Who are some of your Hispanic and Latinx/o/a personal heroes or sources of inspiration, and why? Cesar Chavez because of his passion, perseverance and effectiveness; my grandmother, who was the first woman police officer in Santa Fe, New Mexico, at a time when being the first meant she was a true trailblazer.
Describe a treasured aspect of your culture that is a part of your everyday life. Large annual family gatherings; the Hatch Green chili that is grown in New Mexico and which is the base for much of the excellent cuisine in northern New Mexico (and which I keep on hand here in New York).
Tell us something about yourself that would intrigue or surprise colleagues. I was a working musician prior to going to law school.
Q&A
C DE BACA
M.
JOAQUIN
New York
Partner
Q&A
Washington DC
Associate
How long have you been with the firm? As an attorney, 13 years
Describe a treasured aspect of your culture that is a part of your everyday life. The ability to be joyful and smile in spite of adversity.
Who are some of your Hispanic and Latinx/o/a personal heroes or sources of inspiration, and why? Jose Marti, Cuba’s national hero killed in battle at age 42. Born and raised in Havana, he later graduated from law school in Spain. Thereafter he lived in the United States for many years, where he raised funds for, and went on to play a significant role in, Cuba’s third liberation war, which culminated in Cuba’s independence. He is also one of the most prominent and prolific writers of Latin America (20 volumes), and his work and life is a cornerstone of Cuban literature and culture. Marti’s talent, relentless work ethics, humanism and willingness to bring his ideas into action are a constant source of inspiration to me. Furthermore, as it turns out, Marti and I happen to share a number of biographical parallels, which makes him even closer to my heart. A statue of Marti can be found at NYC’s Central Park. A first glimpse to Marti’s poetry and thought can start with “Cultivo una Rosa Blanca,” one of his most widely known poems.
How has your cultural heritage impacted your life or career? After then-president Obama’s rapprochement with Cuba, Mayer Brown hired me in 2016 to spearhead the Cuba initiative of the firm. While US-Cuba relations have changed substantially since 2016, I was able to transition into a different role and become a sanctions lawyer. It is because of my Cuban heritage and my Spanish (civil law) training and Spanish-speaking skills that I was hired to come into the firm. I am quite certain that this wouldn’t have happened otherwise.
How long have you been with the firm? 6 ½ years
ECHARTE MORALES
GRETEL
C DE BACA
M.
JOAQUIN
GRETEL
Q&A
Chicago
Associate
GUERRERO
N.
FRANCES
Q&A
Los Angeles
Partner
MARMOLEJO
H.
MATTHEW
Q&A
New York
Partner
KOREN
M.
KRISTINE
Q&A
Palo Alto
Partner
FLAX
L.
NINA
Q&A
Chicago
Partner
MORENO
PABLO
JUAN
Q&A
New York
Partner
PINEDO
T.
ANNA
Q&A
New York
Foreign Associate
POSADA
NICOLAS
Q&A
San Francisco
Counsel
FERRÉ
E.
MARÍA
Q&A
Washington DC
Practice & Business
Group Administrator
REYES
ANA
Q&A
Washington DC
Senior International
Trade Advisor
RIVELIS
P.
FABIAN
Q&A
Washington DC
Partner
STERN
ESPÍN
LIZ
Q&A
Houston
Partner
VALERA
L.
JOSE
Describe a treasured aspect of your culture that is a part of your everyday life. Multiculturalism has always been part of my life, adding my many years in the U.S. now. I feel at home in many countries, and I treasure that.
Tell us something about yourself that would intrigue or surprise colleagues. I was born in the Dominican Republic from a French mother and a Peruvian father. While growing up at home in Peru, I spoke both Spanish and French. English I had to learn in school. My wife was born in Honduras from an American mother and Italian father. We met in Houston.
How has your cultural heritage impacted your life or career? Positively. I grew up in Peru and practiced law there briefly before coming to the U.S., where I got a second JD. My cultural heritage and ability to do legal work in Spanish have impacted my life through friends made all over Latin America and my career working with many Latin American clients in their home countries.
