DECEMBER 1, 2021 | ISSUE 5
The Greater Washington Area Chapter, Women Lawyers Division, National Bar Association
GWAC GAZETTE
"Living Our Mission, Empowering Our Community, Building Our Legacy"
Greetings GWAC Members, Friends and Supporters,
OTHER STORIES INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Events
What a whirlwind of a year! It is hard to believe that we are almost halfway through the Bar Year. We have seen and experienced a lot, including living another year in a pandemic. With the many hats that we wear and all that we juggle, we must find time to rest, reflect and reset. As 2021 comes to an end, let's make time to rest. Take time to reflect on all that has occurred in our lives and in the world this year and hit the reset button. Let us also revisit the vision that many of us have created for ourselves in January 2021. Determine where we need to reassess and readjust to bring our vision to full fruition. This may be the vision for our lives, the future, the world, our impact, etc. During the month of December, let our goal be this: revisit the vision.
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Barbara. E. Whiting-Wright Networking Reception 2021 Awardees GWAC Foundation, Inc. News
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ICYMI
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Save The Date
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Something We Call Our Own
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#SelfCareSunday
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Business of the Bars, Division and Region
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GWAC Committee Meeting Calendar
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Dollars & Sense
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DECEMBER 1, 2021 | ISSUE 5
EVENTS
Thursday, December 2, 2021, 12:00pm-1:30pm EST: "Women in Politics: What Does It Take?" in co-sponsorship with the Women's Bar Association of DC
GWAC is proud to join the Women's Bar Association of DC and their Women in Public Service/Politics Committee as a co-sponsor for "Women in Politics: What Does It Take," taking place virtually on Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021 at 12:00pm EST. Topics to be discussed include the pathway to elected office for women and some of the unique challenges that women overcame while running for elected office. Featured speakers include DC Council members Christina Henderson and Brianne K. Nadeau, and Lorie Masters, Partner at Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP. If you complete the registration form to attend, please email the completed form to admin@wbadc.org and you will receive the Zoom details through email.
CostGWAC/WBADC Members - $15 Nonmembers - $25 Student Members - $10
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
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DECEMBER 1, 2021 | ISSUE 5
EVENTS November 4, 2021 through December 30, 2021, 6:30pm-7:30pm EST: Glowing Up and Growing Up with Insecure
As the hit HBO series Insecure enters its fifth and final season, GWAC will host fun weekly recaps of the show as part of its social event programming. Join us on Instagram Live (@gwacbar) every Thursday for a lively discussion.
Tuesday, December 7, 2021, 6:00pm-8:00pm EST:
Adopting While Black: Joys, Challenges & Legal Complexities, Part 4: Adoption Policy and Reform In recognition of November being National Adoption Month, GWAC kicked off a program series on the topic of adoption which started on Monday, November 8, 2021 from 6pm-8pm EST. The four-part series will end on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 with the session on adoption policy and reform. Several speakers will join the discussions. To sign up, please click the link below.
Part 4: Adoption and Policy Reform, 12/7/21
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DECEMBER 1, 2021 | ISSUE 5
EVENTS Sunday, December 5, 2021, 1:00pm- 4:00pm EST: 2021 Holiday Brunch Are you ready to mix and mingle with your favorite DMV lawyers and doctors?! If so, then you don't want to miss this year's holiday brunch. All are invited to join the National Medical Association DC Young Physicians Committee, The Greater Washington Area Chapter, Women Lawyers Division, National Bar Association and The Washington Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division on December 5, 2021 from 1pm-4pm for a delicious brunch and an afternoon of fun and fellowship!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Location: The Salt Line DC, 79 Potomac Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20003 Cost: $65 per person. Toy donations: We will also be collecting toy donations for foster children with CASA for Children of DC. Toy donations are encouraged but are not required. Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination or Negative Test If you plan to attend, please submit copies of vaccination cards to president@gwacbar.org by December 4th, 2021 or bring physical or electronic proof of vaccination to the event. A negative covid test taken within 72 hours of the event will also be accepted.
