NEWSLETTER Honoring Our Legacy of Resilience, Pride and Community Engagement

SPRING 2021 NEWSLETTER Honoring Our Legacy of Resilience, Pride and Community Engagement

President’s Letter One of the greatest privileges of my life has been serving as the 46th President of Black Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles, Incorporated (“BWL”). I am honored to have been given the opportunity to lead BWL and to join the ranks of the 45 amazing women who have previously led BWL. BWL is an important legacy of Black excellence in the city of Los Angeles and despite the challenges we faced as a result of the ongoing pandemic, this year we exceeded expectations in terms of fundraising and in our commitment to the community at large. I am extremely thankful for my 2020-2021 Board of Officers (“Board”), Committee Chairs and every individual who contributed to BWL and participated in our programing this year. The success of BWL depends on a team effort, and I was blessed to have a network of individuals willing to make sacrifices and put in Michelle Kazadi, Esq. the work necessary to ensure that BWL’s legacy continues. 2020-2021 President

As the 2019-2020 BWL year came to end, it included BWL swag and special treats. Highlight – 2020 BWL Virtual Installation became apparent that the pandemic was The Retreat started with a virtual welcome Ceremony not subsiding, but was instead taking a turn reception/party on Friday evening. We for the worse, with Los Angeles becoming relaxed as DJ DeVoux, DJ Teddy and MC The next event we had to tackle was the one of the hot spots of the country. Despite Rock played music and entertained us with BWL Annual Installation and Awards Dinner. this reality, plans needed to be made their comedic timing. Thank you to Michelle Clearly, we would not be able to have a live for BWL’s annual summer retreat and Johnson (MJ) at Let’s Play Ultimate Events event and the question quickly became how installation of officers, not to mention all for helping us plan the perfect start to our we were going to reimagine the installation of the other traditional events and services Retreat weekend. on a virtual platform. This year, we decided that BWL is known for providing. Without to “host” a fully recorded 2020 BWL Virtual missing a beat, we got to work! On Saturday we moved on to the business Installation Ceremony (the “Installation”) of BWL and left feeling invigorated and and not select any honorees, because we Highlight – 2020 BWL Virtual Annual Retreat ready to get to work. I especially want to didn’t want them to lose out on the in- thank our generous sponsors for supporting person experience of receiving an award. We started the transition with a reinvented this first ever virtual Retreat: Fly Mommy 2020 BWL Annual Retreat (the “Retreat”). Chronicles, Dansby Law Group, Benefield Thank you to Brand Quality Media for For this event, we created a virtual trip Law Corporation, Equal Rights Law Group, making our vision come to life better to Napa Valley, which was our intended and Demetria Graves. than we could have ever imagined. The destination prior to the pandemic. In Installation turned out beautifully and will advance of the Retreat, each registrant Finally, I want to say a special thank you to inevitably serve as a reminder of how BWL received a specially curated gift box that the 2020 BWL Annual Retreat Committee. always finds a way to shine, even when the only thing certain is uncertainty.

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2021 Letter From the Editor COVID-19, School Closures, Distance Learning: STEMing From Blackness: 3 Katuri Kaye, Esq. 9 Challenges Throughout the Pandemic 16 A Children’s Book Aimed at Cesely Westmoreland, Esq. Encouraging Black Kids to Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Justice Pursue STEM Careers 4 Ruth Bader Ginsburg 2020-2021 At A Glance Sarah Higgins, Esq. Ruby LeMorin 10 Better Rest When You Are Feeling Restless Living My Best Life Amid ESG Now Top of Mind for Fund Managers 12 Jasolyn Harris, LCSW, M.Div 17 a Pandemic 5 Kendall J. Bass, Esq. Crystal Patterson Fall/Winter 2021 Preview: Homme Coming Financial Resiliency: Changes You Can 13 Khiaecia Key Mismatched Shoes: 6 Make to Take Back Your Power Financially 18 A Shift in Perspective Jala Eaton, Esq. Even “Black Girl Magic” Needs a Little Extra Melanie Scott-Bennett, Esq. 14 Magic Sometimes! Communication Plays A Key Role in the Kasey M. Hemphill, Esq. 20 2020-2021 Officers 7 New Remote Work Environment Alissa D. Hurns, Esq. The Colder Ice Rhetoric In 2021 21 Past Presidents 15 Atyria S. Clark, Esq. Feeling Anxious about Returning 21 Lifetime Members 8 to the Office? Here are a Few Tips! Jacqulyn Lewis, Esq. President’s Message Continued.

