As we approach the end of another bar year, it is hard to believe this will be my last President’s Message as your President. I want to thank our members for their continued support of the Metropolitan Richmond Women’s Bar Association this bar year. I also want to thank you all for your trust in me in granting me the opportunity to serve as the MRWBA President. It has been an honor. 

This year, we have enjoyed a wonderful slate of events that have given members opportunities to gather for continuing education, networking, and socialization. We began our bar year with a trip to see the Richmond Kickers, and our first luncheon in September with our Meet the Candidates event on Wednesday, September 12, 2023. We were joined by Senator Lashrecse Aird; Erin Barr, Chesterfield Commonwealth’s Attorney; Delegate Rae Cousins; Senator Ghazala Hashmi, PhD; Amanda Pohl, Chesterfield County Clerk of Court; Shannon Taylor, Henrico Commonwealth’s Attorney; and Misty Whitehead, Henrico County Supervisor - Three Chopt District, among others.

At our October luncheon, we enjoyed a presentation about Attorney Mental Health and Wellness from presenters Richmond attorney Amy Pruett and VJLAP staffers Barbara Mardigian and Charlene Reilly. Our presenters shared with us how we can maintain a work-life balance and stay well.

In November, we held our annual Fall Mentorship Social continuing our partnership with the Richmond Women’s Law to provide meaningful mentorship to law students.

December allowed us to continue a beloved tradition at our annual holiday luncheon where we gathered together to celebrate the holidays. We enjoyed Bruce Sullivan on piano, whose musical stylings provided loads of holiday cheer. As always, we welcomed our legal staff to join us as we celebrated. We also cosponsored Jingle Bell Ethics: An Interactive Holiday CLE with the John Marshall Inns of Court presented by member Colleen Quinn. 

At our February luncheon, we got “fiscal” and welcomed Alexis Advisors' CEO Roberta Keller along with members of her staff to discuss finances, both personal and professional, with moderator/member Erika MacCormac. 

In March, we enjoyed our Spring Mentorship Luncheon and speaker Judge Alexis Fisher-Rizk, who shared with us her experiences with mentorship, both as a mentee and as a mentor. We also honored this year’s incredibly deserving Phoebe P. Hall Mentorship Award recipient, Judge Jayne Pemberton. Judge Pemberton shared with us her personal relationship with the award’s namesake, Phoebe P. Hall, and how she benefited from this mentorship.

In April, we hosted our annual Legislative Update breakfast where we were joined by Senator Ghazala F. Hashmi, Delegate Carrie Coyner, and Delegate Rae Cousins for an in-depth discussion of the new legislation put forth by the General Assembly this year, as well as other legal developments. Board member Claire Gastanaga graciously served as our moderator. 

And finally, this month, we will honor our Woman of Achievement Award Recipients. If you have not already registered, please join us on Wednesday, May 22 from 5:15 until 7 p.m. at Willow Oaks Country Club as we honor our 2024 Woman of Achievement Award Winner, enjoy some networking time, and hold MRWBA's Annual Business Meeting. 

During my year as President, I have been able to interact with members who continuously impressed me with their leadership skills, accomplishments, breadth of knowledge, and kindness. One thing that made a significant impression on me was how willing our members are to share their skills and create opportunities for other members. It has been a true showing of women supporting women, which I am honored to have played a small part in. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. 

Mary Hunt
MRWBA President