2022-2023 COMMITTEES

BOOKS AND BOTTLES COMMITTEE

Meets monthly (in person or over Zoom, as necessary) to discuss and share perspectives about a book chosen from a curated list of fiction and nonfiction, while encouraging members to enjoy an adult beverage based on a theme, location, or character from that month’s book.  The committee seeks to read a mix of fiction and nonfiction books addressing diverse subjects, and endeavors to give plenty of notice about each month’s book and beverage.  RSVPs accepted, and other information provided to members, by email via [email protected].
Chair: Kristin Warner

CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE

Organizes and conducts accredited CLE programs for attorneys in Monroe County, works with WBASNY for credit approval and issuance of certificates. CLE programs constitute a GRAWA fundraising opportunity.
Co-Chairs: Senovia Moncada and Rebecca Russo

DIVERSITY 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: Katerina Kramarchyk and Erin Elmouji

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: Kristin Bolduc and Jennifer Abenhaim

JUDICIAL EVALUATION COMMITTEE

Compiles information about judicial candidates to inform community about qualifications.
Co-Chairs: Alissa Brennan and Jodie Ryan

LAWYERS' COALITION ON RACIAL & SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE

Formed in recent years, this combined committee of 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.  
Chair: Erin Elmouji

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: Vicki Belstadt

MEDIA COMMITTEE

Handles GRAWA’s public relations, including drafting press releases. Shares member news for website inclusion; produces newsletter; and takes photos at events to share on website, Facebook and WBASNY newsletter.
Co-Chairs: Lauren Whiting and Lakeshia McCloud

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

Recruits new GRAWA members and ensures renewal by existing members. As a chapter of the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York (WBASNY), GRAWA pays $55 per member, and receives one delegate position for each 50 members.
Chair: Jennifer Aronson-Jovcevski

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: Emily Uhlig and Christine M. Naassana

NOMINATING COMMITTEE

Proposes nominations of GRAWA board positions and helps promote GRAWA and its members through nominations for civic and bar association awards.
Chair: Hinna Upal

PROGRAM COMMITTEE

Plans, advertises and conducts substantive programs, social events (e.g. holiday event, spa night) and annual functions (installation dinner, judicial candidates lunch).
Co-Chairs: Carolina Hale and Katherine McCarley

STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE

Added as a standing committee in 2020, this committee oversees the GRAWA strategic plan and the process to implement and update that plan.
Chair: Stacey Trien

WBASNY DELEGATES

Attends periodic WBASNY meetings, representing the Rochester Chapter.
Delegates: Catherine Cerulli and Maria Jose Cubillos Reed

WOMEN'S CONNECTIONS

Combines the dedication and experience of more senior attorneys with those seeking mentors in their job search, early career, or career transition.  In conjunction with Newly Admitted Women Attorneys Committee, specific mentoring opportunities are developed and scheduled.
Chair: Jackie Penna

WOMEN’S HEALTH COMMITTEE

Focuses on the recognition, prevention, and education of issues related to women's health and wellness.
Chair: Grace Streicher

WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE

Made up of women in small and solo practices, as well as women leading business practices in their firms, members engage in social events, share resources, discuss problems faced by women in leadership and work toward resolution, and act as a support system to those similarly situated.
Co-Chairs: Randi Proukou and Nicole Lewis