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Throughout March, courts across New York State are hosting Women’s History Month programs to promote gender equity and call attention to the many – often overlooked – contributions of women to the law, judiciary, and society. This Women’s History Homepage is dedicated to news of these court-sponsored programs, also highlighting the achievements and impact of women leaders and movers and shakers, past and present, within the court and legal community and beyond. 

On This Page:

    A Tribute to Leadership and Humanitarianism

    March 18, 2026
    Nassau County Supreme Court, Mineola
    A group of program presenters and attendees gather for a photo
    Photo: A group of program presenters and attendees gather for a photo (L-R) Nassau County Supreme Court Justice Sharon M. J. Gianelli, Nassau County District Court Supervising Judge Tricia Ferrell, Nassau County District Court Judge and Nassau County Women in the Courts Committee Co-Chair Madeline Petrara-Perrin, attorney Andria Kelly, Nassau County Supreme Court Justice Randy Sue Marber, Chief of Staff to First Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Norman St. George and Co-Chair of the Nassau County Women in the Courts Committee Jeneen Wunder, Senior Court Clerk Lisa St. Rose, Chief Administrative Judge Joseph A. Zayas, Nassau County District Court Judge Veronica Renta Irwin, First Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Norman St. George, Nassau County Bar Associate President James Joseph, Nassau County Supreme Court Justice Lisa Cairo, Administrative Judge of the Nassau County Courts Vito M. DeStefano, New York Court of Claims Judges and Acting Nassau County Supreme Court Justices Anna Grimaldi and Denise L. Sher, Nassau County Court Judge and Acting Nassau County Supreme Court Justice Nancy Nicotra, and Principal Law Clerks Tatiana Miranda and Stephanie Aris.

    Nassau County District Court Judge Veronica Renta Irwin was honored in March with the prestigious Hon. Betty Weinberg Ellerin Award, named for the pioneering jurist and champion of women’s rights and recognizing individuals whose work and character reflect leadership and a deep commitment to justice.

    In addition to her exemplary service to the New York State judiciary, Judge Renta Irwin was acknowledged for the extraordinary compassion she demonstrated in 2025 when she donated a portion of her liver to save the life of a child. A Past President of the Long Island Hispanic Bar Association, Judge Renta Irwin spoke of the importance of public service upon receiving the award, presented by Nassau County Supreme Court Justice Sharon M.J. Gianelli.

    The Mineola courthouse program, hosted by the Nassau County Women in the Courts Committee and sponsored by the Unified Court System’s Office for Justice Initiatives, opened with remarks from Committee Co-Chair Jeneen Wunder, Chief of Staff to First Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Norman St. George. Judge St. George, Chief Administrative Judge Joseph A. Zayas, and Administrative Judge Vito M. DeStefano of the Nassau County Courts also addressed the attendees, with trailblazer and award namesake Weinberg Ellerin joining the program virtually.

    First Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Norman St. George, Chief Administrative Judge Joseph A. Zayas, and Administrative Judge Vito M. DeStefano of the Nassau County Courts were among the speakers at the tribute to Nassau County District Court Judge Veronica Renta Irwin.
    Photo (L-R): First Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Norman St. George, Chief Administrative Judge Joseph A. Zayas, and Administrative Judge Vito M. DeStefano of the Nassau County Courts were among the speakers at the tribute to Nassau County District Court Judge Veronica Renta Irwin.
    Pioneering jurist and champion of women’s rights Betty Weinberg Ellerin, the award’s namesake, addresses the program attendees virtually.
    Pioneering jurist and champion of women’s rights Betty Weinberg Ellerin, the award’s namesake, addresses the program attendees virtually.

     

     

    Mineola Exhibit Honors Women Judges

    March 2026
    Nassau County Supreme Court, Mineola, Long Island

    Photo: Panels from the Mineola courthouse exhibit paying tribute to women members of the Nassau County bench. The inspirational display will remain on view in the courthouse lobby throughout March.
    Photo: Panels from the Mineola courthouse exhibit paying tribute to women members of the Nassau County bench. The inspirational display will remain on view in the courthouse lobby throughout March.

    The Office of Administrative Judge for the Nassau County Courts Vito DeStefano proudly celebrated International Day of Women Judges on Tuesday, March 10 with a vibrant courthouse display showcasing the achievements of women members of the Nassau County bench.

