You're all stars in our book! A big thanks to The Adler Planetarium for presenting at the informal gathering of Chicago-area National Association of Minority & Women Owned Law Firms (NAMWOLF) law firms and supporters that VAB hosted last night. It was a great way to see our NAMWOLF friends, celebrate all that Chicago (and the universe!) has to offer, and hear about the out-of-this-world work that the Adler is doing. Thank you Michelle B. Larson, PhD, President and CEO of the Adler Planetarium, Ryu Mizuno, Chief Revenue Officer, and Nancy Gerrie, Vice Chair of the board of Trustees.
Aurora Austriaco Panelist at Women's Power Luncheon
VAB Law is so proud that Aurora Austriaco will be one of four esteemed panelists for the Women's Power Luncheon presented by Onyx Strategic Partners on October 28th at the Griffen-Bourdeau Design Center. Speaking alongside are Arrielle Johnson, CEO of Business Leadership Council, Heather Ireland Robinson, Executive Director of the Jazz Institute of Chicago and Marie Lynn Miranda, Chancellor of the University of Illinois Chicago.
VAB Sponsors Reception and Reena Sikdar Panelist at NAMWOLF 2024 Annual Meeting
We are so excited to continue our support of National Association of Minority & Women Owned Law Firms (NAMWOLF) and its events as an In-House Cocktail Reception Sponsor for the 2024 Annual Meeting. Our own Reena Sikdar was on an Ethics CLE panel discussing "When the Government Gets Involved" with esteemed co-panelists John Amberg, Executive Vice President, Global Chief Compliance and Ethics Officer at Northern Trust, Nekia Hackworth Jones, Regional Director for the Atlanta Regional Office for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Aaron Moore, Regional Counsel for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and Alison Donahue Kehner Partner at DTO Law.
VAB Law Supported and Attended the 1st Asian Women's Summit
VAB Law was so excited to be a part of the First Annual Asian Women’s Summit! This event was put together to celebrate National Women's HERstory/History/Future Month! Our very own Aurora Austriaco co-hosted along with Mark Hands and Clarita Santos. The Summit will took place on Friday, March 22, 2024 at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.
This 4.5 hour event featured speakers: Grace Hou-Ovnik: Deputy Governor for Health and Human Services, Office of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker; Aileen Kim: Deputy General Counsel, Office of the Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias; Anna Ninoyu, AIA: Owner/Principal/Co-founder, METIS Design; Clarita Santos: Executive Director of Corporate and Civic Partnerships, Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC); Danielle Austriaco: Associate Attorney, Johnson and Bell, Ltd.; Erikka Wang: Owner & Co-founder, AKIRA; Kristy Gonowon: Corporate Counsel, Lowe’s, Megan Nakano: Executive Director, Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Illinois (AACCIL); Melanie Matias, Assistant States Attorney, Cook County State's Attorney's Office; Michelle Lura White: Women's Business Development Manager (Illinois’ liaison to women-owned businesses and future women entrepreneurs), Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE) at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO); Sandra Yamate: President & CEO, Institute for Inclusion in the Legal Profession (IILP); and Susan Patel: CEO, South Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Illinois (SAACCIL) | Founder & Owner, Suuprah.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who attended and played a part in making the Summit a resounding success. Your support, enthusiasm, and dedication are what make events like these so impactful.
Aurora Speaker at Chicago United Annual Meeting
Aurora Austriaco was joined by Mary Smith, President, American Bar Association; and Maurice Grant, Principal, Grant Austin, LLC; for a featured discussion; The Attack on DE&I at Chicago United’s 2024 Annual Meetings. The paanel was moderated by Tiffany Hamel Johnson, President and CEO, Chicago United.
VAB Supports I AM ABLE LAW FOUNDATION
In celebration of Black History Month, VAB Law proudly contributed to the I AM ABEL LAW FOUNDATION, an organization that provides mentorship and resources to undergraduate and high school students from underrepresented communities who seek guidance on how to enter the legal profession.
