Y L D M E S S A G E A m a n d a S. K e l l e r – B r a d l e y A r a n t B o u l t C u m m i n g s L L P
Continuedfrompage8
professional development, fostering mentorship, and creating opportunities for meaningful connection across the bar.
One of the defining successes of the year was the Chamber Chats series, which brought young lawyers into candid, small-group conversations with members of the judiciary. What began as an effort to strengthen benchbar relationships quickly became one of the YLD’ s signature programs, drawing enthusiastic participation from judges and members alike. This year, the program was honored with The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division’ s Member Service Project Award, a recognition that was both humbling and deeply meaningful for our organization. The award reflects not only the success of the program itself, but the dedication of the volunteers and judiciary who made it possible.
Our commitment to service and community also translated into record-breaking results for YLD fundraising. The Annual Golf Tournament exceeded every expectation, selling out in record time and securing sponsors at 16 of the 18 holes— more than ever before. The funds raised allowed the YLD to reinvest directly into programming, CLEs, and service initiatives throughout the year, ensuring that our success had a lasting impact on our members and community.
Beyond the individual programs and events, this year demonstrated what is possible when talented volunteers work together with a shared purpose. Committee members stepped up repeatedly, chairs led with creativity and accountability, and board members balanced demanding professional lives with their dedication to the YLD. The result was not just a full calendar, but a year that felt intentional, inclusive, and forward-looking.
I am especially grateful to the many individuals who dedicated their time and talents to the YLD this year, including the board members whose terms are concluding: Nicole Gehringer, Alexis Deveaux, Natasha Khoyi, and David Kalteux. Their leadership, professionalism, and commitment helped shape this organization and contributed significantly to the success of this year’ s programming and initiatives.
Serving as YLD President has been one of the greatest honors of my career. I am incredibly proud of what we accomplished together and even more proud of the culture of service, professionalism, and collaboration that defined this year. The HCBA YLD continues to thrive because of the people willing to invest in it, and I have no doubt that its future remains exceptionally bright.
Thank you to every board member, chair, committee volunteer, sponsor, judge, and member who made this year possible. It has truly been a privilege to serve alongside you. n
J U LY- A U G 2 0 2 6 | H C B A L A W Y E R
9