Crain's Chicago Business selected Chief Diversity Partner Leslie Minier for its 2022 list of Notable Executives in HR and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

The list features Chicago area leaders who have made significant contributions to advancing equality within the workplace and demonstrated their ability to effect change in promoting diversity and inclusion, navigating new ways of recruiting talent, opening new ways to support employees and/or retain talent, improving efficiency and enhancing company culture.

Crain's noted that Leslie, a Corporate partner based in Chicago, spearheaded Katten's participation since inception in Diversity Lab's Mansfield Rule program, aimed at boosting diversity in law firm leadership by creating pipelines for women and attorneys of color. She was instrumental in helping Katten achieve Mansfield Rule 4.0 Certification Plus status in 2021.

In her role as Katten's first Chief Diversity Partner, Leslie is a member of the firm's diversity committee, advises on business development opportunities, and consults with firm management on diversity goals and strategies. She further collaborates with clients to achieve mutual diversity-related goals and supports fellow Katten attorneys as they advance in their careers.

Her work has led to recognition for the firm's DEI efforts, more robust recruitment, professional development opportunities, and a more inclusive environment. Leslie also has been influential in the selection of diverse attorneys participating in Katten's yearlong Kattalyst sponsorship program and the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity's Fellows and Pathfinder programs.

"See Crain's Notable Executives in HR and DEI," Crain's Chicago Business, August 5, 2022*

"Crain's 2022 Notable Executives in HR and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Leslie Minier," Crain's Chicago Business, August 5, 2022*

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