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When Dr. Rory Cooper enlisted in the Army at 17, he couldn’t have imagined that decades later, he’d be inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Nor could he have predicted that a devastating accident would set him on a path to becoming one of the most influential inventors in assistive technology. But that’s exactly what happened. In a recent podcast hosted by Ashley Cheung of Virtual Patent Gateway and co-led by Shirley Fung of Akona IP and ADAPT, Dr. Cooper shared his extraordinary journey. From his early days recovering from a spinal cord injury to being a paralympian and founding the Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL) at the University of Pittsburgh, his story is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless curiosity. See the full podcast on YouTube here . “Good Ideas Can Come from Anyone” Dr. Cooper’s lab, HERL , is built on a simple but powerful philosophy: innovation thrives when diverse minds come together. “We work in teams of teams . . . physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, statisticians, and engineers of different types working together,” said Dr. Cooper. “We try to keep a fairly flat organization so that everybody has a chance to say something and contribute and feel like they’re heard.” This collaborative spirit is what led to groundbreaking inventions like the ergonomic push rim and the variable compliance joystick—technologies that have transformed mobility for countless wheelchair users around the world. But what makes Dr. Cooper’s work even more remarkable is how he’s used patents not to gatekeep innovation, but to unlock it. Patents with Purpose Dr. Cooper believes that intellectual property gives inventors the power to guide how their innovations are used. “Patents give you control,” he explained. “They let you make sure your invention is used for good.” That philosophy guided his decision to license a joystick technology royalty-free, ensuring it could be adopted by all wheelchair manufacturers—not just one. “Now that technology is pretty much used on all power wheelchairs in the entire world,” he noted. While many view patents primarily as a way to exclude others, Dr. Cooper demonstrates a different approach: using IP as a means to protect access and promote equity, not to restrict it. Advice for the Next Generation of Inventors Dr. Cooper offered age-tailored advice to aspiring inventors, with a focus on empathy, community, and purpose. For the youngest kids (K–3rd grade): “Try to solve a problem for your pet,” he said. It’s a simple way to spark empathy and creativity. For upper elementary students (4th–6th grade): “Try to solve a problem for your home, or for your grandparents, parents, brother, or sister.” What could make life easier for your family? For middle schoolers: “Work on something for your school, your church, or your community.” What could you improve? And for high schoolers: Now you’re ready to tackle bigger problems. He spoke of students who had built algae-powered mufflers to reduce emissions, or prosthetic arms with revolutionary drive trains—all before graduating high school. Some of these students are “probably already doing graduate-level work in the 11th grade,” he said, clearly inspired. Making the Patent System More Inclusive Dr. Cooper also spoke candidly about the barriers that keep many people—especially those from underrepresented communities—out of the patent system. “One of them is sort of a mental block about filing a patent,” he said, “how complex it is in the language you use.” And then there are the cost barriers, “both the attorney costs and the patent filing costs.” But he’s hopeful that tools like AI and more widespread pro bono legal support can help level the playing field. “AI is going to level that playing field quite a bit. Writing claims and an invention disclosure, and probably even a provisional patent, seems like a perfect target for generative AI.” A Mission Worth Supporting Want to be part of the innovation journey? You can support HERL by donating through the University of Pittsburgh’s Institutional Advancement office. Learn more here or follow HERL's facebook page . We’re deeply grateful to Ashley Cheung  and Virtual Patent Gateway for hosting this inspiring conversation, and to Shirley Fung  of Akona IP for representing ADAPT and helping spotlight Dr. Cooper’s mission. Dr. Cooper’s story is a powerful reminder that innovation isn’t just about technology—it’s about people, purpose, and the courage to imagine a more inclusive future.

The student body of Calistoga High School, a Title I (low-income) school in California has been through a lot over the last several years. Many are second generation Americans who have witnessed first-hand the work their parents have put in to emigrate to this country and build a life for their families – many working early and long hours under the hot sun on farms and in fields. In 2020, their community was devastated by the Glass Fire that tore through wine country in northern California, the cleanup efforts of which are still ongoing in 2024. Lemelson-MIT’s InvenTeams Grant Initiative program, founded by Lemelson-MIT in 2003 to encourage high school students to invent “technological solutions to real-world problems in their community,” provided a way to contribute to both issues and make a meaningful impact on the place they live and the world around them. Led by their dedicated teacher, Heather Brooks, the 32 members of the Calistoga High School InvenTeam embarked on a mission to address the issues of excessive heat that they had seen up close affecting family members and first responders. They engaged with local residents, particularly firefighters and agricultural workers, to understand the impacts of extreme heat on those groups. This research inspired them to develop two prototypes for SMART wearable cooling devices, leveraging their skills in both engineering and design. Recognizing early on that protecting their ideas was vital to the ability of their inventions to help the community, the teens decided to apply for patents. They collaborated with Attorney Alisha Feustel from Akona IP, who guided them through the patent filing process.  Students Beatrix Webb, the CAD specialist, and Elias Escobar, the lead engineer, played pivotal roles in this endeavor. Thanks to the funding provided by an InvenTeam grant, the students were able to focus on their goal without financial constraints. "There was nobody ever saying, 'Oh, maybe we shouldn’t patent it,' it was only, 'what are we going to patent?'" Beatrix remarked. In October 2024, the California State Senate, through a unanimous bi-lateral vote, declared the first IP Awareness Month through Senate Resolution 106 (SR-106). In honor of this, the Michelson Institute for Intellectual Property  and the California IP Alliance  hosted a joint webinar featuring Webb, Escobar, and Feustel, who shared their experiences of turning ideas into inventions.  Feustel expressed her admiration for the students, saying, "I was really surprised at how patent-savvy and knowledgeable these students were." She praised the quality of their initial patent application draft and figures, which they taught themselves how to prepare, and noted their focus on solving real-world problems for the benefit of firefighters and agricultural workers. “It was an exceptional experience. The students are very knowledgeable…They know their technology.” The students' journey didn't end there. October also marked Hispanic Heritage Month, during which Escobar was invited to join Lemelson-MIT at the White House to speak about his experience with the InvenTeam. This recognition highlighted the significance of the Calistoga team’s work and the impact their ideas have had on their community. Reflecting on the process, Webb shared, "I feel more confident in myself now… It's made me more connected to the people around me, and it's given me a lot of opportunities to get my voice out there." Her words underscore the personal growth and empowerment that came from participating on the InvenTeam. When asked for advice for future InvenTeam participants, Webb enthusiastically responded, "If you like the process of making something new, you’re going to have fun!" Escobar echoed her sentiment, adding, "Just do it – it’s fun!" The story of Calistoga High School's InvenTeam is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of its students. Through their dedication and hard work, they have not only created innovative solutions to pressing problems but also inspired their community and beyond. Their journey serves as a powerful reminder of the potential within every student to make a difference and the importance of supporting young innovators in their pursuits. Kate Duttera ADAPT Communications Committee

In the summer of 2024, Ericsson hosted its annual Girl Scout Alliance event, a day dedicated to inspiring young women to explore careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The event, held at Ericsson's corporate office, brought together high school Girl Scouts for a day filled with learning, networking, and hands-on activities designed to ignite their passion for STEM. The event kicked off with an introduction to Ericsson by Amy McCune, a senior leader at the company and a former Girl Scout herself. Amy shared her personal journey and emphasized the importance of STEM education, stating, "Tomorrow's STEM leadership starts today." She highlighted Ericsson's role in global connectivity through technologies like 4G, 5G, and the upcoming 6G, providing the girls with a baseline understanding of the company's impact on the world. Following Amy's inspiring talk, the girls participated in a workshop on the Design Thinking process, a method used to create innovative solutions for challenging problems. The workshop included a warm-up exercise where the girls brainstormed ideas for designing a doorbell, encouraging them to think creatively and technically. The main activity involved tackling real-world problems, such as increasing the representation of women in STEM and boosting the number of female inventors holding international patents. The girls worked in groups along with facilitators from Ericsson’s Intellectual Property Rights & Licensing (IPR&L) group to brainstorm, empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test their solutions, showcasing their impressive problem-solving skills. One of the standout moments of the day was the networking session led by Dennis Smith, a Regional Head of Ericsson’s Talent Acquisition team. Dennis shared valuable tips on how to network effectively, including how to make impactful introductions and build confidence in professional settings. The girls then had the opportunity to put