    Observed each March — Women’s History Month — this global commemoration highlights the critical role women judges play in strengthening judicial integrity, enhancing decision-making, and promoting public trust. It’s a moment to honor the achievements of women judges worldwide, underscoring the importance of an inclusive bench, reflective of diverse perspectives, and setting powerful examples for future generations.

    The display will remain on view in the court’s first-floor lobby throughout March. All visitors to the Mineola courthouse are warmly encouraged to stop by, explore the exhibit, and contemplate the extraordinary contributions of the women judges in Nassau County’s Tenth Judicial District and across the judiciary.

    Photo: Panels from the Mineola courthouse exhibit paying tribute to women members of the Nassau County bench. The inspirational display will remain on view in the courthouse lobby throughout March.
    Photo: Panels from the Mineola courthouse exhibit paying tribute to women members of the Nassau County bench. The inspirational display will remain on view in the courthouse lobby throughout March.

     

     

    Suffolk County Courts Kick Off Women’s History Month

    March 13, 2026
    Cohalan Court Complex, Central Islip

    Photo: Senior Court Reporter Darlene Devlin sheds light on her courtroom duties and the vital role of court reporters in the delivery of justice at the Suffolk County gathering in March. Acting Supreme Court Justice and Supervising Judge of Matrimonial Parts Cheryl Joseph (seated right) shared insights on her path to the bench and the value of public service during the panel discussion.
    Photo: Senior Court Reporter Darlene Devlin sheds light on her courtroom duties and the vital role of court reporters in the delivery of justice at the Suffolk County gathering in March. Acting Supreme Court Justice and Supervising Judge of Matrimonial Parts Cheryl Joseph (seated right) shared insights on her path to the bench and the value of public service during the panel discussion.

    The Suffolk County Courts launched Women’s History Month with an inspiring “Women in the Law” panel at the Cohalan Court Complex in Central Islip. More than 100 young women from local high schools filled the room, eager to explore the wide range of careers available within the New York State Courts.

    In collaboration with the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York and the Suffolk County Women’s Bar Association, the event brought together a dynamic mix of judges and non-judicial professionals, all shedding light on their respective career journeys.

    Panelists included Suffolk County Acting Supreme Court Justice Cheryl Joseph, Suffolk County District Court Judge Mary Kate Mullen, Deputy Chief Clerk of Suffolk County Court Rachel Landkammer, Court Attorney Referee Julie Walsh, Sergeant Evelyn Portes, Senior Court Reporter Darlene Devlin, Secretary Kelli Houlihan, and Principal Court Interpreter Shawn Renee Guzman, with their insights and stories of hard work and purpose captivating the young attendees.

    “The courts are honored to host this program and highlight the many different careers that exist within our court system,” said District Administrative Judge Andrew Crecca. “It is wonderful to see so many students here to learn about the various paths that are open to you.”

    Judge Joseph, chair of the Suffolk County Equal Justice in the Courts Committee, underscored the value of raising awareness among young people of the importance of public service and the many meaningful career paths available within the courts.

    The Suffolk County Courts will continue their celebration of Women’s History Month with a tribute to the women serving as uniformed officers in courts countywide, in addition to other festivities acknowledging the countless contributions of women judges and non-judicial employees to the court system and greater community.

    Photo: Sergeant Evelyn Portes (second from right) talks about her work as a member of the court system’s corps of uniformed officers at the Suffolk County Courts’ Women’s History Month kickoff event, where over 100 young women from local high schools learned about the range of career opportunities available within the New York State Courts. Court Attorney-Referee Julie Walsh is pictured far left, Deputy Chief Clerk of County Court Rachel Landkammer is seated to Sgt. Portes’s left, and Principal Court Interp
    Photo: Sergeant Evelyn Portes (second from right) talks about her work as a member of the court system’s corps of uniformed officers at the Suffolk County Courts’ Women’s History Month kickoff event, where over 100 young women from local high schools learned about the range of career opportunities available within the New York State Courts. Court Attorney-Referee Julie Walsh is pictured far left, Deputy Chief Clerk of County Court Rachel Landkammer is seated to Sgt. Portes’s left, and Principal Court Interpreter Shawn Renee Guzman is seated far right, each sharing their respective career journeys during the event.