My experience in diversity, equity and inclusion
From all my years of learning, educating, and practicing, my ideology is simple: targeted diversity strategies are incredibly effective, while “off-the-shelf,” “one and done” training programs will fall flat.
My philosophy
In my 15+ years working in diversity, equity, and inclusion leadership roles, I’ve realized that my superpower is utilizing my white-adjacent privilege to connect with and empower leaders and organizations to move in the right direction. My approach is not about bright lines and “do’s” and “don’ts.” Instead, I believe in using empathy and understanding to tailor every presentation, every workshop, and every strategic plan to each client I work with.
Early experience
I started my career as a complex business litigator at Frost Brown Todd, LLC. I became a partner at the firm, and in 2006 I transitioned into leading its diversity and inclusion work. Becoming a “Director of Diversity” at a law firm was unusual at the time, and I later created the role of, and became the firm’s first, chief diversity officer. I led the firm’s DEI work for over 15 years, always as a direct report to the CEO. While there, I helped to implement numerous equitable systems and processes, including bias interrupters in areas of recruiting, evaluation, leadership appointments, and compensation.
I also developed and led numerous innovative programs, including pipeline programs starting as early as the 7th grade, scholarship and internship programs, leadership DEI scorecards tied to compensation, and a transparent DEI survey to measure a firm’s culture and benchmark progress.
Saeed Consulting Group
Asker and I often collaborate in our work. Together we have over 25 years of collective DEI professional experience and gain a lot from partnering together.
Saeed Consulting Group was founded by Asker A. Saeed, who has spent two decades as a thought leader and trusted advisor to a variety of organizations, including law firms, corporate legal departments, and bar associations, as well as hundreds of lawyers and law students. Leveraging these experiences, he helps his clients ideate, design, develop, and implement systems, procedures, and programs designed to advance organizational diversity and inclusion goals.
Recent speaking engagements
November 2022 LKGlobal: Allyship Training
October 2022 THK Law, LLP: Generational Differences; Eliminating Bias in Feedback & Evaluation Systems
October 2022 THK Law, LLP: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Unconscious Bias Training (for new employees)
October 2022 Mercy Montessori: Courageous Conversations
August 2022 Mercy Montessori Teachers & Staff Training: Where Do We Go From Here?
July & August 2022 Frost Brown Todd, LLC: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Unconscious Bias Training (for all employees)
July 2022 Expert Insights: Building Inclusive Arts Organizations
April 2022 Inclusive Leadership at LKGlobal
April 2022 Maintaining an Inclusive Culture When Returning to the Office: A Leadership Dialogue
April 2022 Maintaining an Inclusive Culture When Returning to the Office
February 2022 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Purdue Federal Credit Union – Where We Are, and Where We’re Going
January 2022 Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Assessment Summary: A Dialogue Among Leaders
November 2021 Greater Cincinnati Minority Council Program Panelist, Annual Meeting Speaker
October 2021 THK Law, LLP: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Unconscious Bias Training (for all employees)
October 2021 Diversity Day Keynote Speaker at Wilson Elser: Building Bridges Through Diversity & Inclusion
Recognitions
