This month is Hispanic Heritage Month and I choose to honor Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. She comes from humble beginnings but has always had grand dreams and self-motivation.
Justice Sotomayor became the first Hispanic justice appointed in 2009 to the Supreme Court in its 224-year history. Apparently, she wanted to become a judge and make contributions in public service. During her tenure for a position with the New York district court, as recommended by the late Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, her attributes and solid work ethic did not go unnoticed. As a self-proclaimed Nuyorican (i.e. a Puerto Rican from New York), it’s an honor that Sotomayor is the first Puerto Rican woman to hold a judgeship in a United State federal court system.
Sotomayor once said, “I do know one thing about me: I don’t measure myself by others’ expectations or let others define my worth.” What an outstanding example for those aspiring to leadership positions that might not seen attainable!
Thankfully her tenacity and drive have been realized.
Dawn McCoy
Author of Leadership Building Blocks: An Insider’s Guide to Success
