ADDingequitY : tHerenAmeDAnDnowstAnDing DiversitY , equitY , AnDinCLusionCommittee
Diversity , Equity & Inclusion Committee
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well-coined phrase that serves to indicate the goal of an organization to both seek and welcome differences .
The HCBA has historically opened its arms to a bevy of nationalities , ethnicities , languages , cultures , and other community classifiers that make up the Tampa Bay community .
Adding “ Equity ” to the Diversity , Equity , and Inclusion ( DEI ) Committee ’ s titled mission further encapsulates the threefold mission of the Committee ’ s work : ( 1 ) Diversity positively recognizes individual and social differences that contribute to identity by asking : Who is part of the HCBA family ? ( 2 ) Equity safeguards impartial fairness in an organization by asking : Who is trying to get involved in the HCBA , but needs assistance to do so ? ( 3 ) Inclusion ensures all majorities and minorities are welcomed , respected , and valued , by asking : Have all HCBA members been heard who desire to be heard ? Adding “ Equity ” to the DEI Committee ’ s title cuts a clear path towards continually facilitating impartial fairness to all whom the HCBA welcomes through its doors for the next century and beyond .
2 . Why is designation as a “ standing committee ” pivotal to the DEI Committee ’ s continued mission ?
Article IV of the Hillsborough County Bar Association Bylaws provides that the Board of Directors may create “ standing committees ” as “ necessary and proper to aid in carrying out the affairs of the Association , and to meet the mission and goals of the Association .”
For years , the Committee has been at the forefront of DEI efforts in the Tampa Bay legal community , and made admirable strides in this regard , although not a standing committee . Just last year , the Committee secured a grant from the Florida Bar ’ s Diversity & Inclusion Committee and partnered with the George Edgecomb Bar Association and Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers to present the very first Diversity Fair — a dynamic three-fold event that promoted diversity , equity , and inclusion within our local legal community and Hillsborough County as a whole .
Under the leadership of President Cory Person , the Board of Director ’ s approved the DEI Committee ’ s inspiring title change and designated the DEI committee a standing committee . Designation of the DEI Committee as a standing committee of the HCBA signals the continued and deliberate path of the HCBA towards increased diversity , inclusivity , and equity .
As historically done , the DEI Committee will continue to serve at the forefront of progress made within the Tampa Bay legal community toward increased community collaboration and cohesivity .
Thus , let us celebrate this momentous 125th year in HCBA history . In so celebrating , we celebrate the diverse attorneys , stakeholders , and community partners who comprise our awesome bar association . n
Help Us Celebrate Our 125th Anniversary !
Submit historical or fun photos from past HCBA events to be included in an 125th Anniversary online photo album . Email copies of photos to hcba125 @ hillsbar . com and be sure to include the date taken and other details if possible .
Author : Alexis Dion Deveaux – Gunster , Yoakley & Stewart , P . A .
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