Brooke Welch is the Founder & CEO of Tiny Adventures, LLC. She works with proactive organizations and individuals to stop risking burnout and start getting excited about well-being with a tiny adventures mindset. The Tiny Adventures Path well-being practice is based on Brooke’s personal experience of recovery from a well-being crisis and thriving amidst deep uncertainty. She also supports alcohol-free social experiences as organizer of the Tiny Adventures RVA Sober-friendly Meetup Group.
Brooke graduated with a joint degree from the University of Virginia School of Law and the Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy (Tufts). She tells us: “My career path includes BigLaw litigation in NYC and DC, as well as nonprofit humanitarian immigration law in Baltimore, MD. I speak English, French, and Spanish (and a little Portuguese). I love adventures and frequently get outside of my comfort zone. I did a one-year mid-career travel sabbatical and I’m an avid fan of road trips. You can find me doing tiny adventures around Richmond, VA.”
In addition to volunteer with the WBA, Brooke is joining the lawyer well-being movement.
When did you join the WBA?
September 2021
In what committees/forums have you been involved?
I’m a Co-Chair of the Wellness & Health Law Forum. I also volunteer as a mentor.
Why did you join the Women’s Bar Association?
I want to help women attorneys to nurture their well-being. I personally experienced a well-being crisis many years ago. I discovered the recent Stress, Drink, Leave article sponsored by the DC Bar, and I was shocked that nearly 56% of the surveyed women attorneys qualified for risky drinking – a significant increase during COVID-19. The mental health and attrition rates were significantly higher for women attorneys. Soon thereafter, I attended the WBA Stars of the Bar, including the break out sessions. Wow!! Everyone was so welcoming and dynamic – I absolutely wanted to be part of this amazing group of women.
What benefits do you get from being a part of the WBA and why do you think others should join?
Being part of the WBA community is DEFINITELY a well-being support in every single facet (occupational, physical, emotional, spiritual, social, intellectual). The leaders and volunteers are inspiring with their dedication and inclusivity. In addition, the programming is diverse and intentional in quality and usefulness.
Do you have a mentor/hero?
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I have a RBG figure on my desk to keep me company. She reminds me that if she could go to law school for two people, with a baby, during a time when women law students were rare, then I can take risks, innovate, and be true to myself, as well.
What words of advice do you have for women new to the profession?
Zoom out. Yes, excellence and leadership are important. But, we can get tunnel-visioned with our definition of success and how to achieve it. We have a long career and so many gifts to share. Our well-being is jeopardized if we neglect it, with potentially grave consequences. Membership in WBA-DC can help you stay centered, connected, and of service to other women attorneys.
What is the best advice you have received?
Don’t quit before the miracle.