Avanti Bakane
Avanti D. Bakane is a Partner at Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani. As a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP) and co-chair of the firm’s Cyber, Privacy & Data Security group, Avanti’s practice consists of representing businesses and creative professionals in software and e-commerce development, data privacy, data loss, licensing, and copyright infringement disputes.
Why did you join the Coalition?
It’s funny, I actually think the Coalition found me. A few years ago, a colleague asked if I would speak on a panel the Coalition was hosting on the journey to partnership. After that exposure, joining was the next natural step. Since then, I have met incredible women, formed what I know will be life-long friendships, and been drawn in at the leadership level.
What Committees are you active on?
I have had the honor and pleasure to help lead the Inclusion & Outreach Committee with my fearless partner in crime, Gray Mateo-Harris. Recently, I’ve been lucky to have the opportunity to work closely with the dedicated women that co-chair the Associates Committee in rolling out our Chapter's mentorship program.
Give us your elevator speech… or “Call me if you have…”
Call me if you... need tips on escaping to an exotic destination, want a wild night out, or just need an eternal optimist around. You didn't think I was going to talk law, did you?
Tell us something interesting about you that people may not know.
Two things, both of which speak to my incredible luck. One summer in high school, I was the only female golf caddy at Calumet Country Club. Even smaller than I am now, I quickly figured out how to make the real money -- caddy shack blackjack.
By now, most people know I love to travel. Jon and I have been lucky enough to scuba dive all over the globe – in the Seychelles, we shared the waters with a whale shark! Jaw-dropping and well worth the insane current the group braved.
Share your favorite book or podcast – or an at-home resource or tip you’ve found particularly helpful.
Podcast shout out to Novaira Paul's Naan Stop Chit Chat! Tip - when it seems like our worlds may be coming down - everything is temporary.
