Raised in Prince George’s County, Maryland, I have faced my share of obstacles on my path to founder and CEO of Corporate Counsel Women of Color. Although my father was a labor attorney, I still had to learn how to forge my own path as a woman of color in the legal profession.
Like many women of color attorneys, I experienced all types of gender and race-related issues in the workplace. These include bias and microaggressions. There were times in my career when I became discouraged. But I knew I couldn’t give up or cave in.
Developing the Resilience to Start and Lead Corporate Counsel Women of Color
Fortunately, I grew up witnessing my father’s master networking skills. I saw how he actively sought connections with families of color in a predominantly white community, acting as a social networker ahead of his time.
Consequently, connecting with diverse groups became second nature to me, strengthened by my interactions with schoolmates, teachers, and principals throughout my education. Little did I know that these experiences would shape my future achievements.
I’ve grown immensely since the beginning of my career. What I am most proud of is I have helped make significant contributions to advancing women of color attorneys and promoting diversity in the legal profession. That’s why I founded Corporate Counsel Women of Color® in 2004 with the mission to foster inclusion, diversity, and equity in the legal profession.
Nearly two decades later, my organization has experienced remarkable growth, expanding its membership from 10 to over 5,000 members from all over the United States, Asia, Europe, Africa, and South America.
From Corporate Counsel Women of Color to Author
My professional background extends beyond my role at Corporate Counsel Women of Color®. I have served on the board of directors for North Carolina Central University School of Law and the Indiana University Maurer School of Law at Bloomington. Additionally, I contribute my insights and knowledge as an advisory board member for Sun E Mates LLC, Tribe Dynamics, and Kapdec: An Academy of Excellence.
During my career, I have received numerous awards and accolades. In 2021, I was honored with the Influential Businesswoman Award by Acquisition International, recognizing my influence in the business world. Savoy Magazine recognized me as one of the Top Influential African American Lawyers in America, and Lawyers of Color named me as one of the Top 10 Black Lawyers of the Decade. Last but certainly not least, I was inducted into the Prince George’s County Public Schools Alumni Hall of Fame.
Recently, I wrote my first book: It’s Time to Shine. It is my hopes that this book will serve as a guide that empowers professionals, specifically women of color, to navigate and excel in their careers.
This comprehensive resource is filled with practical strategies and insights tailored for professionals seeking to advance in their chosen fields. From leveraging networking opportunities to overcoming workplace challenges and embracing self-empowerment, each chapter is packed with actionable advice and real-life examples.
Without a doubt, I am truly honored to use my platform to advance women of color and law students of color in the legal profession. Hopefully, my accomplishments will serve as an inspiration to aspiring professionals and a testament to the power of perseverance and excellence.