Judge Barbara Lagoa, first Cuban-American woman to serve on the Third District Court of Appeal, is Gov. Ron DeSantis’ first of three Supreme Court selections. DeSantis, standing with Lagoa and Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez,and Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody at the Freedom Tower on Biscayne Boulevard in Miami, made the announcement. It was one of his first orders of business in office and one of his highest priorities. She is the first Hispanic woman in history to serve on the Florida Supreme Court. Her appointment, replacing retiring Justice Fred Lewis, is effective immediately. “Justice Lagoa’s proven commitment to upholding the rule of law, unparalleled legal career and vast experience on the appellate bench, distinguish her among the most qualified individuals to serve on our state’s highest court,” said DeSantis. “It is my pleasure and my privilege to appoint Barbara Lagoa to the Florida Supreme Court with full confidence she will serve our state with the utmost integrity.” Lagoa, 51, had the most appellate experience among the 11 justice nominees. In June 2006 Gov. Jeb Bush appointed her to fill the Third DCA vacancy created by the retirement of Judge David Levy. Most recently, she was the chief justice-elect for the Third DCA. Lagoa was born and raised in Hialeah. She received her B.A. cum laude in 1989 from Florida International University, where she majored in English and was a member of the Phi Kappa Phi honor society. She received her Juris Doctor from Columbia University in 1992, serving as an associate editor of the Columbia Law Review. Lagoa is fluent in English and Spanish. Her civic and community activities include service on the Board of Directors for the YWCA of Greater Miami and Dade County, the Film Society of Miami, Kristi House, and the FIU Alumni Association. She was also a member of the Federal Judicial Nominating Commission. She currently is a member of the Eugene P. Spellman and William Hoeveler Chapter of the American Inns of Court, the Junior League of Miami, and Fairchild Tropical Gardens. “I couldn’t be more honored to appoint you,” the governor told Lagoa as her parents, husband, in-laws and three daughters looked on.