2021 J.L. TURNER LEGAL ASSOCIATION Foundation Chair and Gala Chair
TATIANA ALEXANDER Good evening! On behalf of the J.L. Turner Legal Association (“JLTLA”) Foundation, I would like to welcome you to HOMECOMING! – our Annual Scholarship and Awards Gala! Homecoming is about fellowship and reconnecting with the people who add value to our lives. It’s about supporting higher education, giving back, and showing pride for your alma mater, fraternity or sorority. And, of course, it’s about food, fun and music! As such, Homecoming is an appropriate theme to celebrate our return to a sense of normalcy following the pandemic, and our return to an in-person Gala after last year’s first-ever virtual Gala. Moreover, we are excited to celebrate Historically Black Colleges & Universities. Each year, the Gala raises thousands of dollars in scholarship funds to support distinguished and deserving students on their law school journeys. I was a proud recipient of two JLTLA Foundation scholarships and, during those semesters, I was able to focus and perform better knowing that I had some financial relief. So, I speak from experience when I say that your time, money and efforts matter. Your presence here today matters and is a testament to your commitment to higher education and equity in the legal profession. Thank you to each of the recipients of the Hon. L.A. Bedford Awards. The honors bestowed upon you today are well-deserved. Your dedication to service, scholarship and practicing law at the highest level reverberates through our community. We have a fun night of surprises in store for you, and hope that you enjoy yourself reconnecting with friends and colleagues. Your health and safety are of utmost important to us, so please fellowship responsibly. Thank you to my Gala Co-Chairs Koi L. Spurlock and Nakisha Williams for believing in my vision, and for your tireless efforts in bringing it to fruition. And, finally, THANK YOU for your continued support of the JLTLA Foundation and the Gala! It has been a pleasure to serve you. Have a wonderful evening!
Tatiana Alexander J.L. Turner Legal Association Foundation Presents: HOMECOMING | Page 2
2021 J.L. TURNER LEGAL ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT
MARISSA HATCHETT Greetings! On behalf of the 2021 J.L. Turner Legal Association Board of Directors, welcome to the J.L. Turner Legal Association Foundation’s Annual Scholarship and Awards Gala! We are thankful for your presence and for your support in our efforts to improve and diversify the Dallas legal community. Tonight, as we celebrate the achievements of our scholarship recipients, we also recognize the dedication of the leaders of both the Association and Foundation. Founded in 1952 and originally named the Barrister’s Club, the J.L. Turner Legal Association was formed by a group of African American attorneys practicing in Dallas County who were not permitted to join the Dallas Bar Association due to race. The efforts of the founding members have culminated in a premiere organization of which we can all be proud. We are grateful and forever indebted to those brave few and the many distinguished leaders who followed, whose work made tonight and countless other events possible. For the past 67 years this organization has provided support, fellowship, and mentorship for African American attorneys, students, and community members. It is my distinct pleasure to serve as your 2021 President. 2020 was filled with so many unforeseen challenges. We are grateful for the leadership that 2020 President Koi Spurlock portrayed as she navigated through this unprecedented time. The coronavirus, unfortunately, deprived us of some of the fantastic programming that was planned for the 2020 year, however, that did not stop us from having very successful and well attended virtual events. We all have experienced adjusting to our lives under the current pandemic. Fortunately for us, the complication of moving on with our “new normal” can be minimized by listening to what you, the members, would like to see from our organization. We will be flexible with planning activities and continue to improve on communication with all members of the JL Turner Legal Association. We are here to serve you and our community. Together, let us march forward to a prosperous 2021! At Your Service, Marissa Hatchett
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2021 J.L. Turner Legal Association President-Elect
ASHLEI GRADNEY It is an honor to address you as the 2022 President of this esteemed organization. On behalf of the J.L. Turner Legal Association (JLTLA) Board, thank you for joining us this evening and supporting the JLTLA Foundation. Your participation illustrates your dedication to ensuring diversity within the legal profession, especially during these uncertain times. Your generous financial contributions will undoubtedly pave a way for future legal trailblazers. The annual scholarship gala is a reflective and joyous event giving us an opportunity to fellowship with one another. The Association has been a pillar in Dallas’ legal community for almost seventy years. Through leadership, service, and education, JLTLA has remained a beacon of promise and distinction for Black attorneys and legal professionals alike. By supporting tonight’s program, you show your commitment to Black legal excellence. The past twenty months have been arduous. We have faced unimaginable extremes that have tested our integrity, endurance, and faith. Some have lost a great deal as our world shifted during this pandemic. However, out of the various changes, grief, sorrows, and fears, we become more fortified. It is important during this turbulent season that unity and commitment to diversity remain at the forefront of the legal profession. One of the most effective ways to accomplish this is by providing scholarships to deserving law students. As we celebrate our scholarship recipients and recognize our accomplished members on this evening, I implore you to pause and reflect on this moment and honor those we have loved and lost this year. Applaud yourself for making it this far and encourage those around you to keep pushing forward. This is our resurgence, our homecoming! Yours in service, Ashlei D. Gradney