How long have you been with the firm? Since 2010
VALERA
L.
JOSE
Why is it important to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month? As a Colombian living in the United States, I find it important to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month since diversity is key to a healthy and successful culture. Furthermore, around 14% of the U.S. population speaks Spanish as its first language, and, as such, I believe it is important to celebrate the heritage of all those citizens that have built a life here in the United States.
Tell us something about yourself that would intrigue or surprise colleagues. Perhaps that despite having been born and raised in Colombia, I went to a German school. As such, I learned how to speak and write German at the age of 4 almost at the same time that I was learning how to speak and write in Spanish.
How has your cultural heritage impacted your life or career? Having a Latin American heritage has impacted my life in New York, as it has allowed me to build a unique community of friends from around South America. As for my career, it has definitely been a challenge since I had to (re)learn along the way certain features of U.S. business practices that vary from the way business is conducted in Colombia.
How long have you been with the firm? 1 month
Tell us something about yourself that would intrigue or surprise colleagues. I took ballet lessons until I was 15, which I hated (the lessons, not ballet), played the clarinet through high school (including in a marching band), ride horses, and miss road trips with my best friend, blaring Motown, and enjoying our car dancing, while sampling food truck cuisine.
Who are some of your Hispanic and Latinx/o/a personal heroes or sources of inspiration, and why? Celia Cruz, the Queen of Salsa, for her musical contributions; Oscar de la Renta, for paving the way for other Hispanic fashion designers; Mario Vargas Llosa, for his moving writing; and Dora & Ana, my grandmother and mother, the smartest and most determined heroines in any family story.
How has your cultural heritage impacted your life or career? My parents and grandparents left Cuba after Castro, leaving a lot behind, but not their work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit, or sense of humor. I learned early on that starting over, always aiming higher, and finding joy in doing so, together, was central to thriving—so, Pa’lante!
How long have you been with the firm? 4 ½ years
PINEDO
T.
ANNA
Tell us something about yourself that would intrigue or surprise colleagues. A friend of mine coined this phrase “In Colombia, it is more important to dance Salsa than to speak English”. Unfortunately, I never followed his advice so I learned English and I am an awful Salsa dancer (despite the fact that I love all Salsa classics!).
Who are some of your Hispanic and Latinx/o/a personal heroes or sources of inspiration, and why? I love reading and most of the time I read Latin American literature. I enjoy reading Garcia Marquez, Vargas Llosa, Cortazar, Borges, Paz and many more. I am not sure if I would label any of them as my personal heroes, but it is a close call (at least in terms of literature). I love how they help me take a mental break and transport me to Latin America each time I open their books.
How has your cultural heritage impacted your life or career? Tremendously. I work in the Latin American finance group of Mayer Brown and in such capacity I constantly interact with bankers, sponsors and borrowers that are originally from Latin America. Doing finance in Latin America is unique in every sense of the word and takes time (and sometimes patience) to understand the idiosyncrasies of a Latin American deal. My similar background with clients and opposite parties often allows me to find common grounds when negotiating a deal or when doing business development.
How long have you been with the firm? 12 years
MORENO
PABLO
JUAN
Describe a treasured aspect of your culture that is a part of your everyday life. We have many beautiful traditions, most involving family, friends and delicious food. We wish everyone “buen provecho”, a “good enjoyment”, when they are eating, even strangers in restaurants. One of the older traditions (though now reserved for special occasions), is to set an extra plate, so the table is ready in case a family member or friend should unexpectedly knock on the door. Perhaps my favorite is “sobremesa”, which involves lingering after a meal to chat and continue enjoying. As we often say in PR, “para los gustos, los colores”. Some people substitute “sabores“ for “colores”. Loosely translated, it means “give flavors their colors/tastes”. Even more loosely, it means “whatever your tastes, you should enjoy” — whether we are talking about food or more broadly, life itself.
