Dear Members and Supporters,

It has been an incredible honor to serve as the 2024–2025 President of Washington Women Lawyers. This year has been one of growth, change, and continued advocacy for equity and justice in our legal community.

One of the most significant transitions for WWL this year was the announcement by our Executive Director of twenty years, Ann Baus, that she would be stepping down. Ann’s steadfast leadership and dedication shaped this organization for two decades, and we are deeply grateful for her service.

The Executive Committee—alongside other dedicated members of our State Board—embarked on an extensive search to find WWL’s next Executive Director. We reviewed more than 50 resumes and conducted six interviews to ensure we found the right fit to carry WWL forward. While this was an unusual undertaking for our Board, it was one that will have lasting impact for years to come.

Our Vice Presidents of Government Affairs, Martha Phelps and Christine Vogel, with the support of Melissa Havens, worked tirelessly throughout the legislative session. With the Board’s approval, WWL took active steps to publicly support several important pieces of legislation, including:

• Dignity in Pregnancy Loss

• Women’s Commission – Solicitation of Gifts

• Emergency Medical Treatment for Pregnant Persons in Hospital Emergency Departments

• Confidentiality of Records

• Coverage of Contraception

• Exceptional Sentences for Crimes Resulting in Pregnancy of a Rape Victim

• Pregnancy and Natural Death Act

• Reproductive Freedom and Gender-Affirming Care

• Caregiving as a Mitigating Factor in Sentencing

• Cost Sharing for Maternity Services

• Clarifying a Hate Crime Offense

We are proud to share that most of these bills were enacted into law.

This year also marked a first for WWL: we joined the Center for Women and Democracy to participate in Women at the Capitol Day. Thirteen WWL members attended, enjoying afternoon tea and conversation with the Washington State Supreme Court Justices, a private tour of the Capitol, and an opportunity to observe the legislative session. The day concluded with a reception at the Governor’s Mansion, where several outstanding leaders in women’s rights were honored.

Our Judicial Affairs VPs, Kiera Miller and Loren Kirigin, led an impressive year of candidate evaluations. Statewide, WWL committees completed 26 judicial evaluations, including ratings of 9 candidates at the state level and additional reviews from our Spokane, Whatcom, King County, Snohomish, and Pierce County Chapters.

In the area of professional development, VP Bekah Young hosted a statewide CLE via Zoom, “Substance Use and Mental Health in the Legal Field,” which drew nearly 100 participants from across Washington.

Finally, our Publicity VPs, Teddy Królczyk and Mackenzie Bretz, expanded WWL’s digital presence—maintaining our Facebook page and launching new pages on Instagram and LinkedIn. If you aren’t already following us, we invite you to connect and stay engaged with WWL’s ongoing work and community.

As we look ahead, I am filled with gratitude—for the leadership, energy, and heart of our board and members, and for the continued impact WWL makes throughout our state. Thank you for being part of this organization and for all that you do to support women in law.

With appreciation,
Quinn R. Dalan
President, Washington Women Lawyers