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See You At the Top: Three Women of Color Attorneys Who Are Making History (and What We Can Learn From Them)

by CCWC | Jan 18, 2023 | Features, Career

As women of color attorneys, at times it can seem as if the decks are stacked against us. From pay inequity to gender bias, there is no shortage of systemic strongholds in the legal profession.

In spite of professional obstacles, there are women of color attorneys who are achieving success and blazing new trails. Here are three women of color who are making history in their careers.

1. Andrea Joy Cambell, First Black Woman Attorney General in the State of Massachusetts

“My hope is that every day, women and young people who look like me – and see the incredible work of this office – will feel less invisible, despairing and lonely because there continues to be a shining example of what’s possible.”

Quick facts about Andrea Joy Campbell:

Graduate of Princeton University (Undergrad) and UCLA Law School
Served as Member of the Boston City Council (January 2016 – January 2022)
Listed as One of the 100 Most Influential People in Boston (2018)
Dedicated Her Career to Fighting for Greater Opportunity and Equity for Underserved Communities
Overcame adversities such as being in the foster care system and living in public housing

Learn more about Andrea Joy Campbell at https://www.andreacampbell.org/story/

2. Leesa Manion, First Woman of Color and Person of Color Sworn in as King County Prosecutor (Seattle)

“We can and must envision a justice system where prosecutors, public defenders and judges are willing to try new approaches to how we do our work. I believe we can challenge ourselves to be creative and let go of past practices that are no longer working so we can deliver justice in a timely manner.”

Quick facts about Leesa Manion:

Graduate of Seattle University School of Law
Served as Chief of Staff of the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for 15 years
Co-Founder of the Choose 180 program
Serves on the board of the Alliance for Gun Responsibility and the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle

Learn more about Leesa Manion at https://leesamanion.com/

3. Sandra Douglass Morgan, First Black Woman Team President in the NFL (Las Vegas Raiders)

“The best thing I can do for women and people of color is to do a good job of leading the Raiders.”

Quick facts about Sandra Douglass Morgan:

Graduate of University of Nevada, Las Vegas (William S. Boyd School of Law)
Board Member – Caesars Entertainment, Fidelity Investments, Cerberus Fidelity Investments and Allegiant Airlines
Vice Chair of the Las Vegas Host Committee for Super Bowl LVII (February 2024)
Served on the Nevada State Athletic Commission
Former chairwoman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board

Learn more about Sandra Douglass Morgan at https://www.raiders.com/team/front-office-roster/sandra-douglass-morgan

What We Can Learn From Andrea Joy Campbell, Leesa Minion and Sandra Douglass Morgan

Be bold. Achieving professional goals is one thing. Becoming a history maker is another. Andrea, Leesa and Sandra are change makers who aren’t afraid to reach for new opportunities and challenge the status quo. When others shrink back, they boldly position themselves to claim their seat at the table.
Get a vision for your life. History makers have a clear vision that propels them forward in good and challenging times. They know what they want and where they want to go. These change makers take consistent action until they reach their desired destination. Giving up isn’t an option. If an action isn’t producing results, they don’t abandon the goal. They implement other strategies until they find something that works.
Take risks. Finally, people who make history are willing to pursue a goal even if they are uncertain about the outcome. It’s risky to run for public office, try to change a justice system that’s rooted in racial bias or lead an NFL franchise. Taking risks requires us to have a strong belief that we can impact our communities with our gifts and talents.

About Corporate Counsel Women of Color
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