03/26/2026
WOMEN WHO LEAD: the 90s. From 1990 to 1999, four extraordinary women helped shape the trajectory of the National Bar Association through leadership defined by impact and excellence: Algenita Davis (1990–1991), the third woman President, drove transformative community development—helping build over 430 affordable homes as Chair of TIRZ 9 and supporting 350+ families into homeownership through Houston Habitat for Humanity, while also serving as General Counsel for the Port of Houston Authority and an executive at JPMorgan Chase; Sharon McPhail (1991–1992) brought fearless advocacy from the courtroom to public office, serving as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, Detroit City Council member, and national voice on civil rights and policing reform; Paulette Brown (1993–1994) led globally—monitoring South Africa’s first democratic elections—and later made history as the first woman of color President of the American Bar Association, while advancing diversity and equity across the legal profession; and Beverly McQueary Smith (1998–1999) elevated scholarship and service, shaping generations of lawyers as a professor, serving in national and international leadership roles including with the United Nations, and advancing justice through environmental, consumer, and legal education advocacy.