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The Colors of Success. We know that diversity and inclusion within Locke Lord make us a better Firm, thereby enabling us to bring a wide range of perspectives and life experiences to the work we do. Locke Lord is pleased to support J.L. Turner Legal Association Foundation’s Annual Scholarship and Awards Gala “Homecoming” and the Foundation’s mission to improve the quality of life in our community through education, service and scholarship. Congratulations to the 2021 Scholarship and Award recipients. Arthur E. Anthony Partner aanthony@lockelord.com
Ashley Thurman Associate ashley.thurman@lockelord.com
Kyle Davis Partner adavis@lockelord.com
Cameasha Turner Associate cameasha.turner@lockelord.com
Michelle Earley Partner mearley@lockelord.com
Tatianna J. Witter Associate (Bar Admission Pending) tatianna.witter@lockelord.com
Mayor Eric Johnson Partner eric.l.johnson@lockelord.com
Shawnika L. Harris Counsel shawnika.harris@lockelord.com
Eli B. Daniels Associate eli.daniels@lockelord.com
www.lockelord.com Attorney Advertising © 2021 Locke Lord LLP
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ERIC JOHNSON Mayor of Dallas
November 13, 2021
Greetings! As Mayor of Dallas, I am delighted to provide greetings in honor of the 2021 Scholarship and Awards Gala hosted by the J.L. Turner Legal Association Foundation. Since 1982, the J.L. Turner Legal Association Foundation has been committed to providing scholarships to minority law students who are from or attend school in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Through these efforts, the Foundation is doing an incredible job of supporting the next generation of promising, gifted leaders. Dallas is stronger because of the J.L. Turner Legal Association Foundation’s leadership and service to others. Best wishes for a successful event! Sincerely,
Eric Johnson Mayor OFFICE OF THE MAYOR CITY HALL 1500 MARILLA ST., 5EN DALLAS, TEXAS 75201 TELEPHONE 214.670.3301 J.L. Turner Legal Association Foundation Presents: HOMECOMING | Page 6
ad 1 Dear J.L. Turner Legal Association Foundation, I am ecstatic to be able to congratulate you on the occasion of the annual J.L. Turner Legal Association Foundation Scholarship and Awards Gala. I’ve found that one of the joys of serving Texas as an elected official has been getting to celebrate the hard work of organizations like yours. As the sole Black Freshman Representative serving in this legislative session and a dedicated member of the legal community, I have experienced firsthand the invaluable impact that organizations such as yours have on empowering young attorneys of color. I cannot thank you enough for your hard work to ensure that people that look like me have all the resources they need to excel in the legal profession. The community members honored by your organization inspire me and serve as reminders of the outstanding things we can accomplish when we invest in our communities. Please accept my sincere congratulations. May you go far and always carry your community with you. My deepest gratitude goes to the J.L. Turner Legal Association Foundation for their continued investment in promoting equity in the Dallas community and beyond. I am thankful for all you do.
Sincerely,
State Representative Jasmine Crockett
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THE J.L. TURNER LEGAL ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION PRESENTS:
HOMECOMING! Invocation Welcome Tatiana Alexander 2021 Gala & JLTLAF Chair, 2014 JLTLA President Negro National Anthem 105 Voices of History National HBCU Concert Choir VIP/Elected Officials Recognitions Nakisha Williams 2021 Gala Co-Chair, 2015 JLTLA-PS President Scholarship Awards
Koi L. Spurlock 2021 Gala Co-Chair, 2020 JLTLA President
Paul K. Stafford 2021 JLTLAF Chair-Elect, 2021 Chair, SBOT African American Lawyers Section
DINNER
(Sponsor Recognitions) Hon. L.A. Bedford Awards Marissa Hatchett 2021 JLTLA President 2021 JLTLA Officer Swearing In Honorable Audrey Moorehead County Criminal Court No. 3 Inaugural Remarks Ashlei Gradney 2021 JLTLA President-Elect Closing Remarks
Tatiana Alexander, 2021 Gala Chair Koi L. Spurlock, 2021 Gala Co-Chair
After-Party Featuring DJ Hurricane CASINO NIGHT by Vegas Concepts, Inc. J.L. J.L.Turner TurnerLegal LegalAssociation AssociationFoundation FoundationPresents: Presents:HOMECOMING HOMECOMING | Page 12
DINNER MENU Kick-Off Local Greens, Spiced Pecans, Sun-Dried Cranberries, Feta Cheese, Tomatoes, Cucumber, Balsamic Vinaigrette
Gametime Parmesan Crusted Chicken, Truffle Butter Potatoes, Broccolini, Sherry Jus
Overtime
New York Style Cheesecake with Berry Coulis
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"Lift Every Voice and Sing" Lift every voice and sing Till earth and heaven ring Ring with the harmonies of Liberty; Let our rejoicing rise, High as the list’ning skies, Let it resound loud as the rolling sea. Sing a song full of faith that the dark past has taught us, Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us; Facing the rising sun of our new day begun, Let us march on till victory is won.
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! n io at d n u Fo LA T JL e th g in rt o Proudly Supp s! er n in W ip h rs la o h Sc l al to s n o Congratulati Pol. adv. paid by Judge Nancy Mulder Campaign.
