November 28, 2023
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Eastern
DEI Governing with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion as Fundamental Principles
Description: Addressing community issues such as lack of access to affordable housing and infrastructure, economic and health disparities, sustainability, and systemic racism requires sound legal advice. Best practices include creating an environment where creative solutions to social issues are valued and respected and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are fundamental principles. This discussion will include DEI policies and state preemptions surrounding these policies, including structural racism initiatives; anti-LGBTQ+ legislation; environmental, social and governance limitations; and the resulting protests surrounding these issues.
Speaker: Jeannine S. Williams
Jeannine S. Williams is the Chief Assistant City Attorney for the City of St. Petersburg. Throughout her career, she has litigated and provided advice in various areas of government law including labor and employment, policy review, ethics, public records, contracts, constitutional law, civil rights, business development, land use, and utility franchise negotiation. She is a graduate of the Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU) and the University of Florida College of Law.
Ms. Williams is Board Certified in City, County, and Local Government Law by The Florida Bar and is a past Chair of The Florida Bar City, County and Local Government Law Section. She is also a member of the board of directors of the International Municipal Lawyers Association and serves as an adjunct professor with the Stetson University College of Law. She was the first African American to serve as President of the St. Petersburg Bar Association and also led the Fred G. Minnis, Sr. Bar Association. Ms. Williams has served as President of the Community Law Program Board of Trustees and is a long-time volunteer with the Lawyers for Literacy Program. She also serves her community through participation in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
For her leadership and dedication to public service, she was honored by the Supreme Court of Florida with the Chief Justice’s Commendation for Leadership, by The Florida Bar with the President’s Pro Bono Service Award, by the Stetson University College of Law with the William Reece Smith Public Service Award, and by the St. Petersburg City Council with the Sunshine Ambassador Award.
Her greatest accomplishment is raising two beautiful, smart, independent daughters with the support of her husband, Alfred. Her perfect day includes quality time with family, a walk with her dog, amazing food, a great book, and a long nap.