Dykema Women's Business Initiative

Equipping Women to Lead the Way

As part of Dykema’s continued commitment to diversity and inclusion, our women professionals have organized the Dykema Women’s Business Initiative. This initiative brings together female professionals and leaders from various fields, offering avenues for enhancing leadership abilities, expanding networks, and fostering both personal and career development.

Female-identifying attorneys

41%

Practice group leaders are women

35%

Hiring partners are women

43%

Our Leaders

Teresa Ereon Giltner

"WBI is how we walk the talk. How we put ambition into action. It’s an initiative built around people, not just ideas. We believe in lifting each other up, offering a hand, and empowering the next generation to break barriers and shape their own extraordinary paths."

Rochelle Lento

"WBI creates both an internal and external connection critical for the growth and development of Dykema women professionally. For Dykema to prioritize this initiative for women of the firm demonstrates its commitment to women as among its future leaders."

Advice from Winning Women

Alison Ashmore
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Sherrie Farrell
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Cinthia Motley
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Jill Wheaton
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Melanie Fry
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Heidi Naasko
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Bonnie Mayfield
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Jane Bockus
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Members are female

28%

Senior counsel are female

50%

Associates are female

57%

We consider it crucial to foster a diverse and flourishing economy and business environment by backing businesses owned by women. Not only does Dykema help women entrepreneurs transform their passion into prosperity, but we also annually host a Holiday vendor market for clients and friends that spotlights women business owners and their businesses.”

Partnering with a firm client to benefit Dress for Success, which targets the needs of low-income women by promoting economic security and self-sufficiency. Together, Dykema, the client, and the invited guests collected more than 1,500 donations of gently-used career clothing to assist women in the community.

More than 50 women attended the panel discussion, “One Size Does Not Fit All: Defining Success Perspectives” at the historic BasBlue in Detroit. Guests listened to insights from three Detroit-based entrepreneurs: Amy Peterson of Rebel Nell, Lee Padgett of Busted Bra Shop, and Lydia Gutierrez of Hacienda Mexican Foods (makers of 313 tortilla chips!), who shared lessons on perseverance, finding balance, and having faith in yourself. Dykema attorney Rochelle Lento served as the moderator.

We consider it crucial to foster a diverse and flourishing economy and business environment by backing businesses owned by women. Not only does Dykema help women entrepreneurs transform their passion into prosperity, but we also annually host a Holiday vendor market for clients and friends that spotlights women business owners and their businesses.”

Partnering with a firm client to benefit Dress for Success, which targets the needs of low-income women by promoting economic security and self-sufficiency. Together, Dykema, the client, and the invited guests collected more than 1,500 donations of gently-used career clothing to assist women in the community.

More than 50 women attended the panel discussion, “One Size Does Not Fit All: Defining Success Perspectives” at the historic BasBlue in Detroit. Guests listened to insights from three Detroit-based entrepreneurs: Amy Peterson of Rebel Nell, Lee Padgett of Busted Bra Shop, and Lydia Gutierrez of Hacienda Mexican Foods (makers of 313 tortilla chips!), who shared lessons on perseverance, finding balance, and having faith in yourself. Dykema attorney Rochelle Lento served as the moderator.

We consider it crucial to foster a diverse and flourishing economy and business environment by backing businesses owned by women. Not only does Dykema help women entrepreneurs transform their passion into prosperity, but we also annually host a Holiday vendor market for clients and friends that spotlights women business owners and their businesses.”

Mission Statement

Women's Business Initiative Mission Statement

Bringing together women and leaders from diverse business occupations, providing opportunities for building leadership skills, promoting internal cross-selling, networking, and professional and personal growth; and supporting educational development.

WBI News and Thought Leadership

Press Releases11.6.23

Dykema Recognized by the Diversity and Flexibility Alliance for "Tipping the Scales" Towards Gender Parity in 2023

The Diversity and Flexibility Alliance has recognized Dykema with a 2023 “Tipping the Scales” award…

Dykema Women's Business Initiative

Equipping Women to Lead the Way

Women at Dykema

Our Leaders

Advice from Winning Women

Alison Ashmore

Sherrie Farrell

Cinthia Motley

Jill Wheaton

Melanie Fry

Heidi Naasko

Bonnie Mayfield

Jane Bockus

Attorneys at Dykema

WBI in the Community

Women's Business Initiative Mission Statement

WBI News and Thought Leadership