Education is the main pillar of a thriving society and is at the forefront of our evolution as leaders and game-changers. It expands our minds and opens up our world to infinite possibilities, and it helps us grow into anything we want.
My guest, Justice Adrienne Nelson, is a pioneer and a trailblazer who believes in the power of education and how it can truly transform our lives and the communities we engage in – and her actions truly mirror her judgment. Today, she joins me to talk about her journey to becoming the first African American to sit on Oregon State Supreme Court and about her passion for ensuring that the system works for everyone.
Judge Nelson earned her Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from the University of Texas at Austin, and her Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Criminal Justice Summa Cum Laude from the University of Arkansas. In 2006, she was appointed as a trial judge on the Multnomah County Circuit Court in Portland, Oregon - making her the second African American female judge in the state of Oregon – and in 2018 she was appointed to the Oregon Supreme Court - becoming the first African American to sit on the state’s highest court and on any appellate state court.
Over the years, Adrienne has been very active in the legal community and she is a frequent speaker on several topics, including diversity, inclusion, equity, leadership, and professional development. She serves as a mentor to many people, especially to students, helping them realize that they have the power to become whoever they want in life, regardless of their status, race, gender, or the place they come from.
I feel truly honored to have Judge Nelson in my show and to learn from her the ins and outs of our judicial system. Listen to Episode 12 of Roar, to discover the actions she takes to bridge the gap and bring justice to us all.
Some questions I ask:
- Tell us a little bit about your background: where are you from? And who were your biggest influences growing up? (02:57)
- When you think about your early experiences, which one stands out as a defining moment that really helped you find your roar? (08:44)
- What led you to pursue a career in law? (14:40)
- Did you ever have any problems or challenges that you’ve encountered along the way, simply because people were a little bit surprised to see you sitting on the bench in the State’s highest court? (24:24)
- How diverse is the judiciary system, and what role do you think diversity plays in the court’s mission? (30:20)
- How can individuals help people like you, to create a judicial system that lives up to the idea of equal justice for all? (39:06)
- What are some of the ideas and programs that you’ve implemented as a judge, that focus on bringing the voices together for good? (44:28)
In this episode, you will learn:
- The importance of understanding that our zip code should not limit our ambitions. (05:02)
- The racial injustice Adrienne experienced in her teenage years & How that influenced her future. (09:52)
- The power of human support, mentorship, and a strong community in someone’s life. (17:01)
- Adrienne’s recipe on how to deal with tough or important situations, without feeling overwhelmed. (21:54)
- The reasons Adrienne loves being in the Supreme Court & How she manages to bring value through the position she holds. (27:39)
- What Adrienne does to serve as a role model for young, diverse students that aspire to be part of the law environment. (34:55)
- The three words that can help change our country into a better place & the actions we can take do drive that change. (40:54)
- The honor Adrienne has received of having a high school named after her & what this means for her. (51:20)
Connect with Adrienne:
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