Article by Featured Author
Posted May 2013On March 1, 2013, the Capital Area Bar Association held its Second Annual Diversity CLE and reception entitled Diversity Through Building Better, Stronger and Lifetime Relationships on the campus of Jackson State University. The panelists for the Diversity CLE included Amanda Green Alexander of Alexander & Watson, P.A., Tammra Cascio of Gulf Guaranty Life Insurance Company, Mike Espy of Mike Espy, PLLC, and Attorney General Jim Hood.
Each of the panelists shared with the audience their perspectives on building and maintaining diverse relationships. Ms. Alexander discussed how she observed her father cultivating diverse relationships and how that affected her networking and building of relationships. Mrs. Cascio talked about her experiences as being the only female in a law firm in North Mississippi and later becoming general counsel where she is sometimes the only or one of a few women. Mr. Espy shared with the audience some of his experiences growing up in a segregated Mississippi, and how traveling to other places expanded his views on the importance of diverse relationships. Lastly, Attorney General Hood shared with us his belief that having diversity among the staff and lawyers in the Attorney General’s office has given the office a broader perspective and ensures that it is serving and protecting all of Mississippi. The panelists’ remarks stimulated several questions from the audience about diversity and maintaining and building diverse relationships.
The CLE was followed by a reception at The Penguin Restaurant located at the corner of Lynch and Dalton Streets. This gave participants the opportunity to network and start cultivating those diverse relationships that were discussed by the CLE panel. The walls of the Penguin were adorned with exhibits from the Smith Robertson Museum which added to the discussion. Many of the participants had such a good time at the Penguin that they stayed after the reception just to continue the conversations. The proceeds from the diversity event will benefit the Reuben V. Anderson Minority Scholarship in law.
David Maron, CABA President; Charles Griffin, Moderator; Amanda Green Alexander, CABA Secretary-Treasurer; Tammra Cascio, Mike Espy and Attorney General Jim Hood.
Ashley Wicks, Co-Chairman; and Amanda Green Alexander, CABA Board Liaison.
