DIVERSITY CORNER
Rosalyn “ Sia ” Baker-Barnes – 2021 Judge Edward Rodgers Diversity Award Recipient
DENISE MUTAMBA
The Judge Edward Rodgers Diversity Award is awarded each year to an individual or organization that demonstrates a consistent pattern of commitment to the recruitment , retention , and promotion of diverse individuals and exhibits visionary and insightful leadership to confront and resolve inequities through strategic decision-making and allocation of resources . This year ’ s recipient is Palm Beach County Bar Association ' s Past President Rosalyn “ Sia ” Baker-Barnes .
legacy not only for herself , but for the legal community and for society as a whole .
Nominator Jordan Dulcie , observes how Ms . Baker-Barnes makes a concerted effort on a daily basis within their law firm to ensure that all voices are heard :
She brings her personal life experiences as a woman and African American in the legal field to every conversation , which promotes meaningful discussions within the firm on various topics that we as lawyers engage with . These often-difficult discussions provide perspective to everyone and allows others to be informed about different perspectives as we reach decisions on matters that affect the firm and our lawyers . Her voice allows us to better our interactions with our clients and provide better representation .
Ms . Baker-Barnes has always used her position in various legal and community organizations to encourage women and minorities to stimulate change in their communities . She uses her platforms to promote and encourage others to share their personal experiences and to stand up for justice and fairness while embracing their cultural heritage . She works tirelessly to promote her peers to positions of leadership to ensure that various legal organizations have a diverse group of leaders to share their voices and experiences in roles of leadership .
As many know , Ms . Baker-Barnes is a powerhouse in the legal community . Her father , the Honorable Moses Baker , Jr ., was a prosecutor and later a judge ; her mother , Rosalyn Baker , was a supervisor with the probation and parole sections of the Department of Corrections . Despite this connection , law was not her first love . Ms . Baker-Barnes did not decide to become a lawyer until the end of her undergraduate career . Before that time , she had dreams of traveling the country as a journalist . However , after interning in the governor ’ s press office , working for a newspaper , and working at a local TV station , she realized that she wanted the ability to tell her clients ’ stories , but more importantly , the ability to do something to help them get back on their feet . Because of this change , the Palm Beach County legal community has not only benefitted from the posed , prepared , and passionate way she practices law , but also in how she confronted racial and gender inequities by promoting diversity in the legal profession . In doing so , Ms . Baker-Barnes has left a
In addition to mentoring young lawyers , Ms . Baker-Barnes has organized community members to engage in peaceful protests in the community to denounce hate and racism , and worked with her firm ' s leadership to produce a television commercial promoting the firm ’ s fight against racism and injustice . Ms . Baker-Barnes has also devoted her efforts to encouraging voter turnout by working with The West Palm Beach Chapter of The Links , Inc . on its # GlamtheVote campaign to encourage the community to vote in the 2020 election .
Current Committee for Diversity and Inclusion ( CDI ) member Brad Avakian reflected on how she made him feel about volunteering for bar activities . “ I expected there to be some sort of hierarchy that could prevent me from making meaningful connections ,” Mr . Avakian noted . “ That expectation was blown out of the water by the kindness and inclusivity that Sia offered in her role as President .”
2020 opened many eyes to the role racism still plays in American society , as the nation ’ s record of systematic racism and injustice was presented in plain sight through too many tragic examples . Ms . Baker-Barnes was a leader in the community in standing up for those who suffered such injustices . She helped foster discussions in the community on how race affects the application of our federal , state , and local laws .
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