2025 BAR LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
GREENBRIER RESORT | OCTOBER 17, 2025
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, WEST VIRGINIA
BRIDGING THE ENGAGEMENT GAP: PRACTICAL TOOLS FOR BAR LEADERS
ABOUT NCWBA
Since the establishment of the Equity Club at the University of Michigan in 1886, women lawyers and law students have formed associations of their own: sometimes because they were excluded from the formal or informal mentoring networks of men, sometimes for a special purpose (such as getting a woman on the bench), or sometimes just to share common concerns in a supportive setting. During the 1980’s, there was great leadership in the women’s bar associations’ pipeline but little recognition of it in the establishment bars. One of the original goals of the National Conference of Women’s Bar Associations (“NCWBA”) was to leverage our training in women’s bar associations into broader leadership positions and to capitalize on the numbers and talents in women’s bar associations that were going unheralded. Other goals were to support other women in their practice of law; to break the glass ceilings of partnerships and judgeships; and to share information and successful projects.
In 1981, the Women’s Bar Association of DC (led by Presidents Judy McCaffrey and Susan Low) compiled a list of women’s bar associations across the nation. The Women’s Bar Association of the District of Columbia sent out letters to all the women’s bar associations on their list and asked them to send a representative to the 1981 American Bar Association (“ABA”) meeting in New Orleans. These state representatives and other women lawyers at the ABA meeting were gathered up to attend the first meeting Participants at this initial meeting were enthusiastic about starting an organization of women’s bar associations, and the NCWBA was born.
Today, the NCWBA provides guidance, tools, and resources to more than fifty women’s bar organizations, which comprise its membership.
The NCWBA’s mission is to advocate for equality in the legal profession and in society by mobilizing and uniting women’s bar associations to effect change in gender-based processes and laws by providing a national forum for exchanging ideas, best practices, and information vital to the organizational growth and success of women’s bar organizations and the legal profession.
The NCWBA’s flagship event is the annual bar leadership Summit, bringing bar leaders together for an opportunity to learn from each other, troubleshoot, collaborate, and network. Our goal for Summit is to energize and inspire bar leaders.
2025 BAR LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
BRIDGING THE ENGAGEMENT GAP
PROGRAMMING
This year’s Summit is comprised of an energetic keynote address on the topic of engagement, a series of immersive and collaborative workshops where topic leaders facilitate discussions among bar leaders, and inspiring presentations from the winners of this year’s NCWBA awards – all in one of the most picturesque and relaxing resorts in the world.
Keynote Speakers
This year’s Summit keynote address will focus on the important topic of member engagement, and will be presented by St. Louis lawyersturned-consultants Kelli and Mollie lead Aspire, a consulting group designed to help individuals and organizations reach their potential.
Mollie Farrell Khazaeli is an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and holds a Certified Professional Coach (CPC) designation from the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC) She is also an Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner (ELI-MP). Mollie received her J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and her BA in Sociology and Women’s Studies from University of Wisconsin-Madison She is also certified in Mental Health First Aid, Inclusive Leadership, and Effective Evaluations and Feedback for All.
Kelli Dunaway is a lawyer, coach, teacher, consultant, and writer whose raison d’être is helping people realize their potential. She designs and delivers coaching and training that empowers people to define goals and pursue them with intentionality and purpose. Kelli uses humor, instinct, powerful questions and brings energy, enthusiasm and shared experience to her presentations, which are designed to be engaging training on a variety of professional and leadership skills
And Whyyyy Should I Care?
Attracting and retaining members requires clear communication of the value your organization brings to their professional and personal lives In this session, keynote speakers Kelli Dunaway and Mollie Farrell Khazaeli will explore effective strategies to engage current members, inspire new recruits, and demonstrate why bar association membership matters now more than ever.