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C.B. Bunkley Community Service Award
Christa Sanford Christa Sanford is a Partner and the Deputy Chair of the Intellectual Property Department at Baker Botts LLP. Christa has a full-time patent practice and provides guidance on patent procurement, patent portfolio development, patent litigation, and patent licensing – particularly involving telecommunications, artificial intelligence, personal mobility, and other cutting-edge technologies. In addition to her role as the IP Deputy Department Chair, Christa serves as the co-chair of the firm’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee and serves on the firm’s Executive Committee.
Christa also serves on the boards of Southern Methodist University, SMU Dedman School of Law, and New Friends New Life (an organization focused on eradicating human trafficking in D/FW), and is the President for the Junior League of Dallas. Christa has been recognized as a Top 50 Most Powerful Woman in Tech by the National Diversity Council, a Distinguished Alumni – Emerging Leader by SMU Dedman School of Law, a Texas Trailblazer by Texas Lawyer, and a “Most Influential Black Lawyer” by Savoy Magazine. Christa earned her B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Rice University in 2001, and her J.D., cum laude and Order of the Coif, from SMU Dedman School of Law in 2004.
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Hon. Cleo R. Steele Committed Mentor Award
Amy M. Stewart Amy is the woman you want on your team. She’s intuitive, strategic, and relentless. What sets Amy apart from other attorneys are the skills she garnered from her experiences in the athletic world. Winning is in her blood – she played college basketball at Wake Forest and coached Division I basketball at her alma mater and Tulane University before shifting her focus to wins in the courtroom. Amy’s unique background helps her bring a dignified and measured aggressiveness and competitive nature to her legal practice. Based on her experience building winning teams, Amy has an innate ability to connect with clients. By listening to her clients, Amy identifies and understands the critical success factors before developing a game plan—what does a “win” look like for this legal dispute. Amy never gives up on meeting her client’s objectives and uses her intellect and intuition to alter the game plan when issues arise. Business clients want Amy leading and representing their interests as their outside legal counsel. Opposing counsel respects her legal acumen and her tenaciousness. Amy has expertise in resolving contract disputes, business torts, investigations, products liability, ERISA, employment, and labor matters. In addition to her civil trial experience representing companies on the Fortune 100 list to startups, Amy is a certified Title IX Investigator by the Association of Title IX Administrators and a certified Arbitrator with the AAA, presiding over commercial, construction, and employment matters. Amy is also certified as a FINRA arbitrator and was inducted into the International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution Panel of Distinguished Neutrals. Amy leads the only minority and woman-owned law firm in Dallas that focuses on areas of general civil litigation, labor and employment, contracts, product liability, arbitrations, personal injury, and insurance defense. She is a frequent speaker at local, state, and national legal and non-legal conferences on several subjects. Amy has been honored with numerous industry awards, including the 2020 Texas Minority Counsel Program Trailblazer of the Year, 2021 Best Lawyers in America, 2021 Law Dragon 500 Leading U.S. Corporate Employment Lawyers, 2020 America’s Top 100 Personal Injury Attorneys, 2020 National Black Lawyers Top 100, 2020 & 2019 Dallas Bar Association’s Presidential Citation, the 2019 Dallas Business Journal Minority Business Owner Award, 2019 American Bar Association 100 Women Who Inspire Us Award, and is a five-time Super Lawyers honoree. Further, Amy serves in leadership roles as a Council member of the American Bar Association Litigation Section, Board Member of the Dallas Bar Association, member of the DBA’s Coronavirus Task Force, on the Dallas Steering Committee for the Diverse Attorney Pipeline Program, and a member of the DBA’s Equality Taskforce. In response to her experience participating in the nation’s first virtual Summary Jury Trial, Amy put together a team of leaders in the legal field to create an eBook called the Virtual Proceedings Playbook. Amy also authored a chapter entitled “Be Your Own Advocate by Negotiating Fair Compensation” in the book, Her Story: Lessons in Success from Lawyers Who Live It. J.L. Turner Legal Association Foundation Presents: HOMECOMING | Page 17
hON. SAM A. LINDSaY PROFESSIONALISM AND ETHICs Award
Daryl K. Washington Daryl K. Washington’s experience includes representing clients in Civil Rights law (including police brutality, police misconduct, wrongful arrest, wrongful death), Sports, Entertainment and Media matters, Business Transactions, Commercial and General litigation matters, Settlement Negotiations, Contract and Business Practice disputes, and other matters involving complex and unique issues. Daryl has represented clients before the SEC and Texas State Securities Board. He also provides legal advice for small businesses and assists with business formations, contract drafting and negotiations. Daryl was named Attorney of the Year in 2007 by the National Bar Association’s Sports, Entertainment and Art Section. Additionally, as the 2007-2008 Regional Director of Region V (Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas) for the National Bar Association, his region received the Association’s Outstanding Region of the Year Award. Daryl was presented with the Southern University Law Center Distinguished Alumni Award at the 2011 National Bar Association Convention. Daryl was the 2004 President of the J.L. Turner Legal Association (Dallas’ African American Bar Association) and a member of the Board of Directors in 2003-04 and 2006. Daryl was the 2007-08 Region V Director for the National Bar Association. He served as Deputy Director in 2006-07, Assistant Deputy Director in 2005-05 and was Affiliate Chapter Representative in 2005. He served as a member of the Board of Trustees at St. Philips School and Community Center. In 2008-2009, He served as Deputy Chief of Staff for the National Bar Association President and in 20132014 he served as Deputy General Counsel to the President of the National Bar Association. In 2015, he served as the Communications Director for the President of the National Bar Association and is chair of the Police Misconduct Task Force. He currently serves on the Boards of Southern University Law Center Alumni Association and Grambling State University College of Business Advisory Board. Daryl earned his J.D. degree from Southern University Law Center and his B.S. degree in Accounting from Grambling State University where he was a member of the football team.
