Introducing Ingeuneal C. Gray: AAA’s First Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

By: Kendal Enz

The American Arbitration Association® (AAA®) has appointed Ingeuneal C. Gray, Esq. as its first vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Formerly a vice president of the commercial division, Gray brings over 20 years of legal expertise and a deep commitment to DEI to her new role. As VP of DEI, she will drive efforts to recruit, retain, and advance diverse arbitrators and mediators, partnering with organizations, bar associations, universities and trade groups to make meaningful strides in the field.

A Longstanding Commitment to DEI

Gray has long recognized the critical importance of equitable representation in alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Before joining the AAA in 2015, she supported DEI initiatives for businesses of all sizes at ICG Law Firm, where she was the principal. “DEI is something I’ve always been passionate about and studied for a number of years,” she said.

Gray’s journey with the AAA began as a participant in its Higginbotham Fellows program in 2015. This initiative provides training, mentorship and networking opportunities to promising professionals in the ADR field. “I learned so much from my experience with the AAA and meeting so many dedicated individuals who have been part of the organization for 20, 30, even 40 years,” Gray said. “It became clear to me that the AAA is an organization I wanted to be a part of. Their business training and acumen align perfectly with my own business goals.”

Career Progression at the AAA

After graduating from the Higginbotham Fellows Program, Gray joined the AAA as a vice president of the commercial division in the Houston region. During her first year at the AAA, she was invited to co-facilitate the program for the next generation of Higginbotham Fellows, which she described as a “great privilege.”

Throughout her tenure at the AAA, Gray has advocated for DEI, co-chairing the AAA DEI Committee and contributing significantly to other DEI initiatives. “I’m honored to take on this challenge and continue the AAA’s longstanding commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion,” Gray said. “By dedicating myself full-time to DEI initiatives, I’m confident I can make a significant impact. I’m eager to begin this journey, working collaboratively with colleagues, organizations and stakeholders.”

Goals and Vision for the Future

Gray’s immediate goals include enhancing the AAA’s outreach and partnerships with external organizations to bolster the recruitment and retention of diverse ADR professionals. She aims to create robust programs and initiatives that support this mission. Gray will also manage the AAA’s existing DEI programs, such as the Higginbotham Fellows Program and the Diverse Student ADR Summit.

Since its inception in 2009, the Higginbotham Fellows Program has had 183 graduates. Most Fellows who have applied have become AAA panelists, and former Higginbotham Fellows also sit on the AAA Council. The Diverse Student ADR Summit, launched in 2019, spans one-and-a-half days and provides diverse law students with an in-depth understanding of what it takes to become a successful arbitrator or mediator. Select students receive a $1,300 travel stipend to attend the summit held in New York City each fall.

Gray envisions a future where the AAA’s commitment to DEI is more visible and impactful than ever. “AAA has always been involved in increasing inclusion inside and outside the organization. My goal is to continue this legacy, ensuring that our efforts in DEI not only reflect but also lead the standards of the ADR community,” she said.

As of 2023, 34 percent, or 1,833, of AAA panelists were diverse. In the same year, 286 new panelists joined the AAA roster, with 49 percent identifying as diverse. Gray is committed to further increasing these percentages. “You want to have a panel that's representative of the parties,” she said. “You want there to be relatability.”

Challenges and Resilience

Gray acknowledges that advancing DEI comes with challenges, particularly in a landscape where opinions on such initiatives can be polarized. “DEI is an ongoing, hot topic. There are always those who feel that either too much or too little is being done,” she said. “However, at the end of the day, it’s crucial for everyone to work together towards inclusion. Diverse opinions and backgrounds lead to better outcomes.”

Gray’s appointment as vice president of DEI marks an important moment for the AAA. Her extensive experience, passion and strategic vision are set to drive significant advancements in the organization’s DEI efforts. Gray hopes her leadership will enhance the AAA’s internal culture and ensure that the diverse voices within the ADR community are heard, valued and empowered.

Career Background

Before her roles at the AAA, Gray was the principal of ICG Law Firm, focusing on transactions, compliance and conflict prevention. She holds a JD from Southern Methodist University School of Law and a BA in Psychology from the University of Houston. Gray is a member of the Texas Bar College of Legal Scholars. She is also incoming chair of the American Bar Association Business Law Section’s ADR Committee, chair of the Texas Bar Association’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Section and a past chair of the Houston Bar Association Alternative Dispute Resolution Section. A frequent speaker at legal and industry conferences, Gray is dedicated to educating people on the benefits of ADR and increasing DEI in the field. She holds DEI certifications from Cornell and Stanford Universities.

For more details on the AAA’s DEI initiatives and upcoming programs, please visit the AAA’s DEI initiatives webpage.