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FDCC PILLARS
Diversity Committee Update
Building Momentum and Community
by Dafney Dubuisson Stokes, Esq.
As your incoming
co-chair of the FDCC
Diversity Committee,
I’m excited to share
the momentum
we’ve been building
Dafney Dubuisson
Stokes, Esq.
and the engaging
opportunities
ahead. Our mission is simple but
powerful: to increase engagement,
welcome new members into the
FDCC family, and demonstrate
that diversity, equity, and inclusion
aren’t obstacles to navigate but
rather competitive advantages to
embrace.
We’ve already had a strong start this
year with a well-attended diversity
webinar hosted by Carolyn Ramons
and Alonzo Washinton which
prompted important discussions
about the future of DEI programs
given our current political climate.
During our summer meeting in
Park City, Utah,, we hosted a CLE
entitled “Why Diverse Teams Win
Gold,” which explored how diversity
in the upper echelons of legal
practice drives better outcomes
and stronger firms. The response
was tremendous! The enthusiasm
from both events reinforced what
we already know: our members are
hungry for practical insights on DEI
and on building inclusive, high-
performing teams.
Looking ahead, we’re thrilled about
our upcoming programming. At the
We’re building
something special
with practical
programming,
genuine community,
and a network that
reflects the full
spectrum of talent in
our profession.
winter 2026 meeting in Scottsdale,
Arizona, the Diversity Committee is
collaborating with the Professional
Women’s Forum to host a
luncheon that promises to be both
substantive and collegial with guest
speaker, Barbara Barret, former
25th Secretary of the United States
Air Force. Later, at the summer
2026 meeting in Lisbon, we’re
planning an engaging and exciting
CLE entitled “More Than Words:
The impact of Tone, Word Choice
and Cultural Communication
in Legal Practice” providing
tips on building the essential
communication skills necessary
for our increasingly global practice.
This session, also in partnership
with the Professional Women’s
Forum, will help us navigate the
nuances of cross-cultural client and
employee relationships as well as
international collaboration.
But we’re not all business. One
of our priorities is ensuring that
diversity and inclusion work feels
welcoming and, yes, even fun.
That’s why we’re planning a social
event in Lisbon. We will be hosting
a “Decades Dance” Happy Hour
and Reception where we can build
connections in a relaxed setting.
Building an inclusive community
means creating spaces where
authentic relationships can flourish,
and sometimes that happens best
outside the conference room.
Finally, I’m honored to serve
alongside my co-chair, Mary
Robberson of Robberson
Schroedter LLP. Together, we’re
committed to making the Diversity
Committee a dynamic, accessible,
and essential part of the FDCC
experience. Whether you’re a
longtime member or considering
joining for the first time, we want
you to know there’s a place for you
here. We’re building something
special with practical programming,
genuine community, and a network
that reflects the full spectrum of
talent in our profession. I look
forward to seeing you in Scottsdale,
Lisbon, and beyond.
Dafney Dubuisson Stokes is an FDCC
Corporate Counsel member and Operations
Counsel at Forthright.
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