In this issue we proudly highlight the accomplishments of three of our members of the Standing Committee on Minority & Women Participation. Our Committee Chair, Jorges Montes of Chicago, was selected as Chairperson of the Illinois Prisoner Review Board. Our Board of Governors liaison, Michele Jochner of Chicago, has been honored with the designation of "40 Attorneys Under 40 to Watch" for 2004. Our member Betty Yang of Champaign was named as the ISBA Young Lawyer's Division Lawyer of the Year for Downstate Illinois.

These honors serve as reminders of the importance of being active and honorable participants in the ongoing process of making positive changes in our profession. We who are fortunate to have leadership roles within the bar, at all levels, have the opportunity to spark enthusiasm and encouragement among our minority and women colleagues. We serve as examples to those newer members of the bar who may be hoping to find their way within the profession.

To those who are honored, we extend our congratulations. And we offer this challenge to them and to our other colleagues: may you pave the way for newer lawyers to take up the pursuit of excellence in our profession with compassion, tolerance, and vision.