GABWA is a statewide organization founded in 1981 by a group of African American women to:
1. Focus on women and children’s issues,

2. Increase black female representation in the judiciary and public offices, and

3. Take a proactive stance on political issues.

GABWA has an active membership of women and men who strive each day to fulfill the organization’s mission: To nurture, support and galvanize the power of Black women attorneys; advocate for women and children and empower our communities. GABWA has members throughout the state with regional chapters in Albany, Athens, Augusta, Columbus, Macon, and Savannah.

Membership in GABWA is open to all individuals, regardless of race or sex. We are judges, in-house counsel, Fortune 100 and 500 company employees, law firm partners and associates, solo practitioners, government attorneys and law professors. We are elected and appointed officials, philanthropists, trailblazers and community activists. We are engaged in the political process at the local level through the endorsement of candidates.

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GABWA's Professional Development Academy (“PDA” or “the Academy”) is a four-week intensive program with the purpose of providing serious professional and personal development to women and men beginning their careers in the legal profession.

PDA is an award-winning program founded in 2008 by visionaries Samuel Woodhouse, the Honorable Kimberly M. Esmond Adams (GABWA Past President), Enjolique Aytch, the Honorable Sonja Natasha Brown (GABWA Past President), the Honorable JaDawnya Baker (GABWA Past President), Sheena Forts, the Honorable Joy Lampley-Fortson (GABWA Past President), Kristin Hall, and E. Jewelle Johnson (GABWA Past President).

The Academy is free of charge, offers a small class size, and more!

Prerequisites:

 Applicants must be current GABWA members at the time of application. Join or renew your membership at New Member Sign Up - Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys (gabwa.org)

 Applicants must have graduated from law school and been practicing for fewer than four years.

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We have an exciting course schedule planned for the Spring 2025 session. Some of the classes offered cover topics on:

 Navigating Feedback in the Workplace
 Law Firm Economics
 Becoming Indispensable as a Young Attorney
 Dress for Success
 Social Etiquette 101
 and More!

The Professional Development Academy Spring 2025 Schedule:

ALL SESSIONS WILL BE HELD IN-PERSON

Opening Class Session: Tuesday, March 18, at 6:30 pm
Class Session: Tuesday, March 25, at 6:30 pm
Class Session: Tuesday, April 1, at 6:30 pm
Class Session: Tuesday, April 8, at 6:30 pm
Class Session: Tuesday, April 15, at 6:30 pm
Class Session: Tuesday, April 22, at 6:30 pm
Class Session: Tuesday, April 29, at 6:30 pm
Class Session: Tuesday, May 6, at 6:30 pm
Graduation: Tuesday, May 13, at 6:30pm

* Dates and times subject to change. Session topics and locations provided upon acceptance into the Academy. Most sessions last approximately two hours.

If you are interested in applying for the Academy, you must complete an application packet, which includes responding to all the questions below as part of this form and submitting your resume to Jahnisa Loadholt, Dean of the Professional Development Academy, at pda@gabwa.org by 11:59pm on Thursday, March 13, 2025.

The application package must contain the following:

1. Your resumé.

2. A statement confirming you are current in your GABWA dues. GABWA membership/dues payment is mandatory for acceptance into the Academy. Join or renew your membership at New Member Sign Up - Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys (gabwa.org).

3. Single paragraph answers to the following:
a. How would you describe yourself to a potential mentor?
b. What is a skill you wish to strengthen through guidance and support?
c. What is one impression people often get wrong about you?
d. Describe an adversary or adversarial situation that ended up being a great teacher.
e. Describe your involvement with GABWA, if any. If no present involvement, describe the ways in which you hope to get involved.

*Please answer the questions in section no. 3 (above) in 150 words or less.

***PDA FAQs***

Q: If I have applied to PDA before and was not accepted, should I reapply?

A: Absolutely! We encourage you to apply again. PDA is a competitive program, and we anticipate more qualified applicants than we can accept.

Q: How can I increase my chances of being accepted?

A: 1. You must meet all prerequisites. If you are unable to meet these requirements or have clarifying questions, please send an email to the Dean Loadholt at pda@gabwa.org.

2. Follow the application instructions carefully and completely. Because the Academy is increasingly competitive, failure to do so may be automatically disqualifying.

3. Your answers to the short essay questions should be thoughtful, candid, and revealing.

Q: The dress code at my office is business casual. Do I have to dress in business attire?

A: Yes. The dress code is business attire for all Academy participants.

Q: Will CLE credits be offered through PDA offer and how do I claim them?

A: The CLE credits offered by PDA varies from year to year, depending on the topics offered each session and approval by the State Bar of Georgia. We will actively work to have CLE credits approved by the State Bar of Georgia for certain PDA courses and will provide instructions during the sessions for obtaining such credits. Participants will be required to remit any required fees for their individual CLE credits upon receipt of an invoice from the State Bar of Georgia for payment of the fees assessed for each CLE credit. Any questions regarding CLE applications may be directed to the Dean or PDA Board.

Q: What are the requirements to graduate?

A: To participate in the graduation and to be recognized as an alumnus of the Academy, Participants:
• are allowed one excused absence,
• must dress in business professional attire, and
• must fully participate in the Academy.

If you are unable to meet these requirements or have clarifying questions, please send an email to the Dean at pda@gabwa.org. Ultimately, graduation is at the discretion of the Dean in conjunction with the Professional Development Academy Board.

We look forward to receiving your application package. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at pda@gabwa.org.

Sincerely,

Jahnisa Loadholt, Esq. Dean, GABWA PDA