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Hon. L.A. Bedford Distinguished Jurist Award
Honorable Gracie Lewis, Retired Gracie Lewis is a native Texan born in Houston, Texas and reared in the small town of Hempstead, Texas. She attended college at the University of Texas at Austin and earned a B.A. in Psychology. A Doctorate of Jurisprudence degree was conferred on her in 1985 by The University of Houston, Bates School of Law. She relocated to the Dallas Area in 1987 when she accepted a position with the Collin County District Attorney’s Office. In 1988, she was hired as an Assistant Dallas County Public Defender and was assigned to both misdemeanor and felony courts. As a public defender, she was a supervising attorney responsible for training and evaluating other attorneys in the office. The Dallas County Juvenile Board appointed Judge Lewis to be the Associate Judge for the 305th Judicial District Court in January of 1995. She held that position until December 2008. She was certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Juvenile Law in 2002. She, also, has taught adult education classes at Southern Methodist University. Judge Gracie Lewis was elected in 2008 as the Criminal District Judge of Criminal District Court #3, where she presided until December 31, 2020. She now sits as a Retired Visiting Judge for the State of Texas.
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Trailblazer Award
Mandy Price Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Kanarys, Inc. Mandy Price (she/her/hers) is an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as the CEO and co-founder of Kanarys, Inc., a technology company focused on providing the tools organizations need to create long-term systemic change around DEI challenges. Kanarys uses a data-based approach to pinpoint what companies may not have been able to see before so DEI strategies and interventions are precise, measurable and result in lasting transformation. Data from submissions is analyzed through artificial intelligence and natural language processing, allowing partner companies to better understand the challenges and opportunities facing them and to build a more inclusive workplace culture.
Company partners are able to measure performance against DEI benchmarks and identify areas of improvement and growth, by gathering and analyzing cultural and demographic data, industry rankings and trends. Kanarys is creating a workplace where everyone belongs. Kanarys has been covered by Good Morning America, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, CNBC, Business Insider, Entrepreneur, Human Resource Executive, and more. Kanarys has participated in several accelerator programs including the Google for Startups Black Founders Accelerator, Unreasonable FUTURE of Work program, and Morgan Stanley Multicultural Innovation Lab. Mandy was named a Top 100 HR Tech Influencers of 2021 by Human Resource Executive, and she and her co-founder, Star Carter, were recently named two of Inc.’s 2021 Female Founders 100 for helping companies address systemic racism in the workplace. Last year, they were recognized as two of Entrepreneur magazine’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women of 2020. Additionally, Mandy was named Dallas Startup Week’s 2020 Rising Entrepreneur. She regularly speaks at notable DEI, technology, and leadership conferences like Mom 2.0, Goldman Sachs: 10,000 Small Businesses, D Magazine’s Diversity and Inclusion Symposium, UT Austin’s School of Law, Dallas Startup Week, and more, where she shares her expertise on DEI in the workplace. Mandy practiced law as a Harvard-educated attorney for over 12 years before leaving to co-found Kanarys. Mandy’s interest in DEI began early in her career when she helped create the division of diversity and community engagement at the University of Texas as an undergrad. She then held the role of outreach editor of the Harvard Civil Rights-Civil Liberties Law Review. In her previous legal career, she served on the Women’s Task Force at Barnes & Thornburg and the board of directors of the Texas Civil Rights Project and as a member of the Diversity Committee at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP and as the former president of the J.L. Turner Legal Association, the African-American Bar Association of Dallas. In 2017, Mandy received the “40 Under 40 Nation’s Best Advocates” award from the National Bar Association and was selected as a “Best Lawyer in Dallas” by D Magazine. Mandy earned her Juris Doctorate from Harvard Law School and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the J.L. Turner Legal Association Foundation Presents: HOMECOMING | Page 20
Trailblazer Award
Bennie King Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer Kanarys, Inc. Bennie King (he/him/his) is an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as the chief product officer and co-founder of Kanarys, Inc., a technology company focused on providing the tools organizations need to create long-term systemic change around diversity, equity, and inclusion challenges. At Kanarys, Bennie works alongside his wife and partner of 10 years, Mandy Price, who serves as the company’s CEO and co-founder. Working with mid-size enterprises and Fortune 500 companies, Kanarys transforms DEI work with data by providing the framework, benchmarking, and data companies need to incorporate best-inclass DEI into every area of the organization. Like a canary in the coal mine, Kanarys helps organizations ensure healthy work environments by revealing DEI blindspots before they become a problem. Kanarys has been covered by Good Morning America, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, CNBC, Business Insider, Entrepreneur, Human Resource Executive, and more. The company has raised $4.6 million in VC funding, winning notable pitch competitions like the Rise of the Rest Virtual Tour: Equity Edition, Minority Entrepreneurship Institute’s Texas Showcase, Social Venture Partners’ Big Bang, and more. As a Black man, Bennie knows firsthand how important it is to advance DEI in the workplace, and