Goldberg Segalla is pleased to announce that Brielynn Bell has been named a Buffalo Business First 2025 IDEA Award winner.

The IDEA (Inclusion Diversity Equity Awareness) Award is presented to members of the Western New York Community who “stand out as champions of diversity and inclusion in their workplaces and in the community.”

As Goldberg Segalla’s Diversity Specialist, Brielynn is responsible for organizing firmwide and office-specific diversity and inclusion events and education programs, leading the communications and event planning for firmwide diversity programming, as well as working with the firm’s recruiting team to implement strategies to attract attorneys and professionals from underrepresented communities.

“Brielynn’s determination to make a difference in diversity and her advocacy for championing historically underrepresented lawyers makes her an excellent member of the team at Goldberg Segalla,” said Managing Committee member and Diversity Task Force Chair Joseph M. Hanna.

In 2024, Brielynn helped guide Goldberg Segalla through the process of achieving Mansfield Certification, which demonstrates the firm’s ongoing commitment to championing historically underrepresented lawyers – including women, underrepresented racial and ethnic lawyers, LGBTQ+ lawyers, and lawyers with disabilities. This process involved an in-depth review of the firm’s structure and systems to ensure diverse talent have fair and equitable opportunities at every stage in professional development – from recruitment, client pitches and recognitions, through promotions and leadership roles.

“Brielynn does a phenomenal job of coordinating the firm’s Diversity Task Force and Women’s Initiative groups and their initiatives, as well as of celebrating and elevating the diverse talent we have at the firm and in the communities we serve,” said Hanna. “Her inclusive and collaborative nature extends to everything she does and she’s always a joy to work with.”

Brielynn’s commitment to diversity and equity extends well beyond the walls of Goldberg Segalla, ranging from involvement in charitable endeavors and diversity-and-inclusion initiatives, to community-service organizations and expanding educational opportunities for the city’s school-aged children.

Brielynn currently sits on the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County Advocacy Committee, and she previously served as an advisory board member of United Way’s Next Generation United, which identifies, educates, and empowers young leaders to be catalysts for change in their community. Her passion for her work led to her being awarded as the 2023 United Way of Buffalo & Erie County Volunteer of the Year.

She also gives back to the community in other capacities, serving as a board member to the West Buffalo Charter School; Every Person Influences Children, known also as EPIC; as a trustee associate for the Western New York Foundation, and previously served as a member of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership’s Diversity & Inclusion Council.

“Brielynn is a change agent, always ready to roll up her sleeves and help with any project or task, big or small,” said Goldberg Segalla’s Chief Human Resource Officer Christine Marrano. “Her determination to make a difference in her community and help create opportunities for those from underrepresented communities is unwavering. She is committed to making a positive, lasting impact on Goldberg Segalla and her community.”