Women of the court celebrated for advocacy in equity, diversity and inclusion

March 26, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

The Second Judicial District Equal Justice Committee hosted an event to commemorate Women's History Month on Friday, March 22. Pictured is Justice Joanne Quinones, alongside Hon. Wavny Toussaint (center) and Taneka Teel, presenting flowers to Toussaint in recognition of her keynote speech.
Brooklyn Eagle photos by Robert Abruzzese

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On Friday, the Second Judicial District Equal Justice Committee hosted an event to commemorate Women’s History Month, spotlighting individuals who have significantly contributed to advocating for equity, diversity, and inclusion within the judicial system. Organized by Hon. Joanne Quinones, chair of the Second Judicial District Equal Justice Committee, the event took place at 320 Jay St. and was a vibrant recognition of women’s achievements and contributions.

Justice Quinones, raising her glass of sparkling apple cider in a toast to the women of the courthouse at SJDEJC Women's History Month. — Justice Quinones, raising her glass of sparkling apple cider in a toast to the women of the courthouse.

“This year’s National Women’s History Month theme, Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, is perfectly aligned with our committee’s mission, so we are thrilled to be able to celebrate so many women members of our court family,” Justice Quinones said. “Today’s honorees reflect the rich diversity of our court community and include court analysts, court clerks, court attorneys and uniformed personnel. They are everyday women, and they make a big difference.”

A collective photo featuring the Equal Justice Committee members alongside the honorees at SJDEJC Women's History Month. — A collective photo featuring the Equal Justice Committee members alongside the honorees.

The committee, which aims to ensure fair and equitable treatment for all court users and to foster a diverse and inclusive environment within the court system, highlighted the efforts of various honorees from different sectors of the judicial system.

From left to right: Karen Uniacke, Krista Sessoms, Shawnna Robb, Sgt. Stacey Walder, Nicole B. Smith, Hon. Joanne Quinones, Alice Liang, Shateya James, Leah Richardson, Tamara Broadus, Madonna Ferguson, Jeanessa Walker, Jeanette Mercedes, Cpt. Erica Mercado, Ada DeJesus-Milam and Janice Chen, all being recognized for their pivotal roles in promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion at SJDEJC Women's History Month. — From left to right: Karen Uniacke, Krista Sessoms, Shawnna Robb, Sgt. Stacey Walder, Nicole B. Smith, Hon. Joanne Quinones, Alice Liang, Shateya James, Leah Richardson, Tamara Broadus, Madonna Ferguson, Jeanessa Walker, Jeanette Mercedes, Cpt. Erica Mercado, Ada DeJesus-Milam and Janice Chen, all being recognized for their pivotal roles in promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Those celebrated included Dianne Adkins-Forte, Tamara Broadus, Major Luz G. Bryan, Janice Chen, Esq., Ada DeJesus-Milam, Nadonna Ferguson, Shateya James, Alice Liang, Esq., Captain Erica Mercado, Jeanette Mercedes, Esq., Leah Richardson, Shawnna Robb, Krista Sessoms, Nicole B. Smith, Karen Uniacke, Sergeant Stacey L. Walder, Jeanessa Walker, and Captain Sheila White. Each honoree has played a pivotal role in their respective fields, contributing to the advancement of equity, diversity and inclusion.

Following Justice Toussaint’s speech, some of the honorees got an opportunity to speak, including Major Luz Bryan at SJDEJC Women's History Month. — Following Justice Toussaint’s speech, some of the honorees got an opportunity to speak, including Major Luz Bryan.

Alice Liang, captured in a moment of joy at SJDEJC Women's History Month. — Alice Liang, captured in a moment of joy.

Taneka Teel, captured serving as the mistress of ceremonies at SJDEJC Women's History Month. — Taneka Teel, captured serving as the mistress of ceremonies.

The keynote address was delivered by Hon. Wavny Toussaint, presiding justice, Appellate Term, Second Department, and the 2nd, 11th, and 13th Judicial Districts. Justice Toussaint, the first woman and person of color to hold this position, is a beacon of progress within the New York State judicial system.

