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    January 20, 2021 Did You Know?

    Interview with TIPS Chief Diversity Officer, Marcy Hogan Greer

    By Akira Heshiki

    What attracted you to take on the role of Chief Diversity Officer for TIPS?

    I am very honored by the Council’s nomination and excited about what I would like to do as Diversity Officer. What attracted me to this position is what attracted me to TIPS in the first place—its emphasis on diversity and inclusion. I have been privileged to work on many diverse teams in many aspects of the profession and appreciate how critical it is to have a true diversity of thought and viewpoints. And I have two millennials and one Gen Z in training, so I am closely following their generation. I am in awe of the incredible power for change they are starting to exercise and the impact they are starting to have. I was also inspired by the incredible TIPS leadership team that is truly committed to increasing diversity throughout the Section.

    Do you have any initiatives or areas you plan to focus on during your year?

    I hope to use the Diversity Officer position to create a wider dialogue and more opportunities for both current and new TIPS members to share experiences and opportunities that impact diversity. A priority is increasing the pipeline of lawyers by reaching out to students and helping them relate to and identify with “real” and diverse lawyers and start to see a path forward. Middle school is not too young, and helping law students is a must. I am involved in many different organizations with a focus on diversity in our profession and hope to bring together information and ideas to promote better communication around these critical issues.

    What do you think are the areas of challenge/opportunity for TIPS in the area of Diversity and Inclusion?

    One of the biggest challenges we face in the bar overall is membership. Another big challenge is time—we all are being pulled in many different directions. We need to be more relevant so that all members of TIPS, and especially minorities, stay involved and feel like their time and efforts are worthwhile.

    Do you have any “TIPS” for the general committees for best practices they can incorporate into their work for the organization? What do you think the diversity committee can do better?

    Yes! I would like for every general committee to have a Diversity Vice-Chair and host regular calls to get them more plugged into our CDI efforts in the Section. I also want to have more interactive diversity committee meetings like the ones that have been so successful in the Women Trial Lawyers Committee.

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    By Akira Heshiki

    Akira Heshiki serves as an Assistant Counsel for Standard Insurance Company located in Portland, Oregon. In her spare time, Akira enjoys serving on TIPS Committees that makes the section an inclusive and welcoming place for all lawyers.