President 

Previously serving as the organization’s secretary, treasurer and Vice-President, Shunda Baldwin commenced her presidential term in June 2024.  Her commitment to service is displayed in her efforts to support vulnerable persons including the homeless, kids and the elderly population through various philanthropic efforts.  Shunda began providing legal services to indigent citizens through the Mississippi Center for Legal Services in 2011 and later accepted pro bono cases with the Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project.

In 2016, she established her own law firm of Baldwin Law, PLLC.  With over 20 years of diverse experience, Shunda Baldwin is a fierce advocate and trustworthy counselor for persons seeking relief, justice and compensation following injury through vehicle accidents and medical malpractice. 

Ms. Baldwin is a proud native of Batesville, Mississippi where she attended the University of South Panola and subsequently graduated with honors from Jackson State University.  After adopting two children, she graduated in the top percentile of the 2004 class of Mississippi College School of Law.  Shunda Baldwin proudly loves all of her children and enjoys getting them involved in community service.

Vice-President

Brianna Bailey is an Associate Attorney at Cosmich Simmons & Brown in Jackson, Mississippi. Brianna’s practice focuses on complex defense litigation, representing clients across the United States who face the threat of toxic tort or environmental lawsuits. 

Brianna currently serves as Vice President/ President-Elect of the Mississippi Women Lawyers Association. She is also Immediate Past President of the Jackson Young Lawyers Association and Secretary/ Treasurer of the Mississippi College School of Law Alumni Association.

Treasurer

Attorney Spencer is a lifelong resident of Mississippi, born and raised in Jackson to two amazing 

parents, Ms. Thelma Spencer and Rev. Eddie Spencer.  Her educational excellence began at an early age as she maintained high honors as a youth and graduated from the International Baccalaureate Program at Jim Hill High School.  While at Jim Hill, Sharon was a member of many organizations, traveled extensively with the award-winning Concert Choir, and was voted on the 2007-2008 Mr. and Miss Jim Hill Homecoming Court. 

In 2008, Sharon began her collegiate career at Mississippi State University – where she was 

awarded multiple scholarships, including a Choral Music Scholarship – and in 2012, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences.  Soon thereafter, she returned to the capital city where she 

received her master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Mississippi Medical Center.  After a God-designed shift in 2016, Sharon’s career trajectory changed when she enrolled in Mississippi College School of Law.  During her matriculation at MC Law, she received various awards – including the Rueben V. Anderson Minority Scholarship and the R. Jess Brown Leadership in Racial Reconciliation Scholarship – and was an active participant in numerous organizations.  In addition to serving as President of Phi Delta Phi Legal Honor Society, a Dean’s Ambassador, and as second chair on two murder trials at the local District Attorney’s Office under the Law Student Limited Practice Act, she was the only law student of her class to take (and pass) the MS Bar Exam before graduating.  Sharon also graduated with a specialized concentration in Civil Litigation. 

Shortly after graduating from MC Law, Attorney Spencer became an Assistant District Attorney in an effort to provide advocacy for the voiceless while rendering redemption and guidance to offenders.  Currently, she serves as an ADA in her beloved hometown, serving the citizens of Hinds County. 

Sharon is a member of Cade Chapel M.B. Church and she credits her faith in God as the source of all her ccomplishments.  Attorney Spencer also holds membership in a variety of professional and civic organizations.  Most notably, she is a proud member of the Junior League of Jackson, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Charles Clark American Inns of Court, Capital Area Bar Association, Jackson Young Lawyers, and she serves on the Board of Directors for the Mississippi Womens’ Lawyers Association.  

Sharon enjoys spending time with her loved ones, relaxing, exploring nature, and traveling.  Yet, her greatest joy comes from watching God’s great plans unfold for her life, exceeding her wildest dreams. 

Secretary

Director of Speakers

Director of Membership

For Colleen Welch being a lawyer is more than just practicing law. For her, it is about building personal relationships with her clients and helping those in need. When working with Colleen, clients can expect an attorney who is responsive, hardworking, and truly wants to make a difference.

