Last Friday was the day for the International Women’s Day Luncheon. It was held at the Phoenix Sheraton and honored the accomplishments of women all over the world.
Ambassador Vicki Huddleston
The keynote speaker was Ambassador Vicki Huddleston, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Africa in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Her remarks were inspiring and provided helpful guideposts for women and men in attendance.
She related one hilarious story that I’m sure is a staple on her speaking engagements, but I repeat it nonetheless.
At one point in her lengthy career of service, she was the Head of Mission in Cuba. One evening, she found herself in a massive ballroom with dozens of tables, each populated by delegations from around the world. She says that she was probably the only other woman in the room—it was her and the wife of the Soviet ambassador.
The American group had been told that President Fidel Castro liked to wander around the room at these events, and the younger Vicki Huddleston was ready.
Castro entered and made a beeline for the U.S. party. He strode right up to Huddleston and asked, “So, are you someone’s wife?”
The young Foreign Service Officer was offended. She recalls that she drew herself up to her full height and replied, “No, Mr. President. I am the Head of Cuban Affairs.”
That led the dashing young fatigue-adorned leader to smile broadly. Huddleston said that he replied, in a voice booming so that the entire room could hear: “Really? I thought I was!”
Vicki Huddleston’s message to her rapt audience last Friday was simple: The way forward, for women and men, may be fraught with obstacles. But a sense of self—and a sense of humor—may serve you best.
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News from the State Bar of Arizona on another event worth noting:
The following is a recap from the Tucson Veterans Stand Down event.
Date: May 21, 2010
Event: Tucson Veteran Stand Down
Volunteers: Ten volunteer attorneys
Summary:
The Tucson Veterans Stand Down is an event hosted by the Tucson Veterans Serving Veterans organization in Tucson, Ariz. This past Friday, the event hosted 121 homeless veterans to a day filled with hot meals, warm showers, clean clothes, and the opportunity to sit with professionals representing a variety of service providers. The State Bar of Arizona joined several organizations that included the Department of Economic Security, Pima Animal Control Center, and the Department of Veteran’s Affairs in an effort to address the homeless veterans’ needs and get them get back on their path to self-sufficiency.
Ten volunteer attorneys with criminal, family, probate, and bankruptcy law backgrounds assisted 34 individuals by answering their questions and pointing them in the right direction toward solving their issues. The most frequently asked questions included: warrants, child support, DUIs, unpaid traffic tickets, suspended licenses, financial concerns, and probation. The consultations averaged 15 minutes and individuals walked away satisfied and with valuable information provided by the volunteer attorneys.
Event organizers continually reinforced their gratification for the Bar’s involvement and the volunteer attorneys’ commitment to the community.
Alberto Rodriguez
State Bar of Arizona
4201 North 24th Street, Suite 200
Phoenix, AZ 85016
O: 602-340-7293 | M: 602-518-8704 | F: 602-416-7493
AZ Attorney 
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