Cooley Honors Champions of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Palo Alto – December 20, 2024 – For the third consecutive year, Cooley has recognized outstanding firm lawyers and business professionals based on their exemplary contributions in championing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) at the firm and in the community. The awards are a component of the firm’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion Action Plan and recipients were confirmed by the firm’s board of directors.

The firm launched the Cooley Champion Award in 2021 to recognize individuals who were not only advancing DEI, but also were inspiring others to do the same. Earlier this year, the firm lost a friend and colleague, Eric Larson, who was himself an inaugural Cooley Champion. In honor of Eric and his significant contributions, the firm proudly renamed this initiative to be the Eric Larson Cooley Champion Award.

In honor of their dedication and hard work – including leading firmwide and local DEI programming, fostering inclusion and community, and prioritizing and advocating for equitable behaviors and practices – each of the award winners direct a $10,000 charitable donation to a nonprofit organization of their choice engaged in advancing racial, social or DEI-related efforts.

The 2024 winners of the Eric Larson Cooley Champion Award are:

Pang Lee, partner – Pang is a dedicated champion of DEI, cultivating strong relationships with colleagues across the Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Singapore offices and beyond. He is a member of the lawyer DEI committee and actively mentors associates throughout the firm, elevating underrepresented voices and advocating for more diverse client teams. Pang directed his charitable donation to Prep for Prep, a New York City-based nonprofit program that creates access for young people of color to first-rate educational, leadership development and professional opportunities.

Summer McKee, special counsel – Summer’s unwavering commitment to DEI guides her interactions and proposed initiatives, inspiring colleagues to participate. As a member of the lawyer DEI committee, she frequently leads on the design and delivery of education programs that promote understanding and inclusivity, creating a welcoming environment for the New York office and the LGBTQ+ Affinity Group. Summer directed her charitable donation to the Ali Forney Center, a New York City-based nonprofit organization that provides homeless LGBTQ+ youth with housing, food, clothing, healthcare and other essential services.

Marie Stone, senior social media manager – Marie served as a member of the business professionals DEI committee for several years and is a passionate advocate for creating safe and inclusive spaces, ensuring that everyone feels able to show up as their authentic selves. She courageously confronts microaggressions and takes the time to educate others on how to combat them through honest communication and direct action. Marie directed her charitable donation to the South East Consortium for Special Services, a nonprofit community-based organization dedicated to providing therapeutic recreation programs and leisure-related services to children and adults with disabilities and other special needs.

Marina Jaramillo, senior administrative services and operations coordinator – As a member of the business professionals DEI committee, Marina is a key contributor to the Palo Alto office’s DEI efforts, organizing social and educational events to build relationships and foster community. The kindness, patience and positivity she shows toward colleagues, clients and office visitors embodies the spirit of “Being Cooley.” Marina directed her charitable donation to the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering the lives and futures of Latinos in Silicon Valley.

Cody Kessler, leave of absence specialist – Cody’s openness and honesty in his personal interactions and community initiatives create a welcoming and supportive workplace. As co-chair of the LGBTQ+ Affinity Group, he frequently leads on initiatives and empowers colleagues to participate in programs, share their ideas and build community. Cody directed his charitable donation to The Trevor Project, a suicide prevention and crisis intervention nonprofit organization for LGBTQ+ young people.

Cooley is dedicated to maintaining a workplace that values and celebrates differences. The firm is widely recognized for its DEI efforts by top industry organizations and publications – including recent honors from Seramount as a best law firm for women and diversity for the 13th time, earning a score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index for the seventh time, and consistently achieving Diversity Lab’s Mansfield Rule Certification status.

To learn more about Cooley’s DEI efforts, please visit the firm’s DEI webpage.

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