As a member of the Diversity Committee, can you give us an update on a few of the committee projects and what you hope to accomplish this year?

The Diversity Committee would like to highlight and increase the visibility of the Diversity Committee within NABL which will hopefully increase membership as well as encourage diverse members to identify themselves and participate in NABL.  We would also like to increase visibility at NABL events and conferences and to facilitate visibility of diverse lawyers including: lawyers of color, woman and young lawyers.  Additionally, the Diversity Committee is excited to coordinate with the other NABL standing committees in an attempt to incorporate more diverse lawyers into paper and program development.  Lastly, we would like to work towards joint events with diverse groups within Public Finance.  We are working with Asian Americans in Public Finance on a joint event.

How can other NABL members become involved with the Diversity Committee?

Any NABL members that are interested in being involved with the Diversity Committee or NABL in general should feel free to reach out to me or any of us individually.  We would be thrilled to hear from you!

When and how did you first become involved in NABL?

In 2000, my partners signed up for Fundamentals.  As luck would have it, they had scheduling conflicts and were unable to attend.  As their youngest associate, I was sent in their place.  I came back from that conference interested in Public Finance.  The area of law felt scholarly.  I also loved the idea that individual lawyers worked as team members and all working towards the same positive result, which left positive results for the related projects and communities. 

How has your NABL membership impacted your career?

In the early years of my career, NABL provided training and resources.  During market volatility and changes, NABL provides a network and a sounding board for the practice.  Currently, not only is NABL a resource for my practice, NABL provides an area for professional and personal growth through participation in the Diversity Committee.  

If you could have dinner with two famous people (from the past and/or present), who would you choose and why?

The “Notorious RBG”! Ruth Bader Ginsburg is an inspiration.  Not only was she a pioneer for women when women barely went to law school, she is a brilliant jurist.  She is a mother, tiny in stature and fierce in her convictions.  Justice Ginsberg is my living legend and just plain awesome.  It would be an honor to be in her presence. 

Pope Francis- I would love to ponder the mysteries of the world with him.  He seems like he exudes peace.  I would also love to pick his brain about some of the more controversial areas of the church rules and teachings.  It also couldn’t hurt to get blessed by the Pope!