Global law firm White & Case LLP today announces that it has appointed Hedieh Fakhriyazdi as the Firm's Chief Diversity Officer (CDO). Based in the Firm's New York office, Fakhriyazdi will report to White & Case's Executive Committee and will be responsible for accelerating the Firm’s efforts to build a diverse work environment and nurture a culture of inclusion across its global offices.
"Adding Hedieh as our CDO reflects the Firm’s strong, ongoing commitment to building a workplace environment where all of our people experience a sense of belonging and are empowered to unite across differences," said David Koschik, White & Case’s Vice Chair. "Hedieh has a strong track-record in shaping environments where talented professionals from different backgrounds can succeed. We look forward to her leadership in further driving diversity and inclusion (D&I) forward at White & Case."
Fakhriyazdi has extensive experience in developing and leading D&I initiatives. She joins White & Case from Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, where she was the firm’s Director of Social Responsibility and the Weil Foundation, and led a team of professionals devoted to bridging the firm's social impact and D&I work through partnerships within the firm and the broader community. Prior to that, Fakhriyazdi spent almost three years working at Bloomberg LP, where she worked very closely on the design and execution of the company's global D&I and ESG strategy.
"Furthering our D&I work is of upmost importance to the Firm, and Hedieh's appointment reflects this," said White & Case partner Binoy Dharia, Chair of the Firm’s Global Diversity Committee. "Working closely with the Executive Committee, Hedieh will play a leading role in further advancing our D&I strategy to ensure that all of our people are supported and heard."
Fakhriyazdi added: "I am excited to join a firm with a strong, long-term commitment to embracing difference through D&I across its global offices and culture. I look forward to building on White & Case's progress in this space, and working with the Firm's leadership, partners and D&I professionals to drive strategy and further embed D&I across the Firm's global offices."
Fakhriyazdi currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the United Way of New York City and is Vice Chair of its Community Impact and Public Policy Committee. She also serves as an Adjunct Associate Professor of Public Service at New York University’s Wagner Graduate School of Public Service and is a member of the Executive Forum for the Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship at the Boston College Carroll School of Management.
"Hedieh brings a wealth of experience in developing, executing and leading measurable D&I strategies, with an unmatched drive to make a positive impact," said White & Case partner Jill Christie, Chair of the Firm's Global Women’s Initiative. "This success makes her the right person to play the pivotal role of helping us further unlock the full potential of our people, and ensure that we build on, and continue to deliver, a workplace that is aligned with our values. We are delighted that she has joined us."
White & Case has a long-standing commitment to being at the forefront of D&I and creating a culture of equal opportunity, respect and belonging. The Firm was first Mansfield certified in 2018, the certification's inaugural year, and has been Mansfield Plus certified every year since. The Firm is also ranked #2 on The American Lawyer’s 2022 Diversity Scorecard, and received a 100 percent rating on its commitment to LGBTQ+ workplace equality for the 14th consecutive year on the 2022 Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index, identifying the Firm as one of the best places to work for LGBTQ+ individuals.
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