their new skills to use during a networking Fika, a Swedish-style coffee break, where they mingled with Ericsson employees from various engineering and business units. This session allowed the girls to practice their networking skills in a real-world environment, further boosting their confidence and professional abilities. The event also included a tour of the Ericsson office, where the girls explored the facilities and enjoyed a break by the pond, complete with an opportunity to feed the resident turtles. This tour provided a glimpse into the corporate world and the day-to-day operations at Ericsson, making the experience both educational and enjoyable. Towards the end of the day, Jay Tatachar, another organizer of the event and an attorney in Ericsson’s IPR&L group, spoke to the girls about intellectual property (IP). Jay explained the different types of IP coverage, including patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets, and discussed the importance of IP in protecting innovative ideas. He also highlighted career opportunities in IP law, encouraging the girls to consider this path as a way to stay involved in STEM. Jay's talk was particularly impactful, as it introduced the girls to a lesser known but vital STEM career option. The event concluded with a debriefing session led by Technical Product Manager, Charla Brown, where the girls reflected on their experiences and shared their thoughts on the day's activities. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many girls expressing a newfound interest in STEM careers and appreciation for the opportunity to learn from industry professionals. Overall, the Ericsson Girl Scout Alliance event was a resounding success, providing young women with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration to pursue careers in STEM. The combination of engaging workshops, networking opportunities, and real-world insights made the event both impactful and memorable. With events like these, Ericsson is helping to pave the way for the next generation of female leaders in STEM, ensuring a brighter and more inclusive future for all. Kate Duttera ADAPT Communications Team

Interviewee: Ashley Cheung Principal & Founder, Virtual Patent Gateway, LLC Interviewers: Nicole Cohen and Camelia Gilani ADAPT Communications Team We had the pleasure of sitting down with Ashley Cheung, the Principal and Founder of Virtual Patent Gateway (VPG), and a trailblazer in the patent litigation space with 25 years of experience as a paralegal and Case Manager. In 2020, Ashley launched VPG, a virtual paralegal consultancy specializing in PTAB practice and Ex Parte Reexaminations, while also pursuing her passions for writing, mentoring, podcasting, and empowering voices. Our conversation focused on Ashley’s inspiration for joining ADAPT, the opportunities it has provided her, and how it has amplified her voice as a non-attorney professional. We also delved into her panel at the 2024 Running Legal Like a Business (RLLB 2024) Legal Ops conference. Can You Tell Us About Yourself? My name is Ashley Cheung, and I’m the Principal & Founder of Virtual Patent Gateway (VPG). I’ve been a patent litigation paralegal and Case Manager for 25 years. In 2020, I launched VPG, a virtual paralegal consultancy specializing in Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) practice. Recently, I’ve also focused on Ex Parte Reexaminations, supporting registered patent practitioners with filings and proceedings. Beyond my substantive work supporting patent practitioners, my interests include writing, mentoring, and exploring creative media. My favorite pastime is traveling with my mom, Cheungma, sharing adventures and creating unforgettable memories, especially since my dad passed in 2017. What Inspired You to Join ADAPT? I discovered ADAPT through the PTAB Bar Association. After sharing my story at an All-Hands Quarterly Meeting, I was inspired by ADAPT’s mission to bridge gaps for non-attorney practitioners, offering opportunities for personal and professional growth. What Opportunities Has ADAPT Offered You? My journey with ADAPT has been remarkable. I’ve built strong connections, interviewed leaders in the legal space that seek to empower voices and debiasing, and found mentors, mentees, and friends. A highlight was moderating and participating in panels at the 2024 Running Legal Like a Business (RLLB) conference in Las Vegas. I joined two panels: one on career paths for attorneys and non-attorneys, and another on personal branding for IP professionals with panelists like Sasha Strauss and Bonnie Korte. These experiences were insightful and empowering, underscoring ADAPT’s role in fostering meaningful connections and sparking positive change. How Has ADAPT Amplified Your Voice as a Non-Attorney? ADAPT has been instrumental in amplifying my voice as a non-attorney in the legal space across industries. It cultivates an abundance mindset, encouraging us to embrace opportunities and challenge self-doubt. During my Virtual Water Cooler Chat podcast and the LegalOps conference panels, I shared my story despite battling impostor syndrome. The supportive environment motivated me to speak up and embrace my unique contributions. ADAPT helps shift narratives about non-attorneys, empowering us to lead and drive change within the legal profession. Insights from my participation of the ADAPT track Panel Discussions As an immigrant and non-native English speaker, I learned the importance of growth through our lessons. For years, I silenced my voice to fit in, however, I discovered the strength of authenticity. Sharing stories at RLLB 2024 deepens understanding and unites us. These discussions highlighted the vital role of mentorship and community for underrepresented groups, empowering us to inspire change and foster inclusivity in our profession. Next Steps with ADAPT I’m eager to collaborate further with ADAPT by contributing to workshops on boundary-setting and self-respect. Mentoring underrepresented communities remains a priority, empowering future leaders to navigate challenges and realize their potential. ADAPT has already made a significant impact, and I’m excited to continue building on its mission for meaningful change.