Thank you to Donald Hayes for his special pivot into the virtual space without missing Diane Spencer-Shaw, Esq., Ina Coleman, shelters, motels, vehicles, group foster Further, in lieu of throwing the BWL arrangement and performance of Lift Every a beat, and in fact, leading the path with Grignon Law Firm, Harriett Buhai Center for homes, and the streets of Southern Annual Holiday Party this year, we Voice and Sing, featuring vocalist Anthony innovative ways to present virtual programs. Family Law, Friends and Family of Heather California. instead spent the allocated funds Saunders. Notwithstanding the raging pandemic, it Horn, Esq., Inszone Insurance Services, Lisa in our budget to purchase toys for was important to me that BWL continued McLean, Esq., and Andrea G. Van Leesten, • SRO Housing Corporation – An children in need. We donated toys Thank you to Supervisor Holly Mitchell, Hon. the great work we do despite all of the Attorney at Law. organization dedicated to building a to Prototypes and Shelter Care, an Letter From Kevin Brazile, Hon. Eric Taylor, Hon. Brenda challenges we faced this past year. In vibrant community for homeless and organization located at Edmund D. Penny, Hon. Patricia J. Titus, Capri Maddox, true BWL form, we continued to provide If you missed the Cocktail Sip, you can find low-income individuals. They pursue Edelman Children’s Court that supports Chambord Benton-Hayes, Alma Graham, intriguing monthly meetings and seminars, highlights on our YouTube channel and our their mission of community revitalization unaccompanied children awaiting their the Editor Nyanza Shaw, Tamara Benefield-Faulk, such as: website. by providing clean, safe and affordable hearings in dependency court. Katuri Kaye, Esq. Past President Nicole Hancock Husband, housing; managing public spaces; and IG: @OhKayeKay Past President Camille Townsend Granville, • Domestic Violence and the Impact on Pride administering needed supportive services. We also participated in the Cozy Coats Past President Rosezetta Upshaw, Past the Entire Family with Hon. Patricia J. Drive with the Crenshaw Family YMCA Times Magazine recently described the President Hon. Tara C. Doss, and Past Titus; Brenda C. Robinson, Esq., Ashley D. This year, we focused on honoring • My Friends House, Inc. – An organization and other community organizations. President Syna Dennis for their participation Williams, Esq., and Dennis Brown; BWL’s history and founders. BWL has that works to end hunger and promote Here, BWL raised over $700 and ongoing 2020-2021 pandemic as an event in the Installation and for their words of • Overcoming and Eliminating Bias with a distinguished history to be proud of healthy living. They serve the homeless, purchased over forty coats for the that has not only touched, but remade, encouragement as we embarked on the Professor Isabel Gunning, Justice Martin and we wanted to make sure that we seniors, women and children, veterans, event. Additionally, BWL, along with our every corner of society. No matter where 2020-2021 Board year. Jenkins and Justice Leondra Kruger; continued to educate both the new and unemployed, underemployed, the most sister bar organizations in Los Angeles, you were situated in the world, no one • Bar Prep Seminar in conjunction with the more seasoned members about our needy and vulnerable in our community. Woman Lawyers Association of Los was immune from this evolving reality, Thank you to Hon. Yvette D. Roland for John M. Langston Bar Association; founding in order to continue to foster Angeles, Latina Lawyers Bar Association, including the Black Women Lawyers swearing in the Board, and to Hon. Patricia J. • Raising the Bar: Interviewing Skills the appreciation and understanding of • Power Girl Ministries – An organization that and Asian Pacific American Women Association of Los Angeles, Incorporated Titus for swearing me in as President. Workshop with Nicole Hancock Husband what makes our organization so special. seeks to encourage, inspire, and validate Lawyers Alliance, donated winter gear, (“BWL”). As such, we wanted to provide and Traci Blackburn.; We hosted a Toast to BWL at our March young urban women to help them make gloves, scarves and beanies to the Los you with a 2021 Spring Newsletter that not Thank you to our sponsors Kirkland & Ellis • History Made: Interview with Assistant general meeting where founding convener, wise and healthy choices in their lives. Angeles Mission. only recognizes the realities of our “new LLP, Sanders Roberts LLP, City National Presiding Judge Samantha Jessner in Shirley Henderson, shared stories about Bank, Bergman Dacey Goldsmith, Reed conjunction with the Women Lawyers the beginning days of the organization. • Kids Managing Conflict – An organization I’m excited to say that one of BWL’s normal,” but also demonstrates that you Smith LLC, Jackson Lewis LLC, Gary C. Eto, Association of Los Angeles; Cynthia Cannady also shared stories about that teaches students conflict most important accomplishments are not alone. From pandemic reflections Esq., Waltzer Melcher LLP, Seyfarth Shaw • COVID-19 Vaccine Awareness Series in co-founder Hon. Vaino Spencer. management skills to enrich their lives into this year was the roll-out of our new to health and wellness suggestions to LLP, Munger Tolles & Olson LLP, Usher Law conjunction with Alpha Kappa Alpha adulthood. pro bono initiative, Learn, Help, Do! financial forums, this year’s Newsletter Group, Latham & Watkins LLP, Sanchez Sorority Inc., Theta Mu Omega, and other We owe so much to BWL’s visionary This project, the brainchild of BWL’s contributions provide a variety of tools, & Amador LLP, Judge Mablean, Hon. community organizations; and co-founder, Hon. Vaino Spencer, that • Drew Child Development Corporation Pro Bono Committee co-Chairs Betty tips and insights for our BWL community Marguerite Downing, Syna Dennis, Esq., • 59th Annual Presidential Inauguration we have created an endowment at her – An organization whose mission is to Norwind and Heather Horn, allowed to stay afloat and encouraged. The Parks Family Foundation, Jackson Lewis Watch Party, to celebrate the historic alma mater, Southwestern Law School, to prepare the children of Watts-Willowbrook, BWL to partner with the following Foundation, Hon. Yvette Roland and Hon. occasion of the inauguration of Vice provide scholarships and support to African Compton and South Los Angeles to three organizations, whose missions This is in addition to our more traditional Tara C. Doss. President Kamala Harris, who is also a American students interested in careers in succeed and thereby strengthen our are dedicated to improving the lives of contributions regarding events that shaped Lifetime Member of the Black Women the judiciary. To find out more about this community’s future. vulnerable persons of color: the past year, social commentary and our Thank you to the 2020 BWL Installation Lawyers Association of Northern California. endowment please visit BWL’s website. legal spotlights (this year on environmental, Committee for volunteering their time and • Making Choices Mentoring Program – • Alliance for Children’s Rights – An social and governance investment issues). support through the production process. The BWL Annual Thanksgiving Eve Cocktail Community Engagement An organization that mentors girls in organization that aids youth and Additionally, as a special treat, this year’s Sip (the “Cocktail Sip”), was another 7th through 12th grade in Los Angeles, families in the foster care and related Newsletter includes a Writer’s Corner Last, but certainly not least, thank you to signature BWL event we had to reinvent This year, we made it our mission to be a Hawthorne, Compton and Long Beach. systems; to highlight a few of our Black women BWL Vice President Jasmine Horton for the as a result of the ongoing pandemic. We strong presence in the community given The organization mentors in the areas of • Housing Rights Center – An advocates turned authors during the stellar job she did hosting the Installation. called on our friends at Let’s Play Ultimate the historic level of need as a result of the leadership, education, self-confidence, organization that addresses pandemic. For a great summation of our She certainly has a career in front of the Events and decided to present the event as ongoing pandemic. We partnered with integrity and community service. discrimination and other barriers to fair year, see Honoring our Legacy of Resilience, camera if this lawyer thing doesn’t work out! a virtual mansion party, with seven DJs in organizations like Alpha Kappa Alpha housing rights; and Pride and Community Engagement, by five breakout rooms, a live band headed by Sorority, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, • Diamond in the Raw Foundation – An • Jenesee Center – An organization 2020-2021 BWL President Michelle Kazadi. If you missed the Installation on the Corbin Jones, a comedian, multiple prizes Inc., and various other community groups organization whose mission is devoted to that helps domestic violence victims livestream date, you can still find it on our and special guest, Hill Harper. It was a great to educate the community about the empowering and transforming the lives of prepare for their domestic violence Even in these unprecedented times, YouTube channel, Facebook page and party and a great way to spend time with candidates and initiatives on the ballot foster care at-risk teen girls between the restraining order hearing. BWL continues to provide guidance and website. each other albeit virtually. for the 2020 November election cycle, as ages of 12-18 through S.T.E.A.M. education. professional support to its members, as well well as how to organize and participate in I am beyond proud of my Board for as charitable, educational and community- Highlight – 2020-2021 Board in Review Thank you to our Cocktail Sip co-chairs, community engagement. Thank you to all • Summaeverything Community Center, helping BWL accomplish so much based services. This is due, in large part, to Pamela Daves and Sarah Clifton, the of our partner organizations for joining us in Inc. – An organization that provides free this year. I am grateful to everyone the firm foundation that the small group of My theme for this Board year was, Honoring Cocktail Sip Committee members, and the fight for social justice and equity. organic produce box donations for Watts who stepped up and sacrificed their Los Angeles based African-American judges our Legacy of Resilience, Pride and all of our 2020 Cocktail Sips Sponsors for and South Central Los Angeles. This is a time, talents and treasure to ensure and lawyers established when they founded Community Engagement. I believe that the helping to make the event a reality: Jones To further our mission of promoting wonderful nonprofit organization that has the continued success of our beloved BWL in 1975, and the African-American Board exemplified all three elements of our Law Firm, Marinship Development Interest, charitable, educational and community- been providing food for Watts and South organization. Thank you for trusting women in leadership that have continuously theme this year with purpose and grace. LLC, Patricia Savage, Skadden, Arps, Slate, based services, this year, we also gave Central the entire pandemic. me and for allowing me the privilege served this organization over the past 46 I could not be prouder of the work that Meagher & Flom, LLP, Trucker Huss, APC, directly to community organizations. We and honor to lead BWL through the years. we have done and will continue to do this Hotel Indigo Los Angeles, Lynette M. Jones, were fortunate to be in a position to give to In addition to BWL’s direct donations to the ongoing global pandemic. Board year. Esq., Pam Lumpkin Real Estate, Ackerman the following organizations over the course above organizations, we also provided our We hope that by reading this Newsletter, LLP, Adams, Esq., Warren E. Anderson, Arts of the year: annual Thanksgiving donation of food and I will always cherish this experience! you not only learn more about BWL’s efforts Resilience Boheme, The Bella Network, Law Offices gift cards to Prototypes, an organization and accomplishments, but that you also feel of Wanda Y. Belle, Law Offices of Michael J. • School on Wheels – An organization that that rebuilds the lives of women, children inspired to support our mission and share Our ability to recover quickly from adverse Curls, DAVOH Entertainment, Inc., Equity provides free tutoring and mentoring and communities impacted by substance in our vision. Help BWL continue to make situations was evident in BWL’s ability to Legal Group, P.C., Jennifer Fisher, Esq., to children from K-12th grade living in use, mental illness and domestic violence. a difference and change our society for the better.

