McGuireWoods held its 11th Women’s Leadership Development Forum Oct. 12-13, 2023, in Washington, D.C. Geared toward women senior associates, the program develops leadership skills that help with the transition to partner and other senior roles inside and outside the firm.
The associate-participants included Kathleen M. Baskin; Arrion N. Dennis; Natalina N. DePina; Erin E. Dine; Alexia L. Faraguna; Etahjayne J. Harris; Hannah E. Irish; Emma R. Leonelli; Erin M. Mack; Casey J. Nelson; Micaylee A. Noreen; Kelly L. Pietracatello; and Abigail G. Urquhart.
Women Lawyers Network co-chairs Ali Baiardo and Elaine Sanderlin Ryan opened the two-day event with a lunchtime presentation, sharing stories and lessons from their individual career journeys. Afterward, the associates participated in programming led by Susan Dunlap, who specializes in leadership training and talent development for women attorneys. A dozen women partners joined the group for an “Ask Anything” dinner, to provide helpful perspectives on life as a partner at the firm.
After breakfast the next morning with firm managing partner Tracy Walker, followed by additional programming led by Dunlap, participants enjoyed a lunchtime panel discussion featuring insights from department chairs Sabrina A. Beldner (Labor & Employment), Holly Buckley (Healthcare), Cheryl Haas (Financial Services Litigation), Noreen Kelly (Government Investigations & White Collar Litigation), and Vishwa Link (Regulatory & Compliance).