In our Icon Series, we reflect upon individuals who have laid the foundation for our journey toward justice and equity. The New Hampshire Center for Justice & Equity celebrates the extraordinary life of Sonia Sotomayor.

About Sonia Sotomayor

Sonia Sotomayor is the first Latina and the third woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. Her journey from a public housing project to Princeton and Yale Law, and later to the highest court in the country speaks to the power of perseverance and the importance of representation. Known as the "People’s Justice," she embodies empathy in law, advocating for marginalized communities and offering hope to those seeking to overcome systemic barriers. Her legacy proves that those historically excluded can indeed shape the future of justice and equity in America.

Early Adversity and the Roots of Resilience

Born on June 25, 1954, and raised in the Bronx, New York, by Puerto Rican parents, Sonia Sotomayor grew up in a predominantly working-class neighborhood. Her early life was shaped by the challenges of poverty, but also by the strength of her family, especially after losing her father at the age of nine. Her mother, Celina, worked six days a week as a nurse to support the family and instilled in her the values of hard work and resilience. Despite experiencing grief very young and being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes as a child, Sotomayor learned to navigate personal adversity early on and was a top student. This theme would be repeated throughout her life.

Sotomayor decided she would be an attorney when she was 10 years old, inspired by the TV show Perry Mason, where she saw the power of the law to bring justice and defend the innocent. Certain of her dreams, she put this passion into her studies at Cardinal Spellman High School, where she graduated as the valedictorian of her class in 1972. And while attending a private Catholic school might have been considered unattainable in her community, it was possible thanks to her mother’s hard work.

Defying Expectations with Academic Triumphs and Advocacy

From then on, Sotomayor’s academic journey continued to show her determination and high intellect. She earned a full scholarship to attend Princeton University, where despite excelling academically, she often felt the weight of being one of the few students of color. However, instead of letting the feelings of alienation hold her back, she became co-chair of the Puerto Rican student group Acción Puertorriqueña, advocating for more diversity on campus and pushing for more inclusive academic programs.

After graduating in 1976 with Princeton University’s highest academic honor, Sotomayor attended Yale Law School to pursue a J.D., where she continued to defy expectations. At Yale, she became an editor of the prestigious Yale Law Journal and co-chaired the Latin American and Native American Students Association, setting the stage for an influential legal career.

From Prosecutor to Trailblazing Supreme Court Justice

Sotomayor’s professional career has spanned several decades and a range of legal positions. After her graduation in 1979, she worked as an assistant district attorney in Manhattan, where she prosecuted a wide variety of cases. Despite her young age, Sotomayor helped deliver sentences in a few high-profile cases, which sharpened her skills in criminal law and gave her firsthand experience in understanding the complexities of the justice system. In 1984, she geared towards business and corporate law at the private firm of Pavia & Harcourt. Four years later, Sotomayor became a partner due to her notable work on intellectual property and copyright law.

In 1992, President George H. W. Bush’s administration nominated her to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, making her the youngest judge in the Southern District at that time. Later, after being nominated by President Bill Clinton in 1997, she served on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, where she gained a reputation for asking tough questions and writing thoughtful and balanced rulings.

However, it was in 2009 that Sotomayor's career reached a pivotal moment when President Barack Obama appointed her to the U.S. Supreme Court following Justice David Souter’s retirement. Despite opposition from prominent conservatives, Sotomayor’s confirmation was historic for Hispanic and Latino communities, as it represented those who had been systematically excluded from the highest positions of power in the U.S.

“As you discover what strength you can draw from your community in this world from which it stands apart, look outward as well as inward. Build bridges instead of walls.”

Championing Justice for the Historically Marginalized

At the time of her nomination, President Barack Obama said that Sotomayor’s selection was an important step toward equal justice under the law. Since her appointment to the Supreme Court, she has been a fierce advocate for justice, equity, and civil rights. Often referred to as the "People’s Justice," she has used her platform to amplify the voices of those marginalized by systemic inequities, particularly in cases related to affirmative action, voting rights, and immigration.

Sotomayor’s 58-page dissent in Schuette v. Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action (2014), highlighted the deep racial and structural inequalities in the United States and remains some of her most impactful work. She was also among the majority who twice defended the Affordable Care Act, and ruled in favor of Obergefell v. Hodges (2015), legalizing same-sex marriage in all 50 states. Her presence on the bench continues to challenge a system that has long favored the privileged, making her an essential figure in the fight for a more just and equitable society.

An Ongoing Legacy for Future Generations

Sonia Sotomayor's path reflects the experience of those from historically marginalized backgrounds, who often have to work harder to claim their place and space. Her achievements are a testament to the importance of representation in elite institutions and have inspired countless individuals to believe that they too belong in spaces where decisions about their lives are made.

Still in service of the Supreme Court, her life’s work underscores her determination and unyielding commitment to justice. At the New Hampshire Center for Justice & Equity, we give thanks and recognize Sonia Sotomayor as more than just a jurist - she’s a symbol of possibility for all those who are told they do not belong.

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