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DIVERSITY & INCLuSION

very strong opposition. The importance of the Another dynamic committee is the Recruit- the behaviors that lead to discrimination. Change
showing, however, was that discussion — and even ment, Orientation, and Education (ROE) com- takes time, but we are committed to becoming truly
disagreement — was encouraged. mittee, whose purpose is to “provide the Court a diverse and inclusive Court that meets its mis-
As a Court, we have made a concerted effort with strategies and opportunities that will foster an sion of providing “a forum for the fair, impartial,
to recruit and develop a more diverse workforce employee community that is diverse in experience, and timely resolution of civil and criminal cases.”
and a more diverse leadership. Beyond additional thought, and vision.” The Committee conducted
scrutiny and effort in our hiring process, we also a staff survey to learn about how they were re-
looked at our internal policies, procedures, and cruited, and to gather suggestions for improving Alida J. Moonen, PhD, is the Director of Training
communication efforts. After the daylong educa- the process. The consensus was that we need to and Development for the Cuyahoga County Court
tion sessions in 2017, committees were formed. recruit proactively to ensure diversity amongst of Common Pleas. She has been an associate
One focuses on communications, working closely our highly qualified applicants. The Commit- CMBA member since 2018, and serves on the
with various departments to create and deliver tee has also served the public by putting on an Stoke Scholars Committee. Alida can be reached
the various monthly observances and events that Employment and Resource Fair for probationers. at amoonen@cuyahogacounty.us.
we now hold. Perhaps the most important legacy of our ef-
Our Policy and Procedures committee works forts is the synergy that has developed within and
to ensure that policies, both specific to employees between departments. Judge Russo said, “Tell me Laura W. Creed is the Legal Support
and those that impact our clients, are fair and that what you want. Tell me how I can make this work Coordinator for the Cuyahoga County
best practices prevail. For example, the committee for you.” We responded. Staff at all levels stepped Court of Common Pleas. Ms. Creed
helped our Probation Lab to clarify how we ensure forward, supporting efforts, attending events, par- has been with the Court since 1995,
the privacy and dignity of our transgender clients ticipating in committees, and honoring others’ previously serving as the Chief Judicial
when they come in for testing. The issue is surpris- opinions during discussions to create an energy that Staff Attorney and as the Assistant Chief Judicial Staff
ingly complex, given the need for a practical, easily promotes civil discourse and respect. People from Attorney. She is a lifetime member of the 8th District
communicated solution that ensures security of the different departments are finding ways to work Judicial Conference and has been a member of the
samples, but also respects the dignity of the client. with each other in new and interesting ways. Eyes CMBA since 2003. She currently serves as the Co-Chair
One of the best parts of the process, was how diverse and hearts are open, and the energy is palpable. of the Women in Law Section and is a member of the
members of the Court have come together in this Plans for 2019 include even more monthly aware- Diversity and Inclusion Committee as well as the
committee to learn about this issue, and then to work ness events, cultural celebrations, and a major edu- Court Rules Committee. She can be reached at
together to come up with a recommended policy. cational effort called Civil Treatment that addresses (216) 348-4011 or CPLWC@cuyahogacounty.us.

When it comes to diversity at Tucker Ellis,
a picture is worth a thousand words ...

We salute the CMBA’s continued commitment to diversity and inclusion.

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March 2019 Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Journal | 15