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International Women's Day 2024

International Women's Day 2024 - March Spotlights

A Special Edition on Women IP Warriors

Again, for this year’s International Women’s Day, we are showcasing the causes and organizations in which our Women IP Warriors are passionate about. It’s an opportunity for us to celebrate their contributions and raise awareness for the causes that matter most to them. Read their spotlights below.
Read Adriana's Full Spotlight

What cause are you passionate about?

Awareness for diversity and inclusion.

In which organization are you involved and why? What does the organization do and how are you involved?

One of the organizations I am involved in is WIP- Women in the Legal Profession.  The purpose is to promote the leadership and progress of women in the legal profession based on three fundamental values ​​that guide our actions: Respect – Trust – Sorority. WiP does this through a platform of women lawyers created from the Cyrus R. Vance Center for International Justice’s WIP initiative to advance women in the legal profession in more than 18 countries. My contribution in WIP as a member is in participating in conferences as a speaker showing my experience to other women lawyers, promote mentoring for younger lawyers, contribute with data in surveys to include the “game rules” in the legal profession and also being an sponsor in different events WIP organizes.

Lucia Cantera
Cervieri Monsuárez
Senior Associate 
Uruguay
lcantera@cmlawyers.com.uy

Read Lucia's Full Spotlight

What cause are you passionate about?

I am passionate about serving. Giving something back to the community in a way that is helpful and fulfilling.

In which organization are you involved and why? What does the organization do and how are you involved?

I am passionate at serving among my possibilities. For many years I contributed in RINCON DE TODOS Children’s Club. The Children’s Club “Rincón de Todos”, in agreement with INAU and for which the Christian Life Community (CLC) is responsible, is an educational and training space that also provides containment, affection, school support and recreation to children and teens and their families of the Villa Española neighborhood since 2002. Since 2008, it has its own premises, which was acquired and conditioned with great effort by CLC as a way to strengthen its commitment with the children and the neighborhood. In there, I teach English for many young school girls that otherwise won’t be able to do it due to their family and economic situation. In addition, I contribute every year with UN GRANITO DE ARENA, with their Christmas campaign that provide gifts to young boys and girls in critical context from Montevideo, Uruguay. 

Virginia Cervieri
Cervieri Monsuárez
Senior Partner
Uruguay
vcervieri@cmlawyers.com.uy

Read Virginia's Full Spotlight

What cause are you passionate about?

Currently, my passion is to contribute to sustainability and to be able to collaborate with the circular economy through our work. I identified an opportunity for improvement in my field: to give a sustainable destination to products that were destroyed, burned and/or buried due to trademark infringement. I am working on two sustainable campaigns that not only have a positive environmental impact, but also benefit lots of children, adolescents, and adults. The first one is called Score Green, it emerged in 2022 with the aim of giving seized counterfeit plastic products a second chance, through sustainable destruction. These plastic products are destroyed and transformed into basketball boards, to be donated to public schools, sports centres, clubs, squares and prisons. On the other hand, it seeks to train children, adolescents, and adults about the importance of sustainability, the reuse of waste and, at the same time, promote sports. So far, we have donated 26 boards and had already managed to change the lives of more than 4.000 children and more than 900 adolescents and adults throughout Uruguay. On the other hand, I am working on the “Entre manos” campaign, which was launched in 2023 with the aim of using counterfeit textiles to create items such as pencil cases, backpacks, tablecloths, placemats, etc., through the “Poyvi” technique, a Paraguayan artisanal technique from the 19th century. These items are donated to schools, hospitals or other institutions that work with vulnerable groups. In this way, we seek to train on the importance of the circular economy and recycling and, at the same time, promote women’s work. I also have another passion, that is supporting women and contributing to female empowerment. As head of a firm with an 70% female staff, I lead one of the most important law firms in Latin America, and among the few in the region with that percentage of women working as part of a team. As a director, I aspire to be an example by offering opportunities to women, reminding the world that we have great business capacity and potential.

In which organization are you involved and why? What does the organization do and how are you involved?

I am a mentor in the Sembrando program, which provides opportunities and assistance to new entrepreneurs who are starting a project or lack the resources to expand their businesses. I was invited to participate by the First Lady of Uruguay, Lorena Ponce de Leon. By doing so, I was able to promote female empowerment, considering that these women are working on their own and it is their business. In Uruguay there are few women-led businesses, which makes the situation far from being gender-equal. I am also the president of REDDER, a network of referents created during the pandemic, which aims to connect and create links between entrepreneurs. REDDER arises from the desire to build equity through interpersonal relationships and connections. The goal is that many women, wherever they are, may have someone to guide and assist them in their development in any field. Other goals include working on the issue of equity, bringing men and women together in the same conversation. I am part of the Sustainable Destruction sub-team of the 38th Annual Conference of MARQUES, Stockholm 2024. The objectives of the sub-team are recycling counterfeits. sustainable destruction of counterfeit products: legal framework and successful cases. I am president of the Chamber for Combating Piracy and Piracy and Smuggling, which works for the defense of intellectual property rights and combats informality in all its forms. I work daily on the “Score Green” and “Entre Manos” sustainable campaigns, which aims are, as I previously mentioned, to give seized counterfeit plastic and textile products a second chance, through sustainable destruction.

I am co-founder of Cervieri Monsuárez Foundation. It is an art organization in José Ignacio, Uruguay, founded in January 2024, that offers an extensive exhibition program that promotes both emerging and established artists. The Foundation was born out of its commitment to creativity and aims to promote the arts in Uruguay and the world. It seeks to promote art and its transformative power on people and communities. The Cervieri Monsuárez Foundation contributes to the Corporate Social Responsibility of the Cervieri Monsuárez firm. 

Daiana Pereira Cortés
Cervieri Monsuárez
Associate Lawyer
Uruguay
dpereira@cmlawyers.com.uy

Read Daiana's Full Spotlight

What cause are you passionate about?

I consider all initiatives aimed at protecting and preserving our planet for future generations to be of great importance. I am motivated to work on projects that promote environmental conservation, pollution reduction, and the development of sustainable practices to mitigate climate change. From a professional standpoint, I am committed to participating in projects that add value to legal activity, impacting not only the legal realm but also the social and environmental aspects.

In which organization are you involved and why? What does the organization do and how are you involved?

I specialize in anti-piracy, where our focus lies in safeguarding the intellectual property rights of our clients against counterfeiting and smuggling. Additionally, our firm holds a strong commitment to the environment and strives to contribute to sustainable development through both internal and external policies. I am actively involved in the initiative called “Cervieri Monsuárez Green” (CM Green), which operates under the motto “Taking care of the world today for tomorrow.” This initiative transcends conventional legal boundaries, aiming to generate positive social and environmental impact through tangible strategies and actions. At CM Green, we are dedicated to enhancing legal services by implementing initiatives ranging from recycling to collaborating with the circular economy. Two of the campaigns we have developed are Score Green and Entre Manos. These campaigns focus on the sustainable destruction of infringing products and the subsequent utilization of reclaimed materials to create new products. These recycled products are then donated to public schools, high schools, and non-governmental organizations, thereby contributing to community education and well-being. I take great pride in being part of Cervieri Monsuarez and contributing not only to the legal issues but also to the social, educational, and environmental aspects. My involvement in CM Green allows me to not only practice law but also engage in projects that have a positive impact on society and the environment. 

Martha Arregui Hernandez 
Cervieri Monsuárez
Associate Lawyer
Uruguay
marregui@cmlawyers.com.uy

Read Martha's Full Spotlight

What cause are you passionate about?

I am passionate about environmental conservation, particularly focusing on efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable practices. I believe that protecting our planet is essential for the well-being of current and future generations, and I am dedicated to advocating for initiatives that preserve our natural resources and reduce our impact on the environment. Also child safety issues are very important for me, as well as education, animal welfare, and of course sustainability. My passion for protecting the environment may have been influenced by various factors and experiences throughout my life. For instance, childhood experiences, such as growing up in nature-rich environments or participating in outdoor activities as a child, fostered a deep connection to the natural world and instilled a sense of responsibility for its protection. Additionally, learning about environmental issues in school and participating in environmental volunteer work, community clean-up efforts, or activism campaigns provided firsthand experience in environmental conservation. Here at Cervieri Monsuarez, we were able to find ways to contribute to these causes through the recycling of counterfeit products. Instead of disposing of them in landfills once destroyed, we found another purpose by reusing the materials to create new objects for reintroduction into society. This initiative allowed us to both mitigate waste and contribute to environmental conservation efforts.

