Dear WLALA Members,

I am honored to be installed as President of the Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles this month and to be a part of the leadership of this time-honored organization. As I step into this role, I draw inspiration from past presidents of WLALA including the late Selma Moidel Smith (1919-2025) who was President of WLALA in 1948 and 1949. A true pioneer in the legal profession and champion of women’s rights, she established continuing legal education programs for women before it became mandatory and her reach extended internationally crossing cultural barriers and opening doors for countless women lawyers who followed. And as we marked Labor Day earlier this month, I am also inspired by Dolores Huerta, a remarkable labor leader, civil rights activist, fearless advocate, and powerful voice for migrant farmworkers, women, and marginalized groups. In the words of Ms. Huerta, “Every moment is an organizing opportunity, every person a potential activist, every minute a chance to change the world.”

This year’s theme is “Opening Doors of Opportunity,” which encourages reflection on how we have benefitted by the acts or gestures of others and to consider how we, in turn, can pay it forward through our daily endeavors, which can have a profound and lasting impact.  I hope you will join me at WLALA’s Installation & Awards Dinner on September 13, 2025 to recognize and celebrate our distinguished awardees, Honorable Jessica Kronstadt, Shaun Dabby Jacobs, Sabrina Ashjian, and Pregnancy Justice, each of whom exemplify this theme through their service to others, generosity, courage, and strength to speak up and foster positive change. I want to extend a special thanks to our annual sponsors and dinner sponsors for your generous support of WLALA’s mission. I also want to thank Noelle Natoli, WLALA’s Immediate Past President, for her guidance and leadership. A year ago, her President’s Message so aptly stated, “This association will work to ensure that the doors of opportunity are wide open for all” and I am delighted to carry that principle forward this year. 

With Gratitude,

Farah Tabibkhoei
President, Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles