Angie Jesme

Angie is the picture of someone unafraid to tackle new challenges. Originally hired as a receptionist in 1991, her duties at Gray Plant Mooty have expanded to include project support for several departments, including accounting, human resources, and marketing.

While Angie’s determination to excel clearly shows in her work, her independent spirit goes well beyond the office. Despite physical limitations that have caused her to use a wheelchair since childhood, she navigates the downtown Minneapolis streets and sky- ways with practiced ease. During the busi- ness day, her constant companion is Dozer, a service dog that Angie has had for two years.

Away from work, Angie spends most of her time with her husband Mike, whom she married in May 2009. “This firm and its people have always embraced me openly. At my wedding, a number of attorneys said they felt like they were at a family reunion because there were so many current and former Gray Plant Mooty people in attendance. Those comments are a testament to my 19 years with the firm. I’m a coworker, but also friends, with people at all levels of Gray Plant Mooty. They may not be related to me by blood, but they are family.”

Perspectives on Diversity

Frank is a classic product of America’s cultural and racial melting pot. Born in Wichita, Kansas, his father’s family was of the Mescalero Apache Tribe and his mother’s family immigrated from Mexico but were of French, German, and Native American descent. Hard work won him admission to Harvard College and, later, the University of California- Berkeley, where he earned dual JD/MBA degrees.

Since coming to Minnesota over 20 years ago, Frank has pursued careers in investment banking, corporate finance, and as an attorney advising business entrepreneurs.

While his credentials allow him to work anywhere he wishes, he is now on his second tour of duty with Gray Plant Mooty.

18

GRAY PLANT MOOTY: YEAR IN REVIEW

Frank Vargas

“When I first moved here and started attending board meetings, people would look at me because I didn’t ‘look like Minnesota.’ But when I joined Gray Plant Mooty, nobody looked at me in that way,” Frank says. “I think one of the distinguishing things about our firm is that it is an easy place to be if you are different. People are looked at for who they are, not what they look like. That’s important to me, because I don’t want to be treated better or worse for being a minority. I just want to be treated the same. That’s what happens here, and that’s why it is a great place to work.” Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26