Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
What Is An Advocate?
An “advocate” is defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary as, “To speak, plead, or argue in favor of; To act as an advocate. One that argues for a cause; a supporter or defender.”
Yes, an advocate argues for the cause, supports those in need, and works toward promoting justice.
But what are the real life outcomes of advocacy work?
As an advocate, when I fight for people who don’t have a voice, I’m not only winning immigration cases. I’m helping to affect real change in those peoples’ lives.
And that’s truly what I love doing – helping people create opportunity for themselves.
My History of Advocacy Work
My first endeavor into advocacy work beyond my law practice started at a very small level. I began by doing educational outreach on immigration issues through the PTA at my kids’ school. I took on the responsibility of organizing parents for legislative reform in Austin.
That experience helped me gain an understanding of the actual lobbying process, so I decided to use my legal training for what I hoped would be a greater impact on immigration policy–I decided to run for State Representative for House District 134
Other advocacy roles that I have played include:
- Vice Chair and and member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association on the Media Advocacy Committee, one of few spokespersons for the 15,000 member organization
- Visited Washington D.C. multiple times to advocate for immigration reform
- Worked to gain media attention for powerful human interest stories that raise awareness about immigration issues
- Police Officers’ Civil Service Commissioner since 2017
- Harris County Commissioner Precinct 2, Immigration Advisory Committee.
HAVE A QUESTION?
