“I believe that every day one must strive to serve others...”
Pronouns:I, she, her, me
Work Title (s) : Associate Attorney
Favorite Quote:“Our backs tell stories no books have the spine to carry.” Rupi Kaur
Who is Leticia? I was born in Mexico on Valentine’s day. In 1989, I immigrated with my family to Bridgeport, Washington. Bridgeport is a predominately farm-working community in Eastern Washington state. As a child, I worked alongside my family in the fields every summer.
Since the of 9, I dreamed of becoming an attorney. My curiosity in the law was sparked by a conversation I had one day with my father. On that particular day, I was feeling furious that we had to work in the fields, I asked my father “Why do you make us work in the fields?” He replied that he wanted his children to know the value of hard work so they would dedicate themselves in their education. Being the inquisitive child that I was, I pried further and asked him if he had had the opportunity to go to school, what he would have studied; his response was “an attorney because they know the law and help those who can’t help themselves.”
Did you attend college? If so, how did that impact your life? I began my college education at Washington State University in 2002. After dropping out of WSU, I completed my undergraduate studies at Portland State University. While working on my undergraduate studies, I gave birth to my beautiful daughter. I named her Itzel because the name is often associated with the hummingbird—symbolizing hope. My daughter instilled a renewed sense of hope which allowed me to overcome the obstacle of being a single mom and continue pursuing my educational goals. In May of 2015, I graduated from law school. I use my career as an attorney as a vehicle for change. I know that there are not very many Latina lawyers and I want to help change that. I think it’s critical that our legal profession be more reflective of our community’s needs. In turn our legal landscape will begin to change and the laws and policies that affect our communities will be made by those who are directly impacted by them.
What is the one thing you are working on daily? I work on a lot of projects on a daily basis that range from drafting legal motions, preparing our client’s cases for mediation or trial to court appearances. However, I try to do something for someone else that is not related to what I do at work. I call this my rose because I believe that every day one must strive to serve others. It makes me a happier person.
One piece of advice you wish someone would have given you during college or professional career? A piece of advice that I want to pass along is “NEVER GIVE UP” no matter how hard something seems, how long it may take to accomplish, regardless of all the stumbling blocks—perseverance is key. All else will follow.
What is your favorite kind of coffee?Mexican mocha from the Station coffee shop
En Solidaridad,
Araceli
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