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DECEMBER 1, 2021 | ISSUE 5
EVENTS December 6, 2021, 6:30pm-7:00pm EST: Post-Holiday Virtual Fitness Session
Things to remember: Come prepared with water; bring a yoga mat (or towel); and bring any 2, 5, or 10 pound weights
Following the Thanksgiving Holiday and the yummy meals that were prepared and eaten, all are invited to participate in a 30 minute fitness session. This session will be facilitated by Saskia Cineas and will consist of high intensity interval training exercises and cardio. Saskia is a self taught fitness trainer who enjoys weight lifting and calisthenic training. Stamina, strength, endurance are her focal points but having a healthy mind, body, and spirit are the ultimate goals and adding a sprinkle of laughter. Saskia is a graduate of Georgia Southern University, United States Army Reserve Veteran where she served for eight and a half years, and is currently a caseworker for a non-profit organization that helps assist changing the outcomes for at-risk youth and families.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Saturday, December 11, 2021, 10:00am12:00pm EST: Forging Your Career Path: You Made the Decision to Enter the Field of Law...Now What? GWAC invites you to attend its law student focused program, "Forging Your Career Path: You Made the Decision to Enter the Field of Law...Now What?" There are many paths one can take as you begin to define your legal career. Join us on December 11, 2021, at 10:00am EST for a virtual panel discussion to learn about varying paths you may take in the legal field. Law students are encouraged to attend.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
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DECEMBER 1, 2021 | ISSUE 5
EVENTS
All are invited to join GWAC for its 2021 Barbara E. WhitingWright Networking and Awards Reception taking place on December 15, 2021 at 6:30pm EST on Zoom. This Reception was renamed last year in honor of GWAC's Founding President. GWAC will present its Rising Star and Trailblazer Awards to Black women attorneys in different sectors who are making a name for themselves in the Greater Washington Area and whose career achievements serve as an inspiration to others. Stay tuned on our social media accounts (@gwacbar) as we do a countdown to the Reception.
December 15, 2021, 6:30pm-8:30pm EST: The 2021 Barbara E. Whiting-Wright Networking and Awards Reception ***There will be a special award given this year during the Reception. Be sure to tune in to see what the award will be and who the recipient will be.***
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
GWAC Founding President, Barbara E. WhitingWright
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DECEMBER 1, 2021 | ISSUE 5
BARBARA E. WHITING-WRIGHT NETWORKING AND AWARDS RECEPTION 2021 AWARDEES Trailblazer Award
! s n o i t a l u t a r g n o C
! s n o i t a l u t a r g n Co
Kemba Hendrix, Esq.
DEIA Advisor
United States Office of Personnel Management
Rising Star Award
Ashlei Ferguson, Esq. Corporate Counsel, Microsoft Corporate, External and Legal Affairs Group
Victoria Clark, Esq. Attorney-Advisor Federal Aviation Administration
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DECEMBER 1, 2021 | ISSUE 5
GWAC FOUNDATION, INC. NEWS
The GWAC Foundation, Inc. Will Award Two Book Scholarships in January 2022! The GWAC Foundation, Inc. will present two (2) $500.00 book scholarships to current law students to help defray the costs of educational materials and supplements. . To be considered for the Scholarship, applicants must complete the application and upload the requested materials on or before December 20, 2021 at 5:00 PM ET. Funds will be disbursed to the Awardee on or around January 10, 2022. If you have any questions, including about the application, or submission of requested materials, please direct them to Interim Foundation Chair, Ashley E. McFarland at FoundationChair@gwacdc.org and gwacscholarship@gmail.com. We look forward to receiving and reviewing applications! Applications are now available and can be accessed by clicking this link.
The GWAC Foundation, Inc. Participates in Day of Giving - November 30, 2021
In 1993, the Greater Washington Area Chapter of the National Bar Association's Women Lawyers Division (GWAC) established a charitable arm, GWAC Foundation, Incorporated. Run entirely by volunteer efforts, the Foundation works to empower the African American community by, among other things; fostering the education and training of minority women law students through the giving of scholarships. During these trying times of the pandemic, GWAC and the Foundation has been able to provide $5000 worth of scholarships to support local law students who are studying for the bar, lost employment, and/or needed assistance with books. In January, we are going to provide two scholarships to students in need. There is a great need for our continued support of students. In order to continue providing this assistance, we need your support. On November 30, 2021, GWAC and the Foundation will participated in a Day of Giving. We asked that all members consider donating to the Foundation while also promoting the Foundation to your networks via word of mouth and social media. A little bit goes a long way. If we can get each of you to give a little, we can go a long way in the life of someone who is just getting their start in this profession. Though the official Day of Giving was yesterday, it is never too late to donate to a worthy cause. To learn more about the GWAC Foundation or to donate click here.
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DECEMBER 1, 2021 | ISSUE 5
GWAC FOUNDATION, INC. NEWS
Recent Scholarship Recipients
In the words of a recent scholarship recipient, here is just a glimpse of the impact made by your previous donations.
