CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The National Association of Women Lawyers® (NAWL) is pleased to announce the installation of Leslie Richards-Yellen as President of the Association for the 2016-2017 year. Ms. Richards-Yellen, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer and Partner at Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP, has been a distinguished member of NAWL’s Board of Directors for over five years. She brings great depth and understanding about issues related to women and minorities in the profession.
“I’d like to thank my predecessor, Marsha Anastasia, for her strong leadership,” commented Ms. Richards-Yellen. “It is a great honor to succeed Ms. Anastasia and continue the upward trajectory for NAWL that she was instrumental in plotting,” Ms. Richards-Yellen continued.
Newly-elected officers also announced at NAWL’s Annual Awards Luncheon at the Grand Hyatt New York include: Angela Beranek Brandt of Larson • King, LLP, President-Elect; Sarretta C. McDonough of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, Vice President; Kristin D. Sostowski of Gibbons P.C., Treasurer; Karen S. Morris of USAA, Secretary; Sharon E. Jones of Jones Diversity, Inc, Assistant Secretary; and Marsha L. Anastasia of Pitney Bowes Inc., Immediate Past President.
Joining continuing board members-at-large, two new board members were also installed, both of whom have celebrated histories as leaders and innovators in the legal field. The new board members are: Sheila M. Murphy of MetLife, Inc. and Sandra Yamate of The Institute for Inclusion in the Legal Profession. They join the following continuing members of the board: Peggy Steif Abram of Faegre Baker Daniels LLP; DeAnna D. Allen of Cooley LLP; Diane E. Ambler of K&L Gates LLP; Kristin L. Bauer of Jackson Lewis P.C.; Jennifer A. Champlin of Walmart; Lauri A. Damrell of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP; Susan L. Lees of Allstate Insurance Company; Elizabeth A. Levy of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Suzan A. Miller of Intel Corporation; Leslie D. Minier of Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP; Suzette Recinos of PepsiCo; and Carol Robles-Román of Legal Momentum.
NAWL would like to acknowledge the following departing board members for their tireless service and dedication to the organization: Sandra Ng Cassidy of SNC Consulting; Deborah S. Froling of Kutak Rock LLP (NAWL president 2013-2014); Jennifer M. Guenther of FCS International; and Lisa M. Passante (NAWL president 2014-2015).
The mission of the National Association of Women Lawyers is to provide leadership, a collective voice, and essential resources to advance women in the legal profession and advocate for the equality of women under the law. Since 1899, NAWL has been empowering women in the legal profession, cultivating a diverse membership dedicated to equality, mutual support, and collective success. If you are not already a member, please considering joining. NAWL welcomes the membership of individual attorneys, including private practice, corporate, academic, government and non-profit attorneys, and groups, including law firms, corporate legal departments, law schools, and bar associations. Learn more at www.nawl.org.