DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive environment that fosters growth and advancement while celebrating the diversity of our employees and clients.
At Brown & Crouppen, we stand behind our core values of equality, opportunity, and respect for all people. Race, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, ability, and experience are all part of who we are. We’re human, and we’re stronger together.
CULTIVATING AN INCLUSIVE WORKPLACE
Our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) initiatives are led by the DE&I Steering Committee, a group of employees representing all corners of the firm. In partnership with HR, this team works to cultivate a collaborative, inclusive environment where all individuals’ contributions and differences are valued, and all voices are heard. The committee provides oversight and guidance for inclusive recruiting, hiring, human relations, and career growth across our firm.
Steering Committee members:
- Khevna Patel
- Jennifer Heilwagner
- Jessica Oates
- Genn Bugg
- Brandon Jackon
- Joe Frank
- Kimberly Foppe
- Sara Hill
DE&I EDUCATION AND EVENTS
Throughout the year, our DE&I Calendar Committee plans internal diversity acknowledgments and education, guiding the firm in the observance of various monthly holidays, events, historical moments, and dates of remembrance and awareness. In 2020, committee members established Juneteenth as a paid holiday for all employees.
We created our ongoing DE&I Speaker Series to facilitate effective dialogue, provide insight and training to our staff, and build a culture that is responsive to diversity issues. The series features a variety of moderators who share messages on cultural awareness and diversity. All employees at Brown & Crouppen are encouraged to participate.
Past speaker series topics include:
- Racism and Diversity Training with Tim Wise
- Paraquad Disability Etiquette and Awareness Training
- Unconscious Bias Training
THE LATEST IN DE&I AT BROWN & CROUPPEN
Check out our blog to learn how we’re building a more equitable workplace, from our latest speaker series guests to community programs and interviews with employees who are making a difference right here at Brown & Crouppen.
TOWARD A MORE DIVERSE FUTURE
As a St. Louis Internship Program (SLIP) partner, Brown & Crouppen has hosted local high school students for a rigorous, eight-week paid internship. Interns design their own schedules, which might include working with attorneys and paralegals, going to court, attending commercial shoots, and participating in community outreach events. We look forward to continuing our partnership with SLIP and providing hope and opportunity for high school students in financial need.
BUILDING A MORE INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion extends beyond our firm to the communities where we work and live. We are ongoing attendees of the Webster University D&I Conference, and in 2019, Terry Crouppen gave the introduction to “Race” by Jamie Pachino, a play that was presented at the conference.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Brown & Crouppen is proud to support organizations that promote inclusion and diversity, including Arch City Defenders, Pride St. Louis, Mound City Bar Association, Missouri Asian American Bar Association, and Hispanic Bar Association of St. Louis. Visit our Community Involvement page for more information about our involvement in organizations across Missouri and Illinois.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
Missouri Lawyers Media, “Diversity & Inclusion Leader”
- Andy Crouppen, 2018
- Khevna Patel, 2020
BAMSL Pro Bono Volunteer of the Month
- Brandon Jackson, June 2020
Missouri Lawyers Media Women’s Justice Awards “Litigation Practitioner Award”
- Katie Hubbard, 2020
- Andrea Lowe, 2019
- Ashley Vaughan, 2018
- Andrea McNairy, 2017
Missouri Lawyers Media “Up and Coming Lawyers”
- Lisa Tsacoumangos, 2020
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