Black Women Lawyers' Association of Greater Chicago, Inc.

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Black Women Lawyers' Association of Greater Chicago, Inc. BWLA

We are honored to announce the 2026-2027 BWLA Board of Directors:Natanya Pope-Sohel - PresidentDr. Kina Arnold - Vice Pr...
10/16/2026

We are honored to announce the 2026-2027 BWLA Board of Directors:

Natanya Pope-Sohel - President
Dr. Kina Arnold - Vice President
Le’Loni English - Treasurer
Kyle Palmore - Corresponding Secretary
Omoyele Ajayi - Recording Secretary
Natalie Ellis - Parliamentarian
Ariana P. Maloney - Board Member at Large
Cyerra McGowan - Board Member at Large
Aleathea L. Williams - Board Member at Large
Mariah A. Young - Board Member at Large
Joan Akalaonu - Ex-Officio

We are honored to announce the 2026-2027 BWLA Scholarship Fund Board:Shannon Stokes, J.D, LL.M, Scholarship Fund Board C...
10/16/2026

We are honored to announce the 2026-2027 BWLA Scholarship Fund Board:

Shannon Stokes, J.D, LL.M, Scholarship Fund Board Co-Chair
Christina O. Alabi, Scholarship Fund Board Co-Chair
Natanya Pope-Sohel, President
Dr. Kina Arnold, Vice President
Le’Loni English, Treasurer
Kyle Palmore, Corresponding Secretary
Omoyele Ajayi, Esq., Recording Secretary
Natalie Ellis, Parliamentarian
Joan Akalaonu, Esq., MSW, Ex-Officio
BWLA Past President Kenyatta Beverly, Member
Deborah Imafidon, Member
Lisa Kpor, Member
Cyerra McGowan, Member
J. Simone Jones, Member
Nia Barberousse Binns, Member
Maryah Person, Member

As BWLA celebrates its 40th Anniversary, we are proud to recognize the dedicated leaders who have stepped forward to ser...
10/16/2026

As BWLA celebrates its 40th Anniversary, we are proud to recognize the dedicated leaders who have stepped forward to serve as Committee Chairs and Co-Chairs for the 2026–2027 bar year!

Please join us in congratulating:
- Awards and Nomination Committee Chair: BWLA Past President Mary Melchor
- Law Firm/Solo Practitioner Committee Co-Chairs: Mischelle Luckett, Cha’yra Eddie-Williams, and Britney Retess
- Health and Wellness Committee Co-Chairs: BWLA Scholarship Fund Board Member Nia Barberousse Binns and Sydney Mann
- Government Services Committee Chair: Tiffany Barefield
- Mentoring Program and Dinner Committee Co-Chairs: Adrienne Garner and BWLA Past President Renai Rodney
- Civil Rights Action Committee Co-Chairs: BWLA Past Board Member S. Mayumi “Umi” Grigsby and Eliana Green
- Community Service and Outreach Committee Co-Chairs: BWLA Past Board Member Ashley Varnado and Nichole Cain
- Judicial Evaluation Committee Co-Chairs: Michelle Flagg and BWLA Board Member at Large Mariah A. Young
- Young Lawyers Committee Chair: Aniyah Braveboy
- Corporate Counsel Committee Co-Chairs: Fluffy Kilburn and Jetaun Williams
- Roundtable Committee Chair: BWLA Past Board Member Jenee Gaskin
- Law Student Outreach Committee Co-Chairs: Ashley Bowen, Onna Geddie, Iliana Harris

👏🏾 Thank you to each of these incredible leaders for your willingness to serve, lead, and contribute your time, talents, and energy to advancing BWLA’s mission and community! Your commitment to service and sisterhood will help make this milestone bar year one to remember.

Together, we remain Rooted in Resilience, Powered by Purpose! 💜💛

Recap of BWLA’s first General Body Meeting and Committee Fair of the year at the office of sponsor Baker McKenzie LLP ✨B...
10/16/2026

Recap of BWLA’s first General Body Meeting and Committee Fair of the year at the office of sponsor Baker McKenzie LLP ✨

BWLA members, supporters, and friends gathered as BWLA President Natanya Pope-Sohel moderated a panel featuring BWLA Past Presidents Elsa Andrianifahanana, Chasity Boyce, Nathalina Hudson, and Judge Kenya Jenkins-Wright as they shared insider reflections on BWLA’s powerful history, preview what’s ahead for the National Summit, and detailed how this organization transformed their careers and lives.

BWLA President Natanya Pope-Sohel announced the theme of the 2027 National Summit of Black Women Lawyers and BWLA’s 40th Anniversary Gala, The Power of Her.

BWLA is excited by the enthusiastic turnout at the meeting and all those who signed up to join and participate in BWLA committees this bar year!

A special thank you to our generous sponsor, Baker McKenzie LLP, for graciously hosting us and for their steadfast support of our mission ❤️

🥂 Tickets are on sale now for BWLA’s 9th Annual Sips for Scholarships Fundraiser!Join the BWLA BWLA Scholarship Fund Boa...
10/15/2026

🥂 Tickets are on sale now for BWLA’s 9th Annual Sips for Scholarships Fundraiser!

Join the BWLA BWLA Scholarship Fund Board for its 9th Annual Sips for Scholarships on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, from 5:30–8:30 p.m. at 621 Signature Events!

Join us for an evening of community, culture, and conversation, featuring an open w**e bar, small bites, music, a silent auction, and our popular w**e raffle. We’ll cap off the evening by recognizing and celebrating our 2026 Fall Book Award Scholarship winners. ⚖️📚

🎟️ BWLA members: $65 | Non-members: $75.

Purchase your tickets here: https://givebutter.com/c/2026sipsforscholarships

Come sip, celebrate, and help BWLA continue to invest in the next generation of legal leaders!

✨ THE POWER OF HER! ✨BWLA and the BWLA Scholarship Fund Board are excited to announce its 2027 National Summit of Black ...
10/14/2026

✨ THE POWER OF HER! ✨

BWLA and the BWLA Scholarship Fund Board are excited to announce its 2027 National Summit of Black Women Lawyers and 40th Anniversary Gala, taking place April 8–10, 2027, at the Marriott Marquis Chicago!

❤️💛Under the inspiring theme “The Power of HER,” this milestone celebration will honor 40 years of BWLAs legacy while celebrating the leadership, resilience, excellence, and collective power of Black women in the legal profession!

🎉 Meet Our 2027 National Summit Co-Chairs!
🌟 Jennifer C. K.
🌟 Michelle Cunningham
🌟 J. Simone Jones

Under the leadership of BWLA President Natanya Pope-Sohel, these dynamic women will help bring to life an unforgettable Summit filled with empowerment, connection, inspiration, and celebration!👏🏾 Please join us in congratulating our Summit Co-Chairs and thanking them for their leadership and commitment to making this historic event a success!

Look out for more upcoming information regarding the Summit, including sponsor opportunities!

Sign up today and join BWLA's team on Sunday, November 1, 2026 as we participate once again in "America's Sweetest Run,"...
10/14/2026

Sign up today and join BWLA's team on Sunday, November 1, 2026 as we participate once again in "America's Sweetest Run," the 2026 Chicago Hot Chocolate Run/Walk to promote physical wellness and build community while having a lot of fun!

BWLA team members can register for whichever length of the run/walk they prefer at a discounted rate through October 25, 2026 ($34 for the 2 mile walk, $44 for the 5K, $54 for the 10K, and $64 for the 15K). Closer to race day, BWLA will send more information to all registrants about logistics for the event, including where BWLA will meet on the day of the run/walk. Hope to see you there!

Sign up here: https://www.letsdothis.com/us/o/180413/checkout/ticket?eventId=268365&utm_source=reserved_entry&occurrenceId=21111177232&reservationCode=re_rua2b6458it2

🥂 Tickets are on sale now for BWLA’s 9th Annual Sips for Scholarships Fundraiser!Join the BWLA BWLA Scholarship Fund Boa...
10/12/2026

🥂 Tickets are on sale now for BWLA’s 9th Annual Sips for Scholarships Fundraiser!

Join the BWLA BWLA Scholarship Fund Board for its 9th Annual Sips for Scholarships on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, from 5:30–8:30 p.m. at 621 Signature Events!

Join us for an evening of community, culture, and conversation, featuring an open w**e bar, small bites, music, a silent auction, and our popular w**e raffle. We’ll cap off the evening by recognizing and celebrating our 2026 Fall Book Award Scholarship winners. ⚖️📚

🎟️BWLA members: $65 | Non-members: $75.

Purchase your tickets today here: https://givebutter.com/c/2026sipsforscholarships

Come sip, celebrate, and help BWLA continue to invest in the next generation of legal leaders!

BWLA attending the 2026 HLAI & HLAI Charitiea Annual Black Tie Gala Installation Ceremony & Awards Dinner ✨
10/12/2026

BWLA attending the 2026 HLAI & HLAI Charitiea Annual Black Tie Gala Installation Ceremony & Awards Dinner ✨

Address

321 S Plymouth Court, Ste 600
Chicago, IL
60604

Telephone

+13125542088

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