New York State Bar Association Honors Three Attorneys for Their Impact on the Lives of Women and Young People
1.16.2025
The New York State Bar Association honored three attorneys for their work in improving the lives of women and young people through innovative and ground-breaking programs Jan. 15 at its Annual Meeting at the New York Hilton Midtown.
“These three distinguished individuals have devoted their careers to lifting up others to help them reach their full potential,” said Domenick Napoletano, president of the New York State Bar Association. “They have followed their passions and created new programs with remarkable results that are improving the lives of so many New Yorkers.”
Mirna Santiago, founder of Girls Rule the Law, received the John E. Higgins Diversity Trailblazer Award for founding Girls Rule the Law, a career exploration and mentorship program introducing girls to a legal career. Girls in middle school and high school connect with professionals in the field, creating a pipeline from middle school to law school.
In accepting her award, she thanked her family for always supporting her and turned her attention to the girls she serves.
“My girls fight for equality and equity. [My program] creates a sense of belonging for them in a majority white, male workforce.”
The Higgins Award recognizes exceptional efforts to promote the full and equal participation of diverse people at all levels of the legal profession.
A.J. Bosman, founder of the Children’s Rights Initiative, received the Ruth Bader Ginsburg Beacon Award for creating the Oneida County organization, which promotes the right of children a role to choose their own attorneys in Family Court matters.
In accepting her award, she described a recent case of gender discrimination that was 12 years in the making. She implored the lawyers present to take on at least one civil rights case each year.
“There are so many opportunities to make a difference,” she said. “Please take on civil rights cases, we need you.”
The Beacon Award was created following the 2020 death of U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. It honors an individual who is honest, direct and courageous in the face of opposition and is an outspoken advocate for those less privileged.
Madjeen Garcon-Bonneau received the Outstanding Young Lawyer of the Year Award for her contributions to mentoring young lawyers while also serving the Haitian American community in New York. Her work for both the Metropolitan Black Bar Association and the Haitian American Lawyers Association of New York helps young legal professionals blossom in their careers.
In accepting her award she honored those who came before her and were committed to her success, especially her grandfather who persevered through his life with little education.
“I am living my ancestor’s wildest dreams!”
The New York State Bar Association’s Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion honors attorneys each year during NYSBA’s Annual Meeting. The recipients are recognized at the Constance Baker Motley Symposium, a joint effort by the Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the Equal Opportunity Law Committee of the Labor and Employment Law Section.