because of the women in his life - his wife and five sisters - and the challenges they faced in the workplace, he was motivated to cofound Kanarys and dedicated his career to creating workplaces where every person can Work Where They Belong. Coming from a tech and entrepreneurial background, Bennie has led the company in developing its advanced technology from its inception, incorporating machine learning and artificial intelligence to provide companies with data that will ultimately create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace for everyone. Bennie also leads the company’s development team and is responsible for Kanarys’ product roadmap. Prior to Kanarys, Bennie was a serial entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of VenueCenter, an online platform that modernized and changed the way consumers and planners approached the event planning and venue booking process. Bennie was inspired to create the event planning platform when he and Mandy were planning their wedding, launching VenueCenter in 2015. He eventually sold the company in 2018. Prior to founding VenueCenter, Bennie had a seven year career in the pharmaceutical industry where he oversaw training and compliance. Bennie previously served as a board member of Flight, the young professional arm of Vogel Alcove, a Dallas-based organization battling childhood homelessness. He also served on the board of the Parents’ Association of Temple Emanu-El and was the Co-Chair of the Annual Silent Auction in 2017. Bennie is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi and was Polemarch (President) of the Iota Delta chapter at the University of Texas at Austin. Bennie earned his Bachelor of Arts in Biology from The University of Texas at Austin, and he resides in Dallas, TX with his wife, Mandy, and two children.
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Trailblazer Award
Starlett Carter Co-Founder, COO and General Counsel Kanarys, Inc. Starlett (Star) Carter (she/her/hers) is an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as the Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel, and co-founder of Kanarys, Inc. Kanarys is a technology company focused on providing the tools organizations need to create long-term systemic change around DEI challenges. Kanarys uses a data-based approach to pinpoint what companies may not have been able to see before so DEI strategies and interventions are precise, measurable, and result in lasting transformation. Data from submissions is analyzed through artificial intelligence and natural language processing, allowing partner companies to better understand the challenges and opportunities facing them and to build a more inclusive workplace culture. Company partners are able to measure performance against DEI benchmarks and identify areas of improvement and growth, by gathering and analyzing cultural and demographic data, industry rankings and trends. Kanarys is creating a workplace where everyone belongs. Kanarys has been covered by Good Morning America, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, CNBC, Business Insider, Entrepreneur, HR Executive, and more. Kanarys has participated in several accelerator programs including the Google for Startups Black Founders Accelerator, Unreasonable FUTURE of Work program, and Morgan Stanley Multicultural Innovation Lab. Star and her co-founder, Mandy Price, were recently named two of Inc.’s 2021 Female Founders 100 for helping companies address systemic racism in the workplace. Last year, they were recognized as two of Entrepreneur magazine’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women of 2020. Star regularly speaks at notable DEI, technology, and leadership conferences like AfroTech, DEI Tech, Association of Corporate Counsel, DFW Alliance of Technology and Women, and more, where she shares her expertise on DEI in the workplace. Star leads many business development meetings with corporate executives and leaders from the various national advocacy groups that Kanarys partners with, such as National Urban League and Prospanica, to discuss DEI and diagnose the problems Kanarys is seeing through the platform. Given her work with Kanarys and daily discussions with C-suite executives to discuss their DEI efforts, Star truly has her finger on the pulse of diversity, equity, and inclusion in corporate America. As a woman who experienced harassment early in her career, Star is passionate about ensuring workplace culture is safe and welcoming for all employees, free from judgment, and inclusive of the aspects that make individuals unique as it relates to their sexuality, gender, religion, age, ability and race. Star practiced law as a Harvard-educated attorney for over 12 years before leaving to co-found Kanarys. Throughout her career and education, Star has always been a passionate advocate for DEI, serving as the President of the NAACP student chapter at the University of Texas at Austin. During her previous legal career, she served on the Women’s Diversity Committee and chaired the Diversity Committee spearheading new DEI initiatives at Sidley Austin LLP and served as the former Vice President of the J.L. Turner Legal Association, the African-American Bar Association of Dallas. She has been recognized for her corporate practice several times, including on the 2016 Texas Rising Stars list. Star received her Juris Doctorate from Harvard Law School and a Bachelor of Business Administration with honors from the University of Texas at Austin. She resides in Dallas, Texas, with her husband and two children.
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IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THE
J. L. TURNER LEGAL ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION Thank you for your continued leadership, dedication, and service to the African-American community and the legal profession. Congratulations to all of the honorees and to the Foundation for another successful Annual Scholarship & Awards Gala!
We are pleased to support the J.L. Turner Legal Association Foundation Annual Scholarship & Awards Gala.
