Marianna Sotomayor and Sonia Sotomayor are both prominent figures in the American media and judiciary, respectively. Marianna is a congressional reporter for The Washington Post, covering the House of Representatives. Sonia is an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, the first Hispanic and the third woman to serve on the highest court in the land. But are they related by blood or by name only? The answer may surprise you.
The Sotomayor Family History
According to The Washington Post, both Marianna and Sonia share a common ancestry from Puerto Rico, where the surname Sotomayor is fairly common. The name originates from a Spanish noble family that traces its roots back to the 13th century. The Sotomayors were among the first settlers of Puerto Rico in the 16th century, and some of them held prominent positions in the colonial administration.
However, despite their shared heritage, Marianna and Sonia are not closely related. In fact, they have never met in person, although they have exchanged emails and phone calls on occasion. Marianna told The Washington Post that she considers Sonia a distant cousin and a role model, but not a direct relative.
The Sotomayor Career Paths
Marianna and Sonia have both achieved remarkable success in their respective fields, overcoming various challenges and obstacles along the way. Marianna graduated from George Washington University with a BA in political communications and an MA in strategic communications. She started her career as a producer and reporter for NBC News, covering Congress and Joe Biden’s presidential campaign. She joined The Washington Post in 2021 as a congressional reporter, focusing on the leadership of both parties in the House of Representatives.
Sonia graduated summa cum laude from Princeton University with a BA in 1976 and from Yale Law School with a JD in 1979. She worked as an assistant district attorney in New York county and then as a private practice lawyer before being appointed as a federal judge by President George H.W. Bush in 1992. She was nominated by President Bill Clinton to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in 1997 and by President Barack Obama to the Supreme Court in 2009.
The Sotomayor Legacy
Marianna and Sonia are both proud of their Puerto Rican heritage and their contributions to American society. They have also faced some challenges and criticisms because of their ethnicity and gender. Marianna has encountered some prejudice and harassment from some lawmakers and colleagues who questioned her credibility and professionalism. Sonia has faced some opposition and scrutiny from some senators and commentators who accused her of being biased or activist.
However, both women have also received support and recognition from many people who admire their work ethic, integrity, and courage. Marianna has won several awards for her journalism, including the National Association of Hispanic Journalists’ Emerging Journalist Award in 2018. Sonia has received numerous honors for her jurisprudence, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015.
Marianna and Sonia are both examples of how hard work, perseverance, and passion can lead to success and influence. They are also proof that being a Sotomayor does not mean being related, but rather being part of a larger community of people who share a common history, culture, and vision.
