Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney Bolsters D&I Program with Expanded D&I Council and Five Affinity Groups

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Apr 29, 2021, 14:04 ET

MIAMI, April 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney proudly announces its new Diversity & Inclusion Council consisting of 15 members across the firm's offices, practice areas and levels, including Miami office head, Jennifer Olmedo Rodriguez and Miami shareholder, Christine Alden.

The Diversity & Inclusion Council will collaborate directly with Lloyd Freeman, the firm's Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer (CDIO) to enhance recruitment, retention and promotion efforts to ensure equitable advancement and exposure for women and underrepresented employees. The Council, will meet regularly to recommend and guide policies, programs and initiatives as it relates to D&I in the firm.

Council members are:

Christine J. Alden
Eric P. Battisti
Shawn B. Cage
Charlene A. Barker Gedeus
Kathleen Jones Goldman
Mollie A. McEnteer
Elizabeth Carrott Minnigh
Kelly M. Neal
Jennifer Olmedo-Rodriguez, Head of the Miami Office
Brian Rath
Danielle L. Rosetti
LaToya G. Sawyer-Ndizeye
Christopher R. Thorn
Randy P. Vulakovich

"For any organization to have a truly successful D&I program, the voices of employees need to be heard and amplified," said Lloyd Freeman, CDIO. "At Buchanan, we believe that by empowering our employees to take part in guiding our D&I strategy, we are able to make even more meaningful strides towards fostering an inclusive workplace."

In addition, the firm has introduced five new Affinity Groups:

Buchanan B.O.L.D. (Buchanan's Organization for Leadership and Diversity) the affinity group for employees of color
Buchanan N.O.W (Network of Women) the affinity group for employees who identify as women
Buchanan P.R.I.D.E. (Promoting Respect, Inclusion and Diversity for all Employees) the affinity group for employees who identify as LGBTQ and allies
Buchanan C.A.R.E.s (Caregiving Assistance and Resources for Employees) the affinity group for employees who are caregivers and working parents.
Buchanan B.R.A.V.E. (Buchanan's Recognition of Active and Veteran Employees) the affinity group for employees who are veterans or currently serving in the armed forces.

These Affinity Groups are formed around common identities and are open to all employees. The groups will offer opportunities for mentoring, networking and development on both a personal and professional level. Group members are also charged with suggesting ideas for cultural awareness programming to the D&I Council.

In November 2020, Buchanan appointed Lloyd Freeman as its full-time CDIO. Since then, the firm has continued to introduce new programming and has made substantial steps in enhancing D&I efforts not only within the walls of the firm, but in the community and the legal industry as a whole.

About Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney
Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney is a national law firm with a proven reputation for providing progressive, industry-leading legal, business, regulatory and government relations advice to regional, national and international clients. We service a wide range of businesses, but have especially deep experience in the finance, energy, healthcare and life sciences industries. Our 450 attorneys and government relations professionals across 15 offices proudly represent some of the highest profile and innovative companies in the nation, including 50 of the Fortune 100. We bring to clients intimate knowledge of the players, market forces and political and regulatory landscape, and use our full-service capabilities to protect, defend and advance our clients' businesses.

SOURCE Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC