Caroline and Ora Smith Foundation

07/20/2025

It was an honor to speak on the 50th anniversary of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA). It is also the 70th anniversary of the Indian Health Service. We had a rock star list of panelists including Chairman Ron Allen, Geoff Strommer, Secretary Deb Haaland, Natasha Singh, Bryan Newland, and Bobbie Kilberg. In case you missed it, the full recording is now available https://lnkd.in/d6nTTRVa Thanks so much to the ABA Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice and the fabulous Alli Kielsgard and Paula Shapiro.

03/08/2025

On this International Women's Day, I celebrate all the amazing women I know who are making a difference. And, I am honored to be profiled in Worth Magazine. Thank you so much. I am filled with gratitude.

Mary Smith, the first Native American president of the American Bar Association, shares her insights on AI in law, access to justice, and public trust.

03/04/2025

It was great to speak at the Virginia State Bar Meeting about the justice gap, tribal courts, and upholding the rule of law. So wonderful to share the event with Chief Lynette Allston of the Nottoway Tribe of Virginia, Chief W. Frank Adams of the Upper Mattaponi Indian Tribe, Chief Justice Melissa Holds the Enemy, President Michael York and Robert Lyttle. Thanks so much to Mike York for inviting me! And shout out to my friend, Tracy Giles, a distinguished member of the Virginia Bar.

12/18/2024

Today would have been 's 100th birthday. I miss her every single day. Happy birthday, my love.

When I was running for president of the American Bar Association, some people told me that "I did not look like an ABA President." I didn't want young people to face the same situation so I envisioned a book series to show them that they too can be a lawyer or anything else they wanted to be. I am proud to say that the first book in the series about the incredible life of Mazie Hirono is now available. Mazie went from immigrant to lawyer to U.S. Senator. This book embodies the adage "if you can see it, you can be it."

The book is dedicated to sweet Caroline - she grew up at a time when girls were not expected to attend college and had limited opportunities. Her life continues to inspire me. Attached is a photo of Caroline on her 97th birthday (the last one she celebrated) and Senator Hirono with her book.

Join me in wishing sweet Caroline a very happy birthday. 🧡 🎂 🎈 🎉 Mazie's Amazing Journey available here: https://www.americanbar.org/products/inv/book/445043847/?login

12/10/2024

So wonderful to participate in a panel at the U.S. Department of Education to discuss the importance of Native Americans becoming lawyers with these fabulous co-presenters, Naomi Miguel, MPAP, Keely Driscoll, Derrick Beetso, and Joseph Lindsay, which was moderated by the amazing Brown.

12/01/2024

It was fun and quite an honor to have a fireside chat with the amazing at Michigan State University College of Law. Professor Singel oversees a fabulous program at the Indigenous Law and Policy Center.

As you can see from the photo, MSU takes the "fireside" part of the chat very seriously.

11/22/2024

Happy ! Join me for a very special Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice Chair Chat for a conversation with Archer-Beck, President of the Native American Bar Association and Senior Adjudication Counsel at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, as we discuss Native American heritage, emphasizing the importance of understanding and amplifying Native voices. Watch here: https://lnkd.in/g4Q-g8AT