Welcome to our 10th #womanoftheweek! Today, we will be discussing Tani Cantil-Sakauye, Filipina American judge from California! Enjoy!
Major Accomplishments:
- First person of color to serve as Chief Justice in California
- Earned the Judge of the Year Award
Tani Cantil-Sakauye is a Filipino American judge and prosecutor. She went to the University of California, Davis and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. She enjoyed competing in debate competitions growing up, which led to her choosing a career in law. She attended the UC Davis School of Law and earned her Doctor of Jurisprudence(J.D.) degree in 1984.
From 1990-1997, Cantil-Sakuaye served as a judge in the Sacramento County Superior Court. She was appointed by Governor Pete Wilson and remained there until 2005. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger then appointed Canti-Sakuaye as the Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court, and was unanimously approved by the California Commission on Judicial Appointments. Tani Cantil-Sakuaye became the second woman and first non-white person to serve in this position. She focused on more funding for courts to prevent compromises that would affect minorities, and more education on the court system for teenagers.
Tani Cantil-Sakuaye is a huge inspiration for Asian-Americans, as she is one of the leading female judges in California’s judicial branch today. She is also working towards making court cases more available to the public to educate teenagers and kids on the court system. In addition, she finds it important to increase the judicial branch’s efficiency and accountability. She has been awarded Judge of the Year Award, the Community Victorious Award and several others.
Which woman do YOU want to see next? Comment below!
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