February 2026 President's Letter

Dear NAWJ Members,

As we close out the first quarter of my year and step confidently into the second, I am pleased to share that NAWJ is experiencing both meaningful victories and a strong & energized start to the  second quarter. The progress we are making together reflects our shared commitment to strengthening this organization.  I am proud of ALL OF YOU!!  Let’s keep it up. 

Membership Growth & Engagement

Our membership numbers continue to grow. We welcomed 27 new members to NAWJ and proudly welcomed back returning members, reinforcing the strength, reach, and continuity of our community. This growth reflects the value of NAWJ’s mission and the personal outreach efforts taking place across districts. 

District Leadership Fully Appointed

I am pleased to report that I have appointed two new District Directors:

• Judge Tonia A. Cutchin to District 5 (Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina)
• Judge Shayla Lewis to District 9 (Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin)

With these appointments, all 14 NAWJ districts now have exceptional leadership in place. This full slate of district leadership positions us well for sustained engagement, mentorship, and programming nationwide.

Midyear Meeting: Alaska Cruise Momentum

Interest in our Alaska Cruise Midyear Meeting has exceeded expectations.

• All blocked cabins have been fully booked
• Seventy (70) members are already registered for the Midyear

This strong participation underscores the enthusiasm for connection, education, and community that defines NAWJ gatherings.

We are also expanding our programing.  In collaboration with our Resource Board, we have added AI in Legal 2026.  This timely and forward-looking addition reflects NAWJ’s commitment to equipping judges with the tools and knowledge needed to lead thoughtfully in an evolving legal landscape. 

NAWJ Leadership on the National Stage

NAWJ judges continue to do outstanding work within the American Bar Association. Our members serve in various capacities, but I want to give a SHOUTOUT to our President Elect Heather Welch, co-chair of the ABA’s Judicial Clerkship Program Committee, who along with so many other NAWJ members, for leading a successful program at the ABA Midyear Meeting in San Antonio, Texas this past week. NAWJ’s leadership and influence remain visible and impactful at the national level.

Celebrating One of Our Own

Most importantly, NAWJ members showed up in force to support one of our greats—The Honorable Judge Marcella Holland, who was presented with the ABA’s prestigious Spirit of Excellence Award at the Titans for Change Gala on Saturday night in San Antonio. The outpouring of support reflected not only our admiration for Judge Holland, but the deep sense of community that defines NAWJ.  CONGRATULATIONS TO JUDGE HOLLAND!!  It was a proud moment for all of us!!

NAWJ and NJC

On behalf of NAWJ, I was honored to connect with and officially welcome Aviva Abramovsky, the newly installed President and CEO of the National Judicial College. We will be exploring opportunities to partner in ways that align our shared commitment to judicial education and leadership development.

Looking Ahead

These accomplishments mark a First Quarter Victory and set the tone for a great Second Quarter start. I am grateful for the dedication of our officers, board members, district leaders, committee chairs, and members whose collective efforts continue to move NAWJ forward.
Thank you for showing up, leading with purpose, and strengthening the ties that bind us together.
 
With appreciation and optimism,

The Honorable Pamela Scott Washington
President, National Association of Women Judges