J'Ada Finch-Sheen facts for kids

J'Ada Mergeaux Finch-Sheen is an important lawyer and businessperson from the United States Virgin Islands. She made history by becoming the first woman to serve as the Attorney General (the top lawyer) and also the first woman to be the acting Governor of the territory.

Education

J'Ada Mergeaux Finch-Sheen began her studies at the College of the Virgin Islands. She earned her first degree there in 1975. Later, in 1978, she went to Howard University School of Law. She earned her law degree, called a J.D., with honors. This means she was a very good student.

Career

Finch-Sheen started her legal career in 1979. She became an assistant attorney general in the United States Virgin Islands Department of Justice. By early 1982, she was promoted to lead the criminal and family division.

In 1982, she achieved a major milestone. She became the first woman to hold the position of Attorney General of the United States Virgin Islands. This made her the chief legal officer for the entire territory.

Another historic moment came in December 1983. Finch-Sheen served as the acting Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands. This made her the first woman to be the Governor of the territory, even if for a short time. She resigned from her role as Attorney General in 1985.

Later, in 1998, Finch-Sheen took on a new challenge. She became the chief executive officer of the Daily News Publishing Co. This meant she was in charge of a major newspaper company.

Personal Life

In 1985, J'Ada Mergeaux Finch-Sheen moved to Santo Domingo. Her husband, Albert Sheen, is a federal bankruptcy court judge.