Six individuals were awarded for their exceptional service in the courthouse and beyond.
The Lynn Terrelonge Bridge to Diversity Award was presented to BBA’s past President Armena D. Gayle, Esq., Hon. Norma J. Jennings and Hon. Joseph A. Zayas.
Zayas, chief administrative judge, said that it was great to be in Brooklyn and to be acknowledged.
“It really does mean the world to me, especially since I’m a Queens person,” he said with a smile. “Broad-based diversity in our courts is enormously important to me, and as the chief administrative judge, I have been trying to really make that a priority. I am so humbled that my work is being honored and recognized tonight.”
The Freda S. Nisnewitz Award for Pro Bono Service 2026 was given to M. Julieth Mendoza, LCSW. The Hon. Nathan R. Sobel Award was presented to Leah Richardson. The Avery Eli Okin Award was given to Roseann Hiebert, director of the Brooklyn Bar Lawyer Referral Service. The Distinguished Service Award was presented to Anthony W. Vaughn Jr., Esq., and the Theodore T. Jones Jr. Scholarship Award was given to Emma Cohen, Brooklyn Law School’s class of 2026.
The BBA: ‘larger than any one of us’
From left: Grace Borrino, Esq., Steve Cohn, Esq., Christina Fratangelo, Esq., and Angelicque Moreno, Esq. Photo: Mario Belluomo/Brooklyn Eagle
Vaughn, the immediate past president of the Brooklyn Bar Association, admitted that while he is “not an emotional person, it’s really great to be appreciated,” upon receiving the award.
Vaughn recounted a story in which he was asked by a new member how they could get involved in the BBA and potentially assume a leadership role one day. “I told him that it’s not enough to simply convey an idea about what the Brooklyn Bar should do. Instead, you need to embrace the idea, prepare a plan as to how to facilitate that idea, and then offer to lead on the execution of it,” he said.
Although his term as president concluded last year, Vaughn continues to volunteer his time, “because I recognize the importance of this association and its role in our community.”
“For years, I’ve observed many past presidents continuing to answer the call and stepping when needed,” Vaughn continued. “This wasn’t because they had an obligation to. They did it, and they continued to do so, because the BBA is larger than any one of us. As custodians, it is our duty to promote the organization for future generations of attorneys.”
A message from the president
Golkin reflected on the past year and her tenure as president. Among other things, she remarked on the BBA’s 15 CLEs.
“Over the past year, we strengthened our bonds through many meetings and shared experiences,” Golkin said, citing a tour of the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, a Holocaust Remembrance Day, Family Day at the New York Aquarium, a Lunar New Year event and the BBA’s annual Judiciary Night as highlights.
From left: Hon. Barry Kamins, Steve Cohn, Esq., Hon. Joseph A. Zayas, Christina Golkin, Esq., and Angelicque Moreno, Esq. Photo: Mario Belluomo/Brooklyn Eagle
Golkin also addressed the BBA listing its historic building at 123 Remsen St. for sale. “As much as we celebrate what we’ve done, we must also acknowledge that this year marks the beginning of something transformational,” she said.
“For the first time in our long history, we are taking steps towards a seminal change by listing our building and beginning the work of defining a new vision for the Brooklyn Bar Association,” Golkin said.
Golkin acknowledged that while change can be difficult and unpleasant, it’s necessary and relevant. “The Brooklyn Bar Association has never been defined by this building and has always been defined by its members — by the lawyers who show up, lead and care about this profession and this borough,” she said.