Archive of Hispanic Heritage Month

Preserving History and Traditions

October 15, 2025
Westchester County Courthouse, White Plains

Photo: Chief Administrative Judge and keynote speaker Joseph A. Zayas (center, in red bow tie) with Ninth Judicial District judges and court personnel at the District’s lively Hispanic Heritage Month celebration in White Plains

The importance of honoring and preserving cultural history and traditions was the focus of a lively Hispanic Heritage Month commemoration hosted by the Hudson Valley region’s Ninth Judicial District in mid-October in White Plains. The vibrant celebration was held in the Westchester County Court’s Ceremonial Courtroom, adorned with the colorful flags of Latin American and Spanish-speaking countries from around the globe.

Ninth Judicial District judges and non-judicial personnel came together at the event to acknowledge the rich heritage and many achievements of New York’s Latino and Hispanic communities.

Chief Administrative Judge Joseph A. Zayas, the keynote speaker, noted the value of cultural pride and representation which, enriching our workplaces and communities, is inherent to our collective progress as a society.

It was a festive get-together, highlighting how long-held traditions and past contributions can inspire us going forward.

Empowering Future Leaders

October 10, 2025
Villa Barone Manor, The Bronx

Court leaders and officials at the Society’s Hispanic Heritage Celebration in October — Photo (L-R): Appellate Division, Second Department Presiding Justice Hector D. LaSalle, Queens Civil Court Judge Sharifa Nasser-Cuellar, Queens Criminal Court Judge Diego Freire, Bronx Civil Court Judge Jessica Bourbon, Bronx Criminal Court Supervising Judge Yadhira Gonzalez-Taylor, Bronx County Acting Supreme Court Justice Wanda Negron, Bronx Family Court Judge Fiordaliza Rodriguez, New York City Family Court Supervising Judge Anne-Marie Jolly, Latino Court Officers Society President Major Erica Prosper, LCOS honoree Appellate Division, First Department Associate Justice Llinét Rosado, Bronx County Acting Supreme Court Justice Jessica Flores, Appellate Division, Second Department Associate Justice Lourdes M. Ventura, Westchester Family Court Judge Maritza Fugaro-Norton, Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for Justice Initiatives Edwina G. Richardson, and Queens County Supreme Court-Civil Term Administrative Judge Marguerite Grays at the Society’s Hispanic Heritage Celebration in October

The Latino Court Officers Society, Inc. is a fraternal organization within the Unified Court System that works to perpetuate the ideals of service, community, and camaraderie. The Society paid tribute to several extraordinary members of the UCS family at a lively Bronx gathering commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month.

Appellate Division, First Department Associate Justice Llinét Rosado received the Society’s Lideres Award in recognition of her outstanding leadership; Captains Vincent Sinclair and Jessica Herrera, along with Sergeant Andrew Labosco and Court Analyst Bianca Delgado, earned its Impact Award for their exemplary public service; and retired Captain Steve Vera was honored with the Society’s Special Recognition Award for his years of dedicated service.

The evening was a vibrant tribute to Hispanic culture, filled with delicious cuisine, lively music, and a strong sense of community and pride.

All proceeds from the event supported the Latino Court Officers Society Scholarship Fund, which helps empower the next generation of leaders. This year, the Society awarded three $1,000 scholarships to deserving individuals in recognition of their academic achievements and commitment to service.

The celebration was a resounding success, highlighting the rich heritage, achievements, and unity of the Latino community within the court system.

Photo (L-R): LCOS honoree Captain Jessica Herrera, Major Erica Prosper, Sgt. Sharifa John-Vega, Senior Court Analyst Lissette Morales, Court Officer Elias Rosado, LCOS honoree Appellate Division, First Department Associate Justice Llinét Rosado, Court Officer Kevin Duque, Captain Jessica Hernandez, and Sgt. Carmelo Correra at the Bronx gathering highlighting the many contributions of the court system’s Latino judges and nonjudicial employees

Photo: Retired Sgt. Marie Verderver, Major Erica Prosper, Captain Jessica Herrera, Senior Court Analyst Lissette Morales, Sgt. Sharifa John-Vega, retired Captain Steve Vera, who received a heartfelt tribute for his longstanding service to the courts and greater community, Captain Jessica Hernandez, Court Officer Kevin Duque, and Sgt. Carmelo Correa

Past to Future

October 9, 2025
Stuyvesant High School, Lower Manhattan

Photo: Chief Administrative Judge Joseph Zayas with Stuyvesant High School students at the school's annual Hispanic Heritage Dinner in Lower Manhattan. Judge Zayas is holding a portrait sketched by a Stuyvesant High School student and presented to the judge at the event.

