LGBTQ+ & Allies Private Dinner

NACD Northern California
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Lisa Spivey,
Executive Director

Kate Azima,
Director of Partnerships & Marketing
programs@northerncalifornia.nacdonline.org

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About The Event

Did you know that LGBTQ+ individuals comprise over 7% of the U.S. population, yet hold less than 0.7% of seats on Fortune 500 boards? During Pride Month, we convened our LGBTQ+ cohort and allies to address this disparity head-on.

Focusing on directors in the healthcare and life sciences sectors—where representation is comparatively higher than in other industries—we gathered directors to discuss critical issues facing these industries. The room was filled with remarkable talent and industry expertise, underscored by invaluable support from our allies.

We were honored to have Fabrice C Houdart, executive director of Association of LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors, lead the discussions. His insights highlighted the vital contributions and diverse perspectives that LGBTQ+ individuals bring to boardrooms.

Special thanks to our discussion leaders and industry experts: Joe Benfatti, Clara Fong, Ashwani Verma from RSM US LLP, and Jacob Hanna and Mika Mayer from Cooley for supporting our LGBTQ+ cohort and making this event at the Rosewood Sand Hill such a success.

If you're a current or aspiring board member interested in joining NACD Northern California's LGBTQ+ Cohort, please reach out to us at programs@northerncalifornia.nacdonline.org. We convene several times annually, both virtually and in-person, to foster meaningful dialogue and drive positive change.

Thank you to our fantastic speakers:

Joe Benfatti

Partner, Risk Consulting, RSM; North American PRIDE Employee Network Group

Joe has over 25 years of public accounting experience between RSM and a Big Four accounting firm. He leads the firms the Security, Privacy and Risk consulting practice in the firm’s Western Markets...

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Jacob Hanna

Associate at Cooley LLP

Jacob practices general corporate and securities law. He represents both private and public companies in a range of industries, as well as investors. His practice includes entity formation and organization, governance matters, venture capital and other private financings, capital...

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Fabrice Houdart

Executive Director, Association of LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors

Fabrice Houdart is the executive director of the newly created Association of LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors. He also advises Fortune 500 firms on human rights issues. Fabrice is a member of the L'Oreal Global Diversity...

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Clara Fong

Partner at RSM US LLP

Clara boasts a wealth of over 25 years of professional accounting experience, catering to companies ranging from emerging growth to the commercial stage in the life science, medical device, and technology sectors. Her extensive expertise lies in providing PCAOB audit services to...

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Mika Reiner Mayer

Partner, Cooley LLP

Mika Reiner Mayer is one of the most sought-after lawyers in patent prosecution and strategic portfolio management for life sciences startups and established companies alike. Widely known for her strategic insights and deep understanding of business, she is the go-to diligence counsel in Silicon Valley for life science companies and...

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Ashwani Verma

Principal Partner at RSM US LLP

Ashwani leads RSM’s process risk and controls practice in Northern California and has over 24 years of experience providing internal audit, enterprise risk management, regulatory compliance, and controls- related services in various industries. He has served in leadership roles in internal...

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And, a special thank you to our sponsors: