Message from the NCWBA President
As I write my final message as President, I find myself reflecting on the extraordinary privilege it has been to serve this organization and each of its members. This year has reinforced what I have long believed: the true strength of our organization is not found in any one leader, program, or initiative—it is found in the collective commitment, generosity, and engagement of women bar leaders from across the country.
Throughout my term, I have had the opportunity to witness firsthand the impact of this community. I have seen members step forward to mentor, volunteer, lead committees, support programs, advocate for one another, and create meaningful opportunities for connection and professional growth. Time and again, I have been reminded that when women lawyers come together with a shared purpose, we create something far greater than the sum of our individual efforts.
In my last message, I challenged each of us to deepen our engagement and consider how we could contribute to the future of our women's bar organizations. Many of you answered that call. Whether through attending events, sharing your
expertise, welcoming new members, or taking on leadership roles, your involvement has strengthened our member organizations and ensured their continued vitality.
While my term as President is coming to a close, the work of supporting, advancing, and empowering women in the legal profession continues. The challenges facing women lawyers remain significant, but so does our collective ability to address them. Every generation of leaders builds upon the work of those who came before, and I am confident that this organization's future is bright because of the talented, dedicated women bar leaders who continue to step forward and serve.
Serving as your President has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life. Thank you for your trust, your support, your friendship, and your commitment to this organization. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside so many remarkable individuals.
As I pass the gavel to our next leader, I do so with gratitude, optimism, and confidence. I look forward to remaining engaged as a member and cheering on the continued success of this organization and the women it serves.
Thank you for an unforgettable year.
Jami Cooper
NCWBA President,
‘25-26
2025-2026
Board of Directors and Officers
Officers
President
Jamison Hall Cooper, Bridgeport, WV
President-Elect
Tami L. Munsch, Kiln, MS
Vice President-Fundraising and Strategic Partnering
Myra Morris, Corpus Christi, TX
Vice President-Membership Recruiting
Kristen Wheeler, Wichita, KS
Vice President-Membership Programming
Jessie Pellant, Denver, CO
Vice President-Finance
Nancy Reynolds, Roanoke, VA
Secretary
Sheila M. Abron, Columbia, SC
Treasurer
Deborah Cordova, Edinburg, TX
Immediate Past President
Lindsey B. W. Savage, Washington, DC
ABA Commission on Women in the Profession Liaison
Manisha P. Patel, Greensboro, NC
ABA Delegate
Jeanne Marie Clavere, Seattle, WA
Executive Director
Jill Pokorny, Anahuac, TX
Board
Teresa M. Beck, San Diego, CA
Elizabeth A. Bryson, New York, NY
Chris Chambers Goodman, Malibu, CA
Jennifer Crompton, St. Louis, MO
Mikhak Ghorban, San Diego, CA
Kyleen Hinkle, Tampa, FL
Hon. Kellie Hogan, Wichita, KS
Sandra Kromminga Johnson, Des Moines, IA
Krisi Kastl, Dallas, TX
Lisa Kresge, Providence, RI
Kristy Lavigne, Quincy, MA
Alexandra Mitropoulos, Boston, MA
Sara Morgan, Nashville, TN
Noelle M. Natoli, Monrovia, CA
Manisha P. Patel, Greensboro, NC
Nikki Marie Sherwood, Boston, MA
Connie Weber, Charleston, WV
2026 NCWBA Women’s Bar Leadership Summit………………….6
Welcome to Our Newest NCWBA Members..........................13
On The MIC: Highlights & What’s Next…….………………………………..……15
Trailblazer Spotlight……..…….……….……….…….……............................................16
NCWBA Virtual Book Club.…………………......……………………..…………………….….17
From the Desk of NCWBA Liaison to the CWP…...……...........18
Stronger Together Highlights Power of Allyship.…………….….20
She Speaks: Help Amplify Women’s Voices….…………………….….21
NCWBA Annual Meeting………………..………...………..……............…..…….........22
NCWBA Member Organization Upcoming Events.……….….24
NCWBA Member Organizations………...………..……............…..…….........25
Welcome Our Newest NCWBA Members
The National Conference of Women's Bar Associations (NCWBA) is pleased to welcome four outstanding organizations to our growing community of women bar leaders and advocates:
● Ohio Women's Bar Association
● Women's Bar Association of Illinois
● University of South Dakota Women in Law
● University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Law Association for Women Law Students
Each of these organizations brings a unique perspective and a shared commitment to advancing women in the legal profession through leadership, mentorship, education, advocacy, and community building.
