Women Lawyers Division Chair’s Message It is my honor to welcome you to the National Bar Association Women Lawyer Division’s Annual Networking and Awards Breakfast. WLD hosts an annual awards breakfast to highlight and recognize the significant achievements of women lawyers and judges. These women make a difference throughout the country and the world. We applaud each of our awardees for their contributions to the legal profession and for advancing society. WLD especially applauds the lifetime achievement awardee, Allie Latimer, a phenomenal woman, co-founder of the Women Lawyers Division, leader in the legal profession, and a living legend. This is an exciting time for WLD as we continue to be motivated and committed to meeting the needs of our membership. Our theme of “Rising Together: Leading Beyond Boundaries” is prophetic. To that end, we are collaborating with the Women Lawyers Forum of the Ghana Bar Association in Accra, Ghana, in an effort to lead beyond present boundaries. We are excited about this partnership and believe it is an opportunity to explore legal, business, and other opportunities beyond our respective borders. These two organizations will share information and further build our respective associations. WLD looks forward to this networking opportunity to build this relationship. This will allow us to inspire and challenge our members to reach beyond borders to effect positive change on a global scale. We are excited about our future! A special thank you to Sharon Bridges, Chair of this amazing Awards Breakfast, and her entire committee. I’d like to thank each of you for attending and acknowledging our sheroes. WLD recognizes that our membership is our greatest asset and that we could not make these accomplishments without your support. If you are not a WLD member, please become a member. Throughout this convention, I challenge you to stay engaged, keep proactive, and help us shape the future of the Women Lawyers Division. Warm regards,
Valencia Rainey, Chair Women Lawyers Division
Awards Breakfast Chair Message On behalf of the members of the 2019 NBA Women Lawyers Division (WLD) Achievement Awards Breakfast Committee, I would like to welcome you to the WLD’s Awards Breakfast. Our theme this year Rising Together: Leading Beyond Boundaries goes to the heart of the challenges women lawyers are facing globally in our evolving profession. The WLD remains committed to the interest of our members in the struggle to keep the relevance of diversity as a business imperative in the legal profession. We will endeavor to raise our voices on behalf of ourselves as a division and women lawyers globally as we strive to continue the mission that was established by our Founders. We are excited to hear from the Sheila Minkah - Premo, President of the Ghana Bar Association Women’s Forum, our keynote speaker. I am confident that she will inspire us to stand together and unify our collective power as women lawyers. A special thanks to our sponsors for their generous support and presence here today. My sincere thanks to the members of the Achievement Awards Breakfast Committee for their commitment to this endeavor. Finally, I extend special congratulations to our 2019 NBA WLD Achievement Award Recipients and the WLD’s Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient, Attorney Allie B. Latimer. These women lawyers and judges have excelled extraordinarily in their areas of practice and on the state and federal judiciary. We hope that you will depart from this breakfast with a heightened enthusiasm and an enduring commitment to be an effective catalyst in your profession and in our community.
Yours In Service,
Sharon Bridges Sharon Bridges Chair 2019 Achievement Awards Breakfast
NATIONAL BAR ASSOCIATION
July 23, 2019
Joseph Drayton President New York, NY Alfreda Robinson President-Elect Washington, DC Wiley Adams Vice President Chicago, IL Robert Collier Vice President Houston, TX
Good Morning Women Lawyer Division Attendees,
I am delighted to welcome you to the National Bar Associations (“NBA”) 94th Annual Convention and Exhibits and the 2019 NBA Women Lawyers Division (“WLD”) Awards Breakfast. Thank you for your participation in this mission critical and international assembly of lawyers and guests aimed at providing, among other things, a platform for the success of the black women lawyer. The NBA WLD was established in 1972 as a vehicle for African American women in the law to address issues and problems specific to them. The mission of this division remains of the utmost importance as recent studies show that traditional diversity tools have been ineffective, and that the legal profession remains the least diverse profession in the nation.
Anthony Hall Vice President Orlando, FL
Gender equality was a vital issue in 1972 and an exigent circumstance today. Demanding equality and equal justice for all under our laws has always been in the fabric of the mission of NBA. This bar year, we worked actively on this mission through the presidential initiative “NBA R.I.S.E.: Yuri Walker Vice President Harnessing the Power of Us,” to demonstrate our greatness through collective efforts that effectuate Reston, VA systematic and positive change. R.I.S.E. stands for (1) Refine our bar, (2) Influence our legal landscape, (3) Safeguard our community and (4) Enhance our lifeline. We are proud that the continued Rachel Anderson stewardship of WLD under its theme, “Rising Together: Leading Beyond Boundaries,” will enSecretary sure that the NBA is at the forefront of interrupting racial and gender bias to effectively increase Las Vegas, NV equity and inclusion in our profession. I salute WLD for its excellence and Chair Valencia Rainey for Hon. Leonard Murray her steadfast service. Treasurer Chicago, IL Joseph Hairston Parliamentarian Washington, DC Taa Grays General Counsel New York, NY
The NBA will always be here to support and celebrate WLD as our members continue to break glass ceilings and lead beyond boundaries. It is with much enthusiasm that I congratulate the outstanding women that are being honored today. I salute you and thank you for your contributions to our profession. Congratulations and I hope you all enjoy the rest of the conference! In Service,
Joseph M. Drayton President
National Bar Association
Founded
WOMEN LAWYERS DIVISION HERSTORY
The Women Lawyers Division (WLD) of the National Bar Association was established in 1972 as a vehicle for women in the practice of law to address the issues and problems that particularly affect interest, and concern African American women. The WLD had its genesis during 1971 when an informal coalition of 18 women members of the NBA discussed soliciting new NBA members to run for national offices. These women decided that there were other issues that needed to be addressed, and thus on August 5, 1971, Ruth Harvey Charity convened the first organizational meeting of NBA women lawyers in Atlanta, Georgia. In addition to Ms. Charity, the organizing members of the WLD included: Hon. Joyce London Alexander, Ruth Banks, Hon. Alice Bonner, Joan Burt, Hon. Theresa Doss, Florence Jackson, Hon. Golden Johnson, Arthenia Joyner, Allie Weeden Latimer, Hon. Gabrielle McDonald, Ethel Olliverre, Hon. Eileen Petersen, Savannah Potter, Hon. Clara Rich, Alice Rucker, Dorothy Sampson, and the Hon. Lucile Watts. In 1977, Ruth Harvey Charity, a WLD member, was elected Vice-President of the NBA, which was the first time in 25 years a woman had held so high a position within the NBA. In 1981, another WLD member, Arnette R. Hubbard, was elected the first President-Elect of the NBA; and Alice Bonner, a founder of the WLD, was installed as the second woman president of the NBA Judicial Council Division. Since that year, eleven other WLD members have served as President of the NBA: Arthenia L. Joyner, Algenita Scott Davis, Sharon McPhail, Paulette Brown, Beverley McQueary Smith, Evett L. Simmons, Kim M. Keenan, Vanita M. Banks, Mavis Thompson, Patricia Rosier, and Pamela Meanes. Members of the WLD have also served in many other offices in the NBA and on its Board of Governors. Through the WLD, women have made a significant impact on the goals and directions of the NBA by participating at all levels of the organization. The WLD has achieved its goal of adding positive direction to the NBA by “taking a seat at its table” and establishing a new dimension of sensitivity of the NBA as it addresses legal issues affecting women, children, the family, and the African American community as a whole. In its sponsorship of seminars, breakfasts and other forums, the WLD has concentrated on issues of specific interest and impact on women, and as a result, brought these issues to the forefront of the NBA’s conscience.
1972 Founders Hon. Joyce L. Alexander Ruth Banks Hon. Alice Bonner Joan Burt Ruth Harvey Charity Hon. Theresa Doss Florence Jackson Hon. Golden Johnson Arthenia Joyner Allie Weeden Latimer Hon. Gabrielle McDonald Ethel Olliverre Hon. Eileen Petersen
Savannah Potter Hon. Clara Rich Alice Rucker Dorothy Sampson Hon. Lucile Watts
NBA Women Lawyers Division
Chair
Valencia Rainey, Esq.
First Vice Chair
Sharon Bridges, Esq.
Second Vice Chair
Desiree C. Boykin, Esq.
