Past Committee Spotlights - Program Committee

Welcome to the Women's White Collar Defense Association (WWCDA) blog post series profiling its diverse, talented membership. A global group of more than 3,000 accomplished women attorneys and other professionals, members are from 48 chapters who specialize in the representation of clients facing criminal or civil enforcement, regulatory, and administrative actions, and in need of internal investigations and compliance counselling.

WWCDA spotlights Amanda Raad and Yannine Robledo, Co-Chairs of the WWCDA Programs Committee. They share the path that led to their career in law, overcoming challenges, the importance of their work and WWCDA's role in their journey.

Amanda Raad, Programs Committee Co-Chair

London Chapter Member

Ropes & Gray LLP (London)

Tell us a little about your practice/firm and any specializations you have cultivated.

I am qualified as an attorney in the US and as a Solicitor in England and Wales after moving from NY to London in 2014; co-lead Ropes & Gray's Global Anti-Corruption and International Risk practice, as well as R&G Insights Lab. My practice focuses on global enforcement matters, particularly in the corruption, trade compliance, and money laundering spaces, as well as compliance program development and testing. Founded R&G Insights Lab during pandemic to partner with data scientists, behavioral scientists/cultural psychologists to better manage risk.

Who/what inspired you to pursue white collar law?

Every former prosecutor I worked with – from Day 1 as a summer associate. I love the investigative work, high stakes, and human connections that are so important in this field.

Who is the most influential person in your law career?

Law school professor Amy Applegate. She is like a second mom to me and walked my mom down the aisle in her wheelchair for my wedding. Amy believed in me when my confidence was beyond low, and she taught me how to advocate for others, and for myself. She's a hero.

How long have you been a member of WWCDA and what drew you to the organization?

Good question!! As soon as I was senior enough, I think I was drawn to the organization from Day 1 because of the mission and the people. It's all about the people.

Can you tell us more about your WWCDA leadership role and how it has helped or advanced your practice?

Co-chairing the Programs Committee has been a terrific opportunity. This role gave us the vision and the platform to develop new programs and initiatives such as the now annual Global Enforcement Trends and Compliance Best Practices Series. We have terrific engagement from speakers and participants, and this is a great way to reach all of our members globally and publicize the impact of WWCDA to the world.

Tell us something about you that might surprise us.

I climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2017 for my ten-year wedding anniversary, and the first night on the way up was the first night I slept in a tent ever ….

What are your favorite activities to do outside of the office (hobbies, interests)?

Running, I'm slow, but run far! I'm running the London marathon this April in loving memory of my good friend's daughter, Kaiya Patel, for Great Ormond Street Charity.

Yannine Robledo, Programs Committee Co-Chair

New York Chapter Member

Grant Thornton (New York, NY)

Tell us a little about your work and any specializations you have cultivated.

Grant Thornton's forensic team works with law firms and corporate counsel to address critical business situations requiring investigations, remediation, and proactive compliance and fraud risk management. Our approachable and multidisciplinary team has experience with regulatory and corporate compliance, M&A transactions, cyber, blockchain and digital assets, sanctions, and ESG governance, among others. I have built my career in Latin America leading cross-border investigations and proactive compliance projects related to fraud, anti-bribery, and anti-corruption matters, including those involving the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. 

How long have you been a member of WWCDA and what drew you to the organization?

Although familiar with the organization for several years, I became an official member in 2022. As a Latina in a predominantly male dominated industry, I was immediately drawn to WWCDA's commitment of connecting, advancing, and empowering women in law. 

Can you tell us more about your WWCDA leadership role and how it has helped or advanced your practice?

As Programs Committee Chair, I have teamed with Amanda and Hartley to design and subsequently execute on our vision for the Global Enforcement & Compliance Series. Experiencing the energy and dedication brought to the organization by these two incredible women (and others) has been extremely rewarding and invigorating. In turn, I have been able to bring those attributes to my practice, clients, and mentees. 

Tell us something about you that might surprise us.

My curiosity and adventurous nature is not easily dissuaded when pursuing a goal. For example, I relocated from California to New York without knowing any friends or family. At the time, leadership in my practice was based in New York City and I sought visibility. I'm also afraid of heights. Despite this fear, I have been skydiving, paragliding, hang-gliding, parasailing, and braved the CN Tower EdgeWalk. 

My view is simple: It is not a matter of conquering fears but rather having faith in myself and trusting that, with discipline and passion, I will thrive in my pursuits. 

What are your favorite activities to do outside of the office (hobbies, interests)?

One of my favorite activities is traveling, which has always revolved around food, friendships, and wine. My husband and I have enjoyed making memories and tasting our way through 52 countries and 44 states – and we're not stopping anytime soon!