Brooklyn Boro

Maria Aragona installed as president of the Confederation of Columbian Lawyers

September 25, 2018 By Rob Abruzzese, Legal Editor Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Brooklyn’s own Maria Aragona was sworn in as president of the Confederation of Columbian Lawyers of New York State. Eagle photos by Mario Belluomo
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One of the rising stars of Brooklyn’s legal community, Maria Aragona, was officially installed as the president of the Confederation of Columbian Lawyers of New York State during a ceremony at Gargiulo’s in Coney Island on Monday, Sept. 17.

Aragona will serve the statewide bar association of Italian-American lawyers as its president for the next two years. She will be joined by fellow officers Carmelo “Mel” Grimaldi, who will serve as vice president, Frank Bruno, corresponding secretary, and Sean McCowan, who will be recording secretary.

“I am truly honored and privileged to stand here as president of the Confederation of Columbian Lawyers,” Aragona said after her installation. “It really means a lot to me considering that New York has the highest population of Italian-Americans in this great country, and even beats New Jersey by 1.2 million people.”

Aragona was officially installed by Justice Carl Landicino. Domenick Napoletano served as the master of ceremonies at the event and speakers included Gregory Laspina, Concetta Mennella and Anthony Emanuel.

During her speech, Aragona identified the three main values of Italian-Americans, concept of family, our strong work ethic and the Catholic faith. She said that she will keep those values in mind as president.

“It is my goal as president for the next two years to strengthen this great organization, increase participation from members of all of our participating organizations, which includes First Department, Nassau County, Queens, Rockland County, Suffolk County, Westchester County, and of course my home chapter of Brooklyn.”

Aragona made a point to thank outgoing president Maria Guccione, who served for the past two years. She cited Guccione’s strong leadership she when the confederation drafted a petition that was sent to the mayor and city council last year in defending the statue of the group’s namesake Christopher Columbus in Columbus Circle.

“It has been my privilege to assist her in her leadership of this organization,” Aragona said.

Aragona was honored in March 2017 by the Catholic Lawyers Guild of Kings County during the group’s annual Shrove Tuesday event.

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