DEI+B Town Hall Programming
Robinson+Cole continues to promote diverse perspectives and provide forums for learning. The firm regularly gathers in-person and virtually in educational and experiential Town Halls meant to celebrate heritage, community and the voices of our past, present and future. A few of the most recent Town Halls include:
In recognition of Pride Month, Robinson+Cole’s DEI+B Committee hosted When Principle Meets Trial: A Firsthand Perspective with Paul Katami.
Paul was one of the four named federal plaintiffs in Perry v. Schwarzenegger (later Hollingsworth v. Perry), the landmark case that successfully challenged California’s Proposition 8 and helped restore marriage equality nationwide.
As the only plaintiff to be cross‑examined at trial, Paul’s testimony became a defining moment in a case that reshaped constitutional law and the national conversation around marriage equality.
Robinson+Cole proudly hosted Chinese Festivals and Cultural Celebrations: From the Dragon Boat Festival to the Romance of Qixi.
Our very own Joy Hui shared insight into Chinese and Chinese American festivals, holidays, and cultural customs observed in the late spring and early summer. This program explored the history and cultural significance behind these observances and how they are meaningfully celebrated today.
Continuing to promote diverse perspectives and provide forums for learning, Robinson+Cole recognized Arab American Heritage Month with a visit with Basma Alawee, co-founder of WeaveTales. The program touched on her journey as refugee from Iraq and her life now in the United States. WeaveTales empowers over 500 refugees and immigrants through storytelling training programs—a testament to Basma's commitment to uplifting marginalized voices.
In recognition of Black History Month, Robinson+Cole’s DEI+B Committee hosted Art and Identity: An Artist Talk with Kiayani Douglas. The program explored identity, belonging, and shared humanity through an interdisciplinary studio practice focused on race, history, and privilege. Using images of her work and guided discussion, the session invited dialogue on experiences of being othered and encouraged engagement with themes of empathy, belonging, and shared humanity.
In celebration of Veteran’s Day, Robinson+Cole’s DEI+B Committee hosted a firm-wide Town Hall event featuring Faces of Freedom, a nonprofit project honoring U.S. military veterans by preserving their stories through powerful portraits and oral histories. Our recent program was both moving and memorable, featuring three of our own veteran employees —Senior Systems Engineer Melissa McCrea, Marketing Communications Coordinator Matthew Esteves, and Litigation group lawyer Thomas Donlon. Our firm's Tax group provided pro bono support for Faces of Freedom by helping founder Walter Schuppe establish the nonprofit.