Spurred by Chief Administrative Judge Joseph A. Zayas's inspiring career journey, the Hispanic/Latinx identity group ASPIRA, the Black/Latinx parent collective Mosaic, and Stuyvesant High School's alumni and parents' associations invited the judge to share his story at the school's annual Hispanic Heritage Dinner. As the event's keynote speaker, Judge Zayas vividly related some of his most memorable life experiences, from his family's struggles to events and decisions that led him on the path to the judiciary.

The program, titled "Celebrating Collective Heritage Nueva York: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future," featured salsa music and dance and a student documentary focusing on New York City's Hispanic/Latinx communities and their impact on the City's history and culture.

During his talk, Judge Zayas discussed the Unified Court System's judicial leadership's vision for a more inclusive judiciary, detailing the achievements of UCS judges and other court professionals of Hispanic and Latino heritage, while encouraging the students to learn more about their courts and to explore the varied career opportunities available within the UCS.

It was an engaging experience for students, teachers, and parents alike, with the bonds between the court system and educational community made even stronger.

Role Models

October 2, 2025
Queens County Supreme Court-Civil Term, Jamaica

"A Day at Queens Court" presenters at Queens County Supreme Court's Civil Term and New York City Civil Court in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month. — Photo (Front row, L-R): "A Day at Queens Court" presenters New York City Civil Court Judge Sandra Perez, Appellate Division, Second Department Associate Justice Lourdes M. Ventura, Principal Law Clerk Dorian Rojas, participating students, and presenter Queens County Supreme Court Justice Sandra M. Munoz; and (Back row, L-R): presenters Principal Law Clerk Jasmine Valle-Bueno, Law Secretary Carolina Frias, participating students, and Latino Lawyers Association of Queens County President Robert A. Miklos

Judges, attorneys, and court professionals of Hispanic and Latino descent reflected on their career journeys, highlighting both their challenges and triumphs, at "A Day at Queens Court," hosted by the Queens County Supreme Court's Civil Term and New York City Civil Court in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month.

The roster of distinguished presenters offered a window into the determination and resilience needed to succeed in the legal and court professions, with their firsthand accounts a source of inspiration and encouragement, particularly for those students and other attendees from underrepresented communities seeking guidance and support in fulfilling their own career aspirations.

Along with honoring the rich heritage of the Hispanic and Latino communities, the event served as a platform to spotlight the court system's trailblazers and the growing impact of Hispanic and Latino judges and nonjudicial employees in shaping New York's courts and advancing equal justice.

Justice Seeker and Mentor

October 3, 2025
Bronx Family Court

Photo: Chief Administrative Judge Joseph A. Zayas and Appellate Division, First Department Associate Justice Llinét Rosado unveil the commemorative plaque bearing the likeness of the late Judge Ruben Martino, a beloved jurist and mentor to many

The late jurist Ruben A. Martino, who served New York City Housing Court, New York City Family Court, and the Harlem Community Justice Center with distinction, was admired as much for his legal acumen as for his fairness, empathy, and humility.

Judge Martino’s exemplary public service and lasting contributions to the court and the community were recently celebrated at a courtroom dedication ceremony coordinated by the Latino Judges Association and Bronx Family Court. Unveiling the commemorative plaque bearing the late jurist’s likeness, Chief Administrative Judge Joseph A. Zayas and Appellate Division, First Department Associate Justice Llinét Rosado fondly recalled Judge Martino’s many fine attributes and outstanding achievements.

The program, hosted by Bronx Family Court Judges Fiordaliza A. Rodriguez and Janette Cortes-Gomez, brought together court colleagues, friends, and family throughout New York City’s five boroughs to honor Judge Martino’s legacy as a beloved champion of justice and mentor whose passion, energy, and kindness continue to lift us.

