D&I in the Legal and Business Environment offers world-class professional insights for the state of Massachusetts legal community.

The objective of this summit is to provide a comprehensive and dynamic series of sessions that will engage and inspire experienced legal professionals. Through timely thought leadership-driven content, participants will be equipped with tangible techniques and methods of proven success from accomplished leaders.

Opening Remarks: Cherina D. Wright, Director of Student Engagement & Inclusion at Suffolk University Law School

As director of student engagement and inclusion at Suffolk University Law School in Boston, Cherina D. Wright provides the strategic direction for the law school’s student diversity and inclusion efforts. Those efforts include expanding access and opportunity for minority and underrepresented students looking to attend law school. In 2019, Wright was recognized as one of the 50 most influential attorneys of color in Boston by GetKonnected! She earned her J.D. and M.B.A. from Suffolk University.

Keynote Speaker: Monserrate Quiñones, Commissioner, Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination 

Monserrate “Monsi” Quiñones was appointed by Gov. Charlie Baker as a commissioner of the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination on Sept. 27, 2017. Quiñones has 19 years of experience in leadership roles in state government with a focus on civil rights, inclusion and equal access, including in serving as director of the Department of Correction’s Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity and as executive director of the Commonwealth Affirmative Market Program (now State Supplier Diversity Program), as well as chairing the Governor’s Latino-American Advisory Commission under Gov. Paul Cellucci. A licensed social worker, Quiñones obtained her bachelor of science in education with a concentration in human services from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a master of science in nonprofit management from Worcester State University. 

Executive Panel Moderator: Tommy M. Shi, Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Day Pitney

As a member of the Day Pitney senior management team, Tommy Shi leads the development and implementation of the firm’s strategic diversity and inclusion plan. He is active in diversity activities and organizations and a frequent speaker and panelist on diversity issues. Shi most recently was the Head of Procurement of Mercedes-Benz Manhattan, and he previously served for over 10 years as the Diversity & Inclusion Officer for Mercedes-Benz USA. He also served for over 10 years as a counsel in MBUSA’s legal department, managing litigation, marketing, intellectual property and real estate matters.

Ronald Allen, Senior Director, Lead Counsel U.S. Employment, Takeda

Ron Allen is a labor and employment attorney with more than 15 years of experience. Ron currently serves as Takeda Pharmaceuticals’ Senior Director, Lead Counsel for U.S. Employment. In this role, Ron provides counsel to business partners and executive regarding compliance with federal and state employment laws as they relate to Takeda’s approximately 25,000 employees within the United States.  Prior to Takeda, Ron served in similar in-house employment counsel roles with Eversource Energy, LIN Media and Otis Elevator. He also spent many years at labor and employment law firms in Boston.

Marianne Monte, Shawmut Design and Construction 

Marianne Monte is chief people officer at Shawmut Design and Construction, a leading $1.5 billion national construction management firm. Monte has more than 25 years of experience in human resources. Prior to joining Shawmut, she was the vice president of human resources for The Hanover Insurance Group. Monte is on the board of trustees for The Gordon School, Rhode Island State Post-Secondary Board of Education. She is also an active volunteer with Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD). 

 Ingrid Chiemi Schroffner, Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services

Ingrid Chiemi Schroffner is Associate General Counsel at the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, having joined as Assistant General Counsel in 2008. Prior to that, she had practiced at Burns & Levinson since 1998, specializing in probate/family litigation. Ingrid also clerked for Chief Justice Warner (MA Appeals Court) & the MA Superior Court justices. She has written & spoken extensively in her areas of expertise, most recently on unconscious bias.

Raquel J. Webster, National Grid 

Raquel Webster is senior counsel with National Grid. A Dorchester native, Webster serves on the board of the Boston Public Preparatory Charter School, which focuses on helping youth in Mattapan and Dorchester receive high-quality education aimed at college preparation. She also serves on the board of the Boston Debate League, where students learn to think creatively and critically and to find their own voices. She previously practiced with Bingham McCutchen.