Officers
2024-2025
2024-2025 HLLSA Executive Board
- President: Melissa Avila
- Vice President-Internal: Caitlin Wright
- Vice-President-External: Joseph Strom
- Treasurer: Quanzo Rodriguez
- Secretary: Gaby Treviño
- Bar Representative: Vicah Villanueva
- 3L Representatives:
- 2L Representative: Tiffany Montiel
- 1L Representatives:
- Section A
- Section B
- Section C
- Part-time Evening: Karla Mora Cervantes
Advisory Board:
- Frances Ramirez (Philanthropy) (VPI)
- Adriana Rivera (Academics) (VPI)
- Jocelyn Rodriguez (Fundraising) (VPE)
- Ivana Muñoz (Alumni) (BR)
- Miranda Peña (Social Media) (VPE)
Why law school?
I’ve wanted to practice law since was 16! 1 decided to become an attorney with the purpose of helping others. I’m also interested in practicing immigration law.
Why HLLSA?
Being Latina is an asset and a necessity in the legal field. HLLSA has been a home away from home. It’s where l’ve made lifelong friends!
Fun Fact:
I love painting and drawing!
Why law school?
It’s been a dream of mine since I was 12!
I want to harness my voice and highlight voices of others in the transactional world by providing positive financial, social, and environmental impact.
Why HLLSA?
To find, foster, and strengthen latinx community in law school and the Chicagoland legal community.
Fun Fact!
I was a hula dancer for 10 years!
Why law school?
Because I thought much of the legal profession & framework was evil, worshipping Mammon & intentionally isolated from the cascading suffering it wrought, & I wanted to figure out how I could do some good with the law
Why HLLSA?
I grew up in a Latino community & always went to diverse public schools, so Chicago-Kent was surprisingly a bit of a culture shock that left me seeking out a community here, & luckily I found it!
Fun Fact!
I have a twin brother (who is not identical, so l am not at two places at once
Why law school?
I wanted to go to law school to be a voice for the voiceless by representing individuals who are disproportionately impacted by the legal system.
Why HLLSA?
Initially joined HLLSA to meet people who share a similar background to me. I decided to take on more responsibilities in the org as a l realized how beneficial it is for new students to feel a sense of community in school and legal legal field.
Fun Fact!
I am obsessed with the holiday season and listen to holiday music year-long!
Why law school?
I decided to come to law school because I am passionate about public service. I want to be an immigration attorney.
So many people face negative consequences because they do not have adequate access to representation, and I want to do my part in helping to close that gap. 🙂
Why HLLSA?
I wanted to be part of an organization that reminded me of home!
Fun Fact!
I’m double jointed!
Why law school?
I decided to attend law school because I’ve always aspired to have a career that I could use to lift others up.
Why HLLSA?
I joined HLLSA to be apart of a community that seeks to celebrate diverse representation within a field that is historically underrepresented by the hispanic and latino community. I also joined HLLSA because I wanted to play a role in creating a space that provides resources such as education and mentoring to students, as others did and still do for me.
Fun Fact!
I went to boarding school in high school so l lived in a dorm room for 6 years of my life!
Why law school?
I wanted to learn and expose myself to a world that my family knows nothing about to feel like I could protect us.
Why HLLSA?
I am very proud of being Hispanic and
first generation, I love having a group of friends that understand culturally certain challenges and that I can be silly and genuine with.
Fun Fact!
I wear a 5.5 kids size shoe.
Why law school?
I came to law school to become a better advocate for others.
Why HLLSA?
I enjoy building community. Plus, the food at HLLSA events is so good!!
Fun Fact!
I have two cats!
Why law school?
To continue my journey as an immigrant rights advocate and work to make Chicago more equitable for all.
Why HLLSA?
My Mexican identity helps ground me and everything I do. As a first-gen student, I also recognize how important it is to have these networks for our community, which is underrepresented in the legal field.
We are stronger together!
Fun Fact!
I ran a small record label, Dumpster Tapes, before starting law school!
Why law school?
I joined the HLLSA to spread awareness and increase the number of Latinx attorneys.
Why HLLSA?
I joined law school because I am a natural advocate and passionate about standing up for others. I want people to count on me to provide support and guidance when it matters most.
Fun Fact!
Level 8 Google Tour Guide.
2
I’m interested in using my research, writing, and advocacy skills to advance pay equity in the workplace. Employment law is a dynamic and ever-changing.
Super excited to pursue my legal career:)
Why HLLSA?
I was a board member of Latinos Unidos when I was in college, and having that community was important for self-development and emotional support, especially when issues came up that were disproportionately impacting the Latinx community.
Fun Fact!
I love traveling.
In 2019, I visited the Arctic Circle!
Why law school?
I decided to come to law school to be able to represent my community, to learn the law and give accessible representation. My first professional experience was with the Mexican Consulate in Minnesota and there, I realized the various barriers that Mexicans (in that specific case), but also latins in general, dealt with when undergoing a legal process.
Why HLLSA?
Community is very valuable for me. When I first came to the US, I had a strong support community, while working at the Mexican Consulate. joined HLLSA because I want to be part of the network support for other latinxs in the school.
Fun Fact!
I am from the same town as soccer player, Rafa Marquez plateau!
Why law school?
I wanted to be able to advocate for people and help my community
Why HLLSA?
I had been to some PRBA events before and seeing how close that community was made me want to join HLLSA here
Fun Fact!
My first dog was named Putney after the case Vosburg v. Putney
Why law school?
I am a first generation immigrant. Throughout my life, I have had first hand experience with the United States’ broken immigration system and relied on the services of attorneys as young as 15 years old. These legal professionals inspired me and ignited a passion for advocacy.
Why HLLSA?
