Specialty courts | John Zottola | TEDxPittsburghStatePrison 2015

Pennsylvania Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas Judge Zottola talks about the need for “specialty courts,’’ which spotlights the unique needs of veterans and persons who have mental health issues who get caught up in the criminal justice system. During his 22 years on the bench, Judge Zottola earned national recognition for his founding and supervision of the county’s mental health court and veteran’s court.

Power and destiny | Mary Yu | TEDxWashingtonCorrectionsCenterforWomen 2015

Justice Yu encourages us to identify our barriers and the stepping stones to overcome. She believes failure is not an end but a means to reach our destiny and that we all have the power to change and develop as full human beings. Mary I. Yu was appointed to the Washington State Supreme Court by Governor Jay Inslee on May 1, 2014, after serving 14 years as a trial court judge in King County Superior Court. Prior to her appointment to the bench, she was the Deputy Chief of Staff to King County Prosecutor Norm Maleng and the Director of the Peace and Social Justice Office for the Archdiocese of Chicago. Justice Yu earned a bachelor’s degree in Theology from Dominican University in River Forest, Illinois, a master’s degree in Religious Studies from Mundelein of Loyola University in Chicago and her law degree from the University of Notre Dame. A frequent speaker for legal education seminars, Justice Yu is also active in a variety of community and professional activities.

It’s your choice | Renee Cardwell Hughes | TEDxMuncyStatePrison 2014

Love is the real key to success, Judge Hughes says, crediting her parents for her personal success. We all have someone who loves us and wants the best for us, Judge Hughes says, adding that “It’s Your Choice,’’ to want to succeed. Retired Philadelphia Judge Renee Cardwell Hughes has had a successful legal career and now heads the American Red Cross in Southeastern Pennsylvania.