Co-Chair
Nairda T. Colón
Ochsner Health System

Co-Chair
Daniel E. Schwank

The New Orleans Bar Association is proud to announce the establishment of the LGBTQIA+ Committee, a group of attorneys dedicated to promoting education and awareness for LGBTQIA+ issues that affect both our community and the legal profession. The Committee endeavors to create a welcoming and inclusive space for all members of the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as their allies, to come together and improve the practice of law through greater participation and visibility. The Committee welcomes all members of the New Orleans Bar Association who share in our commitment to create a more inclusive legal profession and beyond.

Committee Social Celebrating Pride Month
Thursday, June 25, 2026 at 5:00 pm

Join NOBA's LGBTQIA+ Committee for a social on Thursday, June 25 in celebration of Pride Month!

Committee Co-Chairs: Lesa Colón, Ochsner Health System
Daniel Schwank, The Atlantic Alumina Company LLC

Date: Thursday, June 25, 2026

Time: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Location: Saint John
715 Saint Charles Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70130

Message from Lesa Colón:

I am thrilled to serve the New Orleans legal community as the first chair of the LGBTQIA+ Committee for the New Orleans Bar Association. It is an incredible honor to lead a Committee dedicated to the LGBTQIA+ community and the many unique challenges we face. I am deeply committed to this cause and look forward to working with my colleagues throughout the Greater New Orleans area to support LGBTQIA+ programs and the people they champion. While many in the LGBTQIA+ community face certain obstacles to joining the legal profession, I hope that the increased visibility of LGBTQIA+ professionals will encourage more members of the community to join this wonderful and rewarding profession. Together, we can make a real and positive impact to foster a more inclusive legal environment in New Orleans. 

It is also my pleasure to introduce Daniel Schwank, the co-chair of the LGBTQIA+ Committee for the New Orleans Bar Association. Daniel is a highly accomplished legal professional with a commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community’s greater acceptance in the practice of law.  As co-chair, Daniel plays a critical role in leading initiatives to promote awareness of issues within the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as programming events for members to network and gain professional opportunities. With Daniel's expertise and leadership, the Committee is well-positioned to make a meaningful impact, raise awareness, and provide education on those issues specific to LGBTQIA+ persons.

We look forward to serving this Committee and the New Orleans community, and are enthusiastic for what lies ahead.

 Lesa Colón