MBLA activities are developed and managed by its standing Committees, which include the Community Service Committee, the Programs and Professional Development Committee, the Black Women In The Profession Subcommittee, the Student Support Committee, the Membership Development Committee, the External Affairs Committee, the Publications Subcommittee, the Social Media and Marketing Subcommittee, the Social Action Committee, the Judicial Appointment Committee, and the Finance Committee.
This committee encourages the involvement of the membership in volunteer legal services and community service activities and also encourages leadership, advocacy and empowerment of the MBLA membership and greater legal community to effect social change and public policy in the Commonwealth. Through this Committee, the MBLA hopes to establish its position on emerging or perennial public issues pertinent to the practice of law in the Commonwealth. The committee will implement programs that stimulate social action and educate members and the community on current social justice issues.
Co-Chairs: Bethany Serota, Lisa Conserve
Members: Kimberley Odums, Janeal Hoyte, Cristina Rodrigues
This committee is responsible for planning and executing all programs geared to enhance the retention and advancement of attorneys of color in Massachusetts.
Co-Chairs: Michael Kippins, Tiffanie Ellis Niles
Members: Kanasha S. Herbert, Carla Reeves, Laura Martin, Carla Jackson
This committee provides support to area law school students through mentorship and networking programs. This committee also oversees the MBLA scholarship award programs.
Chairs: D’Andre Fernandez
Members: Arianne Waldron, Tiffanie Ellis Niles, Charles Koech
This committee is responsible for the development of the organization’s membership.
Chair: Avana Anderson, Arianne Waldron
Members: Laura Martin, Janeal Hoyte
This committee facilitates MBLA partnerships with other similarly-missioned organizations locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. It works to improve the state-wide awareness of the MBLA through media, strategic collaborations with external organizations, and other appropriate mechanisms. Finally, it advises the MBLA Board of Directors (BOD), its Committees and partners and coordinates their external communication efforts on important current MBLA initiatives, programs and policy positions, if any.
Chair: Eron Hacksaw
Members: Courtney M. Person, Charles Koech, Stesha Emmanuel
This committee plans the logistics for the Annual MBLA Gala.
Chair: Stesha A. Emmanuel
Members: Kanasha Herbert, Asha White, Tiffanie Ellis Niles
This committee ensures compliance with applicable state and federal laws and maintains the organization’s tax-exempt status.
Chair: Cherina Wright
Members: Stesha Emmanuel, Kanasha Herbert, Asha White, D’Andre Fernandez
For more information on joining an MBLA Committee, please contact any Committee Chair or the MBLA directly.