Latinas Uprising

There are seasons in your life where hard work can’t be avoided. For me, I think back to the summer before law school where I didn’t have the last $250 to pay my deposit for Loyola. Or the summer prior, where I had shoddy internet, no money for an lsat course, no guidance on where to apply. Or my first semester of law school, where I’d come home, feet in so much pain after my shifts at a clothing store bc I needed to make rent, with all my readings still left to do. Those were moments that demanded more from me. More strategy, more dedication, more endurance. I mention this, not to glamorize difficult situations (bc really it shouldn’t have been so difficult to earn a jd) but as a reminder that when we have a goal, our minds and bodies are what get us there-difficult or not. If you’re in the midst of working towards something, something that feels big, sometimes unattainable, or challenging, chingale un poquito mas 💕 you have the ability to give yourself just a little bit more.

Eventually you fit in. My first year in law school I felt like I was playing pretend. I couldn’t afford a full suit, certainly not a good quality one, and I remember changing into my suit in the Daley courthouse bathroom because it felt like a costume and so foreign to wear a suit all day long…because who wears a suit?! The anxiety of not feeling like I could look like a lawyer on the outside would, from time to time, also seep into questioning if I could really earn my JD. But then, I just kept going. I kept showing up, even when I stumbled, I gave myself grace when I didn’t understand the norms of the profession, I sought out guidance, and yes, eventually the suits stopped feeling like a costume and became a symbol for me in how I showed up for clients. So if lawyering feels foreign to you, give yourself time and grace. You’ll be surprised how natural it will come to you. 💕 📸 the iconic

If I had to take the bar exam this summer, these are some things I would definitely do again!
🍭 Yes, candy is number one 🙂‍↕️ even if you don’t have a sweet tooth, stocking up on some sugar helps with a little serotonin boost and a little midday break.
🍹 you get one outing for the summer before Fourth of July. Plan something fun but I’d also limit alcohol so the one day of fun doesn’t turn into a lost weekend/recovery
🛑 tell your family no, now. No to additional responsibilities that take you away from studying, no to being the go to that addresses non-urgent needs. They can survive without you for a month. It will be really easy to let those expectations supersede your study time but if you’re not careful it turns into self-sabotage. Set those boundaries and expectations meow 😸
😴 go to sleep! A full 8 hours is a must. You are studying all day and your brain is tireddddd. No all nighters! Rest and see how much better you retain information

What are some other unconventional advice for this summer’s bar preppers?!

Happy Friday!! 🤗

For many, you’re a few weeks into summer internships or just about to start! Either way, here are some things to keep in mind to make your summer productive, a summer associate bucket list! The reality is that it’s easy to go in without a plan, assume your boss will know what to do, and then you look up, summers over and maybe you didn’t get the most out of this experience. Let’s not do that! Instead go in with an idea of what tangible skill you want to gain and work to ensure you get it. For rising 2Ls, I think it’s time well spent if you leave with a writing sample, some litigation or client counseling exposure, and a reference. 💕

An incredibly profound day. in partnership with local nonprofit partners, hosted a People’s Hearing in Chicago covering the harm and impact of the federal government’s targeting of immigrant communities. I provided testimony about the overall economic impacts this caused. Grateful to be able to advocate for community in this way. || also grateful for Chairwoman Garza’s leadership during today’s hearing and the care, empathy, and commitment shown to impacted communities. I’ve been an admirer of this bad ass Lawtina for a while!! Glad to have finally met!

It’s the worst time of the year 💥 for everyone take the bar exam this summer, congratulations! You have all the skills to do this but I also know it’s a black hole of mental dexterity that will take a lot from you. Ugh. So here we are, give or take ten weeks away. Here are some steps to gameplan the bar so you can feel as steady as possible. You can succeed in this last final sprint and there is a sisterhood of Lawtinas cheering you on 💕

What Do I Care Who Wins California? The Governor’s Race and Influencers

For long time readers, you know that I often create content around civic engagement to encourage people to vote. I also don't shy away from endorsements, but usually stick to presidential/local (to me) candidates. With Xavier Becerra so close to the finish line, I was thisclose from reaching out to their team to ask if they needed any help to amplify his candidacy--pro bono, of course, because I wouldn't take money if I'm endorsing someone....

What Do I Care Who Wins California? The Governor's Race and Influencers - Latinas Uprising For long time readers, you know that I often create content around civic engagement to encourage people to vote. I also don’t shy away from endorsements, but usually stick to presidential/local (to me) candidates. With Xavier Becerra so close to the finish line, I was thisclose from reaching out t...

Every year Latino Unity Day gets bigger and bigger. It is such a testament to the work and dedication of Illinois Latino leaders, from electeds to grass roots organizers, coming together to demand our fair share of resources, policies, and representation. As always abolish 🧊

If you had asked me in early april how the Obama Leaders program went, I would have said it was filled with rich lessons in leadership, difficult dialogue, and future forward thinking. But if you ask me now, still in the glow of a jam packed weekend, where so many of the 100 2026 LOTUS leaders came to Chicago to meet face to face for the first time, my perception about the program is less about lessons learned and more about the pride and awe I have to be in company with these leaders doing such amazing, change-making work. I also love, love, love every opportunity to welcome folks to Chicago and see them experience it for the first time. Nothing like it! || but yes, some lessons learned: 1. Leave the room smarter than when you entered (both yourself and the space); 2. Dialogue with everyone, esp when you disagree; 3. Hope is a choice (the last lesson I took). It is a choice, an action, and a promise. 💕