June 2021 President's Letter

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

I called and once again, several of our wonderful members stepped up to represent NAWJ and volunteer their time. Last month I asked for volunteers to some of the groups that we collaborate with. I’m constantly inspired by your commitment to NAWJ and your communities. Thank you to all of you who volunteered.

Sr. Judge Orlinda Naranjo was appointed to the NCJFCJ DEI Collaboration and Doreen Boxer as NAWJ liaison to the ABA Commission of Domestic & Sexual Violence. Thank you to Judge Terrie Roberts and Judge Vivian Medinilla for your prior service in these roles.  Resource Board member Diane McGimsey has been appointed to the #WeToo Advisory Committee.

I am pleased to announce that Laurie Denham has accepted the offer to serve as permanent Executive Director, effective July 1st. We heard from many applicants, but Laurie clearly rose to the top and the ED Hiring Committee unanimously agreed that she is the best fit for NAWJ at this time. The hiring committee will be working with Laurie to hire a Development Director, so that Laurie can concentrate on what she does best: building relationships, helping with program planning, assisting us as we implement our 5-year strategic plan, working with our members and looking for new ways to ensure the stability and vitality of NAWJ. Please join me in congratulating Laurie.

I hope you will join us on June 4th for the 3rd IFPSD and NAWJ Day at the United Nations. The program this year focuses upon women in the Middle East and Africa and on the global impact of COVID on women. NAWJ Co-Chairs Judge Lisa Walsh, Col. Linda Murnane, along with President and Permanent Representative of the International Federation for Peace and Sustainable Development to the U.N., Salwa (Sally) Kader, have planned a wonderful program which will include educational sessions, an International Tea and Ethics session, a virtual UN tour and a reception.

July will mark the 16th annual NAWJ meeting with the Congressional Women’s Caucus. Judge Toni Clarke and Judge Anita Josey-Herring have chosen the theme of Reimagining Access to Justice: Post Pandemic for this year’s event. It will take place on July 9th from 1:00 PM– 3:00 PM (EDT).

The most exciting news I have to share is that registration for our in-person annual conference will open in a few short weeks. Please save the dates of October 6 – 10 and start exploring air fare. Judge Barbara Holmes and her outstanding committee have put together a wonderful program and look forward to welcoming all of us to Nashville.

Warmly,

Karen Donohue