Colleen has successfully defended her clients at every stage of litigation, including in trial, upon dispositive motions, and on appeal. Her practice centers on toxic torts with a focus on silica and asbestos. She also has extensive experience in handling product liability cases.

Based in Mississippi, Colleen serves as both national counsel and local counsel for a variety of clients. As national counsel, Colleen manages litigation nationwide while working with local counsel to obtain the best possible outcome for her clients. She builds personal relationships with her clients and local counsel to foster open communication and trust, which allows her to resolve cases quickly and economically.

Her legal insight and ability to analyze and develop creative strategies have proven invaluable to her clients. Notably, in a case of first impression for the Mississippi Supreme Court, she developed a plan for a client that resulted in her client being dismissed from over 15 cases and effectively ended the litigation against this client in Mississippi. She also developed a strategy resulting in the dismissal of over 100 cases on behalf of multiple product manufacturers and distributors.

Director of Communications

Briana Keeler is an Assistant District Attorney for the Office of the District Attorney for the 7th Judicial District, where she focuses on prosecuting felony crimes. Originally from Jackson, Mississippi, Briana is committed to public service and her desire to advocate for those who may not have a voice in our legal system. She serves on committees within the Mississippi Bar and is an active Young Lawyer's Division member. Briana was honored to be a 2024 Mississippi Bar's Leadership Forum graduate.  Ultimately, Briana's personal and professional journey is guided by her desire to positively impact the lives of those in the community.  

Director of State Awards

As an Associate Attorney with Markow Walker, P.A., Gabriela primarily handles workers compensation cases for various companies

Gaby grew up in Brandon, Mississippi, and attended Brandon High School. She graduated from the University of Mississippi in 2019, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with minors in Spanish and Journalism.

She then went on to attend the University of Mississippi School of Law, graduating in 2022. During her time at Ole Miss Law, Gaby was a member of the Dean’s Leadership Council as Recruitment Committee Chair and served as a Student Advocate for the Student Bar Association. Upon graduating from Ole Miss Law, she received the Dean’s Distinguished Service Award, presented to only three graduates by the student body senate for exceptional service to the law school and student body. She also was named a Who’s Who Among Students at the University of Mississippi for her achievement in the areas of scholarship, service, and leadership. She gained experience as a legal intern with various firms across Mississippi with diverse practice areas. Upon becoming a licensed attorney, she began her legal career by joining Markow Walker, P.A.

Gaby’s practice focuses on Workers’ Compensation defense claims, and she works in the Firm’s office in Ridgeland, Mississippi. She is a member of the Mississippi Bar and is admitted to practice in all state courts in Mississippi, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi, and the United States District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi.

Gaby resides in Jackson, Mississippi. She is a member of the Greater Jackson Alpha Omicron Pi Alumnae Chapter. When she is not at the office, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, attending Ole Miss sporting events and reading a good book.

Charitable Liaision Director

Assma Ali is the founding Immigration Attorney at the Law Offices of Ali & Associates; P.A.  Ms. Ali has extensive experience working in the field of Immigration Law. She has traveled all over the United States representing clients.  She has represented several high-ranking government officials from various countries. She is licensed to practice immigration law in all fifty states and has traveled all over the United States representing foreign nationals from various countries in their immigration proceedings.  

Mrs. Ali was recognized by the Association of Americas’ Top Lawyers as being within the Top 40 Lawyers under the age of 40 within the field of Immigration Law. She was also selected as Top 30 under 30 by the Arab American Foundation. She was also selected at Best of the Best Top 10 lawyers in the State of Mississippi and recognized By Superlawyers as a mid South rising star. She has also been selected on several continuous years as one of the Top Litigators in the State of Mississippi. She has also been awarded the Distinguished Lawyer Award, the Elite Lawyer Award, the Law of Eagles Award, the Outstanding Young Lawyer of the Year Award, Mississippi Leadership Bar award and much more.  

