Merced welcomes first Indian American judge to superior court

Photo of Monika Saini Donabed via Facebook

Judge Monika Saini Donabed has made history as the first Indian American and South Asian woman to serve on the Merced County Superior Court. Sworn in on January 3, her appointment marks a significant milestone for representation in the local judiciary.

Born to Indian immigrants in Livingston, California, Judge Donabed has deep roots in Merced County. Her journey reflects hard work and dedication, inspired by her parents’ sacrifices as field workers who prioritized education. A graduate of UC Davis School of Law, she began her legal career as a deputy district attorney in Merced and Stanislaus counties before becoming a staff attorney at Merced Superior Court in 2016.

According to GV Wire, Donabed decisively won her seat in the March 2024 primary election, securing 63.32% of the vote. During her swearing-in ceremony, presided over by Judge Brian McCabe, she expressed gratitude for the support of the community and emphasized her commitment to justice and fairness.

The City of Merced celebrated her achievement in a social media post, calling her appointment an inspiration for future generations. As noted by New India Abroad, Judge Donabed is seen as a role model for young women and minorities, demonstrating that hard work and perseverance can lead to groundbreaking accomplishments.

Judge Donabed now presides over misdemeanor cases and aims to ensure fairness and dignity for all who come before her court. Her historic appointment is a source of pride for Merced County and a beacon of progress for diversity in the judiciary.