New York State Criminal Court Judge/Acting New York State Supreme Court Justice Raja Rajeswari ‘94, a graduate of the College of Staten Island, was recently presented with the Trailblazer Award from the Richmond County Bar Association, recognizing her judicial leadership and the barriers she has broken along the way.
As highlighted in a recent Staten Island Advance feature, Rajeswari made history as the first South Asian woman to serve as a judge in New York City, a milestone that reflects both personal achievement and broader progress toward a more inclusive judiciary.
Currently serving as a New York State Criminal Court Judge and Acting State Supreme Court Justice, Rajeswari has built her reputation on fairness, empathy, and a deep commitment to justice. Her work, particularly in cases involving vulnerable populations, has consistently centered on ensuring that the legal system serves all communities equitably. That philosophy is rooted in her own experiences and in her belief that diversity on the bench strengthens public trust in the courts.
The Inside Out profile underscores how Rajeswari’s journey, from immigrant beginnings to the bench, embodies the very ideals of access and opportunity that institutions like CSI strive to provide. At CSI, she was awarded the Bella Zeller Merit Scholarship and graduated summa cum laude. After completion of her undergraduate degree, she went on to Brooklyn Law School and then began her career in public service in the Staten Island District Attorney’s office in 1998 where she served for more than 16 years.
For more on Rajeswari’s life and career, and the Trailblazer honor she recently accepted from the RCBA, see Advance reporter Carol Ann Benanti’s article via the Staten Island Advance Website.
