Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with Judge Kye

This May, we're recognizing diverse voices in the judiciary in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The following features Judge Christina Kye of the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Court and her thoughts on her career, diversity, and more.

Hometown: Elmhurst, IL

College/Law School: Cornell University, Class of 2006; UIUC College of Law, Class of 2009

District or Circuit: Eighteenth Judicial Circuit, DuPage County

What inspired you to pursue law, and eventually, become a judge?

I went to college intending to become a mechanical engineer, with dreams of designing and building rocket ships. But I quickly realized that while I was drawn to logic and problem-solving, engineering lacked the human connection that I needed. I changed paths and graduated with a degree in Government.

After college, I knew I wanted to be a lawyer - someone who could combine analytical thinking with meaningful advocacy. I quickly found my calling, representing victims and survivors of crime, pursuing justice on their behalf and standing beside them in court. It was an honor to serve in that role, and I took great pride in saying, "Assistant State's Attorney Christina Kye, for the People." That experience ultimately inspired me to become a judge, driven by a desire to serve more broadly and to inspire young women and girls who look like me to see themselves reflected in positions of leadership.

When you reflect on your career, what accomplishments are you most proud of? What challenges have you had to overcome in your career?

Preconceived notions about AAPI women don't disappear at the courtroom door. Too often, female AAPI attorneys are underestimated as litigators and advocates. During my career, I have embraced the challenge of upending those notions, demonstrating through my work that I am a confident, dynamic, and effective advocate, and using those moments to redefine expectations.

I am proud of the reputation I have built over the course of my career and deeply honored to serve as the first Korean American judge in DuPage County, a milestone that reflects both my journey and the broader progress of the community I am proud to represent.

Who do you consider to be a strong role model in your life? What advice did they share with you?

When I was in law school, I clerked with the Champaign County State's Attorney's Office. I remember a group of clerks had the opportunity to meet with a senior assistant public defender, and a student asked her how she could represent defendants she knew were guilty. Her response was that her job was not to "get someone off" or secure an acquittal, but to ensure that a defendant's constitutional rights are protected and to hold the prosecution to its burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. While I don't remember her name, her perspective has stayed with me, and her words have had a profound impact on my understanding of the criminal courts. We often forget that, while criminal proceedings are adversarial in nature, the goal is not winning but ensuring that justice is done.

How has your heritage shaped who you are today?

I am proud to be the daughter of immigrants who came to this country with hopes for greater opportunity and a better future. Their experiences shaped how I see the world and instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility to make the most of every opportunity I've been given. That foundation has grounded me in determination and a commitment to public service, and it continues to guide my belief in justice for everyone, regardless of background or circumstance. My heritage has also inspired me to lift up other AAPI attorneys and support greater visibility and representation within the legal profession. I am committed to opening doors, mentoring, and helping ensure that those who follow do not feel alone in spaces where they have historically been underrepresented.

What advice would you give to those starting their legal career today?

It is always important to stay true to who you are, your values, your judgment, and why you chose to be a lawyer. You don't need to conform to others' expectations to succeed; you can chart your own path. But remember that your reputation is everything in this field. It is built in the small moments-how you treat people, how you show up, and how you handle your work-and it stays with you. The goal is to make sure those two things align, so that the reputation you build is a genuine reflection of who you are.

Why do you think it's important to discuss and recognize diversity, both on the bench and in everyday life?

Recognizing and discussing diversity matters because it broadens perspective and deepens our understanding of others. It helps challenge assumptions, build empathy, and ensures we are more fully aware of the range of experiences that shape people's lives.

In the judiciary, this recognition is especially important because it reinforces public trust and confidence in the courts. When the judiciary reflects the communities it serves, it helps people see that the system is open, fair, and accessible-not distant or disconnected from their lived experiences. Recognizing diversity reinforces the idea that the judiciary belongs to everyone. It signals that excellence on the bench is not defined by a single background or path, and it helps inspire future generations to see themselves as part of the legal profession and the administration of justice.

What is one of your favorite traditions or customs of your culture/family? (Ex. Food, Special Event, etc.)

When my dad's side of the family gets together, the gathering almost always includes a lively game of traditional Korean hwatu cards. My family spans four generations, and despite generational and language divides, the game brings us together. My 91-year-old grandma and my 12-year-old daughter sit at the same table, playing a game our family has played for decades. We gather around a blanket-covered table, listening to the click of the plastic cards, triumphing in wins, and strengthening the bonds that tie us together.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I was fortunate to be with my family-my parents, sister, grandmother, and extended family-when I received the news that I would be a judge. Being able to share that moment in person, rather than over a call or message, made it all the more meaningful. It was a chance to see their reactions, to appreciate what the moment represented, and to recognize the path that brought us there. It reflected not just a personal milestone, but something my family had worked toward and believed in for years-a realization of the opportunities they came here for. It is an honor to represent them, and my community, as the first Korean American Judge in DuPage County.