The key to making the most of your WLAM membership is to get involved! A great way to do so is to join one of our WLAM committees; use the WLAM Committee Preference Form. For more information, please contact the Committee Chair of the Committee you are interested in joining. If a committee has yet to be assigned a chair, please contact WLAM President, Kirsten Silwanowicz.
STANDING COMMITTEES:
Awards & Nominations Committee
Chair (President): Kirsten Silwanowicz
This committee is made up of the Executive Officers of WLAM. The Executive Committee oversees operations of WLAM and acts on behalf of the Board for activities that occur between meetings as set forth in the WLAM By-Laws and this Operating Procedure. This committee is responsible for implementation of the 5-Year Plan. This committee sets the agenda for WLAM Board meetings.
Leadership Identification & Development/Awards & Nominations Committee
Chair (Immediate Past-President): Tanya Grillo
This committee works with state and regional leadership to identify and develop interested members for leadership positions within the Association. This committee handles the annual nomination of state officers and submits a proposed slate to the Board of Directors for approval. This committee also evaluates members and/or regions nominated for Association awards. To become a member of this committee, you must be appointed by your Region or State President.
Regional Development Committee
Chair: Amanda Skeel
This committee works with interested members to establish new regions in the underrepresented areas of the State of Michigan. This committee also works with existing regions to establish mentoring opportunities.
Annual Meeting Committee
Chair (Current President-Elect): Kristina Bilowus
This committee plans and manages the annual statewide meeting (including the content of the meeting program, obtaining sponsors and speakers, securing a location, promoting the meeting in the media, onsite facilitation at the meeting, and subsequent evaluation follow-up).
Membership Committee
Chair (Current Vice-President): Abril Valdes Siewert
This committee works together to encourage new membership and helps WLAM retain current members. Establishes and maintains the Member Services Program (MSP). The MSP maintains and evaluates existing membership services, and creates programs to promote membership retention and growth. Further, the MSP evaluates future potential member services and submits recommendations to the Board for implementation.
Finance Committee
Chair (Current Treasurer): Angela Medley
The chair of the Finance Committee submits the annual budget for adoption. This committee works together with the Director to maintain Association finances (including preparation of monthly financial statements, consolidated quarterly reports, and the Association’s annual tax return). This committee also ensures accuracy and compliance with the Association’s financial policies and procedures. This committee is also responsible for reviewing all proposed donations by the Association, including both monetary contributions and in-kind gifts. This committee consists of the State Treasurer and the treasurers of each active region.
Technology & Communications Committee
Chair (Current Secretary): Alexandra Casperson
The chair of this committee oversees the maintenance of the Association’s website and other media sources (e.g., Facebook, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, listserv, etc.), the distribution of the Association’s quarterly electronic newsletter (e-Focus), and the distribution of referral emails to members. This committee works to ensure that the Association’s media sources are current and up to date with accurate leadership contact information, past event content displayed, and timely information is provided regarding upcoming events. This committee consists of the State Secretary and the secretaries of each active region.
Bylaws, Policies & Procedures Committee
Chair: Lindsey LaForest
This committee reviews the Association’s bylaws, policies and procedures and makes recommendations for appropriate changes to the Board of Directors and the membership.
Legal Affairs/Legislative
Legislative Chair: Alexandra Casperson
This committee performs the following activities:
- Legal Affairs/Amicus – Identifies cases in which the Association can participate as amicus curiae, brings such cases to the Board of the Association for consideration, and, when necessary, coordinates such participation. This committee also addresses any other response to existing law.
- Reviews and recommends support or opposition to legislation of interest to the membership.
- Reviews and proposes releasing official statements regarding issues of significance at the statewide, national, or international level, particularly those concerning women in the legal profession and women in general.
Candidate Rating & Endorsement (CREC) Committee
CREC Co-Chairs: Jennifer Henderson and Mary Parisien
Reviews, rates or endorses, and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding candidates and/or potential appointees for judicial, quasi-judicial, and in some cases non-partisan appointive positions.
Program Committee
Chair: Roshundra Simmons
This committee works at the state and regional level to perform the following activities:
- Career Development – Develops and establishes workshops and seminars that educate members regarding developing laws, technology and provides tools for career development.
