“I know it’s a great honor to be the first, but it’s even better knowing that I won’t be the last.” Marilyn Aboussie, First Female District Judge in Tom Green County
Dolores Huerta. Louise Raggio. Lisa Tatum. Sally Ride. These are just a few of the women whose achievements and accomplishments are featured in a new website by the Texas Young Lawyers Association (TYLA). Made possible by generous funding through the Texas Bar Foundation, Iconic Women in Legal History uses videos and interviews with historians, scholars, family members, and in some cases, the women themselves, to introduce their stories and highlight the contributions that they have made to the legal profession, to the struggle and fight for equality and civil rights, and to the history of our country. The women came from diverse backgrounds, but all shared the desire to change age-old perceptions and overcome the barriers that repressed and oppressed women and people of marginalized groups and prevented them from realizing their true potential and value to society. They went on to become attorneys, civil rights champions, politicians, judges, and astronauts, opening doors that had been closed to them and others like them for so long.
Although designed to educate and inspire students, Iconic Women in Legal History is a learning experience for everyone. TYLA has wisely chosen to focus upon some women who are lesser known to the public and whose accomplishments may not have entered the public’s awareness. The short, 8-10-minute videos bring the stories of these women to life. The speakers describe the woman’s childhood and any role models or mentors that may have shaped her path, any involvement with politics or community organizations that helped her on her journey, and any significant moments in her career. It is TYLA’s hope that the stories of these iconic women will inspire students and all those visiting the website to actively engage within their community and passionately pursue their dreams and goals.