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Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association installs Sara Gozo as president

June 17, 2016 By Rob Abruzzese Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Sara J. Gozo is sworn in by Hon. Sylvia Hinds-Radix. Eagle photos by Mario Belluomo
Sara J. Gozo is sworn in by Hon. Sylvia Hinds-Radix. Eagle photos by Mario Belluomo
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The Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association (BWBA) held an installation ceremony for its new president, Sara J. Gozo, and its new slate of officers, directors and delegates at the Appellate Court in Brooklyn Heights on Wednesday.

“It is an honor and privilege to serve as president of the Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association,” Gozo said. “I thank each and every one of you for sharing this evening with me as we embark on a new chapter of the BWBA, taking it to even greater heights.”

Hon. Sylvia Hinds-Radix performed the installation for Gozo, who has replaced immediate past President Helene Blank. Hon. Randall T. Eng installed the officers, directors and delegates. The new officers include Michele Mirman as president-elect; Derefim Neckles, Joy Thompson and Marea Wachsman as vice presidents; Meryl Schwartz as treasurer; Carrie Anne Cavallo as recording secretary; and Deborah Johnson as corresponding secretary.

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The new directors include Hon. Sylvia G. Ash, John F.K. Coffey, Joanne Minsky Cohen, Hon. Genine D. Edwards, Barbara H. Grcevic, Hon. Sylvia Hinds-Radix, Consuelo “Connie” Mallafre Melendez, Natoya L. McGhie, Lisa Michael, Lisa Schreibersdorf, Hon. Shawndya L. Simpson, Hon. Ellen M. Spodek, Hon. Marsha Steinhardt, Hon. Lillian Wan and Sue Novick Wasko.

The slate of the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York delegates include Elaine N. Avery, Hon. Nancy M. Bannon, Helene E. Blank, Hon. Theresa M. Ciccotto, Angelicque Moreno, Holly E. Peck and Hon. Joanne D. Quinones.

Before anyone was installed, Hinds-Radix took a moment to talk about the past year and the significant work that Helene Blank did as president of the organization.

“For the past year I know you have been inundated with notices for the fun projects that the women’s bar association was having, and all of this is because of the hard work of the little, powerful woman who fearlessly controlled what happened at the women’s bar,” Hinds-Radix said. “I have to commend Helene for a year of stellar work and a job well done.”

Blank thanked everyone for their help over the last year and recalled the day that Hinds-Radix asked her to join the slate of officers and just couldn’t turn her down. She then took a moment to reflect on the past year.

“What a year it’s been for the BWBA,” said Blank. “We increased our membership by over 100 people, we got another delegate in the state bar and we are about to get another 100 members. It’s important because as the BWBA rose in size, our voice in the state organization gets louder. As the BWBA grows in size, we are better able to use our voice to get things done.”

Hinds-Radix returned to the dias to install Gozo, but first she discussed how thrilled she was for the organization to have such a dedicated, focused and well-qualified leader.

“I’m sure that you will be a wonderful president and I’m looking forward to your leadership and guidance to continue to do the great work for this organization,” Hinds-Radix said. “I can attest to her diligence, her dedication and her focus. I know that the women’s bar is in good hands with Sara, and we will be well-served with her at the helm.”

Finally, Gozo discussed all of the great programs that the BWBA has in place that she plans to continue. She also spoke about the reasons non-members to join. She cited the free Continuing Legal Education lectures, a membership in WBASNY, programs to raise money to fight breast cancer, mentoring programs and more.

“Please join me as we continue our fight to eradicate such evils as domestic violence and breast cancer, issues that affect all members of society,” Gozo said. “This year, I plan to add to this an event aimed at raising awareness that the number one killer of women is cardiovascular disease, which includes heart disease, hypertension and stroke. In addition to working on these initiatives, I plan to focus on membership, the lifeline of any successful bar association.”


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