By Sandy Ma
In honor of Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) month, AAUW-HNL recognizes Hawaii’s own Judge Susan Oki Mollway of the United States District Court for the District of Hawaii. Judge Mollway, a Japanese American, is the first Asian American woman to serve as an Article III federal judge. She was nominated to the federal bench in 1998 by President Bill Clinton.
Born and raised in Hawaii, Judge Mollway drew inspiration from her father's service in the segregated Japanese American 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the most decorated unit of its size in US military history. Influenced by her parents' values, particularly her mother’s love of education, she pursued degrees at the University of Hawaii and Harvard Law School. Patsy Mink, the first Asian American woman in Congress, also served as a role model for her.
After 17 years on the federal court bench, Judge Mollway assumed senior status in 2015. She authored The First Fifteen: How Asian American Women Became Federal Judges, highlighting the growing influence of Asian American women in shaping American justice. This comes at a time when Asian Americans are the fastest-growing demographic in the US.
Join AAUW-Honolulu in celebrating Judge Mollway for her trailblazing efforts and inspiring leadership during AANHPI month! If you're aware of other outstanding AANHPI women who champion gender equity, diversity, inclusion, or educational opportunities for women, please share them with us!
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