What was the most rewarding part of being on the BLSA Executive Board?
Creating the Law Firm Partnership and the Diversity receptions so we could stop doing bake sales that weren't profitable, have money for travel to MABLSA and NBLSA, and become less dependent on the Law School for budgets. They complimented well with the Alumni dinners that were created around that time. I feel like that allowed our chapter to create connections.
What challenges did you face as a member of the BLSA Executive Board?
It wasn't hard to develop the programs. But Dana Weekes and I had to do the first pitch to Law Firm partners. We asked them what they would want in order to give us their financial support and that is how the Diversity Reception was developed. Asking for a 5 figure number was stressful. Dana and I practiced the pitch a lot. But when we asked the firm seemed excited and we were not expecting that. We had planned a big speech just in case to do a harder sell and when they said yes immediately, we both looked at each other and had to pretend not to be stunned. Creating the first reception and ordering the food was also challenging but we had the entire BLSA Executive Board and APALSA help out. Having that support really made a difference.
How did your participation in the BLSA Executive Board shape you as a Black professional?
I took away three major lessons I still use to this day. Build a network- my network helped me transition out of law and became a marketer/tutor. It has connected me with opportunities to become a LinkedIn author and be featured in press such as Washington Post and NPR. Ask people what they want- the diversity reception came out of asking directly what would a firm want to donate. I use this in my own business all the time and my most profitable ideas come out of asking. Stop waiting for a seat at the table or even brining your own chair- creating the Diversity Reception and Partnership program and seeing others create the Alumni program and the service projects made me realize I do not have to wait for anyone to pick me or ask me to develop an idea. I launch ideas without funding or support and once they pick up steam sponsors or press tend to find me, allowing me to set the terms. I always liked the idea that Shirley Chisholm advanced to bring your own seat to the table. But I have found, in my life, creating your own table allows you to set the rules and terms. I still bring my chair when possible but if I don't see space, I create it.