For the fifth consecutive year, Morgan Lewis Chair Jami McKeon hosted an emerging leader as part of the Fortune–US Department of State Global Women’s Mentoring Partnership. The annual program seeks to equip participants with critical business and leadership skills, expand their networks, and inspire them to “pay it forward” in their communities. Now in its 14th year, the program includes more than 320 alumnae from 56 countries and territories.
Jami welcomed Lerato Thekiso, founding director of Thekvest Legal Advisory Services, to the firm for 10 days as part of a public-private partnership between the US Department of State and Fortune's Most Powerful Women. In addition to her consulting work, Lerato founded the Unleashed Leadership Development Foundation in 2011, an organization aimed at inspiring hope, restoring dignity, and unleashing the potential of Africans. The organization regularly hosts speakers to share career tips including how to interview, the importance of mentorship, and the need for emotional intelligence.
During the program, Lerato shadowed Jami and met with other key firm leaders in Morgan Lewis’s East Coast offices to engage in discussions on business development, professional development for women, and effective networking. Lerato uses her faith and public platform to encourage women to realize their full leadership potential.
“This program is designed to empower female leaders from around the world, but every year I’m the one who leaves inspired,” said Jami. “Being able to spend time with a dynamic woman like Lerato and share some of the lessons we have learned during our careers provides us both with a valuable new perspective.”