Who We Are
The Inclusion, Mentoring & Fellowship Committee (“IMF”) is the central committee of the Business Law Section (the “Section”) charged with advancing and facilitating cooperation, communication, and collaboration in support of the IMF Strategic Plan — to eliminate bias and enhance diversity and inclusion in the Section, legal profession, and justice system. IMF consists of a diverse group of members of The Florida Bar, including judges, academics and private practitioners who are charged with the task of fostering an inclusive environment within the Section so that all members are motivated to contribute to the goals of the Section and succeed professionally.
Inclusion:
In fulfilling the charge of fostering a more inclusive environment, IMF serves as a key strategist for increasing the number of diverse members of The Florida Bar involved in the Section’s activities and plumbing the educational pipelines into the profession for greater diversity. Through its work and programs, IMF provides a forum for members to address diversity and inclusion issues and build networks for change in our Section and the legal profession. IMF is working on developing orientation programs and seminars which explain
The activities of the Section, how to get involved within the Section and the road to leadership within the Section. IMF is also developing a “Leadership Institute” that teaches diverse members, who have completed the initial orientation seminar, how to become effective committee participants and ultimately leaders within the Section.
Subcommittees:
Communication & Marketing Committee:
Chairs: Lauren Stricker and Tyler Brand Stall
Vice Chairs: Matthew Akiba and Valerie David
Responsible for monitoring and updating Business Law Section IMF web page and associated social media (current events, calendaring IMF-related events, related links); and providing emails to the Fellows with important reminders, forms, and helpful information.
Networking Committee:
Co-Chairs: Adam Gilbert and Jake Isenberg
Vice Chairs: Zachary Needell; Elizabeth Brusa, and Joseph Coleman
Responsible for organizing social and networking events with and for BLS Fellows and Scholars, both virtual and in-person. Plan Sunday Dine Around dinner plans for the Fellows. Organize and schedule Fellow meal meet-ups and activities during the Section meetings. Research and reach out to voluntary bar organizations and other sections of the Florida Bar regarding regional events.
CLE Committee:
Co-Chairs: Chemere Ellis and Katherine Van De Bogart
Vice Chair: Alejandra M. Iglesia; Kameron Fleming; and Reinaldo Gomez de la Vega
Responsible for developing CLE program and speaker database on diversity, inclusion, and gender bias. Work with CLE Committee on CLE topics that benefit and serve IMF goals and comply with the Diversity Equity and Inclusion CLE Policy.
Mentoring Committee:
Co-Chairs: Marisol Cruz, April Martindale
Vice Co-Chairs: Nader Amer; Kayla Heckman; Ian Corp; Jacinda D. Béraud
Matching of mentees and mentors derived from BLS website. Monitor and supervise the experience of mentees and fellows. Plan mentoring/mentee event for the Retreat. Work with Membership Committee as needed to assist the Scholars Program.
Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee:
Chair: Katherine Van De Bogart(current IMF Vice Chair)
Incoming Chair: Nicole McLemore
Current Members:
a. Mariane Dorris,
b. Jacob Isenberg,
c. Chemere Ellis,
d. Adam Gilbert,
e. Tara Trevorrow.
f. all 2023-2025 Fellows are heavily encouraged to attend meetings and contribute.
Responsible for periodic updates to the BLS Diversity Committee Strategic Plan updates. Monitor the BLS’s CLE programming to ensure that BLS Entities conduct CLE programs in accordance with this policy. The DEI Subcommittee will have authority to engage and assist any BLS Entities found not to comply with the adopted Diversity Equity and Inclusion CLE Policy and inform the Executive Council of the same.
Link to the adopted policy.
For more information or to get involved with IMF, please contact the Co-Chairs of the Subcommittee you are interested in.
The Section has implemented a Fellowship Program to provide a two-year subsidy to eight qualified applicants who express an interest in becoming active in the substantive work and leadership of the Section. During their participation in the Fellowship Program, selected “Fellows” will receive leadership training and work closely with leading attorneys in the Business Law field. At the end of their Fellowship term, we are confident all Fellows will find the program enhanced their personal and professional development.
Program Description
Applications will be accepted for 2024-2026 in early 2024. The application period for 2023-2025 has closed.
