09/04/2026
Our first Power Luncheon of the year, “Beyond the Ballot: The Power of Her Voice,” gave us so much to sit with.
Moderated by BWLACF President Rebekah Taylor, Esq., with four dynamic women joining her: Raven Lightsey, Cassandra Brown, Vivian Lyte-Johnson, and Jasmine Burney Clark. Some of what stood out:
🗳️ Civic engagement starts at the grassroots level. How we frame conversations about local leadership changes how people show up, and it’s long-term work that doesn’t end when election season does.
🏠 This work has to be holistic. For many people, day-to-day survival comes first, and real engagement means meeting people there while showing how policy touches their light bill, their housing, their everyday life.
👑 Take up space. You’re meant to be in the rooms you walk into, often as the most qualified person there. And you don’t have to be a jack-of-all-trades. Know your lane, go deep, do it well.
🤝 Find what you’re passionate about, and don’t try to do it all alone. Building relationships is what sustains this work.
⚖️ As attorneys, our role goes beyond advocating in court. We hold the unique skill of reading and interpreting the law, and we can translate it into plain language so our communities walk into the ballot box informed and empowered.
A special thank you to our Annual Power Luncheon Sponsor, Teneshia Mzmoneyworks LaFayé, for making today possible, and to Parlor Kitchen • Orlando for the delicious food!
Rooted in who we are. Rising into all we’re called to do. 💚🖤
