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Diversity & Inclusion

ALA Silicon Valley Chapter fosters an inclusive environment of awareness and respect.

Our Chapter continues to support the Association's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Statement. We provide education to legal industry leaders about why equity, inclusivity, and accessibility are important and how we can work to bring diversity, inclusion, and accessibility to the legal workplace.

"Diversity is about recognizing, respecting, and valuing differences based on ethnicity, gender, color, age, race, religion, disability, national origin and sexual orientation. It also includes an infinite range of individual unique characteristics and experiences, such as communication style, career path, life experience, educational background, geographic location, income level, marital status, military experience, parental status and other variables that influence personal perspectives.

These life experiences and personal perspectives make us react and think differently, approach challenges and solve problems differently, make suggestions and decisions differently, and see different opportunities. Diversity, then, is also about diversity of thought. And superior business performance requires tapping into these unique perspectives."1

1 Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, Business Case for Diversity

Contact Us:

ALA Silicon Valley Chapter Diversity and Inclusion Committee
(Taylor Aston-Nielsen, Darcy Diaz, Melonee Roebuck, and Debbie Sanders)

Also, ALA's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Advisory Council continues to be a resource to you individually and to your firms, organizations, and chapters.

Diversity & Inclusion Spotlight - August 2026

Prepared by Melonee Roebuck

Celebrating Diversity Through Awareness, Action, and Belonging

As summer winds down, August offers an opportunity to recognize the many cultures, histories, and communities that enrich our workplaces and our world. Diversity is more than acknowledging our differences; it's about creating an environment where every individual feels respected, valued, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives.

National Black Business Month

Established to recognize and celebrate Black-owned businesses across the United States, National Black Business Month highlights the innovation, resilience, and economic contributions of Black entrepreneurs. Supporting Black-owned businesses strengthens local communities, promotes economic equity, and encourages diverse leadership in every industry.

Women's Equality Day – August 26

Women's Equality Day commemorates the adoption of the 19th Amendment, which granted many women the right to vote in the United States. It also serves as a reminder that advancing gender equity requires ongoing commitment to equal opportunities, fair representation, and inclusive leadership in every workplace.

Building an Inclusive Workplace

Creating an inclusive culture is a shared responsibility. Small, intentional actions can have a meaningful impact:
• Listen with curiosity and seek to understand perspectives different from your own.
• Support diverse businesses and community organizations.
• Recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of colleagues from all backgrounds.
• Challenge unconscious bias by remaining open to learning and self-reflection.
• Foster respectful conversations that encourage belonging and collaboration.

Employee Spotlight Idea

Consider recognizing an employee or team member who has demonstrated a commitment to inclusion through mentorship, community involvement, cultural awareness, or advocacy. Sharing personal stories helps strengthen connections across our organization and inspires others to contribute to an inclusive workplace culture.

Ways to Participate This Month

• Support a local Black-owned business or supplier.
• Attend a webinar or community event focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Read a book or listen to a podcast that explores different lived experiences.
• Engage in conversations that broaden your understanding of diverse perspectives.
• Reflect on one action you can take to help create a workplace where everyone feels they belong.

Closing Reflection

Diversity is one of our greatest strengths. By embracing different experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds, we foster innovation, strengthen collaboration, and create a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. This August, let's continue learning from one another, celebrating our differences, and building a culture rooted in respect, equity, and belonging.

Diversity Observances

	Diversity Observances Calendar

Other News

03/08/2021

International Women's Day

In honor of International Women's Day, the SVC Leadership Board participates in the #ChooseToChallenge2021 campaign. Learn more: Women's History Month and International Women's Day 2021

ALA SVC Leadership

Pictured:
Shelley Strong, Lisa Hild, Shirley Laboy, Jim Karkas, Taylor Aston-Nielsen, PHR, Debbie Piker Sanders, CLM MBA, and Diana Medina.

Not pictured:
Thea Wagner and Christie Ernst

06/08/2020, updated 07/10/2020

ALASVC's Statement of Solidarity with the Association's July 2020 Statement

ALA Silicon Valley Chapter supports the ALA Diversity Initiative's aim to increase awareness of and sensitivity to the differences among our workforce and to advance the concept of inclusiveness and acceptance. The Association of Legal Administrators calls upon our members and business partners and stakeholders to join us in the fight for equity and justice in America and across the globe. ALA stands in solidarity with our colleagues of color. The work to be done to dismantle systemic racism is immense. As individuals, and together as an Association, we all must do better.

You can read the Association’s full statement on recent events here.

5/09/2018

Video: What Does Diversity Mean To You

ALA's Diversity & Inclusion Committee developed a video featuring members talking about diversity and what it means to them. ALA's Committee for Diversity & Inclusion works to educate legal industry leaders about why diversity is important and how we can work to bring diversity and inclusion to the legal workplace.

Why Diversity?

The world is rich with our celebrations of diversity.

All employers should be able to create a diverse and inclusive work environment. Why? Because when business leaders and managers welcome many backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints, they create a competitive advantage for themselves. But few organizations know how to create a culture that truly promotes, embraces, and seeks each employee's unique contributions. Gallup research, as noted in 3 Requirements for a Diverse and Inclusive Culture by Ella Washington and Camille Patrick has found that in a diverse, inclusive culture, three components must be present: “(1) everyone treats everyone else with respect; (2) managers appreciate the unique characteristics of everyone on their team; and (3) leaders do what's right.

Below is a list of resources gathered by ALASVC that we hope will be helpful to our members and the legal community to enhance diversity within our organizations.

Newsletters

RECOMMENDED READING by ALA Committee on Diversity and Inclusion
White Papers/Reports/Reference Guides

The Ripple, a newsletter by Ellie Krug
The Ripple contains stories about human kindness and compassion, and as well highlights some of the challenges that all of us face in our collective attempt to survive the Human Condition. Every issue also includes an “Inclusivity Tip” with ideas about how to make your organization (and personal life) more inclusive.