Jovia Radix takes the reigns as president of the Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association

June 20, 2023 Rob Abruzzese

Jovia Radix was sworn in as the president of the Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association during a ceremony presided over by her mother, Hon. Sylvia Hinds-Radix. Eagle photos by Robert Abruzzese.

Share this:

The Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association underwent a generational change last Thursday when past president Hon. Sylvia Hinds-Radix presided over the installation ceremony for her daughter, and new president of the association Jovia Radix.

“Jovia is a true rising star in the legal community,” said Dean Delianites, the master of ceremony for the event.

Dean Delianites served as the master of ceremonies for Thursday’s installation ceremony.

Unfortunately, outgoing president Susan Mauro was ill and could not attend the ceremony, but that didn’t deter the spirit of appreciation for her service. Marea Wachsman read her remarks, and Hon. Genine Edwards presented a gift on Mauro’s behalf.

Hon. Genine Edwards (left) and Karlyne Fequiere.

Edwards fondly reminisced about her camaraderie with Mauro and said, “We were in the foxhole together…and she always kept her cool. Leading a bar association has many twists and turns and we salute you for doing it with integrity, precision, and encouraging all of those around you.”

New treasurer Erin Peake, herself a rising star in the legal community, provided remarks. Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn also spoke and presented Radix with a citation on behalf of her office. Bichotte Hermelyn was honored earlier in the year by the BWBA. As a law school student expected to graduate in December 2023, she is a future member of the association herself.

Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn (left) presents Jovia Radix with a citation on behalf of her office.

From left: Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, Alexis Riley, and Hon. Ellen Spodek, president of the Brooklyn Brandeis Society.

“Jovia is one of the smartest women I’ve ever met,” Bichotte Hermeyln said. “When she was running for City Counsel I thought, you are too good for this. I’m glad that God has planted you where you need to be.”

The evening continued with remarks by past president, Helene Blank., further highlighting the strength and community of the BWBA. The ceremonial swearing-in for the new officers and board of directors was performed by Hon. Ruth Shillingford and Hon. Paul Wooten, respectively.

The climax of the night was undoubtedly the installation of Jovia Radix as president. The ceremony held special resonance as Radix’s mother, Hon. Sylvia Hinds-Radix, a past president of the BWBA and the 81st Corporation Counsel for the City of New York, presided over the event.

From left: Jovia Radix, Carl Forbes, Jr., president of the Metropolitan Black Bar Association, and Hon. Sylvia Hinds-Radix.

The Hinds-Radix (pictured from left to right): Dr. Jenneate Radix, Hon. Sylvia Hinds-Radix, Jovia Radix, Josyl Radix, Dr. Joseph Radix, and Ray.

“I remember some 18 years ago when I got elected to the Supreme Court, Jovia had to give remarks… I remember she stood in the pulpit at my church when she said, ‘Today I am loaning my mother to the state of New York,’” Judge Hinds-Radix recalled. “Well today I want to say the same thing to you — I’m loaning you my diamond, my daughter. I am profoundly proud of her and the strides that she has made.”

Radix’s achievements as the Senior Vice President of the Corporate and Legislative practice at Kasirer, combined with her community service, make her appointment as the BWBA President a fitting next step in her exceptional career.

Hon. Paul Wooten (left) conducts the installation ceremony for the 2023-2024 slate of directors. Pictured second from left: Sue Wasko, Hon. Dweynie Paul, Ashley Iodice, Karlyne Fequiere, Hon. Genine Edwards, Hon. Heela Capell, Danielle Ciraola, Barbara Grcevic, Hon. Sylvia Hinds-Radix, Betsey Jean-Jacques, Deborah Johnson, and Hon. Ellen Spodek.

With a resume including being named in the “Brooklyn Power 50” and 2021 “Brooklyn Power 100,” she brings a wealth of knowledge and commitment to her new role. Her engagement in government and political positions, as well as her commitment to community services like the Barbados Ex-Police Association’s tutoring program, highlights her dedication to serving the community.

Following the ceremonial installation, the new president herself took the stage. Jovia Radix, in her inaugural address, set forth her vision for the future of the BWBA under her leadership and explained the theme for her presidency — Ever Forward: Forging the Path for our Next Generation. She also gave credit to Meryl Schwartz for being instrumental in helping the BWBA during COVID.

Hon. Paul Wooten (left) stands with the WBASNY delegates (starting second from left): Madeline Kirton, Hon. Nancy Bannon, Helene Blank, Samantha Breakston, Meryl Schwartz, Carolyn Caccese, and Marea Wachsman.

“Over the past five years this association has been through a lot, but we have shown our resilience,” Radix said. “We were thrust into a pandemic and effortlessly made it through it and one person does not get enough credit so I want to acknowledge Meryl Schwartz.

“We have kept this organization going because it is so important to the female legal identity,” Radix continued. “It is an association that forges relationships, mentorships, and opportunities. It is here that I get the opportunity to learn from the most incredible women.”