Recording Secretary
Paulette Van Burton, Esq.
Corresponding Secretary
Courtney Scrubbs, Esq.
Treasurer
Mary Melchor. Esq.
Parliamentarian
Jo Saint-George, Esq.
Member at Large
Catherine Costict, Esq.
Member at Large
Valerie Cartright, Esq.
Member at Large
Debra Matlock, Esq.
Member at Large
Kila Bobier, Esq.
Member at Large
Lisa Adams, Esq.
Member at Large
Ava Bedden, Esq.
Member at Large
Stephanie Burgess, Esq.
Member at Large
Denise Holmes, Esq.
Ex-Officio Immediate Past Chair
Rosalyn Henderson-Myers, Esq.
NBA President
Joseph Drayton, Esq.
2019 Officers
Women Lawyers Division Awards Breakfast Program Mistresses of Ceremonies Denise Holmes, Esq. and Kim Seymour, J.D., MBA
Invocation Lisa Love, Esq.
Greetings Joseph Drayton, Esq., President, National Bar Association Valencia Rainey, Esq., Chair, National Bar Association Women Lawyers Division Doreen Rachal, Esq., Counsel, Sidley Austin - Title Sponsor
Lifetime Achievement Award Arthenia Joyner, Esq. - Presenter
Scroll of Distinguished NBA Woman Lawyers Iris McCollum Green, Esq. - Presenter
----BREAKFAST IS SERVED---Entertainment by: Lonnie Plaxico Trio
Introduction of Keynote Speaker Valencia Rainey, Esq. - Introduction
Speaker Sheila Minkah-Premo, Esq.
President, Ghana Bar Association, Women’s Forum
Presentation of the 2019 Achievement Award Recipients Tamika Hardy, Esq. - Presenter Patrice Jean, Esq. - Presenter
Acknowledgments and Closing Remarks Valencia Rainey, Esq. and Sharon Bridges, Esq.
Installation of the 2019-2020 WLD Executive Board The Honorable Margo Brodie
Benediction Desiree Boykin, Esq.
NBA Women Lawyers Division
Keynote Speaker Sheila Minkah-Premo is a lawyer from Ghana and holds a degree from the University of Ghana, Legon and was called to the Ghanaian Bar in 1989. She also holds a master’s in law (LL.M) from the Georgetown University Law Centre (GULC), Wash-
Sheila Minkah-Premo Chairperson Ghana Bar Association Women’s Forum
ington DC, in the United States of America where she was a fellow of the Leadership and Advocacy for Women in Africa (LAWA) component of the Women’s Law and Public Policy Fellowship Program. She is the Managing Consultant of Apex Law Consulting, a law firm in Accra that provides general legal services in civil law particularly: family law; land law and corporate law. She is also a development consultant who undertakes consultancy work on women and children’s rights for development partners in Ghana as well, governmental institutions particularly the Ministry for Gender, Children and Social Protection and for non-governmental Organizations. She has undertaken research leading to the passage of several laws and policies on women and children rights in Ghana including the Domestic Violence Act, Regulations for the Domestic Violence Act, review of the Adoption laws among others. She has also advised on harmful traditional practices for the Social Affairs section of the African Union with support from the German Development Cooperation in 2013. She belongs to several women lawyer’s groups in Ghana including FIDA Ghana, African Women Lawyers Association and LAWA Ghana Alumnae Inc. She is a member of the Ghana Bar Associa-
tion and chairs its Women and Minors Rights Committee from 2008 to date. She is also the Chairperson of the Ghana Bar Association’s (GBA) Women’s Forum.
Greetings to our Sisters of the NBA Women Lawyers Division! From your Sisters of the GBA Women’s Forum
NBA Women Lawyers Division
Sharon Bridges, Chair Kila Bobier, Esq. Alice Bonner, Esq. Danielle Carr, Esq.
2019 Awards Breakfast Committee
Michelle P. Crockett, Esq. Khyla Craine, Esq. Gillian Crowl , Esq. Sandra Diggs-Miller, Esq. Linda Bond Edwards, Esq. Phyllis Gillespie, Esq. Tamika Hardy, Esq. Leyser Hayes, Esq. Sonya Hoskins, Esq. Norma Hutcheson, Esq. Patrice P. Jean, Esq. Traci Jones, Esq. Channa Lloyd , Esq. Lisa D. Love , Esq. Susan Sims Marsh, Esq. Jennifer Martin, Esq.
