NOVEMBER 3, 2021 | ISSUE 4
The Greater Washington Area Chapter, Women Lawyers Division, National Bar Association
GWAC GAZETTE
"Living Our Mission, Empowering Our Community, Building Our Legacy"
AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE Happy November! The holiday season is upon us. Now is the time that we begin making travel plans, preparing for our social gatherings and drafting our shopping lists. You have likely begun hearing holiday music in stores and seen the holiday decorations on the shelves.
OTHER STORIES INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Events
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ICYMI
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Save The Date
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Member Spotlight
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With all that this year has brought from continuing to live and try to maintain during a pandemic, natural disasters, and racial injustice, to name a few, there has much to grieve over and grapple with.
GWAC Foundation, Inc. News
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Something We Call Our Own
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#SelfCareSunday
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Even with these circumstances, there are also many things we have to be grateful for. What are you grateful for this holiday season? Who are the people on your gratitude list? What experiences are you grateful for? What are the intangible things you are thankful for?
Region
One thing is certain, GWAC is grateful for you! We are grateful for your membership, support, leadership, contributions, and so much more. GWAC cannot fulfill its mission without members, supporters and friends like you. With sincerest gratitude, GWAC says thank you.
Business of the Bars, Division and 10
GWAC Board Vacancies
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ABA Board 2022-23 Positions
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NOVEMBER 3, 2021 | ISSUE 4
EVENTS November 3, 2021, 6:30pm-8:00pm EST via Zoom: Serving Clients in Crisis w/ the Washington Council of Lawyers The Washington Council of Lawyers will be hosting another installment of its Racial Justice Series and GWAC is excited to be a co-sponsor! Fellow co-sponsors include the Washington Bar Association and the Inter-American Bar Association All are invited to today's program, "Serving Clients in Crisis," at 6:30pm EST. This program will explore ways in which attorneys and advocates can better assist their clients of color by understanding the full context in which their legal matters arise. The moderator for this evening will be Keeshea Turner Roberts, Adjunct Clinical Law Professor and Supervising Attorney at Howard University School of Law’s Fair Housing Clinic (FHC).
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
November 3, 2021, 12pm-4:45pm EST: Diversity & Flexibility Alliance Virtual Annual Conference GWAC is proud to serve as a Community Sponsor for Diversity & Flexibility Alliance's Virtual Annual Conference! Diversity & Flexibility Alliance advocates for inclusion and diversity in the workplace and promotes flexible work schedules and fair hiring practices. Members who attended were able to receive 10% off of your registration.
Featured Panelists: 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 Ted Howard, Pro Bono Partner at Wiley Rein
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NOVEMBER 3, 2021 | ISSUE 4
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 Zoom for a lively discussion.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Monday, November 8, 2021, 6pm-8pm EST:
Adopting While Black: Joys, Challenges & Legal Complexities, Part I: Adoption Education and Overview In recognition of November being National Adoption Month, GWAC will be hosting a program series on the topic of adoption beginning Monday, November 8, 2021 from 6pm-8pm EST. The series will kick off with an introductory panel and will continue into more substantive areas. Several speakers will join the discussions. To sign up for future programs in this series, please click the links below.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER. Part 2: Obstacles and Preparation, 11/23/21 Part 3: Addressing Trauma, 11/30/21 Part 4: Adoption and Policy Reform, 12/7/21
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NOVEMBER 3, 2021 | ISSUE 4
EVENTS
Wednesday, November 17, 2021 from 6:00pm-7:00pm EST: GWAC General Body Meeting GWAC will host its fall General Body Meeting on Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at 6pm EST. The first half of the meeting will be dedicated to GWAC business and the second half of the Meeting will consist of a program led by lawyer and financial coach Rho Thomas, "Financially Preparing for the Holiday Season: How Not to Break the Bank."
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
About Rho Thomas:
I’m a wife, mother, money nerd, and shoe lover. I’m also an associate at an Am Law 100 firm. I know what it’s like to feel stuck and to want to make a change in your life. My mission is to help you regain control of your time, build wealth, and live the life of freedom and choice you deserve.
Rho Thomas, Attorney, Financial Coach
You don’t have to choose between happiness and a paycheck. You don’t have to choose between your practice and your life. You can have it all. Time is our most limited resource. Money is a tool you can use to literally buy back your time. I can show you how. Learn the tools you need to take back control of your life on my podcast. And if you’re ready to implement further, learn how you can coach with me.
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NOVEMBER 3, 2021 | ISSUE 4
EVENTS
Thursday, November 18, 2021 through Saturday, November 20, 2021: The 17th Annual National Black Pre-Law Conference and Law Fair 2021 GWAC is proud to be an official partner with The 17th Annual National Black Pre-Law Conference and Law Fair 2021! This is a four-day conference founded in 2005 by Evangeline M. Mitchell, a graduate of HBCU Prairie View A&M University, the University of Iowa College of Law, and the Harvard University Graduate School of Education, for aspiring Black lawyers. The vision of the National Black Pre-Law Conference is to provide a powerful forum to help increase the numbers of excellent, strategic and competitive African American law school applicants, students and graduates nationwide. This event is free to attend! The conference will consist of the following panels: The Non-Traditional Path to Law School
Blackness and Intersectionality You Don't Know What You Don't Know: Uncommon Knowledge That Helps Determine Success in Law School and in the Professional World African Americans and the Bar Exam: Advice on Overcoming the Obstacles of the Final Rite of Passage to Becoming a Lawyer Black Legal Entrepreneurship: How to Start and Sustain Your Black-Owned Law Practice African American Lawyers and Large Law Firms (BIGLAW): Things You Should Know About Recruitment, Expectations, Retention, and Career Advancement If You Choose to Pursue This Path Black Lawyers' Legal Careers: A Frank Discussion About Opportunities and Various Paths Available Once Armed With Professional Legal Training Black Lawyers for Black People: How Black Lawyers Can Utilize Their Legal Training to Do Significant, Meaningful Work and Contribute to the Uplift of the Black Community
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
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NOVEMBER 3, 2021 | ISSUE 4
ICYMI On Tuesday, October 26, 2021, GWAC hosted "The ABCs to Becoming an Administrative Law Judge and an Administrative Judge," where our panel of judges discussed the process and their respective paths to becoming administrative law judges and an administrative judge on both the local and federal levels. This event had a great turnout! Attendees heard a wealth of information from our panel of judges which included GWAC Past President and Administrative Law Judge Brandes S.G. Ash of the D.C. Commission on Human Rights; GWAC member and Administrative Judge H. Alexander Manuel with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; and Administrative Law Judge Andrea McBarnette with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. GWAC's Judicial and Executive Appointments Chair, Dr. Tracey Jackson moderated the program. Were you unable to attend? Not to worry, GWAC has you covered! To watch the recording of this event, click here. This recording will also be available on GWAC's website under our "Resources" tab. The onepager will be emailed to attendees and posted on GWAC's website too.
GWAC with co-host, the Washington Bar Association Young Lawyers Division kicked off "Glowing Up and Growing Up with Insecure" the final season premiere and recap on Sunday, October 24, 2021. In line with the theme of the episode, there was a pre-show discussion on the topic of legacy. Those who tuned in, participated in a watch party and the recap after. GWAC will continue having weekly recaps for the rest of the season.
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NOVEMBER 3, 2021 | ISSUE 4
SAVE THE DATE
December 2021: The 2021 Barbara E. WhitingWright Networking and Awards Reception
December 2021: GWAC Holiday Brunch Mark your calendars for GWAC's in person Holiday Brunch happening next month. This is one of GWAC's last events for the year 2021 to gather and fellowship with GWAC members over a delicious meal. Seating will be limited. Additional details are forthcoming.
GWAC will host its Annual Networking and Awards Reception, renamed last year in honor of GWAC's founding president, Barbara E. Whiting-Wright in December 2021. During this virtual event, GWAC presents Trailblazer and Rising Star Awards to recognize distinguished and up-and-coming attorneys across the law firm, government, non-profit and corporate sectors. Additional details and a call for nominations will be sent out the week of November 8, 2021.
GWAC Founding President, Barbara E. Whiting-Wright
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NOVEMBER 3, 2021 | ISSUE 4
? nt e m ve hie c a er re d? a ar C w A
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
tra No ns itio table n/ j pro ob mo Ne tio wp n? ub lic ati 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! CONGRATULATIONS to our outstanding members for the month of November!
