also discuss how these concepts spill over into workplace settings and can disproportionately impact Black women in the workplace and other professional settings based on their hair texture. Join us for a walk through the history of Code Switching in episode two!We release a new episode every other week. Look for our next episode on Friday, July 9.Our Hosts this Week:Reba Letsa, Associate(https://www.bakerdonelson.com/Reba-Letsa)Torrey Feldman, Associate(https://www.bakerdonelson.com/torrey-m-feldman)Nakimuli Davis-Primer, Shareholder(https://www.bakerdonelson.com/Nakimuli-Davis-Primer)Author and Special Guest Host:Brianna Gaddy, Esq., Law Clerk, Circuit Court For Baltimore City(https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannagaddy/)Resource Guide:Check out Brianna Gaddy's essay here:http://www.administrativelawreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/ALR-Accord-6.3_Gaddy-FINAL-FORMATTED-w.-Blank-Page.pdfFor more information on the CROWN Act, visit: https://www.thecrownact.com/For more information on the concept of Double Consciousness, visit:https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/double-consciousness/https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1897/08/strivings-of-the-negro-people/305446/Reach Us:Learn more about Diversity & Inclusion at Baker Donelson at https://www.bakerdonelson.com/diversitySend your feedback and topic ideas to D&ISocialCommunications@bakerdonelson.com

First impressions matter. The hosts of the first season of Diversity Ever After provide insight into how they are perceived when they walk into a room.Hosts:Jerrick Murrell, Associate(https://www.bakerdonelson.com/jerrick-murrell) Nakimuli Davis-Primer, Shareholder(https://www.bakerdonelson.com/Nakimuli-Davis-Primer)Reba Letsa, Associate(https://www.bakerdonelson.com/Reba-Letsa)Tanisha Pinkins, Associate(https://www.bakerdonelson.com/tanisha-pinkins)Tenia Clayton, Associate(https://www.bakerdonelson.com/tenia-clayton)Torrey Feldman, Associate(https://www.bakerdonelson.com/torrey-m-feldman)Victoria Young, Associate(https://www.bakerdonelson.com/victoria-e-young)

Welcome to the first episode of the very first season of Diversity Ever After: A Baker Donelson D&I Podcast. This season we are talking about Code Switching.In this episode, our hosts briefly define code switching and then get a little personal about what code switching looks like for them professionally and even personally.  We talk about real-life examples of intentional and on occasion unintentional code switching.Our conversation was sparked by this Harvard Business Law review https://hbr.org/2019/11/the-costs-of-codeswitching.