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CBA Leaders, the presenters, and event attendees gathered for a photo following the dinner.
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Over 60 Connecticut Bar Association (CBA) members gathered at Café Fiore in Cromwell on February 27 for the Young Lawyers Section (YLS) Diversity Dinner, The Current State of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The event featured a panel discussion moderated by Cromwell Mayor James Demetriades. Panelists included Sharon Brown, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion partner at Barclay Damon, and State Representative Jack Fazzino of Connecticut's District 83. The discussion explored the challenges of navigating DEI programs and initiatives, particularly in light of new executive orders from the U.S. government.
The evening began with CBA LGBT Section Chair and YLS Executive Committee Diversity Director Jenna Cutler introducing the panel. Mayor Demetriades opened the discussion by asking each panelist to define Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Representative Fazzino explained, “People think that D, E, and I are all the same thing. I see them as three very different things for a common goal that’s rooted in fairness and making sure the very best people are doing the jobs they should be doing.” Attorney Brown expanded on this idea, emphasizing that diversity means “acknowledging and valuing the difference among different people,” while equity involves “meeting people where they are and giving them the tools they need to succeed.” She further highlighted the importance of inclusion, stating that it’s about ensuring people not only feel included but also have a true sense of belonging.
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(From L to R) State Representative Jack Fazzino, Sharon Brown, Mayor James Demetriades
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As the panel discussion continued, Mayor Demetriades asked Attorney Brown about the impact of the November presidential election on DEI efforts. Attorney Brown shared that, even before the election, her firm had discussed the legality of DEI initiatives following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to bar the use of affirmative action in college admissions. She clarified that DEI initiatives were not illegal before the ruling, nor are they now. She further noted that law firms are currently in a period of uncertainty as they await further clarification on how the current administration’s executive orders will be enforced.
Representative Fazzino addressed how the Connecticut State Legislature is responding to recent federal executive orders, explaining that efforts are underway to use state funds to cover some of the losses in federal funding for nonprofits focused on racial and LGBTQ+ justice issues. The panelists and moderator also encouraged attendees to support DEI initiatives by getting involved in local government boards and committees. Mayor Demetriades emphasized, “Your voice is your impact.”
Following the discussion, the panelists took questions and comments from attendees, with several CBA members expressing support for using their voices to advocate in defense of DEI at local and state levels.
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(From L to R) Sharon Brown and State Representative Jack Fazzino
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(From L to R) YLS Secretary Jermaine A. Brookshire, Jr.; YLS Chair Vianca T. Malick; YLS Chair-elect Paige Vaillancourt; and YLS ABA District Representative Alison J. Toumekian
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