Learn more and donate by visiting: https://lnkd.in/dxER3Upa
Mary Smith 1st Native American Woman to Serve as President of the ABA
Join us as we celebrate Native American Heritage Month by recognizing the incredible achievements of Mary Smith who has made history as the first Native American woman to serve as President of the American Bar Association.
Mary's remarkable journey not only highlights her exceptional leadership and legal expertise but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring Native American professionals. Her trailblazing efforts pave the way for future generations, demonstrating that barriers can be broken.
During this month dedicated to honoring Native American heritage, we applaud Mary Smith for her remarkable achievements and for making a lasting impact on the legal profession. Let us continue to uplift and empower Native American communities and celebrate the diverse talents and contributions they bring to our society.
VAB Featured in Chicago United's 2022 Year in Review
Valentine Austriaco & Bueschel, P.C. was excited to be featured in Chicago United's 2022 Year in Review for both, Aurora Austriaco's new Board position and for the firm's new status as a Member Company.
VAB Supports Just The Beginning - A Pipeline Organization
In celebration of Black History Month, we are honored to support Just The Beginning – A Pipeline Organization whose mission is to is to encourage students of color and other underrepresented groups to pursue a career – and leadership opportunities -- in the practice of law. This pipeline organization illuminates that path to becoming a lawyer and a leader, making real change to the legal community.
If you'd like to join us in supporting JTB, please visit https://jtb.org/
Susan Valentine Shares Her Best Professional Advice with NAMWOLF
As sponsors of the 2021 NAMWOLF Virtual Annual Meeting, VAB's Susan Valentine was asked to participate in a video social media campaign where she was asked what the best piece of professional advice she's ever received.
Andrea Mireles Asked to Join Board of Directors for Corazon Community Services
Congratulations to VAB associate Andrea Mireles who has been asked to serve on the Board of Directors for Corazon Community Services, an organization that she has been involved with since high school. The mission of Corazón Community Services is to improve the quality of life for children, youth and families through holistic social services offered in a culturally sensitive environment. They have been providing life-changing and life-saving services since 2003. We couldn't be more proud of Andrea who shares our passion for giving back.
Aurora Austriaco Mentioned in Law.com Article
VAB shareholder Aurora Austriaco was honored to be credited as a key mentor to Ray J. Koenig III of Clark Hill Law in the Special Report "How I Made It" published by Law.com. Ray was highlighted in their May issue: "How I Made Office Managing Partner and Group Co-Chairman". According to Ray, "Aurora has been a big supporter, advocate, friend, mentor, and an inspirational example of how hard work and the right attitude will get you anywhere. She is the first Asian American president of the Chicago Bar Association and is a true embodiment of the American success story"
Sandy Morris Mock Trial Mentor for Girl Scouts' Project Law Track for 11th Straight Year
Over the last 10+ years #VAB Counsel & former Girl Scout Sandy Morris has had the opportunity to support the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago & Northwest Indiana. Through various roles & activities such as mentoring at Camp CEO (a program in which girls meet business leaders & learn about career opportunities), attending benefits, or mentoring, speaking and judging her favorite #GirlScoutsGCNWI effort, Project Law Track (see below), Sandy has stayed connected to this organization she holds so dear.
This year Sandy served as a mentor, answering questions and helping the girls prep for witness examination and other aspects of the trial. She also got to play a witness during the proceedings. Here you can see Sandy and fellow mentors Maggie Mendenhall Casey and Amanda Pillsbury preparing participant Jasmine for the role of prosecutor.
She joined the scouts at age 7 and to prove she's legit she has agreed to share these adorable photos. One at age 13 with her troop dressed up as California Raisins for her town’s bed races (to raise money to fight hunger) & one of her at 14 when she earned her Silver Award. Check out those sweet feathered bangs! Oh, and her membership card from 1987-88 as a little bonus.
