Ann Thomas

About Ann Thomas

I am an activist at heart. An inherent advocate for underrepresented communities. From a very young age, this built-in passion has steered me to serve as a “bridge” that closes oppressive gaps, fosters awareness and compassion, and cultivates mindsets for personal and systemic reform. I initially ventured into law with the intention of being a better advocate for social justice. Little did I know, the diversity and inclusion movement was beginning to buzz and I had a very important seat at the table. My first stint as an attorney was supporting non-profit organizations through legal and regulatory issues to better advance their mission. Pulled to make a bigger impact, I launched my own consultancy coaching professionals on implementing organization-wide D&I training and supporting BIPOC, women, and LGBTQ employee groups. This entrepreneurial experience added “business owner” to my already diverse roles as activist, organizer, and lawyer. Now, my zeal for making a difference is matched by a strong passion for steering business leaders to new levels of acceptance. As a DEI leader, I bring a unique, two-pronged approached. First working with individuals, I partner compassionately to share tools, deliver insights, and create opportunities for progress. But I do not stop there. I also work on debiasing entire systems and instilling new mindsets and stronger DEI planning. Through proven strategy and human element, I have fostered the establishment of diverse working cultures; increased employment and retention rates for underrepresented attorneys; and enhanced organizational brand. I strive to make this same impact as an advisor and member of several non-profit and industry boards by providing recommendations around DEI strategy and management of distinct diversity related issues. I pride myself in causing a ripple effect on people’s lives, whether building a culture-conscious business or being better members of society. I have made it my life’s work and personal mission to lessen experiences of rejection—to help people rise up and be the best they can be. I genuinely believe we can find common ground and embrace diversity of all kinds as a catalyst for real and lasting change—in the workplace and in the world.

Experience

1. Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer

   Stinson LLP

   Jan 2016 — Present · New York, NY, US

   I was hired as Stinson’s first Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer to build the D&I business unit from the ground up; establish diversity, equity, and inclusion as a staple of the firm’s strategic plan; direct DEI initiatives; and oversee the implementation of a Diversity Action plan. I work with firm leadership, the Board of Directors, and the Diversity Committee to identify strategies to achieve goals for hiring, supporting, and promoting attorneys who are women, BIPOC, LGBTQ, and who have…