Age: 33
Family: Parents, five siblings and girlfriend
Pets: Do the deer roaming in my back yard at JCP count?
Education: University of California, Riverside, B.A. in Psychology, Cum Laude, 2003; Florida Coastal School of Law, Juris Doctor, Summa Cum Laude, 2007.
Admitted to the Bar: 2007
Employed by: Brennan, Manna & Diamond
Field of practice: Business and commercial litigation, employment law and appellate Law. Further, I head up our firm's Latin America & Caribbean Practice Group that assists businesses seeking to expand their markets into the U.S. or into Latin America and the Caribbean.
Professional organizations: American Bar Association, The Florida Bar, The Jacksonville Bar Association, Hispanic Bar Association of Northeast Florida, U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit, U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida.
Community involvement: I am a member of the First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Further, I serve on the board of directors at The Hispanic Institute for Life and Leadership of Northeast Florida (The H.I.L.L.), a nonprofit organization that was launched based upon the exponential growth of the Hispanic community in Florida and the particular employment needs of this segment of the population. The H.I.L.L. focuses on developing Hispanic professionals, but serves as an established center for all job seekers looking for further training and orientation. The H.I.L.L. partners with local and national businesses in order to help meet their employment needs and assist them in understanding the Hispanic market.
How did you get involved?
Born and raised in Latin America, I had been looking to get involved in helping the local Hispanic community. In vetting the various local organizations – all of which serve an important role – I was very impressed by Annie Grogan, our tenacious president, and her vision that focuses on Hispanic employment.
How can someone else get involved?
Ask any community leader/organizer how you can be helpful. There is a significant need for volunteers and donations in Northeast Florida. Whether by donating your professional services or funds, you can impact our community.
What have you learned/achieved through the experience?
I have learned that making what might seem like a small difference to you may be a huge difference to someone else. Do not underestimate your potential to influence and use it for good.
What was the last book you read or are reading?
"Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell.