2020 Forum Magazine

“My proudest moment was when we finally had three construction cranes on the [Buffalo Niagara medical] campus at one time. I thought, ‘Now we’re getting someplace.’”

“As a diplomat, my job is to be the tip of the spear for the U.S. government, and that starts with getting the entire government on the same page with consensus positions.… I am committed to public service and to making the world – especially its ocean – a better place.”

“We’re simply a microcosm of American society. The same challenges American society has, we’re grappling with ourselves. When it comes to social justice, when it comes to equality, when it comes to welcoming expression, we want to lead.”

“When organizers work with lawyers, it tends to be fairly linear. If you can’t get any traction on an issue, you go to a lawyer. But law is by nature individualistic – it’s about individual rights – and that takes the power from the community.”

“My dad was a politician, and many of his colleagues and friends were in public service. I’ve seen firsthand the commitment of government lawyers.”

“What’s really special about our community is that the motto City of Good Neighbors is not just a bunch of words. It has meaning. People really care about their neighbors … they’re willing to try something new to make that happen.”

“Teaching was in my blood. I have taught an appreciable number of all the lawyers who practice in Alabama.”

“Lawyers, judges, and law students work with their brains, and depression impacts cognition – concentration, the ability to multitask, productivity. Mental health is a huge problem in the profession…The next step is what to do about it.”

“We know there are brilliant leaders out there. We’re trying to deliberately address the gap of experience our leaders might have, and help them develop a vivid and informed understanding of their own leadership.”

“You really have to be prepared and called to want to make a change in this world. I feel lucky that my educational opportunities, mentors, and colleagues along the way have helped me work on preventing violence.”