Mary L. Smith, Patron Fellow, Recognized with University of Chicago Diversity Leadership Award

Mary L. Smith, Patron Fellow, was recognized by the University of Chicago as she was the alumni recipient of this year’s Diversity Leadership Awards. Mary was honored during the Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Celebration on January 30.

Mary Smith, Photo courtesy of ABA Diversity and Inclusion Center

The awards recognize UChicago community members who have shown a sustained commitment to fostering justice and equality. The award has been given annually since 2009, making this year’s ceremony its 15^th presentation.

Smith is currently the President of the American Bar Association and the first Native American Woman to hold this role. She was previously the CEO of Indian Health Service and worked in federal positions including associate counsel to the president at the White House and trial attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice.