At NiSource, we take pride in fostering an enviable work environment that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion. That is why I am excited to share this year’s theme for Women’s History Month—Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. Because of historical injustices endured by women due to gender, it’s not uncommon for us to assume the responsibility of championing equity, diversity and inclusion for ourselves and others.
While there are many incredible and inspiring women, one of my favorites is U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I admire Justice Ginsburg for using her position as a lawyer and judge to champion gender equality. Throughout her career Justice Ginsburg stressed how gender equality applies to both men and women, inspired by the discrimination and pay inequity she faced early in her own legal career. As an attorney, Justice Ginsburg successfully argued before the Supreme Court that an unmarried man could take a tax deduction for his infirmed mother as her caretaker and that prohibiting him from doing so was a violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution. As a result, in 1971, the tax code was amended to allow individuals to claim caregiving deductions on tax returns, regardless of sex.
Because of Justice Ginsburg, I feel empowered to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in my role as NiSource’s General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. With support from our leadership team, I am committed to promoting inclusion among our team members and the law firms we enlist to assist NiSource and its operating companies.
I perceive diversity, equity, and inclusion not as a concept of exclusion, but rather as a tool to broaden the conversation, welcoming diverse perspectives from individuals with diverse backgrounds. This perspective guarantees that marginalized voices are heard, nurturing a multitude of ideas, and guiding us to the most effective solutions for our business. This is a cause that ignites a deep passion within me. In keeping with NiSource’s economic inclusion goal of achieving a 25% spend with diverse suppliers by 2025, I have also committed to a goal of increasing our legal team’s spend with diverse legal consultants. In 2023, over 40% of our outside counsel spend was with diverse lawyers.
I count myself fortunate to work at NiSource because of the ways our company values different perspectives, especially those of varying backgrounds and upbringings. NiSource further demonstrates its support and professional development of women through DAWN - Developing and Advancing Women at NiSource – one of our seven employee resource groups. DAWN aims to recruit, retain, and support the advancement of women within the company. Additionally, NiSource promotes participation in professional development programs such as the McKinsey Management Accelerator Program, Energetic Women Conference, and the Women’s International Network of Utility Professionals amongst many other programs for all employees.
As a woman in a senior executive role for our company, I feel a responsibility to model inclusive behaviors. I commit to not only lift the next generation of women professionals but to extend opportunities to those people who may not look like me or share my background. As we begin Women’s History Month, I will continue to reflect on my role in building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community here at NiSource where everyone feels welcome.