About DWLA

Who We Are

The Dallas Women Lawyers Association is a non-profit organization uniting for the mutual benefit of women attorneys and to elevate the standing of women in the legal profession.

From these early meetings emerged the Dallas Women Lawyers Association (DWLA). By 1980, DWLA was meeting for regular monthly luncheons at the Belo Mansion. In 1984, DWLA incorporated as a non-profit organization, and included in its purposes uniting for the mutual benefit of women attorneys and elevating the standing of women in the legal profession.

Our History

The idea of creating the history of the organization was conceived while Dena DeNooyer Stroh was President of the organization in 2017. Along with Dena, a committee that included Tiffanie Limbrick, Heather New, Katie Bishkin, Angela Hough, Sam Abdullah and Maria Vizzo worked to compile the history from the beginning of the organization when a group of female attorneys in Dallas began to meet regularly to prepare programs and activities for the ABA Convention to be held in Dallas in 1969. Founding members include Louise Raggio, Judge Sarah T. Hughes and Joann Peters. After their success at the ABA Convention, the group continued to meet informally for mutual support.

The History of DWLA made its debut at the 50th Anniversary Reception of the Dallas Women Lawyers Association at the Old Red Courthouse and Museum on March 27th, 2019.

Download History Booklet

DWLA 50th Anniversary

Anniversary History Video

The video History of DWLA included many past Presidents, Raggio Award Recipients and Board Members.

Anniversary Reception

Revisit the 50th Anniversary Reception celebration, March 27, 2019 at Old Red Museum and Courthouse.

History of Presidents and Raggio Winners

Past Presidents

2022	Marisa O’Sullivan
2021	Jennifer A. King
2020	Stephanie Culpepper
2019	Sarah Rogers
2018	Stephanie Osteen
2017	Dena DeNooyer Stroh
2016	Angela Zambrano
2015	Nicole Knox
2014	Alyson Blatney
2013	Michelle Hartmann
2012	Christy Jump
2011	Krisi Kastl
2010	Susan Steger
2009	Linda Szuhy Ressetar
2008	Kathryn Veech
2007	Mariah B. Quiroz
2006	Rachel E. Montes
2005	T. Sloan Rawlins
2004	Karen McCloud
2003	Laura Benitez Geisler
2002	Misty Ventura
2001	Norma Shirk
2000	Christina Melton Crain
1999	Nikki Carmody James
1998	Cynthia Figueroa
1997	Cate Kneeland
1996	Barbara Lombrano-Williamson
1995	Nancye Bethurem
1994	Irene Jackson
1993	Tresi Moore (Freemyer) Weeks
1992	Carol A. Wilson
1991	Kelly Robbins Harrington
1990	Camille R. McLeod
1989	Christina E. Mancuso
1988	Elise Galler Gold
1987	Louise Hytken
1986	Adrienne Leonard
1985	Therese Ruffing

Past Raggio Recipients

2019	Charla Aldous
2018	Mary Emma Karam
2017	Sarah Saldaña
2016	Lisa Blue Baron
2015	Michael K. Hurst
2014	Sally Crawford
2013	Honorable Jane J. Boyle
2012	Michele Wong Krause
2011	Patricia Montes
2010	Honorable Nikki DeShazo
2009	Yvette Ostolaza
2008	Mary Alice McLarty
2007	Honorable Karen Gren Johnson
2006	Kathleen Wu
2005	J. Lee Baldwin
2004	Honorable Catharina Haynes
2003	Kim Askew
2002	Christina Melton Crain
2001	Maureen Armour
2000	Honorable Carolyn Wright
1999	Nina Cortell
1998	Honorable Elizabeth Lang-Miers
1997	Honorable Linda Thomas
1996	Harriet E. Miers
1995	Adelfa B. Callejo
1994	Jo Ann Peters
1993	Annette Stewart
1992	Honorable Barbara M.G. Lynn

Elevate With DWLA

Become a Member

Membership with DWLA is open to both women and men in law, government employees and the judiciary.

Join or Renew

Get Involved

DWLA offers a variety of programs and social activities to the legal community and professional women.

Make Your Mark

Partner With DWLA

Elevate your brand while empowering women in law. Discover sponsorship opportunities with DWLA.

Support DWLA

Career Opportunities

Promoting diversity and inclusion in the legal profession – Find talent or find the next step in your career.

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