Patent Pathways® is a nonprofit organization dedicated to breaking down barriers and creating equal opportunities in the patent profession. By offering free virtual education, mentorship, financial support, practical career guidance, and law firm matching, Patent Pathways® empowers talented individuals from underrepresented backgrounds—particularly those with STEM degrees—to succeed in patent law. Through this program, participants are provided with the tools, resources, and community needed to prepare for and pass the patent bar, as well as the opportunity to meet with and apply for roles with law firm partners, transforming career aspirations into realities.   The program arose out of patent firm Harrity & Harrity’s  “Give 2 Give” philosophy, through which the partners prioritize giving back to the community simply to make a difference. Launched in 2022, Patent Pathways® has since hosted over 130 virtual sessions for 91 participants, with a record 51 individuals in the most recent cohort. It is a 100% volunteer-based organization, comprised of over 40 law firm partners and corporate sponsors, 108 mentors, and 189 active volunteers all dedicated to improving inclusion in the patent field by bringing in individuals from all backgrounds sharing one common goal: passing the patent bar.   Pai Liu, one of the incredible members of the June 2024 Patent Pathways® cohort, recently celebrated that tremendous achievement: she passed the patent bar exam. Pai’s journey is a testament to her remarkable determination and highlights the powerful influence Patent Pathways® can have on those dreaming of obtaining a career in patent law.   With both a bachelor’s and Ph.D. in neuroscience from Emory University, Pai has already established herself as a trailblazer in the technology transfer field. However, balancing her patent studies with a full-time role was no easy feat, especially since she is not a native English speaker. Reflecting on this challenge, Pai noted, “Passing the patent bar is something I never imagined achieving (as English is not my first language). Just three years ago, I didn’t even know what patent law was, and I can hardly believe how far I’ve come with the support of this program.”   During her journey, Pai found invaluable resources, mentorship, and encouragement through Patent Pathways®. “I’m forever grateful for the encouragement provided throughout (I needed that to study after full-time work every day), the PLI study material, and the guidance from everyone on the Patent Pathways® Team,” she shared. Patent Pathways® provided the tools that allowed her to build confidence and thrive in the patent profession. “Passing the patent bar has been a game-changer for me as a technology transfer professional,” Pai said, emphasizing how the knowledge she’s gained “has enriched my work and boosted my confidence immensely.” One of the most memorable moments in Pai’s journey was her recent meeting with Kathi Vidal, Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). During their conversation, Pai shared her story and expressed that her success would not have been possible without the support of Patent Pathways®. Director Vidal later celebrated Pai’s accomplishment in a LinkedIn post , publicly recognizing her dedication and resilience. This recognition underscores the potential of programs like Patent Pathways® to elevate and inspire others pursuing and within the patent profession. John Harrity, Chairperson of Patent Pathways®, also praised Pai’s success, calling her journey “a testament to perseverance and the transformative power of support and mentorship.” He emphasized that Pai’s achievements—especially passing the patent bar as a non-native English speaker while managing full-time work—capture the mission of Patent Pathways®. “Your success is not just personal; it uplifts and motivates everyone involved in this community,” he noted, pointing out that Pai’s journey will undoubtedly inspire others who may have once felt that patent law was out of reach.   Pai’s story exemplifies the impact of Patent Pathways®’ commitment to creating a more inclusive future for patent law. Through mentorship, financial assistance, study resources, and ongoing support, Patent Pathways® empowers individuals like Pai to excel in patent law and make meaningful contributions within the innovation ecosystem.   Congratulations to Pai on this incredible accomplishment. Her journey offers powerful encouragement for those who hope to follow in her footsteps, and her success highlights the vital role that programs like Patent Pathways® play in building a diverse future for the patent profession.   Stay tuned for more stories as Patent Pathways® continues opening doors and paving new paths for talent in patent law.   Want to be part of our mission? Learn how you can get involved as a partner, sponsor, committee volunteer, or mentor at www.patentpathways.org . Samantha Sullivan ADAPT Communications Committee

