President's Message

Dear BWLA Members, Friends, and Supporters,

Welcome to a historic year for the Black Women Lawyers' Association of Greater Chicago, Inc.! As I step into the role of President, I am filled with immense gratitude and excitement for the journey ahead.

Reflecting on our recent installation ceremony, I am reminded that our presence in these professional spaces rests on the shoulders of those who came before us. My own path—from teaching high school on the West Side to practicing law—was shaped by a desire to serve and uplift. Today, that same passion for community and advocacy drives me as I take on the privilege of leading this incredible organization.

As Black women attorneys, we stand on the strength of trailblazers. This year, we celebrate the ultimate testament to that collective power: the 40th Anniversary of BWLA.

Our Vision: Rooted in Resilience and Powered by Purpose

For four decades, BWLA has been a sanctuary, a powerhouse, and a launchpad for Black women in the legal profession. Our theme for this bar year honors our rich history while keeping our eyes firmly locked on the future:

• Rooted in Resilience: We honor the trailblazers who founded BWLA 40 years ago, leaving a legacy of perseverance, community, and excellence that continues to thrive through changing legal landscapes.

• Powered by Purpose: We move forward with intentionality. Every program, mentorship connection, and advocacy effort this bar year is driven by a clear purpose: to support our members, elevate Black women in the law, and care for our community.

Get Involved

An association is only as strong as the heartbeat of its membership. Whether you are a law student starting your journey, a practitioner across the public or private sectors, a member of the judiciary, or an ally who shares our commitment to equity—your voice and purpose are vital to our collective success.

Thank you for your dedication, your brilliance, and your unwavering support. Together, let us make this 40th anniversary year our most impactful yet.

With gratitude,

Natanya Pope-Sohel

2026-2027 BWLA President

#RootedinResiliencePoweredbyPurpose

Every chapter of BWLA's history has been written by members who chose to get involved, give back, and lead with purpose. Joining a committee is more than volunteering; it’s an opportunity to help shape the future of BWLA, strengthen our sisterhood, and expand our impact across Chicago's legal and civic communities.

Whether you’re passionate about community service, professional development, or advancing equity in the legal field, there’s a place for your voice and your vision within BWLA. Join us and help continue the legacy that has uplifted Black women in law for 40 years. Please use the link below to sign up for one of BWLA's committees this bar year!

BWLA Upcoming Events

Register to Join BWLA at the

2026 Bud Billiken Parade and Festival

Register today to join the BWLA Scholarship Fund Board on Saturday, August 8, 2026, as we continue BWLA's legacy and annual tradition of participating in Chicago's 97th Bud Billiken Parade, the largest African American parade in the United States. This year, BWLA will continue to encourage educational excellence in Chicago's youth by handing out backpacks and school supplies during the parade. This year, it is even more important for BWLA to show up and show out to once again remind all those at the parade and beyond of the resilience and purpose of Black women in the legal profession!



Donate school supplies from BWLA's Parade Amazon Wishlist through the link below!

Sign up through the link below to join BWLA at the parade on August 8, 2026! Also, if you are also interested in helping BWLA pack all the donated supplies and backpacks, while enjoying snacks and drinks, please sign up to attend our "Supply Packing Party" on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 hosted by BWLA Sponsor Burke, Warren, MacKay & Serritella, P.C.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Register Today for the National Association of Women Lawyers' 2026 Annual Meeting

BWLA is proud to serve as a partnering organization for the National Association of Women Lawyers' (NAWL) 2026 Annual Meeting & General Counsel Institute, taking place July 22–23, 2026 at the Hilton Chicago, 720 South Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL.

This premier conference will feature dynamic programming on the future of the legal profession, including "Who Leads Next? Succession in the Legal Profession," featuring BWLA Founder and Past President Hon. Patricia Brown Holmes (Ret.), "The Future of Legal Leadership: A Conversation with Bold Change-Makers," featuring Justice Sanjay Tailor of the Illinois Supreme Court and Michele Alexandre, Dean of Loyola University Chicago School of Law, along with many other distinguished speakers. Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear a keynote lunch & fireside chat with U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.

On July 21, 2026, BWLA President Natanya Pope-Sohel will be a panelist for the Institute for Inclusion in the Legal Profession and the NAWL's CLE, "The Status of Women Lawyers Today." This CLE will explore  the status of and trends for women in law based upon NAWL's research and how women leaders in Chicago's legal profession are responding.

The CLE program will take place at the Chicago Bar Association, 321 South Plymouth Court, Chicago, IL starting at 2:15 PM.

Don't miss this exceptional opportunity to learn from and connect with leaders shaping the future of the legal profession. Purchase your tickets before registration closes on July 15, 2026, through the link below!

BWLA Membership and Committees

Become a Member: Pay Your Membership Dues

Past Events

BWLA Celebrates its 2026-2027 BWLA Installation and Awards Ceremony

On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, BWLA Founders, Past Presidents, Board Members, members, supporters, sponsors, families, and friends gathered to celebrate BWLA's 2026-2027 Installation and Awards Ceremony at the Chicago Bar Association.

BWLA's 2025-2026 Scholarship Fund Board Chair Jasmine Fannell was the MC for the ceremony's program. 2025-2026 BWLA President, now Ex-Officio, Joan Akalaonu, gave remarks and announced the following President's awards recipients for her bar year:

• President's Award: BWLA Past Scholarship Fund Board Chair Jasmine Fannell and BWLA Past Board Member Alexandra Rogers;
• Excellence in Leadership and Service Awards: BWLA Past Presidents Elsa Andrianafahanana, Kalia Coleman, Mary Melchor, Weeya Young, and the Hon. Kenya Jenkins-Wright; Past BWLA Scholarship Fund Board Member Merili Seale, BWLA Scholarship Fund Board Co-Chair Shannon Stokes, Charmaine Saffore, Lisa Kpor, Raymond Rushing, Malaika Caldwell, and Latoya Stallworth;
• Rising Star Awards: BWLA Scholarship Fund Board Member Nia-Imara Binns, ALJ Michelle Cunningham, BWLA Recording Secretaary Yele Ajayi, and BWLA Treasurer Le'Loni English;
• Committees of the Year: Community Service and Outreach Committee (BWLA Board Member Aleathea Williams, BWLA Past Board Members Ashley Varnado and Kameelah Pointer, and BWLA Vice President Kina Arnold), and the Corporate Counsel Committee (Jennifer King, BWLA Board Member Ariana Maloney, and Past BWLA Board Member Amber Carpenter);
• Volunteers of the Year: Leah Hall and Spencer Washington

This year, BWLA was honored to have BWLA Past President the Honorable Sybil C. Thomas (ret.) give remarks and administer the oath to the 2026-2027 BWLA Boards. After giving her remarks, Judge Thomas administered the oath to the following:

• 2026-2027 BWLA President Natanya Pope-Sohel
• 2026-2027 BWLA Board of Directors: Natanya Pope-Sohel (President), Joan Akalaonu (Ex-Officio), Dr. Kina Arnold (Vice-President), Le'Loni English (Treasurer), Kyle Palmore (Corresponding Secretary), Omoyele "Yele" Ajayi (Recording Secretary), Natalie Ellis (Parliamentarian), Ariana Maloney (Board Member at Large), Cyerra McGowan (Board Member at Large), Aleathea Williams (Board Member at Large), and Mariah Young (Board Member at Large).
• 2026-2027 BWLA Scholarship Fund Board: Shannon Stokes (Co-Chair), Christina Alabi (Co-Chair), Natanya Pope-Sohel, Dr. Kina Arnold, Le'Loni English, Kyle Palmore, Omoyele "Yele" Ajayi, Natalie Ellis, Joan Akalaonu, Kenyatta Beverly, Cyerra McGowan, Deborah Imafidon, Lisa Kpor, Maryah Person, Simone Jones, and Nia-Imara Binns.

BWLA Founder Cecilia Mowatt gave the keynote address. The program continued with remarks from BWLA Vice President Dr. Kina Arnold and BWLA President Natanya Pope-Sohel.

The program concluded with the BWLA tradition, created by BWLA Past President Erica Kirkwood, of presenting BWLA Ex-Officio Joan Akalaonu with a President's Blazer.

Building the Path to Big Law:

BWLA's Summer Associate Workshop

On Monday, June 15, 2026, BWLA's Law Firm/Solo Practitioner Committee hosted the 2026 Blueprint to Big Law Series: How to Be a Stellar Summer Associate at Jenner & Block in Chicago.

