Mergers & Acquisitions names the 2023 Most Influential Women in Mid-Market M&A, including Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP’s Amy Wollensack.
Describe a recent dealmaking accomplishment.
I led a team representing AE Industrial Partners in its investment in Firefly Aerospace, which involved significant regulatory hurdles. A partner at the client commented that, in their opinion, not many people could have done this deal, and there were many times they felt this deal could have fallen apart. The deal was important to me not only because of its complexity but also because Renee Delphin-Rodriguez was opposite me, representing Firefly Aerospace, and it was the first time in my career that I was across from another black woman lawyer leading the deal.
How are you a champion of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)?
I am dedicated to championing DEI inside and outside of my practice. Inside the firm, I am a member of Akin Gump’s Black Firmwide Resource Group, which facilitates discussion and information sharing focused on the recruitment, retention and professional development of Black lawyers.
Further, I am vocal regarding the need for diversification in the legal profession, particularly for Black women in the M&A space. In July, I was featured in ALM’s LegalSpeak podcast, “This Has Never Happened: M&A Leaders on Why Making a Deal With a Fellow Black Woman Was a Watershed Moment,” discussing my experience as a lead Black woman partner sitting across the table from another Black woman lead partner on a deal. I shared my thoughts on it being a sign that the practice area is diversifying and change is indeed occurring.
For the full list of 2023 Most Influential Women in Mid-Market M&A, see here.
