NJ LEEP Celebrates Leadership in Diversity

On May 28, 2019

On May 29, NJ LEEP will honor C. Allen Parker, interim CEO and president of Wells Fargo, at its annual Leadership in Diversity Gala at the Westin in Jersey City.

The event, which celebrates NJ LEEP’s academic success and its essential partnerships with law firms and corporate counsels, will also feature several NJ LEEP students, including two graduating seniors who will serve as emcees for the evening. Faneeza Ali, the first NJ LEEP alum to graduate from law school, will deliver opening remarks.

Our honoree, C. Allen Parker, has shown remarkable leadership skills and a commitment to diversity during his entire career. He assumed his current position at Wells Fargo in March 2019 after serving as senior executive vice president and general counsel. He joined Wells Fargo in 2017 from Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP, where he was presiding partner from 2013 to 2016, responsible for the development of firm-wide strategy and day-to-day leadership. Among the many posts Parker held at Cravath, which has been a longtime supporter of NJ LEEP, he was chair of the Diversity Committee from January 2007 until his departure.  Parker earned his law degree from Columbia University School of Law in New York City.

“NJ LEEP helps to open doors and ensure that more students from a range of backgrounds are able to attend college and law school – and learn more about corporate or legal professions,” said Parker. “It’s an honor to receive this prestigious award from an organization that benefits so many deserving New Jersey students and plays such a critical role in their future success.”

Past NJ LEEP Leadership in Diversity honorees have included Anne Madden (Honeywell), Craig Silliman (Verizon), Greg Palm (Goldman Sachs), Susan Blount (Prudential), and the Barclays legal department.

“NJ LEEP salutes and recognizes Allen Parker for his commitment and focus on diversity and inclusion issues,” said Executive Director Matthew Feinstein. “Since opening our doors 12 years ago, NJ LEEP has been incredibly fortunate to have the support and partnership of dozens of corporate partners such as Wells Fargo. Because of their support, we are able to offer our students career exposure through field trips and a week-on-the-job program, mentorship through a Constitutional Law and Debate program, and professional contacts through networking events.”

Nearly 600 guests are expected at this year’s event, which has more than 90 sponsors and has raised more than $1.2 million, which will provide critical support to NJ LEEP as it expands its programming.

To access more business news, visit NJB News Now.

Related Articles: