How did you discover your passion for what you do, and what opportunities have helped shape your career?

In my hometown of El Paso, Texas, I was exposed early on to injustices in marginalized border communities and that made me want to help people through civic action, politics, grassroots organizing and educational empowerment. My biggest opportunities were my educational ones. I was offered a full ride scholarship for my undergraduate degree and eventually was accepted into my dream law school which changed my life.

Who has been an invaluable mentor for your professional career? What did you learn from them?

Some of my best mentors were the amazing ACLU staff that I worked with in New Mexico. The attorneys and organizers there taught me so much about how to build coalitions and community movements and helped shape my personal knowledge of progressive policy in this country.

How do you make sure you stay connected with your professional network?

I stay in touch via email or social media platforms mostly.

How have friendships helped you professionally? Is there a friend (or Delta Zeta sister) that has been behind you every step of the way on your career journey?

My greatest and most meaning friendships have been the ones I share with my siblings. I am very blessed to have a younger sister and younger brother with whom I share so much in common with. We push each other to be wiser and stronger while at the same time making time to have fun and be silly. No one else has been behind me every step of the way in my journey as they have.