Inclusivity Included: Powerful personal stories Reed Smith

Colette Honorable, former FERC commissioner, a partner in Reed Smith’s Washington, D.C. office, and a member of Reed Smith’s executive committee – just to name a few of her leadership positions – joins co-hosts Iveliz Crespo and John Iino to talk about what it was like getting “the call” from President Obama to join the FERC. She also will share how she has navigated various challenges, such as being the only woman in the room, and she will give advice to younger women of color on reaching the highest levels of leadership.

In this episode, Rebecca Berger, law firm partner, TV host, and family law and domestic violence advocate, joins John Iino and Iveliz Crespo to share her journey to becoming an attorney. She discusses her experiences as a first-generation lawyer, and the importance of being curious, seeking out new information, asking questions, and looking beyond first impressions. Rebecca also shares how she uses her popular weekly program, Justice for All, to highlight the stories of other legal professionals and thought leaders.

Courtney A. Munnings, certified life coach, speaker, commercial litigator and neurodiversity advocate, discusses her recent autism spectrum disorder diagnosis, the challenges she faced before diagnosis, and the benefits of autism and neurodiversity in the workplace. Joined by co-hosts Iveliz Crespo and John Iino, Courtney dispels myths and stereotypes that block true neurodiversity, and provides strategies to leaders creating truly diverse and inclusive organizations.

Daphne Kwok, the vice president of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Asian American & Pacific Audience Strategy at AARP, joins John Iino and special guest host Janet Kwuon to share her advice as a “leader of leaders” in promoting and empowering Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. Daphne raises important issues, such as representation, education, and action in response to the “Model Minority” myth and hate crimes against the community, as well as advice to younger colleagues just starting their journeys.

Reggie Jones, LCSW, associate dean for Health and Wellness at Bryn Mawr College and co-host of the podcast “What the Health?!,” joins our hosts to discuss her work dealing with inequities and oppressive structures that negatively impact the mental health of first-generation, international, and LGBTQ+ students, and students of color. Reggie discusses the unique obstacles these students face as they pursue higher education learning opportunities and shares strategies for dismantling these barriers.

Diana Cortes, city solicitor for the city of Philadelphia and the first Latina to hold that role, joins co-hosts, John Iino and Iveliz Crespo, to discuss her powerful personal story and her priorities as city solicitor, including collaborating on police reform initiatives and championing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the city’s law department. Diana also provides guidance to other government attorneys, emphasizing that championing DE&I in the legal industry is an ethical imperative.