Ortale Kelley is proud to congratulate attorney Chicoya Smith on receiving two distinguished awards and being elected to a regional leadership position during the National Bar Association’s 101st Annual Convention, held July 25–31, 2026, in Nashville.
On July 27, members attending the convention elected Chicoya to serve as Region VI Director. In this role, she will act as the liaison between National Bar Association affiliates in Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, and Tennessee and the NBA Board of Governors. She will work to ensure that Region VI is strongly represented in the organization’s leadership and decision-making.
The following day, Chicoya received the National Bar Association Women Lawyers Division Outstanding Young Lawyer Award during the Gertrude E. Rush Annual Breakfast. The event honors the legacy of Gertrude E. Rush, a pioneering attorney and co-founder of the National Bar Association.
Chicoya was also presented with the President’s Award on July 30 in recognition of her extraordinary leadership, distinguished service, and exceptional contributions to the National Bar Association.
“I am deeply honored by this recognition and grateful for the opportunity to serve as Region VI Director,” Chicoya said. “These moments affirm the importance of service, leadership, and creating space for others, and I look forward to representing our region with purpose and continuing to advance the work of the National Bar Association.”
These achievements reflect Chicoya’s dedication to service, leadership, and the advancement of the legal profession. Ortale Kelley congratulates her on these well-deserved honors and looks forward to her continued impact within the National Bar Association and throughout Region VI.