2 Spring 2021 | Black Women Lawyers Associations of Los Angeles 3 CURRENT EVENTS LEGAL CORNER Celebrating the Life and Legacy of ESG Now Top of Mind for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Fund Managers Ruby LeMorin Kendall J. Bass, Esq. UCLA Law c/o 2021 Proskauer Rose LLP @rubylemorin (on Twitter and Instagram)

The death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, on September 18, 2020, dealt a major blow to people across the country. Often referred to as the Increasingly, investors are focusing on environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) concerns when determining how to invest their money. “Notorious RBG,” Justice Ginsburg was widely loved and respected for the methods by which she shaped the law to treat women and men Only a relatively small amount of capital was aimed at investment opportunities with an ESG angle 10 years ago, whereas today, almost a third equally. Her tireless work and clever strategies developed to protect and expand women’s constitutional rights was inspirational, especially for of public market capital is being invested in ESG-related strategies. This trend has started to occur in private markets as well, particularly having many women in the legal profession. On top of facing the loss of such a regarded public figure, the news of Justice Ginsburg’s passing left many accelerated in 2020, when the world was focused on sustainability more so than ever before. A large part of this shift has been considered to be with serious concerns about the future composition of the United States Supreme Court and the impact that her absence from the Supreme due to last year’s landmark events, including the pandemic, the death of George Floyd and the worldwide protests against institutional racism, Court would have on American life. Her thoughtful and insightful opinions will certainly be missed in future Supreme Court proceedings. as well as the wildfires in California and Australia which highlighted the issue of climate change.

As way of background, Justice Ginsburg wrote a brief that successfully argued for which continue to serve as inspiration to established her reputation as an ardent the Supreme Court’s development and fight for equal rights for all people. They are In the investment fund world, this trend has proposed amendments to the Fund Given the changes observed and the supporter of women’s and civil rights application of a new, heightened standard a reminder for us to pick up the baton that has resulted in an increased public Manager Code of Conduct to accomplish increased focus on ESG issues in 2020, it is early on in her career. During her time of judicial review – intermediate scrutiny Justice Ginsburg carried for so long, and to consciousness and investor preference the same. Even prior to being elected as no surprise that ESG is now top of mind for as a professor at Rutgers Law School, – in its analysis of a law that discriminated continue fighting to build a legal system for investment strategies that focus on the new President of the United States, many fund managers when determining Justice Ginsburg supported the creation against women on the basis of sex. More which regards people of all identities as achieving long-term sustainability goals. late last year Joe Biden made it clear their funds’ investment portfolios. In 2021 of the Minority Student Program to bring recently, Justice Ginsburg’s dissent in equals. Potential investors are paying attention to that ESG issues would be a focus for his and the years that follow, this inability to more diversity to the school and the Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. ESG when evaluating the general partners administration. Since being inaugurated, ignore ESG will likely become the norm New Jersey state bar. She went on to inspired Congress’s creation of the Lilly My wish is for Justice Ginsburg’s legacy to with whom they might invest. Private Biden has pushed for businesses to across broader industries, as the world direct the Women’s Rights Project of the Ledbetter Fair Pay Act in 2009. Of course, inspire more people, especially women in Equity International saw an 8% increase in meaningfully incorporate ESG into their takes lessons from the events of last year. American Civil Liberties Union. In that these are simply a few of the many ways in the law, to maintain hope for a brighter 2020 from 2019 in the number of investors agendas, and it appears that Biden’s 1“Sustainability Shift”, Private Equity International role, Ginsburg authored a brief in Reed v. which Justice Ginsburg passionately fought future and to make a greater effort to who confirmed the same. Further, 13% presidency will continue to reveal an even of investors polled by Private Equity greater focus on ESG investing in the (November 1, 2020) Reed that convinced the Supreme Court for the recognition of women’s rights. change the injustices they see in the world. 2“GPs’ ESG approaches go under the microscope”, LP to rule, for the first time, that a law was In that work, Justice Ginsburg’s spirit will International in 2020 confirmed they had United States. A formal ESG framework is Perspectives 2021, Private Equity International (November invalid because it discriminated against When Jewish people die, we often say “may continue to live on. Cheers to the Notorious rejected an investment opportunity due not yet in place for fund managers in the 30, 2020) 3 women in violation of the Equal Protection their memory be for a blessing.” Here, RBG! to the lack of diversity and inclusion at United States, however, this may change “GPs’ ESG approaches go under the microscope”, LP the general partner-level. In March 2020, in the wake of the Biden administration’s Perspectives 2021, Private Equity International (November Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. A these words mean we are blessed with the 30, 2020) 3 of the world’s largest and best-known focus on these issues as well as the few years later in Craig v. Boren, Ginsburg memory of Justice Ginsburg’s life and work, 4“Joint statement on the importance of long-term, institutional investors – California State regulatory regimes we are seeing emerge sustainable growth”, CalSTRS (March 2, 2020) Teachers’ Retirement System, Japan’s globally. 5Id. Government Pension Investment Fund, 6Kirsten Lapham, John Verwey, and Amar Unadkat, and Universities Superannuation Scheme Investor demands and regulatory “Breaking Down the New EU ESG Disclosure Regulation: One Month to Go”, Proskauer Rose LLP (February 10, 2021) Investment Management – issued a joint requirements are not the only incentives 7“European ESG Disclosure Requirements for Asset statement stressing the importance of long- for fund managers to incorporate ESG Managers”, Proskauer Rose LLP (September 18, 2020) term, sustainable growth and urged their considerations into their investment 8Serge Krancenblum, “Is ESG becoming the new normal investment partners and the companies in strategies. Companies that focus on ESG around the world?”, Private Equity News (February 10, 2021) which they invest to integrate ESG factors can be more resilient in the long-term 9Maria Mendiluce, “What Biden’s Sustainability Agenda into their decision-making processes. By than their counterparts that are solely Means for Business”, Harvard Business Journal (March July 6, 2020, the joint statement had gained focused on their bottom lines. Better 3, 2021) an additional 12 signatories. ESG performance can help improve both 10Robert Bailey, Jaclyn Yeo, Lingjun Jiang and current employee satisfaction as well as Angela Ferguson, “ESG as a Workforce Strategy”, MarshMcLennan Regulators around the world have also a company’s ability to attract new talent. 11Witold Henisz, Tim Koller, and Robin Nuttall, “Five ways become increasingly focused on ESG with Governing authorities may be more that ESG creates value”, McKinsey Quarterly (November respect to fund managers. In March, the likely to trust companies with strong ESG 2019) European Union introduced the Sustainable propositions, potentially resulting in easier 12Margaret Childe, “Why ESG Portfolios have Proven to be More Resilient in the Context of COVID-19”, Responsible Financial Disclosure Regulation (the entry to new markets and less regulatory Investing (November 5, 2020) “SFDR”) for asset managers. The SFDR is and legal interventions. Consumers also directed at making the European Union’s made it clear last year that they will not financial markets more sustainable and hesitate to call out, or pull financial support aims to provide a harmonized approach from, a company that fails to properly to investor disclosure concerning the address ESG concerns. Thus, investing ESG classification of products to avoid in companies that are ESG-minded is “greenwashing” of products. Similarly, the increasingly being viewed as a smart choice Monetary Authority of Singapore is in the for fund managers even purely from an process of incorporating ESG requirements economic perspective. into its fund regulation and Hong Kong

4 Black Women Lawyers Associations of Los Angeles | Spring 2021 5 3 FINANCIAL FORUM PANDEMIC REFLECTIONS Financial Resiliency: Communication Plays A Key Role in Changes You Can Make to Take Back the New Remote Work Environment Alissa D. Hurns, Esq. Your Power Financially [email protected] Jala Eaton, Esq. CTFA

