2024-2025 GSCBWLA Leadership
Jae Lofton, Esq. • President Ms. Lofton is currently an Attorney at The Access Group, a prominent company in the real estate development space with offices in Miami, Tampa, and Orlando, and Charlotte. The company provides comprehensive development services intervening on all phases of projects' life cycle including tender study, technical solutions proposal, quotation and supplier relationships throughout Florida, the Southeastern United States, and the US Virgin Islands. She began her career began on Wall Street, where she excelled as an Investment Banker specializing in Asset-Backed Securities. Following her graduation from law school, she served as an Attorney Advisor for the Washington, DC Court System. She then transitioned to the private sector, joining Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe's Capital Markets Group. Additionally, she clerked for the Honorable James S. Carroll, further honing her legal expertise. Jae holds a B.A. and B.S. from Xavier University and earned her J.D./M.B.A. through the Howard University/Texas University consortium. At Access, she leverages her extensive experience in finance law in the space of deal flow as lead of the legal group. Beyond her professional achievements, Jae is a dedicated community advocate. She serves as a President of the Gwen S. Cherry Black Women Lawyers Association and a member of the Miami Bach Society. She is an active member of the Young Patronesses of the Opera, a violinist, as well as a member of the Junior League of Miami along with the Links Incorporated and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. Jae also leads impactful programs for Camillus House, demonstrating her commitment to community service and leadership.
Iris A. Elijah Esq. • President-Elect
Sherria D. Williams , Esq. • Vice-President Attorney Williams, a Miami native and the first attorney in her family, earned her B.S. in Criminology cum laude and her J.D. from The Florida State University College of Law in 2009. She began her career as an Assistant State Attorney in Miami-Dade, prosecuting a range of cases and establishing the Junior ASA Program in local high schools. Shifting to personal injury law, she has spent the past decade at Rubenstein Law, advocating for victims and navigating complex insurance matters. Williams is also committed to community service, serving as a mentor with Women of Tomorrow and holding board positions in various organizations. Her leadership has been recognized with Legacy South Florida’s 40 Under 40 Black Leaders and the RISE Award. In her free time, she enjoys travel, family, and supporting the Florida State Seminoles.
Mallorie Milord, Esq. • Secretary Mallorie Milord focuses her litigation practice on personal injury, property damage, wrongful death, product liability, and general liability matters. She provides dedicated representation and legal counsel to her clients throughout the litigation process. Prior to joining Hinshaw, Mallorie worked as a litigation attorney for several defense firms in Florida.
Currently serving as an Attorney at GED Lawyers. Her focus lies in assessing the necessity and reasonableness of medical treatment, as well as resolving coverage disputes with finesse and precision. With a wealth of experience, Christine adeptly navigates the complexities of insurance law, demonstrating her prowess in negotiation, settlement, and litigation strategies. She excels in preparing thorough defense analysis reports, conducting depositions, and skillfully navigating motion practice. Christine's reputation as a trusted advisor and effective advocate precedes her, earning her accolades and respect within the legal community. Her strategic insights and meticulous attention to detail consistently deliver favorable outcomes for her clients, cementing her position as a go-to resource in the field of insurance law. Driven by a passion for justice and a steadfast commitment to her clients' needs, Christine approaches each case with diligence, integrity, and tenacity. Her unwavering dedication to excellence, coupled with her unparalleled legal acumen, positions her as a formidable force in the legal arena, poised to overcome any challenge that comes her way.
Lotoya K. Brown, Esq. is a Project Attorney in the Put Something Back Project. She previously worked as Legal Counsel for Childnet., Inc, and as Senior Associate at Andell Brown & Associates, a boutique family operated firm in Aventura, FL. She has experience in business transactions, estate planning & legacy building education. She also provides healthcare directives, power of attorney and notarial services. Lotoya has also gained experience in municipal law as the previous Interim Deputy City Attorney of the City of Sunny Isles Beach. Lotoya earned her Juris Doctor from Shepard Broad College of Law at Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law (2017) and her undergraduate degree from Florida State University. She is a proud alum of both schools. During law school, she was a repeated Dean’s List recipient, Law School Ambassador, Moot Court Member, an Executive Board Member for the Black Law Students Association (BLSA), National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA), PULSE! Health Law Association, and a general member of the Caribbean Law Students Association. Currently, she serves as Board Member for the Caribbean Bar Association, member of the Real Property, Probate & Trust Law section of The Florida Bar and of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. When not working, Lotoya enjoys spending time with her family and cultivating new ways to expand her legal knowledge and community impact.
