Vera V. Konka

Vera Konka, a family court lawyer and administrative judge on Staten Island came to the United Stated from East India in 1971. She came here with her husband, looking for a better education and more job opportunities. She attended a CUNY school which she obtained her B.A. in Psychology. Vera then received her law degree from Brooklyn School of Law, where she was the only female Indian, in her entire class. Vera is very active and holds leadership roles on Staten Island. In her community she is the president of the Anti-Bias Task Force, which deals with discrimination against Indian Americans, she is active voice in the Asian community and was vice-president of the Staten Island Women’s Bar Association. When asked to describe a leader she characterizes some who is “-sure of one’s convictions, follows a code of conduct, and is self-confident enough to lead others.� She also believes that leaders should be involved mentoring and educating their communities. Ultimately, Vera Konka believes that a woman must establish what is important for her and should always give back to the community.

Interviewer:

Ashley Steed

Date: April 18, 2006

Time: 5:30p.m