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It is with profound gratitude, and humility, that I assume the office of the 95th President of the Queens County Women’s Bar Association. As we celebrate this milestone, I pause to reflect upon the many winding paths that have been drawn between us, all converging at this singular moment of our Association’s history.

My own path to this moment began far from Queens County. At the age of 13, I migrated to the Bronx from the island of Antigua, a place that boasts 365 beaches – one for every day. I had no say in the decision to leave my home, family, and friends. My parents made the sacrifice because they wanted me to have opportunities that they never did.

At 16, I came to Queens as a freshman at York College, and I quickly fell in love with this County.  In many ways, I never really left.  Queens became my new home.

After becoming an attorney, I attended many QCWBA sponsored events and eventually became a member.  On one memorable trip to Havana, I met Justice Sally Unger.  We instantly became sisters, and ever since, she has been my mentor, snorkeling partner and dear friend.  Over the years, I have had the privilege of serving this Association in various offices, including Chair of the History and Legacy Committee and editor of our bi-annual Magazine, appropriately titled “Queens.”

While working on various projects, I review some of the Association’s historical documents and, in doing so, came to appreciate the consistent and unrelenting path our foremothers laid down, making a way when, at times, there seemed to be no way for women in the law to advance. They knew what it meant to walk into rooms where they were not expected, welcomed, and most often underestimated.

One such trailblazer was a former president of this Association, the Honorable Geraldine Ferraro, the first woman to serve on a major party ticket for Vice President of the United States.  I came across a reflection she shared about entering Fordham University School of Law. She recalled the president of Fordham saying to her: “I hope you’re serious, Jerry. You know you’re taking a man’s place.” Years later, upon entering Congress, she observed: “Male members come here with a presumption of competence; women have the burden of proof.”

I also learned that Florence V. Lucas, who was admitted to the New York State Bar on February 20, 1940, became a member of this Association. She was the first Black woman lawyer admitted to practice in Queens County. On December 9, 1976, a courageous group of women law students at St. John’s University School of Law — “liberated” the bathrooms at the law school, they were doing more than protesting facilities. They were demanding dignity, recognition, and equal footing within the profession. One of those women was one of our past presidents, the late Hon. Maurine Healy, a blessed memory.

Many of the issues our foremothers worked tirelessly to change are still with us today. Equality, access, respect, mentorship, representation, work-life balance, bias, violence against women, attacks on diversity and inclusion — these struggles continue in new forms and in new spaces.

As I am bestowed with the awesome responsibility, I pledge that my stewardship will honor our history so that it may inspire the next generation. Our history is our foundation and preserving it is an act of respect for those who built this organization and a gift to those who will lead it next.

Now that our collective paths meet, join me in continuing the work, preserving our stories while ensuring that those who come after us inherit our victories.

I am proud to take up the mantle as the 95th President of Queens County Women’s Bar Association, but my success as President will only be possible with your help. Walk with  me on the path forward  — Let’s work.

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