by Miranda G. McLeod
Staff Writer
The Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association held its first meeting of the year Tuesday at River City Brewing Co. The guest speaker was Duval County Judge Eleni Derke. She was voted JWLA’s woman of the year in 2005.
Derke spoke about the importance of mentoring. A refugee to the United States in 1974 from Cyprus, Derke was influenced by her eighth grade English teacher who assisted her in learning the language.
“The emotional impact of becoming a refugee is very hard to describe,” said Derke.
Derke became a mentor to Jacksonville children a few years ago through the Take Stock in Children program to give back what she learned in her pre-high school days. Take Stock in Children requires students to sign contracts to stay in school, maintain good grades, remain crime free and drug free, and meet once a week with mentors. In turn, the organization provides each student with a four-year tuition scholarship to college or vocational school.
“Everything is interconnected. Everything has a cause and effect,” she said. “Kids need somebody. A word or two really helps them.”
Derke said the idea of cause and effect works in court also. She realizes she can’t help everyone, but she said once every couple of years there is someone who thanks her for the sentence she handed them or the way she handled their case.
“A few words may mean nothing to you, but it may really mean something to someone else,” said Derke.
The next JWLA meeting is Feb. 8 at River City Brewing Co. The guest speaker will be federal Judge Susan Black of the United States Court of Appeals.