Washington, D.C. – The Minority Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA) has named Lisa A. Linsky, Partner at McDermott Will & Emery LLP, as the 2016 recipient of the esteemed Paula L. Ettelbrick Award. In addition, MCCA will honor Winston & Strawn LLP and Washington Gas Light Company as the recipients of the 2016 George B. Vashon Innovator Award. These awardees will be honored at this year’s 2016 Creating Pathways to Diversity Conference being held on Monday, July 18 at the Renaissance Washington Hotel.
“This year’s award recipients all share in our passion and commitment for a more diverse and inclusive working environment,” said MCCA President & CEO Jean Lee. “Through the years of work, their accomplishments demonstrate that no one is more deserving of these respective awards. While progress has been made, it is clear that much more needs to be done to accomplish the inclusivity that we all desire. With champions like these on the frontlines, we are sure to make great strides in the years to come.”
2016 Paula L. Ettelbrick Honoree:
Ms. Lisa Linsky– Lisa has had tremendous achievements in her fight for LGBT rights over the years. She has written numerous amicus briefs and articles on equality and inclusion as well as serving and running several LGBT rights organizations. In addition, she was recognized as the “Top NY Power Gay” by the NY Observer and recently honored by the New York Law Journal for her outstanding commitment to Public Service.
2016 George B. Vashon Innovator Honorees:
Winston & Strawn LLP, Women’s Leadership Initiative – The Women’s Leadership Initiative was created to help our women attorneys prepare for and succeed in leadership roles at the firm by providing training, visibility, and opportunities to contribute. Through the year’s they have been successful in adopting progressive work/life initiatives aimed at increasing retention of women attorneys, expanding firms relationships with women and minority bar associations and other legal diversity organizations, developing robust firm-wide and office-specific programming, as well as many others.
Washington Gas Light Company, Leslie T. Thornton – As the legal profession strives to improve and grow its diversity, WGL, through its legal department, is leading the charge with a solid diversity and inclusion program. Through Leslie Thornton’s leadership and multifaceted diversity efforts, the company has helped numerous attorneys of color and women, either through direct mentorship or through access to business from WGL and its team of companies. Additionally, Leslie, both individually, and as part of WGL’s diversity program, is committed to mentoring lawyers of color and law students. Leslie has mentored more than 75 lawyers of color and women in many years of law practice.
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