Birthplace: NYC, by way of the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. Organization: The Office for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging of the NYC Bar Association. Title: Executive Director. Pronouns: She/Her/Ella. Alma mater: Yale University; The City College of New York; Columbia Law School. Languages spoken: English, Spanish and Italian.
Recent professional development: Cause Effective Fellowship for E.D.s of color. Latest contribution to others: My “Building Belonging” Podcast uses storytelling to raise important DEIB issues to help folks engage in the difficult conversations needed to move the needle on equity and justice in the industry. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Left Big Law to make big changes in the legal industry. Hobbies: Dancing, reading about organizational psychology, all things Drag.
Personality profile: Resilient overachiever just trying to leave this place better than I found it. Moral compass: Am I on the right side of history? What is your greatest joy? My children. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Stand-up comedy. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Rest.
What was your favorite college course? Contemporary American Society. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? Beautiful Latinx women with long dark hair and brown skin, like mine. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? My maternal grandmother, who also raised and mothered me. What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? Growing up in poverty across the street from Lincoln Center.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field?
Diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and justice in the legal profession.
What change would you like to see in the world? An end to white supremacy and toxic masculinity. What widely held belief do you reject? American exceptionalism. What mega-trend most excites you? Gen Z takes no prisoners.
Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My mother. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A ballerina. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? Holding my children and husband, making them laugh and telling them all the ways they are perfect, and that I will be in their hearts always. What advice would you give your younger self? You don’t have to carry the world on your shoulders.
Personal mission: Breaking generational curses so that my children and theirs will be free of them. Favorite quote: “I will not have my life narrowed down. I will not bow down to somebody else’s whim or to someone else’s ignorance” (Bell Hooks).
