Women’s Law Student Association: Pursuing Gender Equity and Reproductive Justice

by Margaret Beccavin | March 27, 2023

The Women’s Law Student Association (WLSA) is the largest voluntary organization in the College of Law. Their mission is to advance and disseminate intersectional feminist ideology by pursuing gender equity and reproductive justice in law and society. “We strive to bring in diverse female voices, from diverse backgrounds and practices whether admitted to the Bar or not,” says Emma Callihan, 3L and President of WLSA.

WLSA organizes multiple mentorship programs for its members, both within the organization and throughout the legal community. One program pairs a 2L+ with a 1L member based on similar interests. Another mentorship program connects members to the Toledo Women’s Bar Association (TWBA), allowing them to be mentored by practicing attorneys in the area. WLSA also has a TWBA Liaison position which maintains contact and engagement with the TWBA so that WLSA’s mission can spread past Toledo Law and into the greater legal community. They also work with the Toledo Women Lawyers History Project.

WLSA supports local organizations who’s mission is to support women when they need it most. Ending period poverty is a key initiative of WLSA, and they have partnered with Toledo Law to provide free menstrual care products in the bathrooms at the Law Center. They have also partnered with the Middle Eastern and North African Law Student Association to gather donated supplies for Period Packing Parties with Period Toledo, a local chapter of PERIOD., a global, youth-powered non-profit that is fighting to end period poverty and period stigma through advocacy, education, and service.

Commitment to furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion at Toledo Law is an important part of WLSA’s mission. “We are a member of the Allies, which is a cooperative promise and commitment to furthering DEI at Toledo Law,” says Callihan. “The Allies are a group of organizations that have made this commitment, and WLSA was a founding organization.” Other member organizations of the Allies include the Black Law Student Association, International Law Society, Latinx Law Student Association, Middle Eastern and North African Law Student Association, and OUTLaw.

When asked why she wanted to pursue a leadership position in WLSA, Callihan replied “Everyone deserves to have someone that identifies like they do in a position of power. Seeing someone like you and knowing their struggles and triumphs despite them is empowering for people like me, and WLSA was the perfect place to foster that growth within myself and my community.”

This Thursday, March 30, 2023, WLSA is partnering with the TWBA and the Toledo Women Lawyers History Project to put on a reception honoring Janelle Butler Phifer and Justice Judith Lanzinger. They will also be celebrating a local organization, Family House, which provides valuable community resources and has a women-filled Executive Board. The event will take take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at The Blarney Event Center in downtown Toledo. RSVP's are encouraged, but not required, to attend.

The TWBA scholarship application is open until April 14, 2023. For information on how to apply, reach out to WLSA at wlsa@utoledo.edu or Financial Aid at lawfinaid@utoledo.edu.

If you would like to support the Women’s Law Student Association at Toledo Law, you can give to one of the funds listed below, or reach out to WLSA at wlsa@utoledo.edu to discuss ways to be involved and support their members and mission.  

To give, visit the UT Foundation website and search for the following scholarships that directly supports women law students.  

Judge Geraldine Macelwane Memorial Law Scholarship
Toledo Women's Bar Association Scholarship

Q & A with Emma Callihan

What made you choose Toledo Law?
I chose Toledo Law because it was advertised as a great school for women and it was affordable financially.

Why did you decide to join WLSA?
I joined this organization because I wanted to make friends and surround myself with people who believed in equity for women and women supporting women.

What made you want to hold a position in WLSA?
I knew WLSA had the potential to be what it is today: the largest voluntary organization at the law school. I wanted to make connections with strong, badass women. I was always taught to lead by example, and I wanted someone who was like me to be in a position of power so who better to do it than me. It has been empowering to be a first generation LGBTQIA+ law student with disabilities in a position like this for WLSA. I have been humbled and honored to serve WLSA and the college in this capacity as SBA Rep, Secretary, and now President of WLSA.

What would you like to see for the future of WLSA?
I hope WLSA continues to thrive in membership while fostering a deep connection with the TWBA and TBA. I hope WLSA continues to be an active participant in the Allies and continues speaking up for historically marginalized communities at Toledo Law. I hope members continue to get mentorship within and outside of WLSA, through WLSA.

How do you see yourself applying your experience to your future endeavors?
So many of the skills I further developed by being on the Executive Board of WLSA will stay with me forever. My facilitation skills, my mediating skills, my activist skills, and my problem-solving skills have served me well thus far in my legal career. I hope I continue to use this experience to pursue passionate advocacy for people and movements that matter.