UBW WELCOMES NEW BOARD CHAIR
Urban Bush Women is pleased to announce the election of Marjorie McFarlane Lucas as the Chair of the Board of Directors, effective March 2025. She succeeds Tammy Bormann who has served as Chair since 2006.
Image Description: A professional portrait of a Black woman with long, wavy black hair, smiling confidently at the camera. She wears a fitted taupe dress, accessorized with layered pearl and black bead necklaces, a smartwatch, and rings. Her pose is strong, with hands on her hips, exuding confidence and leadership. The background is a simple, neutral gray.
"Some are born ready—not for the world as it is, but for the greatness they are destined to create." Animated by this belief, Marjorie is excited to assume the role of Board Chair at Urban Bush Women (UBW), where she is committed to enhancing community engagement and championing clear, impactful communication. She is inspired by UBW's mission to bring underrepresented stories to light through dance, and she looks forward to supporting their efforts in fostering an inclusive environment that celebrates Black women’s narratives and artistry. Marjorie is dedicated to helping UBW continue its impactful work that uplifts and empowers individuals and creates spaces where all can flourish.
A graduate of Chatham University with a B.A. in Political Science and Economics, Marjorie later earned a Master’s degree from Cornell University. Guided by her philosophy, “It’s not what happens to you, but how you respond to it that matters,” she remains a prime example of resilience and thoughtful leadership in every endeavor.
With a wealth of experience in cross-sector collaboration, strategic planning, and organizational development, Marjorie is eager to further UBW’s mission of mentorship, inclusion, and empowerment within the arts.
Marjorie's career includes notable leadership roles, such as Director of Firmwide Partner Recruiting at Fennemore, where she leads initiatives to recruit and retain top legal talent across the firm’s twenty offices. She has also served as Regional Recruiting Manager at Greenberg Traurig, LLP, Senior Vice President of Client Services, and Firmwide Head of Recruiting at a national alternative legal services provider. With over 20 years of expertise in talent acquisition, leadership development, and diversity and inclusion, Marjorie has been dedicated to creating dynamic, inclusive environments where individuals thrive. She works closely with leadership teams to align recruitment strategies with firm growth objectives, ensuring long-term success across multiple practice areas and regions.
As a passionate advocate for social change, Marjorie plays a vital role in Fennemore's Diversity and Inclusion Council, fostering a culture where legal professionals of all backgrounds can excel. She draws upon her extensive experience to build high-performing legal teams and promote diversity in the legal profession.
Outside of her professional life, Marjorie enjoys photography, traveling, exercising, dancing, and spending quality time with her parents, nieces and nephews, and her husband, Albert, in Connecticut.
Outgoing Chair Tammy Bormann reflects, “Serving the UBW mission as Board Chair for the last 19 years has been the privilege and joy of my life. I am thrilled that Marjorie will step into leadership at this auspicious moment of UBW’s 40th anniversary. Her passion, expertise and commitment will launch UBW into the bold future we have envisioned in our strategic plan. I am honored and excited to remain on the UBW board to support Marjorie’s leadership and UBW’s essential work.”
“It is my pleasure to welcome and celebrate Marjorie McFarlane Lucas as our new Board Chair,” says UBW Executive Director Michele Kumi Baer. “Marjorie brings a deep well of knowledge, an infectious drive, and an authentic passion for UBW to this role. As we embark on our next decade of boundary-defying work, I trust her leadership on our board will provide the fuel, the hearth, and the spark we need to steward UBW’s mission and vision with courage and conviction.”