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Judge Staci Williams Congratulates J. L. Turner Legal Association
judgestaci.com P o l . A d v. p a i d b y S t a c i W i l l i a m s J u d i c i a l C a m p a i g n , S t e v e n R . S h i r l e y, C a m p a i g n Tr e a s u r e r
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2021 J.L. TURNER LEGAL ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP AWARD RECIPIENTS Barbara Jordan Scholarship
Desiree Malone (wills) Desiree Malone is a third-year law student who attends UNT Dallas College of Law in Downtown Dallas. She hopes to practice general litigation defense after graduation. Desiree has dedicated her time to mentoring both college law students through her involvement in mentorship programs, such as UNT Dallas College of Law’s partnership with Paul Quinn College to provide law school and LSAT prep advice to college students looking to apply to law school, and in her capacity as a Legal Writing Teaching Fellow where she graded and helped 1L students with legal writing and oral arguments. She is currently the Editor-in-Chief of the UNT Dallas College of Law On the Cusp law journal and is serving as a legal intern for the Community Lawyering Center, which is a partnership between UNT Dallas College of Law and the Legal Aid of Northwest Texas. After graduation, she hopes to continue to give back to her community by seeking opportunities to serve as a mentor to college and law students seeking to enter the legal field.
MARIE TRAHAN-SUSMAN GODFREY Scholarship
Ayanna Brown Ayanna Brown is currently a second-year law student at Texas A&M University School of Law. She was raised in Dallas, TX and received her undergraduate degree in New Orleans, LA from HBCU, Xavier University of Louisiana. Although Ayanna received her undergraduate degree in Business- Sales & Marketing, she always knew she would attend law school to pursue her passion for Criminal Justice Reform. Even though Criminal Justice Reform remains Ayanna’s passion, after spending this previous summer as a 1L Summer Associate and Paul D. White Scholar at Baker Hostetler, she has now opened her eyes to the diverse types of law afforded in “Big Law”. Over the course of her summer, she received diverse projects ranging from Environmental issues to Labor and Employment matters to Mergers and Acquisitions, finally identifying her interest in litigation matters. As Ayanna awaits returning to Baker Hosteler next summer, she plans to continue taking courses at the law school to further develop her interest and stay involved in on-campus activities. Ayanna currently participates in the Innocence Project Clinic, is a Student Ambassador in the Office of Admissions, Community Service Coordinator of the Black Law Students Association, a TA for Next Gen Aggies, and she remains an active member of Women of Color Collective, Employment Labor Law Student Association, Criminal Law Society, and three local bar associations.
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2021 J.L. TURNER LEGAL ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP AWARD RECIPIENTS FRED FINCH Scholarship
Herschel Bowens Herschel Bowens is a 3L at Texas A&M University School of Law originally from Hobbs, New Mexico. Herschel is a graduate of Prairie View A&M University. Prior to law school he worked for the United States Department of Agriculture in Boston, Massachusetts and Dallas, Texas. As a law student, Herschel has interned at PepsiCo and competed as a Mock Trial advocate. He is currently the president of TAMU Law Toastmasters and the Black Law Student Association Attorney General. After graduation, Herschel will begin his legal career at Husch Blackwell’s Dallas office in the real estate practice.
HON. PHYLLIS LISTER BROWN MEMORIAL Scholarship
Jasmine Jones Jasmine Jones is from Saint Louis, Missouri. She graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. After completing her undergrad, Jasmine went on to complete a service year with AmeriCorp. She served as a near peer advisor for underrepresented students with the mission of helping them attend college and succeed. Jasmine now attends Texas A&M University School of Law and is a second-year law student with interest in litigation. At TAMU Law, Jasmine competes on the BLSA’s Mock Trial team and is a Staff Member on Law Review.
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2021 J.L. TURNER LEGAL ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP AWARD RECIPIENTS KAREN D. MCCLOUD MEMORIAL Scholarship
Melanie Griffin Melanie is a third-year law student at SMU Dedman School of Law. She was born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas. For undergrad, Melanie went to the University of Central Arkansas. Upon graduation from law school, she hopes to practice labor and employment law. She currently serves as the Online Executive Editor of the International Law Review Association, and the Secretary of the Labor and Employment Association. Additionally, she will be interning in the fall with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the First Court of Appeals.
TEEGAN J. HILL MEMORIAL Scholarship
Tiffany Daniels Tiffany Daniels is a 3L at Texas A&M School of Law. She graduated from Liberty University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Tiffany is dedicated to Public Interest Law, specifically, police and prison reform. She is currently an Intern for the City of Fort Worth Police Oversight Monitor’s Office, where she assists with addressing community concerns regarding racial disparities in policing. As an intern for the police monitor, Tiffany has created the foundation for a community-police mediation program set to begin in January of 2022. Tiffany was recognized for her commitment to public interest law when she was selected as one of Texas A&M’s Public Interest Fellows. After law school, Tiffany wants to pursue a career in public interest advocating for police reform.
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2021 J.L. TURNER LEGAL ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP AWARD RECIPIENTS RICHARD STEWART JAG CORP. U.S. NAVY LEGAL EDUCATION scholarship
Germaine Jones Ms. Germaine Jones is a 3L at Texas A&M University School of Law. She is a Dallas native and attended Houston Baptist University in Houston, TX, for her Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies. Germaine has been a law clerk at Forester Haynie PLLC since her 1L year and plans to practice in its wage and hour practice area upon bar admission. She served as the Black Law Student Associations’ Treasurer her 2L year and is the current President overseeing important initiatives and events that positively affect the Black law student population at Texas A&M School of Law and the Tarrant County community. Germaine is also the current President of the Employment and Labor Law Student Association and an active member of the Women of Color Collective Law Student Association. She has also served as a Research Assistant for Legal Analysis Research and Writing Professor Brian Larson and a Teaching Assistant for Professional Identity Professor Aric Short.
