As a retired judge I had the privilege of serving as a Justice in the New York State Supreme Court System. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, I am a native Spanish speaker and learned English as an adult while attending college.I relocated to New York City to become a flight attendant, but when that dream didn't materialize, I enrolled in CUNY college to learn English and pursue a degree. Subsequently, I earned both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Criminal Justice from John Jay College. In 1986, I earned a Juris Doctor degree from the Antioch School of Law in Washington, D.C.Upon returning to New York City, I began a career in public service, practicing as an attorney in Family Court, Landlord-Tenant Court, and other areas of the law. As a former Assistant District Attorney, I prosecuted numerous cases of domestic violence and sexual abuse, handling suppression hearings, grand jury presentations, and trials. In 2005, I was elected Judge to the Civil Court in Kings County, where I presided over criminal and felony cases. In addition, I published sixteen decisions in the New York Law Reporter out of many. This role prepared me for my election in 2014 as a Justice of the New York State Supreme Court, in Brooklyn. There, I handled serious felony cases, including murder, assault, drug offenses and others.Throughout my career, I have been honored with numerous awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023, by Ladies at Lunch Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse Organization, Recipient of Beacon of Hope Award in 2016, by East NY United Citizens, "La Flor de Maga" Award by the Puerto Rican Bar Association in 2016, and the "Most Outstanding Women Award" from El Diario Newspaper in 2015. My broad experience has made me a sought-after speaker on domestic violence and the criminal justice system. I also enjoy sharing my journey to the bench as a motivational speaker. In addition to my courtroom duties, I have been committed to educating others. In 2001, I was selected by the U.S. Department of Justice to train prosecutors and law enforcement personnel in Chile and Honduras. I also participated in training judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and service providers on domestic violence and child abuse issues in Chile, under the Vera Institute of New York City.After eighteen years on the bench, I recently retired, but my passion for justice and equality continues. I served as the Former Region I President of the National Prosecutors Association and remain active in the legal community through my speaking engagements and advocacy efforts.
