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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
I am so thrilled about 2024 for the HBA! In March, our members, judges, justices, other dignitaries, past presidents, and sponsors attended the 46th Annual Gala Scholarship Fundraiser, Awards, & Installation Dinner, our organization’s biggest fundraising event! Deserving law students Brandon Martinez (Harvard), Astrid Cardona (Western State College of Law), Christian Valenzuela-Cabral (UCI), Joshuel Calderon (UCLA), and Claudia Diaz Martinez (UCI), were awarded the HBA’s Wally Davis Scholarship each receiving $5000 to help fund their law studies. Andrea Cervantes (UCI) received the HBA’s $5000 Bar Stipend to help support her in her preparation for the Bar Exam.
At our Gala, we were privileged to honor Father Gregory Boyle, Founder and Director of Homeboy Industries, with the Hon. Francisco Briseño Lifetime Achievement Award for his extraordinary devotion to his work helping young adults and teenagers escape gang life by providing jobs and critical resources. Governor Newsom’s Judicial Appointments Secretary Luis Céspedes, was honored with the Guardián de Justicia Award for his amazing work increasing diversity on the bench throughout California, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion on the bench and in the legal community. We also proudly honored Deputy Public Defender Amber Poston with Attorney of Year for her incredible work with the Public Defender, representing marginalized clients in minority communities, and for her commitment to the Unity Bar in California. Our Corporate Citizen was awarded to Target Corporation for their dedication to serving and strengthening the community through their positive impact on people’s lives.
The HBA is committed to promoting education, unity, diversity, and excellence in the Hispanic legal community. Loyal members and Sponsors of the HBA provide the support and financial resources necessary for us to continue our mission of strength in areas where our community needs it. Thank you to our Membership and all our Sponsors for your amazing support! We are committed to social justice, community outreach, student mentoring, and diversity in the Latinx legal community and on the bench. Join us this year as we work together to continue to make a positive impact on the Latinx community. We have many exciting events planned, including our traditional Cinco de Mayo Mixer on May 2nd, at Avila’s El Ranchito in Santa Ana, and our 1st Annual Salsa Dancing Night on June 20th at Perla Restaurant in Santa Ana! Please join us!!
Shelly Aronson
OCHBA 2024 President
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2024 OCHBA EXECUTIVE BOARD
Shelly Aronson, President; Frank Chirino, President-Elect; Laura Hassan, Vice President; Patricia Santamaria, CFO; Catherine Navarro, Secretary; Jeannette Garcia, Immediate Past President.
2024 OCHBA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Violetta Schultz, Adrian Canzoneri, Alejandro Ruiz, Angela Chavez, Christopher Hernandez, Crystal De Aenlle-Fernandez, Elizabeth Alamillo, Griselda Rodriguez, Jennifer Corona, Manohar Sukumar, Maria Elena Parada, Melissa Padilla, Gardenia Montero, Miguel Alvarez Ramirez.
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The Community Outreach/Social Issues Committee plays a pivotal role in addressing and advocating for pressing community concerns. Through strategic initiatives and partnerships with our membership and other community partners, the committee strives to address these issues, create a bridge for underserved communities, and create a more inclusive and empathetic environment in Orange County. The Committee raises awareness of issues such as lack of legal access for the Hispanic community, poverty, youth homelessness, healthcare accessibility, and education equity. It conducts donation drives to support and perform relief efforts.
In April of 2024, the Community organized the Health Baskets & Backpack Drive. Led by members of our Board of Directors, Violeta Schultz and Manohar Sukumar, the Committee raised over $1,000.00 in donations from members of our community to serve those in need.
