Spotlight: Henry Chen, President of the NYS Courts Asian Jade Society

What motivated you to join the court system?
My father had always encouraged us to finish our education and get good, stable jobs to take care of our family. When I was growing up, government jobs were considered the good stable jobs. I wanted to join the NYPD like my brother did in 1984. However, after he completely discouraged me on it, said I wouldn’t like it. A family friend told me about the court officer test. I liked the idea that it would be my job to protect a Judge, so I took the test and was hired in 1997.

What are your current duties as a Lieutenant?
Right now, I am a Lieutenant in NY Civil Court. Along with two other Lieutenants, we are the primary supervisors for lower civil court in NY County. It’s our job to direct and assign officers as needed, to maintain proper security staffing and the handling of any emergency situations that might occur on any given day.

What is the Asian Jade Society and your role in the organization?
The NYS Courts Asian Jade Society is a fraternal organization seeking to assist and provide support to members of our court system. Some co-workers and I started the NYS Courts Asian Jade Society in April of 2021, and I was voted to serve as the President. We want to be the voice of the Asian community within the NYS court system. Our goal is to get more recognition for our members, to have their achievements acknowledged. We want to see our Asian co-workers move up the ranks and continue their education. We hope to encourage the court system to diversify and expand the employment of Asians in the court system.

What are some of your activities and programs?
Our goals are to help our Asian co-workers advance. We expect to offer training classes for future Court Clerk exams. We already post any new job opportunities that arise in our organization emails.

This past summer we hosted a children’s basketball clinic for the local Asian community of Flushing, NY. We wanted to show the local community that not everything associated with court is a bad thing, and that the people working in court are part of the same community.

Currently, our organization has a main email: nyscasianjadesociety@gmail.com to accept questions and Applications. We are also listed on the NYS Courts website under the Diversity and Inclusion tab as one of the recognized fraternal organizations within the NYS courts.

What skills or traits have assisted you on your path to success?
Everyone judges their “success” differently. My success is simply being able to represent the Asian Jade Society as its President. When I first started to gather information on how to start, I was intimidated by the amount of time and effort that would be needed for the society to succeed. Then, I realized that I didn’t have to do this all alone. I spoke to a few of my friends and together we put together a group of people that all shared the same vision. So, the success of this organization is the result of the combined efforts of all of us, especially my fellow board members, to ensure the Jade Society to excel.

Was there a person who positively impacted your tenure at the courts and how?
My first Sergeant when I started in Bronx Criminal Court made a great impression on me. He was always professional. He trained me to always remember to treat everyone we encounter at work with respect and fairness. I still work under him today and he is the same person I met when I started. He is a Chief now and continues to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and fairness. Recently, I met Judge Shahabuddeen Ally, the administrative judge for NY County Civil Court. Since we started the Asian Jade Society, he has been very supportive and encouraging. It was Judge Ally that recommended I participate in an online discussion panel on the “Pathways to Inclusion” held May 2021 during the AAPI Heritage Month celebration in the courts.

Why is diversity important in the courts?
To effectively function under the tenets of fairness and equity for all, the courts absolutely need diversity. In terms of the Asian demographic, the Jeh Johnson report told us that other than Native American, Asians are the least represented in the court system. Only 3% of all judges in NYS are of Asian descent, and only 2.3% Asian in the court security titles. The Asian population has always been leery of the courts and government, the courts need to add more diversity by hiring and promoting more Asians and making them visible to the public. This would go a long way towards promoting trust with the people of NY.

Spotlight: Jessica Pena Hernandez, NYS Court Officer-Sergeant and President, Latino Court Officers Society, Inc.

What motivated you to join the court system?
I learned about becoming a court officer when I worked for a lawyer service back in 1997. It was contrary to what TV shows like Law & Order manifested. I became intrigued and when I saw an opportunity in the Chief newspaper to apply for the exam, I went for it. It was a life changing decision for me.

What are your current duties as a Sergeant?
As a NYS Court Officer Sergeant, I supervise court officers and court officer trainees to ensure their work performances are following their responsibilities and conduct. I also maintain order and provide security in court buildings and courtrooms as well as supervise security related aspects of the overall courtroom operations.

What is the Latino Court Officers Society and your role in the organization?
I am the President and Co-Founder of the Latino Court Officers Society, Inc. a 501(c)3 non-profit organization which was established in September of 2017. The Latino Court Officers Society is a Latino fraternal organization which builds upon organizational pride, strength and unity with court employees, court users and people within our communities. The Society commenced with a search to start something with like-minded individuals of people who are “just like me” who come from underserved communities and backgrounds of Latino Heritage; families that were made to feel intimidated or dehumanized when visiting a courthouse because they did not speak the English language. LCOS provides an identity to the public and other coworkers to know that we have a face in the Unified Court System.

