Metropolitan Black Bar Association welcomes new president Nicole Lester Arrindell

October 1, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

Nicole Lester Arrindell, newly installed president of the Metropolitan Black Bar Association, addresses attendees at the organization’s annual installation ceremony in New York City. Arrindell, who also serves as chief of staff to the chief legal officer & corporate secretary and senior director & government relations counsel at Equitable Holdings Inc., outlined her vision for the bar year under the theme, “Amplifying Our Legacy: Building on a Foundation of Excellence.” Photo courtesy of Jay McClinton Dos Ojos Photography

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The Metropolitan Black Bar Association (MBBA) held an installation ceremony at Proskauer Rose in Manhattan to welcome Nicole Lester Arrindell as its new president on Wednesday, Sept. 25.

Arrindell succeeds Carl Forbes, who led the organization for the past two years. The event marked a new chapter for the MBBA, celebrating the achievements of the outgoing leadership while setting the stage for the organization’s future under Arrindell’s guidance.

Nate Saint Victor, general counsel and chief compliance officer at Engine No. 1, delivers remarks during the Metropolitan Black Bar Association's installation ceremony. Photo courtesy of Jay McClinton Dos Ojos Photography — Nate Saint Victor, general counsel and chief compliance officer at Engine No. 1, delivers remarks during the Metropolitan Black Bar Association’s installation ceremony. Photo courtesy of Jay McClinton Dos Ojos Photography

With the theme, “Amplifying Our Legacy: Building on a Foundation of Excellence,” Arrindell outlined her vision for the upcoming bar year, focusing on four strategic pillars: Democracy Matters, Leadership Matters, Wealth-Building Matters, and Health and Wellness Matters. These pillars, she explained, represent the MBBA’s continued commitment to fostering leadership, advocating for justice, and ensuring the well-being of its members and the communities it serves.

“I step into this role with immense pride and gratitude,” Arrindell said. “Together, we will continue to strengthen networks, develop leaders, and advocate for justice within our community.”

Hon. Travis J. Arrindell officiates the installation of the new officers of the Metropolitan Black Bar Association. Officers pictured from left to right: Evette Ennis, Sabrina Smith, Justina Rivera, Madjeen Garcon-Bonneau, Kenya Lee, Reginald Greene, Natalie Cox and Sonica Dixon. Photo courtesy of Jay McClinton Dos Ojos Photography

Arrindell, who currently serves as chief of staff to the chief legal officer and corporate secretary and as senior director and government relations counsel at Equitable Holdings Inc., brings a wealth of experience in both the private and public sectors.

Before joining Equitable, she served as associate general counsel at the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs, where she managed attorneys and non-attorneys in the Consumer Protection Unit, overseeing cases involving unfair debt collection practices, identity theft, and foreclosure rescue scams.

The newly installed officers and board of directors of the Metropolitan Black Bar Association gather for a group photo following the installation ceremony. Photo courtesy of Jay McClinton Dos Ojos Photography

Her legal career began at Mobilization for Justice (formerly MFY Legal Services), where she was a senior staff attorney in the Consumer Rights Project, representing low-income New Yorkers in state court. Before law school, she gained policy and managerial experience as chief of staff for New York State Assembly Member Brian Kavanagh and as a senior business development manager of public finance at Fannie Mae in Washington, D.C.

Nicole Lester Arrindell, president of the Metropolitan Black Bar Association, delivers her inaugural address, outlining her vision for the organization and emphasizing the importance of fostering leadership and advocating for justice in the community. Photo courtesy of Jay McClinton Dos Ojos Photography

A dedicated leader and advocate, Arrindell is also the founder and CEO of NLA Strategies LLC, a consulting firm that aims to help rising leaders become more influential and confident. Her contributions to civic and professional organizations have not gone unnoticed: She was named a 2016 Rising Star by City and State magazine, a Shining Star by U.S. Rep. Yvette Clarke in 2018, and an inaugural senior civic leadership fellow by Higher Heights in 2020.

The newly installed officers of the Metropolitan Black Bar Association pose for a group photo following their installation ceremony at Proskauer Rose in Manhattan. Led by President Nicole Lester Arrindell, the team includes Justina Rivera as president-elect, Natalie Cox as treasurer, Sonica Dixon as vice president of membership, Madjeen Garcon-Bonneau as Secretary, Evette Ennis as vice president of programs, Kenya Lee as vice president of external affairs, and Reginald Greene as vice president of finance. Photo courtesy of Jay McClinton Dos Ojos Photography

In addition to her professional roles, Arrindell is committed to mentoring the next generation of lawyers. She serves as an adjunct professor of law at the Benjamin Cardozo School of Law and has held leadership roles at the New York City Bar Association. Arrindell holds a J.D. from Cleveland State University, a master of public administration from American University, and a B.S. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Steven Burwell, a partner at Proskauer, speaks during the Metropolitan Black Bar Association’s installation ceremony.

The MBBA’s installation ceremony also featured notable guests, including Steven R. Burwell, who served as the host, Sheila Boston, who led the invocation, and Jerika Richardson, who delivered remarks. Hon. Travis Arrindell officiated the installation of the new board and officers, ensuring a smooth transition for the association’s leadership.

Alongside President Nicole Lester Arrindell, the Metropolitan Black Bar Association also installed Justina Rivera as president-elect, Natalie Cox as treasurer, Sonica Dixon as vice president of membership, Madjeen Garcon-Bonneau as secretary, Evette Ennis as vice president of programs, Kenya Lee as vice president of external affairs, and Reginald Greene as vice president of finance.