The workshop and networking opportunity brought together summer associates and attorneys from practicing firms across Chicago for an open and in-depth discussion about big law firm life and how to turn a summer associate position into an offer. The event was moderated by BWLA Past President Elsa Andrianifahanana and the panelist included BWLA Ex-Officio Joan Akalaonu, BWLA Member Precious Jacobs-Perry, past BWLA Scholarship Fund Board Member Mariska Richards, Amanda Johnson and Quention Mansfield.

Special thanks to BWLA Sponsor Jenner & Block for hosting and sponsoring this event!

BWLA's 2026–2027 Board &

Scholarship Fund Board Retreat

On Saturday, June 20, 2026, the BWLA Board of Directors and the BWLA Scholarship Fund Board held their board retreats at the Westside Justice Center to prepare for the upcoming bar year!

Annually each board gathers to map out the upcoming year, learn history of the organization, and learn about each other.

BWLA Donates Children's Books to

La Rabida Children's Hospital Mobile Library

On Friday, July 3, 2026, on behalf of BWLA, BWLA Vice President Dr. Kina Arnold coordinated and handled the donation and delivery of children's books written by Black authors—including her own works—to the La Rabida Children's Hospital Mobile Library Program. For more than 100 years, La Rabida Children's Hospital, located at 6501 S. Promontory Drive, Chicago, IL 60649, has provided specialized care to children with complex medical conditions, chronic illnesses, disabilities, and developmental needs throughout the Chicago area. The donated books will be read to and/or distributed to outpatient children and their siblings, helping bring comfort, inspiration, and the joy of seeing themselves reflected in the stories they read.

BWLA is proud to support this meaningful initiative and encourages members and supporters to get involved. Those interested in donating new children's books or volunteering to read to children during the hospital's outpatient Mobile Library visits are encouraged to contact BWLA Vice President Dr. Kina Arnold through the BWLA Administrator at administrator@bwla.org.

BWLA at BMLA 2026 Summit and Black-Tie Gala

On June 4-6, 2026, BWLA supported the Black Men Lawyers' Associations' Annual Global Summit and Black-Tie Scholarship Gala. This year, the opening reception was sponsored by Laner Muchin on Thursday, June 4, 2026.

On Friday, June 5, 2026, BMLA held its summit at Sidley Austin office. It was a day full of class, CLEs, and awards. BWLA's Parliamentarian Natalie Ellis and BWLA member Aniyah Braveboy both were named Rising Star recipients.

On Saturday, June 6, 2o26, BWLA President Natanya Pope-Sohel, BWLA Vice-President Dr. Kina Arnold, BWLA Parliamentarian Natalie Ellis, BWLA Board Members Ariana Maloney and Mariah Young, BWLA Program Administrator Konesha "K" Rhea, and others attended the Black-tie Scholarship Gala at the Bank of America Building.

BWLA Congratulates its Members Honored at Cook County Bar Association 112th Installation and Awards Dinner

On Friday, June 26, 2026, BWLA President Natanya Pope-Sohel, BLWA Vice President Dr. Kina Arnold, BWLA Ex-Officio Joan Akalaonu, BWLA Treasurer Le'Loni English, and BWLA Past Presidents Mary Melchor and the Hon. Kenya Jenkins-Wright attended the Cook County Bar Association's 112th Installation and Awards Banquet at the Hyatt Regency.

Several BWLA members were honored with awards. Congratulations to the following:

• Presidential Honorees: Harriet Parker, Naatalie Howse, Jennifer King, Natasha Jenkins, Charmaine Saffore, Ashley Greer Shambley, BWLA Lifetime Member Larry R. Rogers Jr., and BWLA President Natanya Pope-Sohel;
• Past BWLA Board Member Camile Lindsay received the Richard E. Westbrook Award, BWLA Members the Hon. Nisha Gotson, the Hon. Ginger Odom and the Hon. Tene McCoy Cummings received a Judicial Award; and
• BWLA Member Erika Harold received the Donald Hubert Award.

Remarks were given by BWLA Founder and Past President Z Scott. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison gave the keynote message. The Honorable Joy V. Cunningham, Illinois Supreme Court, administered the oath to install LeDeidre S. Turner as CCBA President. Congratulations to all the awardees and honorees!

Events Around Town

Register TODAY for Voter Registrar Training!

