“Very exciting to be the first Latina in this position,” said Ischia Bravo.
It is not for less. Bravo is the first Latina commissioner of juries of the Supreme Court of The Bronx and also the secretary of the supreme court. In both positions she is responsible for the criminal and civil branch.
“After 20 years I finally have a position that can help my people. All the people of color in this county and all the girls like me who grew up not knowing that there were other opportunities,” added Bravo.
Bravo was born and raised in public housing in the Bronx with her grandmother, from whom she learned Spanish and Puerto Rican culture.
“I grew up on a very low income with my grandmother and always said there had to be something better,” Bravo said.
He dropped out of school at the age of 15 to work to help his grandmother. Two years later, she passed the high school exam and enrolled in Hostos Community College, where she began her community career as student president.
“My first opportunity to work with the legislature, I found the power of my voice.”
With a degree in Public Administration from John Jay College, Bravo was the head of the Bronx Democratic Party until she became president of the 7th District community board.
He served for 5 years until this opportunity came. Bravo was chosen among 300 candidates and was sworn in on February 9 in front of her children.
“I felt proud to be a Latina, I felt proud that we are breaking gaps and we are entering positions that we usually didn’t have,” said Bravo.
In this role, Bravo is required to provide juries for civil and criminal court. He says his first mission is to make the Bronx’s Latino and black communities more interested in serving as jurors.
“I’m going to talk to people and explain to you the importance of serving your county, but also the people who want change because change doesn’t make itself.”
