link to recording Barbara E. Whiting-Wright Networking

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" 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.

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.