S P E C I A L F E A T U R E A l e x i s D i o n D e v e a u x – G u n s t e r & L y n d s e y S i a r a - 6 t h J u d i c i a l C i r c u i t
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We are so grateful for their willingness to share their stories , insights , and hopes for the future .
Filming : Filming took place at the HCBA ’ s Chester Ferguson Law Center . Beforehand , Alexis worked with DPC Task Force chairs to home in on the themes interviewees would develop . The DPC and YLD Board then scheduled , welcomed , and interviewed the 18 featured individuals over two days of filming . After multiple Zoom calls , film edits , and documentary rough cuts , Alexis and the videographers worked their magic to cut about 18 hours of film down to a 1-hour format .
Sponsorship Funding : Truly , this incredible project would not have been possible without our generous sponsors . Each year , the YLD applies for grant funding to support its various projects . In collaboration with the George Edgecomb Bar Association and Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers , the YLD applied for grant funding from The Florida Bar YLD . Additionally , the HCBA YLD applied for grant funding from the Florida Bar ’ s Standing Committee on Diversity and Inclusion . With grants from both these Florida Bar organizations , production and premiere planning gained traction . We , additionally , note the invaluable support of our firm sponsors . Firm sponsors included Burr Forman ; Bush Ross ; Gunster ; Harris , Hunt & Derr ; Gray Robinson ; Guerra King ; and Shumaker , Loop & Kendrick . Thank you to each of our sponsors who ensured that these critical stories were captured for the benefit of future generations .
Distribution
Plans are underway to ensure the documentary film is widely shared . Once the copyright for the film is obtained , it will be available on the HCBA ’ s YouTube channel , along with BTLWE . The YLD hopes that all HCBA members will watch and then share the film beyond our membership . The YLD is exploring ways to share the film through our library system , as well as through our local law and high schools . The YLD is also investigating the possibility of submitting the film to a future Gasparilla Film Festival . We know that the key to continued progress in our community is sharing the important stories and message of this film .
Preservation Bridging the DEI Gap in Law preserves a slice of the deep history , progress , and hopes for the future with respect to diversity , equity , and inclusion in Tampa Bay . It is the YLD ’ s hope that Bridging the DEI Gap in Law will indelibly memorialize the pivotal and impactful experiences of our local legal legacies for the benefit of you and future generations of lawyers . n
Authors : Alexis Dion Deveaux – Gunster & Lyndsey Siara - 6th Judicial Circuit
J u l - A u g 2 0 2 3 | H C B A l A W Y E R
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