Summer 2007 With Equal Right
From the President
by Kari Jensen Thomas
2007-2008 MWL President
Live Well... Laugh Often.... Love Much
One of the sayings that most inspires me is “Live well, Laugh
Often, Love Much.” This phrase can be found hanging on a few walls in my home as
a constant reminder of what I believe to be important values in life.
I am truly honored to have been selected to be the 2007-2008 President of
Minnesota Women Lawyers. This fine organization has been a part of my
professional life over the past 12 years. During the year ahead, not only do I
look forward to the challenge of leading this organization, I also plan to
continue living well, laughing often and loving much.
Recently, I had the pleasure of traveling with four of my closest college
classmates to our alma mater, Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD. The purpose
of our trip was not only to have a chance to connect with my dear “Lilies”, but
to see renowned poet, Maya Angelou, speak at our alma mater. As I reminisce
about this trip, I realize not only the importance of connecting with these four
amazing women in my life, but also how refreshing it was to live well, laugh
often and love much all in one weekend.
LIVE WELL:
“Perform every act in life as though it were your last.”- Marcus Aurelius
“The difference between what we do, and what we are capable of doing, would
solve most of the world’s problems.”- Mahatma Gandhi
“Nature often holds up a mirror so we can see more clearly the ongoing processes
of growth, renewal, and transformation in our lives.”- Mary Ann Brussant
Striving to live “well” on an individual, professional and global level can
happen in many ways. Living well on a personal level is not necessarily about
acquiring wealth and/or material possessions. Doing what you enjoy most and
surrounding yourself with people you love, trust and respect is of utmost
importance.
As women lawyers in an esteemed profession, we are fortunate to have the
education and knowledge which provides the opportunity to live well. Finding a
profession or career that truly energizes you and gives you purpose is extremely
important. In June, I had the privilege of representing MWL at a conference in
Boston, MA titled “Advancing Women in the Profession: Action Plans for Women’s
Bar Associations”. This conference was co-sponsored by the MIT Workplace Center,
Project for Attorney Retention and National Association of Women Lawyers. During
this informative two-day conference, women bar leaders from across the nation
gathered to not only continue the dialogue about the lack of women leaders in
the legal profession, but to generate action plans to bring back to our
respective states. If we, as women attorneys, aspire to “live well” in this
profession and our communities at large, we have to increase the number of women
as leaders in the public sector, private sector and the judiciary.
Living well also requires us to do our part to protect the environment. I hope
you enjoy this issue of “With Equal Right” which focuses on environmental law.
We can all make a difference in our environment not only with our law degrees,
but with simple acts like recycling newspaper, glass and plastic to investing in
energy efficient light bulbs or a hybrid vehicle.
Growing up on the plains of South Dakota in the small town of Lemmon, I had the
privilege of experiencing many families earning a living off the land. Although
I grew up inside the city limits, I had many friends and relatives who were
farmers and ranchers in that state. My Aunt Marie married Dale Ingalls (a
distant relative of Laura Ingalls Wilder) right out of high school and they have
lived on an Angus cattle ranch in Opal, SD. Watching my relatives make a living
by ranching and farming this land over the years has been a truly enlightening
experience.
The article “Women Can Make a Difference” is written by my college roommate,
Stephanie Harr. During our trip to South Dakota, Stephanie educated me on the
many contributions woman consumers can take to preserve our environment. Steph
drives a Toyota Prius, has a compost area in her back yard and recycles all that
she is allowed.
In order to make this world a better place for future generations, it is
imperative that we all aspire to live well on a personal, professional and
global level.
LAUGH OFTEN:
“The most wasted of all day is one without laughter”- ee cummings
“At the height of laughter, the universe is flung into a kaleidoscope of new
possibilities”
- Jean Houston
I truly believe the best way to cope with the life, in general, is through
laughter. I am fortunate to have a hilarious husband and comical children, in
addition to many friends and colleagues who constantly make me chuckle. I can’t
count how many times laughter filled the minivan during the road trip to South
Dakota. As we gather at numerous MWL events this year, I hope we will find the
time to engage in conversation that makes us laugh.
LOVE MUCH:
“I live for those who love me, for those who know me true.”- George Linnaeus
Banks
“Wherever we are, it is our friends who make our world.”- Albert Schweitzer
Loving who you are, what you do for a living and those near and dear to you are
the most important aspects of life. I am truly blessed to have many loving
family members and friends. My three brothers and I were raised by two wonderful
parents. I met the love of my life, Kyle, on New Year’s Eve my freshman year of
college. Eight years later we were married and as we now celebrate our 10th
wedding anniversary, the highlights of our life are our children, Olivia (7) and
Zachary (4.5).
Loving what you do as a professional and how you have chosen to apply your law
degree is extremely important. Since graduating from William Mitchell College of
Law in 1995, I have had a truly rewarding legal career. Although I haven’t
practiced law in the traditional sense, I have devoted my time and talent to the
professional development of law students and lawyers. It never ceases to amaze
me how many wonderful individuals, especially women, are pursing their law
degrees or practicing law in this community and across the nation.
LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE:
“Let nothing dim the light that shines from within.”- Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou commenced and concluded her speech with a moving rendition of “This
Little Light of Mine”. We all have amazing light that we can consciously choose
to let shine in our own lives and the lives of others.
I truly hope you have had ample opportunity to live well, laugh often, love much
and let your light shine. I look forward to serving as the President of
Minnesota Women Lawyers, meeting many of you throughout the year, and listening
to your stories of how you live, laugh and love.
Click below to read more:
"From the President"
October 2007
January 2008
April 2008
Kari Jensen Thomas Bio
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