Hon. Robert Miller first met Aragona when she was a member of the Catholic Lawyers Guild. Eventually, she served on their board and soon after became president.
Miller recalled that Aragona handled the job with quality and distinction, adding, “Her intellect, warmth and commitment will be a tremendous asset to the court system.”
Hon. George Silver said that justice is not confined to what happens in a courthouse, it’s also about helping people and a commitment to community.
“Judge Aragona’s lifelong experiences inspired a commitment to ensuring that others who enter our courthouses are treated with dignity, fairness and compassion.”
Gregory T. Cerchione, Esq., said no one has shown more respect for the law profession than Aragona and that her caring nature, faithfulness, and judicial acumen shine through and are second to none.
Aragona, who addressed the audience last, delivered heartfelt and moving remarks.
“Thirty years ago, I walked into this room for the first time,” she said. “Every step of the way, it goes back to Mount Carmel. This is where we come home, no matter where you go or how far you go.”
She continued, “This was my lifelong dream, and my lifelong dream has come true.”
Aragona also thanked family and friends, who paved the way for her and those like her.
In closing, she delivered a message to aspiring young women.
“No one should ever tell you not to do what you want to do. If you have a dream, go after it, because the sky is the limit. When you come from Brooklyn, you are unstoppable.”
Before ascending to the bench, Aragona cultivated a broad legal background in both private practice and the court system. Early in her career, she represented clients in family law, domestic violence and criminal defense matters.
Aragona’s transition to public service began in 2012 when she joined the Kings County Supreme Court as a law clerk. Soon after, Aragona rose to the position of principal law clerk to a Supreme Court justice, and in 2020, she was elected to the Civil Court.
Aragona earned her juris doctor from Hofstra University School of Law, where she also completed a master’s degree in law.