Unlocking Potential, Building Bridges A fundamental question was asked by the founders of ADAPT: How can we scale efforts across the industry and academia in order to build a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive profession?  The REA Summer Engineering Experience has one answer.  This program helps engineering students thrive and graduate, some of whom enter the Intellectual Property professions.    What happens when a group of engineering alums ask themselves what more can be done to improve DEI in their profession?  Great things.  Enter the Rice Summer Engineering Experience (SEE) program.  The brainchild of leaders of the Rice Engineering Alumni, one of the primary goals of the program is to retain students in the engineering program and provide an experience that would motivate the students to remain in the profession.   Introduction to REA In the heart of Houston, Texas, Rice University’s Engineering Alumni (REA) Association is on a mission. Their goal? To support Rice students from under-resourced high schools to have a successful and exciting undergraduate experience that prepares them to achieve their career goals in the sciences. To do so, the REA established the The REA Summer Engineering Experience, an internship program that builds a bridge between academia and industry, fostering growth, diversity, and innovation. Why It Matters Creating Pathways REA recognizes that every engineer starts somewhere. For many students, that first step can be daunting. That’s where the Summer Engineering Experience comes in. Launched in fall 2020, the program focuses on first and second year students, or those who need a first real-world engineering experience, and partners with corporate sponsors to open doors for students who might not otherwise have access to these opportunities. It’s about creating pathways for the next generation of engineers. Diverse Talent REA collaborates with firms of all sizes, from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies, in providing opportunities to their students. REA mentors guide students in resume preparation and interview skills, ensuring they’re ready to shine. Corporate partners receive a curated selection of applicants based on their needs, from engineering majors to expected graduation years. It’s a win-win: students gain valuable experience, and companies tap into a diverse talent pool. The Impact 100% student graduation success rate with engineers headed to the workforce or higher education.   The REA Summer Engineering Experience works closely with the Rice Emerging Scholars Program (RESP), as well as the Rice chapters of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), and Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) to proactively identify internship candidates. First generation students and those from low-income backgrounds are particularly targeted, as access to engineering role models is key to supporting their career success.  By engaging with students early, REA not only impacts their career trajectories but also provides companies with exceptional talent. It’s a chance to shape the future of engineering.  REA hosts a luncheon each summer for the incoming class of RESP scholars. Other attendees include current/past SEE participants, REA Board members, and host company representatives.  Along with a speaker, the focus of the luncheon meeting is to allow RESP students to meet with upperclassmen and be able to inquire about careers as well as being a university student. By championing diversity, REA ensures that engineering reflects the world we live in—a world where innovation knows no boundaries. “We focused on this because we wanted to help students see what engineering was about and to understand that it was more than just solving problem sets in the classroom to see what engineers do in the real world” - Jim Pyke, Rice Engineering Alumni Board Voices from the Program   “When I heard I'd be working on ballistic missile submarines, at first I thought it was a joke. The CEO quickly let us know that it was not. So from there, there was a little bit of decision making to do, but I thought that well, this is as real as it gets. You know, those are the times that make you feel human and the fact I get to work or something like that is very special.  I currently want to work in renewable energy. I don't know what specifically, but I do know that. Eventually I'd like to own my own engineering firm that works solely on renewable energies, and I'd like to be the CEO.” Balla Sanogo, Rice Mechanical Engineering Student Intern, Unified Industries “Our Rice interns did not expect to work on some of the most sophisticated weapons platforms in the world. The maturity they displayed demonstrated the level of respect and responsibility that is warranted and demanded in supporting the Department of Defense.”  Ted Adams – President of Unified Industries, Inc “ I honestly didn't know what to expect, so I couldn't say that it was what I expected as a student who came from a lower background, this was an opportunity to expose myself to engineering. I got matched with Blade Energy Partners through an interview process and really friendly people, very nurturing and really helped me see the journey that being an engineering would take me.”  Leticia Souto, Rice Mechanical Engineering Student Intern, Blade Energy Partners   “I've been an electrical engineer for over 10 years and there aren't that many of us, so it was kind of like a mentorship or a sisterhood. I feel like that I could kind of give her some insight to what I've experienced as a female engineer and what she can expect to see and how she can overcome it.”  Alicia Boyd, EPG Project Manager, Key Capture Energy Get Involved Are you ready to empower the engineers of tomorrow? Visit the Rice Engineering Alumni website ( https://www.riceengineeringalumni.org/ )  to learn more about the program and how you can build your own program. We can build a brighter future—one internship at a time.  Adam Jaffe ADAPT Communications Committee

Interviewee: Jacob Song Director of Legal Affairs, Marconi   Interviewer: Nicole Cohen ADAPT Communications Team ADAPT strives to improve diversity, equity and inclusion in in the patent industry, in part, through accessibility to information. As part of this effort, ADAPT provides a platform that helps the industry jump-start DEI efforts by leveraging our database of volunteer and sponsorship opportunities for practitioners looking to join or sponsor an existing effort.   Avanci is the latest ADAPT member to leverage the platform to successfully learn, join and implement the program within their organization. We recently met with Jacob Song, Director of Legal Affairs at Marconi, to learn more about the company’s experience.   What inspired Avanci to join ADAPT? As a company with a diverse employee population around the world, joining ADAPT aligned with Avanci’s values of being collaborative and solutions driven. Avanci drives transformation in our industry through teamwork, and we feel we can accomplish so much more working together. As a fast-growing company with many experienced IP professionals at all levels, we found ourselves deeply committed to the principles of DEI but needed support to develop our own programs. ADAPT facilitates this support through their “direct join” measures in which they provide organizations with established DEI efforts to directly partner with.   Why Street Law? Some of our colleagues had prior experience with ADAPT before joining Avanci, so our DEI group took their suggestion to review the ADAPT resources to set our agenda for the year. After joining ADAPT, one of our colleagues highlighted his fantastic experience with Street Law at a previous employer. Street Law’s focus on connecting with the local community and raising awareness of careers in IP resonated with our ideas for incorporating DEI into our company culture. We felt inspired to share our career journeys and potentially provide exposure to IP for highly motivated students who might not otherwise know about those types of opportunities. The Street Law program stood out as something we all wanted to pursue. After the initial process of joining Street Law and identifying a partner school, we committed to running the Street Law program in the Fall of 2023 with the Judge Barefoot Sanders Law Magnet in Dallas. The Street Law program provided initial training for volunteers, followed by two visits to the school to teach lesson modules, and culminated in a capstone event at our office, hosting a class of more than 20 students and teachers from our partner school. What was your experience with Street Law like? While we get the chance to collaborate for work every day, this volunteering experience provided a unique bonding opportunity for all of us as we engaged with the students. We had the opportunity to explain our various paths to careers in IP, field their questions, and teach the students some of the fundamental concepts of IP and Advertising Law during the classroom visits. We were thrilled to find the students were incredibly impressive and engaged during the lessons, which in turn motivated our volunteers to put on a stand-out capstone event for the students.   On the day of the capstone event, folks at all levels of our company were involved — our President and COO Jamie Ribman offered welcome and opening remarks; founder and CEO Kasim Alfalahi addressed the students during the lunch break, and we presented certificates of completion to the students.   Though the volunteers were impressed after the classroom lessons, the students truly amazed our volunteers during the capstone event—every student was enthusiastically engaged, and their feedback confirmed that they got a lot out of the program. For example, they said:   “I learned a lot about patent law and advertisement law. But I also understood more about the rationale behind the law.” “It was very interactive and fun, especially the activities.” “There is not one way to become a lawyer.” “Maybe make it longer? It was a great experience, and I’d love to do more of it.” Looking ahead, how do you plan to collaborate with ADAPT and Street Law? We plan to continue with another Street Law program in 2024 and highly recommend any company—big or small—to consider this as part of their DEI program. Thanks to ADAPT we found this fantastic program and we hope to explore more DEI programs curated and promoted by ADAPT.

Interviewee: Azie Aziz, Ph.D., Patent Agent, Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP Houston Interviewer: Adam Jaffe ADAPT Communications Team I sat down with Azie Aziz, a Malaysian immigrant who has made Houston her home and winner of the 2023-24 Houston Intellectual Property Law Association (HIPLA) Excellence in Diversity Award.  She imagined and curated one of the most innovative diversity projects in Houston – the Art & Diversity Initiative.  Our discussion focused on her background, reasons for being the key representative for ADAPT at Womble, mentorship, and her plans for the future. Tell us about the Art & Diversity Initiative: I led and curated Womble Bond Dickinson’s Art & Diversity Initiative, a series of rotating art exhibitions organized to engage with local artists and create visibility for them in our Houston office.  This annual initiative, which launched in December 2023, is a series of rotating art exhibitions organized to engage with local artists and create visibility for them. The initial installation, ‘Nos Populi: We the People’, exhibits art from diverse Houston artists that highlight the diverse cultures, perspectives, and identities of Houstonians. The exhibition is installed across the main floors of Womble Bond Dickinson’s Houston office. What inspired you to lead ADAPT’s mission at Womble? I grew up in Malaysia in a small town called Teluk Intan. I remember understanding quite young that I would have to grow up very fast if I wanted to improve my life. I have worked so hard to even get to the same starting point as many of my peers. We did not have a television at home, and I remember that the only entertainment available was a textbook from school. I did not have a professional role model growing up. And the idea of going to college sounded like a foreign concept. My life changed when I was selected to enroll in a government funded boarding school, where I learned about going to college. This boarding school system was established in Malaysia to nurture outstanding students to excel in academics and extracurricular activities.  Because I received this opportunity, I became the first in my family to go to college. My childhood experiences growing up without privileges have sparked my passion for helping people challenged to find opportunities. When I heard about ADAPT at the end of my secondment at Google, I drew a parallel between ADAPT’s mission and EMERGE mentor Program – to inform and provide access to opportunity. What is the EMERGE mentor Program? I discovered EMERGE through a Google search with the keywords "underserved high performing students Houston." There, I found the EMERGE website. I wrote EMERGE an email expressing my interest in volunteering. My first EMERGE event was EMERGE Career Day at Rice University in 2018.  Through EMERGE Career Day at Rice, I met my current Firm’s Office Managing Partner, Jeff Whittle, who introduced me to patent law. EMERGE is very important to my life because it gave me the opportunity to be where I am today. That is the reason EMERGE is so close to my heart. I have a deep belief in the interconnectedness of humanity and its role in unlocking potential. What has been the impact of Emerge? One of my mentees, Nolan Zeng who is now an engineering student at Duke University became interested in pursuing a career in patent law.  Throughout his mentorship with me, I invited Nolan to my visit and attend information sessions with the patent attorneys.  As Nolan became more interested in patent law, Nolan expressed his interest in interning at the patent prosecution group at Womble Bond Dickinson.  Nolan wrote me to say “Ms. Aziz is a wonderful mentor and friend that I was introduced to through the EMERGE Mentorship program. Through the program, Ms. Aziz provided advice and glimpses of the professional world, encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone and network with working professionals, while remaining myself. Just as importantly though, Ms. Aziz shared her cultural heritage, hobbies, and life stories so that I also grew as a person throughout the program. Even now, after the program is finished, Ms. Aziz is somebody I can turn to and confide in anything. Thank you for being an integral part of my journey Ms. Aziz!” What are your plans for the future with ADAPT? I feel the same story can happen to an individual who has potential but lacks information and access to the patent law. It is time for me to give back. That is a strong reason that I want to contribute to ADAPT. At Womble Bond Dickinson, we have been actively supporting ADAPT’s Mission.  To date, Womble has provided 16 mentors and actively participated in the development of the Professional Guide.  This year, Womble continues to partner with a local university and corporation to organize student outreach via a panel discussion on dismantling barriers and creating pathways for success.  I also encourage more participation from my colleagues at Womble. For example, I partnered with Black Affinity Group (BAG) at Womble to encourage BAG members and ally to volunteer with ADAPT.  I also have a plan to sit down with other affinity groups to encourage them to jointly agree to work on one of the programs available on the ADAPT platform.  I also enhance communication within Womble by sending a monthly update to Womble ADAPT volunteers and sharing what I learn from ADAPT Quarterly calls.

