Dentons Canada is delighted to announce the nomination of Raphael T. Eghan as the new Lead of the Firm’s Black Professionals Network (BPN), effective immediately. Raphael succeeds BPN co-founder, Andrea Nicholls, who will continue on as the network’s Executive Sponsor.
“I am very pleased to be assuming the leadership of the Black Professionals Network. I look forward to working with our internal and external partners to advance Dentons’ inclusion and diversity values and its commitment to developing Black professionals within the firm and in the broader Black community,” said Raphael Eghan. “I’m excited to continue the excellent work that Andrea undertook during her leadership, and I’m grateful that she will continue to be the network’s executive sponsor.”
Launched in September 2020, Dentons Canada’s Black Professionals Network provides a safe space for Black professionals and allies to share experiences and get involved in a number of important strategic anti-Black racism efforts, including:
- Developing programs to further the learning of systemic racism and allyship in Canada
- Exploring opportunities to connect with local Black businesses and communities, and
- Helping to eliminate barriers for Black students through meaningful outreach.
In just under two years, the Black Professionals Network has successfully launched many noteworthy programs such as the Black In-House Counsel/Dentons Mentorship program and the Dentons/Canadian Association of Urban Financial Professionals (CAUFP) Scholarship – two initiatives that support both internal learning and community-building.
The BPN also launched a Black History Month campaign in 2022, which included a video in which some of the members shared why Black History Month is so important, as well as an interactive conversation with Dean Donna Young, the inaugural dean of the Lincoln Alexander School of Law, who discussed diversity, equity and inclusion within the legal profession and reflected on her personal journey.
“I’m so proud of the work we have done since launching the network in 2020,” said Andrea Nicholls, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Sponsor of BPN. “We have made significant progress, but there’s still more work to do. I have no doubts that under Raphael’s leadership, and with the invaluable contribution of all our BPN members, we will continue our meaningful work to combat anti-Black racism.”
