Welcome to Gwen S. Cherry Black Women Lawyers Association

President’s Message

Welcome to Gwen S. Cherry Black Women Lawyers Assoc. We are overjoyed to have celebrated our 25th Anniversary and I am excited to serve as the GSCBWLA’s 2011-2012 President. From our humble inception as the National Bar Association Women Lawyers Division Dade County Chapter, to today, our mission of addressing the concerns of women lawyers as they relate to the social, economic, political and moral needs of the community has never wavered. From the strides made by trailblazers such as Gwen S. Cherry and our founders, we passionately lead and serve our community with the purpose of creating platforms to continuously add value to and empower women attorneys. Through our service in the judiciary, major law firms, governments, corporations and as law students, we carve paths for the next generation and strengthen our voice in the community.

We have an ambitious agenda this year which includes increased legally-oriented community outreach efforts, participation in initiatives that affect women’s health, a variety of seminars and opportunities for Continuing Legal Education, a more interactive website,developing sponsorship relationships, strengthening our mentorship program and our partnerships with law schools and college students interested in becoming practitioners and partnering with fellow voluntary bar associations to make a more impactful stamp on the communities we advocate for, work and live in.

I am humbled by the awesome charge of leading this dynamic organization. Thank you for your support of GSCBWLA and our 2011-2012 Executive Board. I look forward to working with you in service for GSCBWLA.

History

The Gwen S. Cherry Black Women Lawyers Association (GSCBWLA), formerly the National Bar Association Women Lawyers Division Dade County Chapter, was formed in 1985. The association’s mission is to address the concerns of women lawyers as they relate to the social, economic, political and moral needs of the community. Read the July 1985 Florida Bar News article on GSCBWLA’s formation.

For over twenty-four years, the association has been a network of attorneys dedicated to community service and the professional development of its members. The association has placed a strong emphasis on community service through its community seminars, free neighborhood legal clinics and programs educating and empowering youth and the mentorship of law students. The association is also known for its support of its members’ growth and development within the legal profession. With this support, our members have achieved many “firsts” within Florida as lawyers within law firms, corporations, government agencies and the judiciary.

In 2005, the association voted to be renamed in honor of community activist Gwendolyn Sawyer Cherry, who was the first Black female attorney to practice in Dade County and the first Black female legislator in the State of Florida. Throughout the association’s existence, it has grown and its reach has expanded. Although it began as a Dade County bar association, GSCBWLA currently represents over 350 men and women law students, lawyers and judges throughout the State of Florida.

Founders

Dianne Saulney Gaines

Carolyn Y. Howard

Greer E. Davis

Latricia C. Donley

Vera E. Gilford

Melvia Bailey Green

Marilyn Holifield

Cynthia Johnson-Stacks

Knovack Gramby Jones

Leah A. Simms

Jan A. Templeman

Valeria Bland Thomas

Past Presidents

1985-1987 Dianne Saulney Smith

1987-1989 Cynthia Johnson

1989-1991 Cynthia A. Everett

1991-1992 Carolyn Y. Howard

1992-1994 Lisa B. Hogan

1994-1996 Latricia C. Donley

1996-1997 Candace Duff

1997-1999 Knovack Gramby Jones

1999-2001 Darlene Y. Bell-Alexande

2001-2003 Shirlyon McWhorter

2003-2004 Marvelle McIntrye-Hall

2004-2005 Detra Shaw Wilder

2005-2006 S. Nicky Mitchell-Pope

2006-2007 Erica N. Wright

2007-2008 Kishásha B. Sharp

2008-2009 Marva L. Wiley

2009-2010 Flora Jackson-Holmes

2010-2011 Cheryl D. Linton Robinson

Organization

Executive Board

Kymberlee Curry-Smith, Esq. • President

Olanike Adebayo, Esq. • President-Elect

Robin F. Hazel, Esq. • First Vice President

Nexcy de la Rosa-Monroe, Esq. • Second Vice President

Teddra Joy Gadson, Esq. • Secretary

Tenikka L. Cunningham, Esq. • Treasurer

Ria N. Chattergoon, Esq. • Board Member

Tanya J. Brinkley, Esq. • Board Member

Opal Lee, Esq. • Board Member

Nikki Lewis Simon, Esq. • Board Member

Stacey B. DeVeaux, Esq. • Board Member

Cheryl D. Linton Robinson, Esq. • Immediate Past President

Committees

Awards and Installation

Coordinates the event that celebrates the association’s achievements for the year, presents awards to persons and companies who have provided outstanding service to the association and plans the installation of the new officers.

Bylaws

Reviews member and Executive Board recommendations for amendments to the association’s bylaws.

Career Development and CLE

Plans programs and events that assist in the professional growth and development of the members of the organization. It has implemented the GSCBWLA AAAD Initiative to promote diversity within corporate law departments and law firms.

Community Service and Outreach

Plans programs and events that promote community service by members of the association. The association will continue its monthly Lillie C. Evans Elementary School Mentorship Program and other activities.

Fundraising

Implements programs that raise funds for the association and its initiatives.

Holiday Social

Plans the association’s annual Holiday Social in December.

Judicial Candidate Breakfast Forum

Plans a program and publishes literature to promote public education regarding the judicial candidates that are seeking election every two years.

Law Graduates Breakfast

Plans an event in the Spring that will celebrate the achievements of third year law students statewide and assist them with building networks for their future legal careers. This is an annual event that has existed since the inception of the association.

Law Week

Plans event(s) during May that will educate the community about the legal profession.

Membership

Designs programs and activities for members’ benefits and focuses on increasing the association’s membership.

Newsletter

Drafts and reviews articles for the association’s quarterly newsletters.

Public Relations

Publicizes the activities and achievements of the association and its members.

Spa Retreat

Plans this daylong event of speakers, camaraderie and spiritual renewal.

Web Page

Edits the web page and identifies material for better utilization of the association’s website.

Join

Membership Benefits

The Gwen S. Cherry Black Women Lawyers Association offers a wide variety of benefits to its members including, but not limited to:

Membership discounts at GSCBWLA functions and activities.
Members-only events sponsored by GSCBWLA and other organizations.
Quarterly meetings.
Committee sponsored events and activities.
Mentorship, advanced practices for careers, professional growth and development.
Quarterly newsletters.
Referrals.