It’s a new year that’s filled with opportunities. So, you know what that means. Time to prepare for another exciting and innovative career strategies conference. This year, the CCWC and Hogan Lovells 18^th Annual Career Strategies Conference will take place at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta on October 5 – 8, 2022.

Since our very first conference in New York City, our mission has always been to empower and equip women of color attorneys for success in every area of their lives – mental/physical wellness, finances, career and family. Our career strategies conferences provide a space for you to connect with other attorneys in your industry, learn career growth strategies and have lots of fun. 

Corporate Counsel Women of Color has been a champion of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in the legal profession for nearly two decades. We know that the overwhelming success of our conferences would not be possible without our corporate sponsors and loyal CCWC members.

Whether you are new to the organization or you’ve been with us for a while, we invite you to attend the conference. We have more awesome experiences in store for you this year in Atlanta. These include networking, workshops, a General Counsel bootcamp, keynote speakers, career tips/strategies, breakout sessions and great prizes. Join us for our career strategies conference. Here’s a glimpse of what you can experience this year.

Inspiring Speakers and Presenters

Laila Ali, Hall of Fame Boxing Champion, Lifestyle Brand CEO, TV Personality & Author

Laila Ali has enjoyed success in every area of her life. From the boxing ring to the boardroom, Laila has become a fan favorite and a savvy business professional. She is the founder of Laila Ali Lifestyle Brand. As a television personality, she has appeared on numerous television shows including Chopped, Late Night Chef Fight, The Chew, Rachael Ray, Dr. Oz, American Gladiators and Dancing with the Stars. Laila supports several charitable organizations including Peace 4 Kids and Feeding America.

Beverly Johnson, Founder, Chairwoman and CEO of BJE LLC and World-Renowned Super Model

Beverly Johnson is an icon in the modeling industry who has graced more than 500 magazine covers. She made history as the first woman of color to be on the cover of French Elle and American Vogue magazines. Beverly is the founder of The Beverly Johnson Luxurious Lifestyle Brand. Recognitions include The Palm Springs Walk of Stars and Oprah Winfrey’s 25 Top Legends. She has appeared on Dr. Oz, The Wendy Williams Show and Dr. Phil.

Christina Swarns, Executive Director, Innocence Project, 2022 CCWC Diamond Award Nominee

Christina Swarns is an accomplished attorney and the Executive Director at Innocence Project. She leads an organization that helps to exonerate the wrongfully convicted, prevent further injustices and reform the criminal justice system. Previously, Christina has worked with the NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund, Capital Habeas Corpus Unit of the Philadelphia Community Defender Office and the Legal Aid Society. Christina is one of the few Black women attorneys who have argued cases before the Supreme Court. 

Linda Clemons, Global Sales and Nonverbal Communications Expert and CEO of Sisterpreneur Inc.

Linda Clemons is a sought-after speaker and presenter. She has more than 30 years of experience as a corporate trainer. Her specialty is non-verbal communication and body language. Linda has presented at several global companies to executives, entrepreneurs, politicians and celebrities. Companies include Microsoft, Google, Spanx, Major League Baseball, Hilton and Coca-Cola. Her work has been recognized by Rotary International, President Obama and Office Depot.

Power and Inspiration

Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers, Award Winning Gospel Group

Kurt Carr is a recording artist, music producer and songwriter. He is the founder of the gospel group, Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers. They have performed at The Kennedy Center, The White House, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Radio City Music Hall and The Hollywood Bowl. Kurt has won several awards including (10) Stellar Awards and (1) GMA Dove Award. He is an inductee in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. 

Common, Oscar, Grammy and Emmy Award-Winning Recording Artist, Actor and Activist

Common is an actor, activist and rapper. Throughout his music career, he has collaborated with several recording artists including Kanye West, Mary J. Blige, Lauryn Hill and John Legend. His television and motion picture appearances include American Gangster, Suicide Squad, Girls Trip, The Oprah Winfrey Show and Lip Sync Battle. Common is the author of two memoirs. As an activist, he supports animal rights, HIV/AIDS awareness and the empowerment of underprivileged youth.

Kierra Sheard-Kelly, Award Winning Gospel Singer, Songwriter, Fashion Designer, Actress, Entrepreneur and Creative Director

Kierra Sheard-Kelly is a seasoned gospel recording artist who made her professional debut in 2004. She has collaborated with Mary Mary, Rodney Jerkins, Waryn Campbell, Karen Clark-Sheard and Tasha Cobbs Leonard. Kierra is the recipient of (3) Dove Awards and (5) Stellar Awards. In addition, she has been nominated for (3) Grammy Awards and (2) NAACP Awards. Kierra hosts the SistHER Mentorship Program to empower women who are business owners. She is the founder of the Eleven60 clothing brand.

Vicki Yohe, Award Winning Gospel Singer and Songwriter

Vicki Yohe is a gospel recording artist who has performed at venues throughout the world. Her hits include Beyond the Song, Because of Who You Are and Something About My Praise. Vicki’s organization, New Destiny for Children, opened an orphanage for children in Uganda who have been orphaned by the AIDS epidemic. Her accolades and awards include a GMA Dove Award and a Stellar Award.

Food & Fun

Our after-hours activities offer something for everyone. Here are just a few of the activities you can enjoy when you attend the conference.

• The World of Coca-Cola: Atlanta Museum and Tourist Attraction
• Atlanta Botanical Garden
• Top Golf: Party Venue, Golf, Sports Bar and Restaurant
• The Atlanta Zoo
• Wine Tasting and Charcuterie Bites with Deep Roots Wine and Lil Mama Big Cheese
• Ponce City Market Foodie Tour
• Inman Park Modern Southern Foodie Tour
• Fun Spot Atlanta 
• Porsche Driving Experience
• Chick fil-A College Football Hall of Fame
• CNN Studio Tour
• The Home Depot Kick-Off Reception
• Bowling
• Atlanta Sightseeing Bus Tour
• Dinner Networking Receptions
• Tour of Spelman College
• Cooking Class
• The National Center for Civil and Human Rights
• Shopping
• Movie Night

About Corporate Counsel Women of Color

At Corporate Counsel Women of Color, our mission is to help women of color thrive in the legal profession. Join our network of over 4,500 professional women to build professional relationships and get access to career growth strategies.