The Mona Salyer Lambird Spotlight Awards were established in 1996 to annually honor five women who have distinguished themselves in the legal profession and who have lighted the way for other women. The 2025 recipients pictured include (from left) Virginia (Ginny) Henson, Norman; Cheryl Plaxico, Oklahoma City; and Monica Ybarra Weedn, Oklahoma City. Award winners unable to attend the ceremony were Jennifer R. Annis, Tulsa, and the Rev. Dr. Lori Walke, Oklahoma City.

An annual conference highlight is the judicial panel, themed “The View From the Bench.” This year’s panel was moderated by Women in Law Section Chairperson-Elect Madison Botizan (far left). The judicial panelists included (from left) Judge Donna Dirickson, Second Judicial District Court; Chief Judge Sarah Hall, United States Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Oklahoma; Judge Natalie Mai, Oklahoma County District Court; and Administrative Law Judge Molly H. Lawyer, Oklahoma Workers' Compensation Commission.

Keynote speaker DG Smalling presents some of his newest artwork honoring retired Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice Yvonne Kauger. Mr. Smalling is an American artist recognized for his contributions to Native American contemporary art. He is best known for his unique one-line drawing technique, in which his pen never leaves the paper until the image is complete. Mr. Smalling is a citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and incorporates his heritage into his minimalistic artistic style.

Nearly 200 lawyers from across the state, representing a wide variety of practice areas, attend this year’s event in Oklahoma City. The annual event provides attendees an opportunity to connect, inspire and recognize Oklahoma’s trailblazing women in law.