Myriam Irizarry
CHAIR
“I strongly believe that education is the great equalizer. I was born in poverty, and through perseverance—and the grace of God—I became a lawyer and then a judge. Now, I’m committed to giving back.”
A retired Pinellas County Judge and lifelong advocate for justice, Myriam Irizarry brings deep empathy, resilience, and leadership to her role on the PCF Board of Governors. Appointed to the bench in 2015 and re-elected until her retirement in 2020, Judge Irizarry presided over criminal and family court cases in Clearwater. Prior to her appointment, she served as general counsel for the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and began her legal career as a defense attorney in New Jersey.
Born in a small rural home in Puerto Rico and raised in a historically marginalized community in New York City, Myriam’s lived experience shapes her passion for equity and community investment. She is especially committed to expanding access to higher education, addressing homelessness, and supporting seniors—believing deeply in the power of opportunity to transform lives. A strong believer in collaborative partnerships, she is proud to support PCF’s efforts to connect donors with local nonprofits and uplift diverse communities across Pinellas County. Myriam holds a J.D. from Rutgers-Newark School of Law and a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers College and has received numerous awards for her pro bono service and work within the Hispanic community.