"The scholarship made a huge difference at a very critical moment. Since I graduated at the height of the pandemic, everything was different for me, and it was an extremely challenging moment in time. Without the GWAC scholarship, I would not have been able to focus on studying for the bar exam and I may have given up hope to be able to pursue the career of my dreams. Because I didn't have to stop focusing on my legal goals, I was able to pursue and get my dream job. I am currently the Managing Director at the Thurgood Marshall Civil Rights Center at Howard University School of Law. I have been able to work on amazing projects to fight racism, and to stand up for civil and human rights." Billi Wilkerson, 2020 GWAC Foundation, Inc. Barbara E. Whiting-Wright Bar Assistance Award Recipient.
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DECEMBER 1, 2021 | ISSUE 5
GWAC FOUNDATION, INC. NEWS
Recent Scholarship Recipients
#LivingOurMission #BuildingOurLegacy
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DECEMBER 1, 2021 | ISSUE 5
ICYMI Last month, on November 8, 2021, GWAC kicked off its "Adopting While Black: Joys, Challenges & Legal Complexities" Program Series in recognition of National Adoption Month with an overview of the adoption and foster care systems. This series has been moderated by GWAC's Legislative Affairs Chair, Angela Robinson. Speakers included GWAC Past President Judge Tara J. Fentress, who sits on the Family Court of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia; Kamilah Bunn, chief executive officer of the National Adoption Association; Kathleen Stines, DC Child and Family Services Agency Foster Care and Adoption Recruiter; and Jason Turner, an adoptive parent (all pictured below from left to right).
On November 15, 2021, GWAC co-sponsored the Parents' Tax Workshop & Clinic, alongside Mothers Outreach Network, led by GWAC member, Melody Webb.
Part two of "Adopting While Black," which occurred on November 23, 2021, covered obstacles and preparation which featured Jo-Ann Leitch, adoptive mother and Supervisor, City of Alexandria Center for Children & Families and her daughter; GWAC Legislative Affairs Chair and Moderator Angela Robinson (pictured bottom left) and her adopted daughter; and Ashley Strange (pictured bottom right), Preparing Youth for Adulthood Program Manager at CASA for Children of DC.
GWAC joined the Washington Counsel of Lawyers as a cohost for their Racial Justice Series: Helping Clients in Crisis on November 3, 2021. Attendees heard from Aida Fitzgerald, Senior Staff Attorney in the Public Benefits Law Unit of the Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia; June Crenshaw, Executive Director of the Wanda Alston Foundation and member of the Diversity Committee for the DC Victim Assistance Network; and Ted Howard, Pro Bono Partner at Wiley Rein.
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DECEMBER 1, 2021 | ISSUE 5
ICYMI
On, yesterday, November 30, 2021, part three of "Adopting While Black" took place and it covered the topic of how to address trauma. Speakers included LaGail Wilson, family and marriage therapist with Open Hearts Therapy Services LLC; Dr. Lisa Boynes Sindass, pediatrician at Trusted Medical Services, LLC; Dr. Kijana Nix, pediatrician at Trusted Medical Services, LLC; and Dr. William Hill, adoptive father and current adoptive parent applicant (all pictured below from left to right).
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DECEMBER 1, 2021 | ISSUE 5
ICYMI On November 17, 2021, GWAC hosted its fall General Body Meeting and program, "Financially Preparing for the Holiday Season: How Not to Break the Bank," facilitated by attorney and financial coach, Rho Thomas.
GWAC with co-host, the Washington Bar Association Young Lawyers Division kicked off "Glowing Up and Growing Up with Insecure" on Sunday, October 24, 2021 and continued in the month of November. Recaps are done on Instagram Live. Discussions have been had around many topics including the importance of communicating expectations, introspection, and setting boundaries. Attendees were joined by a special surprise guest, hip hop artist and actor Chingy! Only four episodes remain, be sure to tune in.
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DECEMBER 1, 2021 | ISSUE 5
SAVE THE DATE December 21 2021, 6:00pm-8pm EST: Jingle with GWAC Come Jingle with GWAC and get warm at Wild Days Rooftop! We will have an outside table that comes with a fire pit to make s'mores. Melt all of your worries away with hot cocoa and the infamous "Shea Butter" drink. Location: Wild Days Rooftop/Eaton, 1201 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20005 Covid Update: Patrons must bring proof of vaccination or a negative test within 72 hours of event. All employees are tested weekly.
