President's Letter

Thank you for trusting me with the honor of serving as your President. I am deeply grateful for your confidence, support, and continued commitment to this organization. I also want to thank, in advance, my daughter Justice, whose presence alongside me during this year of service is both a personal joy and a reminder of why this work matters.

As President of the Minority Bar Association of Western New York, and in my fourth year of service on the Board, my focus this year is simple: Connecting the Dots between who we are, where we’ve been, and where we are going.

This year’s term is grounded in the principle of “lifting as we climb,” a principle often shared by our very own Justice E. Jeannette Ogden. That principle, along with the vision of MBAWNY’s founders, guides my three priorities for the year:

• Lift as We Climb: Supporting, mentoring, and advocating for minority attorneys at every stage of their careers and education, so that advancement creates opportunity for others.

• Return to Our Roots: Recommitting to the original goals of MBAWNY and honoring the purpose on which the organization was founded, which is needed now more than ever.

• Be Present in Western New York: Strengthening our visibility, engagement, and partnerships throughout the region by showing up consistently for our members and our communities.

After four years of board service, I have seen the strength of this organization and the impact it can have when we work together. This year is about building on that foundation, staying connected to our mission, and ensuring that MBAWNY continues to serve as a meaningful voice and resource for minorities across Western New York.

Thank you for being a part of MBAWNY. I am eager to work alongside you as we fulfill our mission.