West Palm Beach, FL — We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Salesia Smith-Gordon, Esq. as President of the Sheree D. Cunningham Black Women Lawyers Association for the 2024-2025 board year. In a historic first, the official swearing-in ceremony took place in September aboard a cruise to the Grand Bahamas, marking the first time a destination installation ceremony has been held on a cruise by any Florida voluntary bar association. This unique setting underscores SDCBWLA’s commitment to innovation and inclusion as the organization enters a new era under Smith-Gordon’s leadership.

In addition to the installation ceremony, the trip offered members valuable opportunities for networking as well as Continuing Legal Education (CLE) and Continuing Judicial Education (CJE) credits, enhancing their legal skills and knowledge.

As President, Smith-Gordon—a founding charter member of SDCBWLA—will spearhead initiatives that align with the organization’s mission of supporting and advancing Black women in the legal profession. Her priorities include a range of impactful programs, including:

• Our Voice Program: An advocacy initiative designed to amplify the voices of Black women in the legal profession, providing opportunities for members to engage in public speaking, publishing, and educational lecturing, strengthening their impact and influence within the community.
• Safety – Physical & Mental Health Initiative: A program focused on the physical and mental well-being of members, recognizing the unique challenges faced by Black women in the legal field and providing resources for self-care and resilience.
• Money Matters: A program of seminars and engagements to enhance financial knowledge and empowerment aimed at building sustainable and generational wealth.
• Mentorship Program: A structured mentorship program to foster growth, development, and support among members, strengthening professional relationships and enhancing skills across all stages of their legal careers.

“Being sworn in as President on the open sea was a powerful reminder of the vast potential we have as an organization to navigate new paths and expand our horizons,” said Salesia Smith-Gordon, Esq. “I am honored to lead SDCBWLA, an association that provides a much-needed safe place for Black women lawyers to exhale, grow, and thrive. I look forward to empowering our members and ensuring we continue to break barriers, inspire each other, and create lasting change in our profession and community.”

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About Salesia Smith-Gordon: As founder of a boutique personal injury law firm, Salesia Smith-Gordon, Esq. has multiple layers of success. For more than 28 years, she has served as an advocate of justice for her clients, support system for her professional peers, and trusted advisor within the community. Smith-Gordon has won several multimillion-dollar awards for her injured clients by repeatedly demonstrating persistent dedication inside and outside of the courtroom. A resident of West Palm Beach, FL, this adventure-seeking philanthropist and entrepreneur sits on multiple local and state boards serving as a trailblazer for civil justice and policy changes for the community.

About the Sheree D. Cunningham Black Women Lawyers Association: The Sheree D. Cunningham Black Women Lawyers Association (SDCBWLA) was founded to create a supportive and empowering community for Black women lawyers. Through mentorship, professional development, and collaborative partnerships, SDCBWLA advocates for the well-being, career advancement, and influence of its members. The organization celebrates the diversity of its members, who excel in law and leadership across various sectors, bringing a wealth of experience, insight, and commitment to every endeavor.