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Biography
I was born in Colombia and immigrated with my family to the United States at an early age. Experiencing first-hand the struggles faced by immigrants in coming to the U.S. shaped my life and instilled in me humility and the importance of hard work. At an early age I knew that my life calling would be to speak out against injustice, fight for equality, and help immigrants achieve the American Dream.
I obtained my Bachelors in Psychology from Florida International University. I later went on to obtain my Juris Doctor Degree and a Certificate in Intercultural Human Rights from St. Thomas University School of Law where I graduated with honors. Throughout my career, I have represented countless clients nationwide in deportation/removal proceedings. I have also represented clients seeking asylum, withholding of removal, cancellation of removal, applications for residency, applications for citizenship and family-based petitions including countless same-sex marriage and fiancé petitions.
I have spoken extensively on the importance of Collaborating with Criminal Counsel in Immigration Removal Defense Cases, Immigration as it relates to Same-Sex Marriage, on How Transgender Identity Influences an Individual’s Immigration Experience, and have conducted several “know your rights” presentations.
Through my work, memberships, and community involvement I will continue to fight for equality and justice. I envision a future where every individual can enjoy a life free from persecution, discrimination and biases no matter their sexual orientation, race, religion, gender, nationality or ethnic background. As an outspoken advocate I will continue to share my personal experiences and educate the community to break down walls that divide.
In 2018, I was recognized by the Miami-Dade County Bar Association and was presented with the Visionary Award. Most recently I was recognized by the Miami-Dade County Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board and was presented with the Community Champion Award and I was also recognized by SAVE who presented me with the People’s Luminary Award.
Education
- St. Thomas University School of Law, Miami Gardens, Florida
- J.D. - 2011
- Honors: cum laude
- Honors: Certificate in Intercultural Human Rights
- Honors: Dean’s List
- Honors: Book Award in U.S. Supreme Court Advocacy
- Florida International University
- B.A. - 2003
- Honors: cum laude
- Honors: Psychology Honor Society
Bar Admissions
- Florida, 2011
Professional Associations
- American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)
- Vice-chair of the LGBTQ committee of the AILA South Florida Chapter
- Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE) committee of the AILA South Florida Chapter
- Co-Chair of the Gay and Lesbian Lawyers Association (GALLA)
- Board Member of the Aqua Foundation for Women
Honors
- Avvo Client’s Choice Award 2015
- Top Rating on Avvo, highest rating awarded by publication
- Human Rights Community Honoree Award Recipient 2017
- Miami-Dade County Bar Association and was presented with the Visionary Award, 2018
- Recognized by the Miami-Dade County Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board and was presented with the Community Champion Award
- Recognized by SAVE who presented me with the People’s Luminary Award
Languages
- English
- Spanish