NY senator’s backing for Fil-Am as federal court judge hailed

Two Filipino-American groups have applauded a New York Senator’s move to recommend compatriot Lorna Schofield as federal district court judge for the Southern District of New York.

The National Federation of Filipino-American Associations (NaFFAA) said NY Senator Charles Schumer’s recommendation will greatly enhance the judiciary’s diversity.

In a similar statement, KAYA Filipino-Americans for Progress said it applauds Schumer’s “efforts to bring talent and diversity to the federal court.”

“As a second-generation Filipino-American, Ms Schofield’s nomination and confirmation by the Senate would make her the first in the history of the United States to serve as a federal judge,” NaFFAA National Chairman Ed Navarra said in a statement.

“Ms. Shofield meets the requirements of the job due in large measure to her education, professional experience and judicial philosophy,” NaFFAA National Vice Chair Rozita Lee, for her part, said.

“With her thoughtful and insightful ideas, breadth of knowledge and intelligence, she brings passion and a unique perspective to a profession that is both a calling and a sacred duty,” she added in the statement.

NaFFAA  is a non-partisan, non-profit national affiliation of more than five hundred Filipino-American institutions and umbrella organizations. Its core mission is to empower Filipinos in the United States.

The federation’s sentiments were shared by KAYA which also applauded the New York Senator’s recommendation of the Filipino-American Schofield.

“Attorney Lorna G. Schofield represents many Filipino Americans in this country that grew up with independence and self sufficiency as essential values,” KAYA National Co-Chair, Genevieve V. Jopanda said in a statement.

“Her life is an example of creating a future that is achievable for Filipino Americans in the United States,” she added.

Since it was founded in 2009, KAYA has aimed to mobilize the Filipino American community and build partnerships to increase electoral power. The group advocates policies that affect its community, and it develops leaders at every level of government.