Who are some of your Hispanic and Latinx/o/a personal heroes or sources of inspiration, and why? There are so many Latin American luminaries, in every facet of the arts and sciences; how hard to name only a few. I’m a big fan of Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who continually lights a path for human equality on the U.S. Supreme Court. Perhaps the hero I admire most is Roberto Clemente, the best all-around baseball player ever, and a saint who has not yet been recognized. If anybody asked him for help, he delivered. The stories of his kindness and generosity are almost unbelievable, and he represents the true spirit of PR. He was en route to deliver relief supplies to Nicaragua following a catastrophic earthquake when his plane crashed on New Year’s Eve 1972. With good reason, he is under consideration for sainthood. I hope it happens during my lifetime.
How has your cultural heritage impacted your life or career? Every moment of my life, I am proud to be Puerto Rican, and more colloquially, Boricua! We share a long Antillean and colonial history, which overlayed a multi-millennial Indigenous Taino culture. Over time, we evolved our cherished “Tradición Criolla“, an amalgam of all these influences. It reflects a heartfelt inspiration to work hard, while supporting our community and always hoping for better. I'm grateful for those traditions, because they inform how I approach everything in life.
As I write, my mind turns to Hurricane Fiona, which made landfall in PR over the weekend, creating devastation, and sadly heading next to our neighbors in the Caribbean. These hurricanes seem to increase every year, but our greatest defense and treasure is our people. I’m deeply saddened by the effects of Fiona, and yet also confident that Puerto Rico and all the Caribbean will come together and rebuild stronger, the same as always.
How long have you been with the firm? Since 2018
KOREN
M.
KRISTINE
Tell us something about yourself that would intrigue or surprise colleagues. How about 2? 1) I’m probably listening to salsa, bachata or merengue music in my office (and dancing in my chair) and 2) I’m a first-generation college and law school graduate.
Who are some of your Hispanic and Latinx/o/a personal heroes or sources of inspiration, and why? Julia Alvarez to name one—she’s an incredible Dominican American writer, and I grew up reading her books. She portrays the Dominican-American experience so well, and her writing resonates with me.
How has your cultural heritage impacted your life or career? Being raised by a single, immigrant mother from the Dominican Republic, I approach life and my career differently than most. My priorities, values and strong work ethic stem from my family and impact my life on a daily basis.
How long have you been with the firm? 4 years
GUERRERO
N.
FRANCES
Tell us something about yourself that would intrigue or surprise colleagues. I enjoy indoor skydiving.
Who are some of your Hispanic and Latinx/o/a personal heroes or sources of inspiration, and why? I had the opportunity to be Alicia Ruiz’s student while she was teaching Gender and Law and was a judge for Buenos Aires highest court. Her intelligence, analytical skills and her dedication to the rule of law was a source of inspiration as a young professional and beyond.
How has your cultural heritage impacted your life or career? The choice to become a lawyer was highly impacted by my cultural heritage and the Argentinean history. Argentina is a young democracy, and at the time of my birth, the country was ruled by a dictatorship. From a young age, I understood the importance of the rule of law.
How long have you been with the firm? ~4 years
Describe a treasured aspect of your culture that is a part of your everyday life. For me, learning about Mexican cuisine was a fun (and delicious) way to learn about cultural heritage and family traditions. Some of my grandmother’s recipes are still way above my skill level, but my undying love of fresh tortillas stems from my time in the kitchen with her.
Who are some of your Hispanic and Latinx/o/a personal heroes or sources of inspiration, and why? There are so many options here, but because I’m a sports fan, I’ll go with Roberto Clemente. He’s a pioneer for Latin Americans in baseball, both in terms of his on- and off-the-field accomplishments, but also was incredibly active in charity work benefiting Latin America. He’s a very intriguing figure.
How has your cultural heritage impacted your life or career? It has taught me to appreciate what can be achieved through sacrifice. My grandparents came to this country with two young children and almost no English. Through hard work and a belief in the strength of family, they built a life and flourished. Their life journey provides humbling perspective when I face challenges.
How long have you been with the firm? 18 years
MARMOLEJO
H.
MATTHEW
Why is it important to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month? It is not apparent by my face or my name that I am Nicaraguan. So to me, it is important to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month because it shines a light on Latinx/o/a people that others are not aware of and their important contributions to our greater society.
