PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE - Brooklyn Women's Bar ...
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BROOKLYN WOMEN’S BAR ASSOCIATION, SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2020
NEWSLETTER, SUMMER 2020
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Happy August! On behalf of our Board of Directors, I extend to you
wishes of good health and strength.
On June 16, 2020, we hosted our first virtual Installation. We
continued with virtual programming throughout the summer, which
enabled our members to participate in our programs from home,
or while returning back to work. In June, we danced at our Zumba
class, and ended the month with our Mentorship Interest Meeting
to promote the theme for the year, “Paving the Way Through
Mentorship.” In July, we hosted the first of our monthly “Lunch with
a Judge” series, a “Study for the Bar Exam” program, and an
interactive CLE on implicit bias.
On August 8, 2020, I participated in a “Virtual EqualiTea with the Presidents” panel with Joy
Thompson, President of the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York (WBASNY),
and the Presidents of the Bronx, Queens, Staten Island and New York Chapters, to
celebrate the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment. This constitutional
milestone was accomplished after almost a century of protests demanding the right for
women to vote. Our country is once again at the precipice of what I envision will be great
change. I am encouraged by the support that we have provided to each other; and I am
confident that we will rise to the occasion to make positive changes in our communities.
I hope that you will join us in promoting this year’s theme. We will also continue with our
virtual programming. We look forward to seeing you at our Fall events, including our Annual
Membership Party, Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration, and CLE programs.
Yours Truly,
Natoya L. McGhie, BWBA President
BROOKLYN WOMEN’S BAR ASSOCIATION, SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2020
VIRTUAL INSTALLATION CEREMONY
By Turquoise Haskin, Editor
On Tuesday, June 16, 2020, jurists and lawyers convened on the Zoom platform
for the Installation of Natoya L. McGhie, as the 60th President of BWBA, and the
Officers, Directors, and Delegates to WBASNY, for the 2020-2021 term.
Hon. Nancy Bannon administered
the President’s Oath to McGhie.
Justice Bannon shared that she
met McGhie as a law student in
2010, during a judicial internship,
and encouraged her to join BWBA.
During her President’s address, McGhie introduced her theme for the year:
“Paving the Way Through Mentorship.” McGhie, the Principal Court Attorney to
Hon. Jane C. Tully in Kings County Supreme Court, Criminal Term, described
mentorship as a “backbone of the legal profession,” expressed gratitude for her
mentors, and reinforced the importance of promoting diversity and inclusion
through mentorship. McGhie concluded her remarks with a sentiment that rings
true for all–the hope of seeing everyone in-person again.
Prior to McGhie’s installation, Carrie
Anne Cavallo welcomed attendees, and
Immediate Past President Meryl Schwartz
recounted last term’s programs.
Hon. Sylvia O. Hinds-Radix administered
the oath to the Officers: Madeline Kirton,
President-Elect; Lisa Michael, Jovia Radix,
and Sue Novick Wasko, Vice Presidents;
Betsey Jean-Jacques, Treasurer; Lauren
Arnel, Recording Secretary; and Catherine
Gonzalez, Corresponding Secretary.
Hon. Joanne D. Quiñones administered the oath to the Directors:
Hon. Sylvia Ash, Carolyn Caccese, Hon. Heela Capell, Joanne Minksy
Cohen, Hon. Genine D. Edwards, Barbara Grcevic, Turquoise
Haskin, Hon. Sylvia O. Hinds-Radix, Hon. Connie Mallafre Melendez;
Susan Mauro, Angelicque Moreno, Hon. Marsha Steinhardt, Marea
Wachsman, Hon. Lillian Wan, and Victoria Wickman.
Hon. Jane C. Tully administered the oath to the Delegates: Elaine
Avery, Hon. Nancy Bannon, Helene Blank, Samantha Breakstone,
Carrie Anne Cavallo, Deborah Johnson, Raquel Miranda, Michele
Mirman, Hon. Joanne D. Quiñones, and Meryl Schwartz.
BROOKLYN WOMEN’S BAR ASSOCIATION, SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2020
PROMOTE THIS YEAR’S THEME BY JOINING THE MENTORSHIP COMMITTEE
By Mentorship Committee, Chairs
Natoya L. McGhie, Madeline Kirton, Carrie Anne Cavallo & Hon. Heela Capell
On June 30, 2020, the Mentorship Committee held its annual interest meeting. Thirty
members participated–marking the largest attendance the Committee’s
inception. Attendance included Judges, seasoned practitioners, newly admitted
attorneys, and law students.
