Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association honors Renee Turner Gregory at annual membership party

December 4, 2023 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

President Jovia Radix (center) with Hon. Sylvia Hinds-Radix (left) presenting an award to Renee Turner Gregory (right) in recognition of her outstanding service and upcoming retirement.
Photos: Robert Abruzzese/Brooklyn Eagle

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The Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association (BWBA) celebrated its annual Membership Party on Thursday, Nov. 16, at the Brooklyn Bar Association building.

The event, a key tradition of the BWBA, offered a platform for members to engage in networking and camaraderie. The informal setting, complete with karaoke and socializing, was punctuated by a brief speech by BWBA President Jovia Radix.

BWBA President Jovia Radix addresses members at the annual Membership Party, emphasizing the importance of community and support within the legal profession.

In her speech, President Radix emphasized the significance of membership beyond financial contributions. She highlighted the role of BWBA in representing the state bar association and stressed the importance of strong support for the incoming leader of the Women’s Bar Association for the State of New York (WBASNY), Marea Wachsman. Radix’s call to action was clear: to ensure a robust backing for Wachsman in her new role.

“Membership is not just about money and how we run this organization,” Radix said. “What is really important is how we are represented in the state bar association (The Women’s Bar Association for the State of New York) and the delegates that we get towards the end of the year to make decisions.

“This coming year, WBASNY will be led by our very own Marea Wachsman and we want to make sure that she walks in with a strong, strong bar association behind her,” Radix continued.

“You also get all of our CLEs that we provide, our regular Lunch with a Judge series that we host month after month, our annual Christmas party, our gala at the end of the year,” said Radix. “All of those things are based on our membership, which gives us the ability to do those things.

The highlight of the evening was the honoring of Renee Turner Gregory, a long-serving staffer of the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office. Gregory, who is set to retire, has been an integral part of the legal community, particularly in her role as the chief diversity and inclusion officer at the Brooklyn DA’s Office. Her journey from an educator of 16 years to a law graduate from Brooklyn Law School showcases her dedication to addressing inequities in underserved communities.

Justice Lawrence Knipel entertains the audience with his guitar skills, adding a musical flair to the BWBA’s annual Membership Party.

Hon. Sylvia Hinds-Radix, NYC Corporation Counsel and past president of the BWBA, lauded Gregory’s extensive contributions. She hailed Gregory as a mentor and an exemplary figure for women in the legal profession. The BWBA’s decision to honor Gregory was a testament to her tireless efforts and the impact she has had on the community.

“This is an incredible woman,” said Sylvia Hinds-Radix. “She has been toiling for a long time. She is about to retire and that’s why the BWBA wanted to make sure that she gets the flowers for the work that she has been doing. She has been a mentor, she has been an example for other women to follow. We like to highlight women who do good work and you are a great worker.”

In her response, Gregory reflected on her work with the BWBA members and emphasized the importance of supporting each other and the broader community. She shared her pride in being a Girl Scout leader for 15 years, underscoring her commitment to empowering young women.

“I’ve done work with many of you,” Gregory said. “It is very important that we support each other and our communities so we don’t have to see young people faced with adversity coming through the court system. One of the things that I’m very proud of is that I’ve been a Girl Scout leader for the last 15 years. It’s important that we reach out to support young women.”

Past President Michele Mirman discusses the upcoming holiday party, encouraging attendees to contribute unwrapped toys and children's coats for a charitable cause. — Past President Michele Mirman discusses the upcoming holiday party, encouraging attendees to contribute unwrapped toys and children’s coats for a charitable cause.

The BWBA has two events coming up in December including its Holiday Party on Tuesday, Dec. 12. That event will be held at Brooklyn Law School, and guests are invited to bring an unwrapped toy and children’s coats. There will be a holiday party raffle and proceeds from that will be donated to Safe Homes Project of Brooklyn and the Department of Homeless Services.

Then, on Dec. 14, the BWBA will host its “Lunch with a Judge” program with Hon. Wavny Toussaint, the presiding justice of the Appellate Term of the Supreme Court, 2nd, 11th, and 13th Judicial Districts. That event is virtual, on Zoom, at 1 p.m.

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