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Happy February, OCWLA Members and Friends!
As we move into February, I am energized by the momentum already underway and grateful for the collective commitment that continues to shape OCWLA’s year ahead. The new year began on a strong note with our January 13 CLE, which was exceptionally well attended and thoughtfully received. The program reflected the caliber of education our members expect—substantive, timely, and engaging—and set the tone for the quality of programming we will continue to deliver throughout the year.
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Building on that momentum, the Board recently convened for our annual retreat, an important opportunity to reflect, collaborate, and plan with intention. During the retreat, Board members evaluated prior initiatives and engaged in strategic discussions focused on how to best serve our community. The result is a thoughtfully curated slate of educational programs, networking opportunities, and signature events designed to foster professional growth, connection, and leadership development in the months ahead.
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In January, the OCWLA Foundation also met to review applications for bar stipends, continuing our commitment to supporting aspiring and early-career attorneys. This year, the Foundation anticipates awarding five bar stipends, reflecting OCWLA’s ongoing investment in access to the profession and equity within the legal community. We are grateful to the Foundation Board and volunteers who dedicate their time to this important work.
Philanthropy remains a core part of OCWLA’s mission, and there will be several opportunities in the coming months for members to engage, give back, and support our community partners. We invite you to participate in these efforts and will be sharing additional information soon.
Please help spread the word! OCWLA is currently accepting applications for its philanthropic giving! Applications are due by February 28, 2026.
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At the heart of all of this work is OCWLA’s enduring mission: to advance women in the legal profession, promote equity within the justice system, and strengthen our legal community. That mission remains our north star. Whether through CLEs, signature events, philanthropic initiatives, or informal opportunities to connect, OCWLA will continue to hold space for meaningful engagement while ensuring that our work remains inclusive, relevant, and lasting.
February also offers a moment to reflect on important historical milestones that underscore why this mission matters. The month includes the birthdays of trailblazing advocates such as Susan B. Anthony and Rosa Parks—leaders whose courage and perseverance reshaped our understanding of equality, civic participation, and justice. Their legacies remind us that progress is the result of sustained effort and collective action.
Within the legal profession, February likewise invites reflection on the role attorneys play in protecting civil rights, advancing access to justice, and upholding the rule of law. These principles are deeply aligned with OCWLA’s purpose and inform our continued commitment to service—both within the profession and in the broader community.
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As we look ahead, I encourage you to stay engaged, attend upcoming programs, and take advantage of the many opportunities OCWLA offers to connect and lead. The strength of this organization has always come from its members, and the year ahead promises meaningful opportunities to build on our legacy together.
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Thank you for your continued involvement and support. I look forward to the months ahead and to all we will accomplish as a community.
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Heidi Plummer
2026 OCWLA President
Bock & Plummer, Attorneys at Law
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