Her Story
About Nydia
Nydia Colón, CRP, serves as a Senior Paralegal and Victim Witness Assistance Program Coordinator with the Office of Special Trial Counsel, Department of the Navy, in Great Lakes, Illinois. In this role, she supports criminal law cases and coordinates the Victim Witness Assistance Program, helping ensure victims and witnesses receive appropriate support and resources throughout the legal process. She also works closely with the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response team, bringing professionalism, compassion, and attention to detail to matters involving individuals navigating complex and sensitive circumstances. Colón has more than 20 years of professional experience working with customers, clients, and patients and is a CORE Registered Paralegal (CRP).
Colón has built her legal career through a progression of roles that have strengthened her knowledge of military and civilian legal operations. Before joining the Office of Special Trial Counsel, she served with the Recruit Training Command as a Paralegal/Legal Assistant, where she worked on legal documentation, including religious accommodation matters. She also served as a Legal Assistant/Paralegal preparing disciplinary packets and previously worked as a personal injury paralegal for three years. Her educational accomplishments include an ABA-approved Certificate in Paralegal Studies from the College of Lake County, where she was an honors student and studied legal research and writing, litigation, contract law, agency law, business law, law office technology, and legal document drafting. She later earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management from Western Governors University, building on her earlier studies in business management.
Colón attributes her professional success to determination, perseverance, and her commitment to higher education and career advancement. Her dedication has been recognized through honors including Junior Civilian of the Quarter, an achievement that included being selected alongside military service members by an admiral. She maintains involvement with professional organizations, including the American Bar Association and local paralegal associations, and continues to develop her expertise within the legal profession. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Colón is motivated by setting a positive example for her daughters and strives to conduct herself with respect, integrity, and professionalism. She places particular importance on maintaining healthy boundaries, building trust, and developing strong professional relationships, principles that guide both her work and her continued growth.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Nydia
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my daughters, my perseverance, and the strong support system that has encouraged me throughout my journey. I have always wanted to set a positive example for my girls and show them the importance of pursuing their goals, even when the path is challenging. I often tell them that earning my bachelor’s degree was the piece of paper that opened the door to opportunities, but it was my determination and willingness to keep pursuing those opportunities that allowed me to move forward. My education, persistence, and the support of those around me have been instrumental in helping me achieve my professional goals.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is to stay persistent and not give up when an opportunity does not come right away. My own career journey has taught me that sometimes you have to continue strengthening your qualifications, pursuing your goals, and being patient with the process. I also learned the importance of seeking guidance when you need it. A career counselor helped me recognize that the legal field aligned with my interests and gave me direction early in my journey. That guidance, combined with perseverance and a willingness to keep learning, has helped me continue moving forward professionally.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the legal profession is to never give up on yourself or your goals. There may be challenges or obstacles along the way, but there is often a path forward if you are willing to do your homework, seek guidance, and explore your options. Stay motivated, build a strong support system, and be willing to keep learning and improving your skills. Most importantly, have patience with yourself and understand that professional growth takes time. Believe in your abilities, remain persistent, and do not let setbacks define your journey.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is the limited number of government civilian positions, which creates increased workloads and competition for available roles. At the same time, the field provides meaningful opportunities to grow professionally and make a difference. I have had opportunities to network with senior Navy leaders, provide feedback that can help improve legal software and processes, collaborate with organizations such as NCIS, and, most importantly, support victims and witnesses through difficult circumstances. These experiences have allowed me to continue developing my skills while contributing to work that has a meaningful impact.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me are integrity, respect, trust, and maintaining healthy boundaries. I believe in holding myself to a high standard and conducting myself with professionalism and accountability in everything I do. I also believe that respect should be mutual, and I strive to treat others with the same consideration and dignity that I expect in return. Building trust is especially important in my work because I want the people I serve to feel confident that I am capable, dependable, and genuinely committed to helping them.
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