On Tuesday, February 11, 2020, AABANY held its Annual Meeting of Members at Allen & Overy. President Brian Song called the meeting to order and established quorum. Elections were held for the 2020 Board of Officers and Directors, along with a vote on bylaw revisions to clarify and extend term limits.
President Brian Song presented the Year in Review while Executive Director, Yang Chen, presented the report of the Committees. After the reports, awards were presented to honor AABANY leaders and committees for their dedication to AABANY over the past year. While these presentations were occuring, Immediate Past President James R. Cho and President-Elect Sapna Palla tallied the votes.
The following officers were elected and will begin their term on April 1, 2020:
Terrence L. Shen President-Elect
Tiffany Miao Vice President, Programs and Operations
David Sohn Vice President, Programs and Operations
Margaret Ling Development Director
William Hao Treasurer
Christopher Bae Secretary
Beatrice Leong Membership Director
The following candidates were elected as Directors to serve two-year terms starting on April 1, 2020:
Jasmine Ball Una A. Dean Edward Y. Kim Naf Kwun Won Shin Kazuko Wachter
Congratulations to all the Officers and Directors who were elected to the Board.
The bylaw revisions were passed.
The following awards were presented:
Committee of the Year: The Young Lawyers Committee
For their outstanding contributions in promoting AABANY’s mission and their service to our members and the community at large.
Program of the Year: The AABANY Trial Reenactments Project under the auspices of the Professional Development Committee
For enhancing and contributing to public understanding and awareness of major contributions by Asian Americans to the social, political and legal history of the United States.
Member of the Year: Beatrice Leong
For her contributions to the growth of AABANY’s membership under her leadership as Membership Director.
Congratulations to all the honorees for the recognition of their achievements and hard work during the 2019 fiscal year.
We would like to thank our members for attending and participating in the annual meeting, and we also thank John Hwang and Allen & Overy for hosting the meeting in a beautiful space, treating us to a delectable selection of food and drinks.
Here’s a recap of everything you might have missed!
Looking at social media posts from the Convention, we were pleased to see so many attendees share our feeling that NAPABA is a family, a group of friends and colleagues, and most importantly, a community. No matter the field, the level of experience, or geographic location, we are one NAPABA.
We’re excited to head into 2020 with you all, but first let’s look back at this year’s Convention!
New Year, New Leadership
Bonnie Lee Wolf was sworn in as NAPABA’s president. We are inspired by her vision for NAPABA and look forward to supporting her leadership!
Using History to Inform Our Future
Through a re-enactment and historical materials, we revisited the importance of Korematsu v. United States,
when Fred Korematsu challenged Executive Order 9066, which led to the
incarceration of Japanese-Americans during World War II. Individuals who
played key roles in the successful effort to overturn Korematsu’s
conviction in the 1983 case brought his story to life, connecting his
values of equity and human rights to the issues we face today.
During the Saturday plenary, an inspiring group of LGBTQ attorneys reflected on the Supreme Court decision in Lawrence v. Texas that opened the door for inclusion for diverse communities and laid the groundwork for marriage equality to become a right across the country. However, true inclusion is still a work in progress. Panelists offered their look at the future of diversity and inclusion for the LGBTQ community.
Celebrating 31 Years
At our Anniversary Gala, we celebrated 31 years of NAPABA by looking to
the future with a swearing-in of the 2019-20 NAPABA Board of Governors.
Comedian, actor and writer Sheng Wang hosted the gala and Chef Kristen
Kish and food critic Soleil Ho had a great conversation about identity,
self-worth and success.
2019 Award Winners
We were honored to recognize this year’s award winners at the 2019
NAPABA Convention. We’re proud to have so many distinguished members,
who inspire our work every day.
Trailblazer Awards
The Honorable Richard J. Chin. To see the award video, click here. Julia Markley. To see the award video, click here. Byung “BJay” Pak. To see the award video, click here. Debbie Leilani Shon. To see the award video, click here.
Debbie Leilani Shon. To see the award video, click here.
Best Under 40
Vanessa E. Candelaria | Attorney, Law Offices of Vanessa Candelaria Christina Chan | Assistant Attorney General, Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General Nooree Lee | Associate, Covington & Burling LLP Cindy Lin | Partner, King & Spalding LLP Laurie Rose Lubiano | IP & Product Counsel, The Climate Corporation Catherine Y. Lui | Partner, Orrick LLP Jessica Nguyen | General Counsel, PayScale, Inc. Marc A. Pilotin | General Counsel, California Labor and Workforce Development Agency Sid Shenoy | Partner, Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP Christopher Thana Sukhaphadhana | Senior Counsel, Intellectual Property, Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc. Jerry Vattamala | Democracy Program Director, Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund Johnny Wang | Partner, Stinson LLP Jovita T. Wang | Partner, Richardson Wright LLP Bryant Y. Yang | Assistant U.S Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office Bilal Zaheer | Partner, Locke Lord LLP
Partners Network In-House Counsel Awards
Diversity Leadership Rising Star Award
Laurie Rose Lubiano
Diversity Leadership Award
Michael C. Wu
NAPABA Gives Back
Thanks to everyone who joined us at our Community Service Project and Farewell Breakfast! We assembled over 200 care packages for the Asian Family Support Services of Austin. AFSS Austin is a nonprofit that helps Asian, immigrant and refugee survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault & trafficking.
