Thompson Hine LLP is proud to announce the recipients of its annual Diversity Achievement and Diversity Champion Awards. The firm established its awards program 14 years ago to honor the achievements of diversity champions inside and outside the firm.
“At Thompson Hine, we are committed to the belief that diversity is the cornerstone of innovation and progress. Our clients benefit from our teams’ diverse perspectives and experiences, which reflect the diversity of their employees and customers,” said Tony White, Thompson Hine’s managing partner. “By fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment, we strengthen our resilience and effectiveness, ensuring we continue delivering exceptional service and innovative solutions.”
The firm presented its 2024 Diversity Achievement Award to MobilizeGreen, and its Founder, Leah Allen. The award recognizes a client’s exceptional efforts and leadership in advancing the values of diversity, equity and inclusion in its industry and the greater community.
Founded in 2014, MobilizeGreen focuses on jumpstarting green careers for diverse students through internships, mentoring and youth engagement. The organization addresses the significant underrepresentation of people of color in environmental and conservation leadership positions, which currently stand at only 12%, and 19% in government agencies. MobilizeGreen’s six-step approach—exposing youth to nature, providing access, removing barriers, getting work done, recruiting qualified talent and building the workplace—has engaged over 2,500 young people in internships, youth conservation programs and professional development opportunities nationwide.
Nearly 70% of MobilizeGreen’s participants are from diverse backgrounds, making the organization a leading force in closing the gap in green STEM leadership. In 2023, MobilizeGreen was one of 23 recipients of a $13.5 million grant from the National Basketball Association Foundation for its Virtual Internship program, which reduces barriers to entry for diverse students by making internships more accessible through remote work experiences.
Allen, whose passion and vision drive MobilizeGreen, accepted the award on behalf of the organization. MobilizeGreen continues to embody the values honored by the Diversity Achievement Award, ensuring a more sustainable and inclusive future for all.
Thompson Hine presented its 2024 Diversity Champion Award, given to a member of the firm who embodies a true commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, not only within the firm, but in the community at large, to Stephanie M. Chmiel, Vice-Chair of the Business Litigation practice group and head of the firm’s Women’s Initiative. Chmiel leads the firm’s Spotlight on Leaders program to train and develop female associates.
Chmiel is also dedicated to pro bono and community service. She has been a member of the Steering Committee for the Columbus Chapter of Women for Economic Leadership and Development (WELD) for several years, serving as the Chapter Co-Chair and Programming Co-Chair. She was an inaugural member of the Ohio Women’s Bar Foundation (OWBF) Leadership Institute, later joining the OWBF Board of Directors and serving as OWBF President. During her tenure at OWBF, she helped lead a significant fundraising initiative, raising critical funds to increase scholarships and programming.
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About Thompson Hine LLP. Thompson Hine LLP, a full-service business law firm with approximately 400 lawyers in 9 offices, was ranked number 1 in the category “Most innovative North American law firms: New working models” by the Financial Times and was 1 of 7 firms shortlisted for The American Lawyer’s inaugural Legal Services Innovation Award. The firm has been recognized by the National Law Journal as a Legal Technology Trailblazer and featured by Bloomberg for its innovative service delivery models, which drive accuracy and predictability. The firm’s commitment to innovation is embodied in Thompson Hine SmartPaTHTM – a smarter way to work – predictable, efficient and aligned with client goals. For more information, please visit ThompsonHine.com and ThompsonHine.com/Innovation/SmartPaTH.
