Global law firm Shearman & Sterling is pleased to announce that Loretta Lisa Dowdy Pearce has been named the firm’s Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, based in New York.

In her new role, Loretta will have responsibility for Shearman & Sterling’s global diversity and inclusion strategy. Loretta joined the firm from Meta (formerly Facebook), where she was Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Global Talent Management Programs Leader. In this role, she led programming and worked to establish and sustain practices focused on supporting and advancing the careers of underrepresented employees and embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion in Meta’s culture.

Prior to that, Loretta worked at Moody’s Corporation leading diversity and inclusion programming and learning efforts. In this role, Loretta worked with all levels of leadership including the executive leadership team to raise awareness and foster a more inclusive culture.

“We are very pleased that Loretta has taken the reins in this exciting role. Diversity and inclusion is a key priority of the firm that has benefited our people, our clients and our firm culture as a whole,” said David Beveridge, Shearman & Sterling’s Senior Partner. “Loretta’s wealth of experience, thought leadership and strong track record position her exceptionally well for this role. She brings innovative ideas and initiatives that will help us continue to foster a more diverse and inclusive workplace where all our people can succeed and thrive.”

Kenneth Johnsen, Shearman & Sterling’s Executive Director & Chief Operating Officer, added: “Loretta’s appointment is another important step to further elevate our efforts in delivering on our diversity and inclusion strategy. This role is of utmost importance to our firm and we look forward to her leadership as we continue to develop and implement our goals and vision in this area.”

Loretta Pearce said: “I am excited to be a part of one of the world’s top global law firms, and have the opportunity to lead its diversity and inclusion efforts to advance the firm’s strategic and ambitious initiatives and goals across the globe. During my professional life I have always been a passionate advocate for people and believe that all should have the opportunity to work in spaces where they can flourish and therefore offer their best gifts. I look forward to working with Dave, Ken and the leadership team to further impact the firm and the legal profession.”

Loretta began her career in academia and subsequently moved on to leadership roles in learning and development at several law firms. Her thought leadership in the diversity and inclusion space became a formal part of her role at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond.

Loretta is a graduate of the University of Virginia, has a MA from Virginia State University, an MDiv from Virginia Union University, a Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University and is currently completing her EdD at Teachers College, Columbia University in Adult Learning and Leadership where she is focusing on Intersectionality and Transformative Learning.