Washington, Aug 12 (DPA) Sonia Sotomayor, fresh off her swearing-in as the first Hispanic member of the US Supreme Court, was called an inspiration for all Americans at a White House reception by President Barack Obama Wednesday.

Obama said the success of Sotomayor, a Puerto Rican origin who was mostly raised by a single mother in New York's impoverished South Bronx, should encourage others in the US to rise out of poverty or tough circumstances.

'We celebrate the impact Justice Sotomayor has already had on people across America who have been inspired by her exceptional life story,' Obama said.

Sotomayor, 55, was sworn in Saturday as the ninth member of the country's highest court. She is the first Hispanic and first woman ever to serve.