DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN — The Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association, an organization of women lawyers and judges dedicated to promoting equality, professional development and community service in the legal field, held its 2026-2027 installation ceremony the evening of June 16.
The 106th annual event took place at the Eastern District Court, located at 225 Cadman Plaza East, and included the installation of BWBA’s 2026-2027 officers, directors and delegates, including newly-minted President Karlyne Fequiere.
Judges of the Unified Court System. Photo: Wayne Daren Schneiderman/Brooklyn Eagle
Changing of the guard
Master of Ceremonies Helene Blank called the BWBA a “gorgeous mosaic” and said the organization is stronger and better for it.
BWBA immediate past President Lisa Michael, left, alongside President Karlyne Fequiere. Photo: Wayne Daren Schneiderman/Brooklyn Eagle
“As I look out at the incoming officers, directors and delegates, I see a beautiful array of accomplished, smart women from all walks of life,” Blank said. “Tonight, we congratulate Lisa Michaels for a fantastic year, and of course, we are here to celebrate the installation of our new president, Karlyne Fequiere.”
Hon. Genine Edwards referred to Fequiere as the consummate professional and a person full of love and light. “She’s more than capable of leading the Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association with distinction, and taking us to the next level,” Edwards said.
Hon. Tanya Kennedy called Fequiere “tenacious, resilient and a real go-getter.”
Hon. Lola Waterman delivering the invocation. Photo: Wayne Daren Schneiderman/Brooklyn Eagle
“Karlyne will roll up her sleeves and do the hard work,” Kennedy said, adding that she is also a compassionate leader who believes in collaboration.
Hon. Sylvia Hinds-Radix, who conducted the swearing-in ceremony, stated that Fequiere’s resume is “exemplary, and among all her incredible qualities, she is also an excellent lawyer.”
BWBA President Karlyne Fequiere. Photo: Wayne Daren Schneiderman/Brooklyn Eagle
“There is no doubt in my mind that this organization I love will go to higher heights as Karlyne undertakes the leadership,” Hinds-Radix said.
A meaningful and memorable year
Outgoing BWBA President Lisa Michael reflected on what she called a meaningful and memorable year. Michael had high praise for Fequiere as well.
“Karlyne has been an invaluable sounding board for me throughout this year, whether it was a difficult decision, a new idea or a challenge we were facing,” Michael said. “She was always there with thoughtful advice, practical solutions and unwavering support.”
BWBA 2026-2027 delegates being sworn in by Hon. Genine Edwards. Photo: Wayne Daren Schneiderman/Brooklyn Eagle
Michael pointed out that leadership is more than just running meetings or planning events. It’s about listening, building relationships and inspiring others to work towards a common goal.
“Karlyne embodies all of those qualities, and I know she will lead with grace, vision, dedication and heart,” Michael said.
In Fequiere’s remarks, she stated that her presidency will be grounded in three core pillars: leadership, service and excellence.
BWBA 2026-2027 board of directors being sworn in by Hon. Genine Edwards. Photo: Wayne Daren Schneiderman/Brooklyn Eagle
“Leadership because we all have a responsibility to inspire, mentor and prepare those who will one day become leaders; Service because our profession calls us to use our talent, making a difference in the lives of others; and Excellence because we should never stop striving to become the very best version of ourselves,” Fequiere said. “We will continue to build upon BWBA’s proud legacy and shape an even brighter future.”
Fequiere said her vision is simple. She aims to empower leaders, elevate one another and pursue excellence in all that the organization does, building on a strong foundation laid by those who came before.
BWBA 2026-2027 officers being sworn in by Hon. Genine Edwards. Photo: Wayne Daren Schneiderman/Brooklyn Eagle
“If we remain committed to those ideals, there is no limit to what we can accomplish together. The future is not something we wait for; it is something we create,” she said.
Fequiere, who has more than 25 years of litigation experience serving the City of New York, is currently the chief assistant corporation counsel at the New York City Law Department, leading its largest division and guiding litigation strategy for the city and its agencies.
New officers, directors and delegates
Master of Ceremonies Helene Blank. Photo: Wayne Daren Schneiderman/Brooklyn Eagle
2026-2027 officers include President Karlyne Fequiere, President-Elect Ruth Chung, Vice Presidents Hon. Connie Mallafre Meléndez, Hon. Lola Waterman and Danielle Ciraola, Treasurer Atasia Richardson, Recording Secretary Lauren Arnel, and Corresponding Secretary Gumana Attal.
2026-2027 Board of Directors includes Donna Clancy, Hon. Genine Edwards, Hon. Cenceria Edwards, Barbara Grcevic, Hon. Sylvia Hinds-Radix, Victoria Lombardi, Hon. Betty Lugo-Martinez, Susan Mauro, Angelicque Moreno, Michele Mirman, Hon. Dweynie Paul, Hon. Anne Swern, Hon. Rhonda Tomlinson, Hon. Lillian Wan, and Sue Novick-Wasko.
2026-2027 delegates include Elaine Avery, Helene Blank, Carolyn Caccese, Elizabeth Eilender, Deborah Johnson, Nermina Markisic, Meryl Schwartz, Hon. Ellen Spodek and Marea Wachsman.
The BWBA was created in 1918 when nine women lawyers united for the purpose of achieving equality, diversity, fairness and opportunity for women lawyers and all women. Since then, the association has grown to include several hundred members and, through its affiliation with the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York, has spearheaded countless advances for Women.
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