August 6, 2024
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Eastern
[Diversity] Title: How to Advise Councilmembers Regarding DEI Initiatives (Even When They Are Against Them)
Join Jeannine Williams, Chief Assistant City Attorney for St. Petersburg, Florida, for an insightful discussion on advising council members on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. In this presentation, Jeannine will delve into the principles of accountable government and share strategies for tailoring your advice to council members while maintaining objectivity.
Attendees will also gain valuable insights into the various DEI initiatives successfully implemented by the City of St. Petersburg. These initiatives include conducting a structural racism study and a disparity study, undertaking affordable housing projects, and redeveloping the Historic Gas Plant District.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn from Jeannine's expertise and learn how you can effectively guide your council members when implementing DEI initiatives within your community.
Speaker: Jeannine S. Williams
Jeannine S. Williams is the Chief Assistant City Attorney for the City of St. Petersburg. Throughout her career, she has litigated and provided advice in various areas of government law including labor and employment, policy review, ethics, public records, contracts, constitutional law, civil rights, business development, land use, and utility franchise negotiation. She is a graduate of the Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU) and the University of Florida College of Law.
Ms. Williams is Board Certified in City, County, and Local Government Law by The Florida Bar and is a past Chair of The Florida Bar City, County and Local Government Law Section. She is also a member of the board of directors of the International Municipal Lawyers Association and serves as an adjunct professor with the Stetson University College of Law. She was the first African American to serve as President of the St. Petersburg Bar Association and also led the Fred G. Minnis, Sr. Bar Association. Ms. Williams has served as President of the Community Law Program Board of Trustees and is a long-time volunteer with the Lawyers for Literacy Program. She also serves her community through participation in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
For her leadership and dedication to public service, she was honored by the Supreme Court of Florida with the Chief Justice’s Commendation for Leadership, by The Florida Bar with the President’s Pro Bono Service Award, by the Stetson University College of Law with the William Reece Smith Public Service Award, and by the St. Petersburg City Council with the Sunshine Ambassador Award.
Her greatest accomplishment is raising two beautiful, smart, independent daughters with the support of her husband, Alfred. Her perfect day includes quality time with family, a walk with her dog, amazing food, a great book, and a long nap.