Photo: The late Judge Ruben Martino’s sons Ruben (left) and Eric (right) and granddaughter Nilah at the Bronx Family Court’s courtroom dedication ceremony in early October

Photo: Colleagues, friends, and family gathered at the Bronx Family Court on October 3rd to pay homage to the late Judge Ruben Martino, a beloved figure within the court family and greater community whose passion, energy, and kindness live on

Stories that Shape Us

October 6, 2025
Appellate Division, First Department, Manhattan

Photo (L-R): New York City Civil Court Judge Betty Lugo-Martinez and Appellate Division, First Department Associate Justice Llinét Rosado discuss Judge Lugo-Martinez’s book, Portrait of My Mother, Juanita at the Appellate Division, First Department’s Hispanic Heritage Month program in early October

New York City Civil Court Judge Betty Lugo-Martinez shared insights on family legacy, cultural identity, and the powerful stories that shape who we are at a recent Hispanic Heritage Month program hosted by the Appellate Division, First Department in partnership with the Latino Judges Association.

An engaging dialogue between Judge Lugo-Martinez and Appellate Division, First Department Associate Justice Llinét Rosado, “A Conversation with Hon. Betty Lugo-Martinez: Portrait of My Mother” offered attendees a window into Judge Lugo-Martinez’s recently published Portrait of My Mother, Juanita, a deeply personal and heartfelt tribute to her mother’s strength, resilience, and enduring influence.

It was an afternoon of reflection, celebration, and connection, honoring mothers everywhere for their love, sacrifice, and vision for the well-being of future generations.

Photo: Appellate Division, First Department Presiding Justice Dianne T. Renwick opens the October 6th program commemorating the contributions and rich heritage of our diverse Hispanic and Latino communities

Photo (L-R): Appellate Division, First Department Associate Justice Bahaati Pitt-Burke, Appellate Division, First Department Presiding Justice Dianne T. Renwick, guest speaker New York City Civil Court Judge Betty Lugo-Martinez, Secretary Sonia Suce, and Appellate Division, First Department Associate Justices Sallie Manzanet-Daniels and Llinét Rosado pose for a group photo at the engaging Manhattan talk, “A Conversation with Hon. Betty Lugo-Martinez: Portrait of My Mother”

Inspirational Journeys

October 3, 2025
Westchester County Courthouse, White Plains

Court leaders and officials pose for a group photo at the Westchester County Court’s HHM celebration in early October — Photo (L-R): Westchester County Supreme Court Justice Thomas Quinones, Court Attorney Referee Lorraine Martinez Ross, Bronx County Supreme Court Justice Doris M. Gonzalez, Town of Cortland Justice Livia Rodriguez, First Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Norman St. George, Orange County Supreme Court Justice and recently appointed Appellate Department, Second Dept. Associate Justice Maria Vazquez Doles, Town of Haverstraw Justice Ivonne Santos, Westchester County Commissioner of Jurors Dr. Betty Campbell, retired Chestnut Ridge Village Court Justice Joseph Suarez, and Principal Court Attorney Peter M. Rivera pose for a group photo at the Westchester County Court’s HHM celebration in early October

Trailblazing members of the Hudson Valley’s Ninth Judicial District bench, past and present, shared their inspirational career journeys with judicial colleagues, nonjudicial personnel, practicing attorneys, law students and others at the Westchester County Court’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration in White Plains, sponsored by the Hudson Valley Hispanic Bar Association and Westchester County Bar Association.

The pioneering jurists making up the panel included retired Justice Joseph Suarez, the Hudson Valley’s first Latino judge upon his 1992 appointment as Acting Justice of Chestnut Ridge Village Court, to which he was later elected; Orange County Supreme Court Justice Maria Vazquez Doles and Westchester County Supreme Court Justice Thomas Quinones, the first elected Supreme Court justices of Hispanic descent in their respective counties; Westchester County Supreme Court Justice Doris M. Gonzalez, the first Latina to serve as a UCS Administrative Judge; and Rockland County’s first Latina Town Justice, Ivonne Santos, who sits in the Town of Haverstraw Court. The group, encompassing a diversity of cultures, all came from humble beginnings.

