Nora Garrote, Venable's partner in charge of Diversity and Inclusion and co-chair of the Intellectual Property Transactions Group, was recognized among Profiles in Diversity Journal’s Latino Leaders Worth Watching for 2021. The following is an excerpt from a profile of Ms. Garrote, in which she discusses the importance of visible mentoring. The article was featured in the magazine’s 2021 first quarter issue.
Whether one is a mentor or a mentee, mentoring must be intentional, visible, acknowledged, and mutually committed. It must go well beyond checking the box by merely assigning someone a mentor. It requires defining roles and responsibilities for mentors and mentees, and insisting on accountability for the results. Both mentor and mentee should learn and grow. In some settings, mentoring relationships may be organic because of backgrounds and interests shared by colleagues, yet that is often not the case for people of color. Partners, business professionals, and other workplace leaders must ensure that mentoring programs are robust, and the act of mentoring is an express job requirement.
I have recently been given the opportunity to lead Venable’s diversity and inclusion efforts. I am so thankful to my firm and humbled by the gravity and significance of my new responsibilities. Promoting and strengthening mentoring of that visible and empowered variety will be a priority. Along with my partners, I am hoping we help redefine success for a new generation of attorneys.
Click here to access the article.