Tell us something about yourself that would intrigue or surprise colleagues. I taught myself how to knit and needlepoint in law school, and frequently pick projects back up to help flex my artistic muscles. Which is based on the real surprise — that I started college being an art major and chemistry minor.
Who are some of your Hispanic and Latinx/o/a personal heroes or sources of inspiration, and why? My mom is a source of inspiration. When my grandfather was jailed by the Sandinistas without cause, my mom wrote to her representatives repeatedly. The moment she became a US citizen, she flew down to get him out and bring him to Florida. Her persistence and my grandfather’s asylum case were featured in our local newspaper.
How long have you been with the firm? #
FLAX
L.
NINA
Tell us something about yourself that would intrigue or surprise colleagues. I find great joy in music, and on occasion you can find me with shoes off dancing to a tune in my office. It’s an absolute energizer, particularly if the music has a bit of the Latin ballad in it.
Who are some of your Hispanic and Latinx/o/a personal heroes or sources of inspiration, and why? Galo Plaza was the first Ecuadorian president to further democratic developmentalism, implementing freedom of assembly, freedom of the press and freedom of expression into the political process, while also infusing more commercialism into the nation’s agribusiness (in particular, banana exports). He was a good friend of my father’s, and I had the privilege of meeting him.
How has your cultural heritage impacted your life or career? As the daughter of an Ecuadorian diplomat, I spent my formative years in both DC and Quito, two very distinct cultural environments. To me, different voices, different languages and different customs were natural and enriched my experience. Today I invite and embrace individuality, because I know that innovation and progress depend on diverse views and fresh vantage points.
How long have you been with the firm? Since 2014
STERN
ESPÍN
LIZ
Describe a treasured aspect of your culture that is a part of your everyday life. The food is still a part of my life. My mother still makes the best empanadas on the planet.
Tell us something about yourself that would intrigue or surprise colleagues. I love hockey and played in a beer league for several years.
Who are some of your Hispanic and Latinx/o/a personal heroes or sources of inspiration, and why? My Hispanic hero is my father. He grew up poor in rural Argentina and decided to go to medical school in his mid-20s. Everyone doubted him, but he became a doctor and established a successful practice in New York. My other Hispanic hero is Roberto Clemente. While I was a bit too young to see him play, he left a lasting impression on me with his tragic death when flying humanitarian aid to Nicaragua after an earthquake.
How long have you been with the firm? 15 years
RIVELIS
P.
FABIAN
Describe a treasured aspect of your culture that is a part of your everyday life. The tradition of cafesito with friends or family! Cafesito in my family is a time to talk, share and enjoy one another. It’s an expression of love.
Who are some of your Hispanic and Latinx/o/a personal heroes or sources of inspiration, and why? My parents are my heroes. They are the most loving, brave and hard-working people I’ve ever met.
How has your cultural heritage impacted your life or career? It impacts everything, it’s in my DNA. I am the child of a Moroccan/Spanish mother and a Salvadorian/Jewish father - I am the poster child of Global Mobility and Migration!
How long have you been with the firm? 9.5 months
ECHARTE MORALES
FERRÉ
E.
MARÍA
“
– Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor
A role model in the flesh provides more than inspiration; his or her very existence is confirmation of possibilities one may have every reason to doubt, saying, 'Yes, someone like me can do this.'“
POSADA
NICOLAS
REYES
ANA
Tell us something about yourself that would intrigue or surprise colleagues. I’ve read Don Quijote 7 times since I was 16. Each time I fall in love with it more. The book was a gift from my father when I was a junior in HS. Cervantes is one of his favorite authors. He used to say I was like Don Quijote de la Mancha, always dreaming. The book has been so important in my life that I’ve made life decisions over cafesito based on Don Quijote.
Describe a treasured aspect of your culture that is a part of your everyday life. We do a lot of singing and dancing at home
Describe a treasured aspect of your culture that is a part of your everyday life. The ability to be joyful and smile in spite of adversity.