Katie Mabanta is a participant in the 2016 Defense Association of New York (DANY) nationally recognized Diversity Initiative leadership training program for women and diverse attorneys on behalf of Ahmuty Demers and McManus. The participants include members from various defense firms and in-house counsel for various Insurance Companies. This program is designed to teach mid-level women and diverse attorneys how to effectively compete for leadership positions, negotiate work arrangements, and pursue professional opportunities. There are monthly meetings held at the offices of the New York State Insurance Fund, with speakers who advise the participants in various areas, including but not limited to brand development, networking, professional development, as well as various panel discussions on a variety of topics. The program also provides smaller group instructional sessions as well as one-on-one mentorship for each participant by prominent members of the legal community.