Born: 1951 (Puerto Rico)
Biography:
Nitza Ileana Quiñones Alejandro was born in January 1951 in Puerto Rico. Coming from a military family, she grew up in a diverse and disciplined environment. In 1972, Quiñones earned her Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Puerto Rico. During her undergraduate education, she had the opportunity to study as an exchange student at Central Michigan University. Upon completing her bachelor’s degree, she went on to obtain her Juris Doctor in 1975 from the University of Puerto Rico School of Law.
After graduating from law school, Quiñones relocated from Puerto Rico to Philadelphia, where she started her legal career. From 1975 to 1977, she worked as a staff attorney at Community Legal Services, Inc. in Philadelphia. She then served as an Attorney Advisor for the United States Department of Health and Human Services from 1977 to 1979. Continuing her commitment to public service, Quiñones worked as a staff attorney for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs from 1979 to 1991.
Quiñones’ dedication to the legal field led her to be appointed as a judge on the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas in 1991. Over the course of her 22-year tenure on the court, she presided over both civil and criminal matters. Her nomination to the court was initially met with controversy due to her lack of political experience and her previous employment with the federal government, which barred her from participating in party politics. However, Quiñones persevered and won her election to the court, becoming the first Hispanic woman to serve in this role. She ran for re-election in 2001 and 2011, successfully retaining her seat each time.
Throughout her career, Quiñones faced various challenges but found strength in her resilience and determination. She attributes her ability to overcome obstacles to her experiences running for office, which gave her the necessary thick skin required of a judge. Quiñones also actively contributed to the legal community as a member of the Hispanic Bar Association of Pennsylvania.
In 2012, President Barack Obama nominated Quiñones for the position of United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Her nomination was recommended by Senator Bob Casey, Jr., and she was confirmed by voice vote on June 13, 2013. This historic achievement made Quiñones the first lesbian Latina to be appointed as a federal judge. Her nomination not only marked a significant milestone in her career but also represented a breakthrough for diversity and inclusivity within the judiciary.
Quiñones Alejandro’s story is a testament to her dedication to public service, her resilience in the face of adversity, and her trailblazing efforts as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Her presence on the bench has undoubtedly made a lasting impact on the legal profession and paved the way for future generations.