Chair – Hon. Connie Mallafré Mélendez
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L. I. F. E. Academy High School for Film and Music
2630 Benson Avenue, Brooklyn 11214
Partners:
Eugenia Kelch, Principal; A. Paul Fisher, Educator
Hon. Connie Mallafré Mélendez
“The 2023-2024 school year was off to a great start. I had the pleasure of speaking to students during our first presentation of the year. The overwhelming impression that our conversation may impact the life of a young person stayed with me all day. There is great power in teaching by example; just as valuable are lessons based on sharing ones’ trials and errors. This program brought that to the students, and more.”
2024
Consolyea Preparatory Middle School
Partners:
Carmen Bitar, Administration; Ralmi Polanco, Teacher
Hon. Diego Freire
“Seeing the curiosity and enthusiasm in the student’s eyes as I shared my experiences and insights was truly gratifying, the class was well prepared and asked excellent questions.
From my early years in the NYC public school system to studying law and then gaining invaluable experience in the legal field, each step has shaped me into the person/judge I am today. Being able to share my story with the hope of inspiring the next generation while imparting some wisdom along the way is a privilege I cherish deeply. I look forward to doing it again.”
February 2024
Bronx High School for Law Government and Justice
244 E 163rd St, Bronx, NY 10451
Educators:
Julissa Gomez-McGhie, Assistant Principal & Basil Manolakos, J.D., Civil & Criminal Law Dept.
Hon. Angela Badamo
It was a delight to participate in the program! The students were fully engaged and peppered me with complex and insightful questions. Their enthusiasm was energizing and informative. I was able to hear some of our youth’s perspectives on the criminal justice system and to share with them my educational and career journey. I hope to hear more from these students and I am confident that they will soon be part of a next generation of bright and sharp-witted lawyers and other professionals.
November 2024
Hon. Emily Minerva-Morales
“This LJA program gave me the opportunity to share with students what I wished someone shared with my younger self. I hope the participants see themselves in me, as much as I see myself in them. Our time together was meaningful and grounding in such a way that I cannot wait to do it again!”
November 2024
Hon. Diego Freire
“This marks my second year speaking to these incredible students, and it was truly rewarding to see their enthusiasm and preparedness. The students were eager participants who asked excellent, thought-provoking questions, making the experience both engaging and inspiring. It’s always a privilege to share insights and connect with the next generation!“
November 2024
Hon. Patria Frias-Colón
“The work the Latino Judges Association (LJA) has done in this area is no small feat. Under the leadership of Justice Mallafre Melendez, the LJA’s HS Speaker Series clearly has a profound impact on the students that have the benefit of participating. During my participation on 11/22/24, among other areas covered, the students from Bronx High School for Law Government and Justice and I had a robust conversation focused on insightful questions. They asked me about my background, challenges and lessons learned as a jurist. I learn so much from the students and do not take for granted how challenging it can be for them to ask their questions in front of their peers and for their questions to be answered and highlighted. I love this program because it makes it so easy for us as Latino judges to give back to our respective communities. Thank you LJA and the HS Speaker Series program from giving us this incredible opportunity.”
November 2024
Hon. Michelle A. Johnson
“Thank you for the opportunity and for your kind words. I really enjoyed that experience.”
April 2024
Hon. Raymond L. Rodriguez
“It was a wonderful experience. The students asked me thoughtful and insightful questions.”
April 2024
Hon. Patria Frías-Colon
“Today I had the pleasure and honor to participate in a conversation with students from the Bx HS for Law Gov’t and Justice, the first NYC urban assembly school that was founded by Chancellor Banks in 1997. I was excited to learn that the school is committed to ensuring their students have civic literacy, which provides them with knowledge, skills and attitudes students need to effectively work in our diverse society. Their questions were thoughtful, insightful and endearing. What a pleasure to have engaged with them in this way.”
March 2024
Newcomers High School
28-01 41st Avenue, Queens, NY 11101
Educators:
Shanna Kirgan, ELA Teacher
Hon. Javier Vargas
“It was a pleasure to share my career and judicial path with the students of New Comers High School in Spanglish, as most of them were newly arrived immigrants. They peppered me with incisive questions about my decision-making process, family and criminal laws, and how to deal with difficult and emotional cases. The experience was memorable as in teaching them I learned about myself. Most crucially, I hope to have planted a desire of pursuing higher education in whatever field they dream off. I truly exhort all my colleagues to share their experiences and teach the next generation through this LJA program.”
January 2024
Hon. Manuel J. Mendez, Appellate Division 1st Dept.
“I want to thank Judge Mallafre and LJA for giving me the opportunity to speak with the students of Newcomers High School. It is important that these youngsters hear from individuals who have been in the same position they are in today and faced the same challenges and obstacles they are now facing. It is important for them to know that despite the obstacles, with perseverance and hard work our dreams and desires can be achieved through education. I thank you once again for the opportunity to speak to these students and look forward to being of service to you and LJA in the future.”
January 9, 2024
Hon. Yadhira Gonzalez-Taylor
“It was an honor to address the students of the Newcomers School through the LJA High School Speaker Series Program. This program is instrumental in developing and nurturing diverse and qualified law school candidates that represent our communities. I hope in sharing how I overcame early life obstacles I inspired someone in a similar situation to know that they too can achieve a position where they may help their community thrive and be healthy. I hope that I inspired some if not all of them to consider a legal career.”
January 2024
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