BASF program: Trailblazing Women on California’s Courts of Appeal

On July 29 at noon, BASF presents Trailblazing Women on California’s Courts of Appeal
Celebrating Seven Historic Female Firsts on California’s Courts of Appeal: Diversity, Representation, and the Judicial Appointments Process

Date	Tuesday, July 29, 2025
MCLE Registration	11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
In-Person Program	12:00 - 1:15 p.m.
MCLE	1 Hour of Elimination of Bias
Location	BASF Offices 50 Fremont Street, Suite 1700 San Francisco, CA

Speakers

Justice Shama Hakim Mesiwala Third District Court of Appeal	Deputy Appointments Secretary Adam Hofmann Office of California Governer Gavin Newsom

This program highlights the groundbreaking contributions of seven trailblazing female justices who were the first to serve on California’s Courts of Appeal. Justice Shama Hakim Mesiwala will share insights into their historic achievements and the broader impact of representation in the judiciary. The program will also feature a Q&A with Deputy Appointments Secretary Adam Hofmann, who will discuss the judicial appointments process and the importance of cultivating a diverse and inclusive applicant pool. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how diversity enhances the fairness and credibility of California’s justice system. 

Trailblazing Female Firsts
Annette Abbot Adams: First California Female Justice
Arleigh Woods: First California African American Female Justice
Sheila Prell Sonenshine: First California Jewish American Female Justice and youngest California Intermediate Appellate Court Justice
Joyce Kennard: First California Asian American Female Justice, First California Immigrant Female Justice, First California. non-native English-speaking Female Justice, and First California disabled Female Justice
Ramona Godoy Perez: First California Hispanic Female Justice
Eileen Moore: First and only California Female Military Veteran Justice
Therese Stewart: First California openly Lesbian Justice