What are some of the programs or activities that the Latino Court Officers Society hosts? How does one become a member of the Latino Court Officers Society?
The Latino Court Officers Society has many activities throughout the year which includes our Toy Drive, Scholarship Awards Program, Coquito Classes, Family Barbecue, Parades, and Feeding the Homeless for Thanksgiving in Suffolk County. We encourage our supporters to follow us on social media Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lcosnys , Instagram: https://instagram.com/lcosnys , and Twitter: https://twitter.com/lcosnys . Our website is https://latinocosociety.org/ where you can learn more about the Society as well as become a member by clicking the “Join or Renew” button. We accept members of all races and nationalities in our Society.

What skills or traits have assisted you on your path to success?
I have been a “singing voice” throughout my 16 years as a NYS Court Officer. I have sung the National Anthem for various court events which includes singing at the steps of 60 Centre Street for Law Day at the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic in 2020 as well as the 2020 WTC Memorial Ceremony for our fallen Officers Captain Harry Thompson, Sgt. Mitchell Wallace, and Sgt. Thomas Jurgens.

My leadership skills started at the age of 17 after the loss of my mother. When she passed away, I was left to care for my 13-year-old sister and 3-year-old brother. I had my very first court experience in Manhattan Family Court when I turned 18 years old and had to apply for Legal Guardianship of them. My ability to take on this responsibility over the years and do what was necessary to take care of my family has taught me how to be a leader and take on roles such as a Sergeant in the Unified Court System as well as the President of LCOS. I am also a web and graphic designer and have designed websites for several court organizations and different agencies. My work can be viewed by visiting https://graphicwebandinvite.com

Was there a person who positively impacted you during your tenure at the courts, and how did the person impact you?
I met my husband during my first year as a court officer. When we met, he was a Senior Court Officer. His goal has always been to focus on excelling and promoting within the Unified Court System. He motivates me to push towards success. Whenever there is a promotional exam that I am eligible for; he encourages me to take it. My husband is now an Associate Surrogates Court Clerk and is currently on the promotional list to become a Principal Surrogates Court Clerk. I am currently on the promotional exam list to become a Lieutenant! As a Nuyorican woman born to Puerto Rican parents; I grew up on the Lower East Side and I faced many challenges in my youth. My tenure at the courts has been life changing as it has provided me with opportunities for growth. My life experiences have pushed me to devote my efforts vigorously to be a better person every day.

Why is diversity important in the courts?
Diversity is vital in the courts to assist on career development and the pursuit of happiness for court employees of different groups. Diversity puts an end to unfair treatment such as discriminatory practices. Diversity obliterates the distrust of the public so that they can use the court system freely with confidence and without fear.

Spotlight: Lt. Eugene P. Hunter, Co-founder of the Sankofa Society

What motivated you to join the courts?
Coming from a military background, law enforcement was a natural transition. I have always been interested in the law and its effect on our communities. After taking numerous law enforcement exams and being contacted by 8- 10 agencies, I chose to enter the Court Officer Academy in 1999. My goal was to attend law school and become a lawyer at some point, which made choosing to become a court officer the most strategic decision.

What are your current duties as a Lieutenant?
I am currently the Executive Officer and Operations Supervisor of Bronx Housing Court, one of the busiest courthouses in the city. In this role, I handle the day-to-day security and administrative operations, such as training and evaluating officers and supervisors who are assigned to Bronx Housing Court, and implementing new security protocols within current OCA guidelines, that pertain to this facility.

What is the Sankofa Society and your role in the organization?
The Sankofa Society is a fraternal organization within the Unified Court System. We came together with a goal of addressing and dismantling systemic racism in the courts and helping create a more diverse, inclusive, and equal working environment. Our mission is to support and uplift our membership, while educating them on opportunities and pathways to success within the court system. Furthermore, we prioritize efforts towards bridging the gap between law enforcement and the communities we serve through public service. I am the co-founder of The Sankofa Society and currently sit on the Leadership Council of the organization.

What are some of the programs or activities that the Sankofa Society hosts? How does one become a member?
Since our founding in September 2020, The Sankofa Society has hosted several webinars on Mental Health, Physical Fitness and Toxic Masculinity, as well as clothing and food drives to assist families throughout the five boroughs. Recently, during the month of October, we had two endeavors happening at once: we raised money for Breast Cancer Awareness Month through our team “TEAM SANKOFA” which was donated directly to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, and at the same time, conducted a citywide collection of winter items (coats, hats, gloves, scarves, thermals) that were donated this month to a local URI-NYC Domestic Violence shelter. To become a member, one must fill out the membership application and pay a membership fee for their specific member category.

What skills or traits have assisted you on your path to success?
I would describe myself as a bit of a perfectionist, which has been a blessing and a curse. Integrity, honesty, attention to detail and steadfastness has also assisted me in furthering my career in the courts. The ability to make decisions in real time is also paramount to my role as a supervisor. Making sure everyone is aware of their responsibilities and holding them accountable, as well as, holding myself accountable for my decisions has also been a key aspect of my leadership style.

