In 1989, in Atlanta’s East Lake Meadows public housing projects, attorney Dawn Smith set out to secure academic support and self-empowering activities for the young girls living there. Over the next decade, “The Cool Girls of East Lake” grew to include the Cool Sisters mentoring program, the Cool Scholars academic program, and Cool Futures, which expanded the organization’s curriculum to encourage high school-aged girls.
Beginning in 2011, the Atlanta office of Kutak Rock became a supporter of Cool Girls, providing monetary support and sponsorship, but also time and talent. Then-Regional Managing Partner David Amsden joined the board in July 2011 where he served until June 2017, sitting on the Board Development Committee, Resource Development Committee, and Strategic Planning Committee, in addition to chairing various fundraising events and lending his legal talents to review the bylaws. Even after Dave’s retirement from Kutak Rock, the firm’s support has been unwavering under current Regional Managing Partner Debra Thompson.
Atlanta/DC Regional Administrative Manager Rita Garrett has volunteered with Cool Girls for more than 20 years, serving in a variety of roles including on the Advisory Board, as a Cool Sister, and the 2014 Volunteer of the Year. Garrett co-chaired the 2024 Hot Pink Party in April at Loews Atlanta Hotel, which marked Cool Girls’ 35th anniversary. Featuring wall-to-wall hot pink to celebrate all the young ladies who have moved through the program, the party included a recognition ceremony, silent auction, live auction, and prize drawings. Most incredibly, attendees pledged more than $350,000 in donations, which go directly to serve the girls enrolled in the life-changing programs that make up Cool Girls. “After the 2023 Hot Pink Party,” said Garrett, “someone realized 2024 would be the 35th anniversary of Cool Girls. Why not set a goal of raising $350,000 to honor that?”
This summer, a group of Cool Scholars visited Washington, D.C. for the annual Extreme College Road Trip. On Day 3 they visited Kutak Rock’s office, meeting with attorneys and staff, including Vice Chair Hilary Jackler, and learning about careers in law, including—but beyond—being a lawyer.
Most recently, the firm once again supported the Holiday Shopping Extravaganza. Each December, members of the Atlanta office donate gifts for a table at the event and then volunteer to assist the girls in choosing items. These range from socks to bikes, books to toys, school supplies to a grand prize, such as an iPad.
“I love that our office focuses on one main organization to support. Not only does it make a focused, significant impact, but it also strengthens relationships over the years,” Garrett said. “I am thankful and grateful that so many of my Kutak Rock colleagues make the time to support Cool Girls and I am fortunate and blessed to work with such amazing people.”
Click here to view a video showcasing ways Kutak Rock is celebrating Cool Girls’ 35th Anniversary.