In which organization are you involved and why? What does the organization do and how are you involved?

Currently, I am deeply engaged in anti-piracy and counterfeiting efforts at Cervieri Monsuárez, actively participating in two impactful campaigns: Score Green and Entre Manos. Both campaigns aim to repurpose counterfeit products seized during operations, directing them towards meaningful causes such as schools, orphanages, sports centers, and more. Instead of allowing these confiscated goods to go to waste, we strive to give them a new purpose by donating them to institutions in need. Through these initiatives, we not only combat piracy and counterfeiting but also contribute positively to our community by supporting education, social welfare, and recreational activities.

Dr. Marietta Ulrich-Horn
Securikett
CEO
Austria

Read Marietta's Full Spotlight

What cause are you passionate about?

Apart from my commitment to fighting counterfeiting, my primary focus lies in R&D, spanning both physical and digital product development, organizational structures, and overall growth strategy. I see myself as an entrepreneur and scientist, fueled by a fervent passion for innovation. Working with an exceptional team, which notably comprises a significant proportion of women, we aim to generate positive footprints.

In which organization are you involved and why? What does the organization do and how are you involved?

I am involved in the non-profit organization ARCH (Alliance for the Restoration of Cultural Heritage). Everyone possesses the opportunity to make a positive societal impact by leveraging their unique talents and experiences. In ARCH, I recognize an exceptional initiative dedicated to revitalizing the cultural heritage of the past as a unifying force for the present. Personally, I bring a blend of entrepreneurial expertise from my management background and insights as an ethnologist, allowing me to tap into the rich tapestry of cultural science. 

Giovanna Milessi Leiva
Cervieri Monsuárez
Lawyer, Anti-piracy and Anti-Counterfeiting Department
Paraguay
gmilessi@cmlawyers.com.py

Read Giovanna's Full Spotlight

What cause are you passionate about?

I have always been concerned about sustainability and environmental protection, and finding ways to collaborate with these causes through my work related to the fight against piracy and counterfeiting seems fascinating to me . At Cervieri Monsuárez, we are committed not only to protecting intellectual property rights but also to actively seeking innovative ways to contribute to the care of the planet. The reuse of the waste obtained through the seizures of counterfeit products is an example of how we fulfill this commitment. Instead of disposing of these materials, we look for ways to find a new purpose for them and prevent them from contributing to environmental pollution by reusing them to create new products that are reintroduced into society. We believe in the power of innovation and collaboration to drive positive change, and we are committed to continue exploring new ways to contribute to environmental protection at work.

In which organization are you involved and why? What does the organization do and how are you involved?

I am currently working in Cervieri Monsuárez Paraguay, in the area of anti-piracy and anti-counterfeiting. Each day we find ourselves as a team fighting against this great issue to defend the rights of the trademark holders for whom we work and in turn, contribute to society, decreasing counterfeiting and smuggling. 

Mandy McCarthy
CCA and B, LLC d/b/a The Lumistella Company
Director, Brand Protection 
USA
mandy.mccarthy@lumistella.com

Read Mandy's Full Spotlight

What cause are you passionate about?

Animals, especially handicapped cats. They are smart, curious, resilient, and have so much love to give. Many handicapped cats don’t have the opportunity to showcase those traits as they are deemed “unadoptable” and often euthanized.

In which organization are you involved and why? What does the organization do and how are you involved?

I found the Blind Cat Rescue and Sanctuary after I rescued a blind kitten of my own and needed more information on what blind cats need to thrive. Located in St. Pauls, North Carolina, the Blind Cat Rescue is a safe place for blind and FIV and FELV+ cats to call their permanent home. I sponsor several cats to help cover the cost of care and hope to one day create a similar safe place for otherwise “unadoptable” cats in Georgia.

Wilma Caraza Reinoso
Diageo
IP Counsel for CCA
Mexico
wilma.caraza@diageo.com

Read Wilma's Full Spotlight

What cause are you passionate about?

Gender equality, women’s rights and healthcare access for children.

In which organization are you involved and why? What does the organization do and how are you involved?

Joup: Mexican Foundation helping children with cancer. I’m involved through donations.

Mariana Riera
Cervieri Monsuárez
Lawyer
Bolivia
mriera@cmlawyers.com.bo

Read Mariana's Full Spotlight

What cause are you passionate about?

