CBA Record March-April 2025

faced immense challenges, and emerged victorious from their experiences. Return ing to her artistic roots, Joy immortalizes these extraordinary women. That’s What She Said highlights a pow erful and diverse group of figures, includ ing Maya Angelou, Gloria Steinem, Frida Kahlo, Sojourner Truth, Malala Yousafzai, and the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. These women, through their words and deeds, remind us of the importance of perseverance in the ongo ing quest for a more just and equitable society. History will judge the women who stood boldly and fearlessly for progress, just as it will judge those who chose complacency or aligned themselves with forces that under mined the advancement of women. As Joy writes, “Our words have power. Our stories can change others. And standing together with the women of the past and present, we can change the world—we can shape the course of herstory.” Yet, there are women who prioritize short-term comfort over long-term prog ress, illustrated by Joy’s selection of this quote from Maya Angelou, “You may shoot me with your words, you may cut me with your eyes, you may kill me with your hatefulness, but still, like air, I’ll rise!” Women like Bonnie McGrath understood early in their careers that true legacy comes from authenticity, dedica tion, and tireless advocacy. Bonnie McGrath and the trailblazers who paved the way for women in law left behind not empty words, but enduring contributions. Let us honor their efforts and strive to follow in their footsteps, ensuring that the path forward remains illuminated.

HISTORY WILL JUDGE

BY NINA FAIN That’s What She Said K imothy Joy, a celebrated visual artist and community advocate, is best known for her efforts to

empower women and girls through her art. In That’s What She Said : Wise Words from Influential Women (Harper Collins 2018), Joy has curated an extraordinary, illustrated volume of succinct biographies and vivid watercolor portraits framed by hand-lettered, insightful quotes and por traits of over 50 influential women who significantly contributed to uplifting women in society. Reclaiming the once derogatory phrase “That’s what she said,” Joy’s book serves as a unique celebration of strong female leadership throughout history, inspiring current and future gen erations to find their voices and effect meaningful change in their communities. This book arrived at my office on a somber day, just as I received the heart

Bonnie McGrath, 1950-2024

breaking news of the unexpected pass ing of CBA Member Bonnie McGrath, a lawyer, arbitrator, philanthropist of the arts, and Editorial Board member. Bonnie and I shared many passions, including law, arbitration, women’s career advancement, and a deep commitment to the humani ties and the arts. This column is dedicated to Bonnie McGrath, whose legacy reflects the very values celebrated in Joy’s book. Joy candidly admits that she was stunned by the defeat of a woman can didate for the presidency, a moment that underscored an uncomfortable truth: even in a nation celebrated as a global beacon of democracy and freedom, gender equity remains elusive at the highest levels. She reflects on how other, arguably more con servative, nations, have embraced female leadership, and she seeks to communicate that women must not be disheartened. Instead, they should draw strength from the countless women throughout his tory who have demonstrated bravery,

Nina Fain is General Counsel at LG Segovanio R.E.I.T, a 2024 CBA Justice John Paul Stevens honoree, and a CBA Record Editorial Board member.

The CBA Well-Being and Mindfulness Committee will welcome Maria Bries, Swibel, Levin & Carroll LLP, to speak on cultivating resilience at its March 27, 2025 meeting. See details and registration at Learn.ChicagoBar.org.

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