Working Towards Nine

Soujoud C. Hamade, President of the Michigan Chapter of the National Arab American Bar Association (NAABA-MI), joins us to discuss NAABA-MI and the exciting growth this organization has experience in the last four years. 

Soujoud C. Hamade is an attorney, entrepreneur, real estate investor, and community advocate who serves as the President of the Michigan Chapter of the National Arab American Bar Association (NAABA-MI). She and her partner founded HNH Law Group in Dearborn and operate their practice on the top floor of one of the commercial real estate properties Ms. Hamade acquired within the last few years through her investment company, Hamade Capital Investments. Ms. Hamade specializes in Business and Real Estate Law, but her firm also handles Civil Litigation, Criminal Defense, and Personal Injury.  

Ms. Hamade began her legal career as an associate member of the Government Policy Practice Group at Dykema Gossett, a leading national law firm, out of their flagship office in Lansing, Michigan. She later accepted a position as the Director of Safety and Compliance at Glorious Cannabis, one of the largest and most sophisticated cultivation facilities in the State of Michigan.  

During Ms. Hamade’s spare time, she has served on the board of multiple organizations, including the Arc of Northwest Wayne County, NAABA-National, the Middle Eastern and North African Chamber of Commerce, and NAABA-MI. Since helping establish NAABA-MI, the nonprofit has grown from just four members to over two hundred members. In three years, NAABA-MI has hosted multiple successful networking events, launched a membership program, facilitated the hire of multiple employment positions, hosted a dozen panels at law schools across the State of Michigan, and helped the State Attorney General’s office host an expungement fair and a driver’s license restoration drive.  

Ms. Hamade earned her Juris Doctor degree and her Bachelor’s in Philosophy with minors in Linguistics and Cognitive Science from Michigan State University, where she received many honors and awards for her academic achievements, including the Distinguished Law Student Trailblazer Award, Jurisprudence Achievement Award in Negotiation, Jurisprudence Achievement Award in Advocacy, and the Best Oralist Award.  

Ms. Hamade’s unique work background and experiences have made her particularly skilled at assisting nonprofits. She looks forward to joining the Board of Directors of the Dearborn Education Foundation and to helping wherever needed.

Tanya A. Grillo is the President-Elect of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan and a Director - National Conference of Women's Bar Associations. She is the Managed Assigned Counsel Coordinator for the city of Southfield.  From 2017-2018, Tanya was the Regional Manager for the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC). In that capacity, I worked with all the courts in Lapeer, Macomb, Oakland and St. Clair Counties in the State of Michigan’s goal to reform the indigent defense system. She received a Juris Doctorate from Thomas M. Cooley Law School and a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Central Florida.  

Website - Connecting Arab American Legal Professionals Across Michigan - NAABA Michigan

Learn more about WLAM on our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠ and on our social media platforms ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠LinkedIn⁠, ⁠YouTube⁠, and ⁠Twitter⁠.   

WLAM supporters can sponsor the Working Towards Nine Podcast. Sponsorship includes a 30-second promo, either audio created by the sponsor or ad copy read by the producer and the sponsor’s name cited in the show notes. Check out our website ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ to learn more and purchase a sponsorship.   

WLAM wants the WTN Podcast to be accessible to all who listen. If you would like a free transcript of an episode, please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠. 

Rita Soka, the President of the Chaldean American Bar Association, joins us for a conversation about this organization, its mission, and rich history of advocacy. 

Rita Soka is the founder and managing attorney at Soka Law, PLLC and she committed to guiding individuals and families through the complexities of legal estate planning and family law related issues.

In addition to her legal work, she serves as an adjunct professor at Detroit Mercy, sharing her knowledge and passion for the law with the next generation of attorney and also remains actively involved in her professional community as an alumni board member at Detroit Mercy.

Rita earned her Juris Doctor (JD), magna cum laude, from Detroit Mercy School of Law, and holds a bachelor’s degree in clinical science, summa cum laude, from Wayne State University. Before transitioning to law, Rita spent 10 years working in healthcare, where she developed a deep understanding of the needs of individuals and families navigating challenging situations.

Rita’s warmth and approachability extend beyond her professional life. She is a devoted wife and mother of three, who treasures time spent with her family. 

Tanya A. Grillo is the President-Elect of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan and a Director - National Conference of Women's Bar Associations. Tanya is a dedicated leader, advocate, and champion for women in the legal profession who is committed to fostering a culture of authenticity, connection, and empowerment. With a passion for mentorship and advocacy, Tanya works to break down barriers and build a more inclusive legal community. Beyond her leadership in WLAM, Tanya is an accomplished attorney known for her strategic thinking and unwavering dedication to justice. She is the Managed Assigned Counsel Coordinator for the city of Southfield.   Tanya received a Juris Doctorate from Thomas M. Cooley Law School and a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Central Florida. 

[email protected]https://link.edgepilot.com/s/d6380fbd/xotqcpzJLkyTU69NJ2T3jw?u=http://www.chaldeanlawyers.org/

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Learn more about WLAM on our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠ and on our social media platforms ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠LinkedIn⁠, ⁠YouTube⁠, and ⁠Twitter⁠.   

WLAM supporters can sponsor the Working Towards Nine Podcast. Sponsorship includes a 30-second promo, either audio created by the sponsor or ad copy read by the producer and the sponsor’s name cited in the show notes. Check out our website ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ to learn more and purchase a sponsorship.   WLAM wants the WTN Podcast to be accessible to all who listen.

If you would like a free transcript of an episode, please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠.  

Mikai Green, the President of the D. Augustus Straker Bar Association, joins us for a conversation about this organization, its mission, and its rich history of advocacy. 

Mikai Green is a native of Detroit and Principal Attorney of GreenLaw Virtual Intellectual Property PC.

She specializes in protecting, preserving & monetizing intellectual property to create generational wealth and legacy.

Mikai handles novel and complex copyright infringement matters, has advance knowledge of federal trademarks, negotiating free agent contracts, film, music, and licensing agreements, forming and structuring for-profit and nonprofit entities, trusts and estate plans.

Makai also serves as a volunteer mentor for the Minority Bar Prep Program, where she finds pleasure in instructing and tutoring recent law school graduates to sit for the Uniform Bar Exam.

In addition, Makai also serves as Secretary of One Detroit Credit Union. This position is important to her because she’s at the forefront of facilitating financial independence & financial literacy to the underserved, and promoting economic revitalization in distressed communities.

Mikai is a graduate of Western Michigan Cooley Law School, where she received her Jurist Doctorates in Intellectual Property Law and Michigan State University where she earned her Bachelors in Telecommunications.

When she is not practicing law, she spends her time developing ideas and concepts. Makai is co-founder of a newly launched bottled water company “Green Water”, the only alkaline, antiseptic, and antiviral water on the market, which her father is co-founder and scientist behind the formula. She is the founder of “Trap Tours”, a sightseeing company, and has several other ventures underway.

Tanya A. Grillo is the President-Elect of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan and a Director - National Conference of Women's Bar Associations. Tanya is a dedicated leader, advocate, and champion for women in the legal profession who is committed to fostering a culture of authenticity, connection, and empowerment. With a passion for mentorship and advocacy, Tanya works to break down barriers and build a more inclusive legal community.

Beyond her leadership in WLAM, Tanya is an accomplished attorney known for her strategic thinking and unwavering dedication to justice. She is the Managed Assigned Counsel Coordinator for the city of Southfield.   Tanya received a Juris Doctorate from Thomas M. Cooley Law School and a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Central Florida.

Website – strakerlaw.org

Learn more about WLAM on our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠ and on our social media platforms ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠LinkedIn⁠, ⁠YouTube⁠, and ⁠Twitter⁠.  

WLAM supporters can sponsor the Working Towards Nine Podcast. Sponsorship includes a 30-second promo, either audio created by the sponsor or ad copy read by the producer and the sponsor’s name cited in the show notes. Check out our website ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ to learn more and purchase a sponsorship.  

WLAM wants the WTN Podcast to be accessible to all who listen. If you would like a free transcript of an episode, please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠. 

