Hayley Ellison, Partner at Davis & Santos, PLLC
President of the BCWB’s Board of Directors
The Bexar County Women’s Bar Association Gives Back
By Blithe Wiley
The Bexar County Women’s Bar Association and Foundation (BCWB), founded in 1983, supports the efforts of all women to advance within the legal profession. In addition, it emphasizes giving back to the community, particularly through the support of worthwhile non-profits that are making a positive difference in women’s and children’s lives.
Hayley Ellison, Partner at Davis & Santos, PLLC, is the current President of the BCWB’s Board of Directors. She is a graduate of Trinity University and St. Mary’s University School of Law.
Ellison is passionate about the many worthwhile organizations that the BCWB supports each year. “When I moved back to San Antonio from the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, I joined the Bexar County Women’s Bar and was asked to get involved in planning our major annual fundraiser, Autumn Affair,” Ellison said. “Each year, Autumn Affair benefits a non-profit that supports women and children in our community.”
This year, Autumn Affair is raising funds for the non-profit For Her. This organization builds equity for women by providing a network of support and responsive resources that promote self-sufficiency and holistic well-being. “For Her is a mentoring and training resource for young professional women in our community, and we’re proud to be able to support their work.”
Ellison noted that BCWB has raised funds in previous years for PEARLS Court, a mentoring and educational support program for young women ages 12-18 in the foster care system. PEARLS stands for Preparation, Esteem, Achievement, Resiliency, Learning, Strength, and Stamina. “We raised $50,000 for this amazing program,” Ellison said.
“Last year, we raised another $50,000 for the Young Women’s Leadership Academy to help fund their college counselor for another year,” Ellison noted. “This role is very important at the school, as so many of its graduates go on to Ivy League schools.”
In 2022, BCWB’s Autumn Affair beneficiary was San Antonio Youth Literacy (SAYL), and Ellison was very involved with this fundraiser. “I’m very connected to SAYL, because it is such a life-changing organization,” Ellison explained. “Most kids in our schools today are not reading at grade level, and this non-profit works one-on-one to help them improve their reading skills.”
Ellison currently serves on the board of the YWCA San Antonio, which recently opened the Women’s Live and Learn Center for women, many of whom have experienced domestic violence and are trying to rebuild their lives. The YWCA converted the former St. Andrews Convent on Castroville Road into a safe and affordable home that offers wraparound supportive services and training.
“From the beginning, I was very impressed with our bar and how active it is in the San Antonio community. However, as President this year, I’m committed to continuing to grow our membership and to provide value to all Bexar County women attorneys.
“I’m also looking at ways we can continue to bring our community service work benefits to our members. We have so much need in our community, and our members can truly make a difference here. Plus, this type of community involvement is so rewarding for our members, who can benefit from something deeply satisfying outside their work.”
If you’d like to learn more about the Bexar County Women’s Bar Association and Foundation, visit bexarcountywomensbar.org
