Candidate Biography (submitted by candidate):

Personal challenges have taught Watsi invaluable lessons in humility and perseverance. Watsi lost the protection of her father due to gun violence and was raised by a young, widowed mother. 

A single mother, Watsi knows the many challenges families face today.  Despite life's adversity and through the support of family, church and community, Watsi has turned adversity into opportunity and a platform to empower others.  She has provided a life for her son, Cameron age 10, that is grounded in faith, family, hard work, and service. 

A graduate of Washington High School, North Carolina A&T State University and the University of North Carolina School of Law, Watsi has demonstrated her commitment to using her legal education to serve the community in which she was raised.

Watsi served as an Assistant District Attorney for the 2nd Judicial District, prosecuting offenses in Criminal and Juvenile Courts.  Watsi led the New Bern office of Legal Aid of North Carolina as its Managing Attorney, serving the citizens of northeastern North Carolina facing foreclosure, unemployment benefits disputes, domestic violence and family disputes, and wrongful tenant evictions.  As a solo practicing attorney, Watsi shares her time and skill through regular pro bono service and represents clients before state, federal and administrative courts in criminal, family, juvenile, bankruptcy, foreclosure, consumer, and small claims matters.

Watsi has worked with community organizations to educate citizens about the law.  Likewise, Watsi volunteers with the Beaufort County Teen Court, the Boys & Girls Club, and local schools.  She has sat on numerous local boards, including the Metropolitan Low Income Housing, Metropolitan Health/Agape Clinic, the Mediation Center, and the Flynn Home.  Watsi is a member of Koinonia Christian Center and remains connected to Beebe Memorial CME Church of Washington, where she attended into adulthood. 

My candidacy offers a breadth of experience and well-rounded perspective.  Serving the community as both an advocate and life-long resident of eastern North Carolina has given me a clear understanding of the needs and concerns of our community.  My life and professional experiences have produced an instinct to treat people from all walks of life fairly and with respect without regard to background, status, class or race. 

I understand that the decisions rendered by District Court judges have long and significant impact on individuals, families and our community as a whole.  As a District Court judge, I will carefully balance the need for fairness and accountability in our courts with the broad perspective gained from serving in our community and persevering over adversity.  My courtroom will be one where cases are decided according to the law with a guarantee of impartiality and fairness for everyone.