A remarkable evening unfolded in Frankfurt, where Baker McKenzie's FeMale Leaders series hosted its seventh event, captivating around 125 remarkable women. The event, led by Partners Katharina Stueber and Katja Haeferer, transformed the "Kreisler Frankfurt" into a festive Christmas market, offering a unique blend of culinary delights and a breathtaking view of the city skyline.
But here's where it gets truly inspiring: the keynote speaker, Jeanine Morina, Head of IT at ING Germany, shared her extraordinary journey as a career changer in a management role. Under the thought-provoking headline, "Leadership rethought - between career, family, and the courage to embrace new roles," Jeanine's insights on modern leadership, assuming new responsibilities, and balancing management duties with family life left a lasting impression.
The FeMale Leaders initiative, a driving force behind this event, aims to consistently increase female representation in leadership positions. Through the dedication of Katharina Stueber and Katja Haeferer, Baker McKenzie has created a platform for exclusive networking events, bringing together women from diverse business backgrounds. While the Christmas market was an exclusive female affair, the summer events within the FeMale Leaders series offer a unique twist: participants can nominate a male ally to join, fostering a supportive environment for gender equality.
With this innovative approach, Baker McKenzie is leading the charge in promoting inclusion, diversity, and equity (ID&E), embodying the motto, "Shaping a better future, together." The initiative, which originated in Frankfurt, has since expanded successfully to Baker McKenzie offices in Munich, Switzerland, and Austria.
The impact of Katharina Stueber and Katja Haeferer's leadership and dedication to gender diversity was recognized at Baker McKenzie's Annual Meeting this autumn, where they were presented with the prestigious "ID&E Impact Award 2025." Their commitment to empowering female talent through the FeMale Leaders initiative was further acknowledged when Baker McKenzie was honored as "Germany Firm of the Year" in the Gender Diversity category at the Women in Business Law EMEA Awards 2025. These accolades underscore Baker McKenzie's unwavering commitment to gender equality and the advancement of women in leadership roles within the legal industry.
And this is the part most people miss: the power of initiatives like FeMale Leaders lies not only in the events themselves but in the lasting impact they have on the participants. The networking opportunities and inspiring keynotes create a ripple effect, empowering women to take on leadership roles and shaping a more inclusive future.
So, what do you think? Is this initiative a step towards a more equitable future? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
