Dimensions of Diversity Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney

What does it mean to evaluate or reconsider one’s identity? For some, the concept has never been in question. For others, what identity means can be more complex.

On this episode of Dimensions of Diversity, host Lloyd Freeman chats with Nicole Johnson, educator at Doane Academy in New Jersey. Nicole details her experience of growing up in a biracial family and why she identifies as a Black woman. Nicole shares how she grew up in the 80s and 90s in a Black neighborhood, attending predominately white schools, and how she never had a Black teacher throughout her early education. She explores instances of codeswitching with family and friends while trying to find herself. Nicole then shares her experience as a high school student touring a Historically Black University, what went into her decision to not attend one and her reflections on that choice years later as an adult. The episode concludes with Nicole discussing how, as a teacher, she is preparing students for their next level of education and a future that looks quite different from the one she faced at their age.

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 recognition of Black History Month, Buchanan hosted a unique program exploring the impact of skin tone bias and discrimination, and how it intersects with various aspects of society.

 

On this episode of Dimensions of Diversity, host Lloyd Freeman sits down with two leaders in African and African American studies to discuss colorism in today’s world. Episode guests include Michael R. Fisher Jr., Ph.D., Assistant Professor in the Department of African American and African Studies at The Ohio State University and Stephanie James Harris, Ph.D., Director of Africana Studies at Seton Hall University for an insightful and thought-provoking panel discussion.

 

During the program, the trio discuss the historical roots and present-day effects of colorism, its impact on educational and professional opportunities, social relationships, media representation, and how colorist attitudes can be dismantled to build a more inclusive society. 

 

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. 

This podcast often explores the challenges that people from underrepresented communities face on a daily basis and the obstacles they must overcome in workplaces and society at large. It’s important that we continue to bring attention to and celebrate the many organizations providing support and resources to underrepresented practitioners and paving the way for a more diverse legal profession and country.



On this episode of Dimensions of Diversity, host Lloyd Freeman welcomes Dominique Calhoun, managing shareholder of Calhoun Meredith, PLLC, and President of the National Bar Association, which is the oldest and largest Bar association of predominantly Black American attorneys and judges in the United States.



During their conversation, Lloyd and Dominique talk about how the Black experience has evolved and where there is still drastic change needed, what it means to be a Black attorney in 2024, the support and resources the National Bar Association provides to its membership, and what the future looks like for diverse individuals in the legal field and beyond.



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. 

While much of the focus on inclusivity for the LGBTQ+ community happens during Pride Month in June, it’s important to recognize and bring attention to the issues impacting the community throughout the year. It’s our responsibility to not only be better individually but force those around us to challenge their own biases to become more inclusive as well. 

On this episode of Dimensions of Diversity, host Lloyd Freeman sits down with a handful of practitioners in the world of LGBTQ+ inclusion to talk about the paths they took and the roads they’re forging ahead in this area at their respective organizations. This program was hosted by Buchanan’s P.R.I.D.E. Affinity Group, the affinity group supporting our employees who identify as LGBTQ+ and their allies. 

Episode guests include Nicholas Bell, Counsel, Labor & Employment at Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney; Brad Bidwell Senior Strategic Digital, Trademark, and Copyright Counsel at Dow Chemical; Maria Running Fisher Jones, Senior Legal Counsel, Manager at Google; and Russell King Senior Counsel, Commercial Litigation at McDonalds. The panel of experts provides valuable insights and actionable recommendations for establishing an inclusive and welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ employees. 

To learn more about Buchanan's Affinity Groups, please click here: https://www.bipc.com/affinity-groups.  

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. 

Elite law firms, investment banks and management consulting firms in the U.S. are known for their grueling hours, low odds of promotion and personnel practices that push out employees who do not advance. While most people begin their careers in these institutions, they leave within several years. These environments can be especially difficult for Black professionals, who exit more quickly and receive far fewer promotions than their white counterparts. 

On this episode of Dimensions of Diversity, host Lloyd Freeman welcomes Kevin Woodson, sociologist, attorney, University of Richmond law professor and author of the new book, “The Black Ceiling: How Race Still Matters in the Elite Workplace.” 

During their conversation, Lloyd and Kevin share their experiences with the so-called “black ceiling,” how organizations set visible and invisible barriers for many Black professionals, and why the journey to success as a person of color in the legal industry, while improving, is still an uphill battle for many. Kevin also shares the concept of “racial discomfort,” defined as the general unease that many Black professionals have experienced in predominantly white workspaces. 

To purchase Kevin’s book, visit your local bookstore, or purchase online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or wherever books are sold.  

Additionally, to sign up for Buchanan’s Women's History Month CLE, “Pathways to Progress: Women's History in Action,” please click 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.  

As a Black attorney, finding support through community can be critical in helping discover opportunities and find guidance in navigating the world as an underrepresented practitioner in the legal field. Today, that support can be found in the National Bar Association, the nation's oldest and largest network of Black American lawyers and judges, with a network of over 67,000 members. 

On this episode of Dimensions of Diversity, host Lloyd Freeman is joined by two local affiliate presidents of the National Bar Association. The first guest is Kristin Johnson, President at the Barristers’ Association of Philadelphia and a trial attorney with the U.S. Department of Labor. The Barristers’ Association of Philadelphia works to address the professional needs and development of Black lawyers in the City of Philadelphia through programs such as seminars, cultural events and publications. Lloyd also welcomes Roger Johnson, President at the Virgil Hawkins Florida Chapter National Bar Association and an associate attorney at Hamilton, Miller, & Birthisel.  

During their conversation, the trio discuss the career journey of a Black lawyer in America, what resources are available (and still needed) to support Black attorneys, and how individuals and organizations like the National Bar Association and others can get more Black children interested 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.