She was the first woman and first Hispanic (Puerto Rican and Spanish heritage) West Point graduate to serve as an academic department head.

As the most senior ranking Hispanic Judge Advocate, Sáenz Ryan has raised awareness of the inequity and impracticality of the Combat Exclusion Policy, which restricts women's roles and opportunities in the military regardless of talent or ability.

[1] After earning her law degree, Sáenz Ryan was selected for Order of the Coif and in 1988, admitted to the New York State Bar #2235323.

[4] Sáenz Ryan was reassigned to the Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAGC) as a trial counsel at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

[1] Her Commanding officer and mentor, Brigadier General Pat Finnegan, allowed her to receive treatment for her condition and to have a full recovery before she could assume her position full-time.

[3] In 2006, after accepting the presidential nomination and being confirmed by Congress, Sáenz Ryan was named head of the Department of Law at the United States Military Academy.

[1] In November 2023, Sáenz Ryan was nominated by U.S. president Joe Biden to become a member of the board of visitors of the United States Coast Guard Academy.