United States District Court for the District of Columbia Judge Ana Reyes arrived in Kentucky from Spain at the age of five speaking very little English, making school and adaptation difficult. Ana’s first-grade teacher took notice and dedicated her personal time before school each morning teaching Ana the language. That early life lesson instilled in Judge Reyes a deep commitment to selfless service and paying it forward. Today, Judge Reyes is the first Hispanic woman and the first openly LGBTQ judge to serve on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia and is a role model for many others.
On this special episode of “Madam NOT Policy,” Judge Reyes joins hosts bestie Dee Martin and good friend Caitlin Sickles to discuss her journey from Uruguay to Spain to Kentucky to the bench. Highlights include tales of those who helped the Judge along the way, including first-grade teacher Patricia Harkleroad and her own mother, The Lilliam—a force of nature! Tune in as they discuss the importance of visibility for marginalized communities, conveying calm, and singing birds in trees (that’s for you, Elizabeth, also bestie). Want to hear about Judge Reyes’ love of the Boston Red Sox and her advice on how to best put on a bus tour? Tune in!
