Highlights of Presidency:
The year I was President, 2009-2010, marked WBASNY’s 30th Anniversary, and the 25th anniversary of some of the chapters, the thirty-fifth anniversary of the Westchester Chapter, and the 75th anniversary of the New York Chapter. There were so many memorable and historic events during that year. In August of 2009, Sonia Sotomayor, a WBASNY member, broke boundaries by becoming the first Latina, and the third woman, to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States. WBASNY had dedicated a task force to support of her nomination by President Obama earlier that year, and her Senate confirmation was a thrilling moment. As if that was not exciting enough, in October 2009, Central New York chapter member Karen DeCrow was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame at Seneca Falls, NY. Members of WBASNY from around the State convened there for this thrilling event and to celebrate Karen.
As for the business of WBASNY, I was able to work with our Executive Director, Linda Chiaverini, to create and send our first emailed “President’s Message” directly to the membership. This was important so that our chapter members around the State could learn about the important work being done by their representatives at and in between our Board meetings.
We also continued our ECO-SOC status (Economic and Social Council) in the United Nations, which we had since June 2009, allowing us to support International Women’s Rights and to address concerns regarding women. International Women’s Rights Committee Co-Chair Fay Parris attended the International Criminal Court’s Eighth Session of the Assembly of States Parties at The Hague, The Netherlands.
During my term, WBASNY voted to make five issues its legislative priorities. These were: no-fault divorce, same-sex marriage, the Reproductive Health and Privacy Protection Act, the Family Health Care Decisions Act, and permanent funding for civil legal services.
I regularly met with Chief Justice Jonathan Lippman and Chief Administrative Judge Ann Pfau regarding such issues as WBASNY’s support for No-Fault Divorce legislation, civil legal services, and the newly created Task Force on Wrongful Convictions. We also were involved in discussions with them about a volunteer lawyers project which eventually became the Attorney Emeritus Program, an Advisory Board for which Judge Lippman successfully created and that I was appointed to at its inception. I was invited to and did speak before the New York State Senate’s Public Hearing on the Crisis in IOLA and the Future of Civil Legal Services in New York State with other Bar Leaders and stakeholders.
I attended Lobby Day with our Legislative Consultant and Committee Co-chairs where we met with legislators to discuss the proposals on no-fault divorce and same-sex marriage. As a result of our efforts, especially being able to talk with them specifically about the litigation of matrimonial actions, we were able to persuade two senators to change their vote on the no-fault legislation and get the bill out of committee, and on its way to eventual passage. Another legislative success that year was that the Family Health Care legislation that WBASNY supported was signed into law.
On a personal note, the most memorable part of my year as President was that I spent a good part of my year as WBASNY President traveling throughout the State pregnant, culminating in the birth of my son a mere month after my term ended. It was an inspirational time, and it felt like all things were looking up. However, no matter how many strides women seem to make, the notion of women’s equality and the care of women and children in the court systems seems forever elusive. Keep marching.