#ProjectLawTrack is a 3-week program that is in its 11th year & is going on right now. This event inspires the next generation of female law professionals through mentorship and mock trial experiences that demystify the portrayal of lawyers as seen in the media. We encourage anyone who can to donate and support this effort by visiting: https://lnkd.in/dFYPP5X
Susan Valentine Panelist on NAMWOLF Trials PAC CLE Discussing Witness Prep Dos and Dont's
VAB shareholder Susan Valentine and fellow litigation experts, Barry Parsons, Howard Rosenblum, Lisa Messner and Rovin Rozario walked participants through how to identify the right expert witness, when the process should start, how to prepare an expert, and how to challenge the other side’s expert. This webinar was hosted by the National Association of Minority & Women Owned Law Firms (NAMWOLF) and organized by the Trials Practice Area Committee.
Aurora Austriaco Panelist on UCAN's Women's Leadership Forum
Aurora Austriaco was honored to participate in this reflective conversation with amazing trailblazing women Kenya Key, Psy.D., CCHP-MH Tanya Menon Alex Cleveland Lourdes Gonzalez Kimberly Casey on March 19. And thank you Uhlich Childrens Advantage Network for hosting this!
Aurora Austriaco Moderator of the 1st Ever NAAAP Leadership Series on Building Allyship
VAB shareholder and National Board of Directors Member of NAAAP (National Association of Asian American Professionals) Aurora Austriaco moderated the first event of the Inaugural Inclusive Leadership Series that will focused on "Building Allyship." Aurora and panelists Lauren Garces, Samson Lee, Junann Lopez and Christie Sithiphone will discussed how they build community partnerships with other professional affinity groups of color. They shared best practices, significance and benefits of these partnerships.
Aurora Austriaco Participant on All-Star Panel of CBA Women Presidents
VAB shareholder, past President of The Chicago Bar Association, and current President of the NCBP Aurora Austriaco was honored to be included on an "All Star Panel of CBA Women Presidents." This webcast was focused on important issues facing women in the law and on celebrating achievements in recognition of #WomensHistoryMonth.
Lydia Bueschel Moderator of NAMWOLF Fireside Chat with the CEO, Incoming CEO and Board Chair
VAB shareholder Lydia Bueschel was honored to moderate today's fireside chat with #NAMWOLF's Incoming CEO Leslie Davis, current CEO Joel Stern, and Board Chair John M. Murdock discussing their future vision for the National Association of Minority & Women Owned Law Firms (NAMWOLF). VAB is excited for NAMWOLF's future and looking forward to seeing all of you in-person as soon as possible.
Aurora Austriaco Speaker at the 2021 NAAAP National Leadership Academy
On January 29, 2021 VAB Shareholder Aurora Austriaco was honored to serve as the Day 1 National Board Chat speaker during the 2021 National Association of Asian American Professionals (“NAAAP”) National Leadership Academy.
About the NAAAP
At NAAAP, our leaders are built through professional networking and educational events, trainings, community service programs, and celebrations of Asian American excellence. For 38 years we have inspired, developed, and connected thousands of leaders across 30 chapters internationally with a reach of more than 25,000+ professionals.
About the National Leadership Academy
Our National Leadership Academy is an advanced skills-building boot camp for new and returning NAAAP national and chapter leaders. The interactive program provides workshops designed to reinvigorate, educate, and guide, with opportunities to network and collaborate with current and upcoming leaders as well as National Board members.
Aurora Austriaco Featured in Jacksonville Daily Record Article on Bar Leadership Challenges in 2021
On January 14, 2021 Aurora Austriaco, VAB Shareholder and President of the National Conference of Bar Presidents, was the virtual guest speaker at joint membership meeting for The Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association and the Greater Orlando Asian American Bar Association.
Her contribution to the discussion on gender and minority equity in the legal profession, as well as her personal background, were featured in a January 26, 2021 article put out by the Jacksonville Daily Record. You can read that article in its entirety here.
In the article, Aurora was quoted several times. Here we’ve highlighted a couple of our favorites:
“Be honest. Be flexible and involve your members to find creative solutions. Face the challenges because another curveball could be thrown.”
“Refer business to each other. That’s the best compliment you can give a colleague,”