Changing jobs, even in the best of times, • How is the communication with other overdo the time spent on video calls (i.e., can be a little scary. Although you may associates and support staff? excessive Zoom happy hours). Instead, Let me start by saying that the majority of my life, I ignored my money. I spent it. I hid be excited about a new opportunity, there • What does the firm do to ensure plan deliberate and meaningful activities it from myself. I obtained thousands of dollars in student loans for two degrees during a usually is a bit of fear of the unknown. employees stay connected? for new hires to connect with others. recession, expecting the best. However, I ended up in a field I never expected to work in. Will this opportunity live up to my Finally, be conscientious of not getting I worked as a trust officer protecting money left in trust funds. Seeing millions of dollars expectations? How will I get along with These questions, in part, may give a too comfortable with always responding daily became a regular occurrence for me. It wasn’t until I saw $100,000,000 in one trust the partners? How will I fit in with my candidate a glimpse of the firm’s culture, via e-mail, particularly in the beginning of that my relationship with money changed forever. Maybe the shift occurred because colleagues? Will I enjoy the work? Will at least in terms of how the firm is an employee’s relationship with the firm. I knew the money belonged to a person who still went into his local branch to do his I enjoy the work environment? Now, maintaining engagement with attorneys Scheduling phone calls or video calls with banking. It made me want to build my own wealth and empower other Black women imagine changing jobs during the midst and staff remotely. During my interview new employees is a good way to check in to do the same. If he could do it, why couldn’t we? I did my research and I learned that of a pandemic, where all interviews are with our partners, I inquired about how the and gauge how they are doing, while also there are three basic keys to obtaining and protecting wealth, which I want to share conducted on-line, and you never step firm remained engaged with associates providing them with an opportunity to ask with you. foot in the building where you will one and what the onboarding and development questions, resulting in both parties getting day work until weeks after you begin. process was considering the new remote to know each other. 1. Financial Planning and Financial (and I did not make any changes to the your money after you die. At some point, This became my reality. work environment. The response that sold Literacy: Even with millions in the bank, account). You have to be willing to learn you will need help. An accident, old age, me was, “Well, actually, I find I have more Bottom line, the remote work environment trust beneficiaries are expected to submit what you are doing. No one cares about declining health, having a pet, or being out In August 2020, an opportunity presented time to engage with associates. Since I is the new reality for now (and likely budgets and know their assets and you and your success the way you do! of the country could trigger the need for itself for me to interview for employment don’t have to spend hours in a car driving for the immediate future), and a firm’s liabilities. They must have a plan. Having a proper estate plan while you are alive. If with another firm. Since this was during to a mediation, with everything online, I’m communication channel is of utmost a plan brings confidence. Therefore, we 3. Estate Planning: Generational wealth you have completed your estate planning, the period of the pandemic where cases able to have associates sit in on mediations. important in this new reality. Review it, need to be financially confident. We have and trusts are not possible without an your plan will spring into action and your were once again rising in California, my I’m able to give them more exposure than tweak it, and revisit it again and again. to know that we can handle any financial estate plan. Money may transfer to one representative will be able to act on your first introduction to my new firm was I would otherwise.” I was also pleased with situation that comes our way. We can’t generation, but rarely does money continue behalf. If your goal during life is not to be interviewing via Zoom (and again for my how responsive the partners were. afford to live feeling guilty and condemned on to a second or third generation. Women taken advantage of, don’t let it happen to second round of interviews). Ultimately, by past mistakes. Instead, we need to act have historically been left out of financial you in death either. Update your estate- I received the job offer and decided to Excuse me while I put on my former human with the confidence that will enable us to planning and estate planning, because planning documents regularly! accept, having not once stepped foot into resources hat for a moment – Believe make the right decisions for our lives. So, it is a male-dominated industry, despite my new office. This was the new reality. it or not, little things matter to keeping how do you build financial confidence? the fact that we often outlive our partners The more work you do in these three areas employees engaged, loyal, and happy. At Start by taking a self-inventory to discover and women business owners account the better off you will be. As an attorney What we sometimes forget is that my firm, the partners really focus on being your money strengths and weaknesses. for more than 8.6 million businesses and and certified financial advisor, I have made interviewing is a two-way street – the responsive. While a lot of communication is Forgive yourself and take time to learn control more than $14 trillion in assets. We it my mission to teach financial education employer interviews the candidate and the done via e-mail, phone calls are also a norm, how to fix any issues you see. If this step is are capable of advocating for ourselves, and estate planning in hopes that if I teach candidate interviews the employer. It is and we usually have some laughs on those difficult you can always ask for help. but the majority of us shrink when we feel someone, they will be self-sufficient, better important for candidates to ask questions calls. They have been learning about me, like we don’t understand money/finance prepared, and able to teach others what during the interview process to get a and I have been learning about them. As 2. Investing: I have never seen a trust that because it’s “complex.” When building they have learned. Empowering a Black clear picture (to the extent possible) of a result, it has allowed me to feel a sense of didn’t have marketable securities and your estate plan, consider who is capable woman through financial education usually the environment that they are walking connection to my firm in this new remote other investments. Additionally, trusts of managing your money and where your results in improved financial health and into, especially in the new remote work work environment. that included a business were usually money should go. If you believe the people well-being for her entire family. environment. This is particularly important the larger trusts. Investing is one way to you want to leave money to, can manage a for junior attorneys, such as myself, who still My message to firm partners and Jala Eaton, Esq, CTFA is an optimist, estate planning ensure that your money grows. When I lump sum make sure that is written in your work under some level of guidance from management attempting to navigate this went through the financial confidence estate plan. If you want your money to go attorney, and certified financial advisor with a mission to help Black women build and protect their assets through partners or more senior attorneys. new remote work environment is to not inventory described above, I realized I to a minor, a pet, a friend, a charity, or you learning to invest and creating an estate plan. The racial underestimate the importance of how you needed to understand investing. I had an have a business to protect, then you should wealth gap is the problem and generational wealth is Based on my experience, I believe that are engaging newly hired associates, law employer-sponsored retirement account consider having a trust drafted as part of the goal and the solution. When not advising her clients at a minimum, the following important clerks and summer associates. I recently that had a -15% return. I was losing money! your plan. It is not enough to build wealth or talking about money on Instagram (follow her @ onmyownfinancial), she likes to attend the private dance questions should be asked by candidates participated in interviews with law students I set out to learn the basics of investing. I through saving and investing, we must also parties her five-year-old daughter holds in their living during a virtual interview process: and the number one question was how read everything I could get my hands on, protect our wealth and control our legacies. room. the firm stayed connected remotely. On I asked questions, and I started having Dying without an estate plan in place will • How has the firm handled the transition the other side of the spectrum, I’ve also financial conversations. More importantly, turn your family’s mourning period into a from office to remote work? heard fellow lawyers complain about Zoom I took action to implement what I was frenzy of fighting. Your family might not • How are partners maintaining fatigue. Here, I recommend that partners reading. I studied my investment options fight each other but your creditors and/ communication with associates? and management are conscientious to not and created a retirement investment plan. or the Internal Revenue Service might My account quickly changed to a positive come after your estate. Remember, 9.45% return. In 2020 that return was 45% estate planning is deeper than who gets