Dewnya Bazzi, President of Michigan Muslim Bar Association, joins us to discuss MMBA, the struggles Muslim attorneys face, and the organizations commitment to growth and collaboration as we move forward into 2025. 

Dewnya Bazzi is a distinguished personal injury attorney, visionary leader, and founder of ATLAW, a multi-service law firm that has redefined the standards of legal excellence. With a proven track record of advocating for injured clients, Dewnya has built an eight-figure law firm that handles thousands of active personal injury cases at a time, all without ad spend, using a grassroots approach that prioritizes client care and community engagement. 

Driven by a passion for innovation and a deep commitment to transforming the legal industry, Dewnya developed the Client Experience Platform (CXP), a groundbreaking tool that empowers attorneys to deliver superior service and build stronger client relationships. Her vision extends beyond her own firm as she actively mentors and teaches other attorneys how to grow their practices by implementing these cutting-edge strategies. 

As a mother of three and wife to a supportive husband, Dewnya balances her professional accomplishments with her role as a dedicated family woman. She is deeply empathetic, understanding the human side of the legal process, and strives to make the legal industry more client-focused and compassionate. 

Dewnya’s life's mission is to disrupt the legal industry for the better, promoting a problem-solving, client-centered approach. She envisions a future where attorneys and clients work together in a positive, solution-oriented environment. Through her entrepreneurial mind and visionary approach, she aims to build a billion-dollar company that not only excels in legal practice but also fosters meaningful change in the industry. 

Her journey, which includes rebuilding her law firm from the ground up after a significant legal change, serves as a source of inspiration for many. Dewnya is now sharing this journey with other personal injury attorneys, guiding them through the process of building successful law firms while remaining true to their values. 

Humble in her success and empathetic in her approach, Dewnya is committed to leading the charge in creating a better, more inclusive, and client-focused legal industry.”  

Tanya A. Grillo is the President-Elect of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan and a Director - National Conference of Women's Bar Associations. She is the Managed Assigned Counsel Coordinator for the city of Southfield.  From 2017-2018, Tanya was the Regional Manager for the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC). In that capacity, I worked with all the courts in Lapeer, Macomb, Oakland and St. Clair Counties in the State of Michigan’s goal to reform the indigent defense system. She received a Juris Doctorate from Thomas M. Cooley Law School and a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Central Florida. 

Website –www. mimuslimbar.com 

Admin email – [email protected] 

Learn more about WLAM on our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠ and on our social media platforms ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠LinkedIn⁠, ⁠YouTube⁠, and ⁠Twitter⁠.  

WLAM supporters can sponsor the Working Towards Nine Podcast. Sponsorship includes a 30-second promo, either audio created by the sponsor or ad copy read by the producer and the sponsor’s name cited in the show notes. Check out our website ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ to learn more and purchase a sponsorship.   

WLAM wants the WTN Podcast to be accessible to all who listen. If you would like a free transcript of an episode, please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠.

Join us in a special sneak peek episode to learn all about the keynote speaker at this year‘s 107th Women Lawyers Association of Michigan annual meeting. This episode features Kristen Ekkens, who will talk to us about authenticity and the importance of coming to the table as you are.

Kristin Ekkens is a visionary leader, TEDx speaker, and award-winning entrepreneur whose mission is to bring light and joy to the world. As the Founder & CEO of Exponential Inclusion (EXI) and the Founder of Exponential Joy, Kristin is dedicated to empowering individuals and communities to embrace their full potential and create meaningful impact.

From empowering women leaders in Saudi Arabia to uplifting Latinx communities in the United States and cultivating impactful teams in the Caribbean, Kristin’s career reflects her unwavering commitment to inclusion, purpose, and transformation.

Guided by her belief that joy is a powerful force for change, Kristin creates spaces where people can reconnect with themselves, find inspiration, and amplify their unique light. Whether through retreats, coaching, or community initiatives, her work fosters connection, compassion, and exponential joy for a brighter world. 

