Saminaz Akhter Receives the 2019 Honorable Nathaniel R. Jones Diversity and Inclusion Award
Blank Rome LLP is pleased to announce that Saminaz Akhter, a partner in the Firm’s Corporate, M&A, and Securities group, was presented with the Fifth Annual Honorable Nathaniel R. Jones Diversity and Inclusion Award at an award reception held on November 21, 2019, in the Washington, D.C., office.
Inaugurated in 2013, the Honorable Nathaniel R. Jones Diversity and Inclusion Award is presented annually to a Blank Rome attorney or professional who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in promoting diversity and inclusion within the Firm. The award is named in honor of civil rights leader, activist, and retired judge Nathaniel R. Jones, who has been with Blank Rome since 2002 and served as the Firm’s first Chief Officer for Diversity and Inclusion.
The reception featured remarks from Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officers Sophia Lee and Christopher A. Lewis and a congratulatory message from Judge Jones. The prestigious award was presented to Saminaz by Grant S. Palmer, Blank Rome’s Managing Partner and CEO, who spoke on her recent accomplishments and integral role in advancing the Firm’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
At Blank Rome, Saminaz is dedicated to connecting with clients on issues that are of shared importance, making it a priority to involve clients in Firm events and assist clients in their own advancement and diversity and inclusion goals. Saminaz has also developed unique and meaningful diversity and inclusion programming for clients and colleagues, including the Black History Month Easel Project in the Washington, D.C., office, exclusive U Street Walking Tours of civil rights and cultural landmarks, and leading the Firm’s sponsorship of Leaders Among Us, as part of the Asian Pacific American Bar Association’s In-House Counsel Dinner Series. Furthermore, Saminaz was an engaged Leadership Council for Legal Diversity fellow and continues to serve as a mentor and diversity and inclusion ambassador.
