President's Message

Happy Spring, BWLA Family!

Spring not only symbolizes warmth and blooming flowers, but it also represents new beginnings and sets the tone for embracing new adventures and facing challenges with enthusiasm.

Speaking of enthusiasm, thank you to our gracious Sponsors, Founders, Past Presidents, Lifetime Members, Members, Bar Association Leaders, Supporters, and Friends who attended BWLA’s 2025 Gala: Forging Ahead: Celebrating Her Legal Prowess. It was an unforgettable evening that honored our brightness, boldness, and balance. We look forward to sharing the professional photos with you soon and are deeply grateful for your continued support of BWLA and its mission.

We’re also excited about the upcoming 2025–2026 BWLA Board of Directors Election. Please make sure your membership dues are paid by April 15, 2025, in order to participate. Details regarding the election and installation ceremony will be shared shortly.

Thank you again for being part of our vibrant BWLA community. Let’s continue to forge ahead—together.

Yours in Sisterhood,

Weeya Baysah Young

BWLA President 2024-2025

#Bright.Bold.Balanced.

Announcements

Election Season: Please Pay Your 

2024-2025 BWLA Membership Dues Today!

Bring your BWLA membership current today! In order to be eligible to cast your vote or run for office in the upcoming election, you must be financially active for the 2024-2025 bar year by the end of the day on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.

Not sure if your membership is current? Email administrator@bwla.org to confirm your eligibility.

Only eligible, financially current BWLA members may nominate themselves and/or other eligible, financially current BWLA members for Board of Directors positions. To accept a nomination, nominees must be financially current BWLA members on or before April 15, 2025. Click the button below to pay your dues today!

Upcoming Events

Register Today for The Chicago Bar Association Young Lawyers Section Diversity Week,

Co-Sponsored by BWLA

Join BWLA and HLAI for

Pearls of Etiquette:

An Evening of Fine Dining and Networking

Join BWLA and HLAI on April 15, 2025, for Pearls of Etiquette: An Evening of Fine Dining and Networking at Carnivale, 702 W. Fulton St. Chicago, IL, 60661 from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Attendees will enjoy a three-course dinner as well as an interactive program covering topics such as proper table settings, navigating multi-course meals, handling challenging situations (e.g. spills, dietary restrictions) and networking etiquette. The networking session is focused on engaging topics that will prepare attendees for clerkship settings, improving your current legal career, and beyond!

*** Flash Sale ***

Law Student Tickets are $25 through Friday, April 11, 2025, at 5:00 pm

Use Promo Code "LAW"

Purchase tickets today and/or learn about available sponsorship opportunities through the links below! Tickets are $70 for BWLA and HLAI members, $80 for non-members, and $50 for law students. We hope to see you there!

Register Today to Attend BWLA's General Counsel Half-Day CLE Seminar and GC Reception

Join BWLA for the second annual Half Day CLE Seminar and General Counsel Reception on April 17, 2025. BWLA 2025 Title Sponsor Jones Day is hosting the CLE Seminar and Reception, 110 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL, 60606. The CLE program will take place from 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm and the reception will be held from 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm.

The CLE seminar topics are:

• 2025 Supreme Court Year in Review
• Hot Topics in Litigation
• DEI at a Crossroads: Legal Insights and Strategic Adaptations
• Insights from the C-Suite

At the reception, BWLA will honor:

• Sylvia Stein, Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, Veralto
• Before joining Veralto, Sylvia served as Vice President, General Counsel, Corporate Secretary, and Chief Compliance Officer for Modine Manufacturing Company. She previously served in various roles at Kraft Foods, including Associate General Counsel, Marketing & Regulatory. Earlier in her career, she practiced law in the Chicago office of Latham & Watkins in the Complex Commercial Litigation group.

• Sharon Barner, Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, Cummins
• Sharon previously held the role of General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for Cummins. Prior to joining Cummins, she served as Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Deputy Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Sharon has more than 30 years of legal experience, with the majority of her career being in private practice with the Chicago office of Foley & Lardner, including as the leader of the firm’s Intellectual Property Department.

• Tamika Frimpong, Chief Legal and Compliance Officer, HARMAN
• Tamika is a seasoned legal and business executive attorney with experience leading legal processes, including Compliance, Litigation, Data Privacy, M&A, Due Diligence, and ESG. Her previous roles include leadership positions with BorgWarner, Inc., TCF Bank, Nexteer, and Mobex Global.

Tickets are free for BWLA members and law students and $95 for non-BWLA members. Click the button below to purchase your tickets today. We hope to see you there!

Join BWLA at the 2025 Chicago Bar Association Vanguard Awards

Join BWLA at the 2025 Chicago Bar Association (CBA) Vanguard Awards. The awards honor individuals and institutions who have made the law and legal profession more accessible and reflective of the community over the course of their careers. This year, BWLA's Honoree is the Honorable Jacqueline P. Cox, Chief Judge, U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

Judge Cox was first appointed to a fourteen-year term as a United States Bankruptcy Judge on February 3, 2003. She was reappointed to a second term on February 3, 2017, and on January 1, 2024, she became Chief Judge. Judge Cox previously served as a Circuit Court of Cook County Judge from 1988 - 2003, serving four years as the Presiding Judge for the First Municipal District. In addition to being a long-time BWLA member, Judge Cox has affiliations with numerous professional organizations including: American Bankruptcy Institute; American Bar Foundation (Fellow); Catholic Lawyers Guild (Lawyer of the Year – 2022); Cook County Bar Association (past Treasurer and Board Member); Illinois Judges Association; Illinois Judicial Council (past Chairperson); Illinois State Bar Association; Just The Beginning Foundation; Lawyers Club of Chicago (past President); National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges; and the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois (past Board Member). Judge Cox received her B.A. from Cornell University, and her Juris Doctor from Boston University School of Law.

The ceremony and luncheon will take place at 11:30 am on April 22, 2025, at the Union League Club of Chicago, 65 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604. Tickets are $75. Click the button below to purchase tickets today!

Get Involved: Join a BWLA Committee Today!

Past Events

Standing Up for Justice: BWLA Hosts the 2025 Annual Judicial Reception

On March 20, 2025, BWLA celebrated the judiciary at the annual Judicial Reception hosted by 2025 Title Sponsor Jones Day. BWLA presented the Judge Ann Claire Williams Award to the Honorable Tanya Walton Pratt, Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana; the Honorable Maxine Aldridge White, Chief Judge of the Wisconsin Court of Appeals; and BWLA Founder and Past President the Honorable Patricia Brown Holmes (ret.), retired Cook County Circuit Court Judge and current Managing Partner for Riley Safer Holmes and Cancila LLP in recognition of their BOLD legal careers.

Attendees heard inspiring remarks from BWLA Founder the Honorable Ann Claire Williams (ret.), BWLA member the Honorable Nichole Patton, BWLA President Weeya Young, BWLA Vice President Joan Akalaonu, and BWLA Past President Elsa Andrianifahanana. Thank you to BWLA Past President Kalia Coleman for graciously accepting the award on behalf of BWLA Founder and Past President the Honorable Patricia Brown Holmes (ret.).

Members of the judiciary in attendance included the Honorable Rebecca Pallmeyer, BWLA Lifetime Member the Honorable Sharon Johnson Coleman, BWLA Member the Honorable Jacqueline Cox, BWLA Past President the Honorable LaShonda Hunt, BWLA Member the Honorable Jeannice Appenteng, the Honorable Jesse Reyes, the Honorable Timothy Evans, BWLA Member the Honorable Linda Sackey, and BWLA Member the Honorable Michael Alan Strom (ret.).

Special thanks to BWLA Treasurer Alexandra Rogers and BWLA Board Member at Large Natanya Pope-Sohel for coordinating this amazing event!

BWLA and WBAI Support Dress for Success Greater Chicago

In honor of Women's History Month, BWLA joined together with the Women's Bar Association of Illinois (WBAI) to collect donations for Dress for Success Greater Chicago. The mission of Dress for Success is to help unemployed and underemployed women achieve economic independence by providing no-fee programs, development tools and professional attire to thrive in work and in life.

On March 27, 2025, BWLA President Weeya Young, BWLA Vice President Joan Akalaonu, BWLA Parliamentarian Kina Arnold, BWLA Board Member at Large Shannon Stokes, BWLA Scholarship Fund Board Member Deborah Imafidon, BWLA Scholarship Fund Board Member Merili Seale, WBAI President Sarah King, WBAI Second Vice-President Caroleann Gallagher, WBAI Director the Honorable Debjani Desai, and others volunteered at Dress for Success to help organize professional attire and database systems.

BWLA Attends WBAI Happy Hour "In Her Heels"

On March 12, 2025, BWLA Board Member at Large Natanya Pope attended WBAI's Happy Hour "In Her Heels" at Hubbard Inn. BWLA was a proud sponsor of the event, which advocates for an end to sexual harassment and raises donations for WINGS domestic violence shelter. A highlight of the evening was the men's catwalk strut. This year, participants included Chicago Bar Association President John Sciaccotta.

BWLA Attends ISBA WATL Annual Afternoon Tea

On March 14, 2025, BWLA President Weeya Young and BWLA Corresponding Secretary Le'Loni English attended the Illinois Bar Association Standing Committee on Women and the Law (WATL) Annual Afternoon Tea at the Loews Chicago Hotel. The event celebrates International Women's Day, Women’s History Month, and the accomplishments of women in the legal profession. BWLA member Illinois Supreme Court Justice Joy Cunningham served as the keynote speaker, and Justice Elizabeth M. Rochford and Justice Mary Kay O'Brien also attended.

BWLA President Weeya Young Honored at the Girls, Inc. of Chicago She Shines Awards

On March 22, 2025, BWLA President Weeya Young was honored at the 2025 Girls Inc. of Chicago She Shines Awards. The awards celebrate women making a difference in the lives of Chicago women and girls. BWLA Past President and Girls, Inc. of Chicago Board Chair Kenyatta Beverly delivered remarks, and BWLA Recording Secretary Jeneé Gaskin and BWLA Parliamentarian Kina Arnold also attended.

BWLA at The National Hellenic Museum

 Trial of Themistocles

On April 1, 2025, BWLA President Weeya Young participated as a juror and BWLA Member Illinois Supreme Court Justice Joy Cunningham served as presiding judge at the 2025 National Hellenic Museum's fundraising program, the Trial of Themistocles. WBAI President Sarah King acted as a prosecutor.

The trial series brings together leading legal minds to litigate cases from ancient history to support the National Hellenic Museum's mission to share Greek history, art, and culture in relevant ways.

Events Around Town

Purchase Tickets Today for the HLAI Charities Casino Night Fundraiser

Register Today for "Laughter Makes Its Case!" & Puerto Rican Bar Association 2025-2027 Board Installation Ceremony

Applications Now Open for the Chicago Urban League IMPACT Program!

Apply today to join the Chicago Urban League IMPACT Program! In conjunction with the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, IMPACT is a transformative leadership development program that brings together leaders dedicated to civic engagement and an inclusive future for the city of Chicago. It’s where you find your people. It’s where you do the work. Applications are due April 30, 2025.

The program is best suited for mid-to-senior level professionals who are rising in their careers and committed to making an impact. Participants will:

• Build a dynamic network of leaders across sectors;
• Engage in thought-provoking discussions on Chicago’s most pressing challenges;
• Gain mentorship, strategy, and insights to fuel their leadership journey.

Apply Today for the Hon. Constance Baker Motley Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Young Professional Essay Writing Competition

The Federal Bar Association’s Honorable Constance Baker Motley Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Young Professional Essay Competition (“Competition”) is created to celebrate the life of the Honorable Constance Baker Motley (September 14, 1921 – September 28, 2005) and promote her legacy by encouraging law students and younger federal practitioners to promote, achieve, and sustain diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession.

The Competition is named after Judge Baker Motley, the first African American woman appointed to the United States federal judiciary and the first woman judge in the Southern District of New York. She was a key leader of the African American civil rights movement, a lawyer, judge, state senator, and Borough President of Manhattan, New York City.

The deadline to apply is May 9, 2025 at 5:00pm EDT. Please click the link below to learn more about this opportunity and to apply.

Save the Date: ISBA's Women and the Law Upcoming Visit to the Illinois Supreme Court

Save the Date: Northwestern Law 64th Annual Corporate Counsel Institute

Purchase Tickets Today for the National Bar Association Women Lawyers Division Fellowship and Wellness Retreat

The National Bar Association Women Lawyers Division invites you to its Fellowship & Wellness Retreat on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the Langham Hotel, 330 N. Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, for an enriching day dedicated to relaxation, connection, and rejuvenation.

Highlights Include:

• Spa Treatment and Lunch Combo:
• Enjoy a 30-minute spa treatment, access to the sauna, relaxation room, and indoor pool, followed by a delicious lunch.
• Member Rate: $150
• Non-Member Rate: $185
• Lunch Only Option:
• Perfect for those with limited time. Join us for lunch from 12 PM to 1:30 PM.
• Price: $50

Tickets are limited, and the registration deadline is May 31, 2025. Click on the link below to register.

Submit Nominations and Purchase Tickets Today for the National Bar Association Women Lawyers Division Annual Achievement Awards

The National Bar Association Women Lawyers Division is proud to announce the Annual Achievement Awards celebrating the remarkable accomplishments of women lawyers making an impact in the legal profession. Submit nominations through the link below. Nomination Deadline: April 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM (EDT)

• Nomination Categories Include:
• Corporate (In-House) Counsel
• Solo/Small Firm
• Minority Partner in Majority Firm
• The Judiciary
• Young Lawyer
• Public Service Hidden Figure
• Women Lawyer Champion
• Pro Bono
• Academia

BWLA Member Achievements

Congratulations to BWLA Board Parliamentarian Kina Arnold on her promotion to Attorney III/Assistant Public Guardian at the Office of the Cook County Public Guardian!

Congratulations to BWLA Law Student Committee Co-Chair Leah Hall on her new position as a Pre-Licensed Associate at HeplerBroom LLC! 

Congratulations to BWLA Lifetime Member Lisa Kpor who presented on the topic "Unlocking Your Brand: 10 Strategies for Success" at the CCWC Law Firm Associates Career Strategies Conference on April 4, 2025.

Congratulations to BWLA Young Lawyers Committee Chair Cyerra McGowan who recently moderated a panel discussion titled "Bold Moves: Negotiation & Risk-Taking for Career Advancement" as part of the Ms. JD Law Student Leadership Academy.

Congratulations to BWLA Board Member at Large Shannon Stokes who presented a CLE titled "DOGE and What That Means for DEI Hiring in Government" as part of the Chicago Bar Association Young Lawyers Section Diversity Week on April 7, 2025.

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