A Message from the President:

Good evening, everyone. It is wonderful to see so many friends, mentors, and colleagues here tonight to celebrate this incredible organization. I have some people I would like to acknowledge. My parents, who are here this evening, and never doubted me, including supporting my childhood proclamation I’d be President one day…and see mom and dad, I did it! My children who are enjoying sleep overs right now and my husband, Richie who has never stopped believing in me. And if you hear him referring to himself as the “First Gentlemen” just humor him as it’s not a real thing. Also, I want to acknowledge my brilliant colleagues from my firm Moses Ryan here tonight that have challenged me and made me a better lawyer. And most importantly, all of you—the members of this association, who I am honored to call my friends.

When I started planning for the year ahead, I searched for a single, new theme for my presidency. But I realized we don’t need a new focus. We just need to amplify the principle that has always defined us, especially at this moment in time. That principle is simple: We are not backing down. Right now, there are powerful voices—influencers, politicians, and public figures—telling women, and especially women lawyers, where we belong. They tell us our ambition is misplaced and our only value is in the home. They are trying, piece by piece, to rebuild the glass ceiling that the women before us fought so hard to shatter.

In this climate, an organization like the Rhode Island Women’s Bar Association is not just important; it is essential. And we have always lived up to that challenge. In the last year and a half, when other organizations have backpedaled on their commitments, we have pushed forward. When companies and organizations quietly dismantled their DEI programs, we proudly added our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion directly to our website so no one could guess where we stand. While others fell silent, our voice grew louder at the State House, where we advocated for vital protections for families, freedom to read, fairness in our courts, reforms to our judicial nominating process, and voting rights. We partnered with RWU Law for a program that focused on the unspoken Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and then with RIACDL that taught us the truth about the immoral Japanese Concentration Camps during WWII. We, also, brought in experts to help our members navigate new menopause workplace protections. We created an amazing partnership with The Alcove that fosters community for women and gender expansive people. That is only a small sample of what we have done. It is also no coincidence that the 3 recipients of the Bar’s DEI Trailblazer award have been given to RIWBA members.

This is the foundation we will build on this year. Our next step is to expand our impact through collaboration. I want to deepen our relationships with incredible groups already doing essential work, like the Economic Policy Institute, the Women’s Fund of Rhode Island, Common Cause RI and the Rhode Island Coalition of Black Women. I plan to forge closer ties with the Federal Bar Association and the State Court’s Committee on Racial and Ethnic Fairness, so we can help advance their critical work. Our goal is to become an even stronger, more trusted community partner, ensuring that everyone in Rhode Island knows who we are and what we stand for.

My vision for this organization is deeply personal. I’ve been a believer in women’s rights since I was a child arguing politics with my dad. But it wasn’t until I found this group in 2020 that I learned how to turn that belief into meaningful action. I came to events expecting to network; but I had no idea I would find the most influential, powerful, and supportive women I have ever known. I didn’t know I would build the closest friendships of my adult life. This became the group I could turn to with my best news and my worst. This organization was my savior. And I quickly learned that I was not alone in needing one. I saw that we were all searching for a community where we could be both formidable advocates and vulnerable human beings.

The fact that you have chosen me to lead is an honor I take very seriously. Though I had my doubts, not one of you did. This presidency isn’t about me; it’s about us. My door—and my email, and my phone—are always open. I am here to listen, so please, let’s grab a coffee. I want to hear from all of you. I want to build an association that serves every single one of you because this organization does not exist without its members. We also want new members to further assist so please tell your colleagues and friends. And yes, we do accept male members. There are so many more attorneys we can support in this state. Let’s make the 2026-2027 year terrific. And let’s remember, always: We are not backing down! Thank you.

Jennifer L. Sylvia, President