Celebrating Women's History Month

Women's History Month celebrates the history and achievements of women across America in the month of March. In honor of this, our attorneys and senior staff answered the following questions to continue the discussion of women's history and accomplishments:

• What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
• What is one thing that inspires you?
• What is one piece of advice that you would pass on to a woman just starting a legal career?
• What do you consider your biggest personal accomplishment and why?

"Women’s History Month is a month to honor and remember all of the women who came before me and made things a little easier for those who followed them. It is about remembering great names – such as Tabitha Ann Holton, the first woman to be licensed as an attorney in North Carolina, and Susie Sharp, the first female chief justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court – but also about remembering women who led quieter lives and helped pave the path toward success simply by doing the best they could, when they could, where they could, and how they could. Women’s History Month reminds us all to follow in their footsteps by doing good work when, where, and how we can."
— Melissa Bailey, Partner

"My biggest personal accomplishment is following through on my commitment to take care of myself so that I can take care of my client's needs. I make sure I take the time to relax, spend time with family and friends, and keep my own "cup" full enough to ensure I have enough focus and energy to share with others."
— Erin Barker, Associate

"My biggest accomplishment is becoming the first attorney in my immediate and extended family because I can serve various communities in ways that did not feel accessible growing up for my family."
— Vanessa Canuto, Associate

"As a woman, I’m most inspired by the strong women by whom I’m surrounded on a daily basis. I didn’t truly appreciate my mother’s strength until I became a mother myself. Now I see that her patience, grace, determination and love truly defined her and helped mold the woman I am today. In the workplace, I have the opportunity to collaborate with strong, amazing women of all ages and at so many different stages of life. When I was a young mother, I was fortunate to have experienced mothers around me to offer guidance and support to help me through the challenges of parenthood as a working mother. Now, as a mother to a teenager, I am still thankful for the experience and support of my colleagues – both professionally and personally. Our experiences as women can be so different from one another, but share so many commonalities at the same time. Sharing daily struggles and joys with the women in my life inspires me to try to be a strong woman in someone else’s life."
— Megan Cravens, Accounting Manager

"My biggest personal accomplishment is the happy, funny, curious and energetic son who I have spent the last few years raising with my husband. This accomplishment was possible because of Brooks Pierce’s commitment to value and support its staff and their families.”
— Shannon DeGennaro, Director of Recruiting and Professional Development

"My main piece of advice for a new lawyer is break out of any pre-conceived boxes that either someone else has placed you in or you think you should be in. Lawyers can benefit themselves and society in many ways than what is considered a traditional legal path."
— Shana Fulton, Partner

"My greatest personal accomplishment is not “things” that I have “given” my children, but the faith, values and morals that I have tried to model for them to be their very best in all of life’s journey. They are intelligent, strong and independent young adults with a solid value system. What greater feat could I accomplish?"
— Teresa Herman, Director of Finance

"When most people think of the legal field, they think of attorneys, and for good reason! I am privileged to work with women lawyers who embody the absolute best in legal practice here at Brooks Pierce. In all but the smallest of firms, however, there are numerous talented people—many if not most of them women—working behind the scenes to ensure the efficient and effective operation of a firm and to provide excellent client service. Amazing women work in accounting, administration, facilities management, hospitality, marketing, legal assisting, paralegal, reception, recruiting, research, runner, technology, and other roles. I would encourage women who may wish to pursue a career in the law, but who may not be sure that the best way for them to do that is to actually practice law as an attorney, to realize that there are fantastic opportunities to work in and around the law that do not require being a practicing lawyer. I am grateful to be part of a team at Brooks Pierce that recognizes that the legal victories we celebrate and the justice we achieve for clients are the result of the contributions we all make, no matter our gender or title."
— Nikki Johnson, Greensboro Office Manager

"Women’s History Month is an opportunity to reflect on accomplishments and progress – past, present, and future – and express gratitude for the impact and inspiration that these important acts, no matter how small, have on us all."
— Shannon Lanier, Director of Marketing and Business Development

"For me, Women’s History Month is a time to pause, reflect and appreciate the “Sheroes” who paved the way for all of us today. Most of the Sheroes are not famous. They lived quiet lives, but in their own special way caused radical change. These Sheroes are our mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, and the mothers, grandmothers, aunts and sisters of many generations before us. That’s how positive change happens. Women are regularly the catalysts, but we don’t need or ask for the limelight."
— Beth Langley, Partner

"I am inspired by women – family, friends, teachers, mentors and peers – who are constantly challenging the status quo and pushing past entrenched social norms. I am so grateful to be surrounded by women who use their influence to raise up other women."

— Haniya Mir, Partner

"One piece of legal advice to women starting a legal career is to enjoy what you do! As a new attorney, the practice of law can be intimidating and scary. But when you choose to focus on the fact that what you get to do every day is incredibly interesting, creative, and challenging, you are able to find fulfillment in your work."

— Gabrielle Motsinger, Associate

"The example of my female colleagues inspires me. Seeing how they excel in their chosen practice areas while juggling so many other responsibilities – all while providing encouragement and support to each other – inspires me to do my best each day."
— Claire O'Brien, Associate

"Every day, I wear a piece of jewelry that belonged to my great grandmother. It reminds me of how drastically things have changed for many women in just a few generations. My great grandmother married very young, did not graduate high school, and spent most of her life raising children and working on her family farm. I’ve had so many personal and professional opportunities that she did not. When I reflect on her life, I feel a sense of responsibility to help the generation of women behind me find those opportunities in whatever small ways that I can."

                          — Kasi Robinson, Associate

"Women’s History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women trailblazers and reflect on how to continue to advance and advocate for women and girls."

— Sarah Schiavone, Of Counsel

"Women’s History Month reminds me of the women who came before me and made my professional opportunities possible. It also reminds me of my responsibility to others, to find and open opportunities in my own small ways."
— Elizabeth Spainhour, Partner

"One piece of legal advice to women starting a legal career is that there are a million ways to advocate for your client. Loudest and most combative is not always the most effective. Use the beginning of your career as an excuse to “try on” advocacy styles from mentors, friends, colleagues, even people you spot in the courtroom or across the table at a deal. You will be at your best as a lawyer when you are authentic to your personal strengths."
— Jessi Thaller-Moran, Partner

"My biggest personal accomplishment is that I have proven to myself that I can be a successful attorney while also maintaining some semblance of balance in my life. I have worked very hard in my career, but I have also worked very hard to maintain strong relationships with my family, including my children, who can always count on me to show up for them. Sometimes there is a give and take there, which is why it’s called a balance, or to some, an integration. It has not always been easy, and I feel very fortunate to have a supportive partner who keeps me grounded. But, in my opinion, it is so important to not let the practice of law completely consume you."
— Anna Tison, Partner

"My practice is in the field of education law – supporting educational organizations to do a better job teaching children each year as the world continues to change and new classes of children enter kindergarten. All of that is to say that there is no prize, no moment of accomplishment, in that kind of work. My greatest personal accomplishment is probably the day that I accepted that fact. Every day that I get up and do the best I can to support those organizations is a good day. That is the role of a lawyer – helping others accomplish what they are trying to accomplish in a lawful way. They are our clients’ accomplishments, not our own."
— Elizabeth Troutman, Partner

"One piece of legal advice to women starting a legal career is to find your voice and be true to it. You succeed best when you play to your own strengths. Don’t try to adapt someone else’s style or strengths."
— Jill Wilson, Partner