In this episode of the Mighty MERP podcast, Judge Susan Maven shares her inspiring journey from a young girl in Brentwood, Long Island, to becoming the first African American woman appointed to the New Jersey Superior Court.

Her Honor discusses early life, the challenges she faced, her educational path, and her career in law, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, community involvement, and resilience in overcoming barriers in the legal profession.

Judge Maven reflects on her journey as the first black woman judge in Atlantic County, discussing the challenges and responsibilities that come with the role.

She emphasizes the importance of community engagement, empathy, and mentorship in the judiciary, as well as her commitment to juvenile justice and the impact of her work on the community.

The discussion also touches on her reflections on career choices, the significance of planning for the future, and her ongoing involvement in various initiatives post-retirement.

takeaways
• Judge Maven was the first African American woman on the Superior Court in Atlantic and Cape May County.

• Her early experiences with racism shaped her determination to pursue a legal career.

• Education played a crucial role in her journey, particularly her time at the University of Pennsylvania.

• She created her own major to better understand her African American history and identity.

• Networking and community involvement were key to her success in the legal field.

• Judge Maven faced challenges as a woman of color in a predominantly white profession.

• She emphasized the importance of mentorship and support from other attorneys.

• Her journey to becoming a judge was non-traditional but filled with preparation and opportunity.
• She believes in the power of words and their impact on young people's self-esteem.

• Judge Maven encourages young lawyers to actively seek out connections and mentorship. The path to becoming a judge involves significant scrutiny and preparation.

• Breaking barriers as the first black woman judge was an honor.

• Community engagement is crucial for judges to understand the people they serve.

• Empathy and compassion are essential qualities for effective judging.

• Judges must be aware of the emotional challenges faced by those in family court.

• Creating programs for at-risk youth is vital for community support.

• Reflecting on one's career can lead to valuable insights and no regrets.

• Planning for the future is important for career development.

• Judges should be honest with themselves about their suitability for the role.

• Continued involvement in community initiatives is essential post-retirement.