ACC St. Louis June 2024 Newsletter

Monthly News & Updates

June 2024

Presidential Update:

ACC St. Louis Chapter President,

Beverly Garner,

Associate General Counsel, Bunge

Thank you for everyone who attended the 39^th Annual Corporate Counsel Institute on May 9 at the Ritz Carlton. Approx. 320 members, sponsors and others attended the full day program, which included 9.0 hours of CLE. Attendees focused on and engaged in the various presentations. The exhibit hall buzzed with excitement and energy. Congratulations to the CCI Committee for planning and hosting a successful event. We are already looking forward to the 40^th Annual CCI in 2025.

Congratulations also to Jenny Herner, Immediate Past President, who moderated ACC’s Spring Leadership Development Institute in Washington DC on May 17. Jenny delivered thoughtful opening remarks about the contents of President Lincoln’s pockets on the night he was shot at Ford’s Theatre only a few blocks from the site of LDI. She explained why the contents of his pockets represented the tools and mindset needed by a leader. When you see Jenny, ask her about the three objections. Jay Repaso, President-Elect, Jennifer Robinson, Treasurer, and I also attended LDI. We look forward to sharing and implementing many of the new ideas shared by ACC and other Chapters.

Name: Myla Croft

Originally From: St. Louis, Missouri

School: Southern Illinois University School of Law

Internship Company: Rabo Diversified Services

Q - First off, what appeals to you about becoming a lawyer?

A - I want to become an attorney because I am passionate about helping others. As an attorney, I have the opportunity to advocate for a better legal system. In the future, I hope to specialize in immigration law to help those who are seeking asylum.

Q - Who or what has been a major influence or inspiration to you?

A - My mentors have been a major influence on me. They have encouraged and challenged me to pursue my goals. My mentors always have faith in my abilities to succeed professionally and academically. They have shown me the importance of hard work, compassion, and resilience.

Name: Madison Neath-Gordon

Originally From: Cumming, Georgia

School: Washington University School of Law in St. Louis

Internship Company: Bunzl Distribution

Q - First off, what appeals to you about becoming a lawyer?

A - In all of my previous roles, I have always taken pride in my ability to learn from and advocate for others. As a result, I have always appreciated the social aspects of being a lawyer. At WashU Law, I have gotten the pleasure of learning alongside and from brilliant minds. I look forward to having this opportunity throughout my career. Additionally, I hope to create long-lasting relationships with clients and colleagues as a lawyer in whatever practice area I decide to pursue.

Q - Who or what has been a major influence or inspiration to you?

A - A major influence in my life has always been my educators. I would not be where I am today without those who were patient and passionate enough to train and support me. I owe an immense amount of gratitude to all of my past educators: from my first-grade teacher, Susan Besson to my Legal Practice professor, Emily Cohen. In all my forms of education, I have been influenced to constantly challenge myself and go beyond my comfort zone. Through my educators, I have learned the importance of hard work and how to find the beauty in the unknown.

Name: Adesola Orogade

Originally From: Deltona, Florida

School: Washington University School of Law

Internship Company: Washington University General Counsel Office

Q - First off, what appeals to you about becoming a lawyer?

A - Before law school, I was passionate about volunteering and giving back to my community. I began volunteering during my freshman year of college, dedicating time each week to participate in food drives for various organizations. The smiles on the faces of those I helped warmed my heart, providing me with a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment. Eager to do more, I joined the Guardian Ad Litem program in Hillsborough County. After completing the required trainings, I was entrusted with selecting my first two cases. These experiences profoundly impacted my understanding of the foster care system.

I witnessed firsthand the complexities of the system: the decisions made by the court and judges in what they believed to be the best interest of the children, the challenges faced by overburdened caseworkers, and the trauma experienced by children when removed from their parents and placed in alternate living arrangements. I observed the lengths some family members would go to in order to reunite with their children, juxtaposed with those who seemed indifferent to their well-being. This exposure to the harsh realities of the world saddened me, yet it also ignited a desire for change. Initially, I aspired to single-handedly transform the system. However, I soon realized the entrenched nature of its complexities. Instead, I recognized the importance of influencing policy and advocating for systemic improvements. I saw the potential to become a catalyst for change, serving as a precedent for future advocates, lawyers, and judges. It was this realization that solidified my decision to pursue a career in law. I am driven to stand alongside other lawyers, fighting for equitable justice within our community and striving to be a part of the positive change it so desperately needs.

Name: Mohamad Rajeh

Originally From: Syria

School: Saint Louis University School of Law

Internship Company: Charter Communications

Q: First off, what appeals to you about becoming a lawyer?

A. As a first-generation immigrant, I find the complexity of the American legal system incredibly fascinating, especially the ability to effectuate change. While laws may seem rigid and strict, they could be changed through client advocacy to accommodate our ever-changing society. A cursory look at case law, for instance, shows how our rules have evolved through lawyers' work on cases. Such an avenue for change is a privilege and a blessing that is absent in many other countries.

Q: Who or what has been a major influence or inspiration to you?

A. My father has been the major source of my inspiration. His support has been unwavering, especially since I moved to the U.S. during high school. While our family was dealing with uncertainty as we were moving into the U.S., my father worked very hard to ensure we had the best opportunities here. Even in moments when I doubted myself, he motivated me to push through and move forward. He instilled in me a passion for knowledge that shaped me from a high schooler who barely spoke English into a rising second year law student.

Name: Faith Whatley-Blaine

Originally From: St. Louis, Missouri

School: Saint Louis University School of Law

Internship Company: Bayer Crop Science

Q: First off, what appeals to you about becoming a lawyer?

A: Growing up I always had an innate sense of justice and wanting to right wrongs in the world and passion for oral argument (sometimes to the dismay of my parents). This led me to dream of being a lawyer and being able to utilize my law license to have the power to create a meaningful, tangible difference for others.

Q: Who or what has been a major influence or inspiration to you?

A. My parents. Both have gone through difficult times and hardships, but their work ethic, determination, and incredible resilience has led to them making it through everything. They have paved the way for me to attend college and law school and graced me and my sisters with so many opportunities for a better life than they had. I hope to utilize those opportunities and skills they have instilled in me to create a better world for others.

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