We are excited to welcome the Ohio Women's Bar Association and the Women's Bar Association of Illinois, both of which have long histories of supporting and empowering women attorneys in their states. Their leadership and experience will further strengthen NCWBA's national network of women's bar associations.
We are equally delighted to welcome the University of South Dakota Women in Law and the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Law Association for Women Law Students. As organizations dedicated to supporting and developing future women leaders in the legal profession, they represent the next generation of advocates, innovators, and changemakers.
NCWBA thrives because of the collaboration, engagement, and leadership of its members. We look forward to connecting with these new organizations, learning from their experiences, and working together to advance opportunities for women in the law. We are especially excited for them to become active participants in our national network of women bar leaders as we continue to build community, share best practices, and support one another across the profession.
Please join us in extending a warm welcome to our newest NCWBA members. We are honored to have them as part of our community and look forward to all we will accomplish together.
ON THE MIC: Spring Programming Highlights & What’s Next!
NCWBAVirtual Pitch Program – April 20
NCWBA’s Virtual Pitch Program focused on helping women lawyers strengthen their business development skills through the art of the client pitch. During the first hour, a panel of accomplished corporate attorneys shared valuable insights on what makes a pitch effective, strategies for standing out in a competitive environment, and common pitfalls to avoid. Participants who elected to attend the optional second session had the opportunity to refine and present their elevator pitches, receiving real-time feedback from experienced in-house counsel. The interactive program provided practical tools and confidence-building experience to help attendees advance their business development efforts and professional growth.
Jessie Pellant VP Membership Programming
Strategic Planning Without the Guesswork – May 21
NCWBA members joined Jennifer Lewin, Director of the ABA Center for Bar Leadership, for an insightful discussion on building effective strategic plans that become an integral part of an organization’s success. Lewin addressed key questions bar leaders often face when embarking on a planning process, including determining the appropriate planning horizon, identifying stakeholders to involve, and gathering the information necessary to make informed decisions. Attendees gained practical guidance on laying a strong foundation for strategic planning efforts and ensuring that a plan serves as a meaningful roadmap rather than simply a document on a shelf.
UP NEXT:
On The MIC: From Overwhelmed to Organized: Treasurer Tools for Board-Ready Budgets & Stress-Free Reporting - June 23
Whether your Women’s Bar Association is small or large, it relies on volunteer boards of women attorneys—and the Treasurer role can feel overwhelming.
Join NCWBA On The MIC for a conversation with Cyndi Meuchel, co-founder of MoneyMinder, as she shares how the platform was designed to simplify financial management for volunteer-led organizations. Learn practical tools and best practices for board-ready budgeting and reporting, including forecasting, contingency planning, and effective timelines.
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 | 2:00 PM ET Register: https://ncwba.org/events
Trailblazer Spotlight: Kristen Wheeler Appointed to Kansas Access to Justice Committee
NCWBA proudly recognizes Kristen Wheeler for her recent appointment by Kansas Court Chief Justice Eric Rosen to Kansas Supreme Court's Access to Justice Committee.
Wheeler, who serves as Chair of the Kansas Board of Tax Appeals and a NCWBA Board Member, was appointed as a member of the committee through June 30, 2029. Her appointment reflects a longstanding commitment to public service and advancing fairness within the legal system.
