A privilege to serve
Romano described the evening as “somewhat bittersweet.”
“It has been my privilege to serve as president this past year,” he said. “The love and support that I felt for my colleagues, friends and fellow Colombians was just incredible. I met new people, strengthened friendships, and many of you got to know me better. We had a fantastic year full of wonderful speakers, great CLE topics, and the support of all of our sponsors and members.”
“To say I was president of this organization is a badge of honor that I will wear proudly,” Romano added, noting that while he is sad his term has come to an end, the Columbian Lawyers are in great hands with Borrino as their new president.
Mario Romano, Esq. representing the Canadian rock band Rush with a lyrical excerpt from their song “Freewill” on his undershirt. Photo: Mario Belluomo/Brooklyn Eagle
Romano, an avid fan of the Canadian rock band Rush, also made it his business to incorporate two of the group’s album titles into his remarks.
“As I exit stage left, I turn the reins over to Grace under pressure — those are Rush references,” Romano said with a smile.
The value of perseverance and integrity
After being sworn in, Borrino, who is a partner at Abrams Fensterman LLP, spoke about her family, sharing that she is the daughter of two Italian immigrants who came here with the belief that hard work could create opportunities.
“They faced challenges that many of us could only imagine — learning a new language, adapting to a different culture and building a life from the ground up,” Borrino said. “When I was young, I watched them make sacrifices every day to provide a better life for their children.”
Borrino stated that her parents taught her the value of perseverance and integrity and showed her that success is not measured by where you start but by the effort you put forth and the character you demonstrate along the way.
“I knew I wanted to be a lawyer in the first grade because my mother told me so,” Borrino said. “Anyone out there who has a Sicilian mother knows that you just do what she says.”
Borrino continued, “The Columbian Lawyers made me appreciate what a gift my culture truly was and showed me that honoring where you come from does not limit where you can go.”
RoseAnn Branda, executive partner at Abrams Fensterman LLP, has known Borrino for more than 20 years. During that time, Branda has watched Borrino grow into “one of the finest matrimonial attorneys and leaders in our legal community.”
“Grace embodies the values that have long defined the Italian American experience: Hard work, perseverance, respect and love for family, and a deep appreciation for the opportunities that come from dedication and sacrifice,” Branda said.
Borrino received her juris doctor from Brooklyn Law School and graduated cum laude from St. John’s University. During law school, she was a law clerk at the boutique law practice, Caruso, Caruso and Branda P.C.
Borrino was the 2019 recipient of the Brooklyn Daily Eagle Champions of Justice Award.