PBN in December held a panel discussion on diversity and inclusion at an annual event that also recognized seven business and community leaders making a difference in this area.
But as the panel discussion and two stories in this week’s issue illustrate, there’s plenty of work still to be done.
One story identifies the challenges in boosting diversity among Rhode Island attorneys. The Rhode Island Hispanic Bar Association estimates fewer than 40 practicing attorneys identify as Hispanic or Latino.
The other story outlines diversity gaps in leadership roles at nonprofits, many of which serve diverse constituencies. Among the findings, 44% of CEOs at the state’s biggest nonprofits are women, compared with 72% nationally.
But there’s hopeful news in both stories, too.
While most law firms are challenged, some are making progress, including one recognized by PBN in December, Nixon Peabody LLP.
And the report on nonprofits was a joint effort by a group of them eager to see the state do better. No longer will ignorance of the problem be an excuse for it continuing.