The insightful program was well-attended, with First Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Norman St. George, Town of Cortland Justice Livia Rodriguez, Westchester County Commissioner of Jurors Dr. Betty Campbell, Principal Court Attorney Peter M. Rivera, and Court Attorney Referee Lorraine Martinez Ross among the many guests representing the court community and legal profession in New York’s Hudson Valley region and across the State.

Inspiring the Future

September 25, 2025
John P. Cohalan Jr. Court Complex, Central Islip

Photo (L-R): Appellate Division, Second Department Presiding Justice Hector D. LaSalle, Noel C. Bonilla Achievement Award recipient Cynthia Vargas, and Administrative Judge of the Suffolk County Courts Andrew A. Crecca at a courthouse gathering highlighting the significant contributions of Long Island’s Hispanic and Latino communities to the legal profession and beyond

Family law practitioner and 10th Judicial District Grievance Committee member Cynthia Vargas was honored for her contributions to the legal field and Long Islanders with this year’s Noel C. Bonilla Achievement Award. The award, named for the late Suffolk County Hispanic Bar Association co-founder, was presented by Administrative Judge Andrew A. Crecca and Appellate Division, Second Department Presiding Justice Hector D. LaSalle at the Suffolk County Courts’ Hispanic Heritage Month celebration in late September.

Justice LaSalle, who served as the keynote speaker, described the Central Islip gathering as “a celebration of Suffolk County’s varied communities.” Alluding to this year’s HHM theme, “Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future,” Judge Crecca noted the event’s importance in highlighting both the historic and ongoing contributions of Hispanic and Latino people to our nation’s social, political, and economic development. Long Island Hispanic Bar Association President Maribel Gomez, who helped plan the celebration, called Hispanic Heritage Month a time of pride—and a reminder that America’s diversity is among its greatest strengths.

It was a joyous event for the many attendees, with the celebration featuring colorful decorations, live music, and a diverse mix of culinary treats.

Court leaders and officials at the Central Islip court’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration in late September — Photo (L-R): Suffolk County Court Judge Philip Goglas, Long Island Hispanic Bar Association Past President Oscar Michelen, honoree Cynthia Vargas, Long Island Hispanic Bar Association President Maribel Gomez, Appellate Division, Second Department Presiding Justice and keynote speaker Hector D. LaSalle, Suffolk County Courts’ Administrative Judge Andrew A. Crecca, and Richmond County Administrative Judge Raymond L. Rodriguez at the Central Islip court’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration in late September

Culture, Community, and Celebration

September 19, 2025
Da Mikelle Palazzo, Queens

Court leaders and officials at the Dominican Bar Association’s 22nd Annual Scholarship Gala in Woodside, Queens — Photo (L-R): First Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Norman St. George, honorees Appellate Division, Second Department Associate Justice Lourdes M. Ventura and Chief Administrative Judge Joseph A. Zayas, and former Appellate Division, First Department Presiding Justice Rolando Acosta at the Dominican Bar Association’s 22nd Annual Scholarship Gala in Woodside, Queens

Chief Administrative Judge Joseph A. Zayas was recently honored with the Dominican Bar Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his longstanding public service and deep commitment to the fair administration of justice. “I am so very honored and humbled to receive this prestigious award,” Chief Administrative Judge Zayas told attendees of the Association’s 22nd Annual Scholarship Gala in Woodside, Queens. Judge Zayas’s illustrious career includes litigation work, experience as a law clerk, and a combined two-plus decades of service as a UCS trial judge, appellate judge, and court administrator.

The Association also paid tribute to Appellate Division, Second Department Associate Justice Lourdes M. Ventura for her distinguished service on the State’s trial and appellate benches. A former Queens County assistant district attorney, New York State assistant attorney general, New York State Senate chief of staff and counsel, and the immediate past president of the Latino Judges Association, Associate Justice Ventura expressed her sincerest gratitude upon receiving the Dominican Bar Association’s Judicial Excellence Award “in my hometown of Queens County.”

The Dominican Bar Association represents thousands of Latino and Hispanic lawyers and law students, working to foster camaraderie and professional development among its members, with the gala an inspiring celebration of career achievements, community, and culture.