The Women Law Students Association at LSU Law has been named the 2020 Law School Chapter of the Year by Ms. JD, a nonprofit organization that promotes women in the legal profession.
The award is given annually to a law school organization that “champions the advancement of women law students through, for example, chapter initiatives (including pre-law initiatives), programming or recruitment.”
In honoring WLSA with the award, Ms. JD praises the student organization as “a diverse and involved group of women with one important thing in common: a burning desire to make a positive impact on the women in the profession.”
The 2019-2020 WLSA Executive Board includes the following officers: President Gabriella E. Diaz, Vice President Kaylin Jolivette, Treasurer Mary Katherine Loos, 1L Representative Samara Nwazojie, Fundraising Chair Linnea Brailsford, Outreach Chair Christen Lewis, and Main Campus Relations Coordinator Melanie C.R. Brown.
The WLSA strives to bring together women of diverse backgrounds and provide them opportunities to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking, support and recognition.
“Solidly grounded in their mission and vision, WLSA works year-round to initiate, collaborate, and participate in meaningful efforts to promote the role of women in the legal profession,” says Ms. JD. “Whether independently or in collaboration with another organization, WLSA sponsors events designed to promote the advancement of women and diversity. This includes inviting outside speakers who present and discuss topics including but not limited to honing communication skills, mentoring, personal branding, and personal finances.”
Among its recent events and efforts, WLSA held an International Women’s Day Celebration; Sponsored seven children for the Star Tree project by PILS and the Baton Rouge Bar Association; published “The Case for Student Leadership” in The Civilian; held the “WOW: Women on Working in the Legal Field: networking event and panel, in collaboration with the Black Law Student Association. The organization also regularly highlights female law professors and law students in monthly spotlights that can be found on its Instagram account at @lsuwlsa.
Founded in 2006, Ms. JD was created by women law students form 12 law schools across the U.S. With a mission of reinforcing and expanding the representation of women in law schools and the legal profession, the organization provides an online forum for dialogue and networking among women lawyers and law students in all arenas of the legal profession.
