HCBA Lawyer Magazine No. 32, Issue 3 | Page 8

H C B A P R E S I D E N T ’ S M E S S A G E
C o r y P e r s o n – H i l l W a r d H e n d e r s o n

aNewYearMeansNewopportunities toGetinvolved

ifyouhavenotrenewedyourmembershipwiththeHCba , thereisstilltime !

The start of a new year often brings with it the promise of new opportunities . Whether it ’ s more consistency with exercise or a commitment to read more , we seek to make subtle changes to improve our well-being . This year , similar to last , we do this against the backdrop of a pandemic that continues to reshape our lives in a myriad of ways . Work looks different . Social interaction looks different . Nevertheless , here we are with a fresh start , and with the New Year comes new opportunities to be involved with the HCBA .

Our first signature event of the New Year is the HCBA Diversity Luncheon . This year , the luncheon will be held on January 19 , 2022 , at the new JW Marriott Tampa Water Street . The Diversity Luncheon provides us all an opportunity to celebrate the rich tapestry of lawyers , judges , law students and community partners that support our association . It gives us an opportunity to recognize outstanding lawyers that have made significant contributions to our association and community . This year ’ s keynote speaker will be Rania Shehata . Rania currently serves as Vice President and General Counsel at Americas at Tech Data Corporation . Tech Data is a multinational IT products and services distribution company headquartered in Clearwater , Florida , and is one of the largest companies in the Tampa Bay Area .
On March 26 , 2022 , the HCBA will host its annual 5k Pro Bono River Run and Judicial Food Festival . The committee , led by Judges Darren Farfante and Alisa Ellison , has been hard at work planning what is set to be a terrific day supporting Pro Bono and enjoying the variety of food and drink offered at the Food Festival .
In May , we have the Hillsborough County Bar Foundation Law & Liberty Dinner and the Law Week Luncheon . The Law & Liberty Dinner , which will be on May 12 , 2022 , is the Foundation ’ s signature annual fundraising event . The keynote speaker will be former NFL quarterback , Joe Theisman . The Law Week Membership Luncheon follows on May 16 , 2022 , and is the association ’ s final luncheon of the Bar year .
In addition to these key events , there will be a number of oppor - tunities to connect with fellow lawyers and colleagues throughout the coming months . If you have not renewed your membership with the HCBA , there is still time ! The HCBA website has information on how you can renew your membership now , and take advantage of the benefits and opportunities of membership . We will continue our efforts to be together , where possible , while adhering to safe practices during these rather uncertain times . Until then , I wish everyone a happy , healthy and successful New Year . I look forward to seeing you soon . n
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