The Access to Justice Committee plays a critical role in advising the Kansas Supreme Court on initiatives designed to ensure that all Kansans have meaningful access to the courts. The committee's responsibilities include making recommendations on improving the delivery and coordination of legal services, increasing resources available to self-represented litigants in civil cases, and reducing barriers that can prevent individuals from obtaining justice.
The committee will continue addressing challenges identified in the 2020 Assessment of Self-Represented Litigant Services. The assessment highlighted opportunities to simplify court processes, develop statewide self-help resources, expand training opportunities, and improve data collection and analysis to better serve court users across Kansas.
As the number of individuals navigating the legal system without attorney representation
continues to grow, the committee's work remains essential to promoting equal access to justice. Wheeler's experience, leadership, and dedication to public service position her well to contribute to these efforts in the years ahead.
Her appointment serves as a reminder that advancing access to justice requires innovative thinking, collaboration, and a commitment to ensuring that courts remain accessible to all. NCWBA congratulates Kristen Wheeler on this well-deserved appointment and celebrates her continued leadership in strengthening Kansas's legal system.
NCWBA Book Club Continues with Wild Women
Following the successful launch of the NCWBA Book Club at the Midyear Meeting in San Antonio, we’re excited to continue the conversation as we look ahead to the Summit in Chicago this July.
Our next selection is Wild Women and the Blues by Denny S. Bryce, a captivating novel set against the backdrop of Chicago’s rich jazz and blues history. The book offers a compelling story and plenty of themes to spark meaningful discussion among members from across the country.
Whether or not you’ll be attending the Summit in person, you’re invited to participate. NCWBA will host a virtual book discussion via Zoom prior to the Summit, creating an opportunity for members nationwide to connect, share perspectives, and build community through a shared reading experience.
How to Participate
● Read: Pick up Wild Women and the Blues by Denny S. Bryce
● Join: Register for the virtual Zoom discussion at https://ncwba.org/events
The NCWBA Book Club is quickly becoming a new tradition, bringing members together through stories that inspire conversation, connection, and community. We hope you'll join us for this next chapter.
Upcoming NCWBA Events
June 23: Organized: Treasurer Tools for
Stress-Free Reporting
July 16: Virtual Book Club
July 30: Annual Meeting NCWBA Board Swearing-In
July 31: NCWBA Women’s Bar Leadership Summit
Aug 2: Meet the NCWBA ABA Delegate NCWBA.ORG/EVENTS
We’ve had many member organization leaders request a way to watch On the MIC and membership programming they may have missed.
Missed a program? Visit the NCWBA YouTube channel to catch up on recent sessions and revisit programs you loved—bookmark the page so you can easily access this growing resource anytime.
https://www.youtube.com/@NCWBA
Liaison to the ABA Commission on Women in the Profession
Manisha P. Patel NCWBA Liaison to the Commission on Women in the Profession
The American Bar Association's Commission on Women in the Profession (CWP) continues its important work advancing equity, leadership, and wellbeing for women in the legal profession.
CWP Supports ABA Resolution 608
The Commission on Women in the Profession is supporting ABA Resolution 608 and remains actively engaged in issues affecting diversity, equity, and inclusion within legal education and the profession.
As part of these efforts, the CWP has worked closely with the ABA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Center regarding the Council of the ABA Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar's consideration of repealing ABA Standard 206. The Commission signed onto the DEI Center's April 1, 2026, letter to the Council, reaffirming the importance of diversity and inclusion principles in legal education and professional development.
Celebrating the 2026 Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Honorees
The CWP has announced the distinguished
recipients of the 2026 Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Awards:
Cory Amron
● Sheila S. Boston
● Hon. Michelle Childs
● Ramona Romero
● Mary Smith
These remarkable leaders have made significant contributions to the legal profession and to advancing opportunities for women lawyers.
