December 11, 2020 – In Profiles in Diversity Journal’s latest issue, Partner Inajo Davis Chappell is featured in the magazine’s inaugural list of “Black Leaders Worth Watching,” which celebrates the talents, ambition, and achievements of trailblazing Black professionals.
From her work assisting vital nonprofits to her dedication to fighting racism and bias, protecting the voting rights of underrepresented citizens, and improving college access and increasing opportunities for students, Chappell’s vision and leadership have a powerful impact in her community.
“Throughout my life, I have been committed to living in a way that might inspire others to be their best selves and change the world,” said Chappell. “It is a privilege to be honored by Profiles in Diversity Journal as a Black Leader Worth Watching and to be recognized alongside the other outstanding individuals on this list.”
As Group Leader of Ulmer’s Nonprofit Practice Group, Chappell has supported numerous organizations in their missions to positively impact the world. Under her direction, the practice has grown to represent more than 100 exempt organizations, ranging from social service agencies to arts groups, health organizations, foundations, community development corporations, and educational and governmental institutions. She also represents for-profit businesses in a variety of legal matters, including corporate law and governance, general business transactions, and commercial real estate acquisition, development, construction, and financing.
A respected civic leader and community volunteer, Chappell has served on the boards of several nonprofit organizations and professional groups over the course of her career. She currently serves on the boards of ERIEBANK Ohio, the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections, and Say Yes Cleveland Scholarship. Chappell is also constant in her devotion to supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and serves as Chair of Ulmer’s DEI Committee, which guides the firm in its diversity efforts, hosts educational programming that enhances the firm’s culture of inclusion, and engages in community outreach through a network of diverse organizations.
Consistently honored for her contributions to the legal profession and the community, Chappell has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America© for Nonprofit/Charities Law every year since 2011, has been named a “Notable Woman in Law” by Crain’s Cleveland Business, and has been named to Savoy Magazine’s lists of the “Most Influential Women in Corporate America” and “Most Influential Black Lawyers,” among other honors.
Profiles in Diversity Journal is dedicated to honoring ambitious people, initiatives, and programs that support the success of diverse workforces across the country and around the world. Since 1999, the publication has helped to stimulate organizational change by showcasing the visionary leadership of people committed to advancing diversity and inclusion.