Who We Are
We are a collective of women leaders across industries—legal, business, philanthropy, health, finance, and beyond—united by a shared commitment to expanding access to justice through legal representation for families who need it most. Together, we make meaningful financial contributions and invite others into this important work to mobilize support and drive powerful change in Orange County.
We deeply believe that our impact is greatest when we act collectively—and that when we uplift women, we uplift communities. We hope you’ll join us.
Women for Justice Co-Chairs
Jacqueline Akerblom
Retired Partner, Grant Thornton
Nicole Whyte
Founding Partner, Bremer Whyte Brown & O'Meara LLP
Message from Nicole Whyte
To me, Women for Justice represents women coming together around a shared belief that justice should be accessible to everyone. Having grown up in South Africa where I witnessed the dismantling of apartheid and the country’s first democratic election, I saw firsthand how powerful the pursuit of justice can be. That experience has stayed with me and continues to inspire my commitment to efforts like this.
Growing up in South Africa during a time of profound change shaped how I think about equality and access to justice. Seeing a society transform through the rule of law and democratic participation left a lasting impression on me, and inspired me to support organizations like the Public Law Center that work to ensure people have a voice and access to legal help when they need it most.
This feels like a moment when communities need to come together and support one another more than ever. Women for Justice provides a powerful way for women to collectively give their time, energy, and resources to help ensure that critical legal services are available to those who need them most.
Joining the Giving Circle is an opportunity to be part of something especially meaningful. It brings together women who care deeply about justice and who want to make sure that access to legal help is not a privilege, but something available to everyone.
Message from Jacqueline Akerblom
My son worked as a law clerk for Public Law Center over two summers in both the housing and immigration units, and I became very interested in the mission and services of the organization through listening to his work experience. Nicole Whyte subsequently invited me to the inaugural Women for Justice event last year which welcomed a number of non-attorneys. I had the opportunity to meet Monica and hear her vision and goals for Public Law Center at this event – which was really a call to action. Her passion and leadership, as well as welcoming all to get involved, led me to join theWomen for Justice Giving Circle and then partner with Nicole as the Women for Justice Co-Chair.
There are many reasons someone might choose to advocate for social justice in these times. For women specifically, I believe it is connected to our lived experience, understanding structural inequality and broader social impact as we have faced barriers in education, employment, caregiver burdens and pay equity. These barriers extend to many marginalized communities in our society. Supporting Women for Justice right now gives us the opportunity to be involved with an organization directly supporting our most vulnerable Orange County residents as they navigate the legal system that touches so many areas of their lives.
Justice is about fairness, dignity and human rights – if you are interested in the opportunity to directly support our most vulnerable Orange County residents in their pursuit of justice in the legal system – join us! Not only are we committed to seriously making a difference, but we are also having fun as a group doing it! Getting to spend time with amazing women committed to meaningful change is a perk of the group!
For more information or to make a gift, contact April Schley, Director of Donor Development & Events at aschley@publiclawcenter.org