Adriene Holder, Chief Attorney of The Legal Aid Society’s Civil Practice, was honored with the Public Sector Alumna Award from the Empowering Women of Color (EWOC) organization at Columbia Law School during its recent annual gala.

EWOC is dedicated to advancing the needs of women of color in the legal profession, a community often underserved in traditional affinity groups. Since its founding, the mission has centered on creating safe spaces for dialogue and providing support and opportunities for women of color.

This year, as EWOC celebrated their 15th anniversary, the group “paid homage to the organization’s legacy by celebrating leaders who they feel are shaping the future and paving the way for women of color to succeed and to lead, in positions of public authority.”

Adriene was recognized alongside Mavis Fowler, Columbia Law School Professor and recipient of the Private Sector Alumna Award, and Elora Mukherjee, Professor and Director of the Immigrants’ Rights Clinic at Columbia Law School and recipient of the Constance Baker Motley Award.