Dec. 7, 2021 -- Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame member Judy Jackson Winston (’87) spent an afternoon giving back by giving time to today’s students. She was just inducted into the Alumni Hall of Fame this Fall, and shared her success story with students from the Gear Up 2 New Heights program, coordinated by alumna Carmen Daniel (‘07) and Heights Schools Foundation.

Winston is the first in her family to graduate from college and she reminded students, “It’s not where you start, it’s where you end.” Winston further encouraged students to keep moving forward with their lives after Heights High, adding, “Don’t peak now in high school, do more, go to college.”

Winston took her own advice and excelled to earn three degrees. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Akron University (1991), her Master of Social Service Administration (MSSA) from Case Western Reserve University’s Mandel School (1993) and her Juris Doctor from Cleveland State University’s John Marshall School of Law (1998).  She is licensed to practice law in Ohio and a Licensed Independent Social Worker with Supervisory Designation.

She puts that education to work to help people by serving as a Post Decree Magistrate for the Honorable Tonya R. Jones, and the first African American judge ever elected in the history of the Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court. Winston published two novels to address some of the issues she has seen as a social worker and magistrate. Giving back is just who she is, and she wants today’s students to do the same. Winston challenges students to, “Do something with your life to help others. Give back to the community - do work for the community.”

Winston shared anecdotes about daily work life, and discussed how students might find themselves in a future work life that is satisfying and worthwhile. She urged students to volunteer and find internships to test out what work places are like. Her parting advice included, “You aren’t going to be good at everything. Don’t be afraid to get help.”