Dimensions of Diversity

In this episode of Dimensions of Diversity, Lloyd Freeman interviews Judi O'Kelley, Chief Program & Policy Officer and Paul Thaler, Chief Development Officer of the LGBTQ+ Bar Association. They discuss their roles and the association's initiatives. The LGBTQ+ Bar Association, with over 1,700 members, advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and organizes the Lavender Law Conference, which is the largest gathering of LGBTQ+ legal professionals. Judi and Paul talk about their respective roles and emphasize the significance of the Lavender Law Conference in recruiting LGBTQ+ legal professionals and promoting inclusivity in the legal profession.

This episode also examines the association's advocacy efforts which includes supporting the ban of the LGBTQ panic defense, addressing discrimination against LGBTQ+ jurors, and creating a comprehensive bench guide for LGBTQ+ inclusion in courtrooms. The conversation highlights the importance of allyship, ongoing education, and inclusive policies in the legal profession, while underscoring the need for more progress in LGBTQ+ representation at the partner level. At the conclusion of the episode, Paul encourages listeners to support the LGBTQ+ Bar Association's mission by becoming members and getting involved with local affiliates, emphasizing the importance of building community and advancing LGBTQ+ inclusion in the legal field.

Dimensions of Diversity is a podcast created by Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, highlighting diversity in the workplace. Hosted by Lloyd Freeman, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, the podcast features meaningful conversations with industry and community leaders working to advance D&I.

On this episode of Dimensions of Diversity, host Lloyd Freeman is joined by Jordan Fields to discuss the racial wealth gap in America, focusing on taxation as a contributing factor. Jordan shares how her personal experiences growing up in New Jersey inspired her research which she summarizes in her student note, “You Cannot Make My Blackness a Burden: How America Used Taxation to Maintain the Racial Wealth Gap and Prevent Black Flourishment,” published in the Pittsburgh Tax Review.

This episode highlights systemic racial bias in home appraisals and the need for more equitable distribution of municipal services and institutions to address these issues. Jordan emphasizes the need for collective action to solve wealth inequality and prioritize the well-being of Black residents in predominantly white neighborhoods.

Dimensions of Diversity is a podcast created by Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, highlighting diversity in the workplace. Hosted by Lloyd Freeman, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, the podcast features meaningful conversations with industry and community leaders working to advance D&I. 

On this episode of Dimensions of Diversity, host Lloyd Freeman is joined by colleagues Charlene Barker Gedeus and Mickey Kincade as they explore the latest updates from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). For the first time in nearly 30 years, the EEOC has updated its enforcement guidance on workplace harassment, bringing significant changes and expansions to existing protections.

Charlene and Mickey break down the significant changes in the EEOC's enforcement guidance on workplace harassment, including expanded protections for race, gender, sexual orientation, and religious backgrounds. This episode provides insight for employers on implementing these new guidelines to foster a more inclusive and respectful workplace. More information on the EEOC’s guidance can be found here.

Dimensions of Diversity is a podcast created by Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, highlighting diversity in the workplace. Hosted by Lloyd Freeman, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, the podcast features meaningful conversations with industry and community leaders working to advance D&I.

On this episode of Dimensions of Diversity, host Lloyd Freeman speaks with Johnathan Hill, leader of Relativity's community engagement program. Johnathan discusses the Justice for Change program, launched in response to George Floyd's murder, which provides free access to Relativity's e-discovery platform for social and racial justice initiatives worldwide. Johnathan highlights the expansion and diverse applications of the program, from wrongful convictions to environmental rights, highlighting the transformative power of technology in accessing justice.

Johnathan shares impactful stories, such as the Innocence Project using Relativity's tools, and explores how technology aids in legal cases and supports marginalized communities. He sheds light on Relativity's collaborations, providing pro bono support and overcoming challenges in these partnerships.

Dimensions of Diversity is a podcast created by Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, highlighting diversity in the workplace. Hosted by Lloyd Freeman, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, the podcast features meaningful conversations with industry and community leaders working to advance D&I.

In this impactful episode of Dimensions of Diversity, host Lloyd Freeman engages in a profound conversation with Chris Singleton, a former minor league baseball player turned nationally renowned speaker. Chris shares his heart-wrenching yet uplifting story of loss, resilience, and forgiveness following the tragic murder of his mother at Mother Emanuel AME Church in 2015.

With themes of unity, healing, and purpose, Chris opens up about his journey of overcoming unimaginable grief and transforming his pain into a mission to bring people together and combat hatred. This conversation not only explores the profound impact of faith and forgiveness but also provides valuable insights and inspiration for anyone navigating their own healing journey.

