From President Norma R. Evans, Esq.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as the 2019-2020 President of the Association of Black Women Lawyers of New Jersey. This year’s theme, “Poised to Lead” is reflective of the mission of ABWL-NJ, an organization that has remained on the forefront of legal excellence and social change. A critical part of ABWL-NJ is professional development and service. Collectively, we are powerful. Powerful in creating opportunities for others; powerful in changing lives and impacting future generations of lawyers.

As members of ABWL-NJ, we manifest the pioneering spirit epitomized by our founders and are models of excellence in the legal profession and social activism. As the first women’s bar association in the State of New Jersey, we are in the history books; eyes continue to be on us as we weigh in on matters that impact our community. We are on the brink of reforming this nation’s criminal justice system and it is in this organization that some of the greatest legal minds are poised to lead the effort. We are poised to champion the selection of the first African American Woman to the Supreme Court of New Jersey. For it is among the membership of ABWL-NJ, where a wealth of legal brilliance, talent and leadership can be found.

Membership will continue to be a priority for us this year. When you join ABWL-NJ, you become a part of an expansive network of attorneys and judges throughout the state, that provide support for your professional life and career through various member benefits, mentorship and impactful programming. There are many opportunities to learn, network and get involved as a member. We will continue to invest in our youth and our community, with our Law Day Programs, Forums, Workshops and Scholarships.

Finally, please join me in congratulating the 2019-2020 Executive Board that is poised to lead ABWL-NJ with excellence; Marsetta Lee, Esq., President-Elect, Jennifer Downing-Mathis, Esq., Vice-President, Narline Casimir, Esq., Treasurer, Afiyfa H. Ellington, Esq., Financial Secretary, Alichia Washington, Esq., Secretary, Jennifer Bolden Pitre, Esq., South Jersey Member At Large, Suzette Price, Esq., Central Jersey Member At Large, Angela G. Foster, Esq., North Jersey Member At Large and Cameryn J. Hinton, Esq., Immediate Past President.

I look forward to serving the Association of Black Women Lawyers of New Jersey as its President this year. It is truly an honor and a privilege.

Poised to Lead,

Norma R. Evans, Esq.