Mark Berrios-Ayala, Esq. • Board Member Mark Berrios-Ayala currently is In House Counsel to Jefferson Capital Systems, LLC. Previously, Mark worked at two firms dealing with personal injury and bankruptcy while a student at the University of Central Florida. Mark also worked as the legal intern for the Honorable Migna Sanchez-Llorens of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court of Florida in Miami. Mark also served as a Certified Legal Intern at the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office. Being a first-generation college graduate, Mark graduated from Florida International University College of Law in the spring of 2017. During law school, Mark was awarded the pro bono medallion for over 200 pro bono hours completed while in law school. Mark obtained his bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida in 2014: graduating honors in the major. Mark obtained his Associate of Arts degree from Valencia College in 2011. In his free time, Mark authors articles on trending topics in the Puerto Rican community, is the Vice President of Communications of PROFESA, community organization, and enjoys traveling around the world.
Richardine Estaba is a Defense Attorney. Ms. Estaba’s primary practice area is first-party insurance litigation defending insurance companies. Born and raised in New York, Ms. Estaba has resided in South Florida since 2009. She is admitted to practice in Florida, New York and the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Prior to first-party insurance litigation, Ms. Estaba worked as In-House Counsel for a real estate developer, where she focused on corporate governance and contracts, while negotiating and closing a variety of client deals. In her down time, Ms. Estaba enjoys her family, reading and traveling. She is excited to be a part of this 2023-2024 board and is ready to see Gwen Cherry soar to greater heights.
Ashley Gantt, Esq. • Board Member Ashley V. Gantt was born on April 14, 1985 in Miami-Dade County. In 2007 Ashley graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and became a Teach for America Mississippi Delta Corps (TFA) member. Ashley returned home to teach in Miami-Dade County Public Schools for seven years before beginning law school. In 2016, Ashley graduated from NSU Shepard Broad College of Law. While in law school, Ms. Gantt served as chapter Secretary and President of the Black Law Students Association. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Ashley V. Gantt, Esq. is the founder and managing partner of Gantt Legacy Law, P.A. In 2022, Ms. Gantt ran and won the Democratic primary for FL House District 109.
Chiyel Hayles, Esq. • Board Member Chiyel R. A. Hayles, a Yale Law School graduate with an MBA from Yale, is an accomplished corporate lawyer specializing in corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, and securities transactions. Her career includes high-profile deals like the sale of Tiffany & Co. to LVMH and advising venture-backed companies, small businesses, and nonprofits on formation, financing, and contract negotiation. Known for her strategic and incisive approach, Chiyel is also a talented negotiator. She will soon be an adjunct professor at Florida State University College of Law. Committed to community service, Chiyel serves on the Yale Club of South Florida's board and provides pro bono counsel to nonprofits supporting Black, Latino, and immigrant communities in Elizabeth, New Jersey. A first-generation professional, she is the daughter of an African American mother and a Jamaican father. In her spare time, she enjoys painting, drawing, visiting museums, and wine-tasting.
Ms. Haynes is an attorney with multidimensional legal experience serving private entities and city governments as a litigator and mediator. Ms. Haynes is passionate about reaching underserved communities and the next generation through leadership. She currently serves on the board of directors of Sprouting to Success, Inc., a non-profit private school based in Miami, Florida, impacting the community one student at a time. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame Law School, mentoring future lawyers is her delight.
Sidrena Morris, Esq. • Board Member Sidrena R. Morris, Esquire, is the founder of The Law Office of Sidrena R. Morris, PLLC, in Miami, Florida, specializing in Family and Immigration Law. A Miami native and Miami Northwestern Senior High School alumna, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Florida A&M University and a second Bachelor’s in English from the University of South Florida. She also holds a Master’s in Criminal Justice from Florida A&M University and a Juris Doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law. Sidrena’s career reflects her commitment to advocacy and community service. She began as a family legal assistant at Legal Aid in Jacksonville and served as a court-appointed Guardian Ad Litem, facilitating the adoption of over 21 children. She excels in resolving cases involving alimony, child support, divorce, and domestic violence, always striving for positive outcomes with integrity and compassion. Sidrena is dedicated to guiding clients through complex legal challenges with unwavering dedication.
Camielle Green Owens, Esq. • Board Member Camielle Green Owens is a corporate and securities attorney who currently serves as in house counsel and corporate Secretary for OPKO Health, Inc., a NASDAQ-listed, Miami-based, multinational biopharmaceutical and diagnostics company. She works closely with the executive management team in operating the company’s legal department and has gained experience in many facets of the Company’s legal landscape, including labor and employment, tax, and general litigation. Prior to going in-house, Camielle worked as an associate at K&L Gates in its corporate and securities department where she worked with private companies in various stages of development, and public companies. She has helped companies in their efforts to raise funding, undertake merger and acquisition activities, go public, and prepare and file required filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Camielle currently serves as a Board Member to the Gwen S. Cherry Black Women Lawyers Association. Camielle is married with 3 children under the age of 5 who keep her busy and thoroughly entertained.
Karl O. Riley, Esq. • Board Member Karl Riley is a seasoned commercial litigator known for his practical, business-focused approach to law. With experience as a clerk of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, he offers clients solid legal strategies from start to finish. Karl handles various litigation matters, including breach of contract, fraud, negligence, and employment issues, in both state and federal courts. Outside of his legal practice, Karl is actively involved in community and diversity efforts. He has held significant roles in legal associations and has been recognized for his contributions to advancing diversity in the legal profession. Karl's track record includes notable cases, such as handling cross-border contract disputes and representing clients in high-stakes litigation. He is also a published author and a respected speaker in legal circles. Overall, Karl Riley's approachable style, combined with his legal expertise and commitment to diversity, makes him a standout figure in the legal community.
Jakela Rivers, Esq. • Board Member Attorney Jakela Q. Rivers exemplifies legal prowess and leadership. A Florida Coastal School of Law graduate in 2014, she currently serves as the Managing Partner at Rivers Law Firm, P.A., a position she has held since February 2016. Her leadership has driven the firm towards success, fostering a culture of integrity and excellence. Before this, Jakela was an Associate Attorney at Justice League Law Group, L.L.C. in Jacksonville, Florida, from April 2015 to January 2016, showcasing her expertise in various legal areas. Her commitment to public service is evident from her nine-month tenure as a Certified Legal Intern at the Office of Public Defender, 4th Judicial Circuit, Florida, from August 2014 to April 2015. Throughout her academic journey, she earned certifications as a Legal Intern at Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, Inc., and the Office of Public Defender. Jakela blends profound legal knowledge with a dedication to serving her clients and community with integrity and compassion.
Radia Turay, Esq. • Board Member Radia Turay is the Advocate at the Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust, making history as the first African-descended and female appointee in over twenty years. She prosecutes ethics violations by County and municipal officials, board members, employees, and lobbyists. With over fifteen years of legal experience, Radia has a distinguished career as a trial attorney in South Florida. She has served as an Assistant State Attorney and Division Chief of the Juvenile Unit at the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office, and as a civil litigator for complex catastrophic injury cases. For the past five years, Radia has provided ethics opinions, overseen investigations, and prosecuted enforcement cases at the Ethics Commission. Radia holds an undergraduate degree from Spelman College, a Juris Doctor from Syracuse University, and a Master’s in International Relations from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. She leads the Enforcement Unit, ensuring integrity and accountability in public service. |
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Lotoya K. Brown, Esq. • 
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