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Family Court Referee, 14th Circuit Court - Muskegon County

Visishta Boeringa moved from India with her family when she was six years old, residing in Texas, Iowa, and Illinois, before finally settling in West Michigan. Boeringa has dedicated her life to public service and advocacy, beginning as a Victim of Crimes Rights Attorney covering seven counties, representing survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. She later served as an Assistant Prosecutor in Muskegon County, handling abuse and neglect, juvenile delinquency, criminal sexual conduct, child abuse, narcotics, and weapons cases. In January 2023, Boeringa was appointed Family Court Referee for the 14th Circuit Court, becoming the first South Asian and first Indian woman to hold this position in West Michigan.

Boeringa has been on the board at Every Woman’s Place since 2016, where she’s been responsible for planning their annual fundraiser, Power of the Purse. She’s also chaired the Muskegon County Law Day since 2019. Boeringa serves on the advisory board for the Child Abuse Council, is a member of the Muskegon Rotary Club, Women’s Division Chamber of Commerce, and the Greater Woman’s Club. She previously served on the Child Death Task Force, Multidisciplinary Task Force for Muskegon County, Muskegon Jaycees, and the Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Task Force.

“I fight for those who feel unseen, unheard, or overwhelmed by systems that were not built with them in mind. Justice should feel accessible, not intimidating. I fight for systems that are not only fair, but compassionate. I fight so that no one feels as powerless as I once did.”

From this issue

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