Congratulated Jomarie on becoming president-elect of the International Trademark Association, a global association of brand owners and professionals from 165 countries representing over 30,000 trademark professionals, including brand owners from major corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises, law firms, and nonprofits. She also as serves on the US Patent and Trademark Office’s trademark advisory council, advising the agency’s director on the policies, goals, performance, budget, and user fees of trademark operations there.

Jomarie has paid it forward in many meaningful ways. Besides serving on the advisory board for UIC Law’s IP program, she has given our students IP career talks, guest lectures, moderated panel discussions, and generously supported to the IP program’s work over the years.

Jomarie completed her Master of Law at the John Marshall Law School (now UIC Law) before going on to a successful career. She is the chief intellectual property (IP) counsel and Deputy General Counsel at Rotary International, a global not-for-profit corporation comprising 35,000 member clubs and its charitable foundation.

When in Carlisle, I noticed a monument honoring Molly Pitcher, who fought in the American War of Independence and distinguished herself for her bravery in June 1778. As her husband was carried off the battlefield, Molly took his place at his cannon. After the battle, General George Washington honored Molly’s courage by issuing her a warrant as a non-commissioned officer.

In front of Molly’s statue is a canon that the Carlisle club of Rotary International restored. As the nation celebrates Independence Day, let’s honor the inspiring women who helped it win nationhood and continue to keep it great today. As the saying goes, women hold up half the sky.

Happy 4th!