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What Happens Next
Here’s where we are right now:
•
The MDC is finalizing the
Class Year rollout for 2026
(including Scottsdale launch,
cohort onboarding, and the
communication channels).
•
We’re preparing checklists and
guides: how to plug in, how to
get on a program, how to write
or co-author an article, how
to host a dine-around, how
to pitch a panel, how to get
committee appointments.
•
We’re drafting the Scavenger
Hunt activities, the touchpoint
schedule (Zoom coffees, etc.),
and the “what do I wear / where
do my kids go / how late does
this event actually run?” cheat
sheets.
But this is not a top-down program.
This is a living thing. It gets better if
you help shape it.
So, I am asking for something,
directly:
•
•
If you are brand new I want to
meet you now. Text me and say,
“I’m new, where do I start?”
If you quietly joined a year or
46 February 2026 | Federation Flyer FDCC PILLARS
The PWF is also
looking forward
to the 2025 FDCC
Summer Meeting
in Lisbon, Portugal,
where members
will experience an
engaging blend
of educational
programming and
social connection.
•
two ago and then work/life
exploded You are absolutely
still in this. Reach out and say,
“Okay, I’m ready — where do I
start?” (I promise: we’ve already
got a spot for you.)
If you are already active and
visible in FDCC I need you,
too. I want mentors. I want
table-hosts. I want people who
will send that two-sentence
“you’re doing great, keep going”
text that changes someone’s
confidence. You know how
powerful that is because
somebody did it for you.
And for anyone worried that they
won’t know what to wear to theme
night: send me a picture of your
options. I’ll tell you if we’re in
“jacket and boots,” “resort chic,” or
“you’re going to want glitter, trust
me.”
Call Me
If you take nothing else from this,
take this: You do not have to figure
out the FDCC alone. That is what
the MDC is here for. Reach out to
me today at:
Cell: 512-507-4984 Email:
smasters@cokinoslaw.com
Let me connect you. Let me
introduce you. Let me hand you
the first few threads that — if you
tug on them — become long-term
friendships, referral partnerships,
mentorship channels, and some of
the most meaningful professional
relationships you’ll build.
Welcome in. Or welcome back.
Either way: you’re part of the FDCC
family.
Shelly Masters is an FDCC Defense
Counsel Member, Chair of the Membership
Development Committee and Managing
Partner of Cokinos | Young in Austin, TX.
www.thefederation.org