Deborah L. Corpus - Partner at Pearne & Gordon LLP, Co-chair, DEI committee At Pearne, diversity has always been a priority. This is reflected in not only our our support and work with ADAPT and the ADAPT community, but also through our Diversity & Inclusion Committee and our continued work to improve diversity at the firm. We have tracked diversity statistics and our progress across our team for many years. The information we gathered, however, was limited in scope and informal. As a result, we did not know exactly where we stood, and how we could improve. To drive progress, we wanted to capture additional diversity information, but we had many questions and concerns. How can we capture more data? How do we ask? How would people respond? Ultimately, where do we start? Enter Mansfield Rule™ by Diversity Lab, a program that one of our partners heard about, passed it on to another partner on our DEI committee (me) (https://www.diversitylab.com/pilot-projects/mansfield_midsize/). The goal of the Mansfield Rule is to boost and sustain diversity in leadership in law departments and law firms through three main pillars: Shifting cultures and mindsets through data tracking, advancement process transparency, and considering a broad slate of 30-50% underrepresented talent for all leadership roles and the activities that lead to leadership; Sharing knowledge to work together, learn together, and succeed together as a community; and Increasing the marketplace visibility and economic power of underrepresented talent through Mansfield Client Forums, Diverse Partners Directory, and more. As part of the program, Diversity Lab works with participants to measure the outcomes and iterate the requirements to improve diversity over time. To ensure Mansfield’s long-term results, there is an increasingly challenging “Certification Plus” category that evaluates whether firms and legal departments have achieved diversity in leadership, not just considered it. To satisfy the requirements for certification, the Mansfield Rule requires, for example: consider 30% historically underrepresented lawyer candidates for hiring, consider 30% historically underrepresented lawyer candidates for equity partner promotions, consider 30% historically underrepresented lawyer candidates for participation in formal client pitches and client meetings… Participation in the certification process is open to both midsize and larger-sized law firms who share the desire and willingness to improve, learn and share with others about their experiences and processes relating to their firms’ DEI efforts. We joined the March 2022 cohort for midsize firms for the certification period ending July 15, 2023 - along with dozens of other midsize firms (25-150 attorneys) around the country. To drive change, the structure of the program’s certification process includes accountability, through frequent check-ins/audits, data collection, and reporting; the participants’ ongoing collaboration through monthly group knowledge sharing forums; and the transparency of publicly certifying. The certification process has taught us invaluable lessons we can leverage to continue to drive diversity at our firm and beyond. The process and information sharing has taught us effective methods for collecting attorney identification data in a confidential and objective manner, tracking participation for important client meetings, pitches for new or existing clients, and requests for proposals, and ensuring that we are providing all the information, tools, and guidance to attorneys as it relates to compensation and promotions in a transparent manner. One of the most valuable aspects of the process has been the knowledge sharing among other firms who have been certified or who are involved in the process along with us. The conversations are open and honest, and there is a mutual interest for all participating firms to succeed. As mentioned above, certification requires firms to consider at least 30% historically underrepresented individuals for various attorney and non-attorney leadership roles, client-facing activities, promotion, and more. Through the Mansfield Rule certification process, we are improving diversity in our firm’s leadership and attorney teams not just by chance but with intention and accountability. Our involvement with ADAPT is another extension of our DEI commitment and we are proud to work alongside so many others in this growing community. The Mansfield Certification is one of many programs that are highlighted as part of ADAPT’s platform, which provides a database of DEI programs and templates for corporate and law firm teams to jump start their DEI journey. If you are interested in joining, contact ADAPT today!