As executive director the Women’s Law Center of Maryland, Katie Curran O’Malley has the task of guiding the 53-year-old organization through uncertain territory.

Following the loss of Roe v. Wade and fresh from an executive order that called for the immediate halting of federal funding to nonprofits, the former first lady of Maryland and retired judge — like many nonprofit leaders — has been on edge.

“We’re all sitting on pins and needles,” she said, explaining that 40% of funding for the nonprofit center comes from state and federal funding.

More than 7,000 Marylanders received free legal advice from the center in 2024, including survivors of intimate violence, some of whom are immigrants looking to secure their documentation. Its Employment Law Hotline has expanded hours to meet rising demand that is expected to grow even more, thanks to federal government rollbacks of equity-related programs designed to benefit women, among others.

“We are representing victims of crime, which is not political at all. It does not discriminate between parties,” she said. “It is a non-discriminatory fact of society. We still have domestic violence.”

“The fact that we are able to get funding from the state and federal government means that survivors of these crimes are represented in court,” said O’Malley, who has been running the center since January 2024.

Ahead of the center’s fundraiser tonight, The Baltimore Banner interviewed O’Malley about what may lie ahead. Responses have been edited for length and clarity.

How important is it to have women lawyers?

I feel like this is a question that should not have to be answered in 2025. Our world, our country, our communities exist with men and women. We all aspire, outside of our gender, to contribute to society in whatever profession we choose. Women have historically been shut out of primarily male dominated professions, like the law. In the legal profession, women have been a unique voice in advocating for equal justice under the law. It has been just over 100 years ago that women achieved the right to vote.

Are you viewing your current position as one that can help lead the resistance with issues like reproductive rights and immigration?

Our organization has existed for 53 years. Our mission is to ensure physical safety, economic security, and bodily autonomy for women throughout our state. After the Dobbs decision, our organization advocated in the Maryland legislature for increased abortion access in Maryland for girls and women. We also advocated for shielding laws in our state to protect women and girls coming from other states for reproductive health care services. We will continue to advocate for reproductive freedom. Our organization also has a specific program that assists foreign-born survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and/or human trafficking, get legal immigration status. We will continue to provide these services.

What were your thoughts when Kamala Harris lost the election?

I guess the best feelings were … uncertainty, fear and anxiety.

Do you think you will see a woman president in your lifetime?

Yes. With our youth, I think that we can elect a woman president in our country. I think this country can do great things. And what they can do is elect a woman.

What type of candidate will [we] need to achieve this?

A candidate that listens to the American people and addresses their concerns.

The Democratic Party failed to do that. Sadly, Kamala Harris was given 15 weeks. She was handicapped at the beginning. ... I think she was a phenomenal candidate. Was there misogyny and racism? Yes. It’s still a part of our country.

How do we encourage more women to pursue the law?

I think the current political atmosphere will persuade more women to seek the legal profession. Currently women are entering the legal field in greater numbers than ever. However, there are still fewer women in senior positions in law firms and governmental legal positions. To decrease this gap, big law firms and governmental agencies need to be transparent about the salaries of all employees.

What is the best advice a woman gave you about working in law and politics?

The best advice I received from a woman was from my mother, Barbara Curran. She attended law school in the 1950s. She told me to “never give up.”