A Message from NAPABA Law Foundation
The NAPABA
Law Foundation thanks everyone who donated during convention to support
NLF’s fellowships, scholarships, and the Thomas Tang National Moot Court
Competition.
Whether by buying a Fred Korematsu or Judge Denny Chin bobblehead, wagering at Casino Night, bidding on silent auction items, or using text-to-give during the Gala, these proceeds will be used to advance access to justice for our communities.
Speaking of the text-to-give, congratulations on breaking the system! It appears that so many people were jumping on their smartphones to donate that our vendor’s system crashed!
If you were unable to make a gift at Convention, you may donate via NLF’s website by clicking here. Remember, Harry Gee, Jr., and his family are matching the first $150,000 raised! Every dollar you donate will have double the impact!
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Thank you to the amazing sponsors who supported the 2019 NAPABA Convention.
Premier Sponsor Walmart
Jade Sponsors Littler Microsoft Prudential
Platinum Sponsors Akin Gump Apple Baker Botts Comcast NBC Universal Goodwin Google McGuireWoods Nationwide Paul Weiss Seyfarth Shaw
Congratulations to NAPABA on a successful National Convention in Austin, Texas. Affiliates from around the country gathered to celebrate with NAPABA at its 31st Anniverary Gala Dinner held on Saturday night, Nov. 9, in the Grand Ballroom of the JW Marriott in Austin. Comedian Sheng Wang hosted the evening, and the Keynote Speaker was Chef Kristen Kish, owner of Arlo Grey, in conversation with restaurant critic Soleil Ho. Congratulations also to all the honorees who were presented with awards at the Gala:
Military and Veteran Service Award – Capt Lia Mitoko Reynolds
APA Owned Law Firm Award – Willenken LLP
Law Firm Diversity Award – Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld
Pro Bono Award – Karen King
Women’s Leadership Award – Debbie Shon
Presidents Award – Dale Ho
AABANY was honored to be presented with the Affiliate of the Year Award. Read more about that here.
AABANY members could be found filling a few tables at the Gala Dinner … but where was Executive Director Yang Chen? He was unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict. That did not stop Membership Director Beatrice Leong from creating a cardboard version of our ED to attend the Gala and then join the AABANY group photo at the NAPABA Convention. Thank you, Beatrice!
FALA New York is committed to encouraging and recognizing innovative leadership that advances New York’s vibrant and growing Filipino-American community. We are therefore pleased to announce that we are accepting nominations for the first ever annual FALA New York Rising Star / FALA New York Business Trailblazer / and FALA New York Civic Visionary Awards! Awards will be presented to recipients at the FALA New York Annual Dinner on July 20, 2016, to be held at the New York City Bar. We invite you to take this opportunity to tell us about someone who should be honored for their accomplishments and contributions.
FALA New York Rising Star Award
The FALA New York Rising Star award recognizes lawyers who have been practicing law for no more than ten years, have demonstrated outstanding promise in their respective fields, and whose achievements have led to a significant and ongoing positive impact for Filipino-Americans in New York. Special consideration will be given to nominees who show tremendous promise and potential as a future leader of the Filipino-American legal community.
FALA New York Business Trailblazer Award
The FALA New York Business Trailblazer applauds innovators in the private sector whose record reflects exceptional commitment and substantial contributions to the Filipino-American community. This award category recognizes business leaders who have pioneered innovative practices or broken new ground in the marketplace, or have invested significantly in fostering a stronger community.
FALA New York Civic Visionary Award
The FALA New York Civic Visionary Award honors individuals and programs that exemplify excellence and dedication to serving the needs of Filipino-Americans in New York. This award recognizes outstanding service or extraordinary accomplishments in the public, non-profit, or government sectors, and in a broad range of fields–including the arts, academia, or the legal profession. Award recipients demonstrate exceptional commitment and advocacy in connection with issues that impact the lives of Filipino-Americans.
Please submit your nominations to [email protected] with “Annual Award Nomination” in the subject line by midnight on June 6, 2016, and let us know why you think the individual or program should be recognized.
