News reports have become full of coverage of the rise of hate crimes and safety concerns amongst Asian Americans. Join special guests Kim McLaughlin and Kim Bellware for a discussion of the issues and impact of events and the experience of Asian Americans today.

• The Anti-Asian Hate Crime Bill
• The series of shootings at three Atlanta spas
• The killing of Vicha Ratanapakdee
• A 150% increase in hate crimes against Asian Americans in 2020

About the Conversations for Change Series:
In light of the social upheaval of the last year, Miller Johnson decided to be the change we want to see. We have enacted programs to increase diverse thought for those at Miller Johnson, as well as others who choose to engage, as outlined in our Actions for Change plan. We have dedicated both human resources and dollars to increasing diversity within our halls, as well as engaging with diverse businesses within the communities we serve. Another step forward in those efforts is this event.

Meet the Panel:

Kim Bellware, Reporter, The Washington Post

Based in Chicago and Washington, D.C., Kim Bellware is a reporter covering national breaking news and features for The Washington Post. She previously worked for the Chicago-based civic journalism lab City Bureau, The Huffington Post and as a freelancer for the New York Times, Rolling Stone, Vice News and other outlets. She received her BA from Valparaiso University.

Her professional affiliations include: Asian-American Journalists Association, Investigative Reporters and Editors, Association for Women Journalists-Chicago.

Kim McLaughlin, VP of Organizational Development and Engagement, Wolverine Building Group

As a member of the leadership team at Wolverine Building Group, Kim is responsible for the company’s marketing, employee engagement, leadership development and strategic direction. Kim is also responsible for finding creative ways that Wolverine can engage with the community in meaningful and impactful ways. Prior to Wolverine, Kim led the leadership development programing at the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. She serves on the executive committee for the Mercy Health Saint Mary’s Foundation, Habitat for Humanity of Kent County, the City of Grand Rapids Brownfield Authority and is leading the committee for Grand Rapids to become Sister Cities with Gangnum-gu, South Korea.

Robert T. Schindler, Attorney at Law, Miller Johnson

Robert Schindler is a Member at Miller Johnson in the Education practice. Bob focuses his legal practice on the areas of labor and employment law, general school law, and civil litigation and appeals. Bob is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University and Michigan State University College of Law.