Aina Watkins ABA Publication (pg.10): "Executive Order 13950, On Combatting Race and Sex Stereotyping: Its Effects on Government Contractors' Use of Diversity Training"
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GWAC FOUNDATION, INC. NEWS
Support the GWAC Foundation, Inc. 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 be participating in a Day of Giving. We are asking 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. March 2022 please be on the lookout for The Celebration of a Woman's Work Campaign. This effort will further support GWAC and the Foundation. To learn more about the Foundation click here.
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NOVEMBER 3, 2021 | ISSUE 4
SOMETHING WE CALL OUR OWN: BLACK-OWNED BUSINESS SHOUTOUT
#SelfCare Sunday Looking for self-care ideas for the holiday
Milk & Honey is a popular brunch spot for many in the DMV area. Co-owners, Chef Sammy Davis and his fiancée Monique Rose opened up their restaurant chain in 2003 with a location in Atlanta, Georgia. The duo has since branched out to five locations. Milk & Honey brags that it "didn't invent brunch' but it "just perfected it." Co-owner Monique Rose says, "And the story of this restaurant is tied to our story, and the story of many in the community. We wanted to bring something refreshed, revitalized and bursting with energy, and Milk & Honey does just that. The concept for our cuisine is deeply rooted in health and happiness. We want people to be able to dine here daily and be better for it.” If you are looking for down home cooking, authentic southern cuisine or a good eats on the go, check out Milk & Honey! Locations:
1116 H Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002 *coming soon*
1231 Good Hope Rd SE, Washington, DC 20020
12500 Fairwood Parkway, Bowie, MD 20720
9201 Woodmore Center Drive, Glenarden, MD 20706 *express* 10280 Baltimore Ave, College Park, MD 20740
6305 Richmond Highway, Suite C, Alexandria, VA 22303
season? Here are several ideas: Schedule any outstanding medical appointments, check ups, screenings, etc. for the year Curl up with your favorite book Unplug and enjoy your favorite holiday-themed movie with your favorite snacks Do an audit of your finances for the year and see where you may need to make adjustments and/or eliminate expenses
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NOVEMBER 3, 2021 | ISSUE 4
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 May 24, 2022 through June 4, 2022: National Bar Association International Affiliate Meeting 2022 in Italy! The National Bar Association will host its 2022 International Affiliates Meeting starting May 24, 2022 through June 4, 2022 in Italy! All are invited to attend and are encouraged to reserve their spots by the November 12, 2021 deadline.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ITINERARY.
The NBA has a long tradition of international travel to foster social, political and economic development among NBA members and lawyers, judges, and legal scholars throughout the world. This 11 day/10 night exciting trip to Rome, Florence, Sorrento/Naples, and the Almafi Coast, including day trips to the Vatican and Pisa, with an optional 4 day/3 night add on to Milan, will be the first International Affiliate Meeting in three years. We will also provide CLEs courses for members of the NBA delegation. The trip will provide an opportunity for NBA members to confer with dignitaries, elected officials, and members of the Afro-Italian legal community. We will exchange views and information about our legal systems, economic development, and challenges affecting citizens of color in our societies.
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NOVEMBER 3, 2021 | ISSUE 4
BOARD VACANCIES Are you interested in serving alongside a group of dynamic women doing great work in the legal
MEMBERSHIP Benefits of Membership
profession and the community? Then the GWAC
1. Sharpen your skills
board is the place for you! We are looking to fill the
2. Stay informed
roles below. If you are interested, please email a brief
3. Expand your client base
statement of interest to info@gwacbar.org.
4. Obtain help finding a job or
Public Relations Chair Dinner Series Chair Social Action Chair
changing careers 5. Help improve the Washington DC metro area
Information Technology Chair If you have yet to join or to renew your membership, now is the time! Click here to get started.
ABA BOARD POSITIONS
CONNECT
The American Bar Association is beginning to plan
To learn more about GWAC, visit our website www.gwacbar.org. You can also follow us on social media: @GWACBar
for their 2022-23 board. The following positions are to be filled: 1. President Elect 2. Treasurer 3. Secretary 4. Board of Governors (5 candidates )
To learn more about the GWAC Foundation, Inc., GWAC's charitable arm, visit http://gwacdc.org/
5. ABA Delegates (5 candidates) If you would like further information, wish to be considered or know someone who should be contacted about these leadership opportunities, please email tonya.butler.truesdale@gmail.com.
**GWAC's monthly newsletter is distributed on the first Wednesday of each month**
To learn more about the National Bar Association, visit http://www.nationalbar.org/
GWAC's monthly newsletter will also be available on our website.
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