By: Tracey L. Schroeder
This year, Women’s Bar Association of Illinois’ (WBAI) Director, Hon. Antara Nath Rivera, has led a major effort to broaden the WBAI’s footprint beyond Cook County. She successfully planned and executed three brand-new events in various locations. These programs were intentionally designed to engage our friends and colleagues across the counties, while showcasing the WBAI’s commitment to reconnection, wellness, and community statewide.
The first of these new initiatives took place in October 2025. The Will County Women’s Bar Association (WCWBA) and the WBAI cohosted a membership drive at Cooper’s Hawk in New Lenox. Judge Nath Rivera collaborated with WCWBA president, Taylor Struckmeyer, and treasurer, Erika Hamer, to bring together attorneys and members of both judiciaries for an evening of networking, shared experiences, and community-building. The WBAI shared the benefits of its membership; plans to collaborate with WCWBA; and welcomed many new members.
Building on that momentum, in November 2025, Judge Nath Rivera organized a new and unique program, “[t]he Mane Event – Mindfulness CLE & Animal Therapy at Soul Harbour Ranch” in Barrington. This innovative CLE combined professional development with personal well-being, featuring an inspiring mindfulness presentation. Erika Harold, Executive Director of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism, spoke about bullying in the legal profession; and Jodie Diegel, licensed nurse and Director of the Soul Harbour Ranch, spoke about the benefits of animal therapy. The speakers were followed by hands-on animal therapy with Soul Harbour’s beloved mini horses, donkeys, and dogs; including the world’s only mini therapy horse with shoes!
Attendees from Cook, DuPage, Lake, Kane, Kendall, and Will counties came together for a morning of learning, laughter, and healing.
Rounding out this trio of out-of-county events was “Hygge & Harmony,” a cozy fall membership event held at Embers Tap House in Lockport. Inspired by the Danish concept of hygge—warmth, comfort, and connection—the evening offered a relaxed and restorative atmosphere complete with fireside ambiance, custom tailored cocktails, heavy appetizers, complimentary headshots (courtesy of Ericamelissa Photography), and relaxing 10-minute chair massages (provided by All Is On You Massage team). Attendees experienced the WBAI’s mission by fostering meaningful opportunities for conversation and reconnection as well as helping attendees unwind before the holiday rush.
This article was originally published in the WBAI Winter 2026 Newsletter on pages 36-37.