Central Islip, New York: The Suffolk County courts proudly hosted their Grand Celebration in honor of Women’s History Month on March 26, 2026, in the Ceremonial Courtroom of the Cohalan Court Complex in Central Islip, marking the culmination of a dynamic, multi-event series recognizing the achievements and contributions of women across the legal community. The program brought together judges, court staff, and community members to reflect on this year’s theme, “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future,” and to celebrate the lasting impact of women in the courts.
Hosted by District Administrative Judge Hon. Andrew Crecca and Suffolk’s Women in the Courts Committee, this signature event followed a series of meaningful programs throughout the month, including a recognition ceremony honoring Suffolk’s female supervisory court officers and a widely attended panel discussion featuring women in the courts who shared their experiences with local high school students. As part of today’s event, the late Hon. Theresa Whelan was honored with the Suffolk Courts’ inaugural Hon. Mary Werner Award in a heartfelt ceremony before family and friends.
The Hon. Mary Werner Award is a new recognition during the Suffolk Courts’ Women’s History Month celebration that will be given each year to a female member of the legal system whose efforts have helped advance justice and inspire future generations of female leaders within the legal profession. Named after the highly-renowned former district administrative judge, Hon. Mary Werner, who passed away this year at 91 years old, the award’s first installment was posthumously given to another late Suffolk Judge, Hon. Theresa Whelan, who tragically passed in 2022 after a courageous battle with cancer while serving on the bench as Suffolk’s Surrogate.
Lisa Gatti was the keynote speaker at the Suffolk County Courts celebration of Women’s History Month
The Hon. Maureen Liccione presents Lisa Gatti with a “Votes for Women” teapot, a symbol of the women’s suffrage movement that honors the legacy of women whose leadership builds community and transformative impact.
