Michelle Alexandra Canelo Juarez

Legal Director Central America and Colombia

Cargill

What measures has your company taken to embed sustainability practices into its core business operations, and how does the role of the general counsel contribute to driving and ensuring sustainable practices within the company?

The company is focusing on areas where it can make a significant impact, such as water resources, food security, and nutrition, among others. It is partnering with key stakeholders, including customers, consumers, governments, and industry groups, to work together towards achieving these broader goals. Multiple businesses within the company operate ethically and with a strong commitment to our communities, ensuring that we conduct our operations in a safe, responsible, and sustainable manner.

How do you prioritise diversity and inclusion within your legal department, and what initiatives have you implemented to foster a more inclusive and equitable work environment?  

First and foremost, it is about creating awareness and acting intentionally towards achieving specific goals that foster diversity, with a particular focus on creating an inclusive environment where people feel free to be themselves, knowing that their work adds value and truly matters. The company has many ongoing initiatives in place, and in my role, I have chosen to be an ally to others by holding myself accountable to raise my voice, act, and ensure that the voices of others are heard as well. This contributes to creating a space for open discussions, implementing meaningful actions, and measuring our efforts.

One example I like to share is that each individual faces different challenges in their personal and professional lives. When each person feels heard, experiences empathy from their supervisor and colleagues, and has a protected environment to express concerns and worries, the ability to ask for help and receive support is essential. This is what I aim for. Support may come in the form of flexible work arrangements to accommodate personal or family needs. It could also involve acknowledging generational differences, varying work styles, and finding the best way to address business needs by carefully selecting team members for projects. By aligning the right person with the right job, taking into account their skills, working style, strengths, and personal needs, we can ensure that we deliver value-based legal solutions.

What is a cause, business-related or otherwise, that you care about, and why? 

Over the past few years, I have had the privilege of working alongside other extraordinary colleagues to strengthen the role of in-house lawyers. In 2018, we created the first In-House Lawyers Association in Central America (AAEC), which includes members from across Central America, as well as some from Mexico, Colombia, and other countries. This association provides a platform and voice for the in-house lawyer community, both locally and internationally, while also empowering in-house lawyers to become better corporate citizens and contribute to building stronger societies.

I had the honour of serving as President of this association for two terms, and I am currently serving as Treasurer. I am fully committed to continuing this work, advancing our vision, mission, and philosophy, and fulfilling both our long-term and short-term goals to better equip the in-house legal community.