Today’s Law Student: A Preview of the Next Generation of Bar Members
Pepperdine Caruso School of Law Professor of Law Christine Chambers Goodman, Northern Kentucky University Law Assistant Professor of Law and Director of the W. Bruce Lunsford Academy for Law, Business, and Technology
Michelle Browning Coughlin, and West Virginia University College of Law Assistant Dean of Student Services & Engagement Jennifer Powell will offer an insightful look into the evolving demographics, values, and expectations of current law students. This session explores how these future attorneys are shaping the legal profession and what their emergence means for bar associations, employers, and the broader legal landscape.
The Impact of the Current DEI Climate on the Future of Women's Bar Associations
Sheila Abron, former NCWBA President, and a partner at Fisher Phillips LLP, chairs her firm’s Affirmative Action and Federal Contract Compliance Practice Group, which has made this year a busy one for her. In a time of shifting priorities and heightened scrutiny around diversity, equity, and inclusion, women’s bar associations face both challenges and opportunities. In this session, Ms. Abron will explore how the evolving DEI landscape is shaping the mission, membership, and advocacy efforts of these organizations and what it means for their future relevance and resilience.
Girl, Get out of Your Way: The Impact of Imposter Syndrome on your Organization
Delve into how imposter syndrome affects not just individual confidence, but organizational culture and performance. This session will be led by Melissa Romano, a multi-certified professional with a diverse background in health, healing, and social work, owner of Reclaiming Healthy, and author of “Vagus Nerve Deck: 75 Exercises to Reset Your Nervous System,” who will explore strategies to recognize, address, and overcome self-doubt, empowering leaders and teams to thrive more authentically and effectively.
Using Artificial Intelligence in your Organization
Tami Munsch is the President-Elect of NCWBA, the pastPresident of the Mississippi Women Lawyers Association, a solo practitioner, and a criminal justice professor at Southern Mississippi University. She also happens to be rather good at AI tools. She will lead a discussion about how artificial intelligence is transforming the way legal organizations operate, from streamlining workflows to enhancing decisionmaking. This session will explore practical applications, ethical considerations, and strategies for effectively integrating AI tools to boost productivity and innovation.
Fundraising Strategies that Actually Work
NCWBA Vice President of Fundraising and Strategic Partnership and the principal of StudioIP (Denver, Colorado), Jessie Pellant is the perfect person to guide a discussion on every organization’s favorite topic: fundraising. Effective fundraising is key to sustaining and growing your organization's impact This session will share proven strategies, creative approaches, and practical tips to help you build stronger donor relationships, increase engagement, and achieve your fundraising goals.
To Speak or Not to Speak: Best Practices for Responding to Statement Requests
Knowing when and how to respond to public statement requests is a critical skill for organizations navigating sensitive or high-profile issues. This session will cover best practices for evaluating requests, crafting thoughtful responses, and maintaining authenticity while protecting your organization's values and reputation. This session will be led by Shannon Smith, the Immediate Past President of the West Virginia State Bar and a professor at the West Virginia University College of Law.
Failing Up: Flipping the Script on Disappointments
Setbacks are an inevitable part of any professional journey, but they can also be powerful catalysts for growth This session explores how to reframe disappointments as opportunities, build resilience, and turn failures into stepping stones toward future success. Join members of the Kansas Women Attorneys Association, including Hon. Kellie Hogan and Kristen Wheeler, as they guide this impactful discussion.
Planning Signature Events that Get People Engaged
Creating memorable events that spark connection and inspire participation is both an art and a strategy. Led by Jennifer Hill, former president of the Wichita Bar Association and the Wichita Women Attorneys Association, and Kim Sporrer, Executive Director of the Colorado Women’s Bar Association, this session will offer insights into designing impactful signature events that reflect your organization’s mission, energize your community, and keep people coming back year after year.
Harnessing the Power of the 5-Generation Work Force to Build your Organization
With five generations now active in the workplace, organizations have a unique opportunity to leverage a wide range of perspectives, skills, and experiences. Ashley Odell, a member lawyer with Steptoe & Johnson PLLC, and a prolific speaker on issues of diversity, belonging, and generational differences, will explore how to foster collaboration, bridge generational gaps, and create an inclusive culture that drives engagement and performance across all age groups.