Mary Melchor, Esq. Jeanine Mitchell, Esq. Tricia Pierre, Esq. Doreen Rachal, Esq. Jennifer Riley-Collins, Esq. Kim Seymour, Esq. Lani Shaw, Esq. Jo Saint-George, Esq. Kimberley Ward. Esq.
By advertising your support for WLD, you are branding your business’ name while helping a nonprofit organization with a long history of supporting the community, Black women in the legal profession, and all those who support our mission.
NBA Women Lawyers Division
Title Sponsor Sidley Austin
Gavel Sponsor Polsinelli Robert Collier
Lady Justice Sponsor Denise Holmes, Esq. T-Mobile
Entergy Gordon Rees Digital Factory
Entertainment Sponsors Rumberger Kirk Gavin Walcott Phyllis Gillespie The Center For Women In The Law, University of Texas
Thank You Sponsors!
NBA Women Lawyers Division
Lifetime Achievement Award Allie B. Latimer, Esq. An attorney, civil rights activist and humanitarian, Allie B. Latimer has been active in legal, civic and religious activities throughout her lifetime. After graduating from Hampton Institute (now Hampton University), Attorney Latimer volunteered for two years with the American Friends Service Committee, performing work in prisons and mental institutions. She participated in the effort to desegregate the New Jersey State Hospital at Vineland and an effort to integrate a suburban community outside Philadelphia. Attorney Latimer later enrolled in Howard University School of Law and earned her Juris Doctor in 1953. In 1958, she went on to earn a Master of Legal Letters degree from The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law, and earned both a Master of Divinity degree and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Howard University School of Divinity. Attorney Latimer was instrumental in organizing Federally Employed Women (FEW) in 1968, and served as the organization’s founding president until 1969. The organization began as a grassroots effort with the major objective of equality of opportunity for all. Today, FEW is an international organization. FEW’s many accomplishments and activities have impacted the federal workplace and contributed to improved working conditions for all. In 1969, Attorney Latimer became an Ordained Elder at Northeastern Presbyterian Church in Washington, DC. She has traveled to more than fifty countries to participate in various church related conferences. Among more than 50 awards and citations, she has received Presidential Rank Awards from Presidents Bill Clinton and Ronald Reagan and the GSA’s Distinguished Service Award. Ms. Latimer has been inducted into the National Bar and the Washington Bar Associations Halls of Fame. In 2009 she was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame. Her life is an example of not only how she broke down barriers herself, but also how she has worked tirelessly to help women, minorities, and many others overcome barriers. Attorney Latimer made history in 1977 when she was the first woman and the first Black person appointed General Counsel of the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), as well as the first woman to attain the GS-18 salary level at GSA, directing a staff of over 150 lawyers. Veteran Feminists of America (VFA) recognized Latimer as part of the ‘second wave of feminist pioneers. One of the Founders of the National Bar Association Women Lawyers Division, through the years Attorney Latimer has been a guiding light offering guidance and direction to many young lawyers.
NBA Women Lawyers Division Past Division Chairs 2016-2018
Rosalyn Henderson Myers, Esq.
2014-2016
Monica Dula, Esq.
2012-2014
Antoinette Barksdale, Esq.
2010-2012
DeMonica Gladney, Esq.
2009-2010
Gloria Johnson, Esq.
2007-2009
Hon. Cylenthia LaToye Miller
2005-2007
E. Jean Johnson, Esq.
2003-2005
Margo Bouchet, Esq.
2001-2003
Hon. Sharon E. Strickland.
1999-2001
Iris McCollum Green, Esq.
1997-1999
Camille Stearns Miller, Esq.
1995-1997
Debra D. Matlock, Esq.
1993-1995
Gloria A. Brimberry, Esq.
1991-1993
Jacqueline A. Walker, Esq.
1989-1991
Brenda A.Girton, Esq.
1987-1989
Emma H. Pendergrass, Esq.
