Who says you can’t have it all? A native of Northwest Baltimore’s Fallstaff/Cross Country community, Del. Dalya Attar (D-41st) has done more in her 33 years than most of us could hope to accomplish in a lifetime.
A graduate of Bais Yaakov of Baltimore, the University of Baltimore and the Francis King Carey School of Law at University of Maryland, Attar, an assistant state’s attorney for Baltimore City, is the married mom of two children and a congregant of the Baltimore Sephardic Center in Park Heights.
Jmore talked with Attar about what inspires her in her work, the best advice she ever got and more.
What inspires you in your work?
Being able to help so many people is what inspires me. As a lawyer, being able to help my clients who are in difficult, life-altering situations is truly inspirational.
As a delegate, helping thousands of constituents with all different problems they are facing, is what gives me the strength to continue in my line of work.
Who is/was your mentor or professional role model?
My professional role model is former Judge Karen ‘Chaya’ Friedman. As a young prosecutor, I appeared before Judge Friedman in court for the first time and was in awe of her for so many reasons. She is able to balance being a mother, a judge and an Orthodox woman. Chaya has used her voice to stand up for what she believes in and continues to volunteer on nonprofit boards for a variety of organizations such as CHANA, an organization that helps and empowers women who suffered from abuse.
Chaya has been able to accomplish a tremendous amount, both personally and professionally, while still remaining kind, down-to-earth and very grounded. Over the last 10 years, I’ve watched her grow into many roles. Chaya is now a grandmother with a career which has moved to a national level [as director of criminal justice innovation, development and engagement at the U.S. Department of Justice]. I will continue to watch her and be inspired by what direction her talents lead her next.
What was the best advice anyone ever gave you?
The best advice I’ve ever been given is to stick to my morals and beliefs, no matter what position I am put in. As I navigate this complicated world, I find myself in many difficult positions. I strongly believe that using this advice to guide my moral compass in my decision-making along the road is crucial to my success.
Do you feel that sexism and salary inequities for women can be overcome in your lifetime?
I definitely hope so!
Over the years, I’ve seen a positive shift. However, we have a long way to go. I can talk about sexism and salary inequities for women all day, but for now I’ll just say that I’m not 100% confident that these inequities will be overcome in my lifetime.
How did Jewish values influence and inform your career and life in general?
On a regular basis, Jewish values were engrained in me, both at home and in school. From a young age, I attended Jewish day school. My parents and teachers modeled values like treating others like you want to be treated, tzedakah — giving charity to those less fortunate — and tikkun olam, various actions intended to repair and improve the world.
These are just a few examples of daily reminders that continue to shape me in my private and professional life. I’m so grateful for every Jewish value that has helped me in my life, my family and my career.
What advice would you give young women today?
Don’t be discouraged by others. Don’t let others say you can’t or dissuade you from pursuing your goals. Being a woman does not mean you cannot accomplish your dreams. Stick with your values and don’t give up!
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