Letter from our 2026-2027 president
ALANYC Community, I am truly honored to serve as your next President of the New York City Chapter. As I shared at the passing of the gavel, this year is about Next Level Leadership. Not just as a theme but as a standard for how we lead, how we show up for one another and how we continue to push this chapter forward. Because Next Level means moving forward. Not standing still.Not settling.But continuing to build momentum and elevate. We are stepping into this year with a strong foundation. Our returning board members bring experience, perspective and a deep understanding of what has made this chapter successful. At the same time we are welcoming five new board members who bring fresh ideas, new energy and a willingness to challenge us to think differently. That combination is where progress happens. You need the people who know what works and the people willing to ask what’s next. And I can tell you this early… this group is focused and ready to push forward. We are aligned, motivated and committed to what comes next. I want thank the entire board for their commitment, their time and the work they put in behind the scenes. Leadership at this level requires more than just showing up and their dedication does not go unnoticed. As one of the largest chapters within ALA, we have a unique opportunity and responsibility. Our chapter has always been a place for meaningful connection, professional growth and shared learning and this year we continue to push that even further. This year we are focused on intentional growth. That means continuing to expand our membership while also increasing engagement and participation across the chapter. Growth is not just about how many people are in the room. It is about how connected people feel when they are in it and how engaged they choose to be. We want members to show up, get involved and feel connected to something meaningful. Because the more engaged we are as a chapter, the stronger we become. We will continue to provide opportunities for cutting-edge education, meaningful connections and resources that support our members in leading with confidence in their organizations and in their careers. We will also continue to strengthen and elevate our relationships with our business partners. They are not just sponsors, they are an essential part of this community and a critical part of our continued growth. Our goal is to create more meaningful and intentional opportunities for collaboration where both our members and our partners see real value. For our current partners, we look forward to continuing to build together. We are committed to creating an environment where partnership is purposeful, engaging and impactful. As we look ahead, we have an opportunity to continue positioning ALANYC as a leading voice across the ALA network. NYC has always set a standard and this year we push that forward. Not by talking about it but by continuing to show it through how we lead, how we collaborate and how we support one another. Next Level Leadership is not about doing more just to say we did more. It is about doing better. Better alignment, stronger partnerships and a deeper commitment to how we show up. Because every level requires something different and this chapter is ready to step into it. So I encourage each of you to lean in, show up and be part of what we are building. This year is about all of us pushing forward together and taking ownership of where this chapter is going. Next Level Leadership. Let’s Go! Tirek J. GaylePresidentALA New York City Chapter
Full Membership Level Details
Student Membership $25 Student membership is available for an individual who is currently enrolled full-time or part-time in a degree program and is interested in pursuing a career in the business of law. Proof of student status is required. Student membership entitles you to limited membership benefits. Hardship Membership $75 The financial hardship plan is available to anyone who is a member in good standing of the Association and who is currently up for renewal of their membership and is unemployed or temporarily disabled. Temporarily disabled members, including those on unpaid parental leave, are also eligible. Any hardship plan dues must be paid in full. Members granted a hardship plan receive such status for a period of one (1) year and such members can reapply during the next renewal period. Hardship members will receive the full suite of member benefits. Retired Membership $75 A member shall be eligible for retired-member status if the person has retired from active practice. For these purposes, “active practice” shall mean providing administration support in the business of law. Requests for retired status will be reviewed and granted as applicable by the Executive Board. Members who wish to be granted retired member status are entrusted to honor the provision concerning active service as stated above. A member granted retired-member status entitles you to limited membership benefits. Retired-member status will be granted for a period of one (1) year and such members can reapply for retired-member status during the next membership renewal period. Secondary Membership $100 Secondary membership is available for a member who is in good standing with the Association and is a current member of another Association chapter. Proof of the primary chapter membership is required. Secondary membership entitles you to limited membership benefits. Regular Membership $295 The regular membership is available for a member who is in good standing with the Association and meets regular membership criteria as outlined in our bylaws. The annual membership entitles you to the full suite of membership benefits. Regular members must also: demonstrate an interest in legal administration and the management of legal organizations; not be disqualified by an affiliation with a business partner as defined herein or a business partner-eligible entity; share interest in and support the purposes of the Chapter and the Association; and abide by the Chapter bylaws, the Association’s Code of Ethics, the Association’s bylaws, and such other policies, rules, and regulations as the Chapter or Association may adopt.
CLM Directory Our certified members include:
Mimi DeMars, CLMSarah L. Field, CLMJanet Fraka Casiano, CLMFrederick J. Esposito, Jr., CLMDavid Glicksman, CLM, CPAStacy Joyce, CLMCinthia LeGrand MBA, CLMMeredith Lonner, MBA, CLMHenry Macchiaroli, CLMStephanie Ransom, CLMJill Schissel, CLMBronya Vygodskaya, CLMDeirdre A. Petersen, CLM
fitALANYC December
Welcome to fitALANYC’s monthly update! Check out our December issue – Navigating the Seasons. As the year draws to a close and a new one approaches, we’re focusing on two vital topics to help you navigate this transition with strength and resilience: coping with the holiday blues and preparing for a structured, successful new year. In this issue: Coping with the Holiday BluesWhile the holiday season is often portrayed as joyful and festive, it can also bring feelings of loneliness, stress, or sadness—sometimes known as the “holiday blues.” The holiday season often comes with pressure to create a picture-perfect celebration, but real life rarely looks like scenes from a Hollywood movie. If you notice your mood dipping, know that you’re not alone, and there are healthy ways to cope. Simple practices such as setting realistic expectations, maintaining a balanced routine, and carving out quiet time for yourself can make a significant difference. Staying connected—whether through a phone call, community event, or volunteering—can also help ease feelings of isolation. Prepare for the New Year: List and ScheduleThe start of a new year offers more than resolutions—it’s a chance to shape the rhythm of the months to come thoughtfully. A little bit of planning now can help you step into the new year with clarity and confidence. Don’t let the thought intimidate you—by designing a simple life-maintenance checklist, you’re giving yourself the gift of a more balanced and intentional year. In this issue we have included a guide to get you started. As you look ahead, remember that preparation isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating space for what matters most. You are laying a foundation for a year filled with clarity, balance, and ease. Think of these steps as gifts to your future self—a way to ensure you can move through the months ahead with confidence and well-being. Read the full issue.
Holiday Toy Drive!
This season, our community united in an extraordinary way – 433 gifts resulted in 433 smiles, cheers, and heartfelt moments! We are delighted to share the powerful impact of this year’s giving initiative at P.S. 19 The Curtis School. We set a goal to collect new, wrapped gifts—one for every child at P.S. 19 and asked organizations, firms, and teams to adopt a grade level and commit to fulfilling the number of letters for that group of children. About The Curtis SchoolThe Curtis School is a Pre-K through 5th grade Title One school in NYC where over 90% of students face financial hardship. With a beautifully diverse student body—including bilingual learners, students with disabilities, and integrated co-teaching classrooms—P.S. 19 is a place of resilience, learning, and heart. ALANYC Reached Our GoalThanks to our diligent gift collection sites, the participating firms that adopted classrooms, and our esteemed Business Partner, Globe Moving & Storage, which transported all gifts to the school, hundreds of students felt recognized, cherished, and supported. A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated volunteers who made a difference by distributing gifts from classroom to classroom, spreading joy and warmth. Your contributions truly made the day special as ALANYC Paid it Forward! View photos from the event:
Sustainability Showcase
The Sustainability Team is excited to announce the Sustainable Solutions Showcase on February 5 — a virtual event focused on presenting eco-friendly and sustainable innovations. We are thrilled to invite our Chapter’s Business Partners to share their sustainable products and services in a dynamic exhibition-style session. This is a unique opportunity to learn about practical, impactful solutions that can help law firms and professional organizations drive environmental responsibility and achieve their sustainability goals. This is an educational opportunity for members to learn how our Business Partners’ offerings make a positive environmental impact. More details to come!
DEIA Luncheon | Doing the Right Thing
In this session, Loeb Leadership’s Joy Stephens, MBA, CCE-Certified Coach, will share strategies for productive workplace dialogue
2025: The Gathering & How to Be an Ally
The DEIA Team recently held our last 2025 event – The Gathering. About the GatheringALANYC’s award-winning event The Gathering is designed to be a meaningful discussion based upon the simple traditional concept of sharing a meal and engaging in diverse conversational topics. 2025 EventOur 2025 event included a dinner and discussion of our final book for the year: How to Be an Ally: Actions You Can Take for a Stronger, Happier Workplace by Melinda Briana Epler. A special thanks to DEIA team members, Lesya Osipova, Chief Operating Officer, Reid Law Associates PLLC, Business Partner, Gayatri Joshi, co-founder and partner at Vorgate Impact LLC, for facilitating the session, and Rose A. Jaworecki, Legal Office Administrator at Thompson Hine LLP, ALA Board of Directors, and 2019-2020 Past President of ALANYC for hosting our session. About the BookHow to Be an Ally: Actions You Can Take for a Stronger, Happier Workplace by Melinda Briana Epler. Discover how to support others in thriving, challenge biases, and foster an equitable workplace. This book provides insights into allyship, including how to: -Listen to others’ perspectives-Identify personal biases-Avoid microaggressions-Advocate in everyday situations-Foster inclusive team norms
fitALANYC Movement Challenge
fitALANYC held a Movement Challenge in November—because someone had to work off the turkey and sweet potatoes! Our incredible Business Partners and members teamed up to challenge themselves (and each other) to get moving. Whether walking, running, dancing, or flowing through Downward-Facing Dog, everyone got their move on. The four-week challenge delivered plenty of energy and friendly competition, with four standout team wins: Team Stepping Up came out strong and dominated Week One; Lost in Pace surged ahead to claim Week Two; Stepping Up made an impressive comeback to take the top spot again in Week Three; and Smooth Operators earned bragging rights as Most Improved. We had an absolute blast and can’t wait for the next Movement Challenge. Get ready—and join us next time! Congratulations to all of our teams!
Support Through Our Business Partners
Support Through Our Business Partners In this episode we are getting to know our Business Partners and digging deep to learn more about their business. Board Members Francine Lahm and Viviana Llanos-Laut talk with our Business Partners from Sovereign Discovery, ECFX and Robert Half.