Scholarship recipient
Artichala Wise Artichala Wise is a 3L at UNT Dallas College of Law. She is originally from Des Moines, Iowa. A first-generation college and law student, she has a BA from Iowa State University in Criminal Justice and Sociology and a MS in Juvenile Justice at Prairie View A & M University. She has a background of working in juvenile justice and child protective services including working for CPS in Dallas County, TX. She is currently a Pupil in the Barbara M.G. Lynn American Inn of Court, a board member of the DAYL Board as a Law Student Representative, and a law clerk for the Fifth District Court of Appeals Dallas. She won the Thompson and Knight Intramural Moot Court competition in 2020. She is a member of the Board of Advocates for law school. She is heavily involved in community engagement activities throughout the Dallas community. After graduation, Artichala wants to litigate cases in the Dallas area. J.L. Turner Legal Association Foundation Presents: HOMECOMING | Page 29
2021 J.L. TURNER LEGAL ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP AWARD RECIPIENTS Scholarship recipient
Crystal Hernandez Crystal Hernandez was born and raised in Dallas, TX, and is currently a 3L at Texas A&M University School of Law. She attended Texas A&M University-Commerce, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in English and has a double minor in Spanish and US-Latinx Relations. After she graduates, she hopes to stay in the DFW area to begin her career. As a 2L, Crystal joined the Women of Color Collective and Latinx Law Students Association. She now serves as the president of Women of Color Collective and remains an active member in Latinx Law Students Association at A&M. During her free time, Crystal enjoys taking long walks with her two puppies, Sherlock the Shih Tzu and Macie the mini Aussie.
Scholarship recipient
Gianna Della Sera Gianna Della Sera is a part-time evening student attending the University of North Texas at Dallas College of Law. She has always had a passion for the law and has wanted to be an attorney since childhood. She is nearing the end of her law school career and is gearing up toward the bar exam. She hopes to have a career in criminal law and serving her community. Outside of law school, Gianna spends her time reading fiction, hanging out with her friends and family, perfecting her craft of makeup artistry, and traveling when she can. She enjoys being exposed to different arts and cultures around the globe and hopes to one day become a world traveler.
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2021 J.L. TURNER LEGAL ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP AWARD RECIPIENTS Scholarship recipient
Michael Ray Johnson As a military brat, Michael traveled and met diverse and unique groups of people. His childhood experiences created an interest in diversity and community. Michael attained a bachelor’s degree in social work from Texas State University (class of 2015). For years he worked in various social services-oriented roles. He worked with Juvenile cadets in a boot camp, at-risk student youths in the central Texas area, with people who struggled with substance abuse, clients who had intellectual and or developmental conditions, with families going through the CPS process. Michael and his clients’ shared experiences regarding the legal system greatly influenced him and ultimately led him to study law school. He is now a 3L student attending The University of North Texas Dallas College of Law. Michael desires to help others at the highest capacity of which he is capable. His legal journey has led him to work for the Clinesmith firm, where he was able to help the firm’s attorneys hold nursing homes accountable for their actions and inactions regarding the nursing home residents. He is currently undertaking an externship with the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office, where the attorneys and judges work with the community to bring fair and equitable justice for all. After completing law school, Michael would like to continue to work in Dallas, Texas.
Scholarship recipient
Ideisha Shanklin Ideisha Shanklin, grew up in Dallas, Texas and graduated from The University of North Texas at Denton with a B.A. in Political Science cum laude. Prior to entering law school, she worked for the Royce West for U.S. Senate Campaign. Ideisha Shanklin, is currently a 2L at The University of North Texas at Dallas. She currently serves as the Black Law Student Association President, Graduate Assistant, Mock Trial, and on the Bell Nunally Business Law Forum. During her 1L summer, she worked for the Honorable Erin Nowell of the Fifth District Court of Appeals and West and Associates, LLP. Next summer, Ideisha will serve as a summer intern with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (Dallas Office). Ideisha Shanklin enjoys traveling, shopping, and being involved in her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. J.L. Turner Legal Association Foundation Presents: HOMECOMING | Page 31
2021 J.L. TURNER LEGAL ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP AWARD RECIPIENTS Scholarship recipient
Uchenna Abakwue Uchenna Abakwue is a 2L at SMU Dedman School of Law. She is originally from Missouri City, TX. After obtaining her undergraduate and Master’s degree from the University of North Texas, she worked at an accounting firm in downtown Dallas. This is when she fell in love with the Dallas area, and she has been here ever since. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, recreating new recipes, and binge-watching shows on Netflix.
