Even in an arena filled with nearly 20,000 people, Michelle Obama has the power to command the sort of presence that makes you feel like you’re having an intimate conversation. That is what members of the MoFo community and their guests experienced this December at the much-anticipated tour for Mrs. Obama’s book Becoming.
MoFo reserved several suites in the Brooklyn Barclays Center and the San Jose SAP Center, sponsored by the firm’s Diversity Strategy Committee (DSC) and Women’s Strategy Committee (WSC). Invited guests included members of the DSC, WSC, Associate Advisory & Engagement Committee and affinity group chairs, along with selected clients.
All enjoyed hearing a personal account from the former First Lady on the experiences that shaped her, from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to the most famous address in America. Both events were moderated by unique women with stories to tell of their own; attendees at the New York and Bay Area event got to hear from actress Sarah Jessica Parker and journalist Michele Norris, respectively.
As the first African American to serve as First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama is both exemplary and instantly relatable. Honestly demonstrating the strength and perseverance of a working woman, mother, and wife, during the tour, she illuminated the pursuit of purpose alongside life’s many responsibilities. Recognized for creating the most diverse and inclusive White House we’ve ever known, her message of openness, hope, and triumph in facing challenges is one that encourages the best in all of us.
Purvi Patel, DSC co-chair and WSC member stated that, “Attending this event was a wonderful way to cap off a great year of D&I programming. I left the event inspired — both by Michelle Obama’s story and having spent the evening with so many MoFo colleagues who contribute to advancing diversity at the firm and in the profession.”
The 2018 book tour for Becoming consisted of 10 stops and was so popular that it was extended into 2019 with an additional 21 stops, from February to May.
Learn more about Becoming by visiting the official tour website.
For more about Morrison & Foerster’s Diversity efforts, click here.
Attendees at the San Jose event gather for a group photo.
Litigation associates Lauren Bennett, Christin Hill, Lucia Roibal, and litigation partner Purvi Patel chat before the San Jose event.
Palo Alto Associates Jackie Tam and Jennifer Jiang enjoying the ‘suite’ life
A view from the MoFo suite at Barclay’s Center
MoFo Associates Cesar Francia, Christina Golden, and Tiffani Figueroa