Alan Yanovich Profiled by Diversity Journal Among Latino Leadership Honorees

Akin international trade partner Alan Yanovich was profiled by Profiles in Diversity Journal for its Third Annual Latino Leadership Awards.

In his profile, titled “He Supports the Next Generation of Latino Business Leaders —Because They Are Worth It,” Alan notes how supporting this next generation is not just a personal goal, but a priority, adding, “To me, providing that support looks like regularly engaging with Latino students interested in international trade law, providing guidance and advice, and sharing my own struggles and experiences as a lawyer coming from Colombia.”

Alan writes that paving the way for the next generation by being accessible and available is vital; in that way, he notes, newcomers can benefit from the lessons of those who came up in the field before them.

He adds that this work is “by no means a one-way street,” citing the “contagious” enthusiasm and passion that young people bring to the field and writing that “there’s nothing more fulfilling than getting to watch as their careers take off.” Alan recalls meeting a group of Colombian moot court participants “who simply astonished the Geneva trade community during their competition. Today, three work at the World Trade Organization (WTO), and one was Colombia’s Ambassador to the WTO.” Watching that trajectory has been, for him, a “wonderful and gratifying experience.”

Alan writes that he feels the same way when he sees new Latino students join Akin’s summer program and then come back as associates, and then again when he sees them thrive as attorneys and active firm citizens. He notes, “I am thankful that our firm has such a strong commitment to diversity. We continue to expand our efforts to provide diverse perspectives for our clients and vibrant career opportunities for our lawyers and professionals through various programs inside and outside the firm.”