President’s Message

Welcome to a new and exciting year for the Sheree Davis Cunningham Black Women Lawyers Association.

It is both a privilege and an honor to serve as President during this significant season in our country's history. As we celebrate six years of excellence, advocacy, community, and service, we do so with gratitude for the women who paved the way and with anticipation for the generations who will follow.

Our theme this year, "Across Oceans and Ages—She Endures, She Leads, She Is Destined for Greater," is a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience, and brilliance that Black women lawyers have demonstrated throughout history. Across continents, cultures, and generations, we have overcome barriers, shattered ceilings, and transformed challenges into opportunities. We stand today because of those who endured before us, and we have a responsibility to lead boldly for those who will come after us.

This year's presidential vision is captured in one guiding call: Leading Beyond the Table.

Our goal is not merely to occupy seats at the table, but to shape the conversations, influence decisions, and prepare the women who will lead after us.

To accomplish that vision, our work this year will be centered on three strategic pillars:

Cultivate Leaders

Mission: Equip Black women lawyers to lead with confidence, influence, and excellence—inside and outside the courtroom.

We develop women by creating meaningful opportunities for professional growth, leadership development, mentorship, and executive presence. Whether leading a trial, a law firm, a nonprofit, a boardroom, or a community initiative, our members will be equipped to lead with excellence.

Connect Generations

Mission: Intentionally transfer wisdom, relationships, opportunity, and legacy from one generation of Black women lawyers to the next.

We strengthen one another by fostering authentic relationships across every stage of our careers. Through mentorship, sponsorship, and shared experiences, we will honor those who came before us while intentionally investing in those who will follow.

Expand Our Influence

Mission: Extend our impact throughout the legal profession and the communities we serve.

We change our profession and our communities by using our collective voices, expertise, and leadership to create meaningful change. Our influence extends far beyond courtrooms and boardrooms—it shapes policy, strengthens communities, and inspires future generations.

These three pillars reflect our commitment to Leading Beyond the Table—developing exceptional leaders, strengthening our community across generations, and expanding the impact of Black women lawyers wherever leadership is needed.

Throughout the year, we will empower our members through innovative programming, professional development, leadership opportunities, and pathways to greater influence within the legal profession and our communities. Together, we will intentionally build a legacy that extends beyond our individual accomplishments—one that creates lasting impact for future generations of Black women attorneys.

As a servant leader, I recognize that leadership is not about position; it is about purpose. It is about uplifting others, opening doors, sharing knowledge, and ensuring that no woman walks her journey alone. Together, we will celebrate our achievements, support one another through challenges, and continue advancing the mission of this organization with excellence and integrity.

I invite each member to fully engage this year. Bring your talents, your ideas, your experiences, and your voice. There is a place for you here, and together we will continue building an organization that reflects the very best of who we are and all that we are destined to become.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve. I look forward to a remarkable year of growth, impact, and purpose.

With gratitude and in service,

Kanisha Taylor 

President

Sheree Davis Cunningham Black Women Lawyers Association