The 2026 Margaret Brent Awards Ceremony will be held on Sunday, August 2, 2026, in conjunction with the ABA Annual Conference in Chicago, Illinois. Supporter and sponsorship opportunities are available through July 2, 2026. Members interested in supporting this signature event may obtain additional information through the ABA or by contacting Melissa Wood at the ABA.
New Report Addresses MentalWellbeing of Women Lawyers
One of the Commission's most significant recent initiatives has been the work of the Committee on Mental Wellness for Women in the Law. In May 2026, the committee presented its final report to the Commission, titled: "Mental Wellbeing of Women Lawyers: The Unique Challenges of Women Lawyers and a Path Forward Report."
The report examines the current state of research regarding lawyer mental wellbeing, with particular focus on the experiences of women lawyers and how those experiences may differ from those of their male counterparts. The study also explores the impact of intersecting factors such as race, ethnicity,
Upcoming CWP Events
disability, and gender identity on wellbeing within the legal profession.
The findings underscore the unique stressors, biases, and systemic barriers that women lawyers continue to face and provide recommendations designed to improve wellbeing and foster healthier professional environments.
To further discuss the report's findings, the Commission will present a featured program during the 2026 ABA Annual Conference:
Stress, Bias and Systemic Barriers: The Final Report – MentalWellbeing of Women
Lawyers
Saturday, August 1, 2026
3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. CT
This session will provide attendees with a deeper understanding of the state of mental wellbeing in the legal profession and offer practical recommendations and action plans to address the challenges identified by the study.
Connect with the NCWBA Liaison to the CWP and the
NCWBAABA Delegate at the ABAAnnual Meeting!!
Don’t miss the chance to connect in person at our NCWBA Meet & Greet at the ABAAnnual Meeting NCWBA ABA Delegate, Jeanne Marie Clavere, and NCWBA Liaison to the Commission on Women in the Profession, Manisha Patel, will be available for conversation and questions—a perfect opportunity to continue the dialogue on key ABA initiatives and the vital role women’s bar associations play in ensuring our voices are represented in the ABA House of Delegates.
Sunday, August 2 | 10:00am - 10:45am
June 23–24, 2026
DEIC 2026 Equity Summit (Virtual) 11:00 a.m. ET
July 8, 2026
From Mentor to Sponsorship: How to Turn Good Intentions into Career-Changing Action (Webinar)
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. CT
July 21, 2026
Beyond Balance: Reshaping Workplace Culture for Parents and Child Caregivers (Webinar)
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. CT
August 1, 2026
CWP Business Meeting
8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Zurich Ballroom A/B, Swissôtel Chicago
August 1, 2026
Stress, Bias and Systemic Barriers: The Final Report on the MentalWellbeing of Women Lawyers
3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
August 2, 2026
Women's Caucus
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Regency Ballroom, Hyatt Regency Chicago
August 2, 2026
Margaret Brent Awards Ceremony (Ticketed Event)
1:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
August 2, 2026
Margaret Brent Awards Reception
3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Lucerne Ballroom, Swissôtel Chicago
NCWBA members attending the ABA Annual Conference are encouraged to participate in these programs and events, which provide valuable opportunities for professional development, networking, and engagement with initiatives advancing women in the legal profession.
Stronger Together Highlights the Power of Allyship in Advancing Women in the Legal Profession
Teresa M. Beck GOOD Guys Committee Chair
Legal professionals from across Illinois gathered for Stronger Together: Supporting Women in the Legal Profession, a collaborative program presented by the Illinois State Bar Association and the Illinois Judges’ Association. The event focused on advancing equity, opportunity, and inclusion within the legal profession through meaningful dialogue and practical action.
A featured session, “GOOD Guys (Generating Opportunities & Opening Dialogue) and Their Power to Make Change,” explored the critical role male allies and leaders play in fostering more equitable workplaces. Panelists discussed the ongoing barriers faced by women and other underrepresented groups in the profession and highlighted how intentional allyship can help create pathways to advancement.
Speakers shared strategies for generating opportunities, encouraging open dialogue, and implementing initiatives that promote inclusion
Bring the GOOD Guys conversation to your area
Bringing the GOOD Guys program to your area is a great way to engage male leaders as allies in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the legal profession. By fostering open conversations and providing actionable steps, you can help create a more inclusive legal community in your region. Want to host a GOOD Guys program in your area? Reach out to our team at info@ncwba.org
and belonging within organizations. The discussion emphasized that these efforts not only support individual career growth but also strengthen workplace culture, improve retention, and contribute to long-term organizational success.
The session featured insights from respected legal leaders Teresa M. Beck (past president of National Conference of Women’s Bar Associations and shareholder with Klinedinst PC, San Diego; Hon. Mary C. Roberts (ret.), JAMS; Daniel R. Saeedi, Blank Rome, Chicago; and John C. Sciaccotta, Aronberg Goldgehn, Chicago, who offered examples of how allyship and leadership engagement are driving positive change within their firms and communities.
The GOOD Guys initiative continues to demonstrate that advancing women in the legal profession is a shared responsibility. By engaging leaders at every level, the program encourages organizations to move beyond conversation and take meaningful action to create lasting change.
Looking ahead, additional GOOD Guys programs are planned for this fall, including programs hosted by the National Conference of Bar Presidents (NCBP) and a virtual program hosted by NCWBA. Stay tuned for more information and opportunities to join the conversation.
She Speaks: Help Amplify Women’s Voices
NCWBA is excited to launch She Speaks new speaker directory designed to connect member organizations with accomplished women speakers for CLEs, panel discussions, keynote presentations, and community events.
Submit a speaker (or yourself!) using this linked form and be part of this powerful new resource.
To ensure the directory reflects the diversity and expertise of our community, we encourage members to nominate themselves or others for inclusion. By participating, you’ll help elevate women’s voices, expand opportunities for speakers, and strengthen a national network committed to advancing women’s leadership.
NCWBA is proud to partner with the National Association of Women Lawyers (NAWL) for their 2026 General Counsel Institute (GCI). Join us in NYC on October 14-16 for an experience curated by and for in-house counsel.
NCWBA member organization members receive a discount! Use the code NAWLPARTNER26 when registering for 10% off your registration.
GCI creates a unique environment to connect with other in-house attorneys from across the country and build legal and leadership skills. Law firm attorneys have opportunities to attend through sponsorship or a special ticket rate. We hope to see you in Midtown Manhattan on October 14 - 16!
NCWBA Annual Meeting and Installation of Officers & Board
On July 30, 2026, the NCWBA will hold its Annual Meeting and swear in its officers and board members for the 2026-2027 board year.
Member organizations with representatives at the ABA Annual Meeting will be asked to vote on the elections in person or via Zoom. If your association is a current member for 2026 and wishes to vote but cannot be represented at the meeting, you may request to complete a proxy form.
Location: Polsinelli Law Firm 150 N. Riverside Plaza, Suite 3000, Chicago, IL 60606
07/30/26 12:30pm CST
Join us for the NCWBA Annual Meeting and installation of the NCWBA officers and board members for the 2026-2027 board year.
Let us know how you will participate in the annual meeting:
I will attend in person
I will attend on Zoom
Please send me a proxy vote form.