Mrs. Ali has conducted extensive interviews with several news outlets nationwide on the topic of immigration law. She has conducted extensive interviews with several news outlets 

nationwide on the topic of immigration law. In addition to speaking in Immigration related events, was also the Keynote Speaker at the America Association for Students and Professionals, the Frontier Scholarship Annual Gala, the Mississippi Association for Justice, Mississippi College School of Law CLE, the Rotary Club, and much more.  

Mrs. Ali was born and raised in California. She is a child of Yemeni Immigrants. Two of her paternal grandparents fought in World War II and her parents have lived in the United States for over 50 years establishing numerous businesses throughout the state of California. Mrs. Ali is excited to be here with you today to share her stories with each and every one of you. 

Director of Socials

Tanya Gillespie Webber, a native of Okolona, Mississippi is currently the Assistant Secretary of State for the Charities Division of the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office where she has held this position since 2009. In this position, Tanya supervises a team that regulates and investigates non-profit charitable organizations and fundraisers for fraud and violations of the Mississippi Charities Act. Tanya and her team works with federal and state prosecuting authorities in taking legal actions against these violators. Tanya’s career at the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office began in 2001 as a senior attorney.

Prior to joining the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office, Tanya worked with the Mississippi Legislative PEER Committee and the Mississippi Department of Transportation having chosen a legal career in public service.

Tanya graduated Valedictorian from Okolona High School, Okolona, MS in 1991 before graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1995 from Jackson State University, Jackson, MS with a Bachelor of Business Administration  in Accounting. Tanya furthered her studies at the University of Mississippi School of Law Oxford, MS, where she earned her Juris Doctor in 1998.

Selected as one of Mississippi 50 Leading Business Women in 2016, as well as Parent of the Year that same year, along with being a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Tanya takes serious her service to mankind and commitment to making the world a better place one day at a time.

Tanya currently resides in Ridgeland MS with her husband, Michael where they are faithful members of Gt. Mt. Calvary Baptist Churcher where she serves on the Board of Trustees & Deacon Wives Council. They are proud parents of two children, Tia, a recent college graduate and Thomas, a college student. 

North Mississippi Liaison

Taylor D. Weatherspoon is an attorney specializing in financial services litigation, dedicated to providing exceptional legal counsel and advocating for her clients with a focus on integrity and professionalism. Taylor grew up in Magnolia, Mississippi. She attended Tougaloo College and obtained her undergraduate degree in Political Science with a minor in Pre-Law.  Taylor received her Juris Doctor from the University of Mississippi School of Law.  

Taylor actively supports diversity and inclusion within the legal community. Driven by a commitment to service, Taylor is passionate about nurturing the next generation of women attorneys. She believes in the importance of mentorship and empowering young women to excel in the legal profession, offering guidance and support to ensure their success in a competitive field. Through her work and advocacy, she seeks to uplift and inspire future women leaders in law. 

South Mississippi Liaison

Lauren Rushing Sullivan is our South Mississippi liaison for MWLA. She is a personal injury attorney at Gulf South Law Firm in Gulfport, Mississippi. She was born and raised on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and is a graduate of Mississippi State University. Mrs. Sullivan received her Juris Doctor from the Mississippi College School of Law, and she is licensed to practice law in both Mississippi and Louisiana. When she is not practicing law, Mrs. Sullivan enjoys being with her family, volunteering her time through Junior Auxiliary of Gulfport, and spending time outdoors.

Director of Meetings

Keren Welch is a dedicated attorney with a robust background in civil rights and 

disability advocacy. She holds an undergraduate degree from Mississippi College and earned her juris doctorate from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 2021. She honed her legal expertise during two years as a law clerk on the Mississippi Court of Appeals, where she gained invaluable insights into appellate 

litigation and judicial decision-making. Following this, she served as a monitoring attorney for the nonprofit organization Disability Rights Mississippi, championing the disability rights of inmates, ensuring their protection and 

equitable treatment.  Most recently, she was promoted to her current position as Monitoring and Investigations attorney, overseeing a team of monitors.  Prior to her legal career, Keren worked as a paralegal for a prominent civil rights attorney,  

establishing her commitment to justice and advocacy for marginalized communities.  Keren currently resides in Brandon, Mississippi, with her wife and a myriad of rescue animals. She enjoys gardening, hiking, and embarrassing her teenage daughter at every opportunity.

