Cincinnati, March 28 — Community members gathered at Fueled Collective for a Women’s History Month fireside chat hosted by LULAC Cincinnati, where Judge Marilyn Zayas spoke to an energized, multigenerational audience about civic engagement, leadership, and the power of participation. The event drew attendees eager to hear her reflections and to take part in a conversation centered on empowerment and community involvement.
Throughout the evening, Judge Zayas emphasized the importance of individual voices in shaping the future, underscoring themes of belonging, representation, and civic responsibility. Attendees shared a meal, exchanged stories, and engaged in dialogue that highlighted resilience and collective purpose. The message resonated strongly: participation matters, and every vote carries weight in determining the direction of local and statewide communities.
Judge Zayas was raised in East Harlem, New York, as the daughter of Puerto Rican parents, she earned a degree in computer science before beginning her career at Procter & Gamble and moving to Cincinnati. She later pursued a law degree and spent two decades practicing law. In 2016, she was elected to the Ohio First District Court of Appeals, becoming the first Latina to serve on that bench. She was re‑elected in 2018 and 2024. Judge Zayas is currently campaigning for a seat on the Ohio Supreme Court.
The fireside chat concluded with a call to continued engagement, particularly among women in the community. Organizers noted that events like this are central to LULAC Cincinnati’s mission to inform, uplift, and mobilize local residents. Attendees expressed appreciation for the opportunity to connect, learn, and reflect together, reinforcing a shared commitment to moving forward collectively.