I want to practice law to continue the fight for justice that my community deserves, a journey that began years ago when I witnessed firsthand the impact of unjust legal systems on families like mine. As an Indigenous Xicana woman from Phoenix, Arizona, I grew up seeing the barriers that my family and neighbors faced within the immigration and criminal justice systems. These experiences shaped my commitment to confront the systemic oppression and inequality that keep marginalized communities in cycles of hardship. Practicing law is, for me, more than a career choice—it is a responsibility to honor my heritage and give back to those whose voices have been silenced. Since 2007, I have organized and advocated for immigrant rights, worked to reunite families, and supported campaigns against policies targeting Black and Brown communities. These experiences deepened my understanding of how essential it is to have advocates who not only understand the legal landscape but are also rooted in the communities they serve. I’ve had the privilege of working closely with people facing deportation, incarceration, and other crises. Knowing the system inside out and using that knowledge to protect my community’s rights is the most direct way I can continue this mission. My dedication to practicing law is also fueled by a commitment to breaking cycles of injustice within my own family. As a mother, I want to show my daughters that the barriers we face do not define us but are opportunities to grow stronger and challenge the status quo. By pursuing law, I aim to dismantle the very systems that have historically worked against us, creating a future where my children and their generation won’t have to fight the same battles. Practicing law gives me the tools to take that fight into the courtroom and beyond, advocating for systemic change that keeps families together and protects the dignity of our people. In my work with the Uno por Uno Legal Clinic, which I founded, I have seen the profound impact that compassionate legal assistance can make. From reuniting families to securing clemency for individuals serving life sentences, my experience has taught me that law is not only about rules and regulations but about the humanity we bring to the work. I am passionate about challenging the policies that hurt our communities and using the law as a tool for healing and liberation. Ultimately, I want to practice law because I believe it is one of the most powerful avenues for creating real, lasting change. By becoming a lawyer, I can further serve my community, advocate for those who have been marginalized, and contribute to building a more just, equitable society. The path is challenging, but I am ready to walk it—armed with resilience, guided by the wisdom of my ancestors, and inspired by the people I am committed to serve.