First Chair Fri, 25 Sep 2026 14:27:41 -0700 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2630435 en-us © 2026 First Chair yes 2be7552c-ed29-5a3c-8f58-c05077d45cd3 Cynthia Nakao episodic false Conversations with women prosecutors who are the firsts in the justice system. First chair is that seat in the courtroom where you are the lead lawyer, the decision maker, and the voice of the voiceless. In every episode you will hear from women prosecutors and their path to triumph in the courtroom, in their offices, and in their lives. Hosted by Cynthia Nakao.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Cynthia Nakao https://storage.buzzsprout.com/vrz600exvo0pqztl3makcbou52ev?.jpg First Chair https://www.buzzsprout.com/2630435 Cynthia Nakao Maureen McCormick Maureen McCormick Maureen is a New York prosecutor who has spent her career focused on DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) cases. 

In this episode, Maureen reflects on her beginnings as a prosecutor and the cases that have shaped her career. She also comments on her experience founding two Vehicular Crimes Bureaus and assisting in passing legislation based on the cases she worked. 

Maureen also delves into why justice matters to her and the value of training and mentorship. Hear more about Maureen's journey as a prosecutor in this episode. 


]]> Maureen is a New York prosecutor who has spent her career focused on DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) cases. 

In this episode, Maureen reflects on her beginnings as a prosecutor and the cases that have shaped her career. She also comments on her experience founding two Vehicular Crimes Bureaus and assisting in passing legislation based on the cases she worked. 

Maureen also delves into why justice matters to her and the value of training and mentorship. Hear more about Maureen's journey as a prosecutor in this episode. 


]]> Cynthia Nakao Buzzsprout-19690937 Fri, 28 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0700 2900 4 full false Antonella Antonella Antonella is a prosecutor in the Major Crimes Division of a large, metropolitan city. She is a child of immigrants who focuses on each trial as a chance to help victims gain justice. 

In this episode, Antonella expands on what motivated her to become a prosecutor. She also reflects on cases throughout her career that have touched her soul. Antonella also speaks about advice for younger or aspiring prosecutors, her experience working with co-counsel, and what motivates her. 

Antonella also talks about the importance of understanding humanity in every case. Hear more about Antonella’s journey as a prosecutor in this episode. 

]]> Antonella is a prosecutor in the Major Crimes Division of a large, metropolitan city. She is a child of immigrants who focuses on each trial as a chance to help victims gain justice. 

In this episode, Antonella expands on what motivated her to become a prosecutor. She also reflects on cases throughout her career that have touched her soul. Antonella also speaks about advice for younger or aspiring prosecutors, her experience working with co-counsel, and what motivates her. 

Antonella also talks about the importance of understanding humanity in every case. Hear more about Antonella’s journey as a prosecutor in this episode. 

]]> Cynthia Nakao Buzzsprout-19496851 Sun, 19 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0700 2458 3 full false Amy Watroba Amy Watroba Amy Watroba is an Assistant State's Attorney at the DuPage State's Attorney's Office in Illinois.  

A prosecutor for over 20 years, Amy has a unique specialty in forensic science evidence. She handles and litigates complex cases involving scientific methods used in criminal investigations. She also advises and trains prosecutors nationwide on how to effectively present evidence in the courtroom. Amy is an acclaimed lecture and author, and now the Executive Director of the Illinois Commission on Forensic Science.

In this episode, Amy shares her knowledge and experiences in forensic science, the details on unique cases, and how she balances her work life with her personal life.

]]> Amy Watroba is an Assistant State's Attorney at the DuPage State's Attorney's Office in Illinois.  

A prosecutor for over 20 years, Amy has a unique specialty in forensic science evidence. She handles and litigates complex cases involving scientific methods used in criminal investigations. She also advises and trains prosecutors nationwide on how to effectively present evidence in the courtroom. Amy is an acclaimed lecture and author, and now the Executive Director of the Illinois Commission on Forensic Science.

In this episode, Amy shares her knowledge and experiences in forensic science, the details on unique cases, and how she balances her work life with her personal life.

]]> Cynthia Nakao Buzzsprout-19496845 Wed, 15 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0700 3132 2 full false Lou Anna Red Corn Lou Anna Red Corn Lou Anna Red Corn is the first Native American woman appointed and elected as the Commonwealth Attorney of Lafayette County in Kentucky. 

In this episode, Lou Anna shares the details of how she prosecuted famous cases, including the murder of Trent DiGiuro. DiGiuro was shot and killed on his front porch in 1994, just 3 days shy of his 21st birthday. For 5 years, DiGiuro's murder went unsolved until a young woman came forward to expose the identity of the murderer, Shane Ragland. Lou Anna explains the process of how she prosecuted Ragland. 

Lou Anna also talks about her identity as a part of the Osage Nation, and how David Grann visited her aunt's home to write the book Killers of the Flower Moon. The book was published as a movie by Martin Scorsese in October 2023.

]]> Lou Anna Red Corn is the first Native American woman appointed and elected as the Commonwealth Attorney of Lafayette County in Kentucky. 

In this episode, Lou Anna shares the details of how she prosecuted famous cases, including the murder of Trent DiGiuro. DiGiuro was shot and killed on his front porch in 1994, just 3 days shy of his 21st birthday. For 5 years, DiGiuro's murder went unsolved until a young woman came forward to expose the identity of the murderer, Shane Ragland. Lou Anna explains the process of how she prosecuted Ragland. 

Lou Anna also talks about her identity as a part of the Osage Nation, and how David Grann visited her aunt's home to write the book Killers of the Flower Moon. The book was published as a movie by Martin Scorsese in October 2023.

]]> Cynthia Nakao Buzzsprout-19496839 Wed, 15 Jul 2026 08:00:00 -0700 3142 1 full false