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January 21, 2022

2022 Spirit of Excellence Awards

Azuka Dike and Tamara P. Nash

Each year, the American Bar Association honors the efforts and accomplishments of individuals who tirelessly work to advance a more racially and ethnically diverse legal profession with the Spirit of Excellence Awards. The Award, celebrates those who embody professional excellence and who demonstrate a commitment to racial and ethic diversity in the profession. Each year a new and unique group of recipients are recognized. Yet, one common theme repeats. Every recipient of the Spirit of Excellence Award highlights the importance of its motto, ad astra per aspera(to the stars through difficulty) as racially and ethnically diverse lawyers navigate the long, and often challenging, journey to success they also pave the path for those who follow. 

The Commission on Racial and Ethic Diversity in the Profession proudly celebrates and thanks the 2022 award recipients. Each has propelled the profession forward and forged a path for the generations who follow their footsteps. 

A common theme among the 2022 recipients is their tireless commitment to advancing the profession and mentoring others. To that end, we asked each recipient to share a piece of insight with our readers. We asked, “what advice would you give your younger self?” 

Here are their responses.

Gabriel S. Galanda

Gabriel S. Galanda

Gabriel S. Galanda responded that he would advise his younger self, “never shy away from speaking out against injustice, even when it is politically unpopular with colleagues or within Indigenous circles.”

Mr. Galanda is an Indigenous rights attorney and the founding and managing lawyer at GalandaBroadman, PLLC. His practice focuses on bet-the-company business matters and regulatory disputes for tribal governments, enterprises, and citizens. Mr. Galanda is a recognized and respected voice in the field of federal Indian and tribal law. 

Chief Justice Steven C. Gonzalez

Chief Justice Steven C. Gonzalez

Chief Justice Steven C. Gonzalez said that he would share, “trust yourself.” 

Chief Justice Gonzalez serves as the Chief Justice for the State of Washington’s Supreme Court. Before joining the Supreme Court, Chief Justice González served for ten years as a trial judge on the King County Superior Court hearing criminal, civil, juvenile, and family law cases. Chief Justice González is passionate about providing open access to the justice system for all. Chief Justice González also mentors students, regularly participates in the Northwest Minority Job Fair, and serves as a Board member for the Washington Leadership Institute, a program that aims to develop Bar and community leaders who reflect the diversity of Washington State.

Kay H. Hodge

Kay H. Hodge

Kay H. Hodge reflected, “this is a hard question. I have loved my life and only regret that I have not been able to do everything that I wanted, and want, to do. I believe that I have been very lucky to be in the right place at the right time and to benefit from the generosity of countless people throughout my life. My best advice is to remember that people matter. Developing and maintaining positive relationships with other people is an essential base upon which your professional and personal success is built. I have been blessed with a wonderful family (my husband of 53 years, two children, daughter-in-law and grandchildren), extended family and an incredible group of friends, colleagues and acquaintances who give me endless support, advice, perspective and assistance. Next to the people in your life, it is important to find work and volunteer opportunities that you can be passionate about. I have been blessed with finding an area of law to practice (labor and employment) that I love as it is always evolving. I have not only had great clients and lots of exciting issues to address, but I have been able to meet incredibly interesting people and work on wonderful issues through my work as a member of various bar associations and my work as a board member of many different not for profit entities. I only hope that I have brought, and continue to bring, value to all of my relationships and endeavors. All in all, my advice is simple -- get involved and appreciate the people you meet along the way.”

Ms.Hodge is a management- side employment lawyer who also serves the legal profession as a stellar bar leader. She has been an equity partner at the Boston law firm of Stoneman, Chandler & Miller LLP since 1982. Her 2007 induction into the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel (FDCC) is a testament to her legal prowess and acumen as membership is by invitation only and requires all prospective members to be carefully vetted by their peers to maintain their reputation as leaders of the civil defense, corporate legal, and insurance industries. Ms.Hodge is dedicated to a variety of community and law-related organizations and she serves as a mentor for women and underrepresented attorneys who are building practices in underrepresented areas.

Justice Adrienne C. Nelson

Justice Adrienne C. Nelson

Justice Adrienne C. Nelson shared that she would tell her younger self, “treat everyone with kindness, respect and dignity because as Maya Angelou said, ‘I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.’ As you live, work hard but make time to rest and practice self-care. Be a life-long learner and be open to change. Finally, at the end of every day, take an inventory, forgive yourself for the mistakes made, and wake up the next day doing your best.”

Justice Nelson is Oregon’s first Black Supreme Court Justice. She is a former litigator. In 2006, she was appointed to the Multnomah County Circuit Court. Justice Nelson’s appointment to the Multnomah County Circuit Court bench represents another step she took as a pioneer. Her appointment to the Multnomah County Circuit Court bench in 2006 made her only the second Black woman judge in Oregon history. Justice Nelson is an active bar leader, serving in many capacities in the ABA. She has also dedicated herself as a mentor, aiding lawyers from all backgrounds and experiences.

Honorable Carlos Moore

Honorable Carlos Moore

Honorable Carlos Moore would advise his younger self, “always believe in God first and yourself second. Never be so afraid of failure that you refuse to even try. Finally, if you can believe it, you can and will achieve it if you never give up.”

Judge Moore serves as the 79th President of the National Bar Association. He is the Managing Partner of The Cochran Firm – Mississippi Delta located in Grenada, Mississippi. In July of 2017, Judge Moore was appointed as the first African American Municipal Judge Pro Tem for Clarksdale, Mississippi. In May of 2020, he was named the first African American Municipal Judge Pro Tem for Grenada, Mississippi. In addition to robust bar leadership, Judge Moore is very active in his community where he and his family provide support, mentorship, and scholarships to local youth.

The Commission on Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Profession will celebrate the Spirit of Excellence Awards at the 2022 Midyear Meeting in Seattle, Washington. As a reminder, ticket sales support the projects and programs implemented by the Commission. 

Your continued support is appreciated!

Learn more about the Sprirt of Excellence Awards or the 2022 recipients. 

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