Natoya L. McGhie began the
meeting by discussing her
theme for the year, "Paving the
Way Through Mentorship,”
and the importance of having
mentors. Madeline Kirton
spoke about the application
process, and the Committee’s
past events. Carrie Anne
Cavallo discussed the benefits of joining BWBA, including the opportunity to meet
lawyers throughout New York state by participating in any one of WBASNY’s over 40
committees. Hon. Heela Capell was excited that more members will be taking
advantage of the program.
Attendees introduced themselves and
shared what they were seeking from the
Committee. Several attendees expressed
interest in becoming mentors to return
the priceless support, which was crucial
to their success. Others wanted to serve
as mentors to provide the support that
they had never received.
Please join us in promoting this year’s
theme. Email us for a mentee application at: BWBAMentorship@gmail.com
BROOKLYN WOMEN’S BAR ASSOCIATION, SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2020
RECOGNIZING IMPLICIT BIAS
By Turquoise Haskin, Editor
On Wednesday, July 29, 2020, we welcomed Hon. Joanne D. Quiñones and Betsey Jean-
Jacques, Esq., presenters of our CLE program, “IMPLICIT BIAS: WHAT IS IT? DO I HAVE
IT? CAN I GET RID OF IT? THE DISCUSSION CONTINUES.”
Hon. Joanne Quiñones and Jean-Jacques
defined implicit bias as “automatic,
involuntary attitudes about skin color,
ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation,
disability, language, culture, immigration
status, age, religion, weight, etc… that
affect a person’s understanding, actions and decisions in an unconscious way.”
During the interactive program, the
presenters played videos, cited
studies, and walked attendees through
thought-provoking hypotheticals to
bring the topic to life.
Justice Quiñones and Jean-Jacques
played a video, which examined
when implicit bias begins.
Several recommendations were provided to combat implicit bias, including implementing
an anonymous recruitment process to yield a diverse pool of new hires, selecting interns
from various backgrounds, engaging in deliberate decision making, and reaching a
determination when one is alert and well-nourished!
Justice Quiñones and Jean-Jacques concluded the
program by directing our attendees to an online
test, which detects implicit biases.
BROOKLYN WOMEN’S BAR ASSOCIATION, SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2020
THE
PRESIDENTS
TALK 19TH
AMENDMENT &
“EQUALITEA”
By Turquoise Haskin, Editor
WBASNY President Joy A. Thompson, and the New York City Chapter Presidents, Natoya L. McGhie
(Brooklyn), Miguelina Camilo (Bronx), Amanda B. Norejko (New York), Soma Syed (Queens), and Rosa
Tragni (Staten Island) convened on August 8, 2020, to present, “Virtual EqualiTEA with the Presidents:
Celebrating 100 years of the 19th Amendment Women’s Right to Vote.”
Attorney General Letitia James
joined us at “EqualiTEA”
The Presidents provided an engaging, historical account of the events that led to the passage of the 19 th
Amendment with trivia, fun facts, quotes and pictures. McGhie shared that BWBA is the oldest women’s
bar association in New York state. Notably, the Association was formed in 1918, prior to the passage of
the 19th Amendment, and before women could serve as jurors. We were honored to have in attendance,
Attorney General Letitia James, the first woman to be elected to the position; and the first woman of
color to hold statewide office in New York. James stressed the importance of women having a seat at
the table to promote justice.
BROOKLYN WOMEN’S BAR ASSOCIATION, SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2020
“LUNCH WITH A JUDGE”
By Hon. Genine Edwards, Chair
Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association’s “Lunch with a Judge” is a signature monthly
series intended to foster a connection between the bench and the bar in an intimate
setting. Judges and attorneys have the opportunity to discuss their careers.
Traditionally, the series was held in a judge’s courtroom, chambers, or conference
room. We are pleased that we have been able to maintain our rapport with jurists in
a virtual setting. The sessions will provide our members with the unique opportunity
to remain abreast of procedural and policy changes that are taking place boroughwide.
On July 8, 2020, we welcomed Hon. Ellen M. Spodek, Supreme Court, Kings County,
Civil Term. Touching on this year’s theme, “Paving the Way Through Mentorship,”
Justice Spodek discussed the importance of having mentors throughout her career, as
a practicing attorney and as a Judge. She also discussed her prior role as Acting
Administrative Judge, and changes in her Medical Malpractice Part.
