108th Annual Meeting | April 24-25, 2026

“Tell Her Story”

WLAM has been a cornerstone for supporting and advancing women in the legal field since 1919. This year’s annual meeting of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan (WLAM) celebrates the theme “Tell Her Story,” embodying our profound commitment to honoring and preserving the rich, often untold narratives of women who have shaped the legal profession in Michigan and beyond.

This theme reflects our dedication to actively documenting the historical journey, the personal triumphs, and the collective struggles of women lawyers. At this pivotal meeting, we will not only reflect on the strides we have made in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, but we will also focus on the crucial role narrative plays in inspiring and empowering the next generation of legal leaders. We will highlight the power of these stories to connect us to our legacy and to fuel our vision for the future.

Schedule of Events

Friday, April 24 – Westin Book Cadillac
Business Casual Attire

12:00 PM Registration and Networking Lunch
12:45 PM Introductions and Welcome
1:00 PM Leadership Class Presentation
1:45 PM PANEL: Her Voice, Her Power
- Women’s stories have always shaped the world—whether or not history chose to record them. Her Voice, Her Power brings together a dynamic group of women whose voices move communities, influence public discourse, and expand what is possible. This year’s panel features Bonsitu Kitaba, Legal Director at the ACLU, whose advocacy transforms constitutional principles into lived protections; Gretchen Shope, cast member of Suffs, whose performance brings women’s history and political courage to life on stage; Karen Drew, award-winning journalist from Channel 4, whose reporting amplifies truth and elevates voices that too often go unheard; Latashia Perry, beloved author and storyteller of the Like Mine series, whose books celebrate identity, confidence, and the beauty of seeing yourself reflected in a story; and Dr. Maricela Castillo MacKenzie, a board-certified family physician and leader in community health whose work centers on advancing wellness, representation, and culturally responsive care. Together, these women—spanning law, performance, journalism, literature, and health and wellness—demonstrate a powerful truth: when women tell their stories, they do more than rewrite narratives. They redefine leadership, reshape institutions, and reimagine the future.

Kitaba

Shope

Drew

Perry

Castillo MacKenzie

Like Mine Book Signing

Latashia Perry’s Like Mine series will be available for purchase at the meeting and Latashia will also be available to sign books.

3:00 PM Scholarship Recipient Presentations
3:30 PM PANEL: First, But Not The Last
- Throughout Michigan’s history, women have been the first to open doors that once seemed permanently closed—on the bench, in public office, in boardrooms, and beyond. This inspiring panel celebrates the trailblazers who turned those “firsts” into foundations for others to rise. Featuring women who made history in law, politics, education, and leadership, this conversation will explore the courage, persistence, and purpose behind their achievements. Panelists will reflect on the challenges of being “the first,” the responsibility of paving the way for others, and the importance of continuing to build pathways for future generations. More than a discussion of milestones, this is a living story of Michigan’s progress—one told through the voices of the women who changed what was possible.

Hamameh

Kingston Miller

Nessel

DeClerq

Ison

4:30 PM Closing Remarks
5:30 PM Suffs Cocktail Hour and Show (7:30 show time)
- Must have purchased a show ticket to attend the cocktail hour

Saturday, April 25 – Michigan Central
Cocktail Attire

5:00 PM Past Presidents Reception
6:00 PM Doors Open to general attendees
- Opening Remarks
- Awards Presentations
- Fireside Chat: The Making of Herstory with Fadwa Hammoud and Alexandria Casperson
  - Join us for a powerful and personal evening conversation, The Making of Her Story, featuring Fadwa Hammoud and Alexandria Casperson. In this intimate fireside chat, these distinguished leaders will reflect on the pivotal moments, challenges, and decisions that shaped their journeys in law and public service. From navigating spaces where women’s voices have historically been underrepresented to leading with courage and conviction, they will share the behind-the-scenes realities of building a meaningful career rooted in purpose. More than a discussion of titles or milestones, The Making of Her Story explores how identity, resilience, mentorship, and service come together to define legacy. This conversation invites us all to consider not only the stories we inherit—but the stories we are actively creating.
  - Swearing-in of WLAM Board
  - History Tours, hors d’oeuvres and networking

Venues

Westin Book Cadillac

1114 Washington Boulevard, Detroit

A block of rooms is available for WLAM attendees at a rate of $239.00 plus taxes and fees. Reserve online here. The above rate is available until March 27, 2026.