On November 29, the Women of Kelley Drye hosted Jennifer Maddox, a former Chicago police officer and the founder of Future Ties, an organization that provides after-school, summer, and mentoring programs to students from elementary through high school, as well as training in workforce skills and other topics for parents and teens from Chicago’s Woodlawn community.

The event was organized and co-moderated by the Chicago office co-chairs of the Women of Kelley Drye – special counsel Jennifer Raviele and senior associate Emily Varges – with support from the firm-wide diversity and inclusion team of Denise Smith and Wyneisha Huntt. Jennifer M. was introduced by Jan Anne Dubin, CEO and Founder of Jan Anne Dubin Consulting.

Jennifer spoke about the good work done by Future Ties and also gave advice to Kelley Drye lawyers who want to give back to like-minded organizations, saying, “reaching out to others in the community who may be different from you, getting to know them, and seeking ways you can lend a hand, whether in providing pro bono legal or community service, is important. It makes a difference in people’s life for them to know others care.”

KDW donated hand-knit scarves to the children and parents of Future Ties, along with nearly 200 items of gently-used children’s clothing collected by members of the Chicago office.

Women of Kelley Drye Host Jennifer Maddox