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Mentee : Evelyn Galarza Mentor : Dana Keane
“ I
went into the mentoring program with the expectation that my mentor would be a great friend and would motivate me and that ’ s what I ended up getting out of the experience . My mentor was always there for me . She didn ’ t get upset if I got bad grades and always supported me .”
Mentee : Marian Morera Bander Mentor : Lisa Kleinberg
“ cannot explain how supportive and encouraging Lisa has been to me . Through Faces of Accomplishment , I was able to form a more personal bond with someone I know will lend a hand for me in the near future . Lisa has become my role model . She has inspired me to broaden my identity with a law firm in the future and has shown me all things about leadership . It is essential for students , like me , to meet that someone who will guide and connect with them in all things , including law , to help them fulfill their dreams and ambitions .”
The SCBA Pipeline / Mentor program works through an umbrella mentor program , Faces of Accomplishment ( FOA ). To become a volunteer , an application is made to FOA , which provides mentors to all the area high schools . FOA conducts background checks including fingerprinting on all mentor applicants . Once approved by FOA , assignment of the mentors is made in conjunction with input from Ryan Kelly , to put together good “ mentor / student ” matches .
Hopefully most or all of the students will be back attending the brick-and-mortar school for the 2021 – 2022 school year . Mentors are encouraged to
COUNCIL ON DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
“ We make a living by what we get , we make a life by what we give .”
— Winston Churchill access their students at school for 30 minutes per week during their lunch break . If the students are remote learners , the mentor should access them by Zoom or telephone . While mentors are encouraged to make contact with their student one time per week , it is not mandatory , and more time is always welcome . My mentee and I decided that we preferred a bi-weekly schedule , and I would show up at school bringing her McDonald ’ s or Burger King or whatever other fast food that teenagers love . I also took her , with her parent ’ s permission , on college tours along with my children . ( That is not an expected task of a mentor .)
In the past , SCBA mentors took the students on several exciting and educational field trips , and we are hoping that we will be able to do so again in the very near future . The students have been on courthouse and jail tours , they saw the Women ’ s Suffrage Play , the Sarasota Memorial Healthcare event at Michael ’ s on East , the “ Embracing Our Differences ” Luncheon at Michael ’ s on East and the “ What We Don ’ t Think We Think ” program on implicit bias and unconscious decisionmaking presented by Supreme Court Justice Alan Lawson . The students especially enjoyed an Etiquette Luncheon at the Field Club , sponsored by Attorney Ted Eastmore , with a presentation by Judge Maryann Boehm on how to conduct yourself at a business luncheon . During these events the students had opportunities to meet judges , lawyers , businesspeople and other leaders in our community , creating bonds and connection while broadening their experiences .
The time commitment is minimal and flexible , a small price to pay for the reward of knowing you are making a difference . Being a mentor is one of the greatest gifts you can give a child , and one of the most rewarding things you can do for yourself . If you are interested in mentoring a student , please contact me at lisa @ sarsotafamilylaw . net .
Fred G . Minnis , Sr . Bar Association forms Sarasota-Manatee committee
The Fred G . Minnis , Sr . Bar Association is pleased to announce the formation of its newest committee — the Sarasota-Manatee Committee .
The Fred G . Minnis , Sr . Bar Association is an affinity bar association that was formed following Fred G . Minnis , Sr .’ s pioneering efforts in the legal profession for the Pinellas County lawyers . While each bar association has a unique mission statement , affinity ( minority ) bar associations are needed because they are united by a similar objective : to promote the needs , interests , and goals of their members , and to increase the visibility of traditionally marginalized groups in the practice of law . In an increasingly diverse society , affinity bar associations play a crucial role in lobbying for the needs of attorneys across the demographic spectrum , particularly in light of a legal profession that continues to make efforts toward reflecting and representing the makeup of the nation as a whole . These goals translate to Minnis ’ goals to promote and provide a support system for talented minority lawyers . The Sarasota and Manatee legal community is very pleased about the Sarasota-Manatee committee creation to foster and support the visibility of marginalized attorneys in the community . This partnership is life giving and supporting to our lawyers and it also serves as a conduit to promote justice and education in our communities .
“ It is truly an honor to join Minnis as we continue to champion the cultivation of minority lawyers as well as supporting our marginalized residents that comprise our areas of practice ,” said Sarasota County Bar Association Council for Diversity and Inclusion ’ s Chair , Judge Karimu
See MINNIS , Page 17
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