Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP has recognized Anita Wallace Thomas, Erin Kolmansberger, and Chelsea Barnes as honorees for the 2022 Diversity Awards. Both in and outside of the firm, all three of these attorneys reflect Nelson Mullins’ ongoing mission to enrich a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture.
“Each year we not only honor the legacy of the firm’s diversity champions whom these awards are named for, but we also honor current champions doing the critical work around diversity, equity, and inclusion that truly impacts our people and firm culture, said Katerina “Kat” Taylor, director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. “Our efforts around DEI are only possible through the leadership illustrated by our 2022 award winners.”
Sheryl Ortmann Diversity Award – Anita Wallace Thomas
The Sheryl Ortmann Diversity Award is bestowed on an attorney making significant achievements in promoting diversity in the legal profession. The award is named after the firm’s first female partner.
The firm recognized Thomas for her tireless advocacy for diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout her career. “She has served as a mentor, sponsor, and sounding board to dozens of lawyers who rely on her sound advice and practical wisdom,” her nomination reads. She serves as chair of the State Bar of Georgia's Seeking Equal Justice and Addressing Racism & Racial Bias and “exemplifies how each of us can and should make the time to make a difference in the lives of others,” according to her nomination.
The Sara Turnipseed “Women on the Go” Award – Erin Kolmansberger
The Sara Turnipseed “Women on the Go” Award recognizes contributions by attorneys and policy advisors within the firm who actively promote the success of women in the legal profession. It honors the late Nelson Mullins partner Sara Turnipseed and her tireless commitment to issues of gender equity and the promotion of opportunities for women in the legal profession and in the firm.
Kolmansberger is a clear and staunch supporter of women and a resource for young female attorneys. She is a founder of Women in FinTech (WinFin), an initiative to support, and present, women as leaders in the space of FinTech. “Erin is honest and direct about the challenges that women face and is open to having conversations with others not only to express and understand those challenges, but to actively address them and enact change,” her nomination states, adding that she is a mentor and friend to anyone who needs it and impresses upon others the value of setting boundaries and acknowledging the myth of the “Superwoman.”
The Early Start Award – Chelsea Barnes
The Early Start Award recognizes outstanding efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in the legal profession early in a career.
Barnes is an advocate for Native Americans and particularly her tribe, the Lumbee Tribe. She “challenges the narrative every day through her unwavering commitment to equity and justice for all, including her successful defense of a BLM protester in early 2022, her other pro bono commitments, and her service on multiple nonprofit boards, such as LEAD Girls of NC, Inc. and The Addiction Recovery Care Association,” according to her nomination.
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