By Jessica Huynh, Richmond Women’s Law 2025-2026
In a time when women’s rights face renewed challenges and the fight for gender equality feels as urgent as ever, Women’s History Month offers a moment to reflect on how far we have come and how far we still have to go. It is a time to honor the trailblazers who carved paths through institutions that were never designed for them, and to recommit ourselves to carrying that work forward.
I began my legal career as a paralegal, where I experienced firsthand the misogyny that can remain deeply rooted in the legal profession. When I entered law school, I worried that I would encounter the same barriers again. Instead, I found Richmond Women’s Law, a community of driven, compassionate women committed to lifting one another up. What I discovered was not competition, but camaraderie; not isolation, but solidarity. The support and mentorship I received through this organization shaped my law school experience in ways I will always value, and it inspired me to give back.
When I became President of Richmond Women’s Law, I did so with a deep sense of responsibility to honor the meaningful work this organization has long championed, and to continue strengthening its commitment to supporting the women of this law school.
And what a year it has been!
In September 2025, we welcomed new members with a picnic on the VMFA lawn, creating space for connection and community at the very start of the academic year. In October, we hosted a fundraising trivia night that saw record attendance and raised $3,273 for the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation, the highest amount we have raised in years. We closed out 2025 with our fall mentorship event in partnership with the Metropolitan Richmond Women’s Bar Association, where students had the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with mentors in the legal community.
As we continue to move into 2026, we are excited to continue expanding our programming with events and initiatives designed to empower, support, and advocate for women in the law.
None of these accomplishments stand alone. They are built upon the dedication and resilience of the women who came before us, both within our organization and throughout history. This Women’s History Month, we celebrate them not only with words, but with action. By building community, creating opportunity, and ensuring that the path forward is stronger and more inclusive for the women who will follow.
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For Women’s History Month, the Muse Law Library invited Richmond Women’s Law to write a guest blog for the Law Library. I would like to thank Jessica Huynh for her great post and for all her hard work as RWL President this year. Thank you, Jessica! – Mads Ball, Student Services Librarian