1985-1987
Pinkie Carolyn Wilkerson, Esq.*
1983-1985
Carolyn Y. Howard, Esq.
1982-1983
Jacqueline Rucker, Esq.
1980-1982
Dolores Pegram Wilson, Esq.
1979-1980
Edith Corlette, Esq.
1977-1979
Hon. Renee’ Jones Weeks
1975-1977
Joan A. Burt, Esq.*
1975
Hon. Theresa Doss
1974-1975
Hon. Golden Johnson*
1972-1974
Hon. Lucile A. Watts
* Deceased
NBA WOMEN LAWYERS DIVISION Scroll of Distinction
Kim Keenan Kim Kendrick Mablean Ephraim Honorable Stephanie Tubbs Jones Carolyn Y. Howard Cora Walker Loretta King Geraldine Simmons Iris McCollum Green Sharon E. Strickland Debra C. Matlock Patricia Rosier Paulette Brown Gloria Johnson Jacqueline Walker Carolyn House Stewart Antoinette Barksdale Demonica D. Gladney
NBA WOMEN LAWYERS DIVISION
Outstanding Women Lawyers CORPORATE COUNSEL
JUDICIARY
SOLO FIRM
Minority Partner In A Majority Firm
Twanda Turner-Hawkins
Hon. Margo Brodie
Tricia “CK” Hoffler, Esq.
Lorraine McGowen, Esq.
Juanita Harris, Esq.
Hon. Kathie E. Davidson
Stacey Gray, Esq.
Doreen Rachal, Esq.
.
Hon. Kathie E. Davidson
Yuri Walker, Esq.
Hon. Karelia R. Stewart
Tanya N. Blocker, Esq.
Paulette V. Burton, Esq.
Camille Bryant, Esq.
Sharonda Williams, Esq.
Minority Partner In Majority Firm Lorraine McGowen Partner Orrick
Lorraine McGowen is a restructuring partner at Orrick. For more than 30 years, Attorney McGowen has represented clients from the US and internationally seeking to maximize their recoveries or reduce their exposure. She is a member of Orrick’s Management Committee and co-leads its Automotive Technology & Mobility Group and its global Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Initiative. Recent engagements include representing Toyota in the global restructuring of Takata Corporation, one of the largest manufacturers and distributors of automotive safety systems, including airbags; representing financial institutions in the restructuring of Puerto Rico’s $72 billion debt; and representing several power purchase counterparties in PG&E”s bankruptcy case. She has been recognized as an MCCA Rainmaker and received the NYC Bar Association’s Diversity Champion Award and Legal Outreach’s Pipeline to Diversity Champion Award. She is a graduate of Georgetown University and Columbia Law School.
Government/Public Service Yuri N. Walker
Director, Risk Management US Veteran’s Administration
Yuri N. Walker serves as Director of Risk Management for the U.S. Veteran’s Administration. Attorney Walker retired from the US Air Force at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and served over 20 years in positions of increasing responsibility culminating as the Chief Nurse, 932d Medical Squadron, Scott AFB, IL. She has volunteered in several VA sponsored annual Homeless Veterans Stand Down Programs that especially assisted male and female Veterans with clothing, counseling referrals, work and shelter placement, legal assistance, and medical evaluations. She has lead a team of staff that has national responsibility for oversight and policy development in risk management at the department of Veterans Affairs and has developed training and monitoring programs for field staff to ensure high quality service to the nations Veterans. Through Yuri's membership in the Reston Virginia Chapter of NCNW, she participates in drives to provide food, household goods, and clothing to local homeless women’s shelter victims. Yuri has received the NBA's Presidential Awards for Exemplary Service in 2010 and 2014. She currently serves as Vice President for the National Bar Association.
In-House Counsel Juanita Harris
Assistant Vice President & Senior Counsel AT&T Juanita Harris is AVP and Senior Counsel for AT&T. She formerly served as Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Department of Justice. Attorney Harris is responsible for supervision of litigation, regulatory compliance and counselor to business units. Her most recent role, among other areas of responsibilities, supports the diversity initiatives of AT&T, which helped to garner AT&T's recent recognition as the #1 Company on Diversity Inc's List of Top 50 Companies in Diversity. Attorney Harris diversity efforts don't stop within the company, she serves on the Preferred Counsel Committee, which increased the number of minority and women owned firms by 10%. She volunteers with DAPP as an individual mentor, as well as advising on law student placements. She was appointed to the ABA Commission on Racial and Ethnic Diversity and the Texas Minority Counsel Program Steering Committee. She is in the Leader Circle of the Center for Women in Law. Her commitment to women continues through her
service on the Board of Directors for the Family Gateway, which shelters homeless families.
