On Friday, October 10th, I was honored to receive the Be Brave Award from the Lafayette Commission on the Needs of Women. I am deeply grateful and humbled by this recognition.

The luncheon, held at the Petroleum Club, was a beautiful celebration of women’s leadership and empowerment. The keynote speaker, Former United States Attorney Stephanie Finley, shared her powerful journey and how she works to make a difference in the lives of others. She challenged everyone in the audience to do the hard work of championing the needs of women.

I was deeply touched to have so many loved ones and supporters present when I received my award. My mother, daughter, sister, and nieces attended, and seeing their faces in the audience meant the world to me. My Leadership Lafayette Class XXXVIII—The Great 38—also showed up with incredible energy and encouragement. My dear friend Clara Chong also attended on my behalf.  My coach and mentor, Tonya Bolden-Ball, whose wisdom and guidance have shaped my growth as a leader and speaker, was also there in support. Their presence reminded me that bravery flourishes in community and that none of us walk this journey alone. I am so grateful to each of you for taking the time to share this moment with me.

The highlight of my night was hearing from the Commission’s sole living founder, Dr. Sarah Brabant, who shared how my speech and work inspired her. Her words reminded me of the importance of continuing this legacy of courage, advocacy, and impact.

I am sharing this post as both a thank-you and a reflection on what it truly means to “be brave.” It is also a call to action: an invitation for others to make an impact in your own communities.

What It Means to Be Brave

Being selected as the Be Brave recipient was monumental for me. Before receiving the award, I hadn’t taken the time to fully reflect on what bravery meant in my own life. This honor gave me that opportunity.

Being brave is not the absence of fear—it is the conscious choice to move forward, use your voice, and advocate for change despite fear. During my speech, I shared these words that continue to guide me:

“Bravery isn’t the absence of struggle, but the decision to rise, to speak, and to keep moving forward.”

You can watch a portion of my acceptance speech here:

Honoring the Past. Inspiring the Future.

This year’s theme—Honoring the Past. Inspiring the Future.—resonates deeply with me. In my acceptance speech, I reflected on how we honor the past and inspire the future through storytelling.

My own mental health journey has taught me to reflect on the past, acknowledge the present, and strive to impact the future. I explored this further in an article I recently wrote for The Promulgator titled “Mental Health in Law: Reflections, Progress, and the Road Ahead.”

Storytelling has long been a part of my life, but this year reinforced its power in new ways. I was inspired to begin sharing my personal story by publishing two deeply personal books.  

I also attended the Gerry Spence Method program, which centers around storytelling in the courtroom. The experience was transformative. It reignited my desire not only to tell my own story but to help others tell theirs.

Through my work at Gallien Law, where I bring a trauma-informed, client-centered approach to advocacy, and through the Corrie Gallien Collective, a space for healing and storytelling, I strive daily to honor the past and positively impact others’ futures.

Examples of Bravery

As I reflected on my own journey, I realized my story of bravery didn’t begin with me — it began with the women who raised and inspired me.  

My mother, Louise Gallien, is one of the bravest women I know. Born deaf and fluent in Creole French, she received limited education due to communication barriers in her school system. With only an eighth-grade education, she dedicated herself to ensuring her seven children received the education she was denied. Her commitment paid off—my oldest brother graduated as Salutatorian with perfect attendance from Kindergarten through 12th grade. I followed his example, graduating in the top 20 of my high school class with several years of perfect attendance.

My sister Oleda is also a portrait of bravery. Despite facing numerous challenges, she continues to show up for others with a smile and a generous heart. I admire her deeply and am inspired by her growing commitment to showing up for herself as well.

As an attorney, I have also been inspired by the courage of my colleagues. Seeing Judge Valerie Gotch Garrett take the bench as the first Black female judge in the 15th Judicial District reminded me of the bravery it takes to lead with compassion. My mentor and friend Dr. Dwazendra Smith also exemplifies bravery—she is one of few attorneys in Louisiana board-certified in family law, and she recently earned her doctorate while practicing law, a truly remarkable achievement.

The bravery of the women around me has rubbed off. I have walked my own path of courage as a deaf woman with a cochlear implant, navigating the legal profession and motherhood as a divorced single mom of four daughters.

I am also a survivor of domestic violence, and I have turned that pain into purpose through writing. My first book, Personal Injury: The Economic Impact of Abusive Relationships, was an act of bravery meant to remind survivors that they are not alone—and that healing is possible.

These experiences have shaped my leadership and deepened my belief that every story matters. Helping even one person can change the trajectory of their life. Advocacy means sharing others’ stories—but it also means encouraging them to share their own.

The Power of Storytelling and Advocacy

Advocacy begins with storytelling and making sure every voice is heard. I believe stories create empathy, inspire understanding, and drive real change.

As a Plaintiff’s Personal Injury, Criminal Defense, and Appellate Attorney, my role involves telling my clients’ stories in a way that compels compassion and justice. Through Gallien Law and the Corrie Gallien Collective, I am committed to empowering survivors, youth, and professionals to lead with courage and compassion.

At the Collective, my work focuses on six key pillars: disability advocacy, domestic violence awareness, youth mentorship, women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship, and work-life balance. Each pillar represents an area where change begins through courageous conversations.

Community Acknowledgment

I am incredibly grateful to the Lafayette Commission on the Needs of Women for recognizing leadership and courage in all its forms. The work this Commission does to prioritize women’s needs and well-being is vital, and I am honored to be part of that mission.

Thank you to my family, friends, mentors, coaches, colleagues, and supporters. I could not do this work—or receive this honor—without you.

To my four beautiful daughters: you are my source of inspiration and strength. You are my legacy. Your love and patience allow me to do the work that I do, and I am forever grateful for your sacrifices.

And to my community—thank you. Again, bravery is not solitary; it is built within community. Our community is the foundation of my work, and it’s how my mission continues to grow and reach others.

Continuing the Work

Receiving the Be Brave Award reminds me that courage is both a calling and a responsibility. The recognition is meaningful, but the real work continues in our homes and communities, and within ourselves.

Although I have always had a servant’s heart, this award has strengthened my resolve to keep showing up for others. I could not imagine my life without advocacy, compassion, and purpose.

I encourage everyone reading this to reflect on your own definition of bravery, leadership, and advocacy. After reflecting, please feel free to share what these means to you. 

Remember, when you choose courage, you honor the past and inspire the future.

Thank you again to the Lafayette Commission on the Needs of Women for this incredible honor. It is my hope that everyone reading this is inspired to be brave and to lead with impact.

I leave you with this: Your story matters. Be brave enough to tell it.