Navigation Florida Bar Leadership Academy Class VIII: The Experience of the ‘Pandemic Class’
The Florida Bar Leadership Academy is composed of some of the brightest leaders around the state who go through a rigorous vetting process. Those selected become part of a class focused on enhancing the skills of a diverse and inclusive group of lawyers to help them become effective leaders throughout the Bar, our profession, and the greater community.
I recall learning I was accepted into this prestigious group. I knew people who had gone through the program before who spoke about their experiences in such high regard. I was thrilled at the opportunity to join like-minded people from across the state to become better leaders. Thoughts rushed through my head about meeting in different cities, bonding with my new classmates, and seeing what The Florida Bar had to offer to help us reach our leadership goals.
And then the pandemic happened. Was there going to be a Class VIII? How would we meet? So many questions up in the air. However, through all the turmoil and uncertainty there was always one guiding light, Arnell Bryant-Willis, the Bar’s staff liaison to the Leadership Academy. “Ms. Arnell,” as she is affectionately known, was a calming voice throughout our year. As a class, many of us made the decision to stay on, knowing our experience would be virtual and be different.
