The Life and Success of Sonia Sotomayor: Becoming the First Latina Supreme Court Justice

• In Event: Profiles in Courage, Leadership, and Inspiration

Abstract

Despite societal, cultural, and personal barriers to achievement, women of color have made strides in history. Yet, many stories of exceptional women of color are rarely spotlighted (Kitano, 1998). Moreover, there is limited research on what actually contributes to their success. The purpose of this paper is to learn about the life and early experiences of the first Latina Justice on the Supreme Court, Sonia Sotomayor. The biographical study applies the Productive Giftedness Model to identify the traits and supportive conditions in Sotomayor’s early school and professional years that contributed to her achievement (Author, 2013). The study highlights the importance of individual aptitude, school, and environmental factors, especially in developing talented young girls and women of color.

Authors

• Susan J. Paik, Claremont Graduate University

• Shirlie Mae Mamaril Choe, Claremont Graduate University

• Christine W. Kang, Claremont Graduate University

• Anais Janoyan, Claremont Graduate University

• Tammy L. Johnson, Claremont Graduate University

• Charlina Gozali, Claremont Graduate University

• Kenya Renee Marshall-Harper, Claremont Graduate University