MRWBA News Update           January 2025

Celebrating 50 Years

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Welcome New (& Returning) Members!

  • Kate Bauer, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP
  • Dawn Conrad, U.S. Department of Justice
  • Laney Hull, Student, UR Law School
  • Carla Jordan-Detamore, United States Attorney’s Office
  • Mikayla Martinez, Student, UR Law School
  • Lindsey Merillat, Colonial Heights Commonwealth Attorney’s Office
  • Sophia Miller, Moran Reeves & Conn
  • Ashley Peck
  • Eva Swanson, Price Benowitz

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            Not a Member of MRWBA?

            Join Now!

            Student memberships are complimentary!

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            Committee Service

            As you know, the strength of any organization is built on its membership. The diversity of the organizations and individuals that make up MRWBA have helped us build the community that exists today. As you prepare to enjoy your summer, please take a moment to consider volunteering with one of our committees in the coming year. 

            Working with an MRWBA committee is a great way to build your network while supporting the profession. Email admin@mrwba.org for details.

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            Campaign Donors

            Thanks to our most recent donors to the $50 for 50 Years Campaign

            • Mollie Barton, Stiles Ewing Powers, PC
            • Ann Burks
            • Lisa Germano, Actuarial Benefits & Design
            • Ariel Hedgepeth, Richmond City Attorney’s Office
            • Ami Kim, Greater Richmond Bar Foundation
            • The Honorable Cleo Powell, Supreme Court of Virginia

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            MRWBA Seeks Sponsors 

            MRWBA’s events are possible thanks to the generosity of our sponsors. These sponsorships provide an opportunity to promote your brand to a demographic of well-educated, professional women with an average salary of more than $100,000 per year.

            There are still opportunities to sponsor this year, or plan ahead and secure your sponsorship for the 2025-2026 Bar Year now! Email admin@mrwba.org for details.

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            From the President

            Dear Members, Colleagues, and Friends:

            Happy New Year! The first two weeks of 2025 have been a doozy, and I hope that we can all ease into the rest of January. As you know, we are halfway through our 50th year as an organization. Looking back to the beginning of our organization, we can celebrate the trailblazers who laid the foundation of our association. Their vision and determination were pivotal in breaking barriers and fostering an environment where women could thrive in law.

            This anniversary isn’t just a time to celebrate, but also a time to commit to some key values of our organization: advocating for gender equality, promoting diversity and inclusion, and supporting the professional growth of all women in the legal field. In light of that, I am excited to attend our February luncheon, Navigating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace and the Legal Field. To coincide with Black History Month, we will have a panel of rockstar female employment attorneys who will speak to DEI issues – both the current state of the law and what they hope to see in the future. I hope you will join us on February 12 for what promises to be an informative discussion.

            Amy Smith
            2024-2025 MRWBA President

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            February Luncheon: Navigating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace and the Legal Profession


            Join MRWBA February 12th from noon to 1:45 p.m. at the Bank of America Building in Richmond for an interactive program that provides a platform for exploring key concepts and strategies to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace and the legal profession.

            With a strong emphasis on participant questions and open dialogue, the program invites attendees to engage directly with experts, share perspectives, and explore solutions tailored to their unique challenges. Designed to foster candid conversations and actionable insights, this session equips legal professionals and organizations with the tools to create more inclusive and equitable environments.

            Our Presenters:

            • Faith Alejandro, Sands Anderson

            • Elizabeth Ebanks, Ogletree Deakins

            • Barbara Queen, LawrenceQueen.

            Our Schedule:

            • Registration 12:00 p.m.

            • Program 12:30 p.m.

            • Adjourn 1:45 p.m.

            Registration is $30 for MRWBA members; $40 for nonmembers. Parking will be validated for all registrants. Click here to register today.

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              $50 for 50 Years Campaign Update


              As we begin 2025, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has contributed to our $50 for 50 Years campaign (our latest donors are listed at left). Your generosity is paving the way for MRWBA to continue its mission of empowering women lawyers and advocating for equality and inclusion in the legal profession.

              If you haven’t yet had a chance to contribute, we invite you to join us in shaping the future. With just $50, you can help us celebrate 50 years of progress and build a stronger, more inclusive network for generations to come.

              Together, we can continue fostering professional growth, nurturing future leaders, and advancing equality in the legal field.

              Donate today and be a part of this historic journey! And thank you to all of our donors for supporting MRWBA as we honor our past and shape our future.
               

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              Other Upcoming Program Dates

              We know how busy you are, so we wanted to be sure to share the upcoming program dates for MRWBA so you can get them on your calendar now.

              • April 23, Legislative Update Breakfast
              • May 21, Awards Reception

              Watch for details coming soon.

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              PO Box 6605, Richmond, VA 23230

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