June 2025 President's Letter

Greetings Friends,

Can you believe June is already here? I wanted to share a quick update on my NAWJ activities from May—it was an engaging and enriching month!

On May 6, I joined Vice President of Districts Vivian Medinilla and Laurie Denham for a virtual meeting with members of District 4. Led by District Director Francine Applewhite, members shared their NAWJ journeys and what they value most about their membership. It was inspiring to hear how many, like me, truly cherish the camaraderie, programming, and conferences.

The following day, May 7, I had a wonderful dinner with fellow Michigan NAWJ members in Detroit during the Michigan Supreme Court's statewide judicial conference. District Director Miriam Perry and NAWJ Membership Committee co-chair Zenell Brown organized the event, which included Judges Julie Gafkay, Mariam Bazzi, Allie Greenleaf Maldonado, and Chandra Baker Robinson. These small gatherings are always so meaningful and fun!

A huge congratulations to Judge Mariam Bazzi, who was recently elevated from the 3rd Circuit Court (Wayne County) to the Michigan Court of Appeals. I was honored to administer her oath of office on May 9th before her family and loved ones. Governor Whitmer made an excellent choice!

On May 14th, I introduced and attended a crucial webinar, "Threats against Women Judges: Why the Risk is Greater and How to Protect Your Home and Family." Ron Zayas, CEO of Ironwall by Incogni, a privacy expert whose company helps public servants keep private information off the internet, offered invaluable insights into unique threats faced by women judges and practical safety strategies.

The next day, May 15th, I was a panelist at Relativity's "Data Discovery Legal Decade in Review and Beyond." David Horrigan, Relativity’s Discovery Counsel and Legal Education Director, moderated the discussion with an esteemed group including Judge Andrew Peck (Ret) of DLA Piper, Scott Milner, partner at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, and EY Partner and EMEIA Chief Innovation Officer, Maribeth Banaschik. As a Landmark Sponsor and with David serving as our resource board liaison, Relativity is a strong supporter of NAWJ. David consistently promotes NAWJ before an international audience, and we are so grateful for his extraordinary partnership!

Finally, the most exciting news of the month: The ABA Judicial Division Awards Committee has named NAWJ the 2025 recipient of the Rule of Law Award! This prestigious award recognizes NAWJ's incredible support of Afghan women judges, citing our "resettlement assistance programs, advocacy and awareness webinars, collaborations with other organizations, and fundraising campaigns." We will proudly receive this award during the 2025 ABA annual meeting in Toronto on August 7th.

I'll be in touch next month. Until then, thank you for all you do to promote NAWJ through your work and deeds.

Best,

The Honorable Michelle M. Rick
President, National Association of Women Judges
President@nawj.org