(San Francisco, CA) - Disability Rights California (DRC) is proud to announce that we have been recognized as gold tier status in the inaugural Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Leadership Seal Program by the State Bar of California. 

The DEI Leadership Seal is a voluntary program to recognize California legal employers that commit to and implement actions, as well as show leadership in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The program was created by the State Bar in response to its 2022 diversity report card, which found that the demographics of California’s licensed attorneys don’t reflect the diversity of the state’s population. 

“We are grateful for this recognition from the State Bar of California,” said Andy Imparato, Executive Director of Disability Rights California. “This designation is an important affirmation of our efforts to champion and model diversity, equity, and inclusion, and it is a reminder that our work in this area is critically important to our mission and requires careful attention and a sustained commitment.”

To receive either gold, silver, or bronze seal status, organizations must commit to pursuing at least five out of the 10 action items outlined by the State Bar. Participants will have one year after applying to the program to implement the action items. 

DRC is one of 10 employers receiving gold tier status in recognition for implementing the highest level of action items, including: 

• Creating a DEI Statement and Strategic Plan.
• Incorporating DEI into performance, advancement, and compensation decisions.
• Integrating DEI responsibilities into leadership job duties and hiring a Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access (DEIA).

To support DRC’s commitment to DEIA, longtime DRC employee and leader Desiree Delonia started as DRC’s Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access (DEIA) in January 2023. Desiree works to build and promote DRC’s culture where people feel empowered to be their true authentic selves in order to do their best work for our clients and the communities we serve.  

Desiree Delonia commented, “I am proud that DRC is part of the first cohort recipient of the gold tier status and to be recognized for our leadership in diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession. We applied with a commitment to earn gold tier status and commit to not only retaining this status, but also to continue to improve our DEI efforts and initiatives.” 

DRC will be able to share the DEI Leadership Seal on our website and promotional materials to signal our participation and recognition for prioritizing DEI. Participating seal recipients will also be listed on the State Bar website and the Bar plans to provide opportunities for participating employers to gather to discuss DEI efforts.

Delonia added, “Our goal is that DRC’s recognition as DEI leader will attract diverse candidates to join us in advancing the rights of Californians with disabilities and other marginalized communities.” 

Read the State Bar’s full statement here 

Learn more about the State Bar DEI Leadership Seal 

Media Contacts:

Melody Pomraning
Communications Director
Disability Rights California
916-504-5938
Melody.Pomraning@disabilityrightsca.org

Disability Rights California (DRC) – Is the agency designated under federal law to protect and advocate for the rights of Californians with disabilities. The mission of DRC is to defend, advance, and strengthen the rights and opportunities of people with disabilities.