February 2025: Miami associate Joline Desruisseaux, Los Angeles law clerk Tyree Harriott and New York People Advisory Coordinator Nikita Ramsay discuss what the Firm's Black History 2025 theme, "Lifting As We Climb" means for them. They share their inspirations, life advice and how they're planning to celebrate this milestone month.

Who has inspired you the most in your professional journey, and why?

JD: My A.P. U.S. History teacher in high school saw how impassioned I was about civil rights when learning more about our country's history and suggested I look into law school. She believed in me in such a way that inspired me to believe in myself.

TH: Kelsey Hightower, a Black software engineer who rose to the top at Google. Kelsey realized his skillset was a superpower. It could help equalize disparities across races and bring him into contact with people he would have never interacted with. He inspires me, as I believe that if I develop my skillset properly, I too can equalize disparities I may experience.

NR: My mother. She was someone who didn't allow her circumstances or her environment deter her from going after the career she wanted. She always had a positive outlook and found the joy in what she did.

If you could embody the legacy of one Black leader or historical figure who made a significant impact on Black professionals, who would it be and why?

JD: Michelle Obama. I learned so much in her book "Becoming," about her perseverance and poise, which are attributes I greatly admire.

TH: President Obama, as he showed that anything can be achieved. He became President when many thought a Black person would never achieve that. I want to be able to show others that there are no limits, and anything can be achieved with hard work and dedication.

NR: I would choose Mathematician Katherine Johnson. She did not let her working environment (being the only non-white and non-male member on the NASA space team) diminish her skills or how she carried herself when she came into the room. Walk into every room like you belong there.

What does "Lifting As We Climb" mean to you, and how do you aim to apply this in your career and community?

JD: It means that as I advance in my career and face new challenges, I should always seek to help those who are treading a similar path as I once took. I aim to apply this by mentoring organically, and just being available as a friend and cheerleader to those junior to me. It only takes one person to believe in you to make all the difference.

TH: Lifting as we climb means to me that as I continue to progress in my career and life, and hopefully reach higher levels of success, I want to be able to help others achieve success at the same time. I want to be able to aid people with knowledge and be a resource for them.

NR: To me it means remembering the people that helped you to get to where you are: opening and holding the doors for those coming up behind you; advocating for those around you, which is something that I'm actively doing; sharing information that will help someone improve their career; and being a safe space for those around me to share their careers highs and lows.

What's one piece of advice or a motto you live by that keeps you motivated?

JD: "It always seems impossible until it's done."

TH: "A filled lion never hunts, so always stay hungry," This means never be satisfied with where you are, as there is more work to be done, more mountains to climb, more success to be attained.

NR: One thing that keeps me motivated is finding the positive in any situation, and knowing that my perspective on things will determine the outcome of my life. So, if I need to take a moment to enjoy the small things, learn from a mistake, or just being still, then I will do that to keep going.

How are you planning to celebrate or mark this month in your own life?

JD: "I am planning on attending a civil rights exhibit to be around physical reminders of how far we've come.

TH: Performing to the best of my ability in my job, helping others and taking time to reflect upon what goals I have and how I can achieve them.

NR: I've never done anything in the past to celebrate this month, but in recent years I've been intentional in supporting Black-owned businesses in my community (not only for the month, but throughout the year). I'm a big foodie, so I love trying out Black-owned restaurants! And actively learning more about the history—from books, museums and documentaries.