COUNCIL FOR DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
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COLUMN
Empowering Change:
A Year in Review with the CDI
At the top of each Council for Diversity and Inclusion meeting this year, we began by reading our mission statement, and as I reflect on our work throughout this year, I believe it’ s fitting to share that mission with you once again:
The mission of the Council for Diversity and Inclusion is to promote diversity and inclusion in the Sarasota legal community through outreach, education, and collaboration.
After months of engaging in thoughtful discussions, organizing impactful events, and making a real difference through service to our community, I can say without a doubt that this year’ s Council has fully embodied that mission. It is with deep gratitude and respect that I begin by recognizing each of the outstanding individuals who contributed to this year’ s success.
I am incredibly thankful to our Chair-Elect, Tonya Willis Pitts, our Secretary, Shelli Freeland Eddie, our Treasurer, Tamara Spires, and our Immediate Past Chair, Lisa Gallagher, for your leadership and dedication to the Council. I would also like to recognize our Members-at-Large: Barbara Bush, Jay Castle, Abigail Dean, Jeff Eckert, Christopher Hallett, Nurisha Harvey, Laura Ocampo, Alan Perez, and Tyler Stall. Each of you played an integral role, and your contributions truly made a difference to me, to the Council, and to the Sarasota community. You should all feel an immense sense of pride in what we’ ve accomplished together.
Additionally, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our advisory members, particularly Judge Charles Williams, who attended every meeting and was always ready to lend his invaluable support. Your guidance has been a source of strength throughout the year.
Finally, there is no way this Council could have achieved even a fraction of what it did this year without the support of Holly Lipps. Holly, thank you for taking my calls at all hours, for always providing a good laugh at some of the crazy things this year has put us through, and for supporting everything the Council does with both your time and talent. There will never be enough thanks! by Jill Bowen, Esq. Berlin Patten Ebling, PLLC
As we reflect on the initiatives we brought to life, several milestones stand out. We hosted a series of educational programs, including two virtual CLEs, Women on the Bench and Neurodiversity in the Legal Practice. These events were not only informative but also sparked important conversations, and I am grateful for the enthusiastic participation from our members.
Another key moment was the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Essay Contest and Reception, a cornerstone event for the Council. We had the privilege of honoring the contest winners during the West Coast Black Theatre Troupe’ s MLK Celebration performance. This event not only celebrates the legacy of Dr. King but also provides an opportunity for the Council to highlight the voices of young people who are passionate about social justice and diversity.
This year, we were also able to award two scholarships: one to a student from the Booker Law Academy and the other, the Richard R. Garland Scholarship, to a summer associate who has been working and thriving in our legal community. These scholarships are an essential part of our work, ensuring that the next generation of legal talent has the support they need to thrive.
Our relationship with the Booker Law Academy has continued to grow, and we are committed to nurturing young talent in Sarasota. Through mentorship and direct involvement, we hope to inspire students to one day return to our legal community and contribute to its continued growth and diversity.
18 | THE DOCKET- AUGUST 2025