Ja-born US judge lands promotion.
... Credits upbringing for success
UNITED STATES judge Renatha Francis, who was born and raised in Jamaica, has been named to the Eleventh Judicial Circuit in Miami-Dade, emerging above five other persons who were considered for the position.
The St Hugh’s High School alumnus is only the second black woman to be appointed to the circuit court bench in that county. The first black woman was appointed more than 25 years ago.
Florida Governor Rick Scott announced her promotion recently.
The Jamaican-born Francis replaces Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Sarah Zabel.
Speaking with The Gleaner yesterday, Francis, who is from Portmore, St Catherine, explained that when the opportunity came her way, she applied with a strong determination to face the challenges.
“I decided to be bold and go for it. I’ve never been one to listen to naysayers. Plus, I’ve had plenty of support along the way from very talented lawyers who saw something in me that they were willing to invest in.”
TOUGH AREA
The Miami-Dade area is tough, but Francis said that her upbringing in Jamaica makes her no stranger to hard work.
“I was at UWI (University of the West Indies) while I was running two businesses. And I was managing all that while taking care of a younger sibling, while my mom was in the USA. So I’m used to hard work – without excuses or complaint – and this mindset has really helped propel me forward, and ensured success in whatever undertaking I’ve embarked on,” she said.