Diversity and Professionalism Educational Seminar in Tampa, Florida

Honorable Chief Judge Ronald N. Ficarrotta graciously opened the seminar with welcoming remarks.

Frank Abernathy, Esq., gave a personal account on diversity and inclusion, and spoke about his personal connection to Martin Luther King, Junior.

Ita M. Neymotin, Esq., Regional Counsel, spoke about her family’s experience in the former Soviet Union, where diversity did not exist, as well as the challenge for gender equality in the United States from 1920s to the present, and the overall struggles people have faced due to lack of diversity worldwide.

Honorable Julianne M. Holt, Esq., Public Defender, talked about diversity and cultural differences in the workplace, and reminded everyone that the reputation of an agency depends on the community believing that they will be treated with fairness and without bias.

Honorable Judge John L. Badalamenti, talked about attorney-client relationships in a diverse society, serving in a diverse society, and the importance of appreciating other people’s unique journey.

Dean J. Preston Jones talked about the power of difference in our professional lives, the challenges of diversity, and the importance of competing with integrity and honesty.

Lanse Scriven, Esq., talked about diversity and the law, and the importance of accepting people and not making assumptions.

Honorable Andrew Warren, Esq., State Attorney, talked about conviction integrity, and the newly created special unit in his office that will review and investigate cases to find wrongful convictions.

Adriannette Williams, Esq., had everyone involved in her interactive presentation about diversity and culture through generations, and the importance of connecting on a human level.

Henry Lee Paul, Esq., spoke about the importance of Standards of Professionalism, and how standards for behavior are becoming part of disciplinary proceedings.