CONGRATULATIONS EXTENDED TO OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF
THE WOMEN'S BAR ASSOCIATION OF ILLINOIS ("WBAI")
WHEREAS, On June 4, 2015, the Women's Bar Association of Illinois hosts the 2015 Annual Installation Dinner at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel in Chicago; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been apprised of this occasion by the Honorable Robert W. Fioretti, Alderman of the 2nd Ward; and
WHEREAS, the Women's Bar Association of Illinois is dedicated to promoting, fostering, advancing, and protecting the interests and welfare of women lawyers, to encourage a spirit of friendship and mutual helpfulness among its members, to aid in the enactment of legislation for the common good and administration of justice, and to promote and protect the interests and rights of women; and
WHEREAS, the Honorable Jessica A. O'Brien will be installed as the first Asian American to serve as president, marking a historic milestone for the WBAI since its founding 101 years ago. Judge O'Brien's theme is "Leave No Woman Behind;" and
WHEREAS, under President O'Brien's leadership, programming and events planned are aimed at assimilating the WBAI with the business community, the judiciary and other organizations, including not-for-profit organizations, labor organizations and governmental agencies; and
WHEREAS, Judge O'Brien is committed to optimizing value for WBAI membership and with the help of her leadership and members, has already secured many valuable benefits for her members. As a result of this initiative, she has established a Members' Benefits Committee to continue to seek more benefits for the organization; and
WHEREAS, in furtherance of offering maximum benefits to WBAI membership, the following are some of the programming and events being planned for 2015-2016 bar year: (1) WBAI Leadership Institute, (2) two legislative receptions, one in Chicago and one in Springfield; (3) December Ms. Claus Holiday party to benefit women's shelters; (4) Spring 2016 Talent Show to feature judges and lawyers with hidden talents; and (5) panel discussions and receptions to offer 16 free CLE credits to cover diverse legal issues of law; and
WHEREAS, additional committees in formation during Judge O'Brien's leadership include the Advisory Committee to the President, the Managing Partner Committee, and the In-House Counsel Committee; and
WHEREAS, other officers to be sworn in on June 4, 2015 are as follows: First Vice-President Adria Mossing, Second Vice-President Kristin Barnette, Treasurer Karie Valentino, Financial Secretary Deanna Blair, Corresponding Secretary Jennifer Irmen, and Recording Secretary Kilby MacFadden; and
WHEREAS, board members to be installed are the following: Jennifer Ballard, Rebecca Dandy, Corinne Heggie, Dina Ninfo, Chloe Pedersen, and Jeanne Stathopoulos, Julia Williams, Elizabeth Winiarski, and new directors Kathryn Conway and Kristen Lukaszak; and
WHEREAS, the City Council congratulates Eugena Whitson-Owen for her outstanding service as President this past year presenting excellent programming and events, including Top Women Lawyers in Leadership, honoring diverse women trailblazers and for her outstanding leadership in the WBAI centennial year; and
WHEREAS, the City Council thanks Michelle Kohut, 2013-2014 president, and Deidre Baumann, 2013-2015 director, for their valuable service to the WBAI; and
WHEREAS, the leadership of the Women's Bar Association of Illinois represents outstanding and exceptional women lawyers, who through their tireless commitment to support, encourage, and inspire each other is a true benefit to the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois;
NOW THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Mayor and Members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, assembled this sixth day of May, 2015, do hereby congratulate the 2015 officers and directors of the Women's Bar Association of Illinois, and extend our appreciation and best wishes for success.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented
to the Women's Bar Association of Illinois. ';-
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