J'Ada Finch-Sheen facts for kids

J'Ada Mergeaux Finch-Sheen is a lawyer and business leader from the United States Virgin Islands. She made history by becoming the territory's first female Attorney General. She also served as the acting Governor for a short time.

Her Early Life and Education

J'Ada Mergeaux Finch-Sheen studied at the College of the Virgin Islands. She earned her first college degree, a bachelor's degree, in 1975.

Later, she went to Howard University School of Law. In 1978, she earned her law degree, called a J.D.. This degree allowed her to practice law.

Her Career in Public Service

J'Ada Finch-Sheen began her career in law in 1979. She worked as an assistant attorney general for the United States Virgin Islands Department of Justice. This role meant she helped the main Attorney General with legal matters.

In early 1982, she took on a bigger role. She became the chief of the criminal and family division. This meant she was in charge of cases related to crimes and family issues.

Later in 1982, she achieved a major milestone. She was appointed the Attorney General of the United States Virgin Islands. This made her the very first woman to hold this important position in the territory. The Attorney General is the chief legal officer for the government.

In December 1983, she made history again. She served as the acting Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands. This meant she was temporarily in charge of the entire territory. She was the first woman to be Governor there. She finished her time as Attorney General in 1985.

After her time in government, Finch-Sheen moved into the business world. In 1998, she became the chief executive officer of the Daily News Publishing Co. This role meant she led the newspaper company.

Personal Life

In 1985, J'Ada Finch-Sheen moved to Santo Domingo, which is in the Dominican Republic. Her husband, Albert Sheen, is a judge who works in federal bankruptcy court.