2013 BLI Graduates—Back row, L to R: Brad Martin, Blair Moses, Elizabeth Kruschek, Buck Rocker, Doreen McPaul, Ray Ybarra Maldonado. Front row, L to R: Chris Tozzo, Tabatha LaVoie, Nicole Ong, Laura Huff, Annamarie Frank, Cid Kallen, Jessica Sanchez. Not pictured: Heather Baker.
The newest class of the State Bar of Arizona Bar Leadership Institute graduated last Friday. As always, it was a noteworthy event marking the accomplishments of a talented group of lawyers.
You may already know about the BLI, but here is a description of the program:
“The Bar Leadership Institute is a nine-month program designed to foster the professional growth and enhance the leadership skills of a diverse group of Arizona attorneys. The purpose is to increase participation and visibility in the State Bar and the community-at-large among historically under-represented groups, with an emphasis on racial, ethnic, cultural, religious, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability and geographic diversity. In 2009 the Bar Leadership Institute was selected by the American Bar Association to receive its prestigious Partnership Award.”
More detail is here.
Speakers at the graduation stressed the qualities of leadership exemplified by the attorney graduates.
State Bar President Amelia Craig Cramer praised the attorneys, and she thanked them for their continued participation in the work of the Bar.
State Bar of Arizona President Amelia Craig Cramer, May 10, 2013
CEO John Phelps urged the graduates to value the friendships and connections they forged through the BLI program.
“That network of leaders is something special,” he said. “Take advantage of that friendship; nurture it. You’ve had the opportunity to connect with others in this special program.”
State Bar of Arizona CEO John Phelps, May 10, 2013
With a laugh, he concluded, “You’re part of the club now. Be sure to use your club membership.”
Elena Nethers, the Bar’s Diversity and Outreach Advisor, reminded graduates, their families and supporters that the BLI is designed to “enable people to attain their full potential.”
This year, she reported, the 14 graduates arose from a pool of 60 applicants.
Bar Governor Lisa Loo praised the program and the attorneys, taking the time to introduce audience member Henry Ong, a Bar member since 1972. He has been an active participant in the activities of multiple bars, Lisa pointed out. And for good measure, he is the father of Nicole Ong, one of this year’s BLI grads.
Also attending the event was BLI chair and attorney Booker Evans, Jr.
If you are interested in being part of this successful initiative (for yourself or someone else), be sure to share and complete the Bar Leadership Institite application for the coming year’s class. The application is due by June 28.
State Bar Governor Lisa Loo and BLI chair Booker Evans, Jr., at the 2013 BLI graduation
AZ Attorney 
September 4, 2013 at 9:32 am
[…] Here is a photo of the BLI’s recent graduates from the 2012-13 class, whom I reported on here. […]