January 2023
Happy New Year! As we usher out 2022 and welcome a new year and new beginnings into our lives, I want to take a moment to share how incredibly proud I am of all we accomplished in 2022. Thanks to the tireless efforts of our members, our Association continues to surpass all its goals to create a community of generosity, support and visibility.
In 2022, we awarded our first Paul Feinman scholarships to three inspirational law students whose commitment to LGBTQ issues reminds us of Paul’s passion and kindness. 2022 also heralded the largest membership numbers in Association history thanks in no small part to the determined efforts of our Vice President and Membership Chair Judge Amy Sakalauskas. And 2022 saw another dream realized in the creation of the International LGBTQ+ Judges Foundation; a separate 501(c)(3) organization that will allow us to create opportunities for LGBTQ+ law students for decades to come.
In 2023, I look forward to continuing to create memories and change together. Our Annual Meeting and Conference in Chicago, this July, promises to be the largest gathering of LGBTQ judges in history. And our “Caps for a Cause” fundraising campaign has already begun generating excitement among our members and pathways for the LGBTQ+ community.
As we embark on another year together, I am so grateful to be part of this group of wise, passionate and talented leaders. May this year be full of adventure and growth, and may we all find what we are looking for (and things we did not know we were looking for) this year. Continue to stay safe and stalwart, and, as always, reach out to us at lgbtqjudges@gmail.com. Our community is our strength.