In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, which is observed throughout the month of May, we are featuring stories of DA employees, what inspired them to pursue a career in public service and their contributions at the DA’s Office.

Meet District Attorney Investigator Jacqueline Hurtado, who has been with the DA’s Office for almost five years, after a long career as a police officer. Her first assignment was at the Juvenile Branch for about two years, and she is currently assigned to the South Bay branch. When she is not busy working, any free time she has is spent with her husband and two children that keep them very busy!

Read more about what inspired her to pursue a career at the DA’s Office, below.

What inspired you to pursue a career in public service?

“A career in public service wasn’t what I initially saw myself pursuing. When I applied to become a police officer, I never thought I had the chance. Fast forward 20 years later, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. This career has been deeply rewarding and turned out to be a path that fit better than I expected.

My father inspired me to pursue a career in law enforcement. He was also a law enforcement officer when we lived in Florida and retired from his agency. My father was my biggest supporter and was very proud when I decided to become a police officer.”

Why is AAPI Month important to you?

“As a second generation Filipino, AAPI Month is very important to me. My grandfather served in the military during WWII and was granted U.S. citizenship, so my mother also became a citizen.  My father and three older sisters were Philippine citizens. Like many Filipinos, my mother and father wanted to move to the U.S. for a better life. Essentially to “live the American dream”.  My mother went through the process of petitioning citizenship for my father and three sisters. After approximately seven years of my mother traveling back and forth, my father and sisters finally came to the U.S. becoming lawful permanent residents and were later naturalized. My father arrived first after a three-year waiting process. Then my sisters arrived four years later.  Apparently, my sisters did not know I existed until they arrived in the U.S., and I was 10 days old!!!

AAPI Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of our families and ancestors. It is also a reminder of the struggles, sacrifices, and successes that are overcome by many and help shape our presence. I will always be grateful for the sacrifices my parents made for me and my sisters to give us a better future. Their journey was the reason mine was possible.”