To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re recognizing diverse voices in the judiciary. The following features Associate Judge Sandra Parga of the 16th Judicial Circuit and her thoughts on her career, diversity, and more.
What inspired you to pursue law, and eventually, become a judge?
My parents were immigrants who believed in helping others who were new to this county. I watched them help others find jobs, housing, and accompany others to important appointments. They taught me to always find a way to help others so I wanted to work in a profession where I could help those who were marginalized or disenfranchised and who could not advocate for themselves.
Who has been the biggest influence in your life and/or career?
My biggest influence has been my Tia Laura. She is my mother’s youngest sister who is actually only 5 years older than I am. She has always been more of an older sister to me. She was the first to go to college and she encouraged me and supported me to do the same. When I received a scholarship to Cornell Law School, she took me to visit Ithaca, NY and made me believe I could succeed there.
When you reflect on your career, what accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am proud that as the first Latina judge in Kane County, I have used that position to continue to serve the Latino communities by speaking at career days in schools where children are growing up in immigrant homes like I did. I want to make sure they see someone who looks like them in the judiciary so they can aspire to do the same and so that they know there is nothing out of reach for them.
Why is diversity important on the bench?
Diversity is important on the bench because it must be a clear reflection of the communities we serve. We strengthen the trust in our judiciary when people believe that they have meaningful access to justice, and that results from having a diversity of life experiences on the bench.
What is one of your favorite traditions or customs of your culture? (Ex. Food, Special Event, etc.)
One of my favorite traditions is making tamales for Christmas Eve dinner. The chicken, pork, and sweet fillings are prepared days in advance of everyone gathering to clean hojas (corn husks or plantain leaves) so that we can spread the masa (dough) and fill the tamales. On Christmas Eve, the tamales are steamed and served at dinner with atole de limon or chocolate (drink made from masa and spices).
Why do you think it’s important to recognize Hispanic heritage, not just this month, but every day?
It’s important to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month every day because we are such a diverse group of people lumped into one category. We contribute so much economically and culturally to our society but are often left out of the binary conversations that are more commonly had regarding diversity. Limiting Latinos to just one month fails to share the wealth of diversity we have even among ourselves!