Suffolk County Courts Host Signature Event Honoring Women’s Leadership and Legacy

CENTRAL ISLIP, NY – 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.

District Administrative Judge Crecca was joined by Supervising Judge of Suffolk’s Family Court, Hon. Caren Loguercio, in presenting the Hon. Mary Werner Award to members of the Whelan family, including the late judge’s husband, Hon. Thomas Whelan, Supervising Judge of Suffolk’s Supreme Court Civil Parts.

“Judge Whelan was the epitome of the gold standard for members of the judiciary, and it is an honor for me to present this award to her husband, children, and grandchildren who are all with us today,” said Judge Loguercio.

The keynote speaker and honoree for the event was Lisa Gatti, the Founder and CEO of Pal-O-Mine, an innovative nonprofit organization that provides therapeutic horseback riding services to individuals with disabilities and other vulnerable conditions. Pal-O-Mine is known to many in the justice system since judges from the Family Court and the District Court have been referring youths to their farm for their services.

“We are humbled to be a part of court-based intervention system. Their programs work, and they are helping to lead to change,” said Gatti. “We are proud to be able to provide opportunities for change through Pal-O-Mine. It always takes a village, as we all know, and I am grateful that Pal-O-Mine can be a part of the answer.”

In his closing remarks, Administrative Judge Crecca emphasized the importance of Women’s History Month, stating:

“As we reflect on the profound impact women have had throughout our courts and our community, this celebration is not only about recognition – it is about continuing that momentum, inspiring future generations, and building a more just and equitable future for all.”

The celebration also featured musical performances by the Bay Shore Harmonaires of the Bay Shore High School. After the heartfelt ceremony and celebration, all guests in attendance were invited to the courthouse’s Central Jury Room for a luncheon reception. Altogether, this month’s events underscored the courts’ commitment to mentorship, service, and advancing opportunities for future generations of women.