To the Journal editor:

Thank you for your excellent … article about Marquette Circuit Court Judge Jennifer Mazzucchi who in 2008 was the first woman ever to be elected to that position.

For those of us who have advocated for many years to see women in positions of authority, it is a joy to see her service honored.

With recent focus on the national news of woman judges, attorneys general and supreme court justices, it’s wonderful to look back at the extraordinary women in our own community who have made history.

Pat Micklow, elected in 1986 as Marquette County District Court Judge, was the first woman ever elected to any judge position in the Upper Peninsula.

Cheryl Hill, was elected as Marquette County Probate Judge in 2012 the first woman to serve in that position, and still holds that office.

And now, Jenna Nelson has been appointed Marquette County prosecuting attorney, the first woman ever to hold that position. We wish her well as she takes on the responsibilities of that office.

In the 1960s ,we could not have imagined that in 2024 these “sisters-in-law” would bring women’s voices and perspective to these critical positions. At that time, there were very few women even attending law school!

All of us should count ourselves fortunate to live in a community where we have a history of equality and inclusiveness every bit as remarkable as what has taken place nationally. Our thanks to all who have supported this progress.