Tami L. Munsch Kiln, Mississippi
Elizabeth A. Bryson New York, New York
Alexandra Mitropoulos Boston, Massachusetts
Christine Chambers Goodman Malibu, California
Deborah Cordova Edinburg, Texas
Kristy Lavigne Quincy, Massachusetts
Hon. Kellie Hogan Wichita, Kansas
Kyleen Hinkle Tampa, Florida
Jamison Hall Cooper Bridgeport, West Virginia
Vice President - Fundraising & Strategic Partnerships
Vice President - Membership (Recruiting)
Vice President - Membership (Programming & DEIB)
Vice President - Finance
Secretary
Treasurer
Immediate Past President
New
Board Members for Election to a 2-year Term
Marissa Cummings Fayetteville, North Carolina
Shayda Le Portland, Oregon
Jennifer Mammen Falls Church, Virginia
Memory Roque Colorado Springs, Colorado
Board Members Continuing Their Service
Sheila M. Abron Columbia, South Carolina
Jennifer M. Crompton St. Louis, Missouri
Mikhak Ghorban San Diego, California
Sandra Kromminga Johnson Des Moines, Iowa
Krisi Kastl Dallas, Texas
Lisa Kresge Providence, Rhode Island
Sara Morgan Nashville, Tennessee
Manisha P. Patel Greensboro, North Carolina
Jessie Pellant Denver, Colorado
Lindsey B. W. Savage Washington, D.C.
Nikki Marie Sherwood Boston, Massachusetts
Kristen D. Wheeler Witchia, Kansas
Connie Weber Charleston, West Virginia
ABA Delegate & Liaison Continuing Their Service
Jeanne Marie Clavere Seattle, Washington
Manisha P. Patel Greensboro, North Carolina
ABA Delegate (Non-Voting Board Member)
Liaison to the ABA Commission on Women in the Profession
Alabama
2026 NCWBA Member Organizations
Birmingham Bar Association Women Lawyers Section
Dorbin Association, University of Alabama School of Law
Arkansas
Arkansas Association of Women Lawyers – Law Student Division (William H. Bowen School of Law at University of Arkansas Little Rock)
California
California Women Lawyers
Lawyers Club of San Diego
San Mateo County Bar Association
Women's Law Student Association-Thomas Jefferson School of Law
Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles
Colorado
Colorado Women's Bar Association
Women's Law Caucus - University of Colorado School of Law
District of Columbia
Women's Bar Association of the District of Columbia
Florida
Florida Association for Women Lawyers
Illinois
Women’s Bar Association of Illinois
Iowa
Iowa Organization of Women Attorneys
Kansas
Association for Women Lawyers of Greater Kansas City
Kansas Women Attorneys Association
Wichita Women Attorneys Association
University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Law Association for Women Law Students
Louisiana
Women Law Student Association - Loyola University College of Law (New Orleans)
Women's Law Student Association - Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State
University
Maine
Maine State Bar Association
Maryland
Women's Bar Association of Maryland
Massachusetts
Women's Bar Association of Massachusetts
Women’s Law Association - Western New England School of Law
Michigan
Women Lawyers Association of Michigan
Minnesota
Minnesota Women Lawyers
Mississippi
Mississippi Women Lawyers Association
Missouri
Association for Women Lawyers of Greater Kansas City
New Hampshire
New Hampshire Women's Bar Association
NewYork
New York Women's Bar Association
Women's Bar Association of the State of New York
North Carolina
North Carolina Association of Women Attorneys
Ohio
Ohio Women’s Bar Association
Oregon
Oregon Women Lawyers
Oregon Women Lawyers Foundation
Rhode Island
Rhode Island Women’s Bar Association
South Carolina
South Carolina Women Lawyers Association
South Dakota
University of South Dakota Women in Law
Texas
Dallas Women Lawyers Association
Texas Women Lawyers
Women's Law Caucus - University of Texas at Austin Women's Law Society- South Texas College of Law
Virginia
Virginia Women Attorneys Association
Washington
Washington Women Lawyers
West Virginia
West Virginia Women Attorneys
West Virginia University College of Law Women's Leadership Council
Wisconsin Association for Women Lawyers
National
Military Spouse JD Network
Women Lawyers on Guard ACTION Network, Inc.
Burns White
National Association of Women Lawyers
Lady Justice Initiative
Mothers Esquire, Inc
Not seeing your women’s bar association listed? To ensure your members continue enjoying all the benefits, resources, and connections NCWBA offers in 2026, we invite you to renew your organization’s membership.
Renew—or join—the NCWBA today!