MSN Lifestyle's list of the most influential Men and Women of 2009 is published. MSN admits that every  year it is a struggle to define the truly influential from the most popular.

The criteria for this year's list of women and men was to select those
" doing something that inspires or encourages us and yes, influences the way we live".

Whimsy New Year's resolutions probably did not influence their careers. However, career management decidedly played a huge role in their advancements and successes,

Let's take a look at the roots of Sonia Sotomayer, the newest  Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, the  first Latina Justice, and the third women appointed to America's top Court.  Sonia is a good example of successive career transitions all focused within one area, the law.

Born to Puerto Rican immigrant parents in 1954, Sonia grew up  in  the Bronx 's public housing complex.  Her father had only a third grade education,  worked in a factory and  died when Sonia was nine.

After his death, her mother worked as a nurse to support the family. Books and Nancy Drew consoled Sonia after her father's passing and led her to a life in law she claims.

Sonia was valedictorian of her senior high class and was awarded a scholarship to Princeton. Her accolades continued at Princeton by graduating summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa.

Topping those success, Sonia was co-awarded Princeton's highest  undergraduate award, the  M. Taylor Pyne Prize. From Princeton she went in to Yale's law program.

At Yale Law School, Sotomayer edited  the Yale Law Journal and was managing editor of the Yale Studies in World Public Order.  Post Yale Law School Sonia went to Manhattan and served five years as an Assistant District Attorney.

As a NYC ADA she prosecuted a large variety of cases and was said to be a "fearless and effective prosecutor" by the person that hired her.  With such a deliberate, progressive focus Sotomayer's attraction factors for selection to Supreme Court Justice seemed natural.

Variety of accumulated public service experiences as a prosocuter, trial judge, and appellate  judge were remarkable and valued.  Duly, noted was Sonia's  total experience as a  federal judge.One person's view was that she  would bring more knowledge in that arena,  than the Supreme Court
has seen in 100 years.

Justice Sotomayer has been tagged with living an American Dream.  At first glance that is a fair assessment but she obviously marked her way with fair, non-partisan accomplishments, and managed her career to stay on the chosen track.

Career longevity in the same field or a diverse path needs consistent tending, it does not just happen on autopilot. Sonia obviously has sights set for success, no matter what position she filled during her career.