- Networking – Develops and establishes networking activities at the regional and state level for Association members. This committee also coordinates networking activities with other organizations/associations.
- Charitable – Develops and establishes charitable activities at the regional and state level for Association members. This committee also coordinates charitable activities with other organizations/associations.
Historical Preservation Committee
Chair: Nicole Smithson
This committee shall perform the following functions:
- Develop and maintain record keeping practices to allow for ease of access and historical reference.
- Preserve the history of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan.
- Provide general education to the public and its members of the significant and vibrant history.
- Provide general education to the public and its members of the impact that the organization has made on the law, public policy, and women’s rights.
- Facilitate the growth of our historical records as well as the dissemination of historical records to interested parties.
Diversity and Inclusion Committee
Chair: Kristin Fernandez
This committee will work to advance equity, inclusion, and belonging within the legal profession and within WLAM itself. The Committee works to promote meaningful engagement across diverse backgrounds, identities, and experiences, recognizing that a strong and inclusive legal community benefits both the profession and the public we serve.
SBM Resources on Race and Justice
WLAMom Committee
Co-Chairs: Laura Helderop and Susan Chalgian
This committee supports women lawyers navigating motherhood at all stages of their careers by fostering connection, mentorship, and shared resources. The Committee creates programming and community-building opportunities that address the unique challenges and joys of balancing legal practice and family life.
Leadership Class Committee
Co-Chairs: Lindsey LaForest and Nina Paolini-Lotarski
This committee plans, develops, and oversees WLAM’s Leadership Class program, designed to cultivate the next generation of women leaders in the legal profession. The Committee coordinates programming, mentorship, and service initiatives that equip participants with the skills, relationships, and confidence to lead within WLAM and beyond.
WLAM Journal
Co-Chairs: Alexandra Casperson and Angelita Martinez
This committee oversees the development and publication of WLAM’s journal, showcasing articles, insights, and achievements from members and leaders across the legal community. The Committee works to ensure the journal reflects WLAM’s mission by highlighting thought leadership, professional development, and issues impacting women in the law.e WLAM Journal bi-annually, including article submissions, ads and sponsorships, layout/design, and editorial duties.
Working Towards Nine Podcast
Co-Chairs: Nicole Smithson
This committee oversees the development, production, and promotion of WLAM’s podcast, highlighting the voices, experiences, and achievements of women in the legal profession. The Committee works to create engaging content that informs, inspires, and advances WLAM’s mission across Michigan.
SPECIAL COMMITTEES (Ad Hoc)
Gender Equity Committee
Chair: Kristina Bilowus
This committee develops programs and services to: (1) assist members in dealing with gender bias; (2) raise awareness among the bench, bar, law schools, law enforcement, state government and/or general public of the continuing problem of gender bias; and (3) attempt to reduce the frequency and severity of the incidents and effects of gender bias on individual lawyers and members of society.
Domestic Violence Awareness Committee
Chair: Jen Smith and Viola King
This committee focuses on advocating for legal protections and systemic reforms to support survivors of intimate partner violence. Through legislative monitoring and educational programming, the committee empowers legal professionals to effectively navigate the complexities of domestic abuse cases while promoting survivor safety and judicial equity.
Pro Bono Committee
Chair: TBD
The Pro Bono Committee promotes access to justice by connecting WLAM members with meaningful volunteer and community service opportunities across Michigan. The Committee partners with legal aid organizations and community groups to support initiatives that advance WLAM’s mission and serve those in need.
Past Presidents Committee
Co-Chairs: Alena Clark, Erin Klug, and Nicole Smithson
This committee engages former WLAM Presidents in supporting the Association’s continued growth and strategic direction. The Committee serves as a source of institutional knowledge, mentorship, and guidance to current leadership while fostering ongoing connection among past leaders.
5-Year Plan Committee
Chair:
This committee reviews the goals of the current year of the 5-year Plan and works with various committees and Association leaders to ensure annual goals are met. If necessary, this committee makes recommendations related to prioritization, implementation and/or timing of various 5-year Plan activities.
Affinity Bar Coalition
Chair: Tanya Grillo
This committee will include liaisons from other affinity bar associations and will work to keep channels of communication open between affinity bars.