CLICK HERE TO RSVP
January 25 2022, 6:30pm-8pm EST: The ABCs to Becoming an Administrative Law Judge at the Office of Administrative Hearings
As a follow up to GWAC's October 2021 program, "Becoming an Administrative Law (ALJ) Judge and an Administrative Judge," GWAC will host part two, which will focus on becoming an ALJ at the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH), located in the District of Columbia. We will hear from several ALJs at OAH with varying experience levels about their respective journeys.
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DECEMBER 1, 2021 | ISSUE 5
SOMETHING WE CALL OUR OWN: BLACK-OWNED BUSINESS SHOUTOUT
#SelfCare Sunday In preparation for the year ahead, what are some self-care goals that you have for yourself?
Akwaaba Bed & Breakfast Inns is the upscale lodging collection owned by husband and wife team Glenn Pogue and Monique Greenwood. The couple fell in love with inns when they stayed at their first bed and breakfast back in the early ’90s. As guests, they enjoyed the hominess and intimacy of the B&B experience, and Monique quickly discovered that innkeeping combined all of her personal passions – architecture and interior decorating, entertaining and meeting new people, and helping others create wonderful, lasting memories. In the heart of the nation’s capital stands Akwaaba DC, a historic townhouse in fashionable Dupont Circle. This architectural jewel features a welcoming parlor with fireplace, a grand dining room where an expansive breakfast is served, and elegantly appointed guest rooms with all the amenities. Designed with a literary theme in mind, each guest room features the books of the author or genre it is named after. Guests can choose from the Zora Neale Hurston, Langston Hughes, Toni Morrison or Walter Mosley rooms. Location: 1708 16th Street NW Washington, DC 20009
What are some areas that you need to focus on? Make a list. Do the areas on your list require you to identify professionals? What next steps do you need to take to accomplish the self-care goals so that you are thriving in all of 2022?
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DECEMBER 1, 2021 | ISSUE 5
BUSINESS OF THE BARS, DIVISION AND REGION Stay up to date with with the National Bar Association, Region XII, and fellow affiliate bar.
National Bar Association December 10, 2021, 7:00pm-1:00am EST: Sigma Delta Tau Legal Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Alpha Chapter 2021 Holiday Party
Washington Bar Association
December 11, 2021, 8:00pm-1:00am EST: Washington Holiday Gala at The City Club of Washington The Washington Holiday Gala celebrates Washington, D.C.'s most accomplished professionals. This Black Tie Gala, presented by Washington Bar Association and IMG, brings young professionals from the District, Maryland and Northern Virginia. This event is hosted by the Washington Bar Association, The National Bar Association Young Lawyers Division and a host of professional organizations.
All are invited, free of charge, to attend the 2021 Holiday Party hosted by the Alpha Alpha Chapter of Sigma Delta Tau Legal Fraternity Inc. on December 10, 2021 from 7:00pm to 1:00am at the Johnson Manor. Attendees must be fully vaccinated. Toy donations are also being requested for the organization's Christmas Toy Drive. Location: Johnson Manor, 17501 Eleanor Lane, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774 RSVP: Email Chief Justice Henry Floyd, Jr. at HFloydEsq@gmail.com
CLICK HERE TO RSVP
Location: The City Club of Washington, 555 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Tickets: $125.00 (plus $6.00 booking fee)
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKET
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DECEMBER 1, 2021 | ISSUE 5
COMMITTEE MEETINGS If you are interested in learning more about and or joining the Legislative Affairs Committee, please see the details below for the next committee meeting, along with the Zoom link to access the meeting. Legislative Affairs Committee - Jan. 10, 2022, 7pm -Zoom link
MEMBERSHIP Benefits of Membership 1. Sharpen your skills 2. Stay informed 3. Expand your client base 4. Obtain help finding a job or changing careers 5. Help improve the Washington DC metro area
DOLLARS & SENSE Here are some holiday-friendly finance tips to use and habits to steer clear of, courtesy of attorney and financial coach, Rho Thomas.
If you have yet to join or to renew your membership, now is the time! Click here to get started. If you are interested in being a mentor or mentee for GWAC's mentorship program, slated to start in January 2022, please mail Membership Chair, Patricia-Joy Mpasi at membership@gwacbar.org
CONNECT To learn more about GWAC, visit our website www.gwacbar.org. You can also follow us on social media: @GWACBar
To learn more about the GWAC Foundation, Inc., GWAC's charitable arm, visit http://gwacdc.org/
To learn more about the National Bar Association, visit http://www.nationalbar.org/
**GWAC's monthly newsletter is distributed on the first Wednesday of each month**
GWAC's monthly newsletter will also be available on our website.
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