AABANY Women’s Committee Hosted: Nourish Your Creativity

On the evening of February 21, the AABANY Women’s Committee hosted an art night in downtown Manhattan called “Nourish Your Creativity.” This gathering aimed to inspire creativity and bring participants together for a fun-filled evening.

Eight enthusiastic participants arrived, excited to explore their artistic sides. They had the freedom to choose their desired art activities, allowing each person to have a personalized experience.

Five participants chose to paint pots, transforming them into beautiful vases and cups. As they worked, laughter and friendly chatter filled the air. They shared techniques and encouragement, making the experience even more enjoyable.

Meanwhile, three participants opted for oil pastels, creating vibrant drawings that showcased their unique styles. The atmosphere buzzed with creativity as they immersed themselves in their artwork, allowing their imaginations to flourish.

Beyond the art, the event fostered connection. Participants spent quality time together, sharing stories and inspiration throughout the evening.

After the art session, the group headed to Chinatown for a delightful dinner. Surrounded by the vibrant atmosphere, participants engaged in lively discussions about food, art, and life.

As the night came to an end, participants eagerly looked forward to the next gathering, excited to continue exploring their creativity together. Until then, the joy of this event will linger, reminding us all of the magic found in art and companionship.

Thank you to everyone who attended the event, and thank you so much to the Women’s Committee for organizing. To learn more about the Women’s Committee and how you can get more involved, please click here.

AABANY’s Labor & Employment Law Committee and Women’s Committee Co-Host “From Pregnancy to Parenthood: Legal Rights and Protections in the Workplace” CLE Event

Getting ahead of Women’s History Month in March, AABANY’s Labor & Employment (“L&E”) Law Committee and Women’s Committee co-hosted a CLE event on Thursday, February 20, 2025, on the recent federal and New York state laws related to pregnant workers and new mothers at the workplace. The CLE panel consisted of Samantha Hunt, Equal Justice Works Fellow from A Better Balance; Rachel Lee, Associate from A&O Shearman; and Vilda Vera Mayuga, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection. Jennifer Kim from Littler & Mendelson, P.C. moderated the event, which was held at the beautiful office of Robins Kaplan LLP in midtown.

The panelists provided an overview of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (“PWFA”), the Providing Urgent Maternal Protection for Nursing Mothers (“PUMP”) Act, New York’s lactation break law, and New York’s prenatal leave law. Samantha Hunt started the discussion with a summary of PWFA and the types of claims she has handled related to these laws. Rachel Lee provided best practices for employers when complying with the PWFA and the lactation break law. Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga discussed the New York sick leave and the prenatal leave requirements along with an explanation of the type of enforcement her department handles. The attendees walked away with a strong understanding of the rights afforded under these new laws and tips for employers on how to best comply with these changing laws.

Thank you to the panelists for sharing their expertise. Thank you to the Professional Development Committee for assisting with the accreditation of the CLE as well as the L&E Law and Women’s Committees for co-hosting this insightful event.  

If you are interested in attending future L&E Law or Women’s Committee events, please check the AABANY calendar. We hope to see you at our future event!