Hon. Wavny Toussaint, delivering her keynote address, offering insights and inspiration from her groundbreaking journey in the judiciary at SJDEJC Women's History Month. — Hon. Wavny Toussaint, delivering her keynote address, offering insights and inspiration from her groundbreaking journey in the judiciary.

“When I was appointed to the court in 2020, I became the second Black woman to serve on that court,” Justice Toussaint said. “The first, Michele Weston, served for 29 years. I was also given the historic privilege of being the first woman in NYS to preside over an Appellate Court who were all women.”

The men of the court toast to the women as well. Pictured clockwise starting top left: Daniel Alessandrino, Brian McAllister, Hon. Richard Montelione and Charles Small, elegantly holding champagne glasses filled with apple cider at SJDEJC Women's History Month. — The men of the court toast to the women as well. Pictured clockwise starting top left: Daniel Alessandrino, Brian McAllister, Hon. Richard Montelione and Charles Small, elegantly holding champagne glasses filled with apple cider.

“In my professional journey, I have been asked what causes greater barriers — being Black, being a woman or being an immigrant?” Justice Toussaint said. “The truth is that I can’t give an answer because one or all have been placed and will be placed as a barrier on any given day. In my struggles to overcome those barriers, I have learned a few life lessons that may be helpful to some of you. The first is that you are in this room for a purpose. Fulfill it!”

The court officers share in the celebration too. Pictured from left: Sgt. Shaqwan Gardner, Louis Henry, Sgt. Mary Mido Wu, Chief David Salazar and Kevin Carter at SJDEJC Women's History Month. — The court officers share in the celebration too. Pictured from left: Sgt. Shaqwan Gardner, Louis Henry, Sgt. Mary Mido Wu, Chief David Salazar and Kevin Carter.

A graduate of the City College of New York and Howard University School of Law, Justice Toussaint has a rich background that includes serving as an elected justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Kings County, and various roles across New York City’s Civil and Criminal Courts and Family Court. Her career exemplifies dedication to justice and equality. Before her election to the bench, Justice Toussaint practiced law for 19 years in different capacities, including serving as an assistant corporation counsel for the City of New York and managing her own practice.

Sgt. Shaqwan Gardner, Sgt. Mary Mido Wu, Sgt. Jeannine Ruiz, Capt. Erica Mercado, C.O. Diane Ambery, Sgt. Stacey Walder and Sgt. Vincent Morena, standing together with a sign they made for Capt. Mercado at SJDEJC Women's History Month. — Sgt. Shaqwan Gardner, Sgt. Mary Mido Wu, Sgt. Jeannine Ruiz, Capt. Erica Mercado, C.O. Diane Ambery, Sgt. Stacey Walder and Sgt. Vincent Morena, standing together with a sign they made for Capt. Mercado.

The event not only celebrated the honorees but also served as a reminder of the ongoing need for advocacy in equity, diversity and inclusion. The stories of these distinguished women and their unwavering dedication to justice and equality continue to inspire and motivate others in the legal community and beyond.

Terrell Lane, a court analyst, delivers a heartfelt song performance, adding a touch of artistic expression to the celebration of Women's History Month at SJDEJC Women's History Month. — Terrell Lane, a court analyst, delivers a heartfelt song performance, adding a touch of artistic expression to the celebration of Women’s History Month.

The Second Judicial District Equal Justice Committee, established in November 2021, is dedicated to ensuring fair and equitable treatment for all court users, including litigants, court staff and the general public. Its mission encompasses supporting a bias-free environment, enhancing court services to meet community needs, fostering dialogue between community organizations and courts, ensuring fair and unbiased outcomes, promoting diversity in hiring, and raising awareness about the importance of a diverse and inclusive environment. The committee is chaired by Justice Quinones and includes members from various roles within the judicial system, reflecting a broad spectrum of expertise and perspectives. The Women’s History Month Subcommittee, an integral part of the committee’s efforts to highlight significant contributions, is co-chaired by Hajin Suh, Esq., and Kiyoko Panzella.