the bli PrograM offers Mentors to develoP leadershiP skills
Bar leadership Institute Committee Chairs: Nicole Duga- Hill Ward Henderson; John Marchione – Himes & Hearn; and Valeria Obi – Midland Credit Management, Inc.
“ a mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself.”— Maya angelou
© Can Stock Photo / jgroup
One of the many valuable resources the HCBA Bar Leadership Institute program provides to its participants is mentorship opportunities. I have had many mentors in my life, and I can directly attribute many of my successes to their influence. As Maya Angelou once said,“ A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself.” At the BLI, not only does each participant receive an official mentor from among the HCBA officers and directors, we also receive consistent direction from experienced attorneys and leaders like Grace Yang, who serves as our self-proclaimed“ class mom.” And we have the opportunity to interact with leaders in the local business, government, and non-profit sectors who provide insight and guidance on our development as future leaders in Tampa Bay.
The BLI program is full of interesting panel discussions, events, and activities that enrich the experience of its participants; the BLI program also gives participants an opportunity to develop their leadership skills while
networking with influential leaders in the community who can serve as our future mentors.
In January, we attended a panel discussion with local leaders in the legal field, including Bradford D. Kimbro, Jim Shimberg, and our very own Gordon Hill, to discuss upcoming changes to the business community, as well as their roles as leaders. We had the chance to hear their background stories and to ask pointed and specific questions to guide us on our own journeys.
In February, we attended a tour of MacDill Air Force Base. We heard about its mission of refueling aircraft in the air, conducting airlift operations, and providing base support for MacDill’ s units and partners. With over 18,000 employees on or near the base, MacDill AFB serves an integral role in Tampa Bay’ s local economy.
In April, we will be completing our annual group project. This year, the BLI has partnered with the Spring of Tampa Bay— a local organization dedicated to preventing domestic violence; providing safe shelter for victims; and promoting change in lives, families, and communities in Tampa Bay. We will
transform an outdoor area into a meditation and relaxation space for the adults and children in the shelter, then enjoy an ice cream social with the residents.
Through these activities, BLI participants learn to engage with all aspects of the Tampa Bay community, including the legal industry, business community, local government, charities, and notfor-profit organizations. They all provide valuable services to a wide range of Tampa Bay residents. The intersection of these entities reflects the diverse and vast opportunities available locally for lawyers to serve as leaders in various capacities. All the individuals from whom we have received tours, talks, and tips share a love of the Tampa Bay community and a desire to help it reach its full potential— a desire the HCBA BLI program shares as well.
Author: Joseline Jean- Louis Hardrick- U. S. Middle District of Florida
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