Karen Fortune, chief deputy solicitor with Child Welfare Unit of the Philadelphia Law Department.. Courtesy photo

Karen Fortune, Philadelphia Law Department, Child Welfare Unit

Fortune looks at mentorship and talent, differently. She has found that mentorship does not have to be a formal, inflexible process, but to be an effective mentor, simply taking a call, answering an email, meeting for brunch or a quick coffee is all that is required. Tantamount is the willingness to engage. She has used this ethos to increase the diversity in her Unit at the Law Department. Fortune uses her network to find talented, diverse individuals, learns their aspirations, and connects them with wisdom and opportunities. When she sees a teachable moment with a younger attorney, she does just that—teaches them. Fortune's interactions with those of the next generation that she mentors are sustained and impactful. She is contributing to the professional development of the Law Department's team, increasing the quality of our work, and increasing the Law Department's positive impact on its clients and the people of Philadelphia. The Law Department is a more diverse and inclusive place for Fortune's efforts.