Eva Guzman made history by becoming the first Latina to be sworn in to the state's high court Monday.
"For this day I have prayed, I have dreamed, and I have worked," Justice Guzman said. "Texas is a great state. America is a wonderful country. Anything is possible. Never give up, set your goals high, dream big."
Prior to her appointment to the Texas Supreme Court, Guzman was an associate justice on the 14th Court of Appeals. She was also recognized by the Hispanic National Bar Association as Latina Judge of the Year.
Guzman's parents were Mexican immigrants. Her father was a welder, and her mother was a cleaning lady. "One of my goals has been to inspire young people to dream big, work hard, and choose well," Guzman said.
That message finds eager ears at Latinitas, an Austin nonprofit that empowers Hispanic girls.
"Our girls are like Justice Guzman," co-founder Laura Donnelly Gonzalez said. "They are often first generation Latinas. They're going to be the first in their family to attend college. They're often the English speaker in their household."
Guzman is known for her active role in continuing education programs, and hopes to encourage more young people to set their sights high.
"One of my goals is to inspire young people to dream big, work hard, and choose well," she said.
Guzman is a much-needed role model, Donnelly Gonzalez said, because Guzman's success breaks the stereotype of Latinas being over-sexualized or maids. "They're going to see a whole other view of what it is to be a successful Latina." READ FULL STORY
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