Enter the ISBA Annual Lincoln Award

Legal Writing Contest

The Illinois State Bar Association is now accepting submissions for the 2027 Lincoln Writing Award Contest, offering a total of $5,000 in prize money. The first-place winner will receive $2,500, with $1,500 and $1,000 awarded to second and third place winners.

Eligible applicants include ISBA lawyer members under age 37 as of July 1, 2026, or those admitted to the bar for fewer than seven years. In addition to scholarship awards, selected submissions may be featured in the Illinois Bar Journal, providing a powerful platform to elevate your voice within the legal community. BWLA encourages our members to take advantage of this opportunity to write boldly, share your perspective, and compete to win.

The deadline to submit your notice of intent is July 15, 2026—don’t miss your chance to turn your words into impact.

Register Today for the

NAACP 117th National Convention

"We the People" in Chicago

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People "NAACP" will host its 117th Annual National Convention in Chicago from July 18-22, 2026. This year's theme "We the People" is a reminder to all that the United States is governed by "we the people" per the constitution. The NAACP National Convention is an empowering and immersive experience held each year to celebrate our community's collective power. The Convention attracts innovative change-makers, thought-leaders, entrepreneurs, scholars, entertainers, influencers, and creatives to network and exchange ideas.

On Sunday, July 19th, it will hosts the Charles Hamilton Houston Legal Advocacy Training Institute. This outstanding program offers the opportunity for attorneys to earn CLE credit while engaging in timely discussions on civil rights, advocacy, and the evolving legal landscape.

Register Today for the Federal Bar Association-Chicago Chapter's 2026 Northern District Practice for New Lawyers and Lawyers-To-Be Panel and Reception

Register Today for

WBAI's Power in Knowing Virtual Event

Register Today for the

18th Annual National Bar Association

Corporate Counsel Leadership Summit

Join BWLA at the Decalogue Society of Lawyers 92nd Annual Installation & Awards Dinner

Join BWLA at Decalogue Society of Lawyers' 92nd Annual Installation and Awards Dinner on July 29, 2026 at The Old Post Office to celebrate the Installation of Incoming Decalogue President Honorable Lori Rosen and the 2026-2027 Officers and Board of Managers. BWLA member Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton is receiving the Courage in Advocacy Award.

Purchase Tickets Today

for the 2026 Black Women Expo Chicago

Register for the

Law School Mentor's 2026 TLSM Summit

Register Today for the

Chicago Committee's Partner Dinner

Register Today to Attend the Illinois Judges Foundation's Annual 2026 Golf Outing

BWLA Member Achievements

Congratulations to BWLA Past President Elsa Andrianifahanana who recently participated as a panelist for the Chicago Committee's "Level Up" panel where in-house counsel and law firm partners shared insights for mid-level associates to junior partners on how to reach the next level of their career.

Congratulations to BWLA Member Sheraya Bernard who recently received the CALI Excellence for the Future Award for her 3L writing seminar.

Congratulations to BWLA Past Board Member at Large Amber Carpenter who recently participated as a panelist for the Chicago Committee's "Level Up" panel where in-house counsel and law firm partners shared insights for mid-level associates to junior partners on how to reach the next level of their career.

Congratulations to BWLA Past Board Member Sarah Hawkins who was appointed as one of the Chairs of The Family Law Center at DePaul University College of Law.

Congratulations to BWLA Member LaVon M. Johns who was recently invited to the Fellows of the American Bar Foundation.

Congratulations to BWLA Member Olivia Riley, a 2026 Spring Essay Recipient, who was recently selected to be among the 2026-2027 Ms. JD Fellowship Cohort.

Congratulations to BWLA Founder and Past President Z Scott who recently served as one of the guest speakers at the CCBA Installation and Awards Dinner.

Congratulations to BWLA Member Lauren Smith who recently started her internship with the Chicago Transit Authority.

Do you or someone you know have an achievement that you'd like us to highlight in our monthly newsletter? We want to celebrate our members! Send your latest achievement addressed to administrator@bwla.org.

Employment Opportunities

BWLA constantly receives new employment opportunities that our members may be interested in. The ever expanding list has become too lengthy to share here, so please be sure to visit the BWLA Job Board to view all current employment opportunities!

Sponsors

Black Women Lawyers' Association of Greater Chicago, Inc. | www.bwla.org