BWRE hosted its inaugural banquet dinner in honour of International Women's Day, marking a momentous occasion for our organisation. Among the highlights of the evening were the special guests who graced us with their presence, each recognised for their remarkable contributions to the sector and unwavering support of our cause.
One of the evening's highlights was the presentation of awards to three outstanding individuals. Mary-Felicia Gomez was rightfully honoured as the rising star, Jennie Dorsaint was celebrated as the trailblazer, and Warren Stapley received recognition as the Ally of the Year. Their dedication and commitment serve as an inspiration to us all, and we are privileged to have them as part of our community.
Mary-Felicia Gomez
Mary-Felicia is very early in her career and already a positive force for good, sharing her apprenticeship experience and actively inspiring others to consider careers in the industry. We need more proactive and engaged role models like her ensuring the door stays open to those coming behind them.
Connect with Mary on Linkedin:
Jennie Dorsaint
Jennie Dorsaint is a real estate finance partner in the London office of Norton Rose Fulbright LLP. She represents lenders, sponsors, investors and servicers in connection with the origination, syndication, securitisation and restructuring and enforcement of real estate debt throughout the UK and Europe. Jennie is ranked in Chambers & Partners for real estate finance and recommended in Legal 500 UK for property finance. Jennie worked at the Montreal office of Ogilvy Renault LLP (now, Norton Rose Fulbright) as a law student, trainee and junior associate between May 2001 and December 2006. She moved to London and worked as an associate at Cadwalader Wickersham & Taft LLP between 2007 and 2009 and subsequently joined Paul Hastings (Europe) LLP in 2009 where she was promoted to partner in 2016. Jennie joined Norton Rose Fulbright as a partner in 2020. As a mother of two, Jennie is an advocate for the professional development and career progression of BAME professionals and women in the legal and real estate industries: In 2020, as part of a working group for Real Estate Women, she co-authored the RE: Women Manifesto for an antiracist Built Environment, which invited signatories to become more inclusive, diverse and equitable in their practice, supply chain and legacy. Between 2021 and 2022, she served as board member of CREW UK, a network for women in the commercial real estate industry , where she worked on initiatives to increase the ethnic diversity of their panellists and members. She has been a mentor for the Creating Pathways programme of the Black Solicitors Network since 2019. She has been a member of CREFC Europe, a trade association for the commercial real estate finance industry, since 2009 and contributes to their ethnic diversity initiatives. Jennie is also co-chair of the Norton Rose Fulbright ethnic diversity network. Jennie graduated with a LL.B. from the University of Montreal in 2002 and holds a Master of Laws (2004) from the London School of Economics and Political Science. She was admitted as an advocate from the Quebec Bar in 2005 and as a solicitor in England & Wales in 2010.
Connect with Jennie on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennie-dorsaint-78551215/
Warren Stapley
Warren Stapley (he/they) is a disabled, LGBTQ+ lawyer and diversity, equity inclusion (DEI) strategist. Warren believes anti-racism, decolonisation and the dismantling of white supremacy are the keys to equity work and necessary for collective liberation. Standing against discrimination and oppression in all forms is integral to Warren's values as a DEI practitioner.
Connect with Warren on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/warren-stapley/
We express our appreciation to everyone who contributed the success of our Inaugural International Women's day Banquet Dinner. This event marked a significant start towards celebrating gender equality and diversity. We are grateful for the inspiring moments shared, especially honoring Mary-Felicia Gomez, Jennie Dorsaint, and Warren Stapley for their remarkable contributions.
Thank you to all our attendees, speakers, sponsors, and supporters for their unwavering commitment. Stay tuned to our newsletter and website for updates on our upcoming events, including our next year's International Women's Day dinner.
Let's continue working together to build an inclusive future where every voice is heard and celebrated.
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Website: www.bwre.org
Email: info@bwre.org
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LinkedIn: Black Women in Real