Introducing the Bernice Gaines Dorn Black Women Lawyers Association Board of Directors

Members of the first-ever Board of Directors for the newly formed Bernice Gaines Dorn Black Women Lawyers Association were sworn in by Judge Fabienne E. Fahnestock on May 29th during the inaugural installation brunch at the Marriott Dania Pointe. The sold-out event featured a panel discussion that included (retired) Florida Supreme Court Justice Peggy Quince and President Elect of the Florida Bar Sia Baker Barnes. The topic? Honoring our past and shaping the future. Pictured second from left in the back row is Judge Florence Taylor Barner, and sixth from the left in the front row is Magistrate Hilary Creary. Congratulations to all. #17thjudteam

Court Employees Hone Skills at National Conference on Juvenile Justice

The 17th Judicial Circuit was well-represented at the 2025 National Conference on Juvenile Justice in Boston. Six employees attended the event, which was put on by the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges. During the March 16-19 conference, our staff heard presentations on family violence and domestic relations and child welfare and juvenile law. Pictured left to right are Janelle May, Pierre Gaston, Ebony Bakare, Gerlande Felix, Beth Plotkin and Ismael Romero. Thank you for all you do.

Introducing the Employee Milestone Recognition Recipients

Fifteen longtime employees who work for Court Administration were honored on Wednesday with special awards created to celebrate notable work milestones. Trial Court Administrator Joe D’Amico and Deputy Trial Court Administrator Diana Sobel presented the awards during a brief ceremony in a packed courtroom. Co-workers erupted in applause when their colleagues were recognized. Joe initiated the employee milestone awards program to highlight the hard work and dedication of behind-the-scenes employees whose work is essential to keep court programs operational and moving forward. Back row left to right are Dylan Sercy, standing in for his mother La’Kita O’Donnell, Michele Anderson, Heather Abel, Trial Court Administrator Joseph D’Amico, Deputy Trial Court Administrator Diana Sobel, Geovanna Morgan and Magistrate Yves Laventure. First row, left to right: Gloria Trujillo, Rosalee Walker, Solange Saenz, Martine Pelissier, Lisa Peart and Teri Renaud. Not pictured are Danny Gutierrez, Renee Straub, Shannon Campbell and Ashly Martin. Congratulations to all!

Taking a Break to Mingle With Co-Workers

In an effort to promote networking, Court Administration hosted a Health and Wellness Social on March 13th so employees could take a 15-minute break, meet some people they don’t work with every day and enjoy a some coffee, cookies and cake. Dozens of employees packed the breakroom on the 19th floor of the West Tower to participate in this sweet retreat, which proved to be a big hit. Fun activity that provided a nice break in the day. Many thanks to the organizers.

Recognizing Broward’s Unsung Heroes

The 17th Judicial Circuit celebrated nine notable women in recognition of Women’s History Month during a special “Unsung Heroes” program on Friday that unfolded before a crowd packed with well wishers, judges, attorneys, Court Administration employees and other dignitaries. The event was coordinated by Judge Michele Towbin Singer with assistance from the Broward County Bar Association. Honorees included Jean Ansourian, Anita Browning, Wendy Buchanan, Ta’Veca Collins, Carla Gardner, Rebecca McGuire, Susan Nymora, Ella Phillips and Debbie Rivero. Congratulations to all. An amazing program!

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