Orange County Women Lawyers Association - OCWLA President's November Message

Orange County Women
Lawyers Association
For Women Lawyers and Those Who Support Their Advancement

OCWLA President's November Message

Friday, November 01, 2019 10:40 AM | Executive Director (Administrator)

OCWLA Community,

OCWLA kicked off October off with the sensational Annual Gala. The sold-out event created quite the buzz with a flash mob and an opportunity to take photos with the women currently sitting as Supreme Court Justices. If you weren't able to make it this year, be sure to be prepared for next year when we celebrate OCWLA's 45th Anniversary and the Centennial of the women's right to vote. As we wrap up this year with our final CLE, holiday and installation dinner, and final mixer, I feel the Orange County legal community has truly rallied behind this year's theme to EmpowHer™ women in the profession.

OCWLA Continues to Break Membership Records

Last month OCWLA was proud to report that OCWLA for the first time achieved over 500 members. The momentum of the events this last month have caused an additional spike in leadership and OCWLA is now at 576 members!!! You can still join to be part of this record-breaking year. If you Join today you will receive membership for the remainder of 2019 and 2020.

Gala & October Recap

The Annual Gala at Pelican Hill was simply a stunning, inspirational, and motivational evening. Members and guests enjoyed a reception overlooking the sunset in Newport Coast, followed by an awards ceremony that included a flash mob of dancers from Orange County High School of the Arts. Guests dined amongst tables filled with roses and rose petals with the OCWLA "EmpowHer" logo prominently displayed in the middle of the room.

OCWLA is proud to have recognized, Hon. Elizabeth Macias as the Judge of the Year, Lei Lei Weng Ekvall as the Attorney of the Year, and Walsworth - WFBM, LLP with the Advancement of Women Award. Videos about the award recipients can be found here. OCWLA also recognized two of its philanthropy award recipients, CASA of Orange County and Family Legal Assistance at CHOC Children's with donations of $5,000 each.

The charitable arm of the organization, the OCWLA Foundation, presented a record-breaking $10,000 in bar study stipends. A special thank you to Jennifer Keller and Keith More for their efforts in raising funding to sustain and grow OCWLA Foundation's stipend and scholarship program.

Thank you to all of our sponsors, the Gala Committee, and the boards of directors of OCWLA and the Foundation. This event would not be possible without you.

At October's luncheon, Andra Greene, Elizabeth Kolar, and Mary-Christine "M.C." Sungaila, provided members with their trial tips and techniques they have learned along the way to becoming exceptional attorneys. The panel was moderated by Tracy Hughes. Thank you to each of these women for sharing their knowledge and expertise.

Upcoming Events:

Friday, November 8 - CLE: The Power of NO - Setting Boundaries to Help You Find Success and Fulfillment in Your Personal and Professional Life - Executive Lion Tamer® Carol Marzouk answers the question "What if there was a way to say NO and maintain work-life balance in a manner that positively impacts your career and home life, and allows you to be fully present, focused, and fulfilled both at work and at home? This not to miss presentation offers a MCLE credit in Competence Issues.

Thursday, November 14 - The OCWLA Social - Presented by Center 39, is a free membership event held at Center Club Orange County. Meet, mix, and mingle with fellow Members and guests. Be sure to register for this event in advance.

Monday, November 18 - *Note date change due to Thanksgiving holiday* The November book club book is Recursion by Blake Crouch. This no host group continues to meet at Mimi's Café in Tustin for casual conversation about the monthly books. There is no charge for members to attend.

Signature Event: Tuesday, December 10 - Save the Date: OCWLA Holiday Party & Installation Dinner - Registration will open soon for this annual event welcoming the 2020 Board of Directors for both OCWLA and the OCWLA Foundation.

OCBA Judges Night - OCWLA coordinates a table of members to sit together at the 2020 OCBA's Judges Night and Annual Meeting. If you are interested in sitting at the same table as OCWLA members, please contact info@ocwla.org. You will be invoiced through OCWLA and OCWLA will coordinate and pay for your seat at Judges Night with other OCWLA members.

Other Opportunities:

Elections: OCWLA had adopted electronic voting this year and elections for the 2020 Board of Directors are underway. All eligible voting members received e-ballots. If you have not received your e-ballot, please contact info@ocwla.org. Voting closes on Thursday, November 7, 2019 at 5:00 pm.

Everyday Hero Nominations: OCWLA is seeking nominations for Everyday Heroes. The Everyday Hero award is presented to members of the Orange County legal community for everyday and not so everyday acts or accomplishments. If you know someone that should be recognized as an Everyday Hero, please submit a nomination to info@ocwla.org.

Instagram: OCWLA is now on Instagram! Follow us @ocwomenlawyersassoc.

Thank you to the Orange County community for your ongoing support.

Cheers,