Southern Comfort Buffet

Southern garden salad
Arcadian Mixed Lettuce, heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers, and white cheddar, ranch dressing, vidalia vinaigrete
Creamy Cole Slaw
Deviled egg macaroni salad
Nashville hot chicken + local honey
Grilled flat iron + Jack Daniels Fire BBQ
White cheddar + buttermilk mashed potatoes
Southern style buttered green beans +bacon, onion

All daily lunch menus include iced tea service, coffees and hot tea

Dessert
Bourbon Street Pecan Pie
Red Velvet Cake

Despite diversity and inclusion being a daily topic within the legal profession, the needle is barely moving, in particular, for women of color within the profession. The DRI Women of Color Roundtable will be a candid discussion on challenges facing women of color within the legal profession and will provide insight on how women of color attorneys can overcome those challenges.

Welcome and Introduction
Stacy L. Douglas, Partner and Director of Diversity & Inclusion – Everett Dorey LLP, Los Angeles, CA  

Can I Get Close to You? Networking Panel

Moderator:
Christina A. Gonzales, Shareholder – Marshall Dennehey, Philadelphia, PA

Panelists: 

• R. Matt Cairns, Associate General Counsel – Textron, Providence, RI
• Geneau M. Thames, General Counsel – VP, General Counsel and Secretary – Harford Mutual Insurance Group, Bel Air, MD

The Path to Promotion

Moderator: 
Darleene Peters, Partner – Irwin Fritchie Urquhart Moore & Daniels, LLC, New Orleans, LA

Panelists: 

• Charissa N. Walker, Partner – Tucker Ellis LLP, Cleveland, OH
• Sandra Diggs-Miller, Vice President, External Affairs – Entergy, New Orleans, LA  
• Deborah St. Lawrence Thompson, Partner – Nelson Mullins, Baltimore, MD
• Amy Stewart, Owner – Stewart Law Group, Dallas, TX   

Show Me the Money

Moderator: 
Tyrra V. Walker, Associate – Chartwell Law, Atlanta, GA  

Panelists: 

• Reginald Johnson, Chief Diversity Officer & SVP NA Field Human Resources – Signet Jewelers, Dallas, TX
• Ron Jordan, Founder – Carter-Whie & Shaw, Chestertown, MD
• Douglas K. Burrell, Partner – Chartwell Law, Norcross, GA

Join fellow Diversity seminar attendees for dine-arounds following the evening's networking reception. Dine-arounds are pay-on-your-own and a great way to meet and connect with new (and old) friends! Sign up here.  

This presentation explores the legal landscape surrounding LGBTQ+ rights in Tennessee, shedding light on the state's legislation that has been a focal point of controversy. This comprehensive examination delves into the historical context and evolution of anti-LGBTQ+ laws, examining their impact on the community. The narrative navigates through key legal battles, shedding light on both proponents and opponents of these laws. With a critical lens, the exploration considers the broader societal implications and debates arising from the legal framework, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to challenge discriminatory policies and promote inclusivity. Through in-depth analysis, this piece aims to foster a deeper understanding of the complex intersection between law, discrimination, and LGBTQ+ rights in the state of Tennessee.

This is a pre-recorded session. Judge Bell has indicated that she's open for questions and her contact information is rachelbell@jisnashville.gov 
 

The DRI Diversity for Success Seminar in coordination with DRI Cares will be fundraising this year for the Tennessee Justice for Our Neighbors ("TJFON"). TJFON provides free or low-cost immigration legal services to low-income immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, ideology, gender identity, or sexual orientation. This fundraiser will help support TJFON in their mission to provide free or low-cost, compassionate immigration services including legal, education and advocacy services across Tennessee. Donations will be collected through the DRI Foundation, and a donation will be made to TJON on behalf of the DRI Foundation.

To donate online:

1. Click the "Donate" button or scan the QR code below.
2. If you have an account with DRI, log in. Use the same login that you registered for this seminar.
3. If you do not have an account with DRI, create a guest account.
4. Select from one of the gift amounts or set your own amount. The default value is $100.
5. Select "Diversity and Inclusion" from "My SLC/Region" dropdown box.
6. Click “Submit Donation.”
7. The page will refresh. Click “View Cart” to checkout.
8. Enter your credit card information and click “Submit Order” once all required information is entered.

