Committees

Communications Committee
Chair: Lueteshia Raymond

The Communications Committee serves as the connection between MBWA and its members. The overall objective of the Communications Committee is to establish an effective information sharing system between MBWA, and its membership, and the community. The Committee assists with all designs and production of announcements, events, and marketing communications. The Committee works in close cooperation with the other MBWA committees to disseminate information to the membership through emails, bulletins, and quarterly newsletters. The Committee also oversees and maintains the current MBWA website.

Finance and Development Committee
Chair: Jasmine Brown

The Finance and Development Committee works collectively with MBWA’s Board of Directors to maintain the organization’s operating budget, and develop and support fundraising initiatives. The Committee also collaborates with external sponsors to support special programs and events, and fundraise for the Blanche E. Braxton Bar Preparation Scholarship to promote diversity and inclusivity in the legal profession. The Committee also spearheads the fundraising strategies for the Ida B. Wells annual afternoon tea and award ceremony, which provides the primary funding for the organization's programs and initiatives.

Ida B. Wells Committee
Chair: Desiree Murphy

The Ida B. Wells Committee organizes the annual afternoon tea for MBWA members and its supporters. The event honors black women attorneys whose intellect, skill and achievement make them great contributors to the Massachusetts legal community. The Ida B. Wells Award is awarded to those selected women who exemplify the pioneering spirit and courage of Ida B. Wells. In addition to this award, the committee recognizes recipients for the Public Interest Award and Membership Award presented every five years.

Membership Committee
Chair: Jasmine Brown

The Membership Committee is charged with handling matters of membership recruitment and retention. The Committee works with the executive board to develop strategies, programming, and initiatives to grow and maintain membership. This includes visiting law schools throughout Massachusetts and creating networking opportunities. The Committee fosters the growth and development of its members by nominating them for various achievement awards including the Massachusetts Lawyers Week Excellence in the Law Awards, and also making recommendations for speaking opportunities, and professional development conferences.

Programs and Events Committee
Chair: Araba Adeji-Koranteng

The Programs and Events Committee serves as the organization’s epicenter for developing professional and educational events to educate our members, strengthen their advocacy skills, and foster their overall legal development. Examples of our signature events include the Annual Swearing-In Ceremony and Membership Brunch, and most recently Membership Outings. The committee also creates social events and activities throughout the year which allows members and non-members to network and fellowship.