Lasting Legacy of Sonia Sotomayor: A Look at the Influence on History

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 1, 2026

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Sonia Sotomayor—a timeline of influence.

Sonia Sotomayor is an American lawyer and jurist serving as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. Nominated by President Barack Obama on May 26, 2009, she assumed office on August 8, 2009. Sotomayor holds the distinction of being the first Hispanic and only the third woman to serve as a U.S. Supreme Court Justice.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1992: Focus of "My Beloved World"

In 2013, Sotomayor's memoir, "My Beloved World (Mi mundo adorado)", was published and became a New York Times Best Seller. The book focused on her life up to 1992.

1993: Public Speeches

From 1993 to 2009, Sotomayor delivered over 180 speeches, many focused on ethnicity, gender, or addressed to minority or women's groups.

1998: Inspiration for Legal Career

In 1998, Sonia Sotomayor reflected on how she was inspired to pursue a legal career and become a judge after watching the TV series Perry Mason.

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2008: Inclusion in Esquire's List of "The 75 Most Influential People of the 21st Century"

In 2008, Esquire magazine included Sotomayor on its list of "The 75 Most Influential People of the 21st Century".

August 8, 2009: Sotomayor begins serving as Associate Justice

On August 8, 2009, Sonia Sotomayor began her service as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, becoming the first Hispanic justice and third woman to hold the position.

2009: Public Speeches

From 1993 to 2009, Sotomayor delivered over 180 speeches, many focused on ethnicity, gender, or addressed to minority or women's groups.

2009: Perceptions of Sotomayor's Judicial Behavior

In 2009, the Almanac of the Federal Judiciary presented a wide range of reactions to Sotomayor, including comments on her vigorous and blunt behavior toward lawyers, extensive preparation, and "hot bench" approach.

June 2010: Renaming of Bronxdale Houses

In June 2010, the Bronxdale Houses development, where Sotomayor grew up, was renamed after her as The Justice Sonia Sotomayor Houses and Justice Sonia Sotomayor Community Center.

2010: Bronxdale Houses Renamed in Honor of Sotomayor

In 2010, the Bronxdale Houses were renamed in honor of Sonia Sotomayor.

2011: Naming of Sonia M. Sotomayor Learning Academies

In 2011, the Sonia M. Sotomayor Learning Academies, a public high school complex in Los Angeles, was named after her.

2012: Commencement Address at New York University

In 2012, Sotomayor gave a commencement address at New York University and made appearances on the children's television program Sesame Street.

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2013: Commencement Address at Yale University

In 2013, Sotomayor gave a commencement address at Yale University.

2013: Publication of "My Beloved World"

In 2013, Sotomayor's memoir, "My Beloved World (Mi mundo adorado)", was published and became a New York Times Best Seller. The book focused on her life up to 1992.

2013: Unveiling of painting at Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery

In 2013, a painting featuring Sotomayor, Sandra Day O'Connor, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Elena Kagan was unveiled at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C.