JANUARY 6, 2022 | ISSUE 6
The Greater Washington Area Chapter, Women Lawyers Division, National Bar Association
GWAC GAZETTE
"Living Our Mission, Empowering Our Community, Building Our Legacy"
New Year. Next Level.
Greetings GWAC Members, Friends and Supporters, Happy New Year! I hope you enjoyed the holiday season and hope that you were able to rest and relax. With the start of 2022 comes new opportunities, new goals, new vision, and taking new leaps. In 2022, let's leap into action to land where we want to end. This year, we go from restless to restored, ideas to implementation, business plans to business owners, and everything in between. Where are you seeking to level up in 2022? The start of the new year also signals the midway mark of the Bar Year. GWAC looks forward to hosting and implementing more programs and initiatives that align with its mission and the needs of its members. As January is the start of National Mentoring Month, GWAC is excited to kick off its law student pipeline mentorship program,"Lifelines and Legal Lines." GWAC also anticipates hosting more of its signature events including the Charlotte E. Ray Award Ceremony and the Annual Judicial Reception. Stay tuned to learn more about what else GWAC has in store. I wish you an incredible year ahead! Yours in Service, Renee C. Mims 2021-2022 President Greater Washington Area Chapter, Women Lawyers Division, National Bar Association ("GWAC")
OTHER STORIES INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Events
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GWAC Law Student Pipeline Mentorship Program 4 ICYMI 5 Member Spotlight Save The Date Something We Call Our Own
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#SelfCareSunday Business of the Bars, Division and Region
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GWAC Cmte. Meeting Calendar Dollars & Sense Highlights MLK Day of Service 2022
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Women in Politics: What Does It Take? *link to recording* 7 Barbara E. Whiting-Wright Networking and Awards Reception Awardees 9 *link to recording* Charlotte E. Ray Award Ceremony 11 NBA Corporate Law Sec. Scholarship 13
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EVENTS
Monday, January 17, 2022, 10am-1pm: Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service 2022 In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2022 Day of Service, join GWAC for MLK Day of Service with Anacostia Riverkeeper for Anacostia River Clean Waterways Cleanup. All volunteers will gather at 2900 M Place SE, Washington, DC 20019 to participate in efforts toward improving the DC community and the environment. If you would like to sign up, please email CommunityOutreach@gwacbar.org.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
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EVENTS
Tuesday, January 25, 2021, 6:30pm-8pm EST: "The ABCs to Becoming an Administrative Law Judge at the District of Columbia Office of Administrative Hearings"
As a follow up to GWAC's October 2021 program, "Becoming an Administrative Law (ALJ) Judge and Administrative Judge," GWAC will host part two of the "ABCs to Becoming an ALJ," programming 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 as well as how to prepare to apply for such judgeships and what to expect once you've been selected. If you were not able to attend part one, you can view it here.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
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GWAC MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
GWAC Law Student Mentorship Pipeline Program, "Lifelines and Legal Lines" Seeking Mentors and Mentees, Apply by January 17, 2022
This month, National Mentoring Month, GWAC is excited to announce its law school mentorship pipeline program, "Lifelines and Legal Lines," which will last for six months, this year. The goal of GWAC's mentorship program is to create, foster, and maintain sustaining relationships between GWAC law students and members that will aid in the law student's professional growth while in law school and beyond, and aid in developing their personal skills, while building and navigating their careers. Once, mentees complete the program, the hope is that they in turn, will return as mentors to help to equip the next generations of lawyers and keep the pipeline strong and growing. Time commitment: A minimum of two hours per month. If interested in being a mentor or a mentee, please click here. Questions can be emailed to membership@gwacbar.org.
CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE MENTOR/MENTEE FORM.
