Scrapbook Memories: CWBA Members' Favorite Convention Moments
- Maria Brooks
- 10 hours ago
- 3 min read
Photo credit: Christy Sanchez Photography
CWBA Member Katie Carroll, CWBA Immediate Past President Emma Garrison, CWBA President Carime Lee, and CWBA Member Safira Castro share their favorite convention memories and photos.
Katie Carroll: Katie remembers how gorgeous the hotel was and being inspired by the Mary Lathrop acceptance speech. Here are some pictures she shared with us, including super fun karaoke night (with props!) and the walk and talk hike along the creek.
Emma Garrison: Facilitating the first ever in-person On What Grounds session at the Convention right after the then-leaked, now-final U.S. Supreme Court decision in Dobbs was an incredibly powerful experience for me. It meant so much to sit with a group of amazing women willing to be vulnerable when sharing their thoughts, ideas, hopes, and fears, not just about abortion laws, but on the many challenges we face as a community. In that conversation, we also received valuable feedback about CWBA as an organization and about Convention itself—insights that I’ve thought about often and that we’ve been striving to incorporate since. Moments of honest connection like this help me see the light when times are dark. As we face renewed attacks on women’s rights, gender identity, and DEI initiatives, it’s more important than ever for organizations like the CWBA to thrive—to continue our advocacy, and also to create spaces where we can support one another, recharge, and find joy. Convention always manages to inspire, educate, and provide a space for fun and connection, reminding me why this community matters. I encourage you to attend—feel the uplifting energy and be there to lift up others.
Amelia Sapp: Amelia says, “One of my favorite memories from last year was my new fast friend Heather Haughian and all of us (including my sweet husband Aaron) singing You Gotta Fight for your Right To Party by the Beastie Boys. Megan was really belting it there for a while!”
Carime Lee: It's really hard to pick a favorite memory. Every Convention has been so impactful for me. From my first Convention back in 2019, when I had an existential moment that changed the trajectory of my life and career. To last year (2024) when I shared the most intimate pieces of my life in my President speech accepting the passing of the gavel as the new President of the CWBA. The cherry on top last year was getting to sing a John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John duet with my husband and having my three fluffies filmed with me after accepting the gavel. Sharing Convention with my family last year was definitely a core memory.
Safira Castro: Last year, I had the privilege of attending my first Convention—only shortly after becoming a CWBA member. While I arrived on day one as a newbie with modest expectations, I left that weekend feeling truly inspired, empowered, and supported. Convention offers more than just professional development and networking; it fostered in me a deep sense of belonging, which is more important than ever for our community. My favorite moment came on day two—after meeting so many friendly faces, I found the confidence to speak with ease among professional trailblazers and even partake in some epic karaoke. From thought-provoking panels to intimate networking sessions and inspiring keynote speakers, I was amazed by the energy, camaraderie, and collective power of the CWBA. For anyone seeking a supportive space to learn, grow, and build lasting friendships and professional relationships, I wholeheartedly recommend attending this year’s 2025 CWBA Convention.
Click here to watch a short video of highlights from our 2024 Convention. Thanks to Law Firm Videos for their work on the video.
Save at least $50 if you register by the early-bird deadline of May 2, 2025.
Maria L. Brooks is our favorite Denver Broncos fan. She’s a certified paralegal since 2003 and is a CWBA member at the allied professional level. She currently works remotely part-time as an executive assistant for a cannabis attorney in California, and full time as a legal assistant for Icenogle, Seaver, Pogue in the Denver Tech Center where the attorneys on staff serve as general counsel for over 200 cities, towns, districts, and highway authorities across the state of Colorado. Maria is a captain of multitasking, scheduling wizard, and workflow guru with over 20 years of experience in the legal field. When not playing fantasy football, she enjoys spending her time volunteering as a sponsor at local churches in the Aurora area to help young women recover from drug and alcohol addiction.
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