Zina Pickens Cruse (born May 2, 1963) is an American jurist serving as the 20th Judicial Circuit judge in St. Clair County, Illinois, the first African-American woman to serve in the circuit.

Education and career

Cruse graduated from Northeast Missouri State in 1985[1] with her Bachelors of Science in Business Administration.[2] She then attended law school at Florida State University College of Law and graduated with her Juris Doctor in 1993.[2]

Cruse started a law firm focused on: Family/ Domestic, Criminal, Real Estate, Not-for-Profit organizations and Bankruptcy.[3] Cruse was appointed as an Associate Judge to the 20th Judicial Circuit in 2009 and was elected as a Circuit Judge in 2012.[3]

On January 31, 1998, in Edwardsville, Illinois, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Upsilon Phi Omega chapter was chartered and Cruse was a chartering general member.[4]

Family

Cruse has a daughter with Mark Cruse, Marissa Cruse.[5] The family resides in Belleville, Illinois.[6][7]

References

  1. ↑ "Zina Renea Cruse". Ballotpedia. Retrieved 2021-03-15.
  2. 1 2 "Zina Pickens Cruse Profile | Belleville, IL Lawyer | Martindale.com". www.martindale.com. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
  3. 1 2 "Honorable Zina Cruse | Circuit Judge in the 20th Judicial Circuit". St. Clair County, IL Democrats. Retrieved 2021-03-15.
  4. ↑ "Upsilon Phi Omega, Charter Members". ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INC.®. Retrieved 2021-03-15.
  5. ↑ Williams-Jackson, Gina (ed.). Up The Hill 2019. Jack and Jill of America. pp. 41, 43. Retrieved 2021-04-15.
  6. ↑ "Cruse, Zina". St. Clair County Bar Association. Retrieved 2021-03-15.
  7. ↑ Maher, Ann. "Cruse describes new bail reform law aimed at helping poor people, amidst criticism from Justice for Kane and radio host's racial slurs". Madison - St. Clair Record. Retrieved 2021-03-09.
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