In our last Co-Chair Statement, I bid a fond adieu to Co-Chair Chelsea HaleyNelson. In this week's Statement, I'm delighted to introduce you to our newly elected female Co-Chair -- the incomparable Jamie Dupree.

When I tapped Jamie to sign a Release and Waiver for her "It Gets Better" video, she wanted to make sure BALIF wouldn't use her name and likeness to "sell toothpaste or something like that." Right then, I knew we would be friends. BTW: See her amazing story here.

To me, "James" is friend, confidante, leader, drinking buddy, visionary, witty goofball, ex-cheerleader, and make-it-happen executor all rolled into one. (Did I mention that she's also hilarious?)


Jamie has served as BALIF's Gala Co-Chair for the past two years, and has been responsible for securing sponsorships from the dozens of law firms that support BALIF and our Gala. She's also been an amazing cheerleader for the numerous other events that BALIF puts on. Last year, Jamie offered to buy tickets for every law students interested in attending the Lesbian Comedy Night! Jamie's goals as BALIF Co-Chair this year are laser focused. She's getting our 501(c)(3) non-profit organization status off the ground. And she's jumpstarting networking opportunities to help BALIF members become rainmakers.

Here are some other interesting tidbits about Jamie that you might not know.
Married Patty Frontiera in October 2008, just before the Prop 8 election, after 12-years of bliss
Proud mommy to Jonah (7) and Zachary (4 1/2).
Two favorite things in the world: (1) spending time with her boys; and (2) having a break from spending time with her boys.
Until she gave birth, the hardest thing she had ever done was hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back out.
Has traveled to Legoland each of the past three years.
Founded her own firm in August 1998.
Favorite obsession - finding a larger house in Piedmont, or renovating current house.
Want to know more about Jamie? Read her "What I've Learned" article here.

Welcome, Jamie. We're so, so proud and privileged to have you onboard!


On Lu
BALIF Board Co-Chair