Scholarship recipient
Juan Luevanos A native son of San Antonio, and a first-generation Texan, Juan Luevanos has always had a passion for law and finance. Graduating from Trinity University, he was the first in his family to attend college and later would be the first to attend law school at the University of Texas School of Law. During his undergraduate and law school career, he applied his skillset to help his Texan community. Whether it was helping a small business plan for opportunities, assisting individuals with their retirement plans, or representing financial institutions, Juan always found a way to help those in need. His driving philosophy has always been to remember where you came from and not let your talents go to waste. Aside from academics and extracurriculars, you can always find Juan reading a book, spending time with family and friends, or enjoying outside sports. J.L. Turner Legal Association Foundation Presents: HOMECOMING | Page 32
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The J.L. Turner Legal Association Foundation would like to thank the following supporters of this year's Scholarship and Awards Gala:
varsity SPONSORS AT&T Carter Arnett, PLLC J.L. Turner Legal Association LOCKE LORD LLP Thompson Coburn, LLP
jr varsity SPONSORS Baker Botts, LLP Bracewell, LLP West & Associates, LLP
Friend SPONSORS Stafford Law, PC McKesson Corporation
J.L. J.L.Turner TurnerLegal LegalAssociation AssociationFoundation FoundationPresents: Presents:HOMECOMING HOMECOMING | Page 34
honorable mention SPONSORS Caldwell Creative: Marketing & Design
Joel & Terilyn Winful
Dallas Bar Association Family Law Section
Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP
Godsey Martin, PC Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, PC Gradney, PC Scheef & Stone, LLP Hon. Martin Hoffman, 68th District Court, Dallas County Hon. Gracie Lewis, Dallas Criminal District Court No. 3 Hon. KaTina Whitfield, Justice of the Peace 2-2
Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law Stewart Law Group, PLLC Texas A&M University School of Law UNT Dallas College of Law
Hon. Chief Justice Carolyn Wright (Ret.)
The J.L. Turner Legal Association Foundation would also like to thank the following donors: The Benevity Community Impact Fund Jane Phillips West Benevity/Jane West State Bar of Texas – African American Lawyers Section Walter Legal, PLLC
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2021 J.L. TURNER LEGAL ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Tatiana Alexander, Chair E. Steve Bolden II, Imm. Past Chair Paul K. Stafford, Chair-Elect Nakisha Williams, Secretary Ashlei Gradney, Director Cortney Parker, Director LaVonda Russell, Director Marissa Hatchett, Director
2021 GALA COMMITTEE Tatiana Alexander, Chair Nakisha Williams, Co-Chair Koi L. Spurlock, Co-Chair Kandace Walter, Scholarship Committee Chair
2021 SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE Kandace Walter, Chair Justice Erin Nowell, Member Greg Franklin, Member Jasmine Tobias, Member
2021 J.L. TURNER LEGAL ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Marissa Hatchett, President Ashlei Gradney, President-Elect Amber Gregg, Vice-President Cortney Parker, Treasurer Kila Bobier, Recording Secretary
Kandace Walter, Corr. Secretary Trerod Hall, Parliamentarian Tawanna Franklin, Director Lauren Black, Director
2022 J.L. TURNER LEGAL ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ashlei Gradney, President Amber Gregg, President-Elect Trerod Hall, Vice-President Cortney Parker, Treasurer
Chalana Oliver, Rec. Secretary Kandace Walter, Corr. Secretary Marshay Iwu, Director Lauren Black, Director
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The JLTLA Foundation would like to thank the following members of the judiciary for their support of the Honorable Phyllis Lister-Brown Memorial Scholarship: Honorable Jennifer Bennett 265th Criminal District Court, Dallas County Honorable Audrey Moorehead Dallas County Criminal Court No. 3 Justice Erin Nowell Fifth District Court of Appeals, Place 5 Justice Robbie Partida-Kipness Fifth District Court of Appeals, Place 2 Justice Bill Pederson, III Fifth District Court of Appeals, Place 9 Renteria Law Firm, PLLC The J.L. Turner Legal Association Foundation would also like to thank the following supporters of the Teegan Hill Memorial Scholarship: Mike Bassett The Bassett Firm Alison Battiste Ramon Worthington Nicolas & Cantu, PLLC Walter Legal, PLLC
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The J.L. Turner Legal Association Foundation would like to thank the following supporters of the Karen McCloud Memorial Scholarship: Tatiana Alexander Jerry Alexander Art Anthony Frederick Barrow Vicki Blanton Steve Bolden Scott Chase Jonathan Childers Robert Crain Sally Crawford DAYL Board (Whitney Keltch Green) Al Ellis Laura Geisler Rhonda Hunter Michael Hurst Krisi Kastl Doug Lang
Meyling Ly-Ortiz David McAtee Brian Melton Harriet Miers Cheryl Camin Murray Mary Nix Clement Osimetha Elizabeth Philipp Chad Ruback Jennifer Ryback Mark Shank Paul K. Stafford Nancy Thomas Robert Tobey Aaron Tobin Peter Vogel Joel Winful
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Community Since 1840, Baker Botts has maintained the tradition of giving back to the communities in which we live and work. The unprecedented challenges that the global health crisis has presented makes this work more important than ever. Baker Botts strives to provide people in our communities with straightforward and relevant resources to address their most immediate concerns and support essential organizations like the J.L. Turner Legal Association Foundation.
AUSTIN BRUSSELS DALLAS DUBAI HONG KONG HOUSTON LONDON MOSCOW NEW YORK PALO ALTO RIYADH SAN FRANCISCO WASHINGTON
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