Stanardsville, VA , February 2, 2021 – The International Women's Insolvency & Restructuring Confederation (IWIRC), the premier networking organization devoted to enhancing the professional status of women in insolvency and restructuring, announced today the formation by the Board of Directors of a Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee ("Diversity Committee"). 

Diversity of all forms has always been a top priority of IWIRC The formation of the Diversity Committee demonstrates that IWIRC recognizes the importance of diversity across its membership and is committed to being an inclusive organization. The work of the Diversity Committee will encompass a broad scope of responsibilities including supporting the board of directors in developing priorities, recommendations for initiatives and implementation strategies for all facets of the organization.

The 2021 Chair, Leyza Blanco, Sequor Law, Miami, is the first Hispanic Chair of IWIRC. Blanco shared these thoughts, "Verna A. Myers said that “diversity is being invited to the party and inclusion is being asked to dance.” Belonging is when they are playing your jam. We hope that IWIRC’s Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Committee will allow IWIRC to better celebrate its diversity and unify its members from around the world as we continue to promote and connect women in the insolvency profession."

 The Executive Board of IWIRC nominated At-Large Directors Demetra Liggins, Thomson and Knight, LLP, Dallas and Melissa Hager, Capital One, New York to be the first Co-Chairs of the Diversity Committee. Both Liggins and Hager have been active and involved in IWIRC for many years at the local, regional and International level. Their experience and enthusiasm for IWIRC will be great foundations to lead this very important initiative.

Melissa Hager stated, "For more than two decades, IWIRC has been committed to women's success in the insolvency and restructuring professions worldwide. The Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee is an integral component to our continued goal of ensuring that ALL women not only have a seat at the table but one where they are seen, their voices are heard, and they bring their whole authentic self. I am honored to co-chair the committee with Demetra and work with Leyza and the entire IWIRC community on this critical mission."

 "I am thrilled to serve as part of IWIRC’s inaugural Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Committee and join its efforts to drive the imperatives of diversity, inclusion, and belonging forward," expressed Demetra Liggins. "Together, I look forward to ensuring that these ideals move from buzzwords to reality for women in the insolvency and restructuring profession.”

IWIRC members who would like to participate on the Diversity Committee, please email Shari Bedker at sbedker@iwirc.com.

ABOUT IWIRC

IWIRC is committed to the connection, promotion and success of women in insolvency and restructuring worldwide. For more than 25 years, across the board room, courtroom and the continents, our diverse relationships make IWIRC the premier organization for women in the restructuring and insolvency professions. IWIRC networks are located in Asia, Europe, North America and South America. We welcome development of new networks in these or new regions. Be Inspired. Be Informed. Be Connected. For more information, please contact Administrative Director, Shari Bedker, sbedker@iwirc.com or visit www.iwirc.com.