Milena Radovic
27, Associate, Jackson Lewis, P.C., Norfolk
Business and Civic Involvement:
Hampton Roads Society for Human Resource Management 2019-2020 Board of Directors; Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach 2020-2021 Community Vice President; Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach 2019-2020 Chair-Elect of the Women’s Initiative Committee, Virginia Beach Bar Association Member, Norfolk & Portsmouth Bar Association Member; Virginia Women Attorneys Association Hampton Roads Chapter Member
What is something that makes you stand out professionally?
I am a lot younger than most people realize. I graduated college when I was 20 and law school when I was 23. While some may see that as a disadvantage, which at times it can be, I find that most of the time it actually puts me at an advantage. Being younger often means bringing a new perspective into the conversation.
Who or what keeps you motivated or inspires you?
My parents’ strength, courage and selflessness inspires me every day. When I was 4 years old, my family immigrated to the United States, and my parents have made so many sacrifices so that my brother and I could have a better life. All of my personal and professional success is attributable to them.
Tell us about an accomplishment that you’re proud of.
In February 2020, I helped plan the Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach’s Little Black Dress Initiative, which is a week-long campaign to raise awareness about the limiting effects of poverty on girls’ education in South Hampton Roads. Initially, our goal was to raise $2,000, which we did on the very first day, and ultimately, we received over $7,000 in monetary donations and over $1,000 worth of in-kind donations. No girl should be left behind because her family is unable to afford basic necessities.
How do you feel your industry can best respond to the effects of COVID-19?
I am an attorney at Jackson Lewis, P.C., and during the pandemic, my firm has advised clients on countless COVID-19 issues, from administering furloughs and layoffs to compliance with the WARN Act, the FFCRA and the CARES Act to implementing reopening plans. Even after the virus is contained, employers will continue to feel its effects for months, if not years, so it is our job to provide clients with excellent service and ensure that they are prepared to respond to any issue that may arise.
What new idea or development are you excited about in Coastal Virginia?
I love seeing the continued development of the NEON and ViBe Districts. I think Coastal Virginia has the potential to be a truly remarkable, and by investing in these vibrant pockets we are taking a step in the right direction.
What’s the most important aspect you look for in a workplace?
What I look for most in a workplace is having supervisors that respect me as employee, value my time, are committed to providing work-life balance, acknowledge my contributions and invest in not only in my professional but also personal growth and development.
What would you be doing if you weren’t in your current position?
If I was not an attorney, I would love to be a high school history or government teacher. When I was in high school, I had some incredible teachers who pushed me to succeed and helped me find and cultivate my passions. I would not be the person I am today without them, so I would hope to follow in their footsteps.
What’s your favorite spot to relax in Coastal Virginia?
I am still a child at heart and my favorite place in Coastal Virginia is the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. I could spend hours in the aquarium tunnel or at the otter exhibit.