Chris Rhodes Speaks on Transforming DEI with Inclusive Language
Ellis & Winters attorney, Chris Rhodes, recently served as a panelist at the North Carolina Bar Association’s (NCBA) Diversity & Inclusion Symposium. The program titled “Change Your Words, Change Your Thoughts: Transforming DEI with Inclusive Language” was moderated by Jennifer Gibert Mencarini and the other panelists were Saira Estrada, Robynn Moraites, and Milan Pham.
The panel discussion focused on how to communicate and teach others to change language in a manner that validates and uplifts the identities of clients, attorneys, and others instead of identifying them by their shortcomings or mistakes (e.g. person first identification). The discussion began with addressing actual vocabulary and terminology and evolved into addressing ideas about how to cultivate open and inclusive spaces for minorities and marginalized perspectives.
Chris is a member of the firm’s Litigation Group and focuses his practice on complex commercial disputes and tort matters, including product liability defense and general liability claims. Prior to earning his law degree from the University of North Carolina School of Law, Chris earned a master’s degree in Non-Profit Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania. Thereafter, he worked at Episcopal Community Services of Philadelphia to reduce intergenerational poverty and assist people in improving their lives and achieving economic independence.