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ICYMI On December 5, 2021, GWAC hosted a Holiday Brunch in collaboration with the Washington Bar Association Young Lawyers Division and the National Medical Association's DC Young Physician's Committee at The Salt Line. Toy donations and gift cards were also collected for foster children through CASA for Children of DC. Attendees enjoyed catching up with one another, meeting other professionals and creating new memories. GWAC concluded its holiday festivities with a Holiday mixer, "Jingle with GWAC" held on December 21, 2021 at Eaton/Wild Days Rooftop where attendees had a fun time celebrating over fireside s'mores.
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ICYMI CONTINUED
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ICYMI GWAC joined the Women's Bar Association of DC's Women in Public Service/Politics Committee as a cohost for Women in Politics: What Does It Take on December 2, 2021. The panelists discussed their experiences running for and serving on the DC Council, the obstacles they overcame, mentors they had along the way and joys of the job. Panelists included DC Council Member at Large Christina Henderson, Ward 1 Councilmember Brianne K. Nadeau, and Lorie Masters, Partner at Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP. This program was co-moderated by GWAC President-Elect, Bayliss Fiddiman, who also serves as a co-chair for the Women's Bar Association of DC Women in Public Service/Politics Committee. Click here to view the recording of this program.
Last month, on December 7, 2021, GWAC concluded its "Adopting While Black: Joys, Challenges & Legal Complexities" Program Series in recognition of National Adoption Month with an overview of adoption policy and reform, where speakers identified ways that the adoption process could be improved, the steps necessary to implement policy changes and their experiences with adoption. This series has been moderated by GWAC's Legislative Affairs Chair, Angela Robinson. Speakers included Dr. Tracey G. Jackson, Legislative Director for Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White, Sr. and former foster parent (also GWAC's Corresponding Secretary and Judicial and Executive Appointments Chair), Leah Gurowitz, adoptive mom and her son, Dayar Brown-Gurowitz, who was adopted at the age of 21 (pictured below from left to right). A synopsis of each part of the "Adopting While Black" series will be prepared and made available this month and will be uploaded to GWAC"s website on the resources page and will be shared via email.
On December 11, 2021, GWAC hosted Forging Your Career Path: You Made the Decision to Enter the Field of Law...Now What? Panelists included. This event was moderated by GWAC's Student Affairs Chair, Lucille Blackburn and the panelists included Jade Fuller, Director, Labor Management & Employee Relations at District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) and Bianca Pinnock associate attorney at the Markham Law Firm and GWAC's current Law Firm and Corporate Counsel Chair (pictured below from left to right). Attendees learned about each of the panelist's journeys from government to law firm and from clerkship to private practice and public interest.
On December 27, 2021, GWAC joined forces with the Mothers Outreach Network, to collect donations for Ionia Whipper Home for mothers transitioning into permanent housing with their children. GWAC with co-host, the Washington Bar Association Young Lawyers Division wrapped up "Glowing Up and Growing Up with Insecure" 7 on December 30, 2021 via Instagram Live, which was well attended. There were mixed feelings regarding the finale but no mixed feelings about the positive impact that 'Insecure' has made.
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ICYMI On December 15, 2021, GWAC held its Barbara E. Whiting-Wright Networking and Awards Reception, which recognizes 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. The Rising Star and Trailblazer Awards were presented. There was a surprise, inaugural award presented this year, the Beacon Award. This Award recognized two individuals for the work they are doing to shed light and bring awareness in a particular practice area, issue in a particular practice area, or issue in the community. This Reception was renamed last year in honor of GWAC's Founding President, Barbara E. Whiting-Wright. Attendees first enjoyed time for networking followed by the Reception, where spoken word artist, Joi McClain who goes by "Black Pearl Blues" performed two original pieces including "Independence Day." The evening's award recipients were: Victoria Clarke, Esq., Ashlei Ferguson, Esq., Jamille Fields Allsbrook, Esq., Kemba Hendrix, Esq., and Lucrecia "Lu" Johnson, Esq. The outpour of excellence, support and love that was shown, left everyone feeling joyful and inspired.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE RECEPTION.
