EMPowERing DivERSE taLEnt in tHE woRkFoRCE
Diversity , Equity & Inclusion Committee Chairs : AntinaMobley – PublicDefender ’ sOffice & ChristinaPotterBayern – PotterBayernLaw
This year ’ s HCBA Diversity Membership Luncheon took place on January 19 , 2022 , at the JW Marriott Tampa at Water Street . The topic was “ Empowering Diverse Talent .” The luncheon began with the presentation of the new hCBa statement on diversity , equity , and inclusion . It can be found on the HCBA website by clicking on the “ About the HCBA ” tab .
The featured guest speaker was Rania Shehata , Esq ., Vice President and Americas General Counsel at Tech Data Corporation ( TD SYNNEX ). TD SYNNEX is a leading global distributor and solutions aggregator for the IT ecosystem . They are headquartered in Clearwater , Florida , and Fremont , California .
Shehata is a member of the Florida Bar and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and in English from the University of Florida , as well as a Juris Doctor degree from Nova Southeastern University , Shepard Broad College of Law .
Shehata began her legal career in 2004 as a government attorney , working as an Assistant State Attorney for the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Florida serving Pinellas and Pasco counties . In her current role , Shehata is responsible for all legal affairs of the region , as well as
if we all as a community stand up and do our part for the greater good , there is hope for a better tomorrow .
advising management on corporate governance , complex commercial contracts , mergers and acquisitions , global taxes , financing , and securities . She also advises on matters related to intellectual property , litigation , regulation , and human resources .
Shehata was chosen as this year ’ s guest speaker because she represents attorneys of color who are leading in their respective organizations . She also speaks Arabic as a second language . Shehata is the daughter of immigrants , a first-generation lawyer in her family , a mother , and a woman of color . She advocates for : 1 ) diversity of thought that fosters creativity and innovation in the workplace , 2 ) diversity in leadership that allows the ability to relate to employees and clients from all diverse backgrounds , and ( 3 ) diversity of the workforce that enhances an organization ’ s ability to attract and engage diverse talent like herself and others .
As Vice President and General Counsel , Shehata knows first-hand the importance of new applicants to her company to be able to see diverse people in positions of power . She states that this “ in itself is a
Diversity Membership Luncheon guest speaker Rania Shehata , Esq ., Vice President and americas General Counsel at Tech Data Corporation .
powerful recruitment tool .” But she advises that there is also the need to keep that talent once people are hired . That ’ s why Shehata also advocates the need for parental leave and pay equity for all employees .
Shehata advises that the recruitment process for diverse talent begins at career fairs and law school fairs , by internships and community involvement , and by creating sponsorships and speaking panels in law schools . She also spoke about the need for diverse mentors that can develop diverse professional talent .
Rania Shehata is a trailblazing woman who is working to make this world a better place for all people . If we all as a community stand up and do our part for the greater good , there is hope for a better tomorrow . n
Author : Amy Casanova- Ward - State Attorney ’ s Office , 13th Judicial Circuit
Join the Diversity , Equity & Inclusion Committee @ hillsbar . com .
2 6 M a y - J u n 2 0 2 2 | H C B a L a W y E R