The following speech was delivered by Georgia Pestana, New York City’s first woman and first Latina to lead its Law Department, on Nov. 12 for New York Law School’s CityLaw breakfast series. The address can be viewed here.

The Center for New York City Law performs a real public service. Your presentation of speakers that promote discussion about the issues that affect New Yorkers is invaluable. I commend the entire team responsible for these informative events.