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On March 2nd, 2024, we held our 46th Annual Gala. The evening included the Installation of our 2024 OCHBA Executive Board and Board of Directors, Recognition of our 2024 Outstanding Wally Davis Scholarship and Bar Stipend Recipients, and Presentation of OCHBA’s 2024 Award Honorees. | |
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Hon. Francisco Briseño Lifetime Achievement Award:
Father Gregory Boyle, Founder/Director Homeboy Industries
Guardián de la Justicia Award:
Judicial Appointments Secretary Luis Céspedes
Attorney of the Year:
Amber Poston
Corporate Citizen Award:
Target Corporation
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The HBA MCLE trip to Panama was an unforgettable adventure filled with diverse experiences. The highlight of the trip was traveling through the Gatun River in canoes made of hulled out tree trunks to visit the indigenous people, one of the most heartwarming and wonderful trips! Some of us explored the bustling streets of Panama City, marveling at the blend of modern skyscrapers and historic Casco Viejo. A visit to the Panama Canal was fascinating where we experienced this historic and iconic wonder! Gamboa Resort was nestled in lush rainforest, where we enjoyed ziplining and encountered wildlife including sloths, monkeys, butterflies and snakes! The warmth and hospitality of the Panamanian people made the trip even more memorable, creating a tapestry of rich cultural and natural wonders. In addition to the amazing sights and wonders of Panama, trip attendees earned 6 MCLE credits, including specialty credits in civility and substance abuse! The trip concluded with rich and amazing regional dancing and music until midnight! Don’t miss our next Memorial Day MCLE Trip. (Secret to be announced soon!) |  |  | |
The Orange County Hispanic Bar Association hosted its first Salsa Night on June 20, 2024, at Perla Restaurant in the City of Santa Ana. The event was coordinated by the Health & Wellness Committee and lead by Gardenia Montero, HBA Board Member, who worked with President Shelly Aronson to create an evening of networking. Our 65 guests danced all night with Salsa instructor Jayven Colon, Mexican appetizers and cocktails, and incredible Latin music performed by the amazing Martin Cashe of Latinxmusic.com!! The event was a huge success thanks to our sponsors Abogada Jess and Pacific Lighthouse Insurance Agency who made the night possible. This will certainly be a yearly event for the HBA! | |
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The Mentorship Committee strives to offer participants an opportunity to create and sustain a mentoring relationship. On June 29, the Mentorship Committee spearheaded a Mentorship Hike in the beautiful Crystal Cove State Park trails. Thank you Mariaelena Parada for guiding us and motivating throughout the hike.
We counted with the presence of 10 practicing attorneys and Judge Nate Scott. During the 3.5-mile hike, students had an opportunity to network and ask attorneys questions about their specific areas of practice. We are looking forward to our next hike and to helping build meaningful mentor/mentee relationships.
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The HBA and coordinated with the O.C. Hispanic Chamber of Conference for another exciting summer evening Angel game! Over 165 attendees enjoyed a private event hosted by HBA and OCHCC with hot dogs, chili, pub burgers, beer, cocktail, and networking! Thank you, Frank Chirino, our President-Elect for planning this phenomenal event! We couldn’t have asked for a better evening! The center field seats provided a great view of the game, made even more exciting by being right next to the bullpen to watch pitchers throw! The camaraderie of our two organizations, the great food, drinks, and warm evening, made the event just perfect! Do not miss out on all the opportunities to network and mingle with other members of our community. Come Join us! | |
Another first for the HBA! We held our first Mentorship Mixer at Perla Restaurant in Santa Ana. The HBA Board hosted this incredible Mixer to celebrate the 2nd Annual Summer Judicial Mentorship Program! Many judge and attorney Mentors attended this event to meet and network with law students from O.C. law schools who have been paired with judges over the summer. Even better, students were further paired with attorneys and judges at the event through an evening of socializing! What a phenomenal evening at this beautiful venue! The HBA is proud to support Perla Restaurant as it is a local, family-owned (Ana Laura, Laura, and Gerardo Padilla) restaurant that serves wonderful Latin fare and, most of all, founded and owned by two strong Latinas, Ana Laura and her Mom, Laura! | | | | |
