SARASOTA, FL – The law firm of Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP hosted a breakfast and panel discussion as part of their Women’s Leadership Initiative.  The “Pacesetters in Philanthropy” event included a discussion panel featuring women who are currently leading, and setting the pace, for Sarasota’s thriving nonprofit community.  Guest panelists included Veronica Brady, Gulf Coast Community Foundation; Carol Butera, William G. & Marie Selby Foundation; Teri Hansen, Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation; and Roxanne Jerde, Community Foundation of Sarasota County.  The panelists shared challenges that female leaders face in today’s workplace, how to rise above obstacles, and personal stories that shaped their careers in philanthropy.

The Shumaker Women’s Leadership Initiative is a networking group that encourages personal and professional development, and enables women to learn from each other, cultivating and enhancing their leadership skills.  The group includes women from a variety of backgrounds and industries.  The Initiative was formed by the firm’s Diversity Committee as part of their commitment to ensuring gender diversity issues are taken into account and that women are represented in leadership.

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Founded in 1925, Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP is a full-service law firm with more than 260 lawyers and five offices in Toledo and Columbus, Ohio; Tampa and Sarasota, Florida; and Charlotte, North Carolina.  Shumaker is a premier provider of quality legal services.  Whether it's commitment to clients or work in the community, involvement lies at the core of all of Shumaker’s initiatives.