Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor Brings Civic Message to Pasadena Schools, Playhouse

Justice Sotomayor spoke to students, read her children's book, and joined a panel of Latina jurists during her visit.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 7:23am

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U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor made several stops in Pasadena, California in early February, speaking to high school students, reading her children's book to fifth graders, and joining a panel discussion with other Latina jurists. Her visit was part of a national tour connected to her recently published children's book "Just Shine! How to Be a Better You."

Why it matters

Sotomayor's visit highlights her efforts to engage with younger generations and promote civic participation, education, and public service. As the first Hispanic and first Latina justice on the Supreme Court, her outreach to diverse communities is seen as an important part of her role.

The details

During her Pasadena visit, Sotomayor held a fireside chat with students at Pasadena High School, spoke on a panel at Occidental College with other prominent Latina judges, and read from her children's book to fifth graders at the Pasadena Playhouse. She urged students to see their own stories as sources of strength and to get involved in civic engagement.

  • On February 6, Sotomayor spoke at Pasadena High School and joined a panel discussion at Occidental College.
  • On February 9, Sotomayor read from her book "Just Shine! How to Be a Better You" to fifth graders at the Pasadena Playhouse.

The players

Sonia Sotomayor

U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice, the first Hispanic and first Latina justice on the nation's highest court.

Patricia Guerrero

California Supreme Court Chief Justice, the first Latina to serve on that court.

Mary Murguia

Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, the first Latina to serve as chief judge of a federal appellate court.

Kelli M. Evans

California Supreme Court Associate Justice, who moderated the panel discussion at Occidental College.

Greg Ohlson

Law and Public Service Pathway teacher at Pasadena High School.

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What they’re saying

“One thing you can't do is give up. Do something.”

— Sonia Sotomayor

“It is you young people who follow us who have the intelligence, resources, and, I hope, the heart to leave the world better.”

— Sonia Sotomayor

What’s next

Sotomayor's national tour is expected to continue with stops in San Antonio, Austin, and San Juan, Puerto Rico in the coming days.

The takeaway

Sotomayor's outreach to diverse communities, especially young people, underscores her commitment to civic engagement and inspiring the next generation of leaders and public servants.