Contact info:

Connect with Kristin on LinkedIn 

Exponential Joy | www.exponentialjoy.global

Exponential Inclusion | www.exi.global

Kirsten J. Silwanowicz is the Chief General Counsel for the Detroit Housing Commission. She is a distinguished in-house counsel with extensive expertise in federal grants, contracts, litigation, compliance, and risk management. She provides strategic legal guidance and develops tailored solutions that drive organizational growth while aligning with mission-critical objectives. Kirsten has served the Detroit community through roles at the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation and the Great Lakes Water Authority, where she led complex contract negotiations, managed litigation, ensured regulatory compliance, and supported state and federal funding initiatives.
A passionate advocate for public service and advancing women in the legal profession, Kirsten is a leader within the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan (WLAM) and the National Association of Women Lawyers (NAWL). She serves as Vice President of the WLAM State Board and past President of the WLAM Wayne Region. Through her leadership and publications in the Women Lawyers Journal, she champions women’s rights and equality in the legal field.
Kirsten holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Michigan State University, where she became fluent in Spanish. She began her legal career in Dallas, Texas, before returning to Michigan in 2015 to continue her impactful practice and advocacy efforts.

Delicia Taylor Coleman, President of Black Women Lawyers of Michigan, joins us to discuss The Black Women Lawyers Association of Michigan (BWLAM), its founding and where it is headed. 

Delicia Taylor Colman is a Senior Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Detroit in the Blight Division and General Counsel for the City of Detroit Board of Ethics. Delicia  had an active trial practice for over 27 years primarily in Criminal (Misdemeanor, Felony and Federal Law), but also Family, Real Estate, Civil (Several Small Business Clients), Probate and Juvenile Law. She represented clients as both Plaintiff’s and Defense Counsel and was a vocal advocate for reforming the Criminal Justice system to incorporate restorative justice along with equity, equality, and respect for all coming before the Court. In seeing disparate treatment for individuals whose financial, racial, or sexual orientation or preference is not considered “mainstream” Delicia actively sought programs to bring about fair and just treatment for everyone especially the disenfranchised.  

Delicia has served her community as a mentor for the Midnight Golf Program for the last 11 years. Prior to that I was a Board member of BLAC magazine and previously served as an executive Board member for Serenity Services. She is regular career day speaker with the Detroit Board of Education and participate in Pro Bono legal services through local Bar Associations and a past member of the Wayne County Criminal Bar Association. Delicia is a current member of the NBA, and NAACP. In 2021, she was awarded the State Bar of Michigan, Unsung Hero award selected for an attorney who has exhibited the highest standards of practice and commitment for the benefit of others. In 2017, she was nominated as one of top 10 “Best in Black” attorneys by Michigan Chronicle.   

Tanya A. Grillo is the President-Elect of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan and a Director - National Conference of Women's Bar Associations. She is the Managed Assigned Counsel Coordinator for the city of Southfield.  From 2017-2018, Tanya was the Regional Manager for the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC). In that capacity, I worked with all the courts in Lapeer, Macomb, Oakland and St. Clair Counties in the State of Michigan’s goal to reform the indigent defense system. She received a Juris Doctorate from Thomas M. Cooley Law School and a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Central Florida.  

Webste - Black Women Lawyers Association of Michigan |

Learn more about WLAM on our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠ and on our social media platforms ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠LinkedIn⁠, ⁠YouTube⁠, and ⁠Twitter⁠.   

WLAM supporters can sponsor the Working Towards Nine Podcast. Sponsorship includes a 30-second promo, either audio created by the sponsor or ad copy read by the producer and the sponsor’s name cited in the show notes. Check out our website ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ to learn more and purchase a sponsorship.   

WLAM wants the WTN Podcast to be accessible to all who listen. If you would like a free transcript of an episode, please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠. 

Everado Tapia, the President of the Hispanic Bar Association of Michigan (HBAM), joins us for a conversation about HBAM and its main focus of growth. 

