Pepper Hamilton's Diversity Committee Announces New Affinity Groups
Pepper Hamilton is pleased to announce that it has created two new affinity groups in support of the firm’s ongoing diversity and inclusion initiatives. The Asian Pacific American Affinity Network and the South Asian Affinity Group join Pepper’s other affinity groups, which are open for all attorneys, paralegals and staff to join.
The Asian Pacific American Affinity Network (APAAN) is co-chaired by partner Hyung P. Steele and associate Sarah K.S. Auerbach. Its mission is to provide support and be a resource for issues impacting Pepper attorneys who are of Asian Pacific American (APA) descent or are allies of those of APA descent. APAAN will support the recruitment, training, nurturing, retention and promotion of APA attorneys and allies at Pepper. APAAN will also foster the professional development of its members through its support and collaboration with internal and external organizations with similar goals on inclusion events, community outreach and participation in activities relevant to the APA community.
The South Asian Affinity Group is co-chaired by partner Goutam Patnaik and associate Aparna Nemlekar. Its mission is to promote and enhance the professional growth and development of all Pepper attorneys and professional staff interested in fostering the success of South Asian attorneys and staff through mentorship and professional guidance, social networking and relationship-building opportunities, recruitment and retention, sponsorship of programs and activities promoting an understanding of issues impacting the South Asian community, and serving as a platform through which Pepper attorneys can engage with the South Asian community, including pro bono opportunities.
Kassem L. Lucas, Pepper’s Partner in Charge of Diversity, said, “we are pleased to launch these two new affinity groups. Pepper is committed to advancing diversity and inclusion and expanding and promoting opportunities for all Pepper people. We look forward to the work these new groups will do toward that mission.”
In addition to APAAN and the South Asian Affinity Group, Pepper’s affinity groups include the African-American/Black Affinity Group, Pepper Pride, the Veterans Group, Pepper’s Women’s Initiative, and the Pepper Latina/o Caucus.