On July 8, 2020, we hosted our first
virtual “Lunch with a Judge” with
Hon. Ellen Spodek
BROOKLYN WOMEN’S BAR ASSOCIATION, SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2020
On August 5, 2020, we discussed practice
changes in Kings County Housing Court with
Hon. Heela Capell. Judge Capell also spoke
about serving as a mentor in BWBA’s
Mentorship Program, and the role that mentors
have played in the advancement of her career.
On August 5, 2020, we continued
our series with Hon. Heela Capell
Our upcoming series will
feature Justices assigned to the
Matrimonial, Guardianship,
and Commercial Parts.
We began our
virtual
programming
with Zumba on
June 25, 2020
BROOKLYN WOMEN’S BAR ASSOCIATION, SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2020
On July 17, 2020, Bar Expert Dr. Mary Campbell Gallagher, J.D.,
PhD., discussed How to Plan a Daily Bar Exam Study
Schedule with our Young Lawyers Committee
Member Spotlight: Danielle K. Ciraola
Danielle Ciraola is an Associate with the law firm of Kucker
Marino Winiarsky & Bittens, LLP. This year, she joined our
Young Lawyers’ Committee as a Co-Chair. Ms. Ciraola began her
involvement with BWBA in 2018 as a mentee in our Mentorship
Program. She actively participates in numerous professional
organizations, including serving as a volunteer attorney with the
Monday Night Law Program of the New York City Bar
Association. Ms. Ciraola concentrates her practice in real estate
administrative law, primarily advising property owners on how
to best navigate legal issues related to rent-regulated properties in New York.
BROOKLYN WOMEN’S BAR ASSOCIATION, SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2020
SAVE THE DATE
September 16, 2020. ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP PARTY.
A celebration and recognition of our members. Learn
about the many benefits of membership.
**DJ**Giveaways**Opportunity to be Spotlighted on ZOOM**
September 30, 2020. HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
CELEBRATION. Theme 2020: “Hispanics: Be Proud of
Your Past, Embrace the Future.”
**Live Band**Honorees to be announced**
“LUNCH WITH A JUDGE” SERIES
September 10, 2020
October 7, 2020
October 27, 2020
November 16, 2020
December 15, 2020
October 11, 2020. BREAST CANCER WALK. It is unknown
at this time whether the walk will be held in-person or virtually.
Members interested in joining BWBA’s team should register at:
www.makingstrideswalk.org/Brooklyn
October 28, 2020. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE MONTH
AWARENESS EVENT
December 2, 2020. ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY
**Subject to change**
BROOKLYN WOMEN’S BAR ASSOCIATION, SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2020
PRESIDENT
Natoya L. McGhie
PRESIDENT ELECT
New Job? Promotion? Getting an award? Please
Madeline D. Kirton send us your membership announcements for
VICE PRESIDENTS
publication in the Newsletter.
Lisa Michael
Jovia Radix
Sue Novick Wasko
TREASURER
Betsey Jean-Jacques
RECORDING SECRETARY
Lauren Arnel
IT’S TIME TO RENEW YOUR
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY
Catherine Gonzalez
MEMBERSHIP
DIRECTORS Our 2020-2021 Membership Year Began on June 1.
Hon. Sylvia Ash
Carolyn Cacccese
Hon. Heela Capell BWBA fiscal year is June 1 to May 31. If you have
Joanne Minsky Cohen
Hon. Genine Edwards already renewed, THANK YOU! If you haven't, it's time
Barbara Grecvic
Turquoise Haskin
to RENEW your membership for 2020-2021!
Hon. Sylvia Hinds-Radix
Susan Mauro Please complete your membership application online or
Hon. Connie Mallafre Melendez
Michele Mirman
download the application and mail it with your payment. We
Angelicque Moreno hope that you will join us again this year!
Hon. Marsha Steinhardt
Hon. Lillian Wan
Victoria Wickman
Immediate Past President
Meryl Schwartz
DELEGATES TO WBASNY
Elaine Avery
Hon. Nancy Bannon
Helene Blank
Samantha Breakstone
Carrie Anne Cavallo
Deborah Johnson
Raquel Miranda
Hon. Joanne D. Quinones
Meryl Schwartz
WBASNY Officers
Joy A. Thompson, President
Marea Wachsman, Vice President
TURQUOISE HASKIN, EDITOR
NATOYA L. MCGHIE, PRESIDENTYou can also read
