By Olivia Hernandez ‘26
In an address called “Women in Power” from 1990, Sandra Day O’Conner said: “As women achieve power, the barriers will fall. As society sees what women can do as women see what women can do, there will be more women out there doing things, and we’ll all be better off for it.” O’Conner’s life is an incredible example of breaking through the barriers that block women from holding positions of power.
Sandra Day O’Connor was born on March 26th, 1930 in El Paso, Texas. Throughout her career, she spent time as a politician, an American attorney, and a jurist. Most famously, she was the first woman in history to serve on the Supreme Court. O’Connor was appointed to the Supreme Court by former President Ronald Reagan, and from there she served from 1981 to 2006.
O’Connor worked towards her spot on the Supreme Court throughout her whole life. She knew where she wanted to be and she fought every day to get there. I could write a 100-page biography on Sandra Day O’Connor and it would not engulf a quarter of her amazing legacy. I will cover two of the many awards that O’Connor has secured throughout her lifetime, along with a connection to her everyday life as a simple yet incredible woman.
On March 6, 2006, O’Connor received the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by The National Association of Women Judges Association (NAWJ). This association consists of women judges across the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, grouped regionally into districts. O’Connor was recognized and accepted into NAWJ immediately with open arms upon her appointment in 1981.
When O’Connor unfortunately passed away, her place on NAWJ was rightfully honored by a heartfelt tribute that can still be found on NAWJ.org. As for the award, the name speaks for itself. She was recognized upon her death for the woman she created of herself. She was given an award that honored and valued the life that she brought into being.
On April 18, 2012, O’Connor received the Sackler Center First Award, presented by The Brooklyn Museum Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art. This award is designed by Judy Chicago and given by Elizabeth Sackler and Gloria Steinem. The Sackler Center First Awards is an annual event that honors extraordinary women who fall first in their fields.
Many women have received this award, but O’Connor was the only Supreme Court justice honoree. O’Connor broke barriers and shattered ceilings by making her way through the doubts of those around her. Although other women inspired by O’Connor have since harnessed their calling to the Supreme Court, O’Connor paved the way. Because of this, she deserves to be recognized as the top.
O’Connor argued her way through twists and turns as a politician, sat at the head of a full table as a lawyer, and justified cases and arguments during her time as a jurist. Throughout her chaotic and exhilarating years of life, she created a legacy for herself that was filled to the brim with uphill battles that she overcame.
Underneath her love for politics and wanting to achieve something larger than what others believed she was cut out for, O’Connor was a woman. She took femininity into her own hands and molded into it strength and perseverance.
On December 1, 2023 O’Connor passed away at the age of 93. Through her legacy as a woman who created not just a life but a world for herself she still lives to this day. She took her dreams and ran with them, proving that she and every other woman in this world is capable of the sky and beyond.
Sources:
https://www.nawj.org/about-nawj/awards/awards-descriptions
https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/eascfa/video/first-awards
https://www.supremecourt.gov/visiting/exhibitions/SOCExhibit/Section4.aspx