New York appointed its first-ever Korean American female judge Thursday.

Kathryn S. Paek, 45, is a 1.5-generation Korean American who was nominated for criminal court by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and approved in a public hearing by the Mayor’s Advisory Committee.

Paek, who is now the state’s fourth Korean American judge, will begin her term Friday.

Paek told the Korea Times after the hearing that she would do her best in being a good role model for second- and third-generation Korean Americans practicing law.

She said she feels pride in being named the state’s first female Korean American judge and said she would take on her duties with responsibility.

She immigrated to the U.S. with her family in 1974 when she was 4 years old. They settled in Queens.

Paek said she has one thing she wants to tell second-generation Korean Americans: Do not be afraid to dream.

“If you have determination, I believe you can make your dreams come true,” she said.