GWAC Founding President, Barbara E. WhitingWright
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BARBARA E. WHITING-WRIGHT NETWORKING AND AWARDS RECEPTION 2021 AWARDEES
Congratulations!
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? nt e m ve e i h ac ? r rd ee a r Aw Ca
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
tra No ns itio table Ne n/ j wp pro ob ub mo lic tio ati n? on ?
Do you know of or are you a phenomenal GWAC member who should be recognized? Please submit information here for the GWAC Newsletter Member Spotlight. GWAC wants to celebrate and share your accomplishments! We will select new members each month to acknowledge in the monthly newsletter and on social media. Check out this month's GWAC members who are making waves both locally and nationally! CONGRATULATIONS to our outstanding members for the month of January!
Yaida Ford Appointed to the Judicial Nomination Commission ,
GWAC Charlotte E. Ray Chair Jeanine Howard Named 2021-22 President, National Black Prosecutors AssociationDC Chapter
Robin Nunn NYC FinTech Women for Inclusion 2021 Inspiring FinTech Females List
GWAC Past President Carla Jordan-Detamore Newly Appointed Assistant United States Attorney for the United States Attorney’s Office Eastern District of Virginia-Richmond (White Collar)
GWAC President-Elect Bayliss Fiddiman, Center for American Progress Eddie Award for Best Collaboration Policy Innovators in Education
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SAVE THE DATE Past Charlotte E. Ray Award Recipients
January 21, 2022: New Deadline to Submit Nominations for The 34th Annual Charlotte E. Ray Awards Ceremony happening virtually on February 17, 2022 at 6:30pm EST GWAC is still accepting nominations for the 2022 Charlotte E. Ray Award. Do you know someone who encompasses the spirit of Charlotte E. Ray, the first Black woman attorney in the United States and the first woman admitted to practice law in DC? Do you know someone that you consider to be a pioneer? Are they accessible to others within the legal community? Are they an advocate for the community? This year's Award Ceremony will take place on Thursday, February 17, 2022 beginning at 6:30pm EST.
Submit your nomination today for the Charlotte E. Ray Award recipient. New Deadline for nominations is Friday, January 21, 2022.
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT NOMINATIONS
CLICK HERE TO RSVP
The Honorable Judith W. Rogers – 1989 The Honorable Julia Cooper Mack – 1990 Mabel Haden – 1991 Brenda Girton -Mitchell – 1992 The Honorable Eleanor Holmes Norton – 1993 Judith Winston – 1994 Dovey J. Roundtree – 1995 The Honorable Inez Smith Reid -1996 The Honorable Annice Wagner – 1997 Sandra H. Robinson – 1998 Pauline A. Schneider – 1999 The Honorable Zinora Mitchell-Rankin – 2000 Wilma A. Lewis – 2001 Barbara R. Arnwine – 2002 Michele A. Roberts – 2003 Loretta Collins Argrett – 2004 Patricia M. Worthy – 2005 The Honorable Kim Kendrick – 2006 The Honorable Rhonda Reid Winston – 2007 The Honorable Anita Josey Herring – 2008 The Honorable Norma Holloway-Johnson – 2009 Kim Michele Keenan – 2010 Grace E. Speights – 2011 Natalie O. Ludaway – 2012 The Honorable Zoe Bush – 2013 The Honorable Anna Blackburne Rigsby – 2014 Kirra L. Jarratt – 2015 The Honorable Fern Flanagan Saddler – 2016 The Honorable Tara J. Fentress – 2017 The Honorable Sherri Beatty Arthur – 2018 Karen E. Evans – 2019 The Honorable Phyllis D. Thompson – 2020 Angela J. Davis – 2021
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SOMETHING WE CALL OUR OWN: BLACK-OWNED BUSINESS SHOUTOUT
#SelfCare Sunday In 2022, here are some practical and
Looking to pick up a new hobby or achieve fitness goals in 2022? If so, then Boombox Boxing is prepared to help you meet those goals head on. Boombox Boxing, founded by Angela and Reggie, was birthed "out of their love for boxing, music and community." They have a simple goal: "to empower and inspire, while making the health benefits of boxing-inspired training accessible to all fitness levels and backgrounds." The style of workouts include "Beatbox" and "Boombox." Beatbox includes a series of punch combinations and movements that are in tune with the beat of the music. Then you have Boombox, where the participant performs the punch combinations at their own speed. Classes are offered everyday and can start as early as 6:30am and as late as 6:40pm, lasting for 50 minutes. One visit to Boombox will leave you "feeling like a champion!" *cue Rocky theme song*
Location: 1221 Van St SE, Suite 140 Washington, District of Columbia 20003
financially feasible self-care practices to consider starting: Journaling Dance party for one cued up to your favorite playlist or album Take time to stretch for a few minutes at the start, middle and end of the day Tap into your creative side: painting, taking pictures, creating a Pinterest board, etc.
