Intersectionality is the framework used to understand the overlapping and independent systems of oppression or discrimination and privilege attached to group and individual identities. Adopting an intersectional lens helps create a more inclusive environment and team. This session will guide participants in a discussion about intersectionality, the benefits of adopting an intersectional lens, and suggestions for implementing the model personally and professionally.
About Karen DeMeola
Karen DeMeola is the Assistant Dean for Finance, Administration, and Enrollment at UConn School of Law. She received her undergraduate degree in psychology from UConn and her JD from UConn Law. After graduation, Karen was a civil rights litigator focused primarily on employment discrimination, police brutality and housing discrimination. She is an adjunct professor teaching Diversity and Inclusion in the Legal Profession and frequently presents and trains lawyers on implicit bias, intersectionality, inclusive leadership, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) more broadly.
Karen is a past president of the Connecticut Bar Association (CBA), and currently serves on the Board of the Connecticut Bar Foundation, the Connecticut Legal Rights Project, the Connecticut Women’s Education and Legal Fund, Family Equality (emeritus), and the LGBTQ+ Bar Association. In addition, she serves on the Connecticut Access to Justice Commission and the Governor’s Commission on Women and Girls STEAM Subcommittee.
In 2020, the Connecticut Bar Association established the Karen Lynn DeMeola Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Fund in honor of her important work as a champion of diversity and equal rights within the Connecticut legal community.