Greetings to the Supreme Region of the National Black Law Students Association!
 

My name is Akram Abbadi. I am a third-year law student at the University of Texas School of Law, and it is my distinct honor to serve as your Regional Chair in our eleventh year. SWBLSA has been a pillar of excellence for the last decade, and I am excited to continue the transformative work our region has been doing. My personal experience with this organization has been a highlight of the necessity and importance of community. I aim to do the same for all our members. As black law students, we exist in a space that has not easily welcomed us, whether historically or in the present. However, as long as we continue to support one another and lift as we climb, not only can we ensure the success of black lawyers, but we can widen the path to allow for even more to follow us. The theme for this year is: Strengthening Foundations to Support Community. This theme is supported by three key goals:

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• Facilitate more targeted programming in collaboration with local chapters
• Strengthen connections between pre-law members, current law students, and alumni
• Formalize processes and procedures to optimize organizational operations

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NBLSA and SWBLSA as organizations are only as strong as our individual chapters and members. We must ensure that every action taken is done with intention, and directly addresses the needs of our members. We will directly collaborate with local chapter leaders, and plan targeted programming that bridges gaps for our members, and ensures they have the resources and connections they need to succeed.

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In the effort to increase the number of black attorneys, it is increasingly important to strengthen connections and the pipeline of pre-law members to law students to alumni. Each group has distinct value, and an abundance to offer each other. We will use our mentorship program as the basis for connection, and create programming geared towards real relationship building and knowledge sharing.

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Strong infrastructure is key to the sustained success of SWBLSA. While all student-led organizations face the issue of year to year turnover, having standardized procedures help to ensure continuity. We will build upon the existing infrastructure, engage with our predecessors and current constituents, and optimize the way our region operates, so that the Southwest can truly remain supreme no matter who is at its head.

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I thank you all for your continued support, and look forward to a meaningful year! My “door” is always open and I am excited to connect, engage, and support however I can!

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In SWBLSA Service,
Akram Abbadi
11th Southwest Regional Chair
National Black Law Students Association