The Diversity Committee is now accepting nominations for the Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher Diversity Awards to be presented in November. The three award categories are members of the judiciary, licensed attorneys and organizations that have championed the cause of diversity. All nominations must be received by Monday, August 2.

For additional information, please contact Diversity Committee Chair Telana McCullough at 405-522-9528 or visit www.okbar.org/diversityawards.

Selection Criteria

One or more diversity awards will be given to an organization that has an office in the state of Oklahoma and has met one or more of the following criteria:

• Developed and implemented an effective equal opportunity program as demonstrated by the organization’s commitment to the recruitment, retention and promotion of individuals of underrepresented populations regardless of race, ethnic origin, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, disability or any other prohibited basis of discrimination;

• Promoted diversity initiatives that establish and foster a more inclusive and equitable work environment;

• Demonstrated continued corporate responsibility by devoting resources for the improvement of the community at large; and

• Exhibited insightful leadership to confront and resolve inequities through strategic decision-making, allocation of resources and establishment of priorities.

Two or more diversity awards will be given to licensed attorneys, and an additional award will be given to a member of the Oklahoma judiciary who has met one or more of the following criteria:

• Demonstrated dedication to raising issues of diversity and protecting civil and human rights;

• Led the development of innovative or contemporary measures to fight discrimination and its effects;

• Fostered positive communication and actively promoted inter-group relations among populations of different backgrounds;

• Participated in a variety of corporate and community events that promoted mutual respect, acceptance, cooperation or tolerance and contributed to diversity awareness in the community and workplace; and

• Reached out to a diverse array of attorneys to understand firsthand the experiences of someone from a different background.