Practicing law with a focus on equity has been a gradual and intentional journey for me. Over the past two decades, as I engaged in my personal journey toward antiracism, I began to recognize how these insights profoundly impacted my professional life. I became increasingly aware of the challenges faced by minority-owned businesses and their owners, which inspired me to use my legal skills to support these communities. I am committed to providing my legal services to businesses and nonprofit organizations led by or serving women and minorities in my city.
I set out to fill a niche need in my community and this required breaking some barriers in societal attitude. “Breaking barriers” is indeed a lofty aspiration and, while I may not see my work as monumental, I believe that my commitment to serving minority business owners as a white business attorney is a significant step toward fostering equity. Many attorneys handle similar tasks, but my niche is rooted in being an ally and a racially conscious advocate. I recognize the realities of racism and its impact on the legal and financial systems.
It’s so important for me to be a listening ear and come to my work with an open heart. When my clients share their struggles related to racism and discrimination, I believe their experiences and empathize with the challenges they face, even if I can't fully understand them. I never minimize the hurdles they encounter; rather, their stories drive me to work harder for them and for minority-owned businesses in the Central Indiana community.
I wasn’t raised in a diverse environment, but this did not hinder that I am dedicated to working with people from different backgrounds. I've consciously examined and addressed my own biases, striving to root out prejudice within myself. This journey is ongoing, and I understand that not all professionals take this effort seriously. "Doing the work" is a term often misinterpreted by those who haven’t engaged in genuine self-reflection. It involves reading, listening, learning, confronting guilt, taking courses, and acknowledging one’s own biases. This commitment to personal growth is essential in the fight against racism, and I am devoted to this work as I support my clients and advocate for minority-owned businesses.
Though it was not diverse, I was raised in an environment that was not overtly racist. My parents instilled in me the belief that all people are equal and that no one is inherently better than anyone else. However, discussions about race or segregation were largely absent. I attended a school where the only African American students were bussed in from downtown schools, and my neighborhood and church had very few minorities—aside from one African American family down the street.
My education on African American achievements was limited; I primarily learned about figures like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and was unaware of significant cultural contributions, such as “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” until my 30s. As I’ve delved deeper into the complexities of race and the history of our city and state, I’ve come to feel a sense of embarrassment about my previous ignorance. This journey of understanding has highlighted the importance of education and awareness in addressing equity and acknowledging the realities of our shared history.
Navigating the complexities of privilege is an ongoing struggle for me, particularly in combating the apathy that can accompany white privilege. I recognize that I can move through the world with relative ease, and that reality weighs heavily on my conscience. I did nothing to earn the privileges I enjoy, which is why I intentionally place myself in situations where I am the minority or where my family and I might be unexpected.
By doing so, I can leverage my privilege to support others and gain a deeper understanding of what it feels like to be marginalized. When I find myself in a space where I'm not immediately welcomed or am met with stares, it serves as a stark reminder of the disparities that exist and underscores the work still needed to foster equity in our community.
Confronting the guilt that accompanies privilege is another challenging journey. I strive to be an ally without imposing my voice where it isn’t needed, ensuring that I don’t undermine the power or agency of those I aim to support. Living in a predominantly white city requires me to remain vigilant and empathetic, paying attention to how people are treated and responding to those dynamics, not just for the sake of advocacy but for my own moral integrity.
Imagining life without privilege is a daunting thought, and it angers me to recognize how inherently unjust that is. I make it a priority to teach my children about their unearned privilege and encourage them to use it for positive change, fostering their understanding of equity and responsibility.
Equity in business fundamentally means ensuring that everyone receives what they need to thrive. This includes access to financial resources, power, investment, skilled employees, necessary supplies, and opportunities.
Every day, it becomes increasingly clear to me that minority-owned businesses have not been treated equitably. Businesses are made up of people, and when groups that have been undervalued and overlooked come together to form businesses, those enterprises often reflect the same systemic undervaluation.
I witnessed this firsthand when a prospective client—a Black woman in her 50s—sought my advice on her business and potential real estate transactions. After our conversation, it became clear that while she has built a solid foundation, she faced significant barriers due to limited access to resources and opportunities throughout her life. If she had been white, she might have encountered fewer obstacles, allowing her to navigate these challenges with greater ease. Her experience highlights the disparities that persist and reinforces the importance of fostering equity in business to create a level playing field for all entrepreneurs.
Gaining a deeper understanding of my identity has profoundly influenced how I approach my legal practice and who I choose to serve. In the legal field, my time and expertise are the products I offer, making it essential to connect personally with my clients. Knowing who I am and what I value has directly shaped the kind of law practice I aspire to create.
Today, I proudly serve over 250 businesses and nonprofit organizations, with more than 80% of them being women-owned, minority-owned, or both. This focus reflects my commitment to making a meaningful impact and fostering equity in the communities I care about.
My self-identity is intricately tied to my calling—it's not just a job to earn a living, but a mission that drives me. I often reflect on why I am the way I am and how I can use my unique gifts to make a difference. My name is Karen, and the past few years have been challenging. Jokes about my name and the need to overcome the “Karen” stereotype arise weekly. Yet, I feel truly humbled when friends introduce me and emphasize that I’m nothing like that stereotype.
My name doesn’t define my limits; rather, it serves as a reminder of the work still to be done. I recognize that, despite my name, I possess abilities that I can use to impact a world that is often unfair. Many individuals face challenges that are beyond their control—due to their appearance, background, or abilities—and struggles they do not deserve.
I am committed to being on the side striving for equity. I never want to look back and regret resting on my privilege while others struggle with inequity. I believe it is my responsibility to use what I have—things I didn’t earn—to uplift those around me and correct injustices. The thought of failing to act against the injustice of privilege fuels my motivation to create positive change.
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