GABWA is a bar association formed in 1981 to serve the needs and interests of black women attorneys.
We provide an informed and reliable voice through which the needs of black women lawyers and the black community at large may be articulated.
GABWA includes judges, law students, professors, deans, government and public interest lawyers, television stars, state bar attorneys, in-house attorneys from small, mid-sized and Fortune 500 corporations, solo/small firm lawyers, and large firm lawyers.
GABWA's mission statement is as follows: The Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys is a voluntary bar organization that nurtures, supports and galvanizes the power of Black women attorneys, advocates for women and children and empowers our communities.
THE PRESIDENT'S
MESSAGE
Advancing Our Purpose Empowering Our Present Advocating for Our Future
It brings me unspeakable joy to serve GABWA as President for 2012.
My introduction to GABWA came twelve years ago on the campus of Spelman College when, in true GABWA spirit, Past President Allegra Lawrence-Hardy came to speak to young African-American Women about becoming attorneys. Then, for the next two years, she returned to encourage us to aim for this level of service.
I attended my first GABWA event in December of 2001 as I was headed to law school; it was our twenty-year anniversary luncheon. I met many members who later became mentors and supported me during my law school years. That’s why I often drove from Gainesville, Florida just to attend special events like our Annual Blue Jeans Brunch.
As soon as I graduated, I was invited to sit on our 2005 Executive Board as Chair of the Student Programs Committee and I have had a seat at that table ever since. In the last six years, although my seat has changed and our presidents have changed, the GABWA Spirit has remained the same. I shall continue to serve in that spirit.
This year’s charge is to “Advance our purpose; Empower our present; and Advocate for our future.” During a year that will have many elections that will shape our community and our nation, there will be new opportunities for our members to serve on benches and other elected positions across this state and country. What better time to focus again on what gave birth to our organization thirty-one years ago; and to advance that purpose by breathing new life into it as we continue supporting one another.
At the same time, because we are committed to empowering each other to ensure we all flourish and to ensuring the perpetuity of our purpose in future generations, we are launching the following initiatives:
Trial Masters Boot Camp, where we will sharpen our advocacy skills so that we may better serve our community.
T.H.I.N.K. (To Have Information aNd Knowledge), to advocate for our future by visiting area high schools with our local District Attorneys and Judges and to teach our students about the consequences of criminal activity while encouraging them to think and make better decisions.
2012 will also see us celebrate 5 years of our Professional Development Academy, led by Dean Joy Lampley Fortson.
I am deeply honored that many of our past presidents and founding members have agreed to serve on our 2012 Executive Board & Leadership Team:
Vanessa Hickey Gales: Chair of the Judicial Review Committee
Avarita Hanson: Chair of Legal Education
Divida Gude: Chair of the Book Club
Judge Patsy Porter: Chair, Reading Program “Power of an Hour”
Julie M.T. Walker: Chair of the Membership Committee
Susan Pease Langford: Co-Chair of the Political Action Committee
Karlise Grier: Chair of the Family Law Section
Joy Lampley Forston: Dean of the Professional Development Academy
Sonja Brown: Chair of Legally Speaking
La’keitha Daniels: Co-Chair of the Political Action Committee
These women along with our statewide leadership team have accepted the charge to “Advance our purpose; Empower our present; and Advocate for our future.” I simply ask that you do the same.
I ask that you too take the time to volunteer, to bring a friend to join and to find your niche in one or more of our legacy-building programs:
Advancing Our Purpose:
Judicial & Public Office Academy
Political Forum
Judicial Reception
Monthly Community Service Projects
Advocating for our Future::
Professional Development Academy
T.H.I.N.K. Initiative
Resume & Interview Workshop
Power of an Hour Weekly Reading Program
Annual Glitter Gala
2012 is another opportunity for us to create another moment of unspeakable joy for someone who’s already out there waiting. 2012 marks the beginning of our next 30 year journey to greatness; a journey that is sure to widen and deepen GABWA’s indelible fingerprint of service on the world stage. Join hands with us today by renewing or beginning your membership.
JaDawnya C. Butler
2012 GABWA President
Email: president@gabwa.org
