On Friday, September 18, 2026, the New York State Supreme Court welcomed the legal community for the 19th Annual Caren Aronowitz Unity in Diversity event. Bar associations, court committees, and professional organizations from across the city participated in this lovely event. Among the co-sponsors was the Asian American Bar Association of New York, represented by Carrey Wong (Deputy Executive Director), Apollo Baltazar (Administrative Assistant), and legal interns Ria Punukollu, Ellyse Ramos, Divya Mukhara, and Pan Pan.
The program began with the New York State Courts Pipes and Drums, in full Scottish attire, as they marched a circle around the inside of the courthouse, around the gathering at the Rotunda. The sound of the bagpipes and drums filled the Rotunda’s high ceilings and drew people out of hallways and toward this gathering. It was an exciting way to begin, ceremonial yet warm, and it made clear that this was a celebration and not just another day at the courthouse.
Following the music, Hon. Deborah A. Kaplan (Justice of the New York County Supreme Court) gave opening remarks, reflecting on and honoring the legacy of the late Caren Aronowitz. Caren Aronowitz was a longtime court employee who dedicated herself to bringing cultural programming and awareness into the courthouse. Almost two decades later, this event is still built around her legacy and lasting impact on the court community. Hon. Adam Silvera (Deputy Chief Administrative Judge of the New York City Courts) spoke next, highlighting the importance of the event and how diversity fosters unity, reminding all of us that the legal community becomes stronger through it.
Hon. Suzanne J. Adams (Administrative Judge of the New York County Supreme Court Civil Term) then presented her welcoming remarks. She emphasized the court’s commitment to diversity and inclusion and the role that each attendee plays in making the legal community welcoming to all those they serve.
After the speakers, the Rotunda became a shared space for food and conversation. Each co-sponsoring association and committee set up a table, and attendees walked around the Rotunda sampling dishes from different associations and cultures. Food offers a comforting way to start a conversation, and colleagues who might otherwise only cross paths in professional settings were trading recommendations and asking where each dish came from.
AABANY’s table drew the longest line in the room and it stayed that way for the entirety of the event. A whole meal’s worth of food was shared: platters of fried rice enough for lunch, dinner, or both; pork and duck buns, dumplings of every kind, and plenty of noodles to go around. Attendees waited patiently and came back for seconds. For AABANY’s interns and staff, serving that line was a highlight and it was a proud way to share a piece of culture and tradition with the broader community.
We thank the Gender Fairness Committee, Supreme Court, Civil Branch, New York County and their collaboration with the Equal Justice Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, Cultural Diversity Sub Committee, Board of Justices of the 1st Judicial District, and the New York County Clerk’s Office for presenting and organizing this event, as well as their continued commitment to inclusion. We also thank every co-sponsoring association and committee for their generosity in tabling, and we honor the memory of Caren Aronowitz, whose vision brings the court and the rest of the legal community together.
