Our work thrives on the active involvement of the dedicated volunteers who serve on our committees. These committees play a vital role—not only in supporting the Foundation’s governance—but also in driving forward the programs that bring our mission to life.
If you are interested in joining one of our committees, please contact us at: FADIPL@DiversityInIPLaw.org
Scholar Program Committees
The Foundation’s Scholar Program Committees were established in 2020 to lead the implementation of the Foundation’s key initiatives. These committees have played a pivotal role in advancing the Foundation’s goals—particularly in supporting career preparation and career readiness for aspiring professionals in the IP law field.
Scholar Recruitment Committee
Justine Gozzi, Chair
The Foundation is deeply committed to helping individuals—particularly those who may not have previously considered law school—explore rewarding careers in patent law. Central to this effort is the Scholar Recruitment Committee, which plays a vital role in identifying and engaging prospective applicants for the Sidney B. Williams, Jr. Scholar Program.
To ensure the continued success of the Scholar Program, the Foundation must effectively reach and inspire future candidates. The Scholar Recruitment Committee is charged with making this possible.
Key Responsibilities of the Scholar Recruitment Committee Include:
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Building and maintaining partnerships with STEM-focused organizations that serve diverse communities
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Leveraging existing recruitment efforts by law schools and the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) to help identify promising candidates
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Creating outreach materials and managing a compelling social media presence to increase awareness of the Scholar Program among potential applicants
Through these efforts, the Scholar Recruitment Committee helps ensure that more students from diverse backgrounds recognize the opportunities available in the IP law profession—and feel empowered to pursue them.
Scholar Mentoring Committee
Tiffany Johnson, Chair
Upon joining the Sidney B. Williams, Jr. Scholar Program, each new Scholar is paired with a dedicated mentor. These mentors—experienced and respected professionals in the patent law field—play a critical role in guiding Scholars through their academic and early professional journeys.
The Mentoring Committee is responsible for recruiting these accomplished patent practitioners and ensuring a high-quality mentoring experience for both Scholars and mentors.
Key Responsibilities of the Mentoring Committee Include:
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Recruiting leading patent professionals to serve as mentors
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Providing mentor training and resources to foster meaningful, effective relationships
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Setting clear expectations for successful mentoring engagements
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Evaluating the impact and effectiveness of mentoring relationships
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Offering supplemental professional development programming to support Scholars’ growth and readiness for a career in IP law
Through the work of the Mentoring Committee, the Foundation ensures that every Scholar receives the guidance, encouragement, and professional insight needed to succeed in the patent law profession.
Scholar Clerkship Committee
Barb Fiacco, Co-Chair
The Foundation is committed to helping Scholars gain meaningful early experience in the patent law field by identifying and facilitating 1L summer clerkship and internship opportunities.
The Scholar Clerkship Committee plays a vital role in this effort. It is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with partnering law firms, corporations, and government agencies interested in hosting Scholars for summer clerkships.
As the number of Scholars selected each year continues to grow, the Committee is actively working to expand the network of participating organizations, ensuring that more students have access to valuable, hands-on experience in IP law.
To further support these opportunities, the Foundation offers financial subsidies for Scholars who accept unpaid 1L summer internships in patent law, helping to eliminate financial barriers to participation and career exploration.
Scholar Convocation Committee
Erika Arner, Co-Chair
Each summer, the Foundation proudly hosts a Convocation of Scholars in the Washington, D.C. area, bringing together Scholars who have completed their 1L year of law school. The Scholar Convocation Committee is responsible for organizing this important event and curating its impactful programming.
The Convocation offers Scholars a unique opportunity to engage directly with influential leaders in the patent community, including prominent members of the patent bar, patent jurists, congressional staff focused on intellectual property, and senior officials from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
This event fosters meaningful connections, deepens understanding of the IP law landscape, and inspires Scholars as they prepare for successful careers in patent law.
Scholar Application Committee
Karen Canady, Chair
The Scholar Application Committee is responsible for reviewing Scholar applications and making recommendations to the Foundation’s Board of Trustees to recognize individuals as Scholars.
Foundation Programming Committee
Shruti Chopra, Chair
The newly established committee is tasked with overseeing the Foundation’s programs, including the ongoing initiatives for Sidney B. Williams, Jr. Scholars. It will work closely with other committees—such as the Convocation and Mentoring Committees—to ensure seamless coordination of the Foundation’s programming needs. Additionally, the committee will explore and develop outreach programs that advance the Foundation’s mission and vision.
Special Committee on Attainment
Keisha Hylton-Rodic, Chair
This newly found committee's objective is to provide resources to help bridge the achievement gap for minorities in the IP law profession, including by maintaining a directory of minority-owned solo and small firms and IP law professionals that would be publicly accessible. The Committee would also consider and recommend other opportunities for the Foundation to address ways to bridge the achievement gap and facilitate success for minorities in the profession.
Foundation Administrative Committees
The Foundation maintains three committees that offer administrative support for the programming of the Foundation.
Strategic Planning Committee
Marylee Jenkins, Chair
The Strategic Planning Committee has responsibility for developing strategic plans for new and enhanced programming of the Foundation. The committee also undertakes a periodic review of the vision and mission of the Foundation.
Foundation Advancement Committee
Anita Varma, Chair and Chief Collaboration Officer
The Foundation Advancement Committee has oversight of—and develops operational plans for—the fundraising activities of the Foundation. In consultation with the Investment, Finance, and Audit Committee, the committee recommends annual fundraising targets needed to meet the programming needs of the Foundation.
Public Awareness Committee
Kevin Noonan, Chair
The Public Awareness Committee has oversight of—and develops operational plans for—promoting public awareness of the Foundation’s mission and activities. The Public Awareness Committee also has oversight of the Foundation’s presence on the Internet and other forms of social media, as well as traditional media. The committee, together with the Foundation Advancement Committee, provides support for the Partner Liaison Program of the Foundation.
Foundation Governance Committees
The bylaws of the Foundation establish three governance-focused committees.
Executive Committee
Ha Kung Wong, President
The Executive Committee assists the Board of Trustees in the oversight of the Foundation. The Executive Committee membership includes the officers of the Foundation and non-officer Trustee members.
Investment, Finance, and Audit Committee
Kiera Mathey, Chair
The Investment, Finance, and Audit Committee exercise oversight responsibility for investment of the reserve funds of the Foundation, as well as oversight of the preparation of an annual budget for the Foundation. The committee also has responsibility for the retention and oversight of the activities of the Foundation’s independent auditor.
Nominating Committee
Sharon Israel, Chair
The Nominating Committee has responsibility for preparing a slate of Foundation officer and other trustee nominees each year. The committee also recruits and vets individuals interested in serving as Foundation Trustees.