When you hear the word “leadership,” what comes to mind?

For a long time, I pictured the same image many of us do: someone standing at a podium, commanding a room, delivering a polished speech. Or maybe the person at the front of a conference table, charting out big plans. In other words, leadership looked like something reserved for a few select people— people who were born confident, who seemed to have all the answers, who fit a certain mold.

I never imagined it could look like me.

And yet, over time, I discovered something that has transformed how I see my role in this community— and how I hope you will see yours. Leadership is not a title. It is not an office you hold or a credential you earn. It is a set of actions. It is the way you show up. It is the way you treat people. And more often than not, it looks quieter and simpler than you might think.

Some of the most influential people I have met through the WCBA have never served on a board. They are not in the spotlight. They do not see themselves as leaders in any formal sense. But every time they offer to help plan an event, mentor a younger lawyer, or simply check in with someone going through a tough time, they are leading. They are setting an example. They are shaping our culture. And in the process, they are making this organization—and our profession—better.

That is the kind of leadership I want to celebrate this year. The kind that does not always announce itself, but that makes all the difference.

If you have ever thought, I’m not sure I’m the right person to get involved, or I don’t know enough yet to take on a bigger role, I want to challenge that. You do not have to be an expert. You do not have to have decades of experience. You do not have to wait for someone to tap you on the shoulder and tell you that you are ready.

You are ready.

One of the most powerful things about getting involved is realizing that you do not have to transform into someone else to make a contribution. In fact, the most meaningful contributions usually come when you lead from exactly where you are—sharing what you know, listening to others, offering your perspective, or simply lending a hand.

In a profession that often prizes credentials and hierarchy, it is easy to undervalue these quieter forms of leadership. But in my experience, they are the glue that holds our community together. They are the reason new members feel welcome. They are how ideas turn into programs, and how programs turn into traditions. They are why the WCBA continues to grow.

You do not need a title to make a difference. You just need to be willing to show up and care.

I have seen this again and again. I have watched members who thought they were “just” volunteering for a single event end up building lifelong friendships. I have seen people who said, “I’m not a joiner,” become the ones others look to for advice. I have watched newer lawyers find confidence and belonging simply because someone took the time to ask, “How are you doing? Is there anything I can help you with?” That is leadership in its purest form.

It does not have to be complicated. It does not have to be grand. It can look like:

• Sitting next to someone you have not met before at a CLE.
• Recommending a colleague for a speaking opportunity.
• Sending an encouraging email after a challenging case.
• Offering to co-chair a committee, even if you are not sure exactly what that entails.
• Sharing your own experiences honestly, so others feel less alone.

These small acts have ripple effects you cannot always see in the moment. They build trust. They foster connection. They make our professional world feel a little less transactional and a lot more human.

This year, as your president, I am committed to highlighting these examples of everyday leadership. If you know someone who consistently shows up for others, I would love to hear about it. Because when we shine a light on these contributions, we inspire more of them. And that is how our community grows stronger.

You do not have to wait for an invitation. If you are looking for a sign to step forward, this is it. There is no perfect time to get involved. There is just today.

Whatever it looks like for you, I hope you will take that step. Because the truth is, this association—and this profession—need your leadership. Not someday. Now.

When you step up, you do not just shape your own future—you help define what our community can become. At our gala, I shared that I am standing here, because I showed up. That is true. But what I did not say then is that I stayed because of the people who led in all kinds of ways. The people who inspired me by stepping boldly to the front of the room, and the people who led quietly behind the scenes. The ones who made me feel like I belonged and proved that leadership is not about a title or a style—it is about action, kindness, and commitment.

And that is something all of us can do.

So, as we move into the second half of 2025, I invite you to lead from where you are. To raise your hand. To look for the small ways you can make a difference. Because when you do, you are not only shaping your own professional journey—you are strengthening our entire community.

I will see you there.