BWBA holds annual membership party, honoring past presidents and welcoming new members

September 20, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

Hon. Cenceria Edwards (second from left), president of the Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association, honored past BWBA presidents Helene Blank (left), Holly Peck and Meryl Schwartz (right) during the association’s annual Membership Party at Brado in Brooklyn Heights. Brooklyn Eagle photos by Robert Abruzzese

Share this:

The Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association (BWBA), under the leadership of its new president, Hon. Cenceria Edwards, hosted its annual membership party on Thursday at Brado on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn Heights. The event, aimed at encouraging new and prospective members to join, brought together attorneys in a relaxed setting over pizza.

“I want to take a moment to introduce you to our past presidents in attendance,” said Justice Edwards. “It is very important to pay homage to these women as we move forward and continue to lead and continue to grow.” She then introduced the three past presidents in attendance — Helene Blank, Holly Peck and Meryl Schwartz — highlighting their contributions to the organization.

Justice Edwards also introduced the group to Hon. Lawrence Knipel, the administrative judge of the Kings County Supreme Court, Civil Term. Playfully, Edwards referred to Knipel as her “favorite administrative judge,” to which Knipel responded with humor, “That’s only because I have been doing this for so long that you don’t remember the other administrative judges.”

Isaac Dana (left) and Jacob Dana attend the BWBA’s membership party at Brado. Brooklyn Eagle photos by Robert Abruzzese

From left: Hon. Dweynie Paul, Lauren Brown, Karlyne Fequiere, Lauren Arnel and President-Elect Lisa Michael. Brooklyn Eagle photos by Robert Abruzzese

From left: Ruth Chung, Christopher Chin and Hon. Inga O'Neale. Brooklyn Eagle photos by Robert Abruzzese

Hon. Genine Edwards (left) with Angelicque Moreno during the Membership Party. Brooklyn Eagle photos by Robert Abruzzese

From left: Laura Paley, Hon. Caroline Piela Cohen and Danielle Ciraola. Brooklyn Eagle photos by Robert Abruzzese

Judicial candidate Tehilah Berman joins Musa Moore at the Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association’s annual event. Brooklyn Eagle photos by Robert Abruzzese

From left to right: Janice Purvis, Musa Moore, Hon. Linda Wilson, Hon. Monique Holaman and Hon. Lisa Lewis. Brooklyn Eagle photos by Robert Abruzzese

From left: Alexis Gooding, Hon. Caroline Piela Cohen, Helene Blank and Elkana Alexandre.

Hon. Lawrence Knipel joins BWBA President Hon. Cenceria Edwards and past presidents Helene Blank, Holly Peck and Meryl Schwartz for a photo at the membership party. Brooklyn Eagle photos by Robert Abruzzese

Justice Cenceria Edwards, president of the BWBA, addresses members and guests at Brado on Atlantic Avenue, encouraging both new and prospective members to get involved. Brooklyn Eagle photos by Robert Abruzzese

The event was a successful kickoff for the BWBA’s year, providing a welcoming space for members old and new to network and build relationships while celebrating the association’s rich history.

The BWBA has a busy schedule ahead, with two notable events on the horizon. On Wednesday, Sept. 25, the BWBA will host a virtual “Lunch with a Judge” event featuring Hon. Norman St. George, the first deputy chief administrative judge. This event will offer members an opportunity to engage directly with Judge St. George and gain insight into his judicial work and experiences.

Then, on Tuesday, Oct. 1, the BWBA will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a special event honoring Hon. Hector LaSalle, the presiding justice of the Appellate Division, Second Department. The celebration will highlight Justice LaSalle’s contributions to the judiciary and the legal community, and this year’s Hispanic Heritage theme: “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.”