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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 January 11, 2022 at 6pm EST: National Bar Association Women Lawyers Division Annual Achievement Awards Information Session and February 15, 2022 Deadline to Submit Annual Achievement Award Nominations The NBA Women Lawyers Division will be hosting an information session on January 11, 2022 at 6pm EST via Zoom in preparation for its Annual Achievement Awards. Nominations are for each of the award categories will be accepted until February 15, 2022. Completed nomination packets must be emailed to nbawomenlawyerawards@gmail.com.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE SESSION
February 18, 2022, 8PM EST Deadline to Apply: NBA Corporate Section Scholarship
The NBA Corporate Law Section’s 2022 Gateway to Success Scholarship Application is now available for college and law students. The scholarship(s) will be awarded at the annual Gateway to Success Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, on April 8, 2022. Attendance at the conference is not required.
February 1, 2022 Deadline to Nominate: DC Bar Nominations for 2022 Beatrice Rosenberg Award and 2022 Thurgood Marshall Award
The D.C. Bar is calling for nominations for its 2022 Beatrice Rosenberg Award for excellence in government service and its The Scholarships will be awarded nationally to six African 2022 Thurgood Marshall Award for American diverse students including two undergraduate demonstrated exceptional achievement in students who intend to apply and attend law school and three the pursuit of equal justice in the areas of current law school students attending law school in the civil rights, individual liberties and the following manner: 1) two scholarships to undergraduate public interest. Both awards will be students of any major and 2) three scholarships to current law presented at the Celebration of Leadership: school students.The deadline for application submissions is The District of Columbia Bar's Annual 8:00 p.m. EST on February 18, 2022. Meeting and Awards Presentation on June 23, 2022. Submissions must be received by
February 1, 2022. To learn more, please 13 CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE APPLICATION visit the D.C. Bar website.
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COMMITTEE/GB If you are interested in learning more about and or MEETINGS
joining the Legislative Affairs Committee, please see
MEMBERSHIP Benefits of Membership
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 -Meetings take place the FIRST Monday of each month (same Zoom link).
DOLLARS & SENSE As we level up this year, here are a few money tips to keep in mind to level up financially, courtesy of The Budgetnista, Tiffany Aliche. Beware of "lifestyle creep" which occurs "when your "taste" and spending habits increase with your income. Below are several ways to tackle lifestyle creep.
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 If you have yet to join or to renew your membership, now is the time! Click here to get started.
CONNECT
Increase your savings/investing goals Track your spending and set alerts Work with an accountability partner
To learn more about GWAC, visit our website www.gwacbar.org. You can also follow us on social media: @GWACBar
Pay attention to emotional spending Refocus on realistic, attainable financial goals For more tips, visit The Budgetnista's website or social media page, Instagram page, @thebudgetnista.
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/
Tiffany Aliche, "The Budgetnista"
**GWAC's monthly newsletter is distributed on the first Wednesday of each month with the exception of January 2022**
GWAC's monthly newsletter will also be available on our website.
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