First District Court of Appeals Judge Marilyn Zayas wins award for career achievement.

First District Court of Appeals Judge Marilyn Zayas wins award for career achievement.

First District Court of Appeals Judge Marilyn Zayas will be recognized as one of Cincinnati’s most outstanding career women by the YWCA of Greater Cincinnati.

Judge Zayas is one of eight honorees to receive the YWCA Career Women of Achievement award. Each year, local women are recognized for their service to the community and significant career contributions. This year’s ceremony will be held May 8 at the Duke Energy Convention Center.

“I feel so honored and blessed that life has presented the opportunities which have led to being selected for this award,” Judge Zayas said. “From the tough streets of New York City to this prestigious honor, how could I have ever dreamt this big?”

Judge Zayas is the first Latina to be elected to any Ohio Court of Appeals and the highest-ranking judge of Latino heritage. She has served on the appellate bench since 2016. Previously, she served the Cincinnati community as an attorney for nearly 20 years. She worked at Procter & Gamble for six years before pursuing her dream to become a lawyer.

Judge Zayas received her bachelor’s degree in computer science from City University of New York and her law degree from the University of Cincinnati. She is most proud that she received her law degree while raising three pre-school age children.

In 2017, she sat as a visiting judge for the first time at the Ohio Supreme Court. Judge Zayas is also a commissioner of the high court’s Character and Fitness Board.