The Women’s Law Center of Maryland’s Annual Awards is our biggest event of the year— a night to gather, honor changemakers, and celebrate the impact we’re making for women across Maryland. Join us to enjoy great food, good people, and to recognize the advocates and changemakers making a difference in the lives of Maryland survivors.
The Annual Celebration & Awards Ceremony brings together over 200 guests including nonprofit leaders, legal professionals, elected officials, local law firms, press, and community advocates. It’s a unique opportunity for changemakers and allies to come together in support of advancing justice for women—and for sponsors to stand alongside them.
But this is more than a celebration—it’s an urgent call-to-action. Funds raised directly support free lawyers for survivors and keep our doors open to those who need us most. Without this support, countless survivors will be left to face dangerous situations alone.
DOROTHY BEATTY MEMORIAL AWARD
Jakeya Johnson
Jakeya Johnson is a force in policy advocacy and a fearless champion for reproductive justice and gender equity in Maryland. Through her leadership at Reproductive Justice Maryland, she has mobilized communities, shaped legislative agendas, and advanced policies that protect and expand reproductive rights. Her dedication to health equity and social justice has strengthened partnerships between policymakers, advocacy groups, and grassroots organizers, creating lasting change for women and families across the state. Jakeya’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that all women—especially those most marginalized—have access to the care, resources, and protections they deserve embodies the spirit of the Dorothy Beatty Memorial Award.
ROSALYN BELL AWARD
Alicia Lewis, Esq.
Alicia has been a stalwart of the Women’s Law Center’s Judicare Project since 2011 and has provided nearly 100 low-income survivors of intimate partner violence with representation in that time. She accepts pro bono and reduced rate referrals that are out of scope for most attorneys including clients with limited English proficiency, urgent court dates, as well as those with technological and physical barriers including old age, mental illness, hearing disabilities, hospitalization/institutionalization, and more. Alicia is one of our most cherished Judicare attorneys, and upholds our commitment to survivors’ dignity and care, no matter how tenuous or labor-intensive a case may be. She rarely turns anyone away and we regularly receive client feedback saying she has saved the lives of survivors and their children with her work. Baltimore is a better place for women thanks to Alicia Lewis.
ROSALYN BELL AWARD
Rue Stewart, Esq.
Rue Stewart is a paragon of compassion and is our most requested Judicare attorney by returning clients. Rue handles our most challenging referrals with patience, kindness, and benevolence, no matter how dangerous or volatile the situation may be. Since he joined the Judicare project in 2013, he has represented approximately 60 clients for the Women’s Law Center, many of whom surpassed our funding limitations and accrued significant pro bono commitments. Rue’s clients often speak of his ability to balance empathy with robustness in his representation and swift resolutions of their difficulties. Several WLC referrals have cited his support as returning hope to their lives and giving them the strength to keep going. We are truly blessed to have Rue Stewart as a partner in WLC’s Judicare project.
ACCESS TO JUSTICE AWARD
Shelby Frink
Shelby Frink is a changemaker in survivor-centered, strength-based IPV intervention. As the first Black woman to lead the Family Crisis Center of Baltimore County, she is ensuring survivors and their families receive the support they need to rebuild their lives while redefining accountability in perpetrator intervention. She fosters a team of dedicated advocates and thought leaders, continuously pushing for systemic improvements for survivors. Through her thoughtful curiosity and commitment to equitable change, she is shaping a future where homes are safe, families are strong, and communities thrive—both in Baltimore and beyond.
ACCESS TO JUSTICE AWARD
Vickie Sneed
As a Court Advocate for the Baltimore County Department of Social Services’ Family Violence Unit, Vickie has supported survivors of IPV through her courtroom advocacy for many years. She works closely with the Women’s Law Center and refers many of the clients she works with to WLC for representation in protective order hearings and divorce and custody cases. Vickie also works closely with local police precincts and the State’s Attorney’s Office to ensure that her clients receive the highest level of follow-up for any related criminal cases. Over the years, Vickie has formed close working relationships with all of the family law attorneys at the Women’s Law Center, and our attorneys prioritize her referrals because of that trusting relationship. Vickie is a tireless advocate for survivors, often working around the clock to help them secure the services they need.
