Warm greetings with holiday season upon us. As ever it happens quickly, and this year we find ourselves still immersed in the complexities and divisive dialogue of challenging times. I hope that as individuals we might transcend some of the dark elements of this landscape by focusing on what brings personal meaning and fulfillment to each of us. And I hope that the WWBA is a place where you continue to find connection and worthy discourse.

As we soon celebrate Thanksgiving, a time for reflection and appreciation, I want to express my gratitude to WWBA members and friends for your dedication, presence, and ongoing commitment to our community. As described in detail in this newsletter, this fall we took on several health initiatives, including entering teams in the Westchester Heart Walk, benefiting the American Heart Association, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association, and Making Strides of Westchester, benefiting the American Cancer Society. We raised substantial funds while spending empowering days with chapter members and the broader community.

Thank you especially to the WWBA’s Executive Director Amanda Teitel, to all the Officers, and to all the Committees whose work greatly contributed to our mission this season. The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee presented a strong general membership meeting about “Mastering the Professional-Caregiver Balance,” the Domestic Violence Committee presented on orders of protection, the Judicial Screening Committee performed essential work toward developing ratings for the 2025 judicial candidates, the Wellness Committee arranged a private tour and rejuvenating afternoon at the New York Botanical Garden, and the Membership Committee hosted its second “Bench Meets Bar Mixer on the Water.” While the weather that day delivered more water than envisioned, the sky brightened fleetingly as the mixer began and there was still an intrepid turnout. We were honored to be joined by WBASNY President Lisa Noroian. And we are deeply thankful to the judiciary for their continued support of the WWBA community and our events.

WWBA members, in collaboration with the Pace Women in the Law Society, also had an impactful evening of volunteer service at Hillside Food Outreach, as coordinated by Past President Lisa M. Denig. The all-hands-on-deck and fluid approach to breaking down food shipments led to an amazingly organized pantry. We should be proud of the inspired work and camaraderie that defines our organization at all these events.

Ahead, the WWBA Education Committee will present our next general membership meeting and CLE program on December 3, 2025, entitled “AI in our Schools: Codes, Conduct, Consequences and Cutting Edge Issues”—this will address current state and federal legislation and guidance involving AI in K-12 schools in New York State, as well as AI’s impact on students and teachers. On January 22, 2026, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, Mentorship Committee, Employment Law Committee, and Litigation Committee will launch the New Year with a program on “The Value of Mentorship and Sponsorship for Personal and Professional Development, and to Foster Engagement.” 🍁

Beyond the operations of the WWBA, in November we honor Native American Heritage Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Native Americans. As legal professionals, it is important for us to acknowledge the significance of this month, to learn the history, and to support efforts upholding justice and equity for Indigenous communities.

A year ago, I attended an online program about treaty-making between the United States and Native American Nations in the Early Republic, with panelists from the National Museum of American Diplomacy and the National Museum of the American Indian. The latter museum I have always loved visiting both at Bowling Green in Manhattan and in Washington, D.C. The program explored the complex negotiation processes, cultural dynamics, and the broader historical contexts that shaped those treaties and their legacies, which included the forced removal of many Native American communities from their lands, and led to a deeper understanding of early American diplomacy and its lasting impact. For an example lesson in diplomacy, visit https://diplomacy.state.gov/stories/treaty-of-fort-pitt/.

For various reasons, mainly involving an imbalance of military power and the use of violence, lack of cultural awareness, and poor diplomatic communication, many early treaties ultimately broke down. In the context of the program, however, the essential skills that were discussed—identified as communication, awareness, collaboration, innovation, and advocacy—apply to most negotiations. Also addressed were the importance of not making assumptions, listening, making sure you have trusted allies at the table and an advocate who understands, and bringing humanity into the conversation.

I am no expert in these matters, but am open to any opportunity to learn about our nation’s history, particularly in view of its connection to the land where we live. Among sources I am tuned in to this month are (1) The Atlantic magazine’s special November issue, “The Unfinished Revolution,” exploring the founding of the United States, the principles and people of the Revolutionary era, and how those historical themes relate to present challenges, (2) the new documentary series, “The American Revolution,” by documentary filmmaker Ken Burns (illuminating so far…), and (3) the poetry of Joy Harjo, a writer of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation who served as the 23rd United States Poet Laureate from 2019 to 2022, becoming the first Native American to hold the position. To leave you with her words:

Remember the sky that you were born under,

know each of the star’s stories.

Remember the moon, know who she is.

Remember the sun’s birth at dawn, that is the

strongest point of time. Remember sundown

and the giving away to night . . . .

Remember you are all people and all people

are you.

Remember you are this universe and this

universe is you.

Remember all is in motion, is growing, is you.

Remember language comes from this.

Remember the dance language is, that life is.

Remember.

~ excerpted from Remember, by Joy Harjo

Let us all remember lessons of gratitude, respect, and inclusion this season. May your holidays be filled with joy and meaningful connections. Thank you for everything you do for the WWBA to uplift each other and to serve our shared mission.