Asked and Answered: WIP Committee Members Share Their Goals for 2026

By Diana Santos Johnson and Eleanor Panetti

For our first post of 2026, we asked our Committee members for input. Below are the questions we asked and the responses we received. Enjoy reading about what they learned in 2025, their goals for 2026 and why they joined the Women in the Profession Committee!

What is one thing you learned in 2025 (personally or professionally)?

Member 1: That the progress made by women in the last fifty years is easily lost.

Member 2: I regularly learn in our profession that I can do hard things. That is why I adore our profession.

Member 3: Saying that something isn’t working out as planned is not a failure. It opens things up for new adventures.

Member 4: I have learned a lot about AI and legal tech in 2025, and I want to grow on that in 2026.

Member 5: As I moved into a new practice area, I learned (or re-learned!) that one is never too old to try and enjoy something new, even on the career front!

Member 6: I learned a lot of appellate procedure.

Member 7: One thing I learned in 2025 is the importance of being willing to make big changes, even when they feel uncomfortable or uncertain. Growth often comes from taking risks, trusting yourself, and being open to changing roles in your legal career when it is time for something new.

What is one goal you have for yourself in 2026 (professionally or personally)?

Member 1: To continue to be involved with my peers to make things better for my fellow women attorneys.

Member 2: I want to find more ways to engage with lawyers across the state rather than just locally and through my cases.

Member 3: I’m working on my Executive MBA online with UNCW, going to Greece with my classmates in May.

Member 4: My goal is to do more pro bono, and to continue to develop my legal skills and mentoring skills.

Member 5: I’m very organized at work, less so in my personal life, so my goal is to bring some of my organizational skills to bear at home.

Member 6: To do more pro bono work!

Member 7: One of my goals for 2026 is to really settle into my new role and do it well. I want to build strong relationships, continue learning, and feel confident that I’m making a meaningful impact in the legal community.

What made you want to join the Women in the Profession Committee?

Member 1: To follow in the tradition of my colleagues who supported me.

Member 2: I wanted to meet more fabulous women lawyers across our state.

Member 3: To connect and support my profession and other women.

Member 4: I wanted to be more active with the Bar and support activities for all women in law.

Member 5: I joined the WIP Committee to connect with and support other women in the profession.

Member 6: I wanted to join the Women in the Profession Committee to help support and empower women at all stages of their legal careers, including those navigating the challenges of parenthood.

Diana Santos Johnson and Eleanor Panetti serve as Co-chairs of the Peer Support and Mentoring Committee.