Buffalo Councilwoman Zeneta B. Everhart to Receive the Access to Justice (S)hero Award and Deliver Keynote Address at the Youth Conference on October 21

BUFFALO, NY — October 12, 2026 — Girls Rule the Law, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering the next generation of women leaders in the legal, legislative, and judicial professions, will host its 7th Annual Youth Conference, on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Canisius University’s Richard E. Winter ’42 Student Center in Buffalo, New York.

Under the theme “She Belongs in the Room,” the conference will bring together middle and high school students from across Western New York for a day of leadership, mentorship, inspiration, and career exploration. Students will have the opportunity to meet accomplished judges, attorneys, elected officials, law students, and community leaders who are helping shape the future of the legal profession.

The conference is offered at no cost to participating students, helping remove financial barriers to meaningful educational and professional development opportunities.

Councilwoman Zeneta B. Everhart to Receive Access to Justice (S)hero Award

A highlight of this year’s conference will be the presentation of the Access to Justice (S)hero Award to Councilwoman Zeneta B. Everhart, President Pro Tempore of the Buffalo Common Council and representative of the Masten District. Councilwoman Everhart will also deliver the conference’s keynote address.

A Buffalo native and Canisius alumna, the Councilwoman has built a career rooted in public service, advocacy, and community empowerment. Her journey from television journalism to government leadership reflects her commitment to ensuring underserved communities have a voice in decisions that affect their lives.

Following the tragic May 14, 2022, mass shooting in Buffalo, in which her son was injured, Councilwoman Everhart emerged as a nationally recognized advocate against gun violence, testifying before Congress and working to promote safer communities. Her leadership also includes initiatives supporting families, education, equity, and community engagement.

Through the Access to Justice (S)hero Award, Girls Rule the Law will recognize Councilwoman Everhart’s courage, resilience, and dedication to creating opportunities for others, while inspiring young women to recognize the power of their own voices.

Distinguished Judicial Leaders Inspire the Next Generation

The conference will feature Hon. Amy C. Martoche, Administrative Judge of New York’s Eighth Judicial District, in a special conversation titled “The Road to the Bench.” Judge Martoche will share insights into her professional journey, the responsibilities of judicial leadership, and the importance of representation within the justice system.

Students will also hear from Hon. Jenny Rivera, Associate Judge of the New York Court of Appeals, New York State’s highest court. During “Why Mentoring Matters,” Judge Rivera will reflect on the importance of mentors in shaping her career and offer practical advice on building relationships, seeking guidance, and pursuing opportunities.

Together, these distinguished judicial leaders will give students a rare opportunity to learn directly from women serving at the highest levels of New York’s judiciary.

The conference will also feature interactive discussions designed to make careers in law accessible, relatable, and exciting.

“From College to Law School to Lawyering: Practical Tips for Your Trip from College Student to Young Lawyer” will be moderated by Carihanna Janay Morrison, Esq., Associate Attorney at Kaplan Fox & Kilsheimer LLP and Girls Rule the Law board member. 

Another featured panel, “Being a Boss Baddie in a Male-Dominated Field: Lessons from Women Leaders in the Law,” will be moderated by Mary Ann C. Krisa, Esq., Principal Appellate Court Attorney with the New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Fourth Department.

Panelists include: Kimberly Wolf Price, Esq., Chief Operating Officer, Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC; Eileen E. Buholtz, Esq., Partner, Connors, Corcoran & Buholtz, PLLC; Deonna Jones, Esq., Attorney at Law and President of the Minority Bar Association of Western New York

The conversation will explore leadership, confidence, professional challenges, mentorship, and the importance of women creating space for themselves and others.

Additional programming includes a networking luncheon, interactive Speed Mentoring with legal professionals and community leaders, and a special presentation by Michelle Barron, Executive Director of Dress for Success Buffalo, followed by the “She Belongs in the Room” Catwalk, celebrating confidence, professional presence and self-expression.

Buffalo-Area Schools Join the Conference

Girls Rule the Law is pleased to welcome students from the following participating schools: PS 304 Hutchinson Central Technical High School; Health Sciences Charter School; Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart; Nardin Academy High School

Additional schools are encouraged to participate. Girls Rule the Law continues to welcome registrations from middle and high schools throughout Buffalo and Western New York, with a limited number of student spaces remaining.

School administrators, counselors, teachers, and youth organizations interested in bringing students are encouraged to visit www.GirlsRuleTheLaw.org.

Girls Rule the Law gratefully recognizes the generosity of its sponsors, grant supporters and community partners, whose contributions help provide students with access to mentorship, career exploration and educational opportunities.

The organization also extends its appreciation to the many attorneys, judges, mentors, volunteers, and school partners contributing their time and expertise.

Help Open the Door for the Next Generation

Girls Rule the Law invites law firms, businesses, community organizations, and individuals to support its mission of making educational and career-building experiences accessible to young women.

Donations and sponsorships help provide meals, student materials, transportation assistance, mentoring, and programming that introduces students to careers they may never have imagined possible.

About Girls Rule the Law, Inc.

Girls Rule the Law, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring, educating, and empowering girls and young women through exposure to the legal, legislative, and judicial professions. Through youth conferences, mentoring, school-based programming and leadership development opportunities, the organization helps build a more inclusive pipeline of future attorneys, judges, legislators and community leaders.

From the classroom to the courtroom, the next generation of leaders is ready.

Learn more at www.GirlsRuleTheLaw.org.

Event at a Glance

Event: 7th Annual Girls Rule the Law Youth Conference

Theme: She Belongs in the Room

Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Time: 8:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Location: Richard E. Winter ’42 Student Center, Canisius University, 2001 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14208

Admission: Complimentary for participating schools

School Registration and Media Inquiries: Tania@GirlsRuleTheLaw.org