Name: Maria Aguila
Age: I’m not at liberty to disclose this at this time, can’t I just say I’m 21?
Family: Husband Eric, two daughters: Bella and Lila
Pets: I have kids, that’s all I can handle now although we want a dog soon
Education: University of Miami for college, Go Canes!; University of Richmond Law School
Admitted to the Bar: 1999
Employed by: Fourth Circuit Judicial Staff Attorney’s office
Field of practice: All things civil division
Professional organizations: Jacksonville Bar Association, Jacksonville Asian American Bar Association, Catholic Lawyers Guild, American Immigration Lawyers Association
Community involvement:
JBA Diversity Committee, JBA talent show committee, Mayors Asian American Advisory Board, AILA citizenship day events, various church activities
How did you get involved?
When the talent show was being pitched to the JBA during Caroline Emery’s leadership, I introduced myself to Rose Marie Preddy and offered whatever assistance she needed, especially recruiting talent and that I was trained singer back in my high school days competing in national drama competitions in Florida and the rest is history! The Mayor’s Asian American Advisory Board meets to discuss pressing issues in the Asian community and supports the Mayor’s initiatives for the various minority and ethnic communities. It’s always a work in progress as major Asian populations are so spread out in Jacksonville.
How can someone else get involved?
Contact me, and I’ll find you work to do!
What have you learned/achieved through the experience?
Humility, wisdom, and many, many blessings — and I have met so many wonderful giving people in this community.
What was the last book you read or are reading?
Shakespeare’s Sonnets — it was a very thoughtful Christmas gift from my dear hubby and “World Religions” by Willard G. Oxtoby — that’s a heavy one, wish they had cliff notes for it.