University of Mississippi 

School of Law Liaison

Shanetric Townsend serves as liaison to her alma mater, the University of Mississippi, where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2017 and her Juris Doctorate in 2022.  While in law school, Shanetric Townsend served as President of the Law Association for Women from 2020-2022 and she was a member of the Moot Court Board, Business Law Society and the Black Law Students Association.  During her first year of law school, Shanetric Townsend was selected as a Business Law Fellow, which is highly competitive, but unique opportunity for those interested in business and corporate law to gain direct experience with major corporations and corporate counsel.

In addition to her duties with the Mississippi Women Lawyers Association, Shanetric Townsend is also a member of the Magnolia Bar Association and the Jackson Young Lawyers division of the Mississippi Bar.  Shanetric Townsend grew up in the close-knit community of Houlka, Mississippi.

Mississippi College

School of Law Liaison

Mary Morgan Coburn, an Associate Attorney at The Smith Law Firm, PLLC, focuses her practice primarily on paraquat and talcum powder litigation. Mary Morgan graduated cum laude from Mississippi College School of Law in 2023.

Prior to embarking on her legal career, Mary Morgan pursued her academic endeavors at The University of Mississippi, where she earned both her Master of Business Administration (2019) and Bachelor of Business Administration (2018) degrees.

During her time at law school, Mary Morgan distinguished herself through her active involvement in various leadership roles, including serving on the Executive Committees of the Law Student Body Association and the Moot Court Board. Mary Morgan is committed to staying actively involved in her community through opportunities such as serving on the executive board of the Mississippi Women Lawyers Association.

Past President

Judge Tametrice Hodges-Linzey was born and raised in Jackson and is a proud product of Jackson Public Schools, an esteemed alumnus of the historical Piney Woods Country Life School, and a graduate of Denison University, a four year liberal arts school, where she double majored in English and Communications. After college, she returned home to attend Mississippi College School of Law and remained a resident of Jackson. 

Growing up in Jackson made her all that she is today—an advocate for the people, dedicated to the people. Judge Hodges-Linzey’s dedication to the people began at Morgan & Morgan, championing the rights of injured workers. Her dedication continued when she opened her own law practice advocating for children & families in chancery courts throughout the state. Prior to running for public office, Judge Hodges-Linzey served as an Assistant District Attorney at the Hinds County District Attorney’s Office, where she fought for justice and safety for the citizens of Hinds County. 

On December 29, 2022, Judge Hodges-Linzey was sworn in as Hinds County Chancery Court Judge. Judge Hodges-Linzey’s commitment to the safety, security, and stability of children and families is a top priority, demonstrated through Court ordered family counseling sessions, to help strengthen our families; expanded visitation for non-custodial parents, to help foster a strong relationship between children and parents; and adoptions without delay to ensure stability. This commitment stems from her background of being a foster child, ultimately raised by her seventh grade reading teacher.

Not only is Judge Hodges committed to the citizens of Hinds County as a Judge, but she is committed to serving our citizens within our communities. She serves as a mentor with the Youth Leadership Institute, a program of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She serves as a Corporate Board Member for the Boys & Girls Club of Central Mississippi. Judge Hodges is also a licensed foster parent. 

Judge Hodges is a member of different organizations. Judge Hodges is a proud member of Rho Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where she serves on various committees. She is a long time board member of the Mississippi Women’s Lawyers Association, and she served as President for 2023 - 2024. She is a past member of the Mississippi Bar Child Welfare and Advocacy Committee, the Mississippi Bar Ethics Committee, and a past volunteer of Mission First. 

When Judge Hodges is not serving others, she enjoys the company of her two fur babies–Jasper and Teddy—who are miniature schnauzers, traveling, and attending church at New Jerusalem Church under the direction of Pastor Dewayne K. Pickett, Sr. Judge Hodges-Linzey is married to Assistant District Attorney David Linzey.