Mariann Hyland, Oregon State Bar, Director of Diversity & Inclusion, speaks on Nov. 12. at the Queen's Bench Luncheon about emerging issues around diversity and the opportunities created by the new marketplace. Here's a chance to get to know her better...
What do you hope to accomplish in this position with the Oregon State Bar?
In general, I work with internal bar leadership and the external legal community to
increase the ...diversity and cultural responsiveness of the bar and bench in Oregon.
Your professional goals for 2014?
I have several goals. They include implementing a diversity action plan for the bar and creating and unveiling an exhibit installed at the bar center (and available online) that features the diverse
pioneers in Oregon’s legal profession and significant milestones advancing diversity and inclusion in Oregon and nationally.
If each Queen’s Bench member could give just one hour to help your committee, what could they do?
Attend one of the Diversity and Inclusion Department’s programs or networking events.
What are the biggest obstacles for your committee's success?
Diversity and inclusion work is always political. The biggest obstacle is political opposition to advancing the work.
How did you arrive at this position with OSB?
I was working at OHSU before coming to the bar. At OHSU I was the Director of the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department. A large part of my work focused on civil rightscompliance. Over time I began doing more strategic diversity work, which I believe is transformative and essential for an institution to evolve. When the position opened at the bar I saw it as an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to Oregon’s legal community doing work that I enjoy.
Where did you grow up?
Minnesota, Oregon and rural New York
Your favorite movie?
I love old musicals like the Sound of Music and Westside Story. My favorite contemporary movie is Djanjo Unchained. My favorite comedy is Trading Places. Since I’m answering this
question on Halloween – the scariest movie I’ve seen: The Exorcist.
Your favorite vacation spot?
I love to travel abroad and experience new places and cultures. Two years ago I went to Turkey. The history there is incredible. Istanbul was the seat of three empires. There are so many architectural relics that it is not uncommon to see them in the median of a road, or in the back yard of a shop. In the United States we would create an entire park or monument to honor such treasures.
What's your best advice for newly admitted lawyers?
Remain optimistic that you will find a path that is meaningful and satisfying.
If you could look back and give yourself advice at age 25, what would it be?
Understand your place and time in history; relax and enjoy life; and treasure and nurture relationships with family and friends.
Favorite restaurant?
I have been eating a lot of raw and vegan food lately, including kale salad with gogi berries and other super foods. I took a series of raw food cooking classes last summer at The Feel Good World in Portland, which also sells delicious raw, vegan and gluten free food. I recently discovered an excellent vegetarian restaurant in Portland named Blossoming Lotus. I love Luc Lac for vegetarian Pho too.
Last concert you attended?
It has been a long time since I attended a concert. The last musical performance that I attended was a gospel Christmas concert at the Schnitzer last December.
What are you reading for pleasure?
Currently I’m reading The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest by Stieg Larsson.
Your perfect Saturday night?
Spending the weekend at the beach with good friends.
If you won the lottery . . .?
I would help my mother out more financially and
travel around the world with her.
What do you hope to accomplish in this position with the Oregon State Bar?
In general, I work with internal bar leadership and the external legal community to
increase the ...diversity and cultural responsiveness of the bar and bench in Oregon.
Your professional goals for 2014?
I have several goals. They include implementing a diversity action plan for the bar and creating and unveiling an exhibit installed at the bar center (and available online) that features the diverse
pioneers in Oregon’s legal profession and significant milestones advancing diversity and inclusion in Oregon and nationally.
If each Queen’s Bench member could give just one hour to help your committee, what could they do?
Attend one of the Diversity and Inclusion Department’s programs or networking events.
What are the biggest obstacles for your committee's success?
Diversity and inclusion work is always political. The biggest obstacle is political opposition to advancing the work.
How did you arrive at this position with OSB?
I was working at OHSU before coming to the bar. At OHSU I was the Director of the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department. A large part of my work focused on civil rightscompliance. Over time I began doing more strategic diversity work, which I believe is transformative and essential for an institution to evolve. When the position opened at the bar I saw it as an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to Oregon’s legal community doing work that I enjoy.
Where did you grow up?
Minnesota, Oregon and rural New York
Your favorite movie?
I love old musicals like the Sound of Music and Westside Story. My favorite contemporary movie is Djanjo Unchained. My favorite comedy is Trading Places. Since I’m answering this
question on Halloween – the scariest movie I’ve seen: The Exorcist.
Your favorite vacation spot?
I love to travel abroad and experience new places and cultures. Two years ago I went to Turkey. The history there is incredible. Istanbul was the seat of three empires. There are so many architectural relics that it is not uncommon to see them in the median of a road, or in the back yard of a shop. In the United States we would create an entire park or monument to honor such treasures.
What's your best advice for newly admitted lawyers?
Remain optimistic that you will find a path that is meaningful and satisfying.
If you could look back and give yourself advice at age 25, what would it be?
Understand your place and time in history; relax and enjoy life; and treasure and nurture relationships with family and friends.
Favorite restaurant?
I have been eating a lot of raw and vegan food lately, including kale salad with gogi berries and other super foods. I took a series of raw food cooking classes last summer at The Feel Good World in Portland, which also sells delicious raw, vegan and gluten free food. I recently discovered an excellent vegetarian restaurant in Portland named Blossoming Lotus. I love Luc Lac for vegetarian Pho too.
Last concert you attended?
It has been a long time since I attended a concert. The last musical performance that I attended was a gospel Christmas concert at the Schnitzer last December.
What are you reading for pleasure?
Currently I’m reading The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest by Stieg Larsson.
Your perfect Saturday night?
Spending the weekend at the beach with good friends.
If you won the lottery . . .?
I would help my mother out more financially and
travel around the world with her.
