2025-2026 President's Farewell Message

Dear BWLA Family,

As we close out this month of June, and with the 2025-2026 BWLA bar year now at a close, this will be my final message as 2025-2026 President of the Black Women Lawyers' Association of Greater Chicago, Inc. (BWLA). Serving in this role has been an honor and privilege that I will never forget, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have led this extraordinary organization.

Thank you to our BWLA Founders and Past Presidents for your encouragement, unwavering support, and shared wisdom throughout my bar year. It is both humbling and a blessing to now be counted among your distinguished ranks as a BWLA Past President. A special thank you to BWLA Past President Elsa Andrianifahanana who four years ago, called and asked me to serve on the Board during her presidency. That unexpected short phone call changed the trajectory of my life. Thank you for bringing me into this legacy of sisterhood.

Our 2025-2026 bar year theme, Enduring Legacy, reminds us that BWLA's greatest strength has always been its community, from lifting one another up, leaning on one another, and moving forward together. Throughout this year, our Founders, Past Presidents, Board Members, Committee Chairs, members, volunteers, mentors, sponsors, partners, and supporters demonstrated that truth time and again. Every program, scholarship, act of mentorship, volunteer effort, sponsorship, and contribution strengthened BWLA's mission and ensured that our enduring legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. I hope the community we continue to build together continues to remind each of us of a simple but enduring truth: there is no room where we do not belong.

I am transitioning to BWLA Ex-Officio with immense gratitude and excitement for BWLA's future. I look forward to supporting BWLA President Natanya Pope-Sohel and the 2026-2027 BWLA Board of Directors and Scholarship Fund Board as BWLA celebrates its milestone 40th Anniversary and 2027 National Summit. I know they will continue to build upon the remarkable foundation laid by our Founders and generations of BWLA leaders.

Finally, I extend heartfelt congratulations and appreciation to all those who volunteered and served this year, including those recognized with 2026 President's Awards at the 2026-2027 Installation and Awards Ceremony (which will be highlighted in next month's newsletter) celebrated earlier this month.

Congratulations to 2026 President's Awards Recipients!

2026 President's Awards

Jasmine Fannell, 2025-2026 BWLA Scholarship Fund Board Chair

Alexandra Rogers, 2025-2026 BWLA Treasurer

2026 Excellence in Leadership and Service Awards

2026 Rising Star Awards

Nia-Imara Binns, 2026-2027 BWLA Scholarship Fund Board Member

Yele Ajayi, 2026-2027 BWLA Recording Secretary

ALJ Michelle Cunningham, 2025-2026 BWLA Government Services Committee

Le'Loni English, 2026-2027 BWLA Treasurer

2026 Committees of the Year Awards

2025-2026 BWLA Corporate Counsel Committee

• Jennifer King, Committee Co-Chair
• Ariana Maloney, Committee Co-Chair and 2026-2027 BWLA Board Member at Large
• Amber Carpenter, Board Liaison and 2025-2026 BWLA Board Member at Large

2025-2026 Community Service and Outreach Committee

• Aleathea Williams, Committee Co-Chair and 2026-2027 BWLA Board Member at Large
• Ashley Varnado, Committee Co-Chair and Past Board Member
• Dr. Kina Arnold, Board Liaison and 2026-2027 BWLA Vice President
• Kameelah Pointer, Board Liaison and 2025-2026 BWLA Corresponding Secretary

2026 Volunteers of the Year Award

Spencer Washington, BWLA member

Leah Hall, 2025-2026 BWLA Law Student Outreach Committee Co-Chair

Thank you for the honor of serving as your President. I hope BWLA's Enduring Legacy always remains United by the Law, Fueled by Sisterhood.

With gratitude and sisterhood,

Joan A. Akalaonu

2025–2026 BWLA President

#EnduringLegacy

Congratulations to the 2026-2027 BWLA Board of Directors and Scholarship Fund Board

Congratulations to the 2026-2027 BWLA Board of Directors

Congratulations to the 2026-2027 BWLA Scholarship Fund Board

BWLA Upcoming Events

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

Join BWLA at the NAWL 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.

Don't miss this exceptional opportunity to learn from and connect with leaders shaping the future of the legal profession. Purchase your tickets today through the link below!

Past Events

Building BWLA's Future:

2026 Spring General Body Meeting & Elections

On Thursday, May 21, 2026, BWLA hosted its annual 2026 Spring General Body Meeting and Elections for the 2026-2027 Board of Directors at BWLA Sponsor Ropes &Gray. Outgoing President Joan Akalaonu, now Ex-Officio, shared her 2025-2026 Bar Year in Review, highlighting the impactful programming, service initiatives, and signature events that advanced BWLA's Enduring Legacy theme. Attendees also heard inspiring remarks from guest speaker BWLA Past President Hon. Kenya Jenkins-Wright, who reflected on how the relationships and sisterhood fostered through membership in BWLA have shaped generations of Black women lawyers and remain the organization's greatest legacy.

The evening included the election of BWLA's 2026–2027 Board of Directors, as candidates shared their vision for the organization's future and commitment to serving its members. Congratulations to the newly elected leadership: President Natanya Pope-Sohel, Vice President Dr. Kina Arnold, Corresponding Secretary Kyle Palmore, Recording Secretary Omoyele "Yele" Ajayi, Parliamentarian Natalie Ellis, Treasurer Le'Loni English, and Board Members-at-Large Ariana Maloney, Cyerra McGowan, Aleathea Williams, and Mariah Young.

The new BWLA Board of Directors, along with the new Scholarship Fund Board, were officially installed on June 3, 2026, at the Chicago Bar Association. The 2026 BWLA Installation and Awards Ceremony will be highlighted and celebrated in the BWLA July newsletter.

BWLA Gives Back at Pacific Garden Mission

On Saturday, May 23, 2026, BWLA members participated in a Day of Service volunteering at Pacific Garden Mission, one of Chicago’s oldest and largest homeless shelters. BWLA volunteers assisted with meal service and supported cleanup efforts, helping the Mission continue its longstanding commitment to serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

This impactful service initiative was led and hosted by the 2025–2026 Community Service and Outreach Committee Co-Chairs, Ashley Varnado and Aleathea Williams. BWLA is grateful to its volunteers and committee leaders for their dedication to serving the community and advancing the Association’s commitment to service.

Honoring Our Legacy:

2026 Founders & Past Presidents Brunch

On Saturday, May 30, 2026, BWLA hosted the annual 2026 Founders and Past Presidents Brunch at the Sky Lounge at One East Wacker. As the organization prepares to celebrate its 40th Anniversary during the 2026-2027 bar year, BWLA Founders and Past Presidents gathered to reflect on BWLA's rich history, enduring impact, and legacy of leadership. Attendees enjoyed a memorable trip down memory lane browsing through program books from past BWLA spring fundraisers and National Summits, highlighting the organization's growth and achievements over the decades.

Outgoing President Joan Akalaonu, now Ex-Officio, expressed her appreciation for the Founders' and Past Presidents' support during her bar year and presented each with a commemorative BWLA Enduring Legacy pin as her bar year gift. BWLA 2026-2027 President Natanya Pope-Sohel also joined the celebration prior to her installation, embracing the opportunity to connect with the women whose vision, dedication, and service created and shaped BWLA into the thriving organization it is today.

A special thank you to BWLA Past President Hon. Sybil Thomas (Ret.) for sharing treasured pieces of BWLA history, including a BWLA amicus brief filed with the U.S. Supreme Court, for which BWLA Founder and Past President Sharon Jones served as Counsel of Record, along with a historic photographic feature in the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin. These remarkable artifacts offered a powerful reminder of BWLA's trailblazing legacy and the lasting impact of its founders and leaders on the legal profession.

Celebrating Service: 2025–2026 Board & Committee Chairs Appreciation Hang Out

On Sunday, May 31, 2026, BWLA celebrated the outstanding service of its 2025–2026 Board of Directors, Scholarship Fund Board, and Committee Chairs at its Board & Committee Chairs Appreciation Hang Out, graciously hosted by and at the home of 2025-2026 Scholarship Fund Board Chair Jasmine Fannell and sponsored by Outgoing President Joan Akalaonu. The gathering celebrated the dedicated leadership, collaboration, and impactful programming provided by the Board and Committee Chairs. As a special token of appreciation, Joan presented attendees with a commemorative BWLA Enduring Legacy pin in recognition of their service and lasting contributions to BWLA.

BWLA extends its sincere gratitude to its outgoing leaders for their commitment to advancing the organization's mission and building a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.

Events Around Town

Register Today to Attend the

Chicago Committee's Level Up Panel

Join the Chicago Committee on Minorities in Large Law Firms on Wednesday, July 8, for Level Up, an engaging panel discussion featuring leading in-house counsel and law firm partners sharing practical strategies for career advancement, leadership, client development, and the path to partnership. BWLA is proud that BWLA Past President Elsa Andrianifahanana (Jones Day) and BWLA Past Board Member-at-Large Amber Carpenter (Ferrara Candy Company) will be among the distinguished panelists. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights, expand your network, and connect with fellow legal professionals at the reception immediately following the program. Register today!

Join the Chicago Committee for its Summer Happy Hour at Beatrix Loop

Come Network and Connect at the

Law School Mentor and Med School Mentor Professional Mixer

Purchase Tickets to Attend the DuSable Museum 2026 DuSummer Music Series

Spend your summer evenings enjoying great music, community, and culture at The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center's 2026 DuSummer Music Series! This free outdoor concert series at the Roundhouse Plaza features an exciting lineup of live performances, including The J Grant Experience on June 25, Meagan McNeal on July 9, Hector Silveira on July 23, Park N Ride on August 6, and Josiah Maddox & Ox Jam on August 20, with additional performances continuing through October 1. Gather your friends and family, bring a lawn chair, and enjoy unforgettable summer nights celebrating music, creativity, and culture. Admission is free! Doors open at 5:45 p.m., with performances beginning at 6:30 p.m. at The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, 751 E. 57th Street, Chicago.

Purchase tickets today through the link below!

Register Today to Attend the Juris Girls' Virtual Summer Event Series "How to Get Involved in Public Interest Law & Civic Engagement"

Attend the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center's The Spirit of Nelson Mandela 2026: Making a Difference for Others "67 Minutes of Service"

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

18th Annual National Bar Association

Corporate Counsel Leadership Summit

Join corporate legal leaders from across the country at the National Bar Association's 18th Annual Corporate Counsel Leadership Summit on Monday, July 27, 2026, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Conference Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

Centered on this year's theme, "Leading at the Crossroads: Courage, Resilience, Innovation & Excellence," the Summit will feature thought-provoking CLE programming, exceptional networking opportunities, and insights from leading legal and business executives. BWLA is especially proud that BWLA Past President Dorothy G. Capers, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary of C.H. Robinson, is serving as one of this year's Honorary Co-Chairs.

Registration is limited, so reserve your spot today! Please note that registration for the 101st National Bar Association Annual Convention is required before registering for the Summit.

Purchase Tickets Today

for the 2026 Black Women Expo Chicago

Save the Date for the

Law School Mentor's 2026 TLSM Summit

BWLA Member Achievements

Congratulations to BWLA Vice President Dr. Kina Arnold who is currently participating in a virtual "meet the author" book tour with other fellow authors through Gens Publication in partnership with Activate Core.

Congratulations to BWLA Founder and Past President Hon. Patrice Ball-Reed (Ret.) on her installation as President of the Illinois Judges Association (IJA).

Congratulations to BWLA member Dean Nicky Boothe, who recently participated in a keynote lunch panel for the 2026 American Bar Association Deans' Conference to discuss "Training Tomorrow's Lawyers in Today's Uncertain Times" and who recently participated in a fireside chat at the Lutie Lytle Faculty Scholarship Conference to discuss "Deaning in Chicago."

Congratulations to BWLA member Aniyah Braveboy who was recently honored with a Rising Star Award by the Black Men Lawyers' Association.

Congratulations to BWLA Founder and Past President, the Hon. Patricia Brown Holmes (Ret.), who was recently named among Forbes 2026 America's Top Women Lawyers, the Chicago Lawyer Magazine's 2026 Leading and Emerging Women Lawyers in Illinois, and among Best Lawyers Women in Law 2026. Judge Holmes (Ret.) was also recently ranked on Chambers USA 2026 as Eminent Practitioner in Litigation: General Commercial and Litigation and White Collar Crime & Government Investigations.

Congratulations to BWLA 2026–2027 Parliamentarian Natalie Ellis who was recently honored with a Rising Star Award by the Black Men Lawyers' Association.

Congratulations to BWLA member Malaika Caldwell who recently co-chaired the 2026 ACC Chicago – Association of Corporate Counsel Street Law Legal Opportunity Program Downtown Conference.

Congratulations to BWLA Past President Kalia Coleman who recently served as Co-Chair for Youth Guidance's 2026 Bright Futures Gala and who was recently named among Chicago Lawyer Magazine's 2026 Leading and Emerging Women Lawyers in Illinois.

Congratulations to BWLA member Kennedy Harris who was recently named among Best Lawyers 2026 "Ones to Watch" List.

Congratulations to BWLA member Monique Howery who was recently named among Chicago Lawyer Magazine's 2026 Leading and Emerging Women Lawyers in Illinois.

Congratulations to BWLA member LaVon Johns who was recently named among Chicago Lawyer Magazine's 2026 Leading and Emerging Women Lawyers in Illinois and among Best Lawyers Women in Law 2026.

Congratulations to BWLA 2024 Spring Fundraiser Luncheon Panelist Chandra Mitchell for her new role as Chief Legal Officer for Vibrantz Technologies.

Congratulations to BWLA member Suheily Natal Davis who was recently promoted to Chief Sustainability, Social Impact & Inclusion Officer at McDonald's.

Congratulations to BWLA member Jasmine Morton Rogers who was recently named among Best Lawyers 2026 "Ones to Watch" List.

Congratulations to BWLA member Hon. Jennifer Nolen who was recently honored by the Illinois State Bar Association with the Elmer Gertz Human & Civil Rights Award, for her long-standing, continuing and exceptional commitment to the protection or advancement of human rights.

Congratulations to BWLA Founder and Past President Z Scott who was recently selected as one of the Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders of 2027 and Tenth Class Honors by the HBCU Campaign Fund.

Congratulations to BWLA member Antonette Smith for her new role as Director of the American Bar Association Litigation Section.

Congratulations to BWLA Past Scholarship Fund Board Member Marishonta Wilkerson who was recently selected to participate in the National Employment Law Council's In-House Counsel Career Accelerator Program at the 2026 NELC Conference.

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