EQUITY NOW SPEAKER SERIES
The University of Connecticut School of Business is proud to present the EQUITY NOW Speaker Series, featuring expert insights on how law and policy can promote diversity, equity, and fairness in organizations and society. The EQUITY NOW Speaker Series is produced by the University of Connecticut School of Business in coordination with the Academy of Legal Studies in Business, Virginia Tech Pamplin School of Business, Indiana University Kelley School of Business, and Temple University Fox School of Business. Each of the four new speakers to be featured during the 2023-24 academic year are esteemed business lawyers focused on legal and policy issues regarding race, identity, sexual orientation, disability and gender equality in modern organizations.
For more information about the series, please contact Robert Bird, Professor of Business Law and Eversource Energy Chair in Business Ethics, at robert.bird@uconn.edu.
To learn more about diversity initiatives at the UConn School of Business, visit diversity.business.uconn.edu.
Upcoming Events
Check back soon for Spring Semester 2025 dates - details below about our speakers!
Academic Insight
Tanya Valdez
Associate Professor of Law
George Washington Law School
Upcoming Event
Academic Insight
Law, Religion, and Business
Eric Yordy
Professor of Business Law and Ethics
Northern Arizona University
Upcoming Event
Executive Insight
Sameer Somal
CEO of Girl Power Talk and Blue Ocean Global Technology
November 19, 2024
12:00 p.m.(ET)
With the rise of the billion dollar SHEconomy, women are more influential than ever in business, politics, and society. When women have greater leadership roles, companies are more profitable and corporate boards outperform more effectively. The pathway for leadership for women begins when girls are educated, valued, and empowered to lead. Join us for a conversation with Sameer Somal, Co-Founder of Girl Power Talk and Girl Power USA, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping young women to become leaders in business and society. We will learn how these organizations inspire young women to strive to be their very best in their personal and professional lives, and show how passionate engagement with girls today empowers women to feel valued and build a career full of purpose tomorrow.
Sameer Somal is the CEO of and Co-Founder of Blue Ocean Global Technology and Co-Founder of Girl Power Talk USA. Sameer leads client engagements focused on digital transformation, risk management, and technology development. He proudly serves on the Board of Directors of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and Girl Power USA. Committed to building relationships, Sameer is an active member of the Abraham Lincoln Association (ALA), Academy of Legal Studies in Business (ALSB), American Bar Association (ABA), and other organizations. A graduate of Georgetown University, he held leadership roles at Bank of America, Morgan Stanley, and Scotiabank. Sameer is also a CFA Institute recipient and was named an Iconic Leader by the Women Economic Forum.
Past Event
Watch the Video
Executive Insight
Building Trust in Business: The Power of Privacy in Organizations
Lauren Cleary
Ethics and Compliance Professional at Patagonia
October 21, 2024
6:00p.m. ET
The right to privacy stands as a fundamental pillar in the pursuit of a just and equitable society. In this session, we’ll examine the importance of building ethics and compliance programs in business with an emphasis on how these priorities can ensure we act responsibly, protecting and respecting the relationships developed with our communities. We’ll explore the intersection of ethics and compliance and consider how businesses can leverage thoughtful privacy practices to build trust and promote ethical business practices throughout industries.
Lauren Cleary is an Ethics & Compliance professional at Patagonia. Lauren earned a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology at Arizona State University and earned her Master’s degree in the study of Law from the University of Southern California, Gould School of Law, with graduate certificates in Compliance and Financial Compliance. With a passion for politics and social justice, Lauren interned for the United States House of Representatives and the United Nations Association, San Diego throughout her education. Lauren established her compliance career as a generalist in the financial industry and currently specializes in privacy at Patagonia.
Past Event