May 2026 President's Letter

As we reach the midpoint of my presidency, I am both humbled and energized by the work we have accomplished together. When I began this journey, I invited each of us to lean into a shared vision: “Building Bridges, Strengthening Ties.” At midyear, it is clear—we are not simply advancing that vision; we are living it well.

One of our most meaningful measures of success is the strength of our membership.

As part of our continued commitment to engagement, I issued a President’s Challenge:
• Each one, add one—invite a colleague to join NAWJ.
• Each one, lead one—mentor and encourage emerging leaders within our ranks.

I personally thank every member who “added one” to our membership numbers and is continuing to be a bridge to their connection to committees, conferences, programs, and other ways to strengthen their ongoing commitment to NAWJ.  I want to give a special shout-out to our very esteemed VP of Districts Amy Blake.  Time and time again, when asked how they came to join NAWJ, I have heard new members attribute their connection to NAWJ to the Honorable Amy Blake- personally or through the Annual Conference in Boston. 

Growing and strengthening the membership will continue to be a top priority. The Executive Team and our District Directors will be embarking on a “Returning Members” membership drive.  We will be targeting members whose membership lapsed in the past twelve months.  Every member of the full board will be tasked with reaching out “one-on-one” to invite them back and be a bridge for their return to active participation. 

This year, NAWJ has expanded its footprint through dynamic programming and strategic collaborations. Our upcoming Midyear Meeting aboard the Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam—sailing from Vancouver through Alaska’s Inside Passage to Whittier—is sold out and has generated tremendous enthusiasm.

In that same spirit of connection, we are launching something new—NAWJ’s first Regional Meeting- Strengthening Your Judicial Core- being held June 5^th-6^th at the Thomson Reuters headquarters in Egan, Minneapolis. This gathering is designed to bring our mission closer to home, creating space for deeper engagement, stronger relationships, and meaningful dialogue within our regions. Everyone is invited. Whether you are a long-standing member or newly connected to NAWJ, this is an opportunity to come together, be seen, be heard, and be strengthened in community.

As we move into the second half of the year, our focus remains clear: to deepen engagement, expand our reach, and strengthen the ties that bind us together in service of justice.

As I reflect on the extraordinary work accomplished during this first half of the year, I would be remiss if I did not extend my deepest gratitude to our exceptional administrative team: Executive Director Laurie Denham, Brian Gorg, Francie Teer, and Janelle Mihoc. Their professionalism, dedication, and unwavering support sustain the daily work of this organization and make our collective mission possible. Laurie, in particular, has truly been the glue that binds. I could not have successfully navigated the extraordinary work of this organization without her steadfast commitment, remarkable attention to detail, and constant support. Laurie, thank you for being the wind beneath my wings. Your leadership, grace, and tireless efforts have strengthened not only this presidency, but NAWJ itself.

I am also deeply grateful for the extraordinary leadership and partnership of our Executive Leadership Team: President-Elect Judge Heather Welch, Vice Presidents Judge Amy Blake and Judge Victoria Willis, Secretary Judge Leslie Stroth, Treasurer and Past President Judge Karen Donahue, Finance Committee Chair Judge Mary Margaret Rowlands, and Immediate Past President Judge Michelle Rick. Each of these remarkable women has brought wisdom, professionalism, dedication, and heart to the work of NAWJ. Their counsel, collaboration, and steadfast commitment to our mission have strengthened this organization at every level. It is both an honor and a blessing to serve alongside such accomplished and devoted judicial leaders. Thank you for your friendship, leadership, your service, and your unwavering commitment to this mission.

With gratitude and purpose,

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