After nearly nine years of dedicated service and commitment to advancing the mission and vision of the Women’s Law Center of Maryland, Michelle Siri is stepping down from her role as Executive Director, effective October 27^th, 2023.

During her tenure, Michelle has played a pivotal role in strengthening and expanding the WLC’s impact as a leading voice advocating for the physical safety, economic security, and bodily autonomy of women in Maryland.  To ensure a seamless transition, the Women’s Law Center of Maryland Board of Directors and leadership have convened a Transition Committee.

We would like to extend our gratitude to Michelle for her dedication and significant contributions, which have positioned the Women’s Law Center of Maryland for continued success in championing the rights and well-being of women across the state. 

Advocacy and Impact

• Nearly doubling the organization’s legislative portfolio, making the WLC a leader in the areas of employment law and reproductive rights, in addition to the areas of family law and domestic violence.
• Expanding the judicial selections program from three counties to the entire state, to ensure that our judiciary is reflective of our values and our communities.
• Establishing the Collateral Legal Assistance for Survivors (CLAS) project, which expands upon our existing services by providing survivors wraparound direct legal representation in divorce, custody, and other related matters. 

Organizational Stability

• Stewarding a strong foundation of leadership and positioning the WLC for future success by nearly doubling the annual operating budget and overall staff.
• Building an administrative team that will provide capacity for continued growth, ensuring living wages, and enhancing our ability to create meaningful change.
• Navigating the challenges and disruptions in the COVID-19 pandemic with tenacity and grace by ensuring continuity of services and prioritizing the health and safety of staff and clients.

While Michelle’s presence will be missed within the WLC community, we are confident in the strength of the organization. With a history spanning over 50 years, the Women’s Law Center of Maryland is built on the foundation of exceptional leaders and dedicated changemakers. We are committed to continuing this legacy of essential and life-changing work that defines us.

Thank you for your unwavering support of our mission. Together, we will continue as a powerful force for equality, fairness, and justice- championing the rights and well-being of women across Maryland.

In Solidarity,

Kelly Tribble Spencer

Board President, Women's Law Center of Maryland

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Almost nine years ago, I left the day-to-day practice of law to become the Executive Director of the Women’s Law Center of Maryland. The opportunity allowed me to meld my passion for women’s and reproductive rights, with my identity and experiences as a lawyer.  Now, it is bittersweet to announce that I am concluding my tenure as Executive Director on October 27th.

My work at the WLC has been profoundly rewarding; it has allowed me to grow personally, professionally, and intellectually in unexpected measure. Reflecting on my time here, I am humbled by the unwavering dedication of our community, as we have worked collectively to champion the physical safety, economic security, and bodily autonomy of women across our state. The impact we’ve made together is a testament to the extraordinary passion, drive, and commitment that defines the Women’s Law Center of Maryland.

While WLC has been my meaningful home for almost the last nine years, I look forward to bringing this invaluable experience to my next role as the Executive Director of the Maryland Legal Services Corporation, where I will continue to support my passion: ensuring access to justice in Maryland through the funding of legal services. I am confident in the WLC board and leadership team, who are deeply committed to guiding the Women’s Law Center through this transition with care and diligence. Together, with the strength of the entire WLC team, their collaborative approach will ensure our vital work continues seamlessly.

I hold an unshakable belief in the mission and vision of the Women’s Law Center of Maryland. As I depart, I know the Women’s Law Center will continue driving meaningful change and creating lasting impact for women in Maryland.   

I look forward to future opportunities to advocate for necessary change in Maryland that safeguards and protects the core of our democracy and commitment to safety, security, and autonomy. Thank you for advancing justice with the WLC and thank you for changing lives for future generations. 

Onward,

Take a stand with us today and make a lasting difference in the lives of those who need it most. Your commitment to justice and equality is truly appreciated. Thank you for your unwavering support and advancing justice for Marylanders today and in future generations.

Want to get involved?

Let's talk! Contact Allie Post, Director of Development & Communications, at apost@wlcmd.org or via phone: 410-321-8761 x180.

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About The Women's Law Center of Maryland: The vision of the Women’s Law Center of Maryland is a legal system that provides justice and fairness for women. The Women’s Law Center’s mission is to ensure the physical safety, economic security, and autonomy of women throughout the State. We work towards this goal by providing direct legal representation, information and referral services, and legislative advocacy.