Virtual Welcome Back Reception for BLSA members from UM and FIU Law Schools 2020

On August 26, 2020 we held a virtual welcome back reception for UM and FIU Law students. COVID-19 was not going to get in the way of us hosting this reception, so we went virtual and hosted a Zoom event. The Kozyak Minority Mentoring Foundation ("KMMF") wants to make sure, especially during these troubling times in our society, that all Black law students know they have a support group that cares about them and will do what they can to help these students find mentors.

Smooth jazz played in the background as guests logged in via Zoom. Some brought their own wine. John Kozyak, founder of the KMMF, has been tirelessly working to connect students with mentors and happily greeted guests. Speakers also included Dori Foster-Morales, who is President of the Florida Bar, and H.T. Smith, who is the current Vice Chair of the University of Miami Board of Trustees, founding Director of the Florida International University College of Law's Trial Advocacy Program, founding President of the Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. Bar Association, and former president of the National Bar Association. We had a total of 103 participants, including law students, judges, lawyers, and KMMF Board Members. We had several break out rooms where the students had the opportunity to talk about themselves and their interests and speak to potential mentors. The break out rooms included: (1) law firms; (2) corporate counsel; (3) judges; (4) public interest; and (5) government. Students were able to visit two break out rooms during the evening. The KMMF's primary goal is to build an effective pathway to diversity in the legal profession. H.T. Smith commended the students for having the "wisdom to take advantage of this opportunity."

KMMF is working with all law schools throughout the State of Florida to host similar virtual events for all minority groups. In the meantime, please visit our website and sign up to be a mentor or a mentee.