Twanda Turner Hawkins
Director, Global Litigation Dematic Corp and KION Americas Twanda Turner Hawkins serves as Director of Global Litigation for Dematic Corp. and KION Americas, responsible for litigation and dispute resolution worldwide. Attorney Turner-Hawkins is a skilled advocate, litigator, and strategic global business leader. She has dedicated her entire career to leadership. As a result, she has extensive experience as a strong global leader and manager of multiple litigation teams, offices, and projects. Attorney Turner-Hawkins develops innovative initiatives and solutions to accomplish strategic goals. She is skilled in communicating complex ideas, plans, and the law. Similarly, Attorney Turner-Hawkins is accomplished in attorney professional development, training, continuing legal education, mentoring, negotiating, budgeting, and problem-solving. She previously enjoyed a dedicated career at Allstate Insurance Company in many leadership roles such as Litigation Director, Corporate Counsel, Process Management Director, and Law Department Management Leadership, Department Head, Managing Attorney, Lead Counsel, and Trial Attorney, to name a few. Attorney Turner-Hawkins is a leader in her community and a visionary. She is passionate and driven as a business owner. She has a proven formula for success which is realized through collaboration, team building, networking and professional development to ensure continuous improvement for individuals, teams, and organizations. Attorney Turner-Hawkins enjoys an active lifestyle as certified Spin instructor, licensed ZUMBA instructor, and world traveler. She is a graduate of Tuskegee University and Georgia State University College of Law.
Young Lawyers Camille Bryant Senior Associate McGlinchey Stafford
Camille Bryant is a Senior Associate at McGlinchey Stafford in New Orleans, LA, and president of the New Orleans Association for Women Attorneys. Under her leadership, Attorney Bryant spearheaded a Food from the Bar Campaign, which raised approximately $40,000. Attorney Bryant was also awarded a grant that provided funds for public legal fairs in the metro New Orleans Area. For four years, Attorney Bryant coordinated and managed these legal fairs in partnership with AARP. Attorney Bryant serves in a number of other professional and civic organizations. She is a graduate of Southern University and Loyola University New Orleans School of Law. Attorney Bryant focuses her practice on labor and employment and products liability. She has experience defending matters before state and federal courts, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Department of Labor, and National Labor Relations Board.
Tanya N. Blocker Senior Counsel Gordon Rees
Tanya N. Blocker, Esq. is Senior Counsel at the firm Gordon Rees and is President of the Association of Black Women Attorneys (ABWA) of New York City. Attorney Blocker’s serviceability towards others crosses generational and international lines. She has skillfully polished the concept of sisterhood within the legal field. Under the leadership of Attorney Blocker, ABWA donated over $5,000 worth of gently used clothing to the Bottomless Closet as well as provided free legal instruction to women in need in 2018, and fostered collaborations with Essence and Christian Louboutin for ABWA’s 2018 Empowerment Series. Attorney Blocker plans to lead a study tour to Accra, Ghana to reinforce bonds and connection with the Diaspora. Ms. Blocker currently serves as the Co-Chair of the Metropolitan Black Bar Association (MBBA) Labor and Employment Law Section, is a member of the New York City Bar Association Labor and Employment Committee and is a 2019 Abshire-Inamori Leadership Academy (AILA) Fellow—a flagship leadership program designed to equip aspiring global leaders to be effective and ethical changemakers. She is a graduate of John Jay College and St. John’s University School of Law.
