Events Calendar
Center for Women in Law 2021 Biennial Award Luncheon
- Date:
- April 23, 2021
- Start:
- 11:30am
- Save to your calendar:
- iCalendar (.ics)
- Event type:
- Lunch
- For more info:
- centerforwomeninlaw@law.utexas.edu
At the Center for Women in Law’s Award Luncheon, supporters and allies come together to celebrate CWIL’s mission to advance all women in the legal profession. Through the Hortense Ward Courageous Leader Award, CWIL recognizes one outstanding woman lawyer who exemplifies Ward’s tenacity, courage, and commitment in her efforts to achieve gender parity in positions of leadership, influence and responsibility in the legal profession as set out in the Austin Manifesto.
A Virtual Event – “Women at the Forefront of Change”
Friday, April 23, 2021
11:30 am CT – Virtual Lobby Pre-Event Show
12:00 pm CT – Program Begins
Keynote speaker, Soledad O’Brien
Through the power of storytelling, Soledad O’Brien brings a fresh perspective on diverse and contemporary issues to foster change in your own community or organization. Soledad has established herself as one of the most recognized names in broadcasting by telling the stories behind the most important issues, people and events of the day. A champion of diversity, she gives voice to the underserved and disenfranchised through her Emmy-winning reporting and acclaimed documentary series, “Black in America” and “Latino in America.” She also recently opened her show “Matter of Fact with Soledad O’Brien” from the steps of the National Archives in Washington, DC for the launching of “Rightfully Hers”- a new exhibit commemorating the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment – prohibiting states from denying the vote on the basis of gender.
With eloquence and a measured ability to make often-divisive issues such as race relations, social inequality and mass incarceration accessible to all, she moves audiences to delve deeper into the headlines that shape our lives, outlooks and daily interactions. On stage, Soledad draws from her life and career to stimulate thoughtful conversation on the roles we each play within our communities and organizations, leaving audiences with memorable takeaways on the power of individuals and companies to make meaningful and lasting change.
Hortense Ward Courageous Leader Awardee Patricia Diaz Dennis
PATRICIA DIAZ DENNIS is a longstanding leader and groundbreaking role model. For decades, she has forged paths and opened doors of opportunity for women, and remains committed to keeping them open.
Since her graduation from law school in 1973, Diaz Dennis achieved many firsts for women and Latinas in the legal profession, government, and the communications industry. She was the first female attorney at Paul Hastings, and eventually went on to receive three presidential appointments confirmed by the U.S. Senate. In 1983, President Reagan appointed her a member of the National Labor Relations board, and in 1986, he appointed her a commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission—both firsts for Latinas. In 1992, she became the first Latina Assistant Secretary of State for Human Rights and Humanitarian affairs, appointed by President George H.W. Bush. Read full bio here.
For information on sponsorship opportunities, please see the sponsorship brochure
- Specific audiences:
- Texas Law students
- Prospective students
- Texas Law alumni
- Faculty
- Staff
- General public
- Sponsored by:
- Center for Women in Law
If you need an accommodation to participate in this event, please contact the sponsor listed above or the Texas Law Special Events Office at specialevents@law.utexas.edu no later than seven business days prior to the event.