Why is diversity important in the courts?
Research and experience have shown us the importance of having judicial and court staff that reflect the community they serve. The justice system relies heavily upon the element of public trust and having a diverse representation in place helps foster that trust.

Spotlight: Sidney Moses

With more than 30 years working as a Court Officer for the NYS Courts, Sidney Moses is also actively engaged in helping to sponsor and organize events that have helped many people

Mr. Moses serves as President of the Guardians Association of the New York State Courts, Inc., an organization seeking to promote social justice, fairness and equality within the court system.

Mr. Moses also sits on the Executive Boards of Hope City Empowerment, Inc., which operates a food pantry and feeds the homeless, and Paul J. Cooper. which provides services to individuals with chemical dependency, developmental disabilities and mental health issues geared toward empowering clients to obtain life skills towards self-sufficiency.

Questions

1. What motivated you to join the court system?
My mother played a pivotal role in my decision to join the court system. When I took the Court Officer's Exam, I was an 18-year-old going through a rigorous training program as a Junior Executive in a Wall Street firm. This was during a time when many financial institutions were being decimated due to poor management, mergers & acquisitions, and embezzlement. Although there was a Jot of opportunity for career growth, promotions and bonuses, job security was nonexistent. It was due to my mother's foresight and wisdom, as she worked at the same firm and saw the writing on the wall, that I decided to choose the comfort and stability of civil service in the court system, rather than face the uncertainty of a career on Wall Street.

2. What are your current duties?
Currently, I am a Court Officer assigned to New York County Civil Court in Kings County. I have various duties and responsibilities mostly revolving around the area of security, maintaining order, and providing swift intervention in volatile situations, whenever necessary.

3. What is the Guardians Association of the New York State Courts and your role in the organization?
Founded in 1986, The Guardians Association of The New York State Courts is a fraternal organization that seeks to promote social justice, fairness, and equality within the court system. Our membership consists of court employees of all competitive and non-competitive ranks. Our mission is to ensure that all people in the Court System are treated fairly no matter what position they hold, and to cultivate a positive institution and work environment, free of racism and discrimination. We remain vigilant in our efforts to ensure that there are equal opportunities in appointments, assignments, and promotions for all members of the Unified Court System.

4. What are some of the programs or activities that the Guardians Association of the New York State Courts hosts? How does one become a member of the Guardians Association of the New York State Courts?
The Guardians Association promotes community service, humanitarianism, and philanthropy through various programs we host and sponsor, such asfood & clothing drives to support those in need throughout the state, back to school drives that distribute school supplies to youth from preschool age all the way through college. We provide information regarding job opportunities and test prep to our members and go out into the community to recruit young men and women to take the open competitive exams as they come out. We partner with agencies and individuals who wish to share knowledge germane to our members and the community that may help them make more informed choices about daily life occurrences. To become a member of the Guardians, please visit our website at www.Guardiansnysc.org.

5. What skills or traits have assisted you on your path to success?
Court users enter the courthouse with a multitude of needs and concerns every day. Through the years, two traits that I believe to have helped me tremendously are my ability to be a good listener and show empathy. You never know what people are going through when they enter the courthouse. Being able to show compassion, empathy and have effective communication with someone who may be going through a turbulent time can be the difference between keeping a situation calm, as opposed to having it erupt into something volatile and a security risk. Most times you can see or hear the difference you've made just by hearing the person out. Another trait that has assisted me is my humility, which has given me the ability to follow until it's time to lead. No matter which role I am in, I don't allow ego and arrogance to influence my decisions or usurp my collaboration with my team. These traits, and my faith in God, have brought me much success through the years.

6. Was there a person who positively impacted you during your tenure at the courts, and how did the person impact you?
Throughout my many years in the Court System, there have been several individuals who have impacted me in a positive way. There is one individual for whom I have tremendous appreciation for providing me with great insight and perspective on how to conduct myself and carry out my responsibilities as a member of the Court System. I have vowed to protect and to serve, and I know that people from all walks of life deserve respect, attentiveness, and to be treated fairly. No matter what I see others do, I hold myself accountable and always strive to be the best version of myself.

7. Why is diversity important in the courts?
Diversity is important in the Courts because it has an impact on the community that we serve. New York State has a diverse population, which should be reflected on the bench. This lends credibility to the decisions that are made on the bench and brings hope to court users, who often feel that the odds are stacked against them, that there is a chance that cases will be decided fairly. Bias in the court system has led to loss of confidence and disillusionment with the court system for both court users, as well as court personnel. For court employees, diversity is important because we want to be able to trust that all employees will be treated fairly and equitably, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, and religion. We want to know that we will be able to do our jobs without fear of racism or discrimination. We want to be confident that we all have the same opportunities when it comes to job opportunities and advancement, and that, when necessary, disciplinary measures will be meted out fairly, across the board. Just as public confidence increases when they see Judges representative of themselves on the bench, employee confidence and morale will build as they see equitable representation in all titles within the Court System.

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