The event also gave organizers an opportunity to reflect on how far the association has come in the last 50 years.

“The founders’ vision, their goal was to promote an ethnic group, who despite hard work and intellectual ability, were not afforded the opportunities of those who landed on these shores years before them,” Bamundo said. “That was needed 50 years ago, and I am sorry to say that that still resonates to some extent today not just for Italians, but for other ethnic groups, for women, for members of the LGBTQ community.

“I am proud to stand here before you and say that this association continues to stand for the proposition that all lawyers of Italian heritage, and other ethnic groups, backgrounds and gender identifications who are just as capable,” Bamundo continued.

Bamundo presented LoCascio with a plaque for her dedication during her year as president.

“Linda was the last board member handpicked by the association’s heart and soul, Justice Anthony J. Cutrona, to be elevated as an officer and ultimately president,” Bamundo said. “You made our spiritual leader very proud.”

LoCascio discussed her year, which included events like the young lawyers night, the Red Mass, Judge’s Night, organizing a group during the Columbus Day Parade and a plaque dedication to Justice Cutrona inside the Kings County Supreme Court.

“To Anthony Cutrona, everything I did this year I did in your name and spirit and let you be my constant guide,” LoCascio said. “I remain forever grateful to you and your beautiful family.”

The new officers, which includes Susanne Gennusa as first vice president, Christopher Caputo as second vice president, Maria Aragona as third vice president, Mark A. Longo as treasurer, Salvatore Scibetta as corresponding secretary and Yolanda Guadagnoli as recording secretary, and directors were all sworn in by Justice Carl Landicino.

Rosato was sworn in last, and afterward he talked about what the organization meant to him. He joked that he always wanted to change the name of the organization to the “Mutual Admiration Society” because of how well the members get along.

“The truth of the matter is that we love it,” Rosato said of the Columbian Lawyers Association of Brooklyn. “We love spending time together. Congeniality and promoting lawyers of Italian descent is at the very heart of this organization. It is built on love for one another, caring for each other and respecting each other.”

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