The late comedienne Joan Rivers was well-known for her catchphrase, “Can we talk?” It grounded her approach to comedy as it opened the door for her to ask—and get honest answers—to uncomfortable questions. Today, when misinformation is rife and rampant, the chance to have an open and honest conversation is particularly valuable.
For those of us in the legal profession we spend a lot of time hearing from corporate general counsel, large law firm partners, judges, and government officials about diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”). It’s important to know what these individuals who are in leadership roles think about and are doing to advance DEI. Too often in our enthusiasm, however, we overlook what those in the DEI trenches are doing, thinking, and the direction in which they are leading. That’s to our own (and to our DEI efforts’) detriment.
So, in recognition of Women’s History Month, we asked Monica D. Dula, “Can we talk?”
On her LinkedIn profile, Monica is listed as a Public Defender. True, but there’s so much more to her than just those two words: Monica spent years championing the community as a legal aid lawyer. She has also served as a member of the Community Board in Manhattan, and as the Vice President of Membership and Chair of the Women Lawyers Division for the National Bar Association. And, most importantly, as anyone who knows Monica will attest, Monica is someone who has always had her finger on the pulse of the Black community, especially Black women, and has never shied away from speaking her mind. Be forewarned that Monica bravely says what needs to be said and not everyone likes or is comfortable with her opinions. She’s not trying to offend or provoke but to simply speak her truth. But over the years, we’ve heard from so many people, especially Black women, that they LOVE what Monica has to say even if they aren’t quite ready to say the same things publicly. To us, that meant it’s time to give a broader audience a chance to hear Monica, to be challenged by her, and to consider viewpoints that she and many other Black people share but often don’t get to say beyond like-minded groups.
Join IILP for an in-depth, no holds barred conversation about what a lawyer who leads DEI from the trenches is thinking, saying, and doing. This is your chance to learn from Monica D. Dula, someone who is by, of, and above all, for the Community. Monica D. Dula, can we talk?
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The program is being offered free of charge to all lawyers and staff for IILP’s Visionary Partners, Partners, and Allies. Unsure if your firm/company supports IILP? Find out here.
The program is open to the public.
Questions/Contact: info@theiilp.com.