The program on disingenuous diversity and inclusion addresses the phenomenon where organizations superficially embrace diversity initiatives without fostering genuine inclusivity. It explores instances where companies may prioritize optics over meaningful change, implementing token diversity measures without addressing systemic issues. The program delves into the potential negative consequences of such disingenuous efforts, including the perpetuation of stereotypes and the alienation of underrepresented groups. It advocates for a shift towards authentic inclusivity, emphasizing the need for structural changes that go beyond mere symbolic gestures. The program aims to raise awareness about the importance of sincerity in fostering diversity and inclusion within organizational cultures.

We delve into the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and the subtle biases that can be embedded within its algorithms. We explore how machine learning models, often trained on historical data, may inadvertently perpetuate, and even amplify societal biases. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding these implicit biases to ensure responsible AI development and deployment. Additionally, we explore potential strategies and ethical considerations to mitigate bias and promote fair and unbiased AI systems.

Please join us in supporting Blessings in a Backpack, an organization that mobilizes communities, individuals, and resources to provide food on the weekends for school-aged children across America who might otherwise go hungry. Seminar attendees will have the opportunity to fill bags of food on the way to the joint networking lunch on Thursday, June 13. Feeding a child before you feed yourself is a wonderful way to support children and families in the Nashville community.

Plated Lunch 

* Roasted Beet Salad
* Sweet Tea lacquered Chicken Breast with buttermilk risotto, natural jus

Dessert
Rustic apple pie

Lunch includes dinner rolls and  iced tea

For over 40 years federal law has permitted higher education institutions to consider race in a limited capacity in admissions processes. In summer 2023, the Supreme Court rendered a decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard and Students for Fair Admissions v. UNC, that further restricted this practice. Hear from two higher education admission leaders about the way they are adjusting recruitment and admissions practices to comply with the ruling, the potential long-term impact that this will have on college and law school enrollment, and ways they are working to enhance recruitment strategies and cross-sector partnerships to continue to attract diverse populations of students.

The coaching model provide examples of how it works and do a demonstration to help you learn about another tool in your toolbox of success. Communication and conflict management; setting your boundaries for respect and professional integrity; Not knowing how to say ‘no’ to non-mandatory requests/opportunities from superiors that are not in line with your career trajectory or your values; Not knowing how to say ‘yes’; risk of unexpected consequences such as much more work than advertised; and Lack of feeling of belonging and/or Imposter Syndrome.

We will explore the legal challenges faced by law firms in implementing and defending Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) initiatives. The discussion will delve into the evolving legal landscape surrounding these initiatives, examining recent lawsuits and their implications. Attendees will gain insights into the intersection of employment law and DE&I efforts, as well as strategies for mitigating legal risks. Ultimately, the presentation aims to empower law firms to proactively navigate legal frontiers while championing diversity within their organizations.

Join the Insurance Bad Faith & Extra-Contractual Liability Seminar and Diversity for Success Seminar for a relaxing evening at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel located on the Event Hub (lobby level).  Connect with your contemporaries, exchange stories over cocktails, and savor carefully crafted small bites. This exclusive gathering is more than a networking event, it's a launching pad for the next phase of your inspiring legal journey. Don't miss this chance to be among peers who will shape the future of the legal landscape. Join us, where your potential is limitless.

In addition, we are pleased to welcome the Asian American Insurance Network (AAIN), and the National African American Insurance Association (NAAIA) at the reception. AAIN is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the development and growth of Asian-Pacific Islander professionals in the insurance industry through mentorship, networking, education, and social awareness. NAAIA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering African American insurance professionals currently in the industry as well as celebrating their accomplishments. Please join this networking reception to learn more about AAIN (https://www.aainsurance.org/) and NAAIA (https://www.naaia.org/).

Join fellow Diversity seminar attendees for dine-arounds following the evening's networking reception. Dine-arounds are pay-on-your-own and a great way to meet and connect with new (and old) friends! Sign up here.