Wilhelmina Wright facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Wilhelmina Wright
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Wright in 2018
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| Senior Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota | |
| Assumed office February 15, 2024 |
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| Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota | |
| In office February 18, 2016 – February 15, 2024 |
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| Appointed by | Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | Michael J. Davis |
| Succeeded by | Laura Provinzino |
| Associate Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court | |
| In office September 27, 2012 – February 18, 2016 |
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| Appointed by | Mark Dayton |
| Preceded by | Helen Meyer |
| Succeeded by | Margaret Chutich |
| Judge of the Minnesota Court of Appeals | |
| In office September 3, 2002 – September 26, 2012 |
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| Appointed by | Jesse Ventura |
| Preceded by | Sam Hanson |
| Succeeded by | John Smith |
| Judge of the Ramsey County District Court | |
| In office November 2000 – September 3, 2002 |
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| Appointed by | Jesse Ventura |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 13, 1964 Norfolk, Virginia, U.S. |
| Education | Yale University (BA) Harvard University (JD) |
Wilhelmina Marie Wright, born on January 13, 1964, is a highly respected judge in the United States. She served as a United States district judge in Minnesota. What makes her special is that she is the only person in Minnesota's history to have been a judge at three different levels: a local district court, an appeals court, and the state's highest court, the Minnesota Supreme Court.
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Early Life and Education
Wilhelmina Wright was born in Norfolk, Virginia, on January 13, 1964. When she was growing up, her mother worked hard to make sure she received a fair education. This was during a time when schools were still working to become fully integrated.
Wright loved to learn. She went to Yale University and studied literature. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1986. After Yale, she went to Harvard Law School and received her law degree in 1989.
A Career in Law
Starting Her Legal Journey
After law school, Wright worked for a judge named Damon Keith from 1989 to 1991. This job, called a law clerkship, helps new lawyers learn how courts work.
In 1991, she joined a law firm in Washington, D.C.. There, she worked on cases about equal opportunities in public schools. Later, in 1995, she became an Assistant Attorney for the United States Attorney's Office in Minnesota. In this role, she handled cases involving illegal money activities and violence.
Teaching About Law
Besides being a judge, Wright also taught others about the law. She traveled to places like Geneva, Switzerland, to train people on the "rule of law." This means that everyone, including governments, must follow the law. She also taught about how judges are chosen in Belgium and other parts of Switzerland.
Closer to home, she was a professor at the University of St. Thomas School of Law. She also taught about how judges are held accountable for their actions in other parts of the United States.
Serving as a State Judge
In 2000, Governor Jesse Ventura chose Wright to be a judge for the Ramsey County District Court. This was her first time serving as a judge.
Two years later, in 2002, Governor Ventura appointed her to the Minnesota Court of Appeals. She served on this court for about ten years, until 2012.
Then, in 2012, Governor Mark Dayton appointed Wright to the Minnesota Supreme Court. This was a very important moment because she became the first African American woman to serve on Minnesota's highest court. She said she was excited to help the court "reflect the diversity of Minnesota." She served on the Supreme Court until 2016.
Becoming a Federal Judge
In 2015, Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken suggested Wright for a job as a federal judge. President Barack Obama then nominated her for the position. He said he was sure she would do a great job.
On January 19, 2016, the Senate voted to confirm her nomination. This made her the first African American woman to be a United States District Judge for the District of Minnesota. She officially started her new role on February 18, 2016.
In February 2024, Judge Wright took on a new role as an inactive senior judge. This means she can still work, but with a reduced caseload.
Awards and Recognition
Wilhelmina Wright has received many awards for her hard work and dedication. These include:
- The Myra Bradwell Award in 2006 from the Minnesota Women Lawyers.
- The Lena O. Smith Achievement Award in 2004.
- The B. Warren Hart Award for Public Service in 2001.
- The Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotans Award in 2000.
- The United States Department of Justice Special Achievement Award in 1997.
- The United States Department of Justice Director's Award for Public Service in 2000.
- A Diversity and Inclusion Award from Minnesota Lawyer in 2019.
She also joined the American Law Institute in 2008, which is a group of leading lawyers, judges, and professors.
Personal Life
Wilhelmina Wright is married to Dan Schmechel, who works for a company called Ecolab. They have one daughter.
Wright is very involved in the legal community. She is a member of several important groups, including the American Bar Association and the National Association of Women Judges. She also serves on various boards and advisory councils.
See also
