Committees

Our committees provide an essential role by ensuring there is sufficient dedicated, timely and enthusiastic attention paid to key services and programs. Committees will report to your executive board and will assist in the effective fulfilment of its mandate to make WLAO a vibrant, active voice for women in the profession and a vital resource for members in their pursuit of fulfilling and successful careers in law.

WLAO is actively recruiting new committee members. Do you have event ideas that you would like to help plan - consider joining the Programming or Communications committees!"

Volunteer Application Form

The committees are as follows:

Mentoring - CHAIR, Noeline Paul

It is the responsibility of the mentoring committee to provide information and networking opportunities by advising and matching newer Association members or those contemplating job changes or desiring guidance with established and experienced members. To accomplish this goal the committee will plan, promote and present regular opportunities for the of Association’s membership to meet. Applications for Mentoring program participation are solicited throughout the year, so that Mentors and Mentees can be matched.

Programming - CHAIR, Sylvia Kym

Responsible for planning “special events” of the organization such as CLEs and the Annual Awards Dinner. Each year the Special Events Committee plans our core events including the golf tournament, a September social networking event, the Winter dinner, Alternative Careers Night, Awards Night and members only meet and greet with special guest speakers. The Committee is also responsible to establish subcommittee’s for larger events when necessary.

Membership - CHAIR, Fariya Walji

The membership committee is responsible to assist the Board of directors in recruiting and renewing members and promoting an effective peer to peer recruitment and retention campaign. The committee is responsible for working on the annual membership campaign, establishing new chapters and supporting current chapters around the province, hosting promotional events like the Life Member Appreciation Reception, and seeking opportunities for WLAO to connect with other organizations, groups or individuals for mutual gain.

Communications (Public Policy, Marketing, Editorial Board & Archives) - CHAIR, Shannon Paine

Responsible for increasing WLAO’s visibility in the legal community and beyond, including publishing and distributing the WLAO brochures, the membership directory, public relations/press releases, the website and regular updates.

It is the mission of this committee to communicate with our members to foster dialog on significant issues in the legal community. Our role is to identify effective ways (e.g. email, forums, Web, and other media) to communicate both internally and externally to the association.

Advocacy - CHAIR, Najma Jamaldin

Responsible for advocating for equity, diversity, and change on behalf of women in the legal profession. The committee advances the interest of women in law through initiating, promoting, and responding to changes in legislation and regulation and through liaison with the judiciary, government, and other stakeholders.

Finance (Description pending) - CHAIR, Emily Kostandoff

We welcome all members to join a committee as a Chair or member. Help us make a difference. Remember, WLAO is your organization and we need you to make it the best it can possibly be!