ACCESS TO JUSTICE AWARD
Richard Neuworth, Esq.
Richard Neuworth is the most prolific supporter of WLC’s Employment Hotline. Since joining the panel in 2021, he has volunteered for nearly 70 shifts culminating in hundreds of volunteer hours answering employment law questions and directing Marylanders to critical resources to resolve their work issues. Recent presidential Executive Orders have disproportionately affected Marylanders, especially those of protected classes including sex, race, disability, and more. Richard is not only our most engaged volunteer – he is also the indisputable expert in swiftly addressing callers’ needs and consistently answers more calls than any other attorney in their shifts. WLC’s Employment Law Hotline is desperately needed as the only free legal hotline for employment issues in the state. Demand greatly outpaces our volunteer staffing ability, but Richard’s steadfast commitment to Maryland’s workers is keeping the program alive.
6:00 PM – Hors d’oeuvres and Drinks
6:30 PM – Welcome Remarks
6:45 PM – Award Presentations
7:30 PM – Raffle Drawing and Word of Thanks
7:45 PM – Dessert
Champion of Advocacy
$50,000
Be the leader standing at the forefront of justice.
Your support ensures WLC can meet urgent needs and scale systemic change—providing life-changing legal services to those who need it most.
25 event tickets
Exclusive branding on all event materials & promotions
Speaking opportunity at the event
Prominent live and visual recognition throughout the evening
Opportunity to announce raffle winners
Recognition on WLC’s website, email communications, and social media
Full-page ad in the event program
Stand with survivors and protect what matters.
This level sustains our legal services and amplifies our advocacy for safety, security, and autonomy across Maryland.
10 event tickets
Listing on all event materials & promotions
Live recognition during the event
Opportunity to co-announce raffle winners with the Presenting Sponsor
Recognition on website, email communications, and social media
Full-page ad in the event program
Defender of Justice Sponsor
$10,000
Advocate for Equity Sponsor
$5,000
Break barriers to safety and stability.
You’ll help women navigate the legal system, access their rights, and begin again with the support they deserve.
7 event tickets
Listing on all event materials & promotions
Recognition on website, email communications, and social media
Half-page ad in the event program
Honor the work—and the women—behind every win.
This level helps keep our services accessible and available when survivors reach out for help.
5 event tickets
Recognition on website, email communications, and social media
Quarter-page ad in the event program
Ally in Action Sponsor
$2,500
Partner in Advocacy Sponsor
$1,000
Every act of support makes a difference.
This gift says: justice, safety, and dignity are non-negotiable—and we’re in it together.
2 event tickets
Recognition on website, email communications, and social media
Event Program Advertisement Options
Celebrate an honoree, recognize a changemaker, or
promote your business.
Full-page ad (8”h x 5”w) – $500
Half-page ad (4”h x 5”w) – $300
Quarter-page ad (4”h x 2.5”w) – $150
Individual Tickets
Early Bird Rate – $110 (until 4/7)
General Admission (Non-Members) – $150
WLC Members – $115
Membership + Member Ticket Bundle – $190
Group Rate – $1,300 10 tickets
Join us and support the Women's Law Center to ensure the physical safety, economic security, and autonomy of women throughout Maryland.
Contact: Allie Post, Director of Development & Communications at apost@wlcmd.org or (410) 321-8761.
SPONSORS
VENABLE LLP
– ADVOCATE FOR EQUITY SPONSOR –
CENTER FOR SOCIAL CHANGE
– ADVOCATE FOR EQUITY SPONSOR –
BROWN ADVISORY
– ADVOCATE FOR EQUITY SPONSOR –
SAUL EWING LLP
– ADVOCATE FOR EQUITY SPONSOR –
PARTNERSHIP WEALTH MANAGEMENT
– PARTNER IN ADVOCACY SPONSOR –
FROST LAW
– PARTNER IN ADVOCACY SPONSOR –
ONE PROMISE COUNSELING & DUI EDUCATION
– PARTNER IN ADVOCACY SPONSOR –
GALLAGHER, EVELIUS & JONES
– ALLY IN ACTION SPONSOR –
SPECIAL THANKS
