As the former President of the Sheree Davis Cunningham Black Women Lawyers Association (SDCBWLA) of Palm Beach County, Salesia Smith-Gordon brought both heart and strategy to the role. She served during a pivotal time for the organization, championing initiatives that promoted the advancement, visibility, and professional development of Black women attorneys.

Under her leadership, SDCBWLA experienced an increase in membership, a significant achievement given the broader national context, where Black women make up only 4% of lawyers in the United States, and less than 1% are law firm partners. Her ability to grow the organization reflected a deep understanding of the challenges faced by Black women in the legal profession and a commitment to creating space where they could thrive.

During her term, the association launched impactful programs focused on mentorship, advocacy, and community engagement. Salesia emphasized the importance of legacy-building, honoring the contributions of past legal trailblazers while preparing the next generation to lead with confidence and clarity. From organizing a wide range of networking events—spanning intra-legal, cross-professional, and community-based spaces—to serving as Movant for eight SDCBWLA member inductees into the United States Supreme Court Bar before the en banc court, including a historic meeting with U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, superheading substantive continuing legal and practical life, educational seminars. Her leadership was recognized and saluted by the International Career and Business Alliance (ICABA) as a Woman of Impact Leading Light of the SDCBWLA.