A seasoned lawyer in the consumer financial services space, Avanti Bakane reflects on diversity in the legal arena as a whole and growing up with Indian ancestry during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
05/25/2022 12:00 P.M.
3 minute read
ACA International’s membership and the accounts receivable management (ARM) industry are increasingly diverse. In May, ACA is highlighting member voices as part of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month.
The U.S. has recognized Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders nationally in May since June 1978; however, the full month as we know it today was not recognized until May 1, 2009, when former President Barack Obama signed a proclamation declaring May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, according to whitehouse.gov.
Avanti Bakane, partner at Gordon & Rees, Scully and Mansukhani LLP in Chicago, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and her parents were born and raised in India.
“I am lucky to have lived on a few continents before moving to Chicago,” Bakane said.
Bakane strengthened her connection to the Asian American community by serving on the board of governors for the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association.
“The organization celebrates incredible growth, diversity of leadership and thought, and influence in the community,” Bakane said. “It is pretty amazing to be a part of.”
Bakane shares more about her heritage and career here.
Q. How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
A. Through having family and friends all over the world, it’s eye opening to witness that everyone doesn’t view the world through the same lens. Instead, there are many cultures, traditions, and vastly different ways of life.
Q. Does your family have any traditions that are especially important to you?
A. While this is not an everyday occurrence, any South Asian celebration is colorful, vibrant, and an absolute blast. Weddings take the cake. These are all a nice reminder that family and life outside of the things we must do leave much to express gratitude for.
Q. Who are the role models or mentors who have influenced you or helped guide you in your career?
A. I’ve been fortunate to work with outstanding lawyers and clients, all of whom are my mentors. I hope to foster more diversity in this industry and the legal profession as a whole.
Q. What brings you joy about your heritage and culture?
A. Homemade Indian food never misses the mark. On a more serious note, we have a sense of family in our community that’s pretty amazing. This is one aspect of our culture that makes my generation really look up to those who paved the way for us.
Q. What does AAPI Heritage Month mean to you?
A. It serves as a small, but important, reminder that we’ve come a long way and yet have a lot of work ahead. It also forces us to recognize the trailblazers that made all of this progress possible.
Do you know a member you would like to see featured in ACA Daily’s Member Spotlight or Collector magazine’s Origin Story? Would you like to share your story? We are also looking to highlight our international members and new members of ACA. Reach out to our communications team at [email protected] with your ideas. We’d love to hear from you!
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