Building Engagment and Authority with BookPublishing
Sharing your story or expertise through a book can be a powerful tool for connection and credibility. This session will explore how writing and publishing can elevate your voice and create meaningful engagement with your organization This workshop will be led by Melanie Herschorn, founder of Big Impact Books. Ms. Herschorn is an award-winning journalist, bestselling author, and publisher who helps attorneys and thought leaders elevate their authority and visibility
Engage your Audience
Struggling to keep members engaged or bring new ones into the fold? You're not alone! In this session
Vanessa Shaw, Founder & CEO of The Business Growth Academy will equip you with actionable tools to deepen connections, boost participation, and foster meaningful growth. Whether you're aiming to reinvigorate your membership, develop future leaders, or strengthen your organization’s impact, you’ll leave with a clear path to move forward with purpose and confidence.
2025 BAR LEADERSHIP SUMMIT BRIDGING THE ENGAGEMENT GAP
Other Events
At 4:00 on October 16, 2025, a collaboration of West Virginia women bar leaders will present a “Ladder Down” panel discussion on the importance of mentoring and inspiring the next generation of women lawyers. The event will be held at the Schoolhouse Hotel in White Sulphur Springs, with a reception to follow. The group has received commitments from Hon. Stephanie Thacker, a judge with the US Court of Appeal for the 4 Circuit and Hon Haley Bunn, a justice with the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals. th
The Summit Dine-Around will follow Summit, and will give attendees, keynote speakers, and workshop leaders the opportunity to enjoy dinner at one of several amazing local restaurants in small groups Sign-up information will be available during registration.
REGISTRATION
Members of NCWBA can register for Summit for $275. Non-member registration is $325. Law students can attend for $25. Scan or click the QR Code to register! Your registration will include breakfast and lunch in addition to the Programming. We can’t wait to see you at Summit!
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Support the advancement of women in the legal profession by sponsoring this year’s Summit. This premier event brings together women bar leaders from across the country for a day of learning, networking, and leadership development. As a sponsor, your organization will gain valuable visibility among influential legal professionals while demonstrating your commitment to fairness, access, inclusion, and representation in the legal community
Sponsorship opportunities offer a range of benefits, including branding, speaking opportunities, and direct engagement with decision-makers shaping the future of women’s bar associations. Join us in bridging the engagement gap and making a lasting impact.
Sponsorship levels are on the following page. To learn more, visit www.ncwba.org/sponsorship.
NCWBA also welcomes strategic partnerships. To learn more, visit www.ncwba.org/sponsorship.
We have made sponsoring Summit easy Just click or scan the QR code below! It will take you to NCWBA’s website page where you can quickly sign on to support this year’s Summit!
SPONSOR LEVEL AND BENEFITS
Friend ($300). Friends receive their names on NCWBA’s sponsor page at ncwba.org and a group thanks in the Summit materials.
Supporter ($450). Supporters receive their name and logo on NCWBA’s sponsor page at ncwba.org; recognition in Summit materials, 1 Summit registration, a group thanks in the NCWBA newsletter, and a grouped post on social media
Bronze ($1,500). Bronze-level sponsors receive everything that the Supporter-level sponsor receives and, in addition, your name and a link to your website on the home page for ncwba org and the option to include items in the Summit welcome bags.
Copper ($2,500). Copper-level sponsors receive everything that the Bronze-level sponsor receives except that the social media recognition will come in a separate post and the newsletter recognition will be individual. In addition, you will have the option to sponsor a Summit event break or reception.
Silver ($3,500). Silver-level sponsors receive everything that the Copper-level sponsor receives plus the option to exhibit and share materials at Summit and 1 additional registration for Summit (2 total).
Ruby ($4,000). Ruby-level sponsors receive everything that the Silver-level sponsor receives plus an additional social media mention.
Gold ($5,500). Gold-level sponsors receive everything that the Ruby-level sponsor receives plus the option to be included as a sponsor for the October 16 “Ladder Down” event and 1 additional registration for Summit (3 total)
Platinum ($10,000). Platinum-level sponsors receive everything that Gold-level sponsors receive plus additional social media mentions and an additional Summit registration (4 total)
