When we began planning for our fall conference in early 2020, we had no idea it would turn out the way it did.  In the spring, we realized that we would need to host a virtual conference this year instead of the in person event that we have been doing for over 25 years.  We were worried.  We asked ourselves questions like “Will people attend a virtual conference?” and “Will our supporters continue to sponsor the event without the in-person networking and glossy program booklet?” and “Are folks willing to sit in from of a computer for four hours on a Saturday without the promise of coffee and bagels?”  On Saturday, you all answered those questions with a resounding “YES!” 

Saturday’s conference was not only our first successful virtual conference, but we had our largest crowd yet, with over 300 attendees from all over the state and even as far away as Arizona! The event was supported by the most sponsors ever – 43 in all! And most importantly, we were able to meet with all of you, albeit not in person, to come together for the common purpose of enhancing the lives of women and families in Maryland through legislative advocacy. 

Thank you to everyone who attended, sponsored, presented, and helped in any and every way! Special thanks go out to:

• Delegate Carol Krimm for providing the welcome message and kicking off the conference
• Our exceptional panelists who provided thoughtful insight into the issues facing Maryland women and communities of color during the COVID pandemic: Professor Celeste Davis, Professor Leigh Goodmark and Iman Freeman.
• All of the advocates and legislators who presented and explained their legislative proposals for the 2021 legislative session.

We would like to hear from you and your thoughts on the conference.  Please take a few minutes to complete our online survey.  Your comments will help us plan an even better event next year.

We are in the process of sending a ballot to all MLAW members in good standing to vote on the issues that were presented at the conference.  Not all initiatives will be included in the 2021 Agenda; in fact, we will select only 6-8 from the 14 submitted.  Your voice in this process is important!  If you are not a current member of MLAW, please join or renew your membership today so that you can vote on the issues important to you and which you think should comprise the Agenda.  A membership form is on our website at https://mdlegagendaforwomen.org/join-mlaw/ along with a paypal link for credit cards.

To read about the issues that were presented at the conference, you can view the detailed information here:

Finally, if you are not on our email listserv, please join! We communicate exclusively through email so it is important to be on MLAW’s list.  During the session, you will receive important legislative alerts that require your action.  You will also receive news and information about our events. To join our email list, simply send an email to us at mdlegagenda4women@yahoo.com and ask to be added.

Thank you to our conference sponsors.  Without them, the conference would not be possible.  We hope you were able to view our sponsor slideshow during the conference but it you missed it, you may view it here:

PLATINUM SPONSORS
AAUW Maryland
Bill and Diana Conway
Compassion and Choices
Kickstart Specialists
Maryland Commission for Women
Montgomery County Women’s Democratic Club
NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland
Planned Parenthood of Maryland
University System of Maryland’s Women Forum

GOLD SPONSORS
Maryland NOW
MomsRising

SILVER SPONSORS
Delegate Nicole A. Williams
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority – Prince George’s County Alumnae Chapter
Elizabeth Fran Johnson
Leni Preston, Independent Consumer Voice of Health Policy
Linda Mahoney
National Women’s Law Center
Prince George’s County Commission for Women
Tahira Hussain
Whitfield Legal/Lynette A. Whitfield Attorney at Law
Women’s Law Center of Maryland

BRONZE SPONSORS
Anita Riley
Business and Professional Women of Maryland
Calvert County Commission for Women
Christol Salon and Spa
Delegate Bonnie Cullison
Delegate Charlotte Crutchfield
Delegate Michele Guyton
Elizabeth Joyce
Emerge Maryland
Joan Stine
Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault
Maryland Health Care for All
Maryland Women’s Heritage Center
Melissa Curtin Coaching + Consulting
Michaele Cohen
Montgomery County Commission for Women
National Coalition of 100 Black Women Prince George’s County
National Council for Negro Women – Montgomery County Maryland Section
Senator Pamela Beidle
Simply Kashonna
Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc – Prince George’s Chapter
Zonta Club of Mid-Maryland