Tallahassee, FL – June 11, 2020 – Stearns Weaver Miller is honored to be selected as the recipient for the 2020 Tallahassee Women Lawyers Diversity & Inclusion Leadership Award. Tallahassee Women Lawyers (TWL), an affiliate of Florida Association for Women Lawyers (FAWL), is an organization that provides leadership, a collective voice, and essential resources to advance women in the legal profession and advocates for the equality of women under the law.
The award recognizes those who display a leadership role in promoting diversity and inclusion within the workplace and/or community. It measures both the intensity of commitment and level of achievement of inclusion initiatives such as: recruitment and retention efforts, research, multi-cultural programming, cultural competency, and community outreach activities. Through this award, TWL aims to “shine a light on good practices in our community and to inspire others to replicate successful initiatives.”
Stearns Weaver Miller and its lawyers are committed to engaging in causes that advance justice and equality for all. This commitment is fundamental to the very fabric of the Firm, and can be seen both in Tallahassee and in its other offices throughout the state. Firm attorneys sit on Boards and committees of countless philanthropic organizations, many of which support and empower women and minorities. In addition to leadership positions, attorneys serve their communities by providing pro bono representation for many not-for-profits to ensure equal access and adequate legal representation to all.
The women attorneys in the Tallahassee office are actively involved in TWL, including holding leadership positions within the organization. Shareholder Kelly O’Keefe served as President from 1999-2000. During her term, she created a mentorship and scholarship program that focused on mentoring women in law. Shareholder Gigi Rollini served as President from 2009-2010, during which she founded the Tallahassee Professional Women’s Exchange Network (WE Network) comprised of professionals and community leaders to facilitate business and leadership development opportunities for women professionals. After her term, she went on to serve as President of FAWL and currently serves on the National Association of Women Lawyers Board. Shareholder Bridget Smitha currently sits on the TWL Board. Attorney Melanie Leitman is an active member, and attorney Jessica Icerman served on the Executive Board from 2017-2020.
The award was presented to the Firm during a virtual ceremony on Wednesday, June 10, 2020.
About Stearns Weaver Miller
Stearns Weaver Miller is a full service law firm with offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Tallahassee, and Coral Gables Florida. We offer multidisciplinary solutions with a concentration on Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Business Restructuring, Corporate & Securities, Government & Administrative, Labor & Employment, Real Estate, Land Development, Zoning & Environmental and Tax. For more information, visit stearnsweaver.com.