Hidden Figure/Impact Doreen Rachal Counsel Sidley Austin
Doreen Rachal serves as Counsel for Sidley Austin, where her practice focuses on white collar criminal defense and internal investigations, healthcare fraud litigation, securities litigation and enforcement, and compliance with the USA PATRIOT Act, Bank Secrecy Act and related anti-money laundering requirements. Prior to joining Sidley, Doreen served as an Assistant United States Attorney at the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts in the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit. Doreen’s experience and commitment to public service recently earned her the Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s 2018 “Top Women of Law” Award, which celebrates outstanding achievements made by exceptional women lawyers. Doreen received both her undergraduate degree, magna cum laude, and graduate degree from The Catholic University of America. Doreen attended Howard University School of Law, where she served as Articles Editor of The Howard SCROLL Social Justice Law Review, participated on the Moot Court Team, and received the CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Jurisprudence, Remedies and Civil Rights Clinic.
Sharonda Williams Special Counsel Fishman Haygood
Sharonda Williams serves as Special Counsel with Fishman Haygood following a distinguished career in public service and private practice. Attorney Williams served as City Attorney for the City of New Orleans from May 2013-November 2015. As City Attorney, Attorney Williams was the lead attorney handling the most comprehensive police consent decree in the history of the United States. She also was the lead attorney representing the City in settling a more than 30-year dispute relating to back pay and pension issues for the New Orleans Firefighters. Attorney Williams previously served as Chief Deputy City Attorney from October 2011 until May 2013. Attorney Williams has served as President of the Board of Bridge House, and was a Grace House Women of Substance Honoree in 2009. She also is a past president of the Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, Inc. and a former Regional Director for Region V of the National Bar Association. Attorney Williams graduated summa cum laude from Xavier University New Orleans and earned her law degree from Loyola University New Orleans School of Law, where she was a member of Loyola Law Review.
Hidden Figures/Impact Paulette V. Burton
Lt. Colonel U.S. Army Judge Advocate Generals Corps. (JAG)
Paulette V. Burton is a Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Army. Attorney Burton entered the US Army where she has continually served in the US Army Judge Advocate Generals Corps (JAG). The first African-American female to serve in these positions: Chief of the Judge Advocate Recruiting Office (responsible for recruiting and retaining new JAG officers with an emphasis on diversity); Associate Judge (assigned to the Army Criminal Court of Appeals (ACCA)- an intermediate court composed of 10 judges); Senior Judge (assigned to the ACCA – though junior to other officers on the court, selected to preside over a panel of three judges). Paulette concurrently was appointed by President Barack Obama to serve as a Judge on United States Court of Military Commissions Review (CMCR) and as Chief Judge of CMCR. As an active member of Vision Community Church, in Fredericksburg, Virginia; Paulette serves as Senior Administrative Elder. Attorney Burton is a graduate of Spelman College and the University of South Carolina Scholl of Law.
Excellence in the Judiciary The Honorable Margo K. Brodie
Deputy Chief—Criminal Division U.S. District Court, Eastern District New York
Judge Margo K. Brodie is a United States District Court Judge for the Eastern District of New York and is Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division. Originally from St. John`s, Antigua, Judge Brodie worked for the New York City Law Department, Carter, Ledyard & Millburn Law Firm and joined the office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York as an Assistant United States Attorney. Judge Brodie was Deputy Chief of the General Crimes Section from 2006 to 2007, Chief of the General Crimes Section from 2007 until 2009, Counselor to the Criminal Division from 2009 to 2010, and Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division from 2010 to 2012. President Barack Obama nominated Judge Brodie to a seat on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York that had been vacated by Judge Allyne R. Ross. Judge Brodie worked for a private firm and returned to public service with the Justice Department as an assistant U.S. Attorney. In addition to being an instructor at Brooklyn Law School, Judge Brodie is an active member of the Association of Black Women Attorneys and the Metropolitan Black Bar Association. She has trained prosecutors and other law enforcement officers in Tanzania, Sierra Leone, Lesotho, Swaziland, Jordan, and the Bahamas. Judge Brodie earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1988 from St. Francis College in Brooklyn and then a Juris Doctor in 1991 from the University of Pennsylvania Law School.
