Fireside Chat with Tisha Edwards

FIRESIDE CHAT | TISHA EDWARDS

Photo courtesy of Maximillian Franz

Tisha Edwards on Leadership, Community, and Evolving Career Paths for Attorneys

Tisha Edwards, President and CEO of the Maryland Bankers Association and former Appointments Secretary in the Moore Administration, offered profound insights into her diverse career path, leadership philosophy, and vision for the future of the legal and professional landscape during a captivating fireside chat at the MSBA 2025 Legal Summit & Annual Meeting.

Edwards, who earned a degree in social work from the University of Maryland and her JD from the University of Maryland School of Law, revealed that she "didn't really want to be a lawyer" initially.

Her decision to pursue law was influenced by a mentor, Judge Glenda Hatchett, who advised her, "once you become a lawyer, you can do anything" and that she would "have the heart of a social worker and the power of an attorney." This philosophy has guided her journey, as she noted, "my career path has been one of following my passions."

Reflecting on the transferable skills gained from legal training, Edwards emphasized, "the great thing about having the legal training that we all have is that so many of our skills are so transferable." She highlighted her current role at the Maryland Bankers Association as an example. Edwards was encouraged to take the role by U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks, who is also an attorney. Senator Alsobrooks impressed upon her that if "you care about community . . . so much of that is really tied to economic opportunity," and that economic opportunity is essential "for children to thrive, for MARYLAND BAR JOURNAL | VOLUME 7 ISSUE 1

47

families to be stable and strong." This perspective is the foundation for Edwards's commitment to leveraging her diverse experiences in the nonprofit, government, and political sectors to drive community-centric change within the banking industry.

When asked about her definition of leadership, Edwards pointed to two key attributes inherent in legal professionals: critical thinking and having a voice. She stated, "Lawyers are amazing critical thinkers, and they can be on either side of the issue." Furthermore, she asserted, "Lawyers are advocates and lawyers who bring voice to all kinds of matters." She prides herself on "bringing voice to issues," stating, "my receptive super power really comes through a lot of the training that I receive in law school around how I think and how I process and speak about particular issues."

Edwards also touched upon her transformative work in Baltimore City schools, where she served as a high school

She highlighted the critical role of lawyers in representing everyone, regardless of the personal challenges involved in this work.

Regarding the non-traditional legal career path, Edwards encouraged attorneys to embrace risk and recognize the evolving workforce. She observed that younger generations are "very entrepreneurial" and have a different mindset about work, prioritizing life outside of their professional roles.

Edwards urged "traditional lawyers and non-violent lawyers" to expand their skillsets and "dabble in this new world to work around workforce and leadership." She firmly believes "there's no such thing as a traditional way or a non-traditional way.

We're all new professionals that can move in a lot of different places and spaces."

On the topic of maintaining a work-life balance, Edwards humorously stated, "I don't." However, she advocates for a "soft life" and believes that "work in this country has gotten out of control." She desires her legacy to be more than just a "great worker," but someone who "decided to live one big life."

A significant portion of the discussion focused on the importance of sponsorship over mere mentorship. Edwards explained that while "mentorship is about guidance, it's about development," sponsorship is "about putting that woman in the room, in the place for her to grow, thrive, and have you denied opportunity." She highlighted the need for women to actively create opportunities for each other, just as men often do through informal networking. As the only Black woman to

A staunch advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Edwards, a first-generation college graduate, believes she is "a very good example of the importance of representation and opportunity and the value of representation and opportunity." principal and later as interim CEO. She credited her experience as a principal with teaching her that "you don't give up on kids." Her achievements in education include expanding school choice, securing more funding for schools, and spearheading the development of new buildings in Baltimore City.

A staunch advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Edwards, a first-generation college graduate, believes she is "a very good example of the importance of representation and opportunity and the value of representation and opportunity."

She passionately stated, "organizations, communities, the world is better the more diverse" and emphasized the responsibility of everyone to "call that out and do something about it" when diversity is lacking, noting that diversity encompasses not just gender and race, but also age and geography.

Addressing the challenges faced by public servants and those supporting marginalized communities, Edwards expressed concern about how such work is "becoming weaponized," making it "unsafe for us personally and professionally."

48

MSBA.ORG | VOLUME 7 ISSUE 1

lead a state bankers association in the country, Edwards has already implemented changes, refusing to sign off on events without diverse keynote speakers or procurement contracts that don't include minority and women-owned businesses.

Finally, addressing a question about the Maryland Bankers Association's historical stance against protections for vulnerable populations, Edwards acknowledged that the banking industry "does not have a good reputation in a lot of minority communities" and with consumers. She intends to change this through increased "conversation and collaboration" and by fostering relationships outside of legislative sessions. Edwards believes that a "new day" has arrived for the industry, which must become "much more collaborative, much more into the community's country." She expressed excitement to "rebuild the reputation, give us the community and the partnership with organizations around some of these issues."