ALA Faces Member and Chapter News
ALA Member Honored with 2022 Woman of Achievement Award
Greater Los Angeles Chapter member Kameelah Hakeem was recently honored with the 2022 Woman of Achievement Award from the Century City Chamber of Commerce (CCC). She was among seven recipients, including women in leaders in real estate, partners at national law firms, the medical field, and the entertainment industry.
“This was a very exciting time for me. I have enjoyed working in Century City (Los Angeles, California) for most of my career, mentoring others in the legal community, and volunteering my time to the underserved,” says Kameelah, who is the Administrative Director at Sullivan & Cromwell, LLP. “I’m truly grateful to the Century City Chamber of Commerce (CCC) for their recognition of the work I am so passionate about.”
She follows in the footsteps of another ALA member in the Greater Los Angeles Chapter: Tanya Russell, who sadly passed away in 2020. Tanya was also a recipient of the CCC award, someone Kameelah considers to be a great mentor of hers. But Tanya’s presence was still felt at the ceremony. “Tanya’s former colleague, Shelley Wissot, wrote a letter to the CCC about my contributions to the community. You might say that Shelley — also an ALA member — picked up where Tanya left off in supporting my efforts in the legal community. There was an empty seat at my table at the banquet and Shelley commented that Tanya was occupying that seat in spirit,” says Kameelah.
She also notes how vital ALA has been. “I have gained so much from my relationships through ALA. It makes me feel like anything is possible.”
Kameelah received a crystal trophy and certificates signed by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and City Councilmember Paul Koretz. You can watch the video that was played during the ceremony to learn more about the work Kameelah does.
Congrats, Kameelah!
Members on the Move
Melissa Aasen, a member of the New Orleans Chapter, is now Billing Coordinator at The Kullman Firm, PLC in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Eileen Africa-Nocom, a member of the Las Vegas Chapter, is now Office Administrator at Lewis Brisbois in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Anna Thea Bridge, an independent member, is now Chief Operating Officer at Outten & Golden, LLP in New York, New York.
Derian D’Andrade, an independent member, is now Financial Controller at Pryor Cashman LLP in New York, New York.
Joanne DiFrancesco (not pictured), a member of the Independence Chapter, is now Executive Director at Riley Riper Hollin & Colagreco, PC, in Exton, Pennsylvania.
Andrea Glover, a member of the Dallas Chapter, is now Professional Development and Recruiting Manager at Gray Reed & McGraw, LLP, in Dallas, Texas.
Cameron Gowan, JD, MPS, MLIS, a member of the Capital Chapter, is now Firm Administrator at The Geller Law Group PLLC in Fairfax, Virginia.
Debbie Hayes, a member of the Boston Chapter, is now Firm Administrator at Bass Doherty & Finks, PC, in Boston, Massachusetts.
Denny Krantz, a member of the Puget Sound Chapter, is now Director of Administration at Stritmatter Kessler Koehler Moore in Seattle, Washington.
Patty Williams Mears, a member of the Arizona Chapter, is now Office Administrator at Jackson Lewis PC in Phoenix, Arizona.
Elaine Nielsen, a member of the Austin Chapter, is now Chief Financial Officer at McGinnis Lochridge in Austin, Texas.
Lisa O’Connor, a member of the Oregon Chapter, is now Executive Director at Lynn Jackson Shultz & Lebrun, PC, in Rapid City, South Dakota.
Beverley O’Reilly, a member of the Boston Chapter, is now Executive Director at Klein Hornig LLP in Boston, Massachusetts.
Kirk Rossi, an independent member, is now Chief Operating Officer at Phillips Lytle LLP in New York, New York.
Jennifer Rubin, an independent member, is now Operations Manager at Goulston & Storrs, PC, in Boston Massachusetts.
Rebecca Schulte, a member of the Central Florida
Chapter, is now HR Manager at Dean Mead, PA,
in Orlando, Florida.
Agatha Welch, a member of the Chicago Chapter, is now Chicago Office Administrator at Roetzel & Andress, LPA, in Chicago, Illinois.
Sharon Williams, a member of the Arizona Chapter, is now Regional Recruiter at Lewis Brisbois in Phoenix, Arizona.