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The Professional
Women’s Forum
(PWF) is thrilled to
announce a special
Lunch Seminar
with the Honorable
Brie Zarzour
Barbara M. Barrett,
former U.S. Secretary of the Air
Force, U.S. Ambassador to Finland,
and distinguished business leader,
during the FDCC Winter Meeting in
Scottsdale, Arizona, on February 27,
2025, at noon.
Drawing on her remarkable career
spanning public service, corporate
leadership, and international
diplomacy, Ms. Barrett will explore
the critical role of sponsorship
and mentorship in advancing
professional growth, fostering
inclusive leadership, and creating
opportunities for others.
Attendees will gain actionable
strategies to strengthen their
roles as mentors and sponsors—
empowering emerging talent,
building meaningful professional
relationships, and navigating
complex leadership landscapes
with confidence and integrity.
This dynamic seminar, co-hosted
with the FDCC Diversity Group,
offers a rare opportunity to engage
directly with one of the most
accomplished and influential
leaders in government and
business. It promises to be both
inspiring and practical, leaving
participants with fresh perspectives
and tools to apply within their
own organizations and careers.
Don’t miss this chance for informal
networking and dialogue with Ms.
Barrett and fellow FDCC members.
Looking Ahead – Summer
Meeting in Lisbon, Portugal
The PWF is also looking forward to
48 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.
the 2025 FDCC Summer Meeting in
Lisbon, Portugal, where members
will experience an engaging blend
of educational programming and
social connection.
In collaboration with the FDCC
Diversity Group, the Professional
Women’s Forum will present an
engaging and interactive CLE
panel, “More Than Words: The
Impact of Tone, Word Choice,
and Cultural Communication
in Legal Practice.” The program
will feature Fiorella Velarde, a
globally recognized leadership
and executive wellness coach,
alongside FDCC’s own Neil V.
Mody of Kennedys Law, Apollo
Carey of Lewis Rice, and Brie
Zarzour of Phelps Dunbar. This
dynamic session will examine
how tone, language, and cultural
communication styles shape
professional relationships,
client engagement, and team
collaboration—and how greater
awareness in these areas can
strengthen trust, effectiveness, and
influence in legal practice.
Designed for both lawyers and
business leaders, the program
will deliver practical, science-
based tools to enhance authentic
communication and elevate
leadership presence – both in and
out of the courtroom.
Honorable Barbara Barrett
Fiorella, whose guiding principle
is “Emotions Drive People, People
Drive Performance,” is known for
helping Fortune 500 executives,
government leaders (including
NASA teams), and high-performing
professionals build trust quickly,
foster courageous conversations,
and unlock collective intelligence
for measurable results. She will also
lead a hands-on workshop offering
participants customized materials
and techniques for immediate
application.
Beyond the CLE, the PWF will host
a social gathering to strengthen
connections across the FDCC
community, promote mentorship
and sponsorship opportunities, and
deepen relationships in a relaxed,
collegial setting.
Members can look forward to
a vibrant mix of professional
development, leadership insight,
and global networking in one of
Europe’s most captivating cities.
Brie Zarzour is an FDCC Defense Counsel
member and a Partner with Phelps Dunbar
in Mobile, AL.
www.thefederation.org