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Impacto Strategies
Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, 2014
Why did you decide to enter the legal profession?
I decided to enter the legal profession because I saw the law as both a shield and a sword—something that could protect vulnerable communities and also be used to challenge systems of injustice. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand how access to justice was often unequal. I wanted to be someone who could not only understand the law but use it as a tool to advance equity, empower others, and open doors that had long been closed to people who looked like me.
If you hadn’t pursued a legal career, what would you be doing?
If I hadn’t pursued a legal career, I would be working in politics, either running for office or shaping policy behind the scenes.
Who is someone who has inspired you in your career?
Justice Sonia Sotomayor has been a major inspiration in my legal career. As the first Latina on the U.S. Supreme Court, she represents what it means to break barriers while staying grounded in community and culture. Her commitment to empathy in the interpretation of law, her powerful voice in dissent, and her lived experience as a Puerto Rican woman from the Bronx remind me that our personal stories are not a liability but a strength. She’s shown that it’s possible to bring both brilliance and heart to the bench, and that example continues to shape how I show up in this profession.
What makes a good lawyer/judge?
A good lawyer or judge leads with both competence and compassion. Legal knowledge is critical, but what sets someone apart is the ability to understand the human impact of the law. It takes integrity to uphold justice, humility to keep learning, and courage to make hard decisions, especially when they challenge the status quo. In my opinion, the best in our profession don’t just interpret the law but they use it as a tool to create a more equitable and just society.
What is something you wish people knew about lawyers?
I wish people knew that lawyers have full, vibrant lives outside the courtroom. We’re parents, creatives, travelers, entrepreneurs, community organizers—you name it. Lawyers are multidimensional, and that richness makes us better advocates.
Tell us about a “lesson learned” moment you’ve had in your career
Early in my career, I was so focused on proving myself that I sometimes took on too much, afraid to say no or ask for help. I quickly learned that leadership isn’t about doing everything; it’s about building strong teams, setting boundaries, and knowing when to lean on others.
Tell us something surprising about you.
Before I became a lawyer, I was a salsa dancer. I competed, owned a dance studio, and even taught Dominican folkloric dance to youth in my community. It taught me discipline, confidence, and how to lead with both passion and rhythm—skills I still carry with me in the courtroom and beyond.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I’ve ever received is: “Don’t shrink to fit spaces you’ve outgrown.” It was a reminder that growth often requires discomfort, and that stepping into leadership means being okay with taking up space—even when others aren’t ready for it. That advice has helped me embrace my voice, trust my instincts, and walk boldly in rooms where I might be the first or the only.
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