Press Release
YWCA Honors Duane Morris Partner as Outstanding Woman Leader; Acknowledged for Achievements in the Professions
CHICAGO, OCTOBER 26 - Duane Morris partner Cheryl Blackwell Bryson has received one of the most coveted honors in Chicago, the YWCA Outstanding Women Leaders in Professions Award. She was acknowledged for her achievements at the Leader Luncheon held in Chicago on October 14, 2004. Cheryl is a partner in the Chicago office of Duane Morris, one of the nation's 100 largest law firms.
"We are very pleased for Cheryl," said Sheldon Bonovitz, Chairman of Duane Morris. "Her substantial influence on women and African-Americans in Chicago and throughout the legal profession makes her the perfect recipient for this award. We have no doubt that she will continue to be a positive inspiration to those around her."
Cheryl Blackwell Bryson is head of the Chicago office's Employment Law and Management Labor Relations Practice and is increasingly active with the Health Law Practice as well. She represents middle-market as well as Fortune 500 companies in a variety of industries. She formerly served as deputy corporation counsel for the City of Chicago's Law Department, where she established the Labor Relations Division. Cheryl is a member of committees of the ABA, the Chicago Bar Association, and the Cook County Bar Association.
The Outstanding Women Leader Award was presented in front of 1,600 attendees in the Grand Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Chicago.
Cheryl Blackwell Bryson was chosen for the award in recognition of her successful career in law, her leadership position in the firm, and her active involvement in her community. "We chose Cheryl for her distinction in the law and for her impact on the lives of girls and women, and of African-Americans," said JoAnn Lilek, Chief Financial Officer of DSC Logistics and Chair of the 2004 Leader Luncheon.
Formerly a YWCA board member, Cheryl works with several organizations that mentor girls and women, and in July 1999, Today's Chicago Woman chose her as one of 100 Women Making a Difference.
Created in 1855 in London, the Young Women's Christian Association serves millions of women worldwide, working for the empowerment of women and seeking racial justice. It is the oldest and largest multicultural women's organization in the world. The YWCA has been in the forefront of most major movements in the United States as a pioneer in race relations, labor union representation, and the empowerment of women. It includes approximately 2 million women, girls and their families in the U.S. and 25 million worldwide.
The YWCA also honored four other outstanding women at this event: Venita Fields, Business Award; Cheryl Francis, Community Leadership Award; Nicole Truog, Promise Award; and Linda Kaste, Racial Justice Award.
About Duane Morris
Duane Morris LLP, one of the 100 largest law firms in the United States, is a full-service firm of approximately 550 lawyers. In addition, Duane Morris affiliates have approximately 50 professionals engaged in ancillary service businesses. The firm represents clients across the nation and around the world through a combination of 20 offices and a relationship with an international network of independent law firms.
