“People say I am an overachiever,” Stephanie Grana says, laughing as though she doesn't really buy it. But it's easy to believe when she describes her community involvement and her business success.
As an attorney at Cantor Arkema, she and her partner Colleen Marea Quinn started the Women's Injury Law Center in 2004 to cater to the specific needs of women and families. Grana felt her experiences as a woman, wife and mother helped her better understand her clients' needs and be more effective in her representation. She uses the center as a catalyst for community outreach through seminars and various articles she writes for V Magazine, giving women advice on child-rearing issues.
Grana also serves as president of the Lewis F. Powell, Jr. American Inn of Court, an association of lawyers and judges, that focuses on promoting civility and collegiality within the legal community. Plaintiff and defense attorneys come together to mentor young lawyers and to discuss ethics with local judges.
She's also active in the Metropolitan Richmond Women's Bar Association. This year it's sponsored a mayoral debate and helps with the Clothes Closet organization. She also helps raise money for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.
“My mom was always very active in the community and my dad always taught us about professional excellence,” Grana says. She and her husband are trying to pass along those same values to their children, Nicole, Garrett and Dakota.
