Professional Career
Raised in Texas and Michigan, Juanita graduated from West Ottawa High School in 1993. She continued her education at Grand Valley State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations in 1997.
After graduating from Grand Valley, Juanita began working as a legal assistant at Hann Persinger, P.C. in Holland. She continued working while pursuing her legal education at Thomas M. Cooley Law School and earned her Juris Doctor degree in 2008.
Following law school, Juanita joined Rhoades McKee in Grand Rapids, first as a law clerk and later as an associate attorney. Her private-practice experience included work in several areas of civil law.
In March 2011, Juanita entered public service as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney with the Ottawa County Prosecutor's Office. During nearly a decade as an assistant prosecutor, she handled criminal matters ranging from misdemeanors to serious felony cases.
Service on the 58th District Court
In 2020, Ottawa County voters elected Juanita F. Bocanegra to the 58th District Court. She was sworn in in December 2020 and began serving on the bench on January 1, 2021.
Judge Bocanegra continues to serve the people of Ottawa County as a Judge of the 58th District Court.
A History of Community Involvement
Judge Bocanegra's commitment to public service extends beyond the courtroom.
In 2017, Governor Rick Snyder appointed her to the Hispanic/Latino Commission of Michigan. Governor Gretchen Whitmer later reappointed her to the Commission on Fairness and Public Trust.
Over the years, Judge Bocanegra has contributed her time and leadership to numerous community organizations and initiatives. Her past community involvement has included service with the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area, Holland Hospital, Ready for School, Lakeshore Latinas, the Holland Symphony Orchestra, the Ottawa County Truancy Collaborative, Chemical Bank advisory board, among other community organizations.
Her community involvement continues today. Judge Bocanegra currently serves with Women Who Care, Women Of Color Give, Michigan West Coast Chamber Of Commerce, and as Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors of Movement West Michigan.
From legal assistant, to private-practice attorney, to assistant prosecutor, to District Court Judge, Juanita F. Bocanegra's professional career has been rooted in West Michigan and public service.
Today, she continues serving Ottawa County on the 58th District Court while remaining involved in organizations working throughout the community.