Page 6 - May June24 Report

Faith with her two children, Georgia (8) and Xavier (6), take in the Cincinnati skyline from the Cincinnati Ballet’s Center for Dance.
Photos by Catherine Viox, catherinegracephoto.com
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THE REPORT | May/June 2024 | CincyBar.org
In hindsight, the interest in history that emerged during college makes complete sense. Appreciation of history is always on Faith’s mind. Much of that interest centers around how laws evolve over time, but more importantly, a fair portion of her intrigue can be attributed to how the legal profession has changed in a relatively short time. She does not take for granted the opportunities she has today when it wasn’t too long ago that a woman wearing pants in the male-dom- inated workplace would be considered ‘unladylike.’
In addition to those who came before her, she’s also quick to point out that how much of what she’s been able to accom- plish has been a collaborative effort. She had plenty of help along the way, which is why she knows firsthand how important it is to have a professional support system that can be relied upon to provide a solid stepping stone or a safe harbor where aspiring attorneys can find true fellow- ship. This sense of community is what she hopes to impart during her year as CBA President.
Faith’s dedication to making sure every member sees the CBA as a home comes from her own personal experience. After graduating from the University of Dayton with her bachelor’s in history, Faith kept traveling down I-75 and
attended NKU’s Salmon P. Chase College of Law. Here she was, far from her home- town of Toledo, with no family in the vicinity. Encouraged by Judge Michael Newman, Faith attended her first CBA event: a social held at Via Vite. It was here that the CBA became Faith’s first signif- icant connection to Greater Cincinnati’s legal community. “The CBA was a place where I could network with other people and a place where I could get involved in leadership roles.” And get involved she did. First, as Social Chair of the CBA’s Young Lawyers’ Section, rising to YLS Chair. Then as Secretary and eventual Chair of the Labor & Employment Practice Group. Taking an active role in the CBA soon paid off in spades. She booked speakers for special events. She presented in front of roomfuls of colleagues at professional seminars. She liaised with keynote guests. “These are all things you want to do as a lawyer, that I got the opportunity to do because of the CBA.” Before long she was on the CBA’s executive board.
Through years of participation in CBA events, Faith has gained mentors, built relationships with opposing counsel and created lasting bonds with respected colleagues. “[The CBA] ended up being an extension of home for me.”
Now, as the President for 2024-2025, she’s hoping to craft a CBA that provides
for others what was so magnanimously given to her. “I respect the CBA so much. It’s meant so much to my career and to what I do as a lawyer here in Cincinnati. To have the honor of being president is just amazing.”
As she sees it, the way to create a home for new and existing CBA members is simple:
First, foster understanding. Sure, the CBA is an excellent resource for logging CLE credits, but there are so many other offerings that are geared towards bringing participants together with other colleagues in their specific practice groups or other subject areas.
Second, build appreciation. The CBA provides new and aspiring members with unique possibilities for collaborating with judges. The value of having access to the “black robes up at the podium” is an asset that cannot be understated.
Third, strengthen the community. By utilizing the CBA, newer members have
Faith performing as
a frost princess in
the Toledo Ballet’s Nutcracker at age 11.