Excellence in the Judiciary The Honorable Kathie Davidson Administrative Law Judge New York Ninth Judicial District
Kathie Davidson is the first African American Administrative Judge of New York’s Ninth Judicial District. She formerly served as a judge for the Westchester County Family Court in New York and as acting justice of the Supreme Court 9th Judicial District. As Supervising Judge of the Family Court, Judge Davidson spearheaded a range of innovative initiatives, including move to a district-wide paperless system and the launch of several outreach programs, among them Westchester County’s first National Foster Day event in 2009. Prior to her judicial career, Judge Davidson was a Deputy County Attorney with the Westchester County Law Department. Previously, she worked as an attorney for the child with the Juvenile Rights Practice of the Legal Aid Society in Bronx County, and investigative attorney with the New York State Department of Education a private practitioner specializing in family law. She also serves as lead judge of the New York state Child Welfare Court Improvement Project and National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges’ Victim Act Model Court, chair of the Ninth Judicial District’s Attorneys for Children Advisory Committee, and a member of the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission and the New York State Permanent Commission on Justice of Children. She is a graduate of Simmons College and Howard University School of Law.
The Honorable Karelia R. Stewart Judge 1st Judicial District, Louisiana Judge Karelia Rachelle Stewart is a judge for the 1st Judicial District in Louisiana. She is the youngest female and second African American elected to the court and the first-ever second generation to be elected to the court; her father and uncle both previously served on the court. Judge Stewart served as a prosecutor with the Caddo Parish District Attorney's office was elevated to Section Chief of the Drug Division before departing. While serving as a DA, Judge Stewart was instrumental in reviving the rehabilitation program of Drug Court and implementing a Veterans Court. Judge Stewart also served as an adjunct professor at Louisiana State University Shreveport and at Bossier Parish Community College. Judge Stewart is actively involved in her community. She enjoys teaching Real Estate Law as an adjunct professor at Louisiana State Univer-
sity in Shreveport. Most recently she was selected by her colleagues and peers to receive the Honorable Michaelle Pitard Wynne Professionalism Award. Additionally, Judge Stewart was honored by the National Bar Association as a recipient of the nation's 40 under 40 Best Advocates. Judge Stewart is a graduate of Dillard University and Loyola University New Orleans School of Law.
Solo Practice Stacey M. Gray Principal Stacey Gray, PC
Stacey M. Gray founded the employment law firm Stacey Gray PC twenty years ago to represent executives and employers in state, federal and appellate courts as well as resolving disputes through arbitration and mediation. Attorney Gray counsels and represents clients at all stages of an employment dispute, including negotiating, enforcing and canceling employment contracts, bonus pay, fiduciary duties and restrictive covenants. Her representation also includes discrimination and retaliation, sexual harassment, wrongful termination, whistleblower claims and related causes of action. Stacey Gray PC’s current class action against MetLife makes it one of the few African American woman owned firms in U.S. history to serve as lead-counsel in a class action. The New York Law Journal has featured her twice and she is the recipient of the Women’s Venture Fund Highest Leaf Award. Stacey has planned and served as a speaker at over 25 employment law CLE and diversity programs. She received her law degree from the University of California at Berkeley, and her undergraduate degree from Duke University where she has served as a Board of Director of its Alumni Association, a voting member of its Women’s Council and Co-Chair of her class reunion three times.
Tricia “CK” Hoffler CEO The CK Hoffler Firm
Tricia “CK” Hoffler is the CEO of The CK Hoffler Firm, an Atlanta-based law firm that specializes in representing plaintiffs in trucking accidents, medical malpractice, wrongful death, catastrophic personal injury, civil rights litigation, commercial litigation, employment discrimination, opioid litigation and global commercial transactions. Ms. Hoffler is licensed in 5 states including Georgia, Florida, Virginia, DC and Pennsylvania. An accomplished attorney, Ms. Hoffler was previously a partner at Edmond, Lindsay & Hoffler, LLP and a partner at Gary, Williams et al. in Florida. She is an active member of the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys. She speaks French fluently and is proficient in Spanish and Portuguese. Attorney Hoffler has tried and settled cases totaling over $800 million dollars. She is also counsel to civil rights icon Reverend Jesse Jackson and has represented him, and the Rainbow Push and related organizations for the past 30 years. Ms. Hoffler also lectures extensively on trial strategies and winning trial techniques throughout the nation. She is a graduate of Smith College and Georgetown University Law Center.