Dimensions of Diversity is a podcast created by Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, highlighting diversity in the workplace. Hosted by Lloyd Freeman, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, the podcast features meaningful conversations with industry and community leaders working to advance D&I. 

To celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Buchanan recently hosted a panel discussion on the importance of name pronunciation within Asian American culture and heritage.

On this episode of Dimensions of Diversity, host Lloyd Freeman speaks with Yaqi Wo, Global Product Manager, PPG Industries and Minji Kim, associate, Buchanan. The trio explored the significance of correctly pronouncing names and its role in fostering inclusivity and respect in both personal and professional spheres.

Together, Yaqi and Minji discuss the importance of normalized dialogue around names, and practical tips for fostering allyship. Through their expertise and personal experiences, they invite listeners to reflect on their role in creating inclusive spaces for all. This episode offers valuable insights and powerful steps toward celebrating and supporting cultural diversity.

Dimensions of Diversity is a podcast created by Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, highlighting diversity in the workplace. Hosted by Lloyd Freeman, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, the podcast features meaningful conversations with industry and community leaders working to advance D&I.

On this episode of Dimensions of Diversity, host Lloyd Freeman is joined by Dr. Heather Butts and Dr. Rebecca Dahl to discuss the history of clinical trials in underrepresented communities, and how the healthcare industry is working to gain back trust among many communities of color.

The trio discuss the history of clinical trials specifically for Black Americans and explore how the Tuskegee Syphilis Study was a turning point for ethics and trust in clinical studies. They highlight how this study has influenced the progression of clinical research.

Later, our guests discuss some of the barriers that still exist that prevent certain underrepresented groups from wanting to participate in clinical trials. Finally, the discussion shifts to some strategies that could be implemented to restore trust in these communities to boost participation in these important research studies.

Dimensions of Diversity is a podcast created by Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, highlighting diversity in the workplace. Hosted by Lloyd Freeman, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, the podcast features meaningful conversations with industry and community leaders working to advance D&I. 

In this episode of Dimensions of Diversity, host Lloyd Freeman is joined by Charlene Barker Gedeus and George Morrison, both Shareholders at Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, to delve into the landmark Supreme Court decision that ended race-conscious admissions programs at colleges and universities, commonly known as affirmative action. 
 
Charlene provides a historical overview of affirmative action, highlighting its origins and purpose, while George examines the specifics of the Supreme Court case and its implications for admissions practices. The discussion also explores how this decision could impact the future of diversity and inclusion in the private workplace. 
 
Dimensions of Diversity is a podcast created by Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, highlighting diversity in the workplace. Hosted by Lloyd Freeman, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, the podcast features meaningful conversations with industry and community leaders working to advance D&I.

On this episode of Dimensions of Diversity, Lloyd Freeman speaks with Jay Jones, the first transgender student body president of Howard University, and the first transwoman to serve as student body president at any Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) across the country.  
 
The discussion highlights Jay’s upbringing in North Carolina and Texas and what it was like moving from this type of environment to Washington, D.C once she enrolled in Howard University. Jay discusses what it was like starting out at Howard University and how she felt welcomed and embraced immediately. Jay shares her story about being elected as Vice President and how impactful of a moment this was for her. As Howard’s first trans student body president, Jay talks about the changes she has made to university policy already and the changes she hopes to make in her final year.  
 
Jay shares powerful insights on how to make those around you feel welcomed and accepted. The episode wraps up with Jay detailing how she plans on making sure her work makes the university a better place than she found it, stating “I don’t want you to remember who I was, I would rather you remember what I did”.  
 
Dimensions of Diversity is a podcast created by Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, highlighting diversity in the workplace. Hosted by Lloyd Freeman, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, the podcast features meaningful conversations with industry and community leaders working to advance D&I.

Jarah Doosé is a government relations advisor at Buchanan Ingersoll and Rooney, and on this episode of Dimensions of Diversity, Jarah details her role as a lobbyist where she acts as a liaison between clients and the government to help secure funding and policy changes. During the discussion, she talked about how she established a fund for Black and minority developers to invest in disenfranchised communities while pointing to a personal experience that changed her definition of success. 

Lloyd and Jarah highlight the need for a more flexible and supportive workplace to recruit and retain top talent. The episode concludes with advice for those struggling with self-care, while encouraging them to seek out resources and understand that taking care of oneself is not selfish but necessary. 
 
Dimensions of Diversity is a podcast created by Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, highlighting diversity in the workplace. Hosted by Lloyd Freeman, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, the podcast features meaningful conversations with industry and community leaders working to advance D&I.