THE 2022 WBA GALA IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY OUR GOLD SPONSORS:
THE 2022 WBA GALA
We gala to go further
REGISTRATION/COCKTAIL HOUR OPENS AT 6PM
JOIN US FOR NETWORKING FROM 6-7PM
PROGRAM BEGINS AT 7PM
ARTISTS FOR HUMANITY EPICENTER
100 W 2nd Street, Boston, MA 02127
COVID-19
The WBA is excited to celebrate Gala in-person this year and is looking forward to seeing many of you on October 24th. We kindly request that you only attend the in-person celebration if you are fully vaccinated and not experiencing any symptoms of COVID. The WBA appreciates your vigilance in keeping us all safe and healthy.
Additionally, the WBA is monitoring guidelines and orders issued by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Boston Public Health Commission and will adhere to all applicable guidelines and/or orders at Gala on October 24, 2022.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When/Where is the Gala?
The Gala will be held on Monday, October 24th at Artists for Humanity Epicenter at 100 W 2nd St, Boston, MA 02017. Check-In will be at 6:00PM, networking is from 6:00PM – 7:00PM, and the program will begin at 7:00PM.
What is the attire?
While the event is called a “gala”, people wear business attire, as most come directly from the office.
Do I need a physical ticket?
No, we will be checking in Gala Attendees using first & last names. We will have nametags printed out for you to pick up upon checking in.
Is there a sit-down dinner? Are there assigned seats?
The event is not a sit-down dinner. Over the years, we received feedback that attendees prefer to mingle and not be confined to particular tables, though there are plenty of seats available for the speaking portion. Food is served at various buffet stations. Vendor tables are available for purchase.
What kind of food is served?
The event begins with a cocktail hour and passed hors d'oeuvres and light fare food stations. There are generally at least one or two vegetarian and vegan options.
Does the event have an open bar?
No, the event is a cash bar only. Both cash and credit cards are accepted at the bars.
Can men attend?
Yes, absolutely! In fact, plenty of men attend each year.
Is there parking?
Situated in the innovation district, Artists For Humanity is ideal for parking and public transportation. The Channel Center Garage (116 W 1st Street Boston MA) is a mere 300 feet away. Public transportation is also conveniently located: take the MBTA Red Line to the Broadway stop and walk a couple blocks to AFH.
WHAT'S IN STORE THE EVENING OF THE GALA?
With so much going on in the world today, it is more critical than ever for women to be able to gather, network, celebrate, and learn from one another. The WBA is proud to provide a celebratory evening to be together once again and look toward the future.
On October 24th, we will enjoy:
New networking opportunity this year!
Cocktails, chic bites, and dessert buffet
A welcome from our President, Kristy Lavigne
Awarding of the Lelia J. Robinson Award
Recognition of the Emerging Women Leaders in the Law
A very special fireside chat with CNN Political Commentator, Daily Beast Columnist, Community Organizer and Activist, Sally Kohn led by our President, Kristy Lavigne
We need to have more and more people who support justice, equality, fairness, and the policies, practices, and habits that get us closer to it.
Sally Kohn, Vanity Fair Interview, 2018
Sally Kohn is one of the leading progressive voices in America today. A CNN political commentator and Daily Beast columnist, Sally is a popular keynote speaker who makes audiences laugh and think. Previously a Fox News contributor—the inspiration for her widely seen TED talk—Sally's writing has appeared in the Washington Post, New York Times, New York magazine, More magazine, RollingStone.com, Elle.com, USA Today, TIME, AFAR magazine and many other mediums. Her work has been highlighted by outlets ranging from the Colbert Report to the National Review. Sally is ranked by Mediaite as one of the 100 most influential pundits on television and by The Advocate as the 35th most influential LGBT person in the media. Though she insists that doesn't mean she's the 35th gayest LGBT person in the media (she ranks far higher on that measure).
NETWORKING
NEW NETWORKING OPPORTUNITY THIS YEAR!
COME MEET THE BOARD MEMBERS OF THE WBA!
We know how important networking is to our community and we want to make this fun and easy for all! Please join us for some dedicated networking tables with WBA board members at 6PM before the program begins.
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New to town?
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New to law?
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Looking to learn more about what the WBA does and who we are?
This is a terrific opportunity to meet new folks and learn more about the power of our organization.
See you there!
LELIA J. ROBINSON AWARD
The WBA’s Lelia J. Robinson Award is named for the first woman to practice law in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and seeks to spotlight those women who have spent their careers demonstrating the importance of legal work and commitment to community. This year, two amazing women will receive the LJR Award:
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Patricia Garin, Of Counsel, Shapiro & Teitelbaum, LLP and Co-Director of Northeastern University School of Law's Prisoners' Rights Clinic
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Hauwa Ibrahim, President, The Peace Institute and Visiting Scholar, Wellesley Centers for Women
EMERGING WOMEN LEADERS IN THE LAW
The Women’s Bar Association introduced the award in 2019 to recognize the significant professional achievements of women lawyers in the first 12 years of their careers. It honors women who have excelled in the legal field while guiding other women in achieving success and supporting their communities through volunteerism and social justice. We are excited to give this year's award to four emerging women leaders:
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Kate Barry, Greater Boston Legal Services
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Laurie Bishop, Hirsch Roberts Weinstein LLP
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Amy Sennett, OpenText
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Emily Sy, Takeda Pharmaceuticals
AT THIS YEAR'S GALA, WE'RE EXCITED TO
BRING TOGETHER WOMEN FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE HIGHLIGHTING THE WORK OF THE WBA
The WBA is the largest local women’s legal organization in Massachusetts with nearly 1,500 members. For the past 40 years, we have worked relentlessly to: provide leadership and mentoring opportunities for women attorneys; run social justice programming; stay active at the heart of key legislative policies in the Commonwealth; and generally create an excellent professional and referral network for our members.
ABOUT THE WBA
Through your generous support, the WBA is able to:
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help our members build a diverse and dynamic network with women working in firms, companies, government, and public interest
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create business development and branding programs
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assist members in gaining leadership positions in the legal industry as well as on corporate and non-profit boards
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develop and promote a robust legislative agenda to address society’s most critical social and legal issues
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participate in amicus advocacy on issues important to protecting civil rights and families in the Commonwealth
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encourage women to enter the judiciary, and recognize the achievements of women in the law
BE A SPONSOR OR ADVERTISE WITH US
The Gala is the WBA’s major annual fundraiser and this year your support is even more important to help us continue our work serving our members, the legal profession, and the underserved members of our communities.
Through your generous support, we are able to continue the important work of the WBA in achieving the full and equal participation of women in the legal profession and in a just society.
MEET OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS
GOLD EVENT SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
