OCWLA Community,

OCWLA continues to have a successful year with sold out events, uplifting panels, and new networking relationships. We have another full and exciting calendar this month and we hope you will stop by one of our events as we continue to EmpowHer™ women attorneys in Orange County.

March Recap:

Women's History Month brought a flurry of events to OCWLA. Members provided rave reviews on OCWLA's "Getting a Seat at the Bench" panel featuring Hon. Josephine L. Staton, Hon. Kathleen O'Leary, Hon. Glenda Sanders, and Hon. Kim Hubbard with many considering the possibility of a career on the bench. This panel was also on International Women's Day. OCWLA board members gave all attendees purple roses - one for them and another to share with another amazing woman.

Members also had a wonderful time at the Membership Mixer and Wine Tasting. Members let loose and smiled for the camera in the photo booth and took the opportunity to greet new members. Photos can be found on OCWLA's Facebook page. Thank you to our sponsors for supporting this annual event!

OCWLA held its first Past Presidents Tea, an opportunity for past presidents to meet the 2019 Board and learn about this year's objectives. It also provided an opportunity for the current board to rely on the mentorship of the past presidents and find ways to include past leaders in the organization.

Upcoming Events:

Tuesday, April 2 -  Equal Pay Day Panel. This annual event recognizes the pay disparity between men and women. This year's program focuses on actions individuals can take to negotiate pay and bonuses. Everyone is encouraged to wear red, the color representing the disparity in pay. The panel will be moderated by Maria Stearns, with panelists Joni Lee Gaudes, Victoria Harvey, Karen Polyakov, and Sheniece Smith. All attendees are invited to wear red for OCWLA's annual Equal Pay Day photo. This CLE features an Elimination of Bias credit. 

Monday, April 29 - The April book club book is Never Split the Difference by Chris Viss. This no host group continues to meet at Mimi's Café in Tustin for casual conversation about the monthly book. 

Friday, May 17 - CWL Southern California Judicial Reception Honoring Hon. Maria Hernandez. OCWLA is proud to co-host this reception and congratulates Hon. Maria Hernandez on being named as California Women Lawyer's Joan Dempsey Klein Award recipient. The judicial reception will be held at the Noguchi Sculpture Garden. Registration for sitting judges is complimentary.

Thursday, October 3 - Save the Date! The Annual Gala will return to Pelican Hill.

Other Opportunities:

Annual Sponsorship Package: Our 2019 Annual Sponsorship Package is available. For one flat rate, sponsors are featured at OCWLA's four signature events and receive recognition all year long.

Everyday Hero Nominations Wanted! On March 8, OCWLA awarded Bettina Yanez with its Everyday Hero Award. The Everyday Hero Award recognizes a member of the legal community for a variety of contributions such as pro bono work, charitable work, promoting the profession, or a personal achievement. OCWLA recognizes 3-5 Everyday Heroes each year. You may submit a nomination by emailing info@ocwla.org.

Do not hesitate to reach me with your ideas, thoughts, and goals. In the meantime, we will continue our work to EmpowHer™ women in our legal community.

Cheers,

Michelle A. Philo

OCWLA President

General Counsel

Adtile Technologies Inc.