The Future Black Women in Law Association at LSU provides pre-law mentorship and community for Black women at LSU.
Events chair and sophomore political science and psychology double major Deloris Nangah said FBWLA focuses on uplifting Black women in a field where they are not the majority.
FBWLA members gathered in the Student Union Wednesday for Career Classy: Professionalism 101, an event focused on sharing professional tips. Nangah and Kartier Ollervidez, the other events chair for FBWLA and a sophomore political science major, presented at the event.
They covered the differences between casual, business casual and business professional dress and gave examples of each. Nangah and Ollervidez also went over how to draft a professional email and gave some “dos and don’ts” for meeting people in the professional world and legal field.
After the presentation, FBWLA members enjoyed cupcakes while they networked and exchanged LinkedIns with each other.
FBWLA secretary and senior political science major Amauri Williams said she learned tips at the event, like how to make an email signature and keep it updated.
Williams has been a part of FBWLA since her sophomore year. Stating that she initially joined because the organization aligned with her career goals and also offered guidance on basic professional skills.
She highlighted the opportunities FBWLA has provided such as meeting prosecutors, attorneys and judges. She said her favorite part of FBWLA is the bonds within the organization, especially the executive board.
“It’s very much a sisterhood that we created over time,” Williams said. “We aim to continue fostering that sisterhood moving forward.”
Nangah mentioned that a helpful aspect of FBWLA that many members enjoy is the mentorship program. She said freshmen are paired with older girls in the organization to help get them acquainted and have someone to look up to.
Nangah added that FBWLA can provide LSAT study groups for members or just a place for Black women with similar interests to make friends.
“We’re very excited to grow our organization and teach more girls, and have more people come learn about who we are,” Nangah said.
