What you do in your day job?
I am a labor and employment attorney at Reed Smith, LLP.
What is your volunteer role with ILAO?
I joined the YPB in 2023 and have been serving as the co-chair since June 2025.
Why did you become a YPB member?
I joined the YPB because I wanted the opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause. I recognize how fortunate I am, and I wanted to use my time to support those who don’t have the same opportunities. I think ILAO’s mission is especially important right now. People need accessible legal resources, particularly within Spanish-speaking communities. The funds raised by the YPB directly support that goal.
At the risk of sounding, cliché, what I like most about being a YPB member is the people it brings together. It’s meaningful work that helps those in need, but what makes it especially rewarding is getting to do it alongside people I genuinely enjoy working with.
What is something that surprised you while serving on ILAO's YPB?
People’s willingness to support ILAO has stood out to me. I did not have much experience with non-profits prior to joining the YPB. It has been refreshing to see how readily businesses and individuals unfamiliar with ILAO are willing to support the organization, whether by providing raffle prizes or donating directly. It has been great to see.
Favorite technology at the moment?
Waze—or whatever the technology is called—that grabs the code from your text and fills it in automatically, so you don’t have to type it.
If you had an alternative career, what would it be?
Assuming general manager of the Chicago Bears is off the table, I think it would be owning some sort of animal rescue. I would also like to be the person in charge of approving which buildings get constructed in Chicago, to cut down on the amount of bland, soulless new architecture.
