Carol Robles-Román, Esq., FCLC ’83

Carol Robles-Román, a pioneering civic leader and advocate, dedicated her life to advancing equality and justice. Born and raised in New York City, she graduated from Fordham University before earning her law degree from New York University School of Law in 1989. Her career was marked by influential roles, including deputy mayor for legal affairs under Mayor Michael Bloomberg, where she improved court policies on language access and established Family Justice Centers for domestic violence victims.

After her government service, Carol led Legal Momentum, focusing on women's rights, and later served as co-president and CEO of the ERA Coalition/Fund for Women’s Equality, advocating for constitutional equality for women. In 2019, she became general counsel and dean of faculty at Hunter College, where she furthered educational equity initiatives. A fierce advocate for the Latinx community, Carol was recognized as a Latina Trailblazer by Latino Justice PRLDEF in 2011.

Throughout her career, she received numerous accolades for her commitment to civil rights, including the American Bar Association’s Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award. Carol also served on the boards of several nonprofit organizations, where she continued to mentor young professionals and champion diversity in leadership.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Carol was a passionate mentor and devoted wife to her husband, U.S. District Judge Nelson Román. Her legacy of relentless advocacy, community empowerment, and an unwavering commitment to justice leaves a lasting impact on countless lives.