In Memoriam: Carol Robles-Román, 1962-2023

Carol Robles-Román, general counsel and dean of the faculty at Hunter College of the City University of New York, died late last month. She was 60 years old and had suffered from lung cancer.

A native of the East New York neighborhood of Brooklyn, Robles-Román graduated from Fordham University and the New York University School of Law. She started her career as an attorney in family court in Brooklyn. She rose to become director of public affairs, executive assistant to the chief judge, and was the first special inspector general for bias matters. During these years, she helped launch the Family Justice Centers, a one-stop center for victims of domestic violence.

One of the two longest-serving deputy mayors in the history of the city of New York, Robles-Román served as general counsel to Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg during his 12 years in office. Robles-Román also served on the CUNY board of trustees for 14 years. She chaired the board’s Committee on Student Affairs and Special Programs and served on the Fiscal Affairs Committee. While working for the city, Robles-Román developed a passion for anti-human trafficking initiatives, which she continued after leaving city government. She was president and CEO of the Women’s Legal Defense Fund.

“Carol Robles was a dynamo her entire life,” Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor said. “She devoted herself to public service and made a noteworthy difference both in the lives of Latinos and all New Yorkers. Her passing is a tragedy for her family and all of us.”