Queens judge offers ‘supreme’ advice to Richmond Hill High students
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Supreme Court Justice Lourdes Ventura and Principal Law Clerk Jasmine Valle logged in to join students and faculty for a weekly discussion from Richmond Hill High School. Screenshot via zoom
By Rachel Vick
Queens Supreme Court Justice Lourdes Ventura spoke to a group of Richmond HiIl High School students on Wednesday, describing her career challenges and victories, and imparting the wisdom she gained in law, politics and everyday life in Queens.
Ventura was joined by Principal Law Clerk Jasmine Valle for the Women’s History Month-themed Hill Talk, “Justice with Women of Purpose” where they shared their personal experiences in the legal field.
“My story is like the story of many immigrant children,” Ventura said. “Everything about my upbringing involved Dominican, Latino cultural traditions and values. While I never dreamt about being a lawyer or a judge, I was always an advocate as I translated [for people around].”
She credited an instance of translating for a neighbor who found themselves involved with a court case for showing her the different ways she could apply her unique skills.
Ventura said that one way she continues to engage with the community is by “planting the seeds of a possible career in law… and helping the younger generation believe they can succeed.”
Ventura emphasized the importance of fostering relationships along any education or career path, and she advised listeners to ask questions and “fight to make a better life for themselves, the community and those who come after.”
Valle, a John Jay and CUNY Law alum, shared her own experiences as a product of Queens public schools.
“It has always been my dream to be an attorney, an advocate and voice for others,” Valle said. “As a student who was once in your shoes — it seemed impossible.. but I’m happy to be here.”
Both are first generation college graduates and said they faced similar obstacles as young women of color, including stereotyping. Valle said their experiences demonstrate the importance of representation and support.
“Justice Ventura is big on climbing and reaching behind, like I'm here with her,” Valle said. “We recognize that fostering students at such an early age and introducing them to the legal profession is a way to introduce diversity. I didn’t know any judges so having exposure to these opportunities can change the trajectory of [students’] lives.”
Ventura and Valle encouraged students not to give up and to hold onto the idea that they are worthy, regardless of what outside forces say.
The school deans have hosted weekly “Hill Talks” since 2019, but quickly adapted to a virtual setting when they saw a way to help students feel connected to the school community and combat pandemic isolation through discussion.
Talks start with a mindfulness activity to ground participants and create a safe space for students to express how they feel.
On Wednesday, some used the space to share their excitement at earning high grades in the last marking period, new jobs and college acceptances. Students celebrated when they learned their peers had been accepted into Fordham and John Jay.
“I’m so grateful and so blessed to have such amazing young people to be a part of this program,” Dean A. Paul Fisher said of the students. “It’s my pleasure to get to host this along with my deans every week to see how impactful you are.”
Together the group fostered high energy and good vibes; students and administrators alike expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn from Ventura and Valle.
“In addition to inspiring our students, you definitely inspired the staff, our team here, and made us remember to always pick up when there are trials and tribulations,” said Assistant Principal Kevin Kunjbehari. “It;’s amazing that our students had the opportunity to hear from Queens natives, natives of the New York City public school system; people just like them.”
