TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Laura Labenberg on Jun 15, 2026

The Tennessee Bar Association (TBA) Diversity Leadership Institute (DLI) Class of 2026 celebrated its graduation during the TBA’s Annual Convention in Knoxville. Graduates included Sara Ali-Amghaiab and Carole Rizkallah of Belmont University College of Law; Naimad Delgado, Charleston Pritchett, Cayla Scott, Sierra Sidoti and Carlee Sullins of Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law; Abigail James of University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law; Ronal Bueso, Marilyn Harrison-Bates and Cecilee Tinajero of Nashville School of Law; and Dimend Little of University of Tennessee Winston College of Law. Throughout the six-month program, class members participated in leadership and professional development opportunities, including dedicated programming at the annual convention and attendance at Young Lawyers Division (YLD) meetings. They also took part in the TBA YLD Winter Meeting, where they assisted with Mock Trial 101 and volunteered at the Tennessee State High School Mock Trial Competition as their class service project. In addition, participants engaged in virtual programming throughout the year. DLI is a six-month leadership and mentoring program designed for Tennessee law students in their second, third or fourth years of study. Learn more about the program on the YLD website.

Back row (left to right): Cecilee Tinajero, Charleston Pritchett, Marilyn Harrison Bates, Cayla Scott, Ronal Bueso, Sara Ali-Amghaiab and Dimend Little
Front row (left to right): Carlee Sullins, Carole Rizkallah, Naimad Delgado, Sierra Sidoti and Abigail James