At a minimum, nominations should include:
name of person submitting nomination;
nominee’s name;
nominee’s company/organizational affiliation;
nominee’s website, if any;
award for which the nomination is being submitted; and
a brief summary of the nominee’s accomplishments/basis for nomination.
Ms. JD will close its 8th Annual Conference this year with the the Ms. JD Honors Reception, honoring recipients of the Ms. JD Honors awards – women and men who have made a notable
contribution to the legal field. Nominations for the Ms. JD Honors awards (listed below) are
open until Wednesday, November 25, 2015. For more information about
the nomination process, please go to: http://ms-jd.org/blog/article/ms.-jd-honors-awards-nominations-open-until-november-18-2015.
This year’s awards are:
Woman
of Inspiration Award – To a woman who, regardless of her practice
area or type of practice, inspires others by her commitment and passion to her
work. (2 available.)
Student
of Inspiration Award – To a male or female law student who
inspires others through their commitment and passion to their legal studies,
extracurricular activities or to a particular cause.
Road
Less Traveled Award – To a woman who is using her J.D. in a
unique, non-traditional, way to pursue an issue or cause that she is passionate
about. (Need not be in legal practice.)
Sharing
Her Passion Award – To a woman who has practiced for more than
ten years who is inspiring younger women lawyers through sponsorship,
mentorship, and sharing her passion for the practice.
Women’s
Strength in Numbers Award – To two or more women who have
partnered with one another to create a unique program, business, or
organization. (The group may include men and the success need not be in legal
practice.)
TIM
Initiative Award – To a man who is an active champion for women’s
advancement in the legal profession. Ms. JD launched The Incredible Men (TIM)
Initiative in 2014 to celebrate men who not only value equality and diversity
in the profession, but earnestly and enthusiastically support women and women’s
initiatives.
Law
School Chapter Award – To a law school organization that
champions the advancement of women law students through, for example, chapter
initiatives (including pre-law initiatives), programming or recruitment.
Posted on
Parkin Lee receiving an award from the New York Immigration Coalition.
Parkin posing for a photo with the other honorees and event MCs.
Former Manhattan DA Robert Morgenthau receives a Special Lifetime Achievement Award.
President-Elect Will Wang and Prosecutors’ Committee Co-Chair Rosemary Yu pose with the Hon. Robert Morgenthau.
With Parkin Lee, from L to R, Lauren Lee (Parkin’s daughter), Jean Lee, Miki Kamijyo, Clara Ohr, Yang Chen, Bradley Edmister, James Chou. Duane Morikawa, Rocky Chin, Rosemary Yu, Will Wang, Linda Lin.
METROPOLITAN BLACK BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK CITY (“MBBA”) ANNOUNCES ITS 2014 ANNIVERSARY AWARDS GALA HONOREES
MBBA President, R. Nadine Fontaine, announces that the MBBA will hold its Thirtieth Anniversary Awards Gala on Friday, May 16, 2014 at Pier Sixty in New York, NY. The theme of the Gala is “The Power of Us: Celebrating 30 Years of Leadership, Innovation and Community.” Michele Coleman Mayes, Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of the New York Public Library and Theodore V. Wells, Jr., Partner and Co-Chair of the Litigation Department, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, LLP will serve as Honorary Co-Chairs of the MBBA Gala.
In addition to the President, the MBBA Gala Committee members include Christine Appah, Richard D. Boyd, Jason M. Clark, Paula T. Edgar, Luwick Francois, Hon. Cheryl J. Gonzales, Co-Chair of the Gala Committee, Y. Gail Goode, Taa Grays, Andrew Hannibal, Deborah L. Martin, Moya O’Conner, Francesca J. Perkins, Yamicha Stephenson, Allison B. Tomlinson and Hon. Alvin M. Yearwood, Co-Chair of the Gala Committee.
The 2014 MBBA Annual Gala Honorees are as follows:
Trailblazer of the Year:
Raymond J. McGuire, Global Head of Corporate and Investment
Banking Citigroup, Inc.
Corporate Counsel of the Year:
Duane L. Hughes, Managing Director
Morgan Stanley
Private Practitioner of the Year:
Carmen J. Lawrence, Partner
King & Spalding, LLP
Jurist of the Year:
Hon. Sheila Abdus -Salaam, Associate Judge
New York State Court of Appeals
Public Servant of the Year:
Jennifer Jones Austin, CEO & Executive Director
Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies
Co-Chair, Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Transition Team
Member of the Year:
Shirley Stewart Farmer, First President (Posthumously)
Metropolitan Black Bar Association
For more information on this event, or to schedule an interview with MBBA President R. Nadine Fontaine, please contact Francesca J. Perkins at [email protected]. For sponsorship inquiries, please contact Paula T. Edgar at [email protected].
