Empowering, Mentoring, and Advocating for Black Women Lawyers

26 Years of Service Honored • Founded in 2021 • 15 Charter Board Members

Our Mission

ROOTED IN LEGACY, LEADING WITH PURPOSE

The Palm Beach County Sheree Davis Cunningham Black Women Lawyers Association garnered National media attention upon founding in 2021, being the first organization of its kind in Palm Beach County.

Our Mission is to provide mentoring, guidance, and support to Black women lawyers in the legal profession. We were established to help Black women lawyers navigate the unique challenges they face in the practice of law, in their lives and in their communities. In just two years, our organization has rapidly grown to 125+ diverse members. Our organization does not discriminate on any basis and welcomes all lawyers to join and participate in the organization’s activities and programming.

Legacy of Judge Sheree Davis Cunningham

In 1993, Judge Sheree Davis Cunningham broke barriers as the first African American woman appointed to the 15th Judicial Circuit Court in Florida. For 26 years, she served with distinction, compassion, and fairness. Her dedication to justice inspired the founding of SDCBWLA, ensuring her impact continues for generations to come.

Our amazing team

OUR LEADERSHIP

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J. Samantha Vacciana

President
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Kanisha Taylor

First Vice President
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Freddie Menard

Second Vice President

2010s

Conversations among Black women lawyers in Palm Beach County revealed a shared struggle of isolation and lack of support.

2020

The pandemic, racial justice movements, and ABA studies exposed the urgent need for change.

2021

Founders Sandra Powery Moses, Sia Baker-Barnes, and Destinie Baker Sutton turned vision into action, launching SDCBWLA in recognition of Black History Month.

Highlight achievements by the numbers

Together, they built a space where mentorship, advocacy, and community converge.

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26 years Judge Cunningham served on the bench.

15+ Charter Members representing nearly every sector of law.

5% of U.S. lawyers are Black, according to the ABA.

70% of women of color in law report experiencing sexism and bias.

Mentorship and guidance

The association provides a network of mentors who offer guidance and share their experiences, helping newer lawyers advance their careers and develop strong leadership skills.

Fostering leadership

The SDCBWLA encourages members to seek and succeed in leadership positions, both within the association and in the broader legal community

A safe space

As described by members, the SDCBWLA serves as a "safe place" for Black women lawyers to discuss their shared experiences, grow, and empower one another.

Professional Development

Members have access to opportunities like continuing legal education (CLE) courses, seminars, and networking events to help them stay current in their field.

Group of people posing, mostly women in black outfits with purple scarves, a man in a suit, at an event.

Together, We Rise.
 Becoming a member means joining a powerful network committed to mentorship, advocacy, and progress.

  • Access to mentorship and professional support
  • Networking with leaders in the legal community
  • Opportunities to serve and uplift the next generation

Thank you to our sponsors!