LIVE UNITED CORPORATE AWARD
Recognizes the corporate and/or personal commitment to building a stronger, equitable, and thriving community.
Biography
For over six decades, Stout’s Transportation built more than a fleet—they’ve built relationships. As a family-owned company rooted in trust, pride, and reliability, Stout’s is committed to delivering safe, seamless, and personalized transportation experiences. Whether it’s a daily school route or a once-in-a-lifetime event, our team shows up with care, professionalism, and a deep dedication to the people we serve. Stout’s is proud to move people forward, with service that goes beyond the ride.
Lloyd Freeman
EUGENE MARSH COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD
Recognizes an individual, group, or organization that exemplifies Eugene Marsh’s commitment to mental health, veterans, diversity, and anti-racism and who give back to the community. The awardee also personifies Eugene Marsh’s three core values: Caring, Respect, and Responsibility.
Biography
As the Chief Experience Officer, Lloyd Freeman plays a pivotal role in enriching the firm’s culture by cultivating an inclusive environment where every employee feels valued and engaged. He leads the firm’s diversity & inclusion program, which focuses on advancing inclusion both internally, across the legal industry and in the communities where Buchanan operates. He is dedicated to ensuring exceptional client satisfaction by developing innovative strategies that promote positive client interactions and highlight the unique offerings available through the firm’s full-service platform. Lloyd collaborates closely with Buchanan’s recruiting team to refine recruitment strategies, ensuring that the firm’s core values resonate with prospective candidates. He also nurtures relationships with firm alumni and forges connections within the legal community; all aimed at supporting the firm’s overarching growth and seamless integration.
In his role, Lloyd is responsible for expanding the firm’s diversity initiatives related to attorney hiring, retention, and advancement, while overseeing the Diversity & Inclusion Council. He promotes equitable policies, mentorship, and sponsorship as key retention strategies. Utilizing data and analytics, Lloyd identifies potential risk areas and emphasizes accountability to drive meaningful impact. Lloyd is known for his ability to develop creative, mutually beneficial programs for firm clients, community organizations and corporate partners through initiatives like the firm’s supplier diversity and corporate share programs.
Lloyd has been a champion of diversity and inclusion in the legal profession throughout his career, including in his roles as a litigation partner and a Chief Diversity Officer at his previous firm. He is a sought-after speaker and is frequently called upon to discuss diversity-related topics and corresponding impacts on corporations and their employees. He frequently shares his expertise with media outlets, nonprofits, Fortune 500 companies, bar associations and others. Lloyd speaks and publishes articles on a wide range of topics, including implicit bias, microaggressions, psychological safety, operationalizing D&I, and inclusive leadership. Following the Supreme Court’s ruling in Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. University of North Carolina, et al. and Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President & Fellows of Harvard College, Lloyd has spoken frequently on the practical and legal implications of conducting diversity programs within corporations.
Lloyd also shares his insights and perspectives on his podcast, Dimensions of Diversity, where he welcomes thought leaders from across the country to discuss how they are working to advance diversity and inclusion.
Kathleen Lekko
DISTINGUISHED YOUNG LEADER AWARD
Recognizes an emerging professional who demonstrates exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to making a positive impact in their community and field. This award honors individuals who inspire others through their vision, integrity, and dedication to creating meaningful change.
Biography
Kathleen (Katt) Lekko is a Community Relations and Employee Engagement Associate at NRG Energy, where she drives corporate social responsibility and philanthropy initiatives across the East Coast and Canada, fostering strategic partnerships and empowering employee-led impact efforts.
Katt brings a broad background in communications, program leadership, and public service. She previously served as Program Director and Communications Director at the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce, leading large-scale programs, managing teams, and advancing regional engagement through strategic communications. Earlier in her career, she served in Public Affairs with the United States Marine Corps, directing communications in high-pressure environments and supporting multinational operations—experience that continues to inform her collaborative and results-driven leadership style.
She holds a master’s degree in Public Relations from Quinnipiac University and is an active member of the Young Professionals Group at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton. Outside of work, Katt enjoys spending time with loved ones, traveling to music festivals around the world, reading, and hanging out with her pug, Otis.
