2025-2026 COMMITTEES:
CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Organizes and conducts accredited CLE programs for attorneys in Monroe County, works with the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York (WBASNY) for credit approval and issuance of certificates.
Co-Chairs: Kate Nearpass and Hon. Jacquelyn Grippe
DIVERSITY EQUITY AND INCLUSION COMMITTEE
Considers issues of diversity as an inclusive concept, encompassing gender, race, color, ethnic and national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age and disability.
Co-Chairs: Lauren Maddox and Caroline Rodriguez
JUDICIAL EVALUATION COMMITTEE
Compiles information about judicial candidates to inform community about qualifications.
Co-Chairs: Emily Scott and Christine M. Naassana
LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE
Examines bills introduced in Congress, the State Legislature and local government, and makes suggestions or proposals about such bills to GRAWA and WBASNY, and serves as ex-officio delegate to WBASNY.
Chair: Dr. Catherine ("Kate") Cerulli
MEDIA COMMITTEE
Handles GRAWA’s public relations, including social media management, sharing member news, monitors the calendar of events for GRAWA and takes photos at events to share on the website, LinkedIn, Facebook and WBASNY newsletter.
Co-Chairs: Kristin Merrick and Nichole Austin
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
Recruits new GRAWA members and ensures renewal by existing members. As a chapter of WBASNY, GRAWA pays $55 per member, and receives one delegate position for each 50 members.
Co-Chairs: Lauren Whiting and Regina MacAdam
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Proposes nominations of GRAWA board positions and helps promote GRAWA and its members through nominations for civic and bar association awards. This committee is also responsible for member recognition, awards and GRAWA’s Annual Sweet Success celebration.
Chair: Leigh Ann Chute
PROGRAMS COMMITTEE
Responsible for member engagement, the Programs Committee plans programming, networking, social events and annual functions.
Co-Chairs: Tiffany D'Angelo and Erin Elmouji
WBASNY DELEGATES
Attends periodic WBASNY meetings, representing the Rochester Chapter.
Delegates: Judge (Ret.) Joanne Winslow and Claire Bopp
TASK FORCES AND SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS
NEWLY ADMITTED WOMEN ATTORNEYS (NAWA) COMMITTEE
Builds relationships to enhance GRAWA experience through professional development, community service, networking, etc. Members must be 32 years of age or younger OR have less than five years of experience.
Co-Chairs: Christine M. Naassana and Linnea Spagnoletti
EMERITAE GROUP
Builds relationships to enhance GRAWA’s experience for members 55 years of age or older.
Co-Chairs: Carolyn Nussbaum and Diane Cecero
FAMILY & CAREERS COMMITTEE
Meets monthly to provide members with social and emotional support with respect to the challenges of balancing home life and careers. Hosts substantive discussions on issues facing working parents. Also responsible for awarding the winner of GRAWA's annual Family Friendly Employer Award.
Co-Chairs: Nichole Austin and Teagan Dolan
LAWYERS' COALITION ON RACIAL & SOCIAL JUSTICE
Formed in recent years, this combined committee of members from the three bars (GRAWA, MCBA and RBBA) addresses issues of racial justice in Rochester’s legal community and beyond. The committee plans several important events and welcomes discussion and participation towards the overarching goals of racial and social justice. Note: this is not a GRAWA specific committee, but GRAWA members are encouraged to actively support and participate in Coalition events and programming.
Chair: Melinda Fithen and Roberta Feldman
NEW FOR 2025-2026
WBASNY CONVENTION 2026 TASK FORCE
Serves as a liasion on WBASNY’s Convention Committee and assists with planning and programming for WBASNY Convention 2026 which will take place in Rochester, New York!
If you are interested in serving on this committee, please contact Jen Aronson.
