As we celebrate Women’s History Month in 2025, the National Women’s History Alliance (NWHA) invites us to reflect on a powerful theme: “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.” This year’s theme is more than just a slogan, it’s a profound recognition of the transformative power of women’s leadership, mentorship, and education.
The Significance of This Year’s Theme
The idea of “Women Educating & Inspiring Generations” is central to the progress we see today. For years, women have been at the forefront of mentoring and shaping future leaders, passing down wisdom that strengthens communities and industries alike. By focusing on education and inspiration, we acknowledge that progress is not a solitary journey, but a collective effort spanning generations.
Why This Theme Matters
- Celebrating Collective Wisdom: This theme emphasizes how women have historically passed down knowledge, skills, and resilience through mentorship and education. Whether as community leaders or professional mentors, women have been crucial in nurturing future generations.
- Highlighting Intergenerational Impact: This theme demonstrates how the work of one generation of women creates opportunities and inspiration for the next. As a result, each breakthrough, leadership role, and educational achievement builds a stronger foundation for those who follow.
- Promoting Unity and Collaboration: “Moving Forward Together” is a powerful call to action. It encourages communities to unite, support one another, and recognize that progress is a collaborative effort.
Lateral Link: Empowering Women in Leadership
At Lateral Link, women’s leadership isn’t just a statistic, it’s a living, breathing commitment to excellence and diversity. Our leadership landscape is a testament to the power of women driving organizational success:
- 75% of our Executive Committee are women
- 80% of our regional leadership is composed of extraordinary women
- Women comprise over 61% of our team at Lateral Link. Furthermore, key leadership roles are held by women who are reshaping our organizational culture and strategy.
Our Inspiring Leaders
Gloria Noh Cannon | General Manager & Managing Principal | Executive Committee | California Regional Leader
As the General Manager and regional leader for California, Gloria oversees attorney placements. She specializes in placing partners, counsel, and associates. Her academic background includes a J.D. from Loyola Law School and a B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles. Prior to recruiting, she started her legal career as a bankruptcy/financial restructuring associate at Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy, where she worked for over four years. She then joined Oaktree Capital Management, LLC, serving as a Vice President in the in-house legal department for over five years. An avid UCLA fan, she is also deeply involved with the Dream Street Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting children with chronic and life-threatening illnesses.
Gloria Sandrino | Managing Principal | Executive Committee | Partner Practice Group Co-Leader
Gloria focuses exclusively on partner and group placements nationwide, leveraging her vast network to help partner and group candidates make lateral moves. She earned her J.D. from Harvard Law School and practiced Corporate M&A for 10 years in Manhattan and Miami. Gloria brings extensive knowledge of the legal market from her comprehensive legal experience. She is a strong advocate for women in law and is a member of the National Association of Women Lawyers.
Wendy Boone Jaikaran | Senior Principal | Executive Committee | Texas Regional Leader
Wendy oversees associate placements and client services in the Texas market from the Houston office. She has over 7 years of recruiting experience focusing on associate, counsel, and partner placements with leading AmLaw firms and high-end boutiques. Wendy received her J.D. from Thurgood Marshall School of Law and her B.S. in advertising from The University of Texas at Austin. Prior to recruiting, she spent seven years as an IP litigation associate at a well-respected IP boutique in Houston. Outside of work, Wendy enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, cooking, and debating college football.
Zain Atassi | Principal | Midwest Regional Leader
Based in Chicago, Zain oversees attorney placements throughout the Midwest. She recruits and places high-level attorneys with leading AmLaw firms, high-end boutiques, regional firms, and Fortune 500 companies. Zain holds a J.D. from Washington University School of Law and a B.A. with Honors from Washington University in St. Louis. Prior to recruiting, she spent six years as a litigation attorney with Chicago-based law firms.
Vered Krasna | Managing Director | Northeast Regional Leader
Vered leads our Northeast markets, focusing on searches for associates, counsels, and partners. She partners with top talent on placements at reputable law firms and in-house counsel positions. Vered earned her J.D. from The University of Baltimore School of Law and received her Bachelor of Arts from The University of Maryland. Prior in her career, Vered practiced commercial litigation with a midsize law firm and taught pre-law students. Her recruiting career began in 2015, and she was recognized annually as a top recruiter nationwide. Vered lives in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan market and enjoys outdoor adventures with her family, traveling, and learning about wine.
Nish Hossain | CEO of Cadence Counsel & SVP of Bridgeline Solutions
Nish specializes in legal talent placement, connecting attorneys with opportunities nationwide for both permanent and temporary positions in-house and at prestigious law firms. She holds dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, graduating summa cum laude from the University of Rhode Island. Nish obtained her Juris Doctor from the University of California Davis School of Law. Prior to her current role, she gained legal recruiting experience at firms like Major, Lindsey & Africa and Paragon Legal. Her previous roles include Products Counsel at Apple and IP Litigation Associate at firms like Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe. Nish divides her time between Rhode Island and the Bay Area, where she lives with her husband and two Huskies.
Looking Ahead
As we commemorate Women’s History Month, let’s embrace the spirit of Women Educating & Inspiring Generations. Whether through mentorship, professional development, or simply supporting the women around us, we can all contribute to a more equitable and empowered future.
Together, we move forward. Together, we inspire. Together, we create change.
