The College and DEI continued from page 11
with respect to the development and support of “ pipeline ” programs that advance the College ’ s DEI objectives in the greater bankruptcy and insolvency community ; reviews and makes recommendations specifically designed to assist Circuit Admissions Councils in creating pathways to excellence for diverse professionals ; and monitors the DEI activities of restructuring industry organizations such as ABI , NCBJ , IWIRC , and the newly formed Bankruptcy Consortium Diversity , Equity , and Inclusion Coordinating Committee .
In this connection , during our October meetings in Orlando , the DEI Committee and External Subcommittee sponsored two wellattended “ outreach ” events : First , during the IWIRC annual meetings immediately preceding the NCBJ conference , the DEI Committee hosted a College / IWIRC “ intermezzo ” – a mixer / meet-and-greet event focusing on IWIRC members with 5-10 years ’ experience – that offered an opportunity to meet with and hear from our Fellows about how to distinguish themselves as professionals and be recognized as leaders in the insolvency community . And second , the DEI Committee sponsored an invitation-only pre-reception immediately before the NCBJ opening reception . That event offered select College Fellows the opportunity to connect with rising diverse attorneys and law students , including NCBJ and ACB Blackshear Fellows and Alums , Next Generation Class and Alums , NCBJ JTB Fellows , and Trial Skills Participants , as well as first-time NCBJ attendees .
In order to better engage Fellows in the DEI objectives of the College , the External Subcommittee , in coordination with the Communications Subcommittee , is also in the process of developing a “ pledge ” program in which Fellows are encouraged to make a small but important personal commitment to reach out to a diverse professional at least once a quarter . Participating Fellows will be provided with a list of diverse mid-level bankruptcy / insolvency professionals in order to facilitate interaction . Subcommittee member Paula Beran is spearheading this project and is working closely with the Communications Subcommittee .
Finally , the External Committee continues to coordinate important DEI-related activities with the American College of Bankruptcy Foundation . On March 31 , 2022 , the Foundation Board passed resolutions in which it a ) set a goal of allocating at least 25 % of funds budgeted for grants to pro bono legal services organization to those that support diverse communities and DEI initiatives , and b ) directed the Foundation ’ s Executive Committee to work with the Board Executive Committee and the DEI Committee regarding the funding of pipeline projects . The Board approved the resolutions on April 1 , 2022 . The DEI Committee and the External Subcommittee are working closely with the Foundation ’ s leadership regarding the implementation of those resolutions . The External Subcommittee continues to work intensively , moreover , to : a ) develop a formal DEI mentorship program ; b ) identify and make recommendations regarding socalled “ pipeline ” programs for diverse law students and insolvency professionals ; and c ) in close coordination with the College ’ s Education Committee , identify and / or create speaking opportunities for diverse professionals
Communications Subcommittee
Members : Omar Alaniz ( Chair ), Karen Giannelli , Hon . Enrique Lamoutte-Inclan , Sam Maizel , Nina Parker , Sandy Qusba and Kristina Stanger
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