The causes I am passionate about include the protection of Intellectual Property rights and International Commercial Arbitration.

In which organization are you involved and why? What does the organization do and how are you involved?

I participate in all events organized by CALPYC (Chamber for the Fight against Piracy and Smuggling) in Bolivia, where I actively share all my experiences and knowledge regarding the fight against trademark infringement. Moreover, I am very passionate about commercial arbitration, which is why I am part of the list of arbitrators in international commercial arbitration competitions organized by UBA and Universidad del Rosario, an event to which I contribute with experiences and learning as I am committed to promote and contribute to the development of commercial arbitration.

Donna F. Schmitt
Armstrong Teasdale LLP
Partner
USA
dschmitt@atllp.com

Read Donna's Full Spotlight

What cause are you passionate about?

I am passionate about programs that help children, especially early development, and programs that target mental health issues. These two causes often overlap and young people are more open to discussing mental health issues now than they have been in the past. Social media can be a good place for them to talk about their issues, but it is not providing the quality information and resources needed to address those issues. Supporting our young people to know themselves and where to ask for help is a cause dear to my heart.

In which organization are you involved and why? What does the organization do and how are you involved?

I support several organizations, but Whole Kids Outreach really touches moms and kids at the earliest stages of development. I have been on the Board in various capacities over the years and volunteer for the annual Christmas Store. Whole Kids Outreach starts with helping pregnant moms in rural Missouri keep themselves healthy and prepare for and bring healthy babies into a safe and loving environment. The parts of rural Missouri served are the lowest income and highest poverty in the State but the beautiful moms and children need to know they are supported and have more tools to be successful. 

Dawn Sgarlata
IACC
Membership Director
USA
dsgarlata@iacc.org

Read Dawn's Full Spotlight

What cause are you passionate about?

I am passionate about many causes – animal welfare, mental health and just generally helping people. But I’m most passionate about helping those with Tourette Syndrome, which is why I formed my charity 10 years ago – Kenny’s Dream Foundation, Inc., a 501c3 charitable organization.

In which organization are you involved and why? What does the organization do and how are you involved?

I had wanted to do something to honor my brother Kenny’s memory for a long time and he came to me in a dream and guided me to form Kenny’s Dream Foundation, Inc. So his legacy is helping kids and adults with Tourette Syndrome (a disorder he dealt with in the most severe form) and in 2023 alone we were able to sponsor 2 kids to summer camp and award 11 college scholarships. My mission was to help people dealing with Tourette’s by giving them something tangible to assist them in attaining their goals now and raise awareness. I am proud that we are doing that and making a difference in their lives. I truly believe they will pay it forward during their lifetime. To learn more and see info about our upcoming fundraiser, visit Kenny’s Dream Foundation, Inc.

Elizabeth Sylves
CSC Global
Principal of Strategy and Consulting
USA
elizabeth.sylves@cscglobal.com

Read Elizabeth's Full Spotlight

What cause are you passionate about?

Childhood Obesity Prevention and Lupus Awareness

In which organization are you involved and why? What does the organization do and how are you involved?

I volunteer coach to help children K-8th grade stay active and learn fitness habits young. I coach Fall Cross Country and Spring Track. I have been doing this for 7 years and love it! The organization is CYM.

Melissa Tarsitano
Lipkus Law LLP
Associate Lawyer
Canada
mtarsitano@lipkus.law

Read Melissa's Full Spotlight

What cause are you passionate about?

Gender equality and women’s empowerment; mental health

In which organization are you involved and why? What does the organization do and how are you involved?

Dress for Success is part of a global movement for change, empowering women to obtain safer and better futures. Dress for Success (DFS) aims for a global society in which every woman achieves financial independence and receives dignified and respectful treatment, enabling them to fully leverage their strength and acknowledge their contribution to economic sustainability. I am a Career Specialist Volunteer for the Toronto Chapter. Our team assists individuals in overcoming challenges in their job search and we offer personalized support for professional development. Clients are able to schedule one-on-one virtual appointments for general career guidance, resume and cover letter discussions, interview preparation and more. DFS also offers skill development workshops, group learning programs and suiting and styling services at their boutiques across North America! I am grateful to have the opportunity to contribute to this amazing organization and witness continuous change, while supporting women as they define their life and change the trajectory of their future!