Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (ABLE), Legal Aid of Western Ohio, Inc. (LAWO), and the Toledo Bar Association Pro Bono Legal Services Program (TBA) were proud to host the annual Access to Justice Awards Dinner on Thursday, May 25, 2023, at the Pinnacle in Maumee. Nearly 300 guests gathered to support crucial legal aid services and programs in northwest Ohio.
Guests were inspired by keynote speaker Mónica Ramírez, an attorney, author, and activist fighting for the rights of farmworkers, migrant women workers, and the Latinx community.
We presented awards to three individuals for their extraordinary service to people living in poverty in our region.
Eugenio Mollo, Jr. received the Public Interest Law Award for his dedication to advocating for immigrants, including his role as a Clinical Assistant Professor at The University of Toledo College of Law, where he launched the Immigrant Justice Clinic.
Ramón Pérez received the Community Advocacy Award for his lifelong commitment to connecting and empowering members of the Latinx community to advocate for the resources and services they need and deserve.
The Honorable Myron C. Duhart received the Distinguished Service Award for his longstanding, often quiet encouragement and support of the fight for equal justice.
Special thanks to Roman Arce and Mark Barnes for co-chairing the 2023 Access to Justice Awards Dinner and Ceremony, and many thanks to our sponsors, staff, and volunteers for making the event a success.
If you were unable to join us for the live event on Thursday, May 25, please enjoy these photos that captured the essence of our event by Natalie Tranelli:
