Event Overview
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM – CLE Program
Creating More Inclusive and Equitable Work Environments: An Interactive Program Exploring Microaggressions in the Legal Profession
This theatre-based program will revolve around a customized, interactive scene (s) which explores issues related to microaggressions in the legal profession. In the scene(s), trained performance educators will portray attorneys, clients, and other individuals attorneys commonly engage with, who are struggling to navigate a realistic, relatable situation(s) involving microaggressions.
Our experienced facilitators will thoughtfully guide participants to identify microaggressions, examine their harmful impact, reflect on their own thoughts, feelings and behaviors, consider actions they can take to create more inclusive and equitable working environments for everyone.
Highlights and Objectives:
- Raise awareness about microaggressions in the legal professions and acknowledge their harmful effects.
- Discuss the importance of allyship.
- Identify actions individuals can take to create more inclusive and equitable work environments where everyone feels valued, respected, and can do their best work.
Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Co-Chairs:
Nihla F. Sikkander, Esq., The State University of New York, Albany, NY
Dena M. DeFazio, Esq., Barclay Damon LLP, Albany, NY
Labor & Employment Law Section Chair:
Loren Gesinsky, Esq., Seyfarth Shaw LLP, New York, NY
Program Chairs:
Nic Rangel, Esq., Legal Aid Society of Northeastern NY, Albany, NY
Mary Ann Krisa, Esq., Albany Law School, Albany, NY
Sharon Brown, Esq., Barclay Damon LLP, New York, NY
Iyana Y. Titus, Esq., New York City Parks & Recreation, New York, NY
Sarah E. Ruhlen, Esq., Satter Ruhlen Law Firm, PLLC, Syracuse, NY
General Registration Fee
Required for all Annual Meeting attendees.
| NYSBA Members | $250 |
| Non-members | $350 |
Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Equal Employment Opportunity Law Committee (Labor & Employment Law Section)
Constance Baker Motley Symposium
Creating More Inclusive and Equitable Work Environments: An Interactive Program Exploring Microaggressions in the Legal Profession
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Welcome and CLE Program | 5:00 p.m. – 6:35 p.m. | Mercury Ballroom, 3rd Floor
Awards Ceremony | 6:35 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Mercury Ballroom, 3rd Floor
1.5 MCLE Credits
1.5 MCLE Credits in Diversity, Inclusion, and Elimination of Bias
This program is transitional and is suitable for all attorneys
including those newly admitted.
5:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.
Welcome and Introduction
Domenick Napoletano, Esq. | NYSBA President; Law Offices of Domenick Napoletano, Brooklyn, NY
Nihla F. Sikkander, Esq. | The State University of New York, Albany, NY
Dena M. DeFazio, Esq. | Barclay Damon LLP, Albany, NY
5:15 p.m. – 5:20 p.m.
Honoring Constance Baker Motley
Speaker
Margaret T. Ling, Esq. | NYS Agency Business Development & Underwriting Counsel Amtrust Title Insurance Company New York, NY
5:20 p.m. – 6:35 p.m.
Creating More Inclusive and Equitable Work Environments: An Interactive Program Exploring Microaggressions in the Legal Profession
This theatre-based program features a customized, interactive scene designed specifically for attorneys. Trained performance educators will portray attorneys struggling to navigate a realistic, relatable situation involving microaggressions and other harmful behaviors, attitudes and biases that occur in the legal profession. When the scene freezes, our experienced facilitators will thoughtfully guide participants to identify microaggressions, examine their harmful impact, and consider actions they can take to create more inclusive and equitable workplaces for everyone.
Speaker
Impact Interactive, LLC | Rochester, NY
Nihla F. Sikkander, Esq. | The State University of New York Albany, NY
Dena M. DeFazio, Esq. | Barclay Damon LLP Albany, NY
Iyana Y. Titus, Esq. | New York City Parks & Recreation New York, NY
Sarah E. Ruhlen, Esq. | Satter Ruhlen Law Firm, PLLC Syracuse, NY
1.5 Credits in Diversity, Inclusion, and Elimination of Bias