Why We Joined WLC: Reflections from the 2024-25 Executive Board

Elizabeth James (President): I first joined WLC at the start of my 1L year to connect with my peers and grow professionally. Through my work as the 1L Representative for Professional Development and now as President, WLC is no longer just about my individual, personal growth - it is about contributing to a collective effort where women law students and lawyers can lift each other up and create opportunities together. WLC has connected me to a fantastic group of women who are all equally passionate about giving women the right tools and support to turn aspirations into achievements through mentorship, networking, and leadership development. I am so excited to be part of such a great group!

Clare McGraw (Vice President): I was excited to join WLC as a 1L because I have always believed that mentorship and community makes a huge difference when adjusting to a new environment. As a 1L, I received advice and guidance from WLC members that made me feel supported and empowered to get the most out of my first year. I also think that WLC did a great job at fostering mentorship connections with both internal and external mentors. Additionally, WLC put on so many helpful events to broaden my professional network and prepare me for recruiting and interviewing.

Nastasya Muller (Treasurer): 1L is an intense and overwhelming time. Between juggling grades, networking, securing summer jobs, and figuring out your career path, it’s easy to feel lost. This is why building meaningful connections within the NLaw community is so crucial because these bonds will support you even after the dust settles post-1L. For me, WLC provided a sense of belonging amidst the chaos. The events helped me gain confidence in my networking capabilities and the professional development side was equally invaluable. WLC is an incredible way to connect with peers who understand what you're going through and will be there with you throughout your journey. 

Grace Beedles (Director of Communications): I joined WLC to find a community of women who had similar goals and ambitions! From the mentorship program to professional development events, WLC has helped me succeed in every aspect of law school!!

Li Guan (Co-Director for Mentorship): I joined WLC because it represents a supportive community for female law students at Northwestern. WLC offers a platform where we can support and empower each other. I was particularly drawn to WLC’s outstanding mentorship programs, having personally experienced the significant impact of mentorship on my law school journey. Participating in mentorship programs provided me with incredible guidance on studying, networking, and job searching, all of which were crucial during my initial, anxious days in law school when I was uncertain about how to navigate this new environment.

Natalie Long (Co-Director for Mentorship): I joined WLC because I wanted to find a community to support me as I navigated law school and my career. I really wanted to forge friendships with those in a similar situation as me and find mentorship to help me overcome challenges inherent to law school and being a female lawyer. I am so grateful for the relationships I have built through WLC and for this community of strong women uplifting each other!

Joy Zhang (Co-Director for Professional Development): I joined WLC as an exec member because during my 1L year I felt that WLC was the student org that had the most team cohesion, organized planning, meaningful events, and extensive network.  Members are very driven by the cause to uplift women in the law, and I can see that the entire law school benefits from WLC’s dedication.

Alyssa Painter (Co-Director for Professional Development):  WLC was a great way for me to connect with women in the legal field, both peers and attorneys. Through all of WLC’s networking events I was able to build strong relationships with practicing attorneys that helped provide me invaluable advice for navigating not only law school but the legal profession in general. I wanted to join a community that would help build me up and that is exactly what WLC has done for me.

Sarah O'Leary (Co-Director of Membership): I joined WLC because it’s a great way to make new friends, get to know professors, and get involved on campus!

Myah Friedman (Co-Director of Membership): WLC is an empowering community who has made navigating the legal world easier. WLC has been a significant part of my success throughout my first year of law school. WLC’s carefully curated events helped me become a competitive applicant in the legal market, as well as connecting me with like-minded individuals .

Maha Khan (Co-Director of Community Engagement): I decided to run for the WLC E-Board after participating in its wonderful events throughout my 1L year. It has always been important to me to give back to my community, and after gaining so much from being a WLC member in my first year of law school, I knew that I wanted to engage with the organization in a meaningful way. Empowering women, especially in the legal field, is a huge priority for me, and WLC has helped me find a community of strong, kind, and fearless women to work alongside to achieve just that. 

Abbey Mizer (Co-Director of Community Engagement): I joined WLC to find a community of women in law school who have the same passion as me: supporting women in whatever legal path they choose. WLC is also a great way to meet and get mentorship from 2Ls as a 1L!

Maple Zhang (Co-Director of Alumnae Relations): I joined the WLC board because, as a 1L, I benefited greatly from events like the alumnae mixer and the resume workshop, which provided valuable career advice and helped me connect with alumni. I wanted to give back and help others build those connections. WLC also offers a supportive space where we can discuss the challenges women face in law and find support. Being on the board allows me to contribute to this supportive community and ensure others benefit from it like I did.

Theresa Ross (Co-Director of Alumnae Relations): I wanted to be a part of WLC because it is a community of intelligent and dedicated women. I love that our members and alumnae are intentional about mentorship and always willing to share advice. Being a part of WLC has helped me feel more confident starting out in my legal career, and I’m so grateful to have made lifelong friends. 

Katherine Powell (Co-Director of Symposium): Welcome to Northwestern! I hope you’re all settling into the city and the law school well. My why WLC: the first year of law school, as you know, can be a lot to absorb. Finding a group to help you along the way can make a huge difference! All the WLC events I went to were informative, and I was encouraged talking to older students and alumnae about their journeys in law school and beyond. They gave me the feeling that if they could do it, so could I - and so can you! I joined the board to further develop that collaborative, professional community. I am excited for the year ahead and look forward to meeting more of you at our events!

Laura Zajac (Co-Director of Symposium): I initially joined WLC as a 1L representative because I was looking for a resource on campus where I could learn more about opportunities for women to lead in law school and as practicing lawyers. After joining, I realized that WLC was that and much more. The women involved in WLC are so supportive and have been such great resources for me as I learned the ropes of law school and navigating the legal profession. I’m excited to continue my involvement with the organization so that I can stay connected to existing members and serve as a resource for others.