WMC Program 1-April 2025

We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday, April 22, at 12:00 p.m. at the Arts District Mansion for WMC Program 1, The Myth of Having it All: Making Ambition Work for You.

About Program 1:
For many women attorneys, the pressure to excel professionally while balancing personal goals and commitments can feel like an impossible feat. But what if the myth of “having it all” is exactly that—a myth?

In this candid and thought-provoking discussion, we’ll explore the realities, challenges, and evolving definitions of success that women experience as they navigate the complex intersection of career, family, and personal fulfillment – all while facing unrealistic and often burdensome expectations.  Hear from panelists Leslie Chaggaris Vruggink (In This House Organization), Ashley Kisner (Clark Hill), and Kandace Walter (Walter Legal PLLC) about their personal journeys, from initial ambitions to moments of vulnerability and triumph, and the unexpected lessons learned along the way. Through open dialogue and reflection, this program aims to redefine success in a way that empowers women to make ambition work for – not against – them.

About our presenters

Ashley Kisner is a member of Clark Hill, focusing on commercial, environmental, and real estate litigation. Ashley is also a leader of her firm’s Retail & Hospitality practice group and a Litigation Business Unit Leader. She has been recognized as a Super Lawyer, D Magazine Best Lawyer Under 40, and has an AV Preeminent rating by Martindale-Hubble. In her personal life, Ashley is a Board of Trustee and Past President of the Undermain Theatre, Board of Trustee and Past President of the Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas, and a member of Attorneys Serving the Community.

Leslie Chaggaris Vruggink is the founder and president of the DFW non-profit, In This House, and a semi-retired partner and trial attorney with the firm Reese Marketos where she practiced commercial litigation. Leslie took her skills as a trial lawyer to focus on providing affordable housing to those who need it most in the DFW-Metroplex. As an attorney, Leslie has been recognized as a Super Lawyer, D Magazine Best Lawyers Under 40, Outstanding Young Lawyer by the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers, and 40 under 40 Business Leader by the Dallas Business Journal.

Kandace Walter is managing attorney and creator of Walter Legal PLLC and Director of the Southern Methodist University Small Business & Trademark Clinic, where she is an associate clinical professor. With a balance of courtroom and business experience, Kandace is perfectly matched for the cross section between intellectual property and business. Kandace also finds great joy in supervising law students as they provide free legal services to the community. She has been recognized as Super Lawyer and D Magazine Best Lawyer Under 40. Kandace is also President of J.L. Turner Legal Association, President of the Honorable Barbara M.G. Lynn Inn of Court, an elected Director of the Dallas Bar Association, and Director and founding member of the NEW Roundtable, Inc. She is a DAYL Leadership Class Facilitator. She also loves karaoke and her precious daughter, Cairo.

Please RSVP for WMC Program 1 below.

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Tuesday, April 22
12:00PM

Arts District Mansion
2101 Ross Avenue
Dallas, TX

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REGISTRATION