According to the American Bar Association, only 5% of the country’s attorneys are
Hispanic/Latine. I grew up never knowing a single Hispanic/Latine attorney, so showing up and representing feels like a privilege and honor apart from a clear necessity to foster community and growth within our Hispanic/Latine community.
Fun Fact!
I am originally from Cheran, Michoacan, Mexico, otherwise known as part of the Purépecha plateau!
Why law school?
To serve and build a community, while having financial security.
Why HLLSA?
To be near and part of a community that would remind me of home.
Fun Fact!
lst gen Puerto Rican raised by Mexican parents.
Why law school?
I tell everyone that I didn’t want to come to law school– I had to. I had to come to law school because my family worked hard so that I could afford the privilege of paving my own path regardless of systemic obstacles and the opportunity to push the needle forward for greater representation in the legal sphere.
Why HLLSA?
I wanted to join because I love my cultura, and HLLSA seemed like a great organization that has a lot of fun while also being a great resource for all of the future Latinx and Hispanic lawyers at Chicago-Kent!
Fun Fact!
I love to crochet, and, if we become friends, you WILL be receiving a yarn-based gift at some point haha.
Attending law school has always been a dream of mine, but it is the drive to help others that made me fully commit to this career path.
Why HLLSA?
By providing a supportive network
HLLSA helps students throughout law school and beyond. Because I understand the value of support I decided to join HLLSA and become a part of the supportive network they offer.
Fun Fact!
I love soccer. The teams I support are Barcelona and Club America.
Why law school?
l attended the Hispanic National Bar Foundation’s high school camp and found my fear of public speaking melted away during our mock trial. I knew I had found my passion and purpose in life-using legal recourse to advocate for others.
Why HLLSA?
I’m proud of my Mexican heritage and wanted to find a community that reminds me of home.
Fun Fact!
Last year’s Apple Music Replay revealed, I listened to almost 13,000 minutes of Taylor Swift.
Why law school?
After seeing the challenges of access to justice, especially for marginalized groups of people, I knew I wanted to be apart of the needed change to bridge the gap that still remains in our justice system.
Why HLLSA?
Being a first-generation Latino, it was important for me to find a space that is supportive and uplifts voices that have historically been underrepresented in the legal profession. Know that HLLSA exists here at CK, it was a no-brainer to join such an amazing organization.
Fun Fact!
I sing and play the viola!
Why law school?
I wanted to pursue a career where l could make a huge impact bilingually. I hope to work in whichever field I pursue in both languages & make time for pro-bono opportunities to help the Latinx community.
Why HLLSA?
I really want to meet people from a similar background who understand my culture, cuisine, language, music taste, and so much more. I also want to represent the Latinas in the field!
Fun Fact!
I spent my gap year teaching English in Spain & traveled to 20 countries!
2023-2024
The Executive Board of 2023-2024 HLLSA Leaders:
2022-2023
The Executive Board of 2022-2023 HLLSA Leaders:
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Section A
Section A
Section A
Section B
Section B
Section C
Section C
2021-2022
- President: Mariah Mata
- Vice President of Internal Affairs: Stephanie Raga
- Vice President of External Affairs: Rogelio Delatorre
- Secretary: Valeria Lopez-Fernandez
- Treasurer: Rodrigo Ferrando
- Bar Representative: Gaby Padilla-Abarca
- Social Media and Engagement Coordinator: Alicia Mancio
- 3L Representatives: Michael Vargas
- 2L Representatives:
- 1L Representatives:
2020-2021
- President: Roberto Martinez
- Vice President of Internal Affairs: Ruben Bautista
- Vice President of External Affairs: Sebastian Wright
- Secretary: Joseph Reyna
- Treasurer: Mariah Mata
- Bar Representative: Rogelio Delatorre
- Social Media and Engagement Coordinator: Alejandra Avina
- 3L Representatives:
- Nick Lisle
- Janet Vasquez
- 2L Representatives:
- Michael Vargas
- Manuela Vergara Pinilla
- 1L Representatives:
- Rodrigo Ferrando
- Larisa Kupinszky Gamberg
- Valeria Lopez-Fernandez
- Gabriela Martinez Lopez
- Gaby Padilla-Abarca
- Emily Barraza
- Stephanie Raga
- Esteban Valtierra
2019-2020
- President: Gabriel Lara
- Vice President of Internal Affairs: Roberto Martinez
- Vice President of External Affairs: Ruben Bautista
- Secretary: Joseph Reyna
- Treasurer: Sofia Valdivia
- Bar Representative: Sebastian Wright
2018-2019
- President – Joanna Martin
- Internal Vice President – Brenda Capistran
- External Vice President – Gabriel Lara
- Treasurer – Cristina McNeiley
- Secretary – Melissa Ortega
- Bar Representative – Adan Ramirez
2017-2018
- President – Dora Cornelio
- Internal Vice President – Kollin Nava
- External Vice President – David Zumba
- Treasurer – Javier Ortega
- Secretary – Brenda Capistran
- Bar Representative – Adan Ramirez
2016-2017
- President – Heriberto Diaz-Alcantar
- Internal Vice President – Dora Cornelio
- Bar Representative – Kollin Nava
2015-2016
- President – Elizabeth Hernandez
- Internal Vice President – Brendan Perry
- External Vice President – Yara Mroueh
- Treasurer – Gus Hernandez
- Secretary – Fidel Chavez
- Bar Representative – Heriberto Diaz-Alcantar
2014-2015
- President – Laurel Martinez
- Vice President – Janette Yglecias
- Vice President – Elizabeth Hernandez
- Secretary – Brendan Perry
- Treasurer – Gus Hernandez
- Bar Representative – Yara Mroueh