A Fairfax for a Ketanji

Dear Rookie Advocate,

This is my adaptation of Lisa Fairfax’s speech for a Ketanji in the making. Allow me to introduce to you a Rockstar that has already been cracking some ceilings and is well on her way to shattering many others. Now before you argue that a Law Association of Zambia election nomination is not comparable to the US Supreme Court, let’s allow me, this once, to normalise giving people their flowers even before they take the grand stage, shall we?! Yes, we shall!

“I am so very honoured to introduce to you…Edwina Summer Mazunda…Edwina and I met at a poetry show during our ‘spoken word’ days nearly 10 years ago.

She is the friend that makes sure you belong…always eager to make the circle bigger…Edwina defines friendship…She is the friend you are immediately drawn to…

Despite her age, she is a role model who makes you believe in what she said…You can do it. Here is how…

She has shown us how by the power of her example of hard work, preparation, and excellence she has transformed the seemingly impossible into the achievable.

Together, we are pouring our souls into learning how to serve others, never missing an opportunity to add value and then doing it all over again whenever we find a better way.

Edwina has unwavering work ethic. She puts her head down and gets it done, even, and perhaps especially, when no one is watching. She is a coalition builder.

I knew early on she could be anything she chose to be, but also that she seemed destined to be an impactful leader because of her ability to drive change.

Her five best friends know that there is more to Edwina beyond her brilliant mind. There is her wicked sense of humour, gift of storytelling, and heart of gold that always shows up. From the first call you make when faced with a career dilemma to celebrating your every win like it was her own. You never have to ask. She is always there.

Above all, Edwina is humble enough not to pretend she knows how to have it all, but she does know how to give it all. What she gives to her family, and her friends, she also gives to the law and professional associations.

A testament to her character is all the people of different backgrounds and beliefs who understand that essence of Edwina. We have seen that in her endorsements from peers and Seniors alike. We will see it in the impact she continues to make.

I know she is honoured and humbled by the significance of the prospects of serving the Association. Not for what it means for her, but for what it means for our amazing profession. Confirmation of the idea that the Law Association of Zambia is a place in which all of us, Rookies and Seniors, can feel a sense of belonging and all of us can reach our fullest potential.

While challenging, I would summarize nearly 10 years of friendship in this way by highlighting Edwina’s faith in God and country, her intellectual brilliance, her goodness and grace, and a work ethic that makes her perfectly suited for the serious task of serving the Law Association of Zambia.

It is with tremendous love, pride, and gratitude for her willingness to serve that I introduce to you my friend and exemplar of our profession’s promise, EDWINA MAZUNDA!

Emmanuela