Jessica Etienne

I attribute my success to the strong foundation my Haitian immigrant parents instilled in me, built on hard work, resilience, and the belief that no one should outwork me, along with a deep understanding that nothing in life is given and everything must be earned. I also rely heavily on my faith in God, trusting that any vision or opportunity placed in my mind is attainable if I commit to the necessary steps. In addition, mentorship has played a critical role in shaping my path, including a pivotal experience with a Black judge who helped me understand the criminal justice system and ultimately inspired me to pursue a career as an assistant state attorney to serve my community from within the system.

The best advice I ever received came from a Black Judge I met when I was younger after appearing before him in court. He took the time to explain how the criminal justice system works and encouraged me to see beyond my circumstances, helping me understand the impact prosecutors have in deciding whether cases move forward. He challenged me to consider becoming a prosecutor so I could serve my community from a position of influence, emphasizing fairness, accountability, and the goal of helping people avoid re-entering the system. That conversation fundamentally changed my perspective and ultimately guided my decision to pursue a career as a prosecutor.

My advice to young women entering this field is to be realistic about the challenges while remaining grounded in your purpose. As a woman—and especially as a Black woman—you will often find yourself having to work harder to be seen and heard, and it is important to accept that reality without letting it discourage you. Stay focused on your “why,” because if your motivation is only money or recognition, you will likely burn out; purpose is what sustains you when the work becomes difficult or the rewards feel slow. I also strongly encourage seeking mentorship and learning from those already doing the work, while actively building your network, because this is a profession where relationships matter. I stand on the ideology of , "Who you know will get you there, but what you know will keep you ther!." Finally, once you gain experience, pay it forward—be the kind of support and connector for others that you would have valued when you were starting out.

The field is steadily becoming more inclusive, with more women entering the legal profession and stepping into prosecutorial and leadership roles. In my own office and across Florida, we’re seeing increased representation of women in top positions, including elected state attorneys, which reflects meaningful progress. While there are still barriers and change is gradual, the opportunities are expanding for women to lead, influence the system, and help shape the future of the profession.

My faith is my foundation and guiding force in both my personal and professional life, shaping every decision I make. I also deeply value hard work and the strong sense of discipline and resilience my family instilled in me, along with mentorship—seeking guidance from those who have already walked the path I aspire to follow. Planning and intentionality are important to me, as I believe structure is key to turning vision into reality, while also staying open to the opportunities God places in my life. Above all, I value giving back and being a source of support for others, intentionally creating space for people to grow, connect, and access opportunities in the same way I’ve been encouraged and uplifted along my journey.