This APHS alumnus is not only a role model for all young girls from Asbury Park, but also for all up and coming students wherever they may be. In 1982 Torkwase received her undergraduate degree from Kean College, continued on and received her Masters degree from New York University in 1983. From 1985 through 1989 she attended Seton Hall University Law School and received her juris doctor degree.

For 8 years (including her years of attending law school) Torkwase was a public school teacher in Jersey City where she taught sign language and special needs education. She was also an adjunct professor at Essex County College from 1992-1996.

Prior to being appointed Superior Court Judge in Essex County, Judge Sekou served as Assistant Deputy Public Defender for 14 years. Thereafter in 2005 Torkwase Sekou became the Honorable Judge Sekou as a result of being appointed New Jersey Superior Court judge in Essex County. She is currently the presiding judge in the Essex County Criminal Division.

Judge Sekou always believed strongly in her background and heritage. After a long search of her ethnic background, she traveled to Africa where she was given the name Torkwase Yejide Sekou.

Judge Sekou is the proud mother of an 11-year old daughter, Leslie, whom she considers the love of her life and her greatest achievement.

Judge Sekou is a member of the alpha kappa Alpha Sorority, National Women Judge''s Association, the Garden State Bar Association, Black Women Lawyers Association, and jack and Jill of America.

Quotation: I love and approve of myself.