A group of alumnae has come together to establish a fund supporting the Georgia Association of Women Lawyers (GAWL) chapter at the University of Georgia School of Law. This initiative aims to aid what was previously known as the Women Law Students Association by providing resources for programming and activities beneficial to its members and the wider law school community.
Mary Elizabeth Entrekin, president of GAWL, and Maggie Galvin, vice president, emphasized the impact this funding will have on supporting women law students in their academic and professional paths. They stated, “We hope to use the funds to host networking events with accomplished women in GAWL chapters around the state of Georgia and UGA Law alumnae, provide mentorship opportunities, and support leadership development programs.” They also noted that it would help foster a sense of community and inclusion within the law school.
Jen Jordan (J.D.’01), one of the fund's creators, explained her motivation: “For me, the most significant and important relationships that I have with other women – professionally and personally – all began at UGA Law. I see supporting this fund for future women lawyers as just one way to help these incredible young women build stronger relationships with each other.”
Tedra Cannella, another contributor from the 2007 School of Law class, expressed a desire for enhanced support among women on the business side of law. She remarked, “I am fortunate to have a network of women lawyers who helped make the law firm I co-founded a success beyond anything I imagined, and the GAWL Support Fund is an opportunity to pay that forward.”
School of Law Dean Peter B. "Bo" Rutledge extended his gratitude towards contributors such as Jen Jordan, Tedra Cannella, Eleanor Banister (J.D.’80), Jessica Casey (J.D.’10), Meredith Lee (J.D.’11), Vicki Sweeny (J.D.’83), Audrey Tillman (J.D.’89), Sally Yates (J.D.’86), and an anonymous donor. He acknowledged their role in making this new fund possible. Rutledge highlighted that while GAWL members have historically organized events like the Edith House Lecture honoring one of their first female graduates, this new endowment will allow them to expand their influence within and beyond the law school community.
Rutledge concluded by saying: "Our law school strives to provide world-class, hands-on and purpose-driven experiences for our students as we seek to redefine what it means to be a great national public law school. Support for our student organizations through endowments like the GAWL Support Fund makes important enrichment opportunities possible while also fostering authentic relationships that will last a lifetime!"