Bria Barnes-Coleman appointed Director of Women’s Leadership Initiative & Community Engagement

Bria Barnes-Coleman has been appointed as the Director of the Women's Leadership Initiative and Community Engagement, a newly developed role at Albany Law School. President and Dean Cinnamon Carlarne created the position as part of the school's commitment to support and enhance the Women's Leadership Initiative.

The Women’s Leadership Initiative at Albany Law School is dedicated to empowering women through the development and advancement of Albany Law School students, alumnae, and members of the broader community.

In her new role, Barnes-Coleman will be responsible for developing programs, services, and activities for the Women's Leadership Initiative. The WLI was established in 2020 thanks in large part to a generous gift from trustee Kimberly C. (K.C.) Petillo- Décossard ’05 and her husband, Sakis Décossard, as part of We Rise Together: The Campaign for Albany Law School.

“I am confident that we will continue to grow and expand with Bria in this new role for the law school,” Dean Carlarne said. “Bria is an exceptional leader and dedicated member of our community who brings great experience, energy, and ideas to this position. I am thrilled that she has taken on this new leadership role.”

“Since Kate Stoneman, the first woman admitted to practice law in New York State, graduated from Albany Law in 1898, thousands of Albany Law alumnae, including myself, have stood on the shoulders of the successful women who preceded us, earning our own victories, and normalizing female success for the young women who follow us,” Petillo-Décossard said shortly after the WLI was established. “Sakis and I are thrilled to be a part of Albany Law’s continuing tradition of supporting women in the law.”

Prior to her new appointment, Barnes-Coleman served as the Assistant Director for Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives for two years. During this time, she built strong relationships with students, faculty, and staff, and contributed to creating a welcoming environment at Albany Law School.

For Barnes-Coleman, this opportunity is a perfect match as she seeks to pursue her passion for guiding students through law school and their broader life journeys.

“I am thrilled to be taking on this role at Albany Law School. As I think about this new role and my time at Albany Law School it excites me because this role aligns with who I am as a person, I am also the vice chair of the board for Girls Inc. in the greater capital region, I am a champion for empowering girls and women,” she said. “This moment in my life it feels like my personal and professional goals and passions have come together.”

The leaders of the WLI program believe Barnes-Coleman is an ideal candidate for this role, bringing the passion and dedication needed to elevate the Women’s Leadership Initiative into a cornerstone of Albany Law School.

“The Women’s Leadership Initiative is dedicated to building community, supporting aspiring women leaders, and providing opportunities to develop skills that will position them for future success,” Dean Mary Walsh Fitzpatrick and Dean Rosemary Queenan said in a joint statement. “We are excited about the appointment of Bria Barnes-Coleman as the Director of the Women’s Leadership Initiative and Community Engagement. Bria has shown a strong commitment to educating and empowering students at Albany Law School and has demonstrated the skill, expertise, and talent that will drive the continuing success and further development of the WLI.”