Titiana Frausto

Judge Titiana Frausto always knew she wanted to serve on the bench—she just didn't expect it to happen so early in her career. In this episode, she shares what it looked like to move through law school and into practice, working in both criminal and family law and the realities that come with each. We talk about the weight of that work, the perspective it builds, and how those experiences prepared her for what came next. Judge Frausto was first appointed by the governor and later elected to serve as district judge for the 181st District Court, covering Potter and Randall Counties. She reflects on that transition—from practicing attorney to judge—and what it means to step into a role that carries both authority and responsibility in a very public way. We also spend time on something more personal: the moment she began to understand her role in representation. As a young Black woman serving in this position, she reflects on when that realization came into focus, and how it continues to shape the way she shows up in her work today. It's a thoughtful conversation about ambition, timing, and stepping into a role you've been working toward—sometimes sooner than expected.