Letter from the Diversity and Inclusion Partner
Author: Dawn Siler-Nixon, FordHarrison's Diversity and Inclusion Partner
We have been very busy in our efforts to chart a course forward along the cultural competence continuum through our internal FH-C3 (Cross Cultural Competence) programming. Our goal in focusing on Cross Cultural Competence is to redefine our thought process as a law firm, individual lawyers and community citizens. Throughout 2014, we spotlighted the cultural backgrounds of our lawyers both nationally and internationally, identifying and explaining the cultural nuances necessary to effectively conduct business and represent our clients in the United States and abroad. This was a wonderful educational experience for our firm. In December 2014, we brought together a number of our lawyers in diversity focus groups to gather candid information about our experiences, perspectives, and practices relating to diversity and inclusion. In addition, the focus groups were tasked with identifying "best practices" to ensure that FordHarrison offers an optimum work environment and opportunities for our lawyers to progress along the cultural competence continuum that consultant Vernā Myers spoke about at our June 2014 mid-year meeting. Myers has used the information from the focus groups to develop a full-day leadership training program for our Executive and Management Committees, as well as key firm leaders. Our firm leadership's commitment to increasing FordHarrison's cultural competence at every level has had and will continue to have a positive impact on our attorneys and staff. What we learn during this intensive training session will help chart our course for the year to come. I hope that you will enjoy this edition of Diversity Moving Forward and learn more about our firm and our lawyers through this snapshot of activities and achievements!
Read the Diversity... Moving Forward newsletter by clicking Diversity...Moving Forward_Winter 2014-2015.pdf