6 Spring 2021 | Black Women Lawyers Associations of Los Angeles Black Women Lawyers Associations of Los Angeles | Spring 2021 7 3 PANDEMIC REFLECTIONS PANDEMIC REFLECTIONS Feeling Anxious about Returning COVID-19, School Closures, Distance to the Office? Here are a Few Tips! Learning: Challenges Throughout the Jacqulyn Lewis, Esq. IG: @jaxlewi_esq Pandemic Cesely Westmoreland, Esq. Registered In-House Counsel, KIPP SoCal Public Schools If you’re feeling anxious about society 1. Be mindful of your mental and 3. Don’t be shy about setting boundaries [email protected] reopening and returning to the office, emotional state: As we prepare to ease to manage your space: Don’t let the you’re not alone. Attorneys across the back into the office, it’s important to be anxieties of others become your own. March 19, 2020, dramatically changed Despite the challenges, our schools were because of the large distrust for vaccines globe experienced an unprecedented conscious of our emotional and mental Working from home has given us all the schools throughout the state of California able to increase enrollment, connect with and the federal government in Black and amount of autonomy during the state and accept that it’s okay to have liberty to be ourselves throughout the in the blink of an eye. As part of the our students, offer assessments and services Latinx communities due to incidents, such pandemic, and many are not looking qualms about your return. Resist the urge to workday without worrying about filtering “Stay at Home” and “Safer at Home” to our special education students, and serve as the Tuskegee study, and the speed forward to giving up their working-from- suppress your emotions and acknowledge to accommodate others. The return to the orders issued at both the state and the thousands of meals to students. By far, of development and approval of these home (“WFH”) lifestyle. that not wanting to give up your WFH office may trigger social anxiety and create local levels, all schools were forced to the biggest achievements came from our vaccines. lifestyle is legitimate and more common a need to emotionally dump on others, close. This resulted in school districts teachers’ efforts to make distance learning Many attorneys received the same speech than you think. Implementing a daily consciously or subconsciously. Don’t be immediately having to get into action work by keeping it creative and engaging Nonetheless, as I write this article, our after taking the bar exam – “take full practice of meditation to manage your afraid to create boundaries and shift the and create plans for how they would for students, despite there being no true schools announced a phased in-person advantage of your post-bar trip, because anxiety is a great place to start and there are conversation as necessary to protect your educate students outside of the physical replacement for in-person learning. Also, return to campus schedule and by the it is the last real vacation you will ever a plethora of free apps available to you at mental state and to manage the energy classroom. With my daughters, ages 4 our parents were resilient in their efforts time you read this article, we would have take.” However, the WFH model law no cost. Additionally, many law firms have around you. Protect your space! and 2, at my hip, due to daycare being to assist their students while they held returned to hybrid in-person learning firms were required to adopt as a result adopted wellness programs that provide shut down as well, I immediately got to full-time jobs. (with an option for children to remain of the pandemic provided attorneys with access to free mental-health benefits and 4. Continue to prioritize your self-care work trying to help navigate the KIPP in 100% distance learning). Despite the an opportunity to travel and stay away reimbursement for a certain amount of out- routines: A huge concern employees have SoCal Public Schools (where I am the At the height of this madness, Los Angeles current circumstances, our schools and I for extended periods of time that was of-pocket costs. It’s ok to not be ok! expressed about returning to their offices registered in-house counsel), during this County became the epicenter of the have continuously prioritized the needs never even thought of as an option in our is the inability to maintain the self-care unprecedented time. pandemic. Simultaneously, the pressure of our students, parents, teachers, and profession. 2. Take preventative measures to routines they’ve established over the past began to mount to reopen schools, which staff, and have navigated our schools’ prevent stress from peaking: Stress year. Working from home not only freed Distance learning is something that most resulted in Governor Gavin Newsom safe re-openings with an extreme level In addition to the ability to travel and management is a skill that most attorneys up more time to take care of ourselves brick-and-mortar schools had little or no releasing the “Safe Schools for All Plan” of caution, sensitivity and care, including spend more time with our families and have had to practice since beginning law by working out and cooking more, it also experience administering pre-pandemic. to get children back to school. However, vaccine availability, refining our health and friends, the WFH model also eliminated school. Stress internalizes in the body and gave us more time to self-reflect and make However, our schools immediately rolled up with the pandemic reaching catastrophic safety operating procedures, and working the unnecessary stressors that came manifests in headaches, the development the necessary lifestyle adjustments to be their sleeves and got to action on numerous levels in Los Angeles County, and Black through new learning protocols. with commuting to and from work, of temporomandibular joint and muscle our best selves. Continue to make these tasks to assist our students, including and Latinx communities that we served and generally cut back on the daily or “TMJ” disorders, panic attacks and body self-care routines a top priority to minimize preparing paper packets of classwork, in South and East LA, Compton and San In-person learning is essential for all our interruptions that came with working in aches, among other symptoms we may the disruption in your mental and physical distributing thousands of Chromebooks Diego being disproportionately impacted, students’ education, mental health, and the office. experience. Paying attention to your stress well-being. Remember, self-care is a right and hotspots to access Google Classroom our teachers, students, and families social well-being, and this past year has signals will allow you to intervene as soon not a luxury! and Zoom to attend class virtually, and were among the most apprehensive been a challenge. But we have learned If this sounds like you and you aren’t too as possible. Conduct a body scan regularly advancing the food distribution process to about returning to school. Even with so much and will continue to educate thrilled about returning to the office, I’ve and practice breathing techniques and Overall, lifestyle changes typically create ensure needed meal and snack assistance the availability of vaccines, especially ourselves to be the best for our schools, provided the following four tips to help you mindfulness exercises to relax your body and emotional discomfort. I encourage you to would not be interrupted. with teachers being prioritized, this our students, our parents and our manage your stress and set you up for as calm your mind. Be in tune with your inner take the inevitable head on and utilize the apprehension has not completely resolved, communities. smooth of a transition as possible. self! above tips to prioritize yourself as you adjust I immediately found myself trying to find to your return to the office. answers to legal issues that emerged due to our school closures, from cybersecurity to protect our students, teachers, and staff in the virtual environment to a variety of human resources issues, such as leave and accommodations. I received a large volume of calls regarding almost every possible issue, where I was expected to have an answer right on the spot (because typically I do). However, I must admit that some of the legal issues that arose had me stumped. And when I reached out to our outside counsel for advice on the more difficult issues, I would often hear, “Good luck. We do not have a specific answer for you due to these unprecedented circumstances.”

Black Women Lawyers Associations of Los Angeles | Spring 2021 9 3 2020-2021 At A Glance

10 Spring 2021 | Black Women Lawyers Associations of Los Angeles Black Women Lawyers Associations of Los Angeles | Spring 2021 11 3 HEALTH & WELLNESS HEALTH & WELLNESS

Better Rest When You Fall/Winter 2021 Preview

Are Feeling Restless Homme Coming

Jasolyn Harris, LCSW, M.Div Khiaecia Key

[email protected] [email protected]

Some of my favorite Black-owned or Black-helmed womenswear

designers took their cues from menswear for their Fall/Winter 2021

Have you ever finally finished your day after long hours of stressful work and found it collections, trading the soft, easy pieces that got us through the hard

very difficult to fall asleep? Do you often feel like your body is ready to rest, but your times in 2020 for a future that looks less fluid and feels more structured.

mind is still going a million miles a minute? Perhaps, you finally manage to close your

eyes and fall asleep, but you toss and turn all night and feel anxious upon waking? Hope For Flowers by Tracey Reese eases us into the trend by experimenting

I have certainly been there on more occasions than I could count, but not anymore. with softer tailoring on menswear silhouettes. Laquan Smith's eponymous label plays with contrast by pairing oversized, fluid pieces with more Below are three tips that helped me – a Black, queer, femme, licensed clinical social

worker, and pastor –experience more restful sleep that I want to share with you. constructed ones. Other labels were inspired by more traditional tailoring

like Sergio Hudson, Wales Bonnner and Kevan Hall. A few played with

new silhouettes like playful shoulder shapes and detailing at Aliette and FLOWERS MAGUGU HOPE FOR HOPE

1. Before bed, write down (on paper/journal/notebook) what’s on your mind. sharp, outsized proportions at Sukeina. Thebe Magugu gave retro feels and What Black women and femmes experience on a day-to-day basis can often feel Theophilio played with texture. indescribable. However, stream of consciousness writing helps us to let it all out! SMITH LAQUAN THEBE

The goal is not necessarily to understand in that very moment exactly what is bothering As you venture back to the office, don’t be afraid to play with these bold

you, but to release your mind from holding on to too much. Writing down your thoughts and creative fashion inspirations. You deserve it!

before bed not only helps in achieving clarity and peace of mind, it can also help improve Khiaecia Key, Founder and Chief Curator of Love ABE, a platform that helps people discover your quality of rest and sleep if you add it to your nightly routine. So, get your pen and Black owned luxury brands from around the world paper and get to writing!

2. Aromatherapy Candles and Essential Oils. Another key to restful sleep is inhaling

a smell that specifically make you feel good. Are there any scents you really love that

make you feel calm, warm, comfortable and restful? It is important to note that this can

feel different for different people. Once you have identified your scent(s), purchase some BALMAIN

ALIETTE aromatherapy candles and/or essential oils with that scent(s) and have it next to your bed. With essential oils, you can use a diffuser or put it directly on your body. I love to combine . scents and some of my favorite combinations for relaxations and sleep are the following: aloe & bergamot, lavender & vanilla, and cedar & rose. Don’t be afraid to experiment.

3. Plants in your bedroom. Your sleeping environment is vital to your quality of sleep and rest. There are specific plants that can help you have more restful sleep by improving

your environment. Snake plants are amazing for sleep, because they are natural air purifiers that emit oxygen at night and remove harmful chemicals. Pathos plants are also wonderful to have in your room near your bed, as they too are natural air purifiers.

Go green! SUKEINA

Struggling with sleep is something many Black women and femmes experience, but don’t feel like you have to manage it by yourself. You are not the only one suffering, and there is relief available when we bring our collective issues to the surface. I hope that you utilize my three tips as you embark on your better sleep journey.

