Fellows 2021

Class of 2021 FELLOWS

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Gregory Abukar-Duru
Coronado High School
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs

Gregory Abukar-Duru was born in Missouri but later moved to Colorado. Even at a young age, he saw the effect of what law has on a person without the proper knowledge and guidance thanks to custody battles between his sister’s father and her mother. Nevertheless, this has not stopped him from gaining help from others to pursue his dream career as a lawyer. The beginning of high school was a struggle for Gregory but thanks to his family and the caring community he was able to increase his academic prowess. This taught him the importance of a community and getting help from others.

Now with a newfound community that is there to support him, he shifted his objective from just becoming a lawyer to giving back to his community. He did this through community service towards senior care homes to local school events. By the time he ended his senior year of high school, he completed twenty hours of community service and became a link leader to help future freshmen. Furthering the community further through his experience.

Though he has been known for most of his life as being outgoing, overly talkative, and rambunctious. One common trait that peers will mention is his tenacity and drive to push his goals forward. Now becoming a fellow of Law School… Yes We Can Mentorship, this will give him a higher chance of making his goals a reality. With these lessons learned, he will enter his first year at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs with confidence and pride.

Walker Bargmann
Eagle Ridge Academy
Yale University

In elementary school, Walker Bargmann observed his family struggle with medical expenses while trying to ensure there was still food on the table. Even at a young age, he saw the blatant injustice--he believes no family should have to worry about making sure their home life remains stable when loved ones are in the hospital. While growing up, he witnessed many of his peers battle adversities similar to his own. Realizing these injustices were rooted in legislation, Walker began to become civically engaged during high school with the Colorado Youth Advisory Council, State Youth Council, and CHSAA to begin advocating for and addressing the shortcomings of public policy. 

In high school, Walker developed a deep love for theater through his work in Drama Club and focussed on leadership development in Student Council. He earned an Associate of Science through dual enrollment, was the Valedictorian of the Class of 2021, and will be continuing his education at Yale University. He plans to major in Economics or Global Affairs with a concentration on public policy, but hopes to explore his interests in theater and chemistry (among other subjects) as well. 

Being a first generation student and the first in his family to pursue a career in law, Walker is especially proud to be a role model for other students to see that achieving their dreams is possible. He is ecstatic to be a LSYWC Fellow, and hopes to explore the political applications of law school with his mentors. Walker wants to attend law school because he wants to change the law, with his end goal working in government to change adversities rooted in outdated legislation. 

Andrea Chavoya-Terrazas
Overland High School
Community College of Denver

Andrea Chavoya Terrazas was born in Aurora, Colorado, and was raised there and in Denver, Colorado. While growing up she faced many challenges, such as moving nine times and being to at least seven different schools in the span of her life. As the oldest in the family, she grew up wanting to help her family. Making decisions for the good of them and herself is something she prioritizes.

The idea of moving and going to a new school was never expected to happen her senior year but wasn’t really anything new to her. She recently graduated from Overland High School in the spring with honors in 2021. She experienced a lot of obstacles, for example, some of her classes didn't transfer which caused her G.P.A to drop, affecting the opportunity to receive scholarships. 

However, she is very blessed to have found this opportunity for the Law School.. Yes We Can program. Since her Sophomore year of high school, she’s been interested in becoming an immigration lawyer, and in her Junior year of high school, Andrea joined a Dare to Dream program that supported students from other countries (mostly Southern American countries) and even wrote a section about them in Spanish and English for others to hear their stories. This program is just one step closer to make her dreams a reality. Moving and getting into a criminal justice college-level class opened a door for her, an opportunity to get advice from professionals, and an overall feel to what becoming a lawyer would look like. 

Andrea is now a freshman going to the Community College of Denver and although she is undecided on what she would like to major and minor in she is delighted to receive guidance from mentors of this program.

Diana De La Rosa Santiago
Arrupe Jesuit High School
University of Denver

Diana De La Rosa Santiago was born in Whittier, California. After living in a small garage with her immigrant parents for four years, Diana and her family moved to Denver where she was raised. As the oldest of three children, Diana has seen the sacrifices that her parents have made for the survival of her and her siblings. She considers her family and her backbone and looks forward to the days where injustices will no longer reside in her community. 

Diana graduated from Arrupe Jesuit High School in 2019 as the first person to ever do so in her family. In high school, Diana was involved in Mock trial, registering over 90% of eligible students to vote, and held an internship at the law firm Faegre Baker Daniels. She also volunteered throughout various community service events and with local Denver organizations. 

Her experiences as Latina and Indigenous have fueled her drive to create equitable change within her communities. She hopes to see more representation within the legal field and become a catalyst for justice within the work that many are already doing.         

Currently, Diana is finishing up her second year at the University of Denver as a first-generation college student. She is pursuing a double major in Marketing and Sociology with a minor in Leadership. She serves on the executive board of the Colorado Women’s College Leadership Scholars Program and has become a mentor for other first-generation students on and off campus. Diana is excited to continue her educational journey as a LAW SCHOOL… Yes We Can Fellow because she will discover the support and advice from individuals who will assist towards her journey to law school.   

Jessica Garcia
Vista Peak Preparatory
University of Denver

Jessica Garcia was raised and currently lives in Aