TOP TO BOTTOM : Photo by WVU College of Law , Ohio Women ’ s Bar Association , Minority Corporate Counsel Association , United Way of Delaware County and WVU College of Law .
McClure-Demers ’ s journey has involved taking risks , having an open mind and being strategic , and it rooted in her the importance of fostering an environment where all are included and diversity is celebrated . As a practitioner , she has rendered legal advice and been involved with developing and implementing diversity and affirmative action policies , programs and trainings for many different clients in many industries . She served on the Nationwide law department ’ s diversity and inclusion council and as Nationwide ’ s relationship manager for Corporate Counsel Women of Color . She also recently concluded her term as president of the Ohio Women ’ s Bar Association , during which a diversity and inclusion council was created that she helps lead .
In addition to these initiatives , McClure- Demers was a catalyst in launching the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity ( LCLD ) in West Virginia . LCLD was founded in 2009 based on a very simple ideal : the U . S . would be better served by a truly diverse legal profession , inclusive of all talent . To reach that goal , LCLD ’ s founders committed to use their positions of influence to innovate and expand the pool of diverse legal talent in their organizations and in society . More than 250 law firms and corporations across the country are members .
“ I have been personally involved with LCLD for several years and have benefited from it , as has Nationwide ,” she says . “ LCLD is making a real difference in moving the needle in the legal profession , and I truly believe LCLD and all it offers will positively advance the legal profession in West Virginia too . Additionally , as a member of the WVU Law visiting committee and the first WVU Law graduate to be an LCLD fellow , I feel duty-bound to make sure we have more fellows and beneficiaries of LCLD here in the Mountain State .”
On top of her bountiful career and endeavors to celebrate diversity , she has dedicated a portion of her life to investing in the development of others by mentoring aspiring and younger attorneys .
“ I am fortunate to have been the beneficiary of others ’ investment in my development , so it is required to pay it back and forward in my book ,” she says . “ It ’ s critical for young lawyers to have people in which they can confide , gain perspective and overcome feelings of isolation . For me , it benefits both parties . It brings me great satisfaction to see others grow , and I learn a lot from the perspectives of new and younger professionals .”
A force and a trailblazer , McClure-Demers ’ altruistic actions do not stop there . The proud Mountaineer has been involved with United Way , Girl Scouts , YWCA , Junior League , WVU Alumni Association and Kappa Kappa Gamma Alumnae Association in the various states in which she and her family have resided . Over the last 10 years , she has chaired Delaware County Ohio United Way ’ s community impact council and the United Way board , and she helped found and chair the United Way ’ s Women ’ s Leadership Network .
“ Our United Way and Women ’ s Leadership Network have focused on drug addiction and hunger problems , held baby showers for young single mothers , raised money for our first in-county domestic violence shelter , promoted human trafficking awareness and funded agencies that support the escape , treatment and reintegration of human trafficking survivors ,” she says . “ Most recently , my husband and I were American Red Cross volunteers who , along with local fire fighters , installed fire alarms in homes in Columbus . It ’ s humbling and gratifying while serving as a reminder that we can all make a difference one person and one day at a time if we so choose .”
Although her career and life have landed her in Columbus , McClure-Demers is still a Mountaineer through and through . That caring Mountaineer spirit and deep connection to the hills of West Virginia shines through in every aspect of her life .
“ I am a total product of West Virginia University and carry tremendous Mountaineer pride that extends from my family roots , education and every childhood memory ,” she says . “ The people of West Virginia are truly among the most real , kind and hardworking that you will find anywhere in the country . Like most Mountaineers , I too promote the goodness of our wonderful state . The West Virginia flag flies high in Galena , Ohio , on Saturdays throughout the late summer and fall seasons .” •
WWW . WVEXECUTIVE . COM SUMMER 2017 99