OUR EVENTS
Upcoming Events, VIRTUAL COFFEE TALKS, NETWORKING, and MORE...
March 19th @ 6:30pm cst
Ericline M. Williams, Esq. is a dedicated immigration attorney with a passion for helping individuals navigate the complexities of the U.S. immigration system. Born in a village in Ivory Coast to a Liberian family, she came to the United States as a refugee, fleeing a civil war. Overcoming personal hardships, she pursued higher education at Rutgers University, where she earned degrees in Criminal Justice and Africana Studies, later obtaining her law degree from FAMU College of Law in Orlando.
She is a licensed attorney in the State of New York and is committed to using her legal expertise to advocate for immigrants and underserved communities. With a strong background in business immigration, she specializes in National Interest Waivers (NIW), EB-1 petitions, and other self-petition options, helping clients achieve their American dreams.
Beyond her legal work, Ericline is deeply invested in philanthropy in Liberia, where she is working to break the cycle of poverty by providing access to education for children whose families cannot afford it. She sponsors students between the ages of 9 and 14 who have never been to school, covering school fees, tutoring classes after school to keep them off the streets, transportation, extracurricular activities, uniforms, and school materials.
Recognizing that a quality education extends beyond the classroom, Ericline ensures that these children receive additional academic support through after-school tutoring programs designed to help them catch up on years of missed education. She also funds extracurricular activities that foster creativity and personal growth, keeping students engaged and inspired. Understanding the financial burden many families face, she covers transportation costs, ensuring students can attend school consistently and safely.
Her commitment goes beyond financial support—she works closely with educators and community leaders to identify children in need and develop sustainable solutions that empower them for the future. By investing in their education, Ericline is not only providing immediate relief but also laying the foundation for a brighter future, giving these children opportunities they would have never had otherwise.
Ericline’s personal and professional experiences have shaped her deep commitment to justice, perseverance, and service. She continues to be a voice for those seeking a better future, whether through her legal advocacy or her philanthropic efforts, striving to create lasting change in the lives of those she serves.
MArch 25th @ 6:30pm cst
Daphne Benford-Smith is a dedicated and passionate attorney specializing in trademark and copyright law, as well as serving as outside general counsel for a variety of industries, with a particular focus on gaming, anime, and social media influencers. Her commitment to her practice areas and industries is reflected through her active involvement and numerous speaking engagements.
Daphne has spoken at prominent events such as Alt Legal Connect 2023, where she addressed the intersection of Trademark Law and the First Amendment, and has published articles on the same topic with Alt Legal. She has also been a featured speaker at the Indie Game Business Conference, providing invaluable legal insights to indie video game developers. Her expertise extends to international platforms, having been published in the Trademark Lawyer Magazine newsletter regarding the SUPERHEROES trademark battle.
As a respected speaker on a video game law panel at NCCU Law’s Law and Tech Summit and a consistent presence at anime and nerd conventions across the country, including Dream Convention, Daphne is dedicated to educating creatives and entrepreneurs on legal issues and offering practical tips. She is honored to serve on the advisory board for Women In Games International and will be a speaker at their GDC summit in 2025.
Daphne prides herself on her forward-thinking approach and leadership within her industries. She has successfully assisted clients with complex agreements for publishing, distribution, and services, handled intricate trademark cases some of which involved defending against major corporations, navigated data privacy and consumer compliance issues, and provided artificial intelligence advising. Notably, she collaborated with the renowned gaming studio Aerial Knight Studio to create a free publishing agreement template kit.
Her passion for representing clients is evident in her zealous efforts to further their business goals through mindful collaboration. Daphne’s extensive experience and genuine dedication make her a trusted ally for anyone seeking expert legal guidance.
The Chicago Link-up women’s appreciation month
We’re back with our first open invite networking event and link-up of the year. Come elevate your net worth and network at the Chicago Link Up hosted by @thechicagoattorney and us!
Come join us on March 28, at 4 PM at a new venue and black owned business, New Line Tavern. Free RSVP is required, which you can find by selecting the “REGISTER HERE,“ button below.
You never know who you’ll meet, come bridge the city and have a great time. Show up and grow your social capital with us! Don't miss out on this chance to connect, collaborate, and celebrate success!