On January 19, Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg LLP was pleased to host ground-breaking supermodel and New York Times best-selling author Beverly Johnson at a luncheon sponsored by the firm’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee and Women’s Network. 

A client of Neal Gerber Eisenberg, Johnson was on hand at the W Hotel – City Center to speak about many of the life lessons included in her best-selling memoir The Face That Changed It All. Her insightful and heartfelt talk included highlights of her experiences as a pioneer in the fashion world, having been the first African-American model to grace the cover of American Vogue in 1974.

Those offering remarks at the event included Tonya G. Newman, co-chair of Neal Gerber Eisenberg’s Women’s Network and Jenny S. Kim, co-chair of the firm’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee. Robert G. Gerber, who has represented Johnson for a number of years, provided the introduction, calling Johnson “iconic,” and praising her success as an entrepreneur. 

After facing adversity and some significant setbacks in her career, Johnson emerged as a highly successful businesswoman, making an impact in an industry which she has been passionate about for more than 40 years. As chairwoman and founder of an international lifestyle brand, she has discovered an appreciation for the process of developing her many products. “You first have to plant a seed, water and nurture it, and then it blossoms,” said Johnson. Reflecting on her evolution as a ground-breaker, fashion icon, someone who overcame adversity, to becoming a mother and now grandmother, Johnson said “my dreams are coming true.” 

This widely attended and overwhelmingly well-received event falls in line with Neal Gerber Eisenberg’s commitment to providing clients and friends with innovative and thought-provoking programming that showcases a diverse range of voices in the legal profession and beyond.