A Thoughtful Path to Diversity for the College

“Diversity is not an issue for a moment, but a mindfulness that should be ingrained in everything we do,” writes Senior Managing Director and American College of Bankruptcy (the “College”) President Melissa Kibler, in “A Thoughtful Path to Diversity for the College.” The article, published in the December 2020 issue of the “College Columns” periodical, focuses on the College’s ongoing efforts to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion.

“We can make a difference through the Fellows we induct and the individuals we honor,” Kibler said. In looking at College leadership, she noted that five of the eight senior officers of the College are women, and seven of the fifteen members of the Board of Regents are women or persons of color. “While we are proud of our progress, we need to do more to promote diversity throughout our boards and committees” she said. Kibler also noted the structural impediments limiting racially diverse individuals’ access to educational opportunities and professional development, positing that, “we need to help minorities gain the academic foundation, opportunity and experience to succeed as bankruptcy attorneys and professionals.”

Kibler posed questions about options for the College and its affiliated Foundation to provide financial support to address these societal issues, and the College’s role in influencing the perception of the bankruptcy profession. She concluded by noting that, consistent with the truism “With great power comes great responsibility,” the College and its Fellows have the power to make a difference.

You can access the full article here.

You can also read the College’s Press Release on the establishment of their “Select Commission on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion”, here: April 2021 – ACB DEI Commission Press Release