Tonkon Torp Partner Parna Mehrbani was a featured panelist at the 2019 Portland Women in Leadership Symposium held on March 28. The event, “Center Stage: Standing Out & Speaking Up,” highlighted six women leaders from a cross section of professions who shared stories, inspiration, and perspective about common issues that women encounter in leadership roles.
Parna spoke about Imposter Syndrome, which affects many high-performers, causing them to doubt their accomplishments or feel like a “fraud.” Parna spoke specifically about how Imposter Syndrome affects women, people of color, and immigrants. She shared examples of the many forms in which Imposter Syndrome can manifest, how it affects the way people interact in the workplace, and how employers may reaffirm Imposter Syndrome. She also provided a list of suggestions for addressing the often unconscious cycle of thinking like an imposter, both from her own experience as well as from thought leaders on the subject.
Parna is Co-Chair of the Information Privacy & Security Practice Group, and a partner in the Intellectual Property Practice Group. Her practice is focused on intellectual property, trademark and copyright registration, licensing and enforcement, and advising on intellectual property portfolios for local, national, and international companies. She also advises businesses on the management and security of personal data and the laws that regulate the collection, use, and protection of personal data.
