How Will You Support Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion in the Tax Bar?
Thank you for your support! This campaign is now closed. To make a gift, please visit: ambar.org/donateJDEI
The ABA Tax Section’s Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (JDEI) endowment fund was launched in 2021 to support the Section’s efforts to attract, engage, and retain historically underrepresented individuals and individuals with a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
While the fund primarily supports the Argrett Fellowship, it also ensures those with identities that historically have been disadvantaged or excluded from the legal profession are able to participate meaningfully in the Section through meeting scholarships.
Currently, three diverse or deserving
individuals receive scholarships for each Section meeting, with travel,
lodging, and registration covered. Additional funding would allow the Section
to expand the scholarship to open our meetings to more individuals.
Your donations ensure the Tax Section and tax bar are a welcoming, accessible, and inclusive environment for all.
The Loretta Collins Argrett Committee is pleased to announce 100% committee participation and a $10,000 match that goes into effect once we’ve raised $15,000. Make your donation go further and help us reach our $15,000 match goal!
Your Gift Matters
The Argrett Fellowship currently consists of three classes, 2022 – 2025, 2023 – 2026, and the recently selected, 2024 – 2027 class. Fellows have successfully moved into new positions including at the Big 4, academia, the IRS, and the U.S. Tax Court, utilizing the benefits and vast network available to them from the first day of their fellowship.
Two dedicated mentors work with each Fellow to provide invaluable connections through the Tax Section and profession. Mentors work to provide career advice, transitions, and new opportunities. Your donation to the JDEI fund ensures that we are able to foster these connections and relationships that are so incredible vital to the Fellows’ career success.
Our Impact
The Loretta Collins Argrett Fellowship provides a dedicated pathway into the Tax Section, through dedicated mentors, speaking and authoring opportunities, meeting attendance, monthly topical webinars, and Fellow-to-Fellow connections.
The eighteen (18) Argrett Fellows contribute to the Section throughout the year, from leadership positions such as committee chairs and vice-chairs, to pro bono work, and joining in new and diverse member recruitment and retention efforts. Fellows are provided guidance and assistance in getting involved with the Section in meaningful and lasting ways, that will extend far beyond their three-year terms.
Hear from Tax Section Leadership and Fellows
Working with and getting to know the Tax Section’s Argrett
Fellows has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my involvement with
the Section. Their enthusiasm, creativity and incredible experiences are truly
inspiring. Please join me in donating to support the JDEI fund so that we
can continue to celebrate and learn from these amazing leaders and tax
professionals.
Melissa Wiley
Vice-Chair, Diversity, Membership, & Inclusion
The Argrett Fellowship’s impact can
be summed up into three words: awareness, community, and confidence. It has
provided me with awareness of all the various opportunities available within
the ABA, but it has also made the ABA aware of me. ABA leadership now invites
me to speak and participate in various substantive committees. In turn, this
has provided me with a sense of community and confidence in my career – all
facets that are truly priceless.
Sonia Shaikh
2023 – 2026 Fellow
Your year-end gift to the JDEI Fund supports our initiatives
to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion both within the Section and the tax
bar as a whole. Please join me and other Section leadership in
contributing to these important efforts.
Scott Michel
Tax Section Past-Chair
The JDEI endowment funds one of the
most transformative initiatives the Tax Section has ever undertaken: the
Argrett Fellowship. Starting in 2022, the Fellowship has transformed the
professional lives of its participants, creating a cadre of tax lawyers from
diverse personal and practice backgrounds who have changed the content and
context of Section meetings and projects.
Alice Abreu
Tax Section Chair
The Argrett Fellowship has given me a sense of belonging in
the Tax Section and has sparked excitement of the different ways I may become more
involved. It has given me a sense that opportunities for me to learn and grow
in the tax field are not as limited as I have previously perceived them to be.
My mentors are genuinely interested in helping me achieve whatever goals I may
set for myself, which means more to me than I can even express.
Sonya Watson
2023 – 2026 Fellow
In the short time since I embarked on this incredible journey, becoming an Argrett Fellow has proven invaluable for my professional and personal growth. The exposure to numerous tools and the opportunity to connect with influential tax professionals have exceeded my expectations. I am particularly thankful for the support and mentorship. The guidance I have already received shapes my current endeavors and lays a solid foundation for my future in tax practice.
Linda Whitfield
2023 – 2026 Fellow