By: Corinne Cundiff
On June 26th, the WBAI celebrated the installation of its 111th Board President, Katie Twardak and the 2025-2026 Board of Directors at the Annual Installation Dinner & Awards Gala at the Drake in Chicago.
The Annual Dinner is the time for WBAI and its supporters to celebrate women in the law, including Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke as the recipient of the Myra Bradwell Woman of Achievement Award. Eileen’s commitment to public service in her career has provided her with diverse experiences that offer a unique perspective of the justice system in Cook County. Also, former WBAI Board President, Kathryn Conway was presented with the President’s Award for her leadership of WBAI during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Attendees heard inspiring remarks from Honorable Clare E. McWilliams (Ret.), Illinois Supreme Court Justices Joy V. Cunningham, Elizabeth Rochford and Mary K. O’Brien. Outgoing President Sarah King recounted her year leading the WBAI through her initiative of “Together in Service” before awarding the WBAI Service Award recipients, Tracey L. Schroeder and Ashley Stead. WBAI extends its gratitude to both recipients for the ongoing commitment to their service and support of the WBAI.
Overall the event was attended by 450 people which included judges, attorneys, law students, and other WBAI supporters. It was a wonderful evening celebrating the accomplishments of this past board year and highlighting what is coming up for the current board year.
Congratulations to all honorees, WBAI Board President, Katie Twardak, and the 2025-2026 Board of Directors!
This article was originally published in the WBAI Fall 2025 Newsletter on pages 58-63.