Our Mission:
The South Florida Women In-House Counsel Group (SFWIHCG) is an organization whose mission is to empower women attorneys working in an in-house, compliance or corporate counsel capacity at all levels of their organization. We do this by creating a space where our members can build relationships, provide and seek mentorship, elevate their profiles, develop skills to advance their careers, and enhance their personal lives, all while adding value to their organizations.
Our History:
The SFWIHCG began in 2011 as a simple yet powerful idea—a space where women attorneys working in-house could come together to connect, share experiences, and support one another. Our founder, Sira Veciana-Muiño, launched the group as an informal networking collective after experiencing firsthand the challenges of navigating her career without a strong network. Having been laid off early in her career, she recognized the critical importance of having peers to rely on, learn from, and leverage for mutual growth. Her goal was clear: to ensure that other women attorneys could build the relationships they needed to thrive and advance in their careers.
In its early years, the group was known for its quarterly happy hours and cocktail events, which quickly became a trusted space for candid conversations and meaningful connections. Growth came organically, through word of mouth, as more women recognized the value of a community built by and for in-house women attorneys.
By early 2018, membership had exceeded 120, and the group’s mission began to evolve. Members increasingly sought more structured programming focused on topics relevant to women corporate attorneys, from professional development and leadership to work-life integration. Understanding that the group’s potential extended far beyond informal networking, Ms. Veciana-Muiño expanded the leadership structure by forming a Steering Committee of 20 dedicated volunteers. This team worked to develop programming and events that reflected the needs and aspirations of the growing membership.
Since formalizing its structure in 2018, the South Florida Women In-House Counsel Group has blossomed into a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with nearly 350 members representing more than 225 companies across 20+ industries. Today, we remain committed to our founding mission: to provide a vibrant and supportive community where women attorneys can connect, grow, and succeed together. From our humble beginnings to our current role as a trusted resource and advocate, our journey is a testament to the power of shared experiences and collective ambition.