The Nap Ministry says it best, “A Black woman in a rested state is a radical act” so let’s

take seriously our liberation to rest and sleep well! KEVAN HALL

HUDSON

12 Spring 2021 | Black Women Lawyers Associations of Los Angeles THEOPHILIO SERGIO WALESBONNER HEALTH & WELLNESS SOCIAL COMMENTARY Even “Black Girl Magic” The Colder Ice Rhetoric In 2021 Atyria S. Clark, Esq. Needs a Little Extra FB: Shantell Clark IG: @msdivalawyer1 Magic Sometimes! YouTube: The Diva Lawyer Diaries Kasey M. Hemphill, Esq. @thekaseymarie https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaseyhemphill/ Recently, the leader and founder of the “I only hire Jewish lawyers.” (Mind you, pass the same bar exams as our non-Black group the Not Fucking Around Coalition this individual supposedly owned a Black colleagues? How do we reach economic (the “NFAC”), John Fitzgerald Johnson Vodka company!) empowerment if we shun out Black lawyers aka “Grand Master Jay”, was arrested on and refuse to support them? How do we This article is in no way suggesting that reach Black unity and Black autonomy if No one should ever have to design a “Missing Person” flyer for a loved one. And yet, state and federal charges alleging that every Black person should always hire a our proclaimed “pro-Black leaders” choose in July 2020, that is exactly what I found myself doing one evening. Finding a loved he pointed a rifle at law enforcement Black attorney. I believe people should to foster this “White man’s ice is colder” one that has gone missing is, in an understated characterization, a challenge—and the officers at a September 2020 gathering always hire attorneys they are most rhetoric in 2021? I don’t profess to have all challenge is exacerbated if the individual has a mental illness. It can be all too easy to in Kentucky. For those unfamiliar with cease caring for oneself when the wellbeing of a loved one is at stake. comfortable with, who have a proven the answers. However, I do believe it is time the group, the NFAC was reportedly track record and who are experienced for our community to have these difficult organized to foster self-sufficiency for in the area in which they need discussions and take steps towards true Historically, I have thrown self-care out of the window whenever my loved one started Black Americans and to encourage Black assistance. However, when one is holding healing and change. to experience severe symptoms of her illness. However, my outlook this past July was Americans to exercise their Second themselves out as a “champion” of Black completely different. From the day I received news of her disappearance, to the day she was Amendment rights. Grand Master Jay empowerment and Black progress, such as If you’re interested, here’s the link to Grand found and began treatment, I faced numerous moments when I had to consciously choose has held himself out as a champion of Grand Master Jay, I do contend that at the Master Jay’s video: https://www.youtube. whether or not to care for myself. Nearly every time, I chose self-care. I want to share my Black nationalism and Black autonomy. very minimum, they should not disparage com/watch?v=OfgYpM2yPyo thoughts and actions before and during this moment of crisis, for any of my fellow Black Black attorneys by suggesting that only When charged with these offenses, women lawyers who find themselves in a similar situation. Here are two tools that helped non-Black attorneys are “the best” in the however, he apparently selected a non- me maintain my “magic.” profession. Black attorney to represent him, which 1. The Importance of Therapy: prompted some to question his decision How do we progress as a society if this is Shortly before the pandemic, I started participating in regular therapy sessions. At the time, and in turn, prompted him to respond via the mentality that we choose to adopt things in my life felt relatively balanced, but I knew I needed to develop a game plan for a YouTube video. about the legal professionals in our future crises. For me, it was critical to find a therapist with whom I felt totally comfortable. community? Why is there such disdain My therapist fit all of my criteria, down to her therapy techniques—she practices Cognitive Grand Master Jay’s choice in from some Black people about Black Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I enjoy the idea of “homework” in therapy, and having small tasks representation, in and of itself, is not the attorneys? Where does this notion come to work on between each session, so CBT appealed to me. issue. There are competent attorneys who from that Black attorneys are somehow can effectively represent Grand Master incompetent to handle “tough” cases, as if The search for a therapist can be daunting, but taking steps to find the right person for you Jay, and others, regardless of race. The we did not go to the same law schools and is essential. I lean on my therapist during the moments when I need extra support, and our issue arose when Grand Master Jay took work together has helped me develop coping skills and strengthen relationships. to YouTube to essentially throw Black attorneys (particularly those in the state 2. Daily Self-Care is Key: of Kentucky) under the bus. He easily I highly recommend engaging in daily self-care. I found motivation to start a daily practice could have avoided the conflict by simply after viewing the Corporate Minority Counsel Program webinar “Juggling in a Crisis: Don’t stating that he chose an attorney who Drop the Self-Care Ball,” featuring our very own Black woman lawyer Nicole Hancock came highly recommended or that he Husband. hired an attorney who he knew and/or felt comfortable with. Additionally, he could Nicole’s webinar revolutionized my thinking: self-care can just be a few minutes each day, have remained silent about his decision. and can be any activity so long as it is something I choose and makes me feel good. At the Instead, he went into a tirade about hiring beginning of each day, or the night before, I plan a self-care activity I will do for the day. It a non-Black attorney, because he only is so fulfilling to know that I have gone from taking care of myself sporadically, to making a wanted, “the best of the best [attorney] commitment to myself every day. This practice was critical during my moments of anxiety that money could buy” and only the “best” and fear this past summer—I emerged from the situation without feeling totally broken could represent him in this situation. down. Self-care reinforced my strength and resilience! Unfortunately, this mentality is not an Oftentimes, we as Black women wonder where to start on our self-care journey, so I wanted anomaly – I have all too often heard people to provide a short glimpse into what worked for me. I hope this article inspires you to invest who look like me brag about only hiring in your mental health. Whether you are considering therapy and self-care, or have a well- White or Jewish attorneys. I have even had established self-care and therapy regimen, we all can do more to take care of ourselves. Try Black clients ask for referrals to non-Black as we might, we cannot pour from an empty cup. There is much we cannot control, but attorneys. Then, once at a networking taking the steps to care for ourselves empowers us to be better sisters, daughters, mothers, group for Black-owned businesses, a Black wives, friends, and colleagues. Caring for ourselves is the difference between surviving and person refused to take my business card thriving, and is vital to preserving our magic. saying in response,

14 Spring 2021 | Black Women Lawyers Associations of Los Angeles Black Women Lawyers Associations of Los Angeles | Spring 2021 15 3 AUTHOR’S CORNER AUTHOR’S CORNER STEMing From Blackness: Living My Best Life Amid a Pandemic Crystel Patterson A Children’s Book Aimed at Children’s Book Author IG: @inspiredtobe_cp Encouraging Black Kids to Pursue Website: www.crystelpatterson.com

