The Virgil Hawkins Florida Chapter National Bar Association (VHFCNBA) is proud to announce that Brendalyn Edwards will be sworn in as its next President at the organization’s 70th Anniversary Gala on June 28, at the Boca Raton Resort. Born and raised in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, Edwards will make history as the first Virgin Islander to serve as president of a bar association in the state of Florida.
A respected legal advisor, seasoned litigator, and dedicated community leader, Ms. Edwards currently serves as Deputy General Counsel of Operations at Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company. Her distinguished career includes serving as an Assistant County Attorney assigned to the Broward County Supervisor of Elections Office, Assistant General Counsel for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida, and Acting Director of Gaming Enforcement for the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Justice.
A distinguished attorney and dedicated advocate for justice, Edwards has been a trailblazer in the legal community. Her presidency marks a significant milestone for Caribbean representation in the legal profession, reflecting the increasing influence of Virgin Islanders and Caribbean nationals in leadership roles across the United States.
“It is an incredible honor to lead this esteemed organization, which has been at the forefront of legal advocacy and diversity for 70 years,” said Edwards. “I am committed to continuing the mission of supporting Black attorneys, expanding opportunities, and reinforcing our commitment to justice for underserved communities. I hope that my journey serves as a reminder to people from similar backgrounds that we belong in every room, at every table, and that our voices matter. I also hope it signals to the broader legal community the importance of recognizing and uplifting leaders from diverse walks of life.”
The theme of the Gala is Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges. It will be a powerful evening of celebration, community, and legacy. The evening will feature the presentation of Medals of Honor recognizing 30 attorneys and judges whose exceptional leadership, advocacy, and enduring commitment have advanced the cause of diversity and inclusion within the legal profession. In the spirit of Virgil Hawkins, whose courageous fight for justice changed the course of legal history, the Medal of Honor recipients are recognized not only for their professional excellence, but for their transformative impact in building a more equitable and representative legal system for generations to come.
The organization will also present Trailblazer Awards to Detra Shaw-Wilder and Florida Bar President-Elect Sia Baker-Barnes. The VHFCNBA Trailblazer Award honors an esteemed member of The Florida Bar with more than 15 years of exemplary service, whose career reflects the enduring legacy and pioneering spirit of Virgil Hawkins. This award recognizes attorneys who have not only broken barriers in the legal profession but have actively paved the way for others within the practice of law.
Following in the footsteps of many of the honorees, under Edwards’ leadership, VHFCNBA will continue to expand its impactful work, including:
- Awarding scholarships to promising law students,
- Providing mentorship programs for aspiring attorneys,
- Hosting free legal clinics to assist underserved communities,
- Offering bar preparation seminars to help law students succeed, and
- Leading various outreach initiatives aimed at promoting justice, access, and leadership development.
Edwards’ election is a proud moment for the U.S. Virgin Islands and the wider Caribbean diaspora. Her leadership is expected to bring new energy and a fresh perspective to the organization, strengthening its reach and impact both in Florida and beyond.
For sponsorship opportunities, ticket information, and further details, please visit https://virgilhawkinsnba.com/events/.
