On November 28, 2017, Shearman & Sterling partnered with Ellevate, a global professional women’s networking organization, to host “Cause-Action: Global Impact (Starts with You!) – Nonprofit Expo & Panel” at the firm’s New York office. This two-part event consisted of a short panel discussion featuring founders of nonprofits sharing their wisdom and insights on the positive impact and importance of getting involved with local organizations and a nonprofit expo featuring nonprofit organizations sharing information on their mission. 

Partner Denise Grant (New York-Project Development & Finance), co-chair of the Diversity & Inclusion Committee, delivered the opening remarks and discussed Shearman & Sterling’s commitment to helping talented and professional women succeed. She also introduced Maricella Herrera Avila, Senior Director of Operations & Strategy at Ellevate and the moderator of the event. 

The panelists included Maria Yuan, founder and CEO of IssueVoter; Nicole Hockley, Managing Director of Sandy Hook Promise; Laura Atwell, Vice President of Development at Team Rubicon, Inc.; and Tara Abrahams, Executive Director, The Girl Project. Among many key topics, they discussed the challenges and rewards of working in nonprofits and provided advice and suggestions for those transitioning from the private sector to the nonprofit sector. The event concluded with a networking reception and exhibition of nonprofit organizations. Some of the participants included All In Together, Bella Abzug Leadership Institute, CARE, EDsnaps Inc., Free To Run, Gender Equality Law Center, HERHealthEQ, Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement, Indego Africa, IssueVoter, MICHIYAYA Dance Company, Inc., Sandy Hook Promise, Team Rubicon, The Girl Project, The SIFMA Foundation, and Year Up New York. 

Shearman & Sterling joined Ellevate as a corporate partner in 2013, as part of its commitment to the advancement of talented women throughout the firm and community. Learn more about Ellevate here.