Growing up, I always told myself that if I could have a superpower, I would like to read minds. I have always been intrigued by how people think and how that correlates with their actions. That is why I pursued a bachelor’s degree in forensic psychology, to try and understand why people do what they do. After taking a psychology course, I realized I had to reassess my superpower. Why want something that was impossible when I could have something attainable? I decided then that I wanted to have the ability to wear and walk in someone’s shoes instead, and I knew the best way to put my superpower to work was to pursue a career in law and advocate for those who may feel they are not being heard.

During law school, I clerked at a small law firm, focusing mostly on family law. At the same time, I went through some life-changing events that helped polish my superpower even more: I got married and had a daughter and a son. These milestones meant I was able to put myself in the shoes of many clients and understand them even better than I had before. Being able to appreciate what it means to have a family of your own and how certain scenarios could impact a marriage, your children, or both, allows me to provide the best service possible to each client who walks through the doors.

As I continued working on family law matters, I also had the opportunity to participate in the Entrepreneurship and Community Development Clinic at the University of Cincinnati’s College of Law. The most valuable thing I learned in the clinic was adaptability. This experience helped me hone my superpower by allowing me to practice putting myself in the shoes of people whom I may not have much in common with so that I can still provide them with the best support possible.

Being born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico has also played a role in my ability to be adaptable and find common ground with those from different walks of life. Not only am I bilingual, but I also have experience with cultures and value systems beyond just the one I was raised in. This lets me assist a broader range of individuals who may not have felt adequately represented otherwise. All these experiences allowed me to perfect my superpower so that I can help my clients become the hero of their own story.