2026-2027 Scholarship Fund Board
The Scholarship Fund board is the charitable arm of BWLA. It is a c3 organization whose by-laws require a majority of the board to be comprised of the BWLA Board of Directors.
Co-Chair
Christina Alabi
Associate General Counsel
Diligent
Co-Chair
Shannon Stokes
State of IL Deputy General Counsel/Ethics Officers
IDHS
Officer
President
Natanya Pope - Sohel
Attorney
Illinois Torture and Relief Commission
Officer
Vice President
Kina Arnold
Senior Guardian ad litem
Cook County Public Guardian
Officer
Corresponding Secretary
Kyle Palmore
Judicial Law Clerk
Illinois Appellate Court First District
Officer
Recording Secretary
Omoyele "Yele" Ajayi
Intake Attorney
Troutman Pepper Locke LLP
Officer
Parliamentarian
Natalie Ellis
Senior Associate
Riley Safer Holmes Cancila L.P.
Officer
Treasurer
LéLoni English
Attorney
Federal Government
Member &
Officer – Ex Officio
Joan Akalaonu
Partner
Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath
Member
Cyerra McGowan
Corporate Associate
Baker McKenzie
Member
Kenyatta Beverly
Senior Labor and Employment Counsel
The Davey Expert Tree Company
Member
Nia-Imara Binns
Associate
Hinshaw & Culbertson
Member
Deborah S. Imafidon
Associate
Valentine, Austriaco & Bueschel, P.C.
Member
Simone Jones
Partner
Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P.
Member
Lisa Kpor
Managing Counsel - Litigation
United Airlines
Member
Maryah Person
Scholarship Opportunities
The Black Women Lawyers’ Association Scholarship Fund (BWLA-SF) endeavors to encourage Black students in the law through support in the legal education and to promote diversity in the legal profession.
Fall Book Scholarship Application (Ends September 29, 2026 at 11:59pm)
2026
Agnes B. McGirth Scholarship Application
2026
Bar Review Scholarship Application
2026
Spring Essay Scholarship Application
2026
Agnes B. McGirth Scholarship Application
Donate to the Scholarship Fund
Scholarship Fund Donation Form
Complete the form below to make an online donation to our Scholarship Fund.