Everardo Tapia is the president of the Hispanic Bar Association of Michigan. He is Associate General Counsel at Forvia, the world’s seventh largest automotive supplier. Previously, Everardo was an associate practicing Automotive, Business, Commercial, and IP Litigation in the Detroit office of Butzel Long. Everardo received his JD from Chicago-Kent College of Law and his undergraduate degree in engineering from Penn State.  Everardo is currently serving as the President of the Hispanic Bar Association of Michigan. Outside of work, Everardo enjoys running, cycling, and spending time with his family. 

Tanya A. Grillo is the President-Elect of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan and a Director - National Conference of Women's Bar Associations. She is the Managed Assigned Counsel Coordinator for the city of Southfield.  From 2017-2018, Tanya was the Regional Manager for the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC). In that capacity, I worked with all the courts in Lapeer, Macomb, Oakland and St. Clair Counties in the State of Michigan’s goal to reform the indigent defense system. She received a Juris Doctorate from Thomas M. Cooley Law School and a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Central Florida.  

Website - Hispanic Bar Association of Michigan

Learn more about WLAM on our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠ and on our social media platforms ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠LinkedIn⁠, ⁠YouTube⁠, and ⁠Twitter⁠.

WLAM supporters can sponsor the Working Towards Nine Podcast. Sponsorship includes a 30-second promo, either audio created by the sponsor or ad copy read by the producer and the sponsor’s name cited in the show notes. Check out our website ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ to learn more and purchase a sponsorship. 

WLAM wants the WTN Podcast to be accessible to all who listen. If you would like a free transcript of an episode, please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠. 

In this episode, host Nicole Smithson speaks with three distinguished jurists about their journey to the bench and their advice for attorneys who want to become a judge. Additionally, Lynn Helland, executive director of the Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission, shares valuable information about the unique ethical requirements for judicial candidates.

Hon. Julie A. Gafkay was appointed to the Saginaw County Circuit Court bench by Governor Gretchen Whitmer on April 26, 2023, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of the Hon. Janet M. Boes.

Prior to her appointment, Judge Gafkay owned a law firm in Saginaw County for 20 years specializing in civil rights, employment discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation, Whistleblowers’ Protection Act, and personal injury. She served as president of the Saginaw County Bar Association and Women Lawyers Association of Michigan.

Lynn Helland is the executive director of the Judicial Tenure Commission. Prior to joining the JTC, he was an Assistant United States Attorney for 34 years. He has significant experience with Michigan legal ethics as professional responsibility officer for the US Attorney’s Office, discipline hearing panelist for the Attorney Discipline Board, and ethics instructor. His work included helping colleagues in the US Attorney’s Office comply with the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct.

Hon. Shelia R. Johnson is Chief Judge of the 46th District Court, which serves the Michigan communities of Southfield, LathrupVillage, Bingham Farms, Beverly Hills, Franklin, and Southfield Township. Judge Johnson was elected in November 2002 and is the first African American to serve as a judge in the 46th District Court and the first African American female districtcourt judge in Oakland County. In 2012, Judge Johnson was selected by the Michigan Democratic Party as a candidate for Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court. 

Prior to assuming the bench, Judge Johnson was an attorney, with over 18 years of legal experience in both State and FederalCourts. She has held many positions in professional associations, including but not limited to: past president of the statewide Michigan District Judges Association; member of the State Bar of Michigan Judicial Council; past president of the Association of Black Judges of Michigan, former vice-president and board member of the National Association of Women Judges; past board member, financial secretary, and recording secretary of the Judicial Council of the National Bar Association; former member of the Equal Access Initiative of the Committee on Justice Initiatives of the State Bar of Michigan; and fellow of the State Bar of Michigan, the American Bar Association, and the Oakland County Bar Association.

Hon. Sima G. Patel was appointed to the Michigan Court of Appeals in 2022. Before joining the bench, she was anappellate attorney in private practice for over 11 years representing clients in complex litigation before the Michigan Supreme Court, Michigan Court of Appeals, and the Federal 6th Circuit Court of Appeals. Judge Patel began her legal career as a law clerk in the Michigan Supreme Court.

Judge Patel was recognized as a 2021 Michigan Lawyers Weekly Leader in the Law. She won the WMU Thomas M. Cooley Law Review Distinguished Brief Award for writing one of the top scholarly appellate briefs submitted to the Michigan Supreme Court in 2020. Judge Patel is a contributing author for the Institute for Continuing Legal Education publication Torts: Michigan Law and Practice.

Nicole M. Smithson is the Oakland County Indigent Defense Services Office’s principal attorney for compliance with Standards 6 and 7. She is currently president of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, creative director of the Working Towards Nine podcast, and co-chair of the National Association of Women Lawyers’ membership, growth, and engagement committee.

For a copy of Judge Johnson’s PowerPoint slides, please email [email protected].

Jacqueline August, Immediate Past-President of the Michigan Asian Pacific American Bar Association (MAPABA), joins us to discuss the genesis of the organization and how it has evolved. 

Jacqueline August is the Immediate Past President of the Michigan Asian Pacific American Bar Association.  She is Associate Counsel at RKT Holdings and the She drafts and negotiates a broad range of commercial contracts, including vendor contracts for goods, software, and services.  Jacqueline serves on the Board of Directors of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan (WLAM), and is Vice President of the Women’s Bar Association (Oakland Region of WLAM), Jacqueline was honored by Michigan Lawyer’s Weekly in its Class of 2023 Up and Coming Lawyers.

Tanya A. Grillo is the President-Elect of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan and a Director - National Conference of Women's Bar Associations. She is the Managed Assigned Counsel Coordinator for the city of Southfield.  From 2017-2018, Tanya was the Regional Manager for the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC). In that capacity, I worked with all the courts in Lapeer, Macomb, Oakland and St. Clair Counties in the State of Michigan’s goal to reform the indigent defense system. She received a Juris Doctorate from Thomas M. Cooley Law School and a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Central Florida.

Website- https://mapaba.carrd.co/Learn more about WLAM on our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠ and on our social media platforms ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠LinkedIn⁠, ⁠YouTube⁠, and ⁠Twitter⁠.   WLAM supporters can sponsor the Working Towards Nine Podcast. Sponsorship includes a 30-second promo, either audio created by the sponsor or ad copy read by the producer and the sponsor’s name cited in the show notes. Check out our website ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ to learn more and purchase a sponsorship.   WLAM wants the WTN Podcast to be accessible to all who listen. If you would like a free transcript of an episode, please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠. 

Warning:

Julisa Abad the Latina transgender woman from Florida who relocated to Michigan to work in transgender advocacy.  As the Director of transgender advocacy, she is a community leader on the issues that face the transgender community including housing, education, victims assistance, healthcare, and violence reduction. She is fluent in three languages including Spanish and Portuguese. Her critical work has provided emergency housing, furnishings, and healthcare to the transgender community, as well as assisting the justice project aid crime victims and find an interview crime witnesses. She has been instrumental in assisting with name change clinics for transgender persons so that their names match their gender.

Abril Valdes Siewert has dedicated her career to social justice. Ms. Siewert specializes in immigration law at Valdes Law, PLLC.  She has worked with small and large firms, as well as non-profit organizations such as Lakeshore Legal Aid; and as the Immigrant Rights Attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Michigan. During her time at the ACLU, she co-authored the Michigan Crimmigration resource guide which was distributed throughout the state. Ms. Siewert is licensed in the states of Michigan and California. She received her J.D., from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and her B.A. in English, from California State University Los Angeles.  She is the secretary and co-chair of the Diversity Equity & Inclusion committee for the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, and corresponding secretary for the State Bar of Michigan’s Immigration Law Section.

Read more about the Fair Michigan Justice Project here: https://www.fairmichigan.org/fair-michigan-justice-project/

Read more about Ashia Davis here: https://www.hrc.org/news/honoring-ashia-davis-34-year-old-black-trans-woman-killed-in-detroit

Ways to get involved: https://www.glaad.com

Learn more about WLAM on our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠ and on our social media platforms ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠LinkedIn⁠, ⁠YouTube⁠, and ⁠Twitter⁠.  

WLAM supporters can sponsor the Working Towards Nine

WLAM wants the WTN Podcast to be accessible to all who listen. If you would like a free transcript of an episode, please email ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠.