In celebration of Women’s History Month, we highlighted a few of the influential women leaders in our organization. The theme for Women’s History Month in 2024 is “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.” This theme reminds us of the incredible impact that women have had on our world, not only in the present but also throughout history. Throughout March, we shared highlights and insights from the women of Hall Render.
Ashley Andrews, Office Manager in Detroit, shared insights on the importance of this month.
“Women’s History Month raises awareness about the struggles, triumphs and ongoing challenges faced by women worldwide while educating people about significant historical events, movements and individuals who have paved the way for gender equality and women’s rights. One piece of advice I’d give my younger self is to embrace failure as a valuable aspect of life. I would encourage myself to take risks, pursue my passions and approach setbacks with curiosity and resilience.”
Jennifer Hatchett, an attorney in our Indianapolis office, shared her perspective on the importance of DEI representation in the workplace.
“When I joined a client’s executive team, I looked around and realized I was the only woman on the team. Over the next 18 months, there was a huge effort to diversify the leadership team to include not only more women but others from different ethnic and racial backgrounds. The insight and experiences brought to the decision-making process were more considerate. Overall, we became more mindful of others’ needs, and the change was reflected in our cultural competency program.”
Wendy Plenty Ferguson, Medicare Appeals Coordinator at Hall Render, described the importance of DEI in organizational development.
“While diversity, equity and inclusion have different contexts in business development versus organizational development, they share common goals of opportunity, fairness, value creation, retention and resilience for organizations and individuals alike. Diversification opens up new opportunities for growth and innovation which can yield increased competitiveness and resilience in the marketplace. Prioritizing equity creates an environment where all stakeholders have the opportunity to thrive and be equally compensated for their valued contributions. Inclusive teams are better equipped to make well-rounded, informed decisions leading to better outcomes.”
Katherine Schwartz, an attorney in our Indianapolis office, elaborated on her personal experience.
“Diversity, equity and inclusion can foster an environment where people of various backgrounds and life experiences feel they belong. This sense of belonging empowers us all to succeed, both individually and as a firm. I’m from Ukraine where International Women’s Day is widely celebrated to recognize women and their achievements. We have many inspiring women in the firm who blazed the trail for women in the legal profession and empowered us to succeed for generations to come. I am constantly in awe of my colleagues and their accomplishments and feel incredibly supported as a fellow woman in the workplace.”
Colleen Lytle, Billing Manager at Hall Render, discussed important advice she would offer to her younger self.
“I would advise my younger self to find a female mentor who is succeeding on a path I desire for my future. Whether we seek to follow a similar path professionally, spiritually, personally or in another capacity, women love to help other women and can be a wealth of information and guidance!”
Jen Viegas, an attorney in our Indianapolis office, shared insights on the importance of DEI representation in the workplace.
“As a second-generation Indian American, I know that my lens is and always will be different from others. Creating a bridge, no matter how small, can often be what is needed to help others understand and embrace that different lens. Last year, to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, I asked if we could cater traditional Indian food for lunch. The firm said absolutely and we had a great turnout. It allowed me to share a core part of who I am and have it be embraced by so many.”
Vonne Jacobs, an attorney in our Raleigh office, emphasized the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility within the workplace.
“I am, and have always been, a fierce advocate for equity and justice. My life’s purpose is to create a world that prioritizes, honors and affirms the dignity and humanity of all people. In 2024, diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) are fundamental in workplace standards. Countless studies have proven the benefits—financial, technological, innovational, social, emotional, physiological and psychological—of DEIA in the workplace. Creating a workplace that honors and affirms the dignity and humanity of every person working for them is what DEIA is all about.”
