A Day for the Children

A Day for the Children

Members of the Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers say it's one of their favorite meetings: When their sons or daughters join them for a glimpse into the real world. That's exactly what they got at the group's April 28 meeting at the Tampa Club.

The group invited Charisse Strawberry, president of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence-Tampa, to speak about chemical dependencies and its impact on families.

Strawberry, the wife of former New York Yankees' star Darryl Strawberry, spoke only briefly about her husband's battle with substance abuse. It was his problems, however, that thrust her into the media spotlight.

Rather than shy away from the attention, Strawberry says she found a way to turn any embarrassment into positive action. Now she enthusiastically talks with anyone who needs advice on how to cope with a loved one's chemical dependencies.

For the young people in the audience, mostly daughters, Strawberry offered simple advice: "Ladies, stay focused. Stay in school. And stay away from the boys."

During the meeting, the group also recognized the professional work of three members as the April designees for the "Spotlight on Lawyers" series. The group cited the accomplishments of attorneys Becky Steele, Kathleen McLeroy and Susan Johnson Velez.

Steele serves as the executive director of the West Central Florida office of the American Civil Liberties Union. McLeroy, a Carlton Fields PA shareholder, was the 13th Circuit recipient this year of the Florida Bar President's Pro Bono Service Award. Johnson Velez is a shareholder at Fowler White Boggs Banker.

- David R. Corder