Technology

Shook Launches DEI Advisory Practice

Published

7 months ago

February 20, 2024

Shook introduces a new client offering under the leadership of Partner John Lewis, Jr. formerly of The Coca-Cola Company. Lewis served as the former global head of litigation and diversity and workplace fairness. Lewis will lead the array of litigation and investigation services under the Shook DEI Counseling, Compliance & Disputes Practice.

ATLANTA, Feb. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Shook, Hardy & Bacon announces the launch of its newly formed diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) Counseling, Compliance & Disputes Practice (CCDP) to assist with the interdisciplinary legal risks faced by companies in a modern workplace.

The CCDP is a natural evolution of Shook’s decades-long commitment to build its own inclusive workplace and leverage inclusion strategy as a marketplace differentiator.

Shook’s CCDP is led by Houston Managing Partner John Lewis, Jr., who also serves as the firm’s chair of DEI Initiatives and Strategy. Before joining Shook, Lewis held increasing roles of responsibility for The Coca-Cola Company, including as Coca-Cola’s chief litigation counsel where he lead teams in shareholder, securities and related governance litigation and investigations. While at Coca-Cola legal, he founded and led Coke’s Legal Division Diversity Council which created outside counsel assessments, a supplier diversity initiative partnering with minority- and women-owned law firms, and deepened pipeline and affinity partnerships. Following a decade in Coke legal, Lewis was appointed as the company’s global head of diversity and workplace fairness where he had board level accountability for all aspects of inclusion and workplace fairness strategy.

Listen to Lewis discuss workplace issues in a short podcast with Shook Chair Madeleine McDonough.

In recent years, DEI-related risks have changed. Once a dialogue predominately about culture, human resources initiatives, community engagements and programs, organizations who seek to advance their inclusion goals now face the potential for novel legal challenges, emergent business risks and heightened scrutiny from investors, governmental entities, activists and DEI opponents.

“Shook lawyers have trained, audited, defended and advised global clients and organizations on DEI-related matters over many years,” said Lewis. “Our DEI Counseling, Compliance & Disputes Practice is a natural evolution of our longstanding commitment to inclusion and fairness.”

According to Lewis, DEI also informs strategy in more traditional human capital work streams including training, recruitment, leadership development, philanthropy, equity scans, community engagement and workplace fairness. DEI efforts are crucial to retaining talent, gaining market share, and attracting a diverse cross-section of investors in ever-evolving, highly competitive national and global markets.

“Our DEI Counseling Practice is also shaped by the award-winning initiatives for which Shook and its lawyers have been nationally recognized,” said Shook Chair Madeleine McDonough. “Among other avenues for advancing diversity and inclusion, we have a dedicated civil rights practice led by a former assistant district attorney with over a decade of jury trial experience in civil rights and police misconduct cases.”

In addition to Lewis, the practice includes Public Policy Co-Chair Phil Goldberg, who served as a litigation communications specialist at two leading public relations firms and communications director for three members of Congress, as well as ESG Co-Chair Veronica Gromada, who previously managed the legal, policy and business aspects of bellwether employment class action litigation while working in-house at one of the world’s largest retailers. They are joined by Senior Counsel Michael Harrison, who heads up the firm’s civil rights and racial justice pro bono practice and Partner William Martucci who leads Shook’s national Employment Litigation and Policy Practice as well as Employment Litigation Partner Carrie McAtee.

Collectively, the group has led board-directed investigations domestically and abroad. They have advised some of the largest companies in the world on public policy matters, communications strategy and related advocacy, and have trained scores of clients on topics including unconscious bias, avoiding DEI-related litigation risks, and leading culturally-sensitive investigations.

About Shook, Hardy & Bacon

Founded in 1889, Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P. has 19 offices in the United States and London, with attorneys and professional staff serving clients in the health, science and technology sectors in areas ranging from product liability defense and business litigation to intellectual property prosecution and litigation, environmental and toxic tort, privacy and data security and regulatory counseling.

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SOURCE Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P.

Technology

Summit of Whose Future? Girls Have the Answers: Leaders Must Listen

Published

7 mins ago

September 21, 2024

Young Women Activists Launch “What Girls Want,” Demand World Leaders Put Girls at the Center of Summit of the Future

NEW YORK, Sept. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Today in New York, more than 50 young women from around the world – including Nobel Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai – gathered to take government to task for failing to prioritize girls and young women in the upcoming Summit of the Future. The group is backed by acoalition of girl-centered non-profit organizations, institutions, and funds who synthesized the demands of girls at www.whatgirlswant.com.

At a demonstration near the UN, alongside life-size cutouts of world leaders dressed ironically as “girl experts”, the activists delivered a strong message: world leaders aren’t the experts on what girls want for their futures – girls are.

Eylül Erçin, 19, from Türkiye, shared: “The time has passed for girls and young women to be treated as mere afterthoughts. Leaders must include us in the foundational design of these processes, ensuring that our priorities are integrated into shaping the future we will inherit. Anything less is unacceptable.”

Today’s event is about more than calling out a process failure. Girls i from around the world delivered a forward-looking call to action this week. They expect governments, institutions, and community leaders to step up and help shape a more equitable future.

Alongside fellow activists, Malala said: “Even at 27, I know better than to assume I understand best what girls want. Everywhere I go, girls are eager to share their vision for their futures. As adults, it is our job to listen, fund their work and follow their lead. It is not too late for world leaders to do right by girls. They can start by prioritizing their demands in tomorrow’s final Summit deliberations and by investing resources to match their words.”

The evidence is clear: investing in girls and delivering on their rights transforms economies, societies, and the environment, advancing the SDGs and building a future that girls deserve.

About What Girls Want

This effort was produced by a collaboration of girl-centered organizations, institutions, funders, and allies. The campaign is anchored around work to collate insights, data, and stories from 20+ public consultations with girls and young women over the past decade, driven by a shared desire to center girls’ demands in spaces where they are being ignored.

Contact:

whatgirlswantpress@gmail.com

nate.powers@edelman.com

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Technology

48-Hour Saudi Visa Processing, Major Discounts and Unmissable Giveaways – Only at ‘Spectacular Saudi’ in Mumbai

Published

2 hours ago

September 21, 2024

NEW DELHI, Sept. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Saudi’s national tourism brand, ‘Saudi Welcome to Arabia’ is hosting its first-ever immersive consumer event ‘Spectacular Saudi’, from September 25 to October 2, from 2:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. at R2 Ground in BKC, Mumbai.

Slated to transport visitors straight to the Heart of Arabia; the 8-day immersive experience will give visitors a glimpse into Saudi’s many wonders and iconic experiences – all while extending the warm Saudi welcome. To give consumers a truly memorable experience Saudi is offering exclusive giveaways and discounts specially curated for Indian travellers.

What’s more, Indian travellers can fast-track their Saudi visas exclusively at the event. All you need is a valid Visa or Mastercard credit card! Head on over to one of eight dedicated Tasheer kiosks, ensure the name on the credit card matches the passport, and have sufficient funds available on the card. After that, sit back and relax as your visa will be in hand within 48 hours!

It has never been easier to visit Saudi. With the most seamless visa process offered to date, the excitement doesn’t end there. On the travel front, SAUDIA Airlines is offering special deals, including a buy one get 50% off on the second ticket if travelling business class. Additionally, all economy class tickets will be 15% off. Attendees will also have the chance to participate in daily giveaways for free flight tickets for two to Saudi. With over 50+ travel trade offers, visitors can access incredible cashback and discounts on Saudi travel packages. Additionally, those booking Saudi packages will enjoy complimentary cultural city tours. Group tour packages to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam will be available exclusively at the event, starting at INR 99,999 for 5 nights.

Visitors can expect unique immersive experiences–including exhibits, culinary delights, Ardah dancers, Saudi coffee, traditional scents, and fashion–all under one roof. So don’t miss out and register here to experience a piece of Saudi, right in the heart of Mumbai.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2511104/Spectacular_Saudi.jpg

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Technology

Indian Cancer Genome Atlas Launches the Country’s First Comprehensive Cancer Multi-Omics Data Portal

Published

2 hours ago

September 21, 2024

Offers open access to cancer data for research

NEW DELHI, Sept. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Indian Cancer Genome Atlas (ICGA) has launched India’s first comprehensive cancer multi-omics data portal. This pioneering platform provides open access to clinically correlated data from Indian cancer patients, aimed at transforming cancer research and treatment for Indian populations.

Historically, cancer treatments in India have been based on Western data sets. However, cancers in Indian patients can differ significantly at the molecular level. ICGA’s mission is to create Indian-specific datasets to help researchers and clinicians develop personalized treatment protocols. This new open-access portal represents a monumental step in revolutionizing cancer research, specifically for Indian patients.

The ICGA cancer multi-omics portal is the first in India to offer data that includes DNA, RNA, and protein profiles of breast cancer patients, integrated with clinical outcomes. Currently, the platform consists of data from 50 breast cancer patients, with plans to expand to over 500 patients in the coming year. This data is freely accessible to the global research community under India’s PRIDE guidelines, which promote ethical sharing and collaboration in cancer research.

Key Highlights of this portal include:

India’s First Cancer Multi-Omics Data Portal: A comprehensive resource that offers detailed multi-omics data for breast cancer patients, including genomic and proteomic information.Based on cBioPortal Platform: Derived from the internationally recognized cBioPortal, this platform ensures seamless integration with global cancer research efforts.Initial Dataset from 50 Indian Patients: Provides clinically annotated DNA, RNA, and protein profiles, along with treatment histories and patient outcomes, with an aim to scale up to 500 in a year.Free Access Under PRIDE Guidelines: Adhering to responsible and ethical data-sharing practices, the portal is freely accessible to the scientific community.A Step Toward Precision Oncology for Indian Patients: This initiative is designed to enable the development of personalized cancer treatments tailored to Indian patients.Call for Collaboration: ICGA invites researchers worldwide to contribute and expand the platform, fostering global collaboration in cancer research.

Professor Shekhar C. Mande, Former DG-CSIR, Currently Senior Professor at Savitribai Phule Pune University
“Making this invaluable cancer data publicly accessible marks a pivotal step in accelerating scientific discoveries and enhancing patient outcomes. By openly sharing this data, we are empowering researchers, clinicians, and innovators to collaborate, explore new frontiers, and drive transformative breakthroughs in cancer treatment.”

Joint Statement from Dr JC Zenklusen – Director of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) at the NCI, NIH, USA, and Prof Sunil Badve – Vice Chair, Pathology Cancer Programs, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
“Fifteen years ago, when we launched TCGA, we could not have foreseen the remarkable progress cancer research would make. It is incredibly exciting to see ICGA advancing so rapidly and taking bold steps in revolutionizing cancer research. Understanding the genome of cancer patients will improve the treatment of Indians not only in India but also worldwide. We, both, encourage others with similar data to actively contribute to ICGA, so this initiative can grow even faster and drive greater breakthroughs.”

Dr. Anand Deshpande, Chairman and Managing Director at Persistent, and Non-Executive Director at ICGA
“We have made an excellent start with this groundbreaking multi-omics cancer portal. Cancer touches all of us, and the need for more effective, personalized treatments—especially tailored to the unique genetic and environmental factors in India—is urgent. This portal will empower researchers with crucial data to advance customized cancer research for better treatment outcomes. I encourage everyone to contribute and support this vital cause, helping us accelerate progress in the fight against cancer.”

About Indian Cancer Genome Atlas (ICGA):
The Indian Cancer Genome Atlas (ICGA) is a national initiative focused on mapping the genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic landscapes of cancers across India. As a section 8 not-for-profit organization, the ICGA Foundation, operates through a public-private-philanthropic partnership, with active support from over 50 clinicians, researchers, and data analysts. Its mission is to enhance cancer diagnosis and treatment for Indian patients and contribute to the global understanding of cancer biology. The foundation’s first project focuses on the multi-omics profiling of breast cancer, with plans to extend this effort to other types of cancer in the future.

https://www.icga.in/

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