STEM Careers Recently, I was asked to lead a breakout session at a work conference, where I would share a bucket list item I undertook during the pandemic. The breakout session was called “Living My Best Life” and while I was excited to Sarah Higgins, Esq. share my endeavors, I would hardly say that I was living my best life. At the time, I was staffed on a project where IG: @sehiggins5 I'd been working insane hours (far from my definition of living my best life). But, as I prepared for the session and had an opportunity to reflect, I slowly arrived at a place where I felt more comfortable affirming that I was indeed living my best life. About two years after graduating with a B.S. in Engineering, I drafted a manuscript for a children’s book. At the time, I was reflecting on my undergraduate career. What I remembered was the disillusionment I felt in seeing only a few Black faces I’ll cut to the chase…I wrote a book but I’m also life so I’m thankful to my in my engineering classes. Representation and inclusion matters. So, I wrote STEMing From Blackness to inspire Black series for children. creating a legacy. son for helping me to find children to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Given the demands my passion and making it Oddly enough, I started down this path of my job, my possible for me to live my in the wake of George Floyd’s murder inclination should best life. The book features a fictional young my manuscript to publishers seemed when my then 8-year old son, Croix, have been to step Black girl, Lisa, who finds herself daunting, thus I talked myself out of it. asked me, “Why does the police keep away from working struggling to complete her math Just as I was finishing my manuscript, killing black people?”. In that moment on the series until homework. Because none of the I decided to go to law school. Studying I wanted him to know the sad truth things settled scientists she learns about in school for the LSAT seemed like a legitimate about this country we live in, but at the down at work, look like her, she thinks she will reason to put my book on the back same time, I felt he deserved to know a yet something in never be good at math or science. burner. But as I matriculated through different and better narrative. my soul told me To encourage Lisa, her mother law school, I would occasionally open I needed to push highlights the accomplishments of my manuscript on my computer. Even The vision for the “Inspired to Be” book through and stay committed. Imagine five Black women who have excelled though I was no longer pursuing a series came to me a few nights later working 20 hours a day, 7 days a week, in STEM. After hearing about these career in STEM, I still found inspiration while I was reading a bedtime story not spending time with your family, women, Lisa is inspired and realizes in the women I highlighted. I knew that to both of my sons. They were so into and barely having time to do things if they could achieve, then so could someday, I had to get my book out of the story, that I started to wonder like eat or shower, but still making time she. my computer, and into the hands of how the story was shaping their to work on a side project? I discovered children everywhere. young minds in that very moment. I that writing and sharing these stories In many ways, this book is loosely started to think about how books help is my passion. I struggled all my life With that, I’d like to leave you with this: based on my own childhood After graduating from law school and children develop their own narratives to truly pinpoint what my passion my mission is to reach and inspire as experiences. Like Lisa, I had a passing the bar exam, I had run out and how important it is for children to was and suddenly, my son asked me many children possible with my books teacher who told my fourth-grade of excuses for not finishing my book. see themselves in positive characters. a pointed question, and I stumbled and I’d love your support. Here’s how class that boys were generally better However, I needed someone to hold Currently, representation in books across my passion (life is so funny you can help: at math than girls were. Like Lisa, I me accountable and guide me in the is not only very important for Black sometimes). was—and still am—inspired by Black self-publishing process. I found a Black children, but it's just as important 1. Purchase my first book,One Flip, Two trailblazers and achievers. I knew female editor who helped me polish for non-Black children to see Black While my work-life balance isn’t always Flip, Three Flip, Four, for the children I was not the only young Black girl my manuscript and connected me with characters being represented in a ideal, being able to do something that in your life. You can also pre-order my who wanted to study STEM fields, an illustrator to bring my story to life. positive light. I feel so passionate about allows me to next book, I am Different. Both books but was discouraged by the narrative Nearly seven years after first putting pen feel like I’m living my best life. When are available on my website: www. that girls were not suited for such to paper, my book was live on Amazon. So, I decided to write stories inspired by I see videos of children reading and crystelpatterson.com careers. I wrote this book to benefit the culture, experiences, and dreams enjoying my first self-published book, my younger-self, and to empower I am grateful for all the positive of Black people with the goal of using I feel like I’m living my best life. When 2. Share your thoughts about my book/ other Black children. feedback I have received from those these stories to help change the I visit classrooms and read my book to series with your networks. A book who purchased my book. Writing and narrative of Black people in the minds students, and they say that the story is review on Amazon also goes a long way. My journey to becoming a self- publishing it was truly a labor of love. of ALL children. I decided to write “inspiring”, I feel like I’m living my best published author was anything but stories filled with inspiration from real life. When I read a review by someone 3. Refer people to my website to learn a straight line. The writing process I sincerely hope it motivates countless people so that young readers could be I don’t know, who sings high praises more about the series and purchase itself took a few months, but I did children, and adults, to aim high, to empowered to say, “If they can do it, about my book and asserts that it’s a books. Teachers, school administrators, not have the slightest idea how to pursue their dreams, and to face their then so can I.” must-read for every child, I feel like I'm or anyone else can request free author turn my manuscript into a finished challenges head on. living my best life. When I tell adults read aloud sessions for groups of product. The thought of submitting The process of writing these stories about my vision for the “Inspired to Be” children (Kindergarten through 2nd and investing my time and resources series and they tell me that they can’t grade is ideal). into something I truly believe in has wait to get all the books for the children been so fulfilling. Not only am I doing in their lives, I feel like I’m living my best I hope that I can inspire you all – no something that will have a positive life. For me, there’s no better feeling matter where you are in life- to live your impact on the lives of young people, than to feel like you’re living your best best life!

16 Spring 2021 | Black Women Lawyers Associations of Los Angeles Black Women Lawyers Associations of Los Angeles | Spring 2021 17 3 AUTHOR’S CORNER Mismatched Shoes: A Shift in Perspective Melanie Scott-Bennett, Esq. Linkedin: melaniescottbennett IG: @mel_strong FB: @officialmelstrong

The day after I was released from the hospital, I scheduled an appointment with my hairstylist. I barely touched Through tears I asked softly, “Can you “I am not taking it off,” I stubbornly my hair during the thirty-one days I was hospitalized undergoing chemotherapy. A part of me was scared that it wrap my head in a drying towel before declared. “I can always turn the air up.” I didn’t start a trend for mismatched shoes would fall out if I washed it. So, I kept it wrapped tightly in a scarf, only brushing or combing it when it became you lift me up from the washbowl. I do and I now only try on one shoe at a time. unbearably itchy. not want to see myself bald.” Dad rubbed his own head, which was But, his advice helped me get through balding in the middle, and jokingly said, what could have been an extremely Kania took a white hair drying towel and “I’m glad I’m not self-conscious about my embarrassing day and taught me three wrapped it securely around my head as bald head.” important things: I scooted anxiously into a black leather cutting my mid-back length hair to a She didn’t have to explain what “it” was. she lifted my head up slowly from the styling chair as my hairstylist draped a shoulder-length cut. I willingly agreed, I already knew that my long, flowing wash basin. She sat down across from I shook my head and glared at him. 1) Everything can change with a small shift black plastic cape over my shoulders. feeling relieved that there was still a hair, my crowning glory, was gone. I had me and offered the kindest words of “Really, Dad?” Leave it to my father to in perspective, She unwrapped my long, straightened good amount of hair left even after the prayed, “Lord, if I have to go through compassion. joke about something I was completely tresses from the scarf bondage and shedding. cancer, please do not let me lose my devastated about. 2) Confidence is the most important thing carefully combed through it. The hair.” One of the most pervasive images “You are beautiful with or without hair. I you can wear, and familiarity of the hair dryers, the style After the cut, I leaned back into a large associated with cancer is a stark, bald will not let this hold you back. If you want, Yet, he was demonstrating a few valuable magazines, and the smell of shampoo black basin for my hair to be washed. It head, as hair loss is one of the most I will make you a custom wig, fitted to lessons that I had learned a few months 3) Learn to laugh at and embrace life’s little mixed with hot curling irons made me felt so refreshing to feel the warm water common side effects of chemotherapy. your head. It will look more natural than earlier during an occasion I like to call imperfections (just like my Dad who temporarily forget about the trauma of rinse away the buildup of dirt and grime Grappling internally with my cancer a wig from the wig shop. Just know that “Mismatched Shoes.” As the name rubbed his bald head and made a joke the cancer diagnosis that had flipped accumulated over the past month. After diagnosis was difficult enough. I you don’t need it. Your inner beauty suggests, I went to work one day wearing out of it). my life upside down just a short month the shampoo application, I noticed Kania was not prepared for outward signs is what makes you beautiful on the mismatched shoes. And I’m not talking ago. As my hairstylist, Kania, combed getting quieter and quieter, until after publicly broadcasting my battle. It outside.” about slightly different shoes, where That evening I decided I would take the through my long strands, the hair about five minutes she turned the water took everything in me to not scream in one was navy and one was black. No, I towel off. My Dad and I stood together in shed quite a bit, so she recommended off and said, “Mel, it all came out.” anguish. I thanked her for the generous offer and am talking about one shoe was cream- front of the mirror as I slowly unwrapped it. apologized for reacting so emotionally. colored and pointy-toed with a thin heel, With my eyes closed, I pulled the loosened Thankfully, I was the only client in the while the other was brown with a square towel off my head and immediately felt salon. I left with my head still wrapped in toe and thick heel. I had put on both cooler. Before I could open my eyes, my the white salon towel. I’m sure I looked shoes that morning to compare, and in Dad blurted, “You have a pretty good- absolutely ridiculous, but I didn’t care. I my haste, forgot to look down at my feet looking head.” I opened my eyes to a was devastated. I could not imagine what and commit to one pair. I didn’t realize perfectly round, smooth bald head. “It I looked like without hair, and I did not I was wearing the mismatched shoes certainly doesn’t look like a conehead,” he want to find out. The towel was staying until I pulled into ¬¬¬¬the parking lot at mentioned with a smirk. My father and I on. work. I looked at my feet as I was getting locked eyes in the mirror and bellied over out of the car and had that “oh snap” in a fit of laughter. My dad had flown in earlier that day and I moment. There wasn’t enough time to tried not to let the disappointment of my go back home and change before my Finding humor in this situation helped me hair loss overshadow my excitement for first meeting nor was there a store close put things into perspective. I was blessed his visit. He gave me a puzzled expression enough for me to try and get a quick to still be alive. In the grand scheme upon seeing the white salon towel alternative. So, I had to roll with it. of things, losing my hair was merely wrapped around my head and I realized a temporary side effect rather than a there was no way around the subject. Upon entering the building, I walked monumental tragedy in my war on cancer. swiftly to my morning meeting, hoping When I shifted my perspective, I realized I explained, “I lost all of my hair and I am no one would notice. I wasn’t so lucky. I that having no hair was actually one less not ready to face what I look like without received quite a few stares and interesting thing I had to worry about. I certainly it. With the towel, I can at least imagine comments. One person even turned wouldn’t be having any bad hair days. my hair is still under there.” I gave the around as I passed and said, “Umm, did towel a reassuring pat as he looked at me you lose a bet?” All I could do was look at (Excerpt taken from “Through It ALL, A quite perplexed. my shoes and laugh. When I ran into my Survivor’s Memoir” written by the author. manager, he told me, “Act like you did To read more or purchase the book, go to “What if you get too hot? At some point it on purpose. Do you know how many https://melstrong.com) you’re going to have to take the towel off,” people start trends because they are he teased. confident wearing something wacky?”

14 Spring 2021 | Black Women Lawyers Associations of Los Angeles Black Women Lawyers Associations of Los Angeles | Spring 2021 19 3 2020-2021 BWL Officers Past Presidents

Sandra L. Carter Hon. Patricia J. Titus Andrea J. Golding Hon. Irma J. Brown Hon. Barbara R. Johnson Hon. Yvette D. Roland Shirley A. Henderson Patricia Shade Tangela D. Terry Hon. Veronica S. McBeth Hon. Carol D. Codrington Sherri L. Cunningham Katherine L. Vaughns* Hon. Marguerite D. Downing Samantha C. Grant Hon. Beverly E. Mosely Patsy J. Cobb Camille Y. Townsend Mablean Ephriam Eulanda Lynn Matthews Tami Warren Joan Whiteside Green Katessa Charles Davis Shannon Y. Humphrey Diane Spencer Shaw Adrienne M. Byers Nicole Hancock Husband Hermia Shegog-Whitlock Nedra E. Austin Amber S. Finch Carla Durham Pittman Brenda J. Logan Demetria L. Graves Hon. Glenda Veasey Adrienne Konigar-Macklin Hon. Tara C. Doss Belinda D. Stith Nedra Jenkins Rosezetta E. Upshaw Michelle L. Kazadi Lisa M. McLean Jasmine Horton Shardé T. Skahan Vera Brown-Curtis* Sharon K. Brown *Deceased President President-Elect Vice President Treasurer E. Jean Gary Linda R. Rosborough

Hon. Brenda Johns Penny Syna N. Dennis

2020-2021 LifeTime Members

Heather Anderson Hon. Kelvin Filer Betty Nordwind Michele Anderson Amber Finch Gail Peterson Nedra Austin Jennifer Fisher Wilma Pinder Hon. Althea Baker Carla Ford Ms. Karen E. Pointer Renee Becker Ernestine Forrest Rhonda Reeves Sherry Patterson Pamela Dansby Tiffany Spivey Hon. Antoinette D. Morris Wanda Belle Avis Frazier-Thomas Brenda Comer Robinson Recording Secretary Corresponding Secretary Parliamentarian Financial Secretary Tamara Benefield Alan Friedenthal Mrs. Karlene Rogers-Aberman Janis Bucknor Maryann Gallagher Hon. Yvette Roland Alisha Burgin Lisa Gilford Jacquelyn Ruffin Adrienne Byers Samantha Grant Trina Saunders Kristen Byrdsong Demetria Graves Ibiere Seck Renee Campbell Audrea Golding Patricia Shade Sandra Carter Mrs. Nicole Hancock Husband Dominique Shelton Katessa Charles Jacqueline Harding Hon. Erithe Smith Luci-Ellen Chun Ms. Shirley Henderson Diane Spencer Shaw Hon. Carol Codrington Hon. Barbara Johnson Mrs. Elizabeth Stewart Hon. Audrey Collins Sandra Jones Anderson Belinda Stith Dawn Collins Lynette Jones Hon. Sandra Thompson Michelle Cooke Michelle Kazadi Hon. Bobbi Tillmon Alexis Crump Victoria King Hon. Patricia Titus Crystal Hill T. Katuri Kaye Eniola Akinrinade Heather Horn Tala Davis Ms. Adrienne Konigar-Macklin Camille Townsend Historian Newsletter Editor Member-at-Large Member-at-Large Anita DeFrantz Mrs. Lauren Lofton Charlene Usher Barbra Diallo Brenda Logan Andrea Van Leesten Tara Doss Eulanda Matthews Hon. Gloria White-Brown Marguerite Downing Veronica McBeth Mrs. Ronnivashti Whitehead Otieno Carla Durham Pittman Deborah McClain Sandra Williams Ndenyi Egbunike Byron McLain Christine Wood Mablean Ephriam Lisa McLean Sherri Woods Gary Eto Jean Murrell-Adams Zeke Zeidler

20 Spring 2021 | Black Women Lawyers Associations of Los Angeles Black Women Lawyers Associations of Los Angeles | Spring 2021 21 3 2020-2021 Sponsors & Supporters

SKirkland & Ellis LLP Lynette M. Jones, Esq. Hon. Eric Taylor, Esq. Sanders Roberts LLP Pam Lumpkin Real Estate Hon. Brenda Penny, Esq. City National Bank Akerman LLP Hon. Patricia J. Titus, Esq. Bergman Dacey Goldsmith ADAMS ESQ Capri Maddox, Esq. Reed Smith LLP, Warren E. Anderson Chambord Benton-Hayes, Esq. Jackson Lewis PC Arts Boheme Alma Graham, Esq. Law Office of Gary C. Eto, Esq., The Bella Network Nyanza Shaw, Esq. Waltzer Melcher LLP Law Offices of Wanda Y. Belle, Esq. Tamara Benefield-Faulk, Esq. Seyfarth Shaw LLP Law Office of Michael J. Curls, Eqs. Past President Nicole Hancock Munger Tolles & Olson LLP DAVOH Entertainment, Inc. Husband, Esq. Usher Law Group Equity Legal Group, P.C. Past President Camille Townsend Latham & Watkins LLP Jennifer Fisher, Esq. Granville, Esq. Sanchez & Amador LLP Diane Spencer-Shaw, Esq. Past President Rosezetta Upshaw, Esq. Hon. Marguerite Downing, Esq. Michelle Johnson (MJ) at Let’s Play Past President Hon. Tara C. Doss, Esq. The Parks Family Foundation Ultimate Events Past President Syna Dennis, Esq. Jackson Lewis Foundation Fly Mommy Chronicles Hon. Yvette Roland, Esq. Dansby Law Group Hon. Mablean Deloris Ephriam, Esq. Benefield Law Corporation Hill Harper Equal Rights Law Group Jones Law Firm Demetria Graves, Esq. Marinship Development Interest LLC Brand Quality Media Patricia Savage, Esq. Donald Hayes Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP Anthony Saunders Trucker Huss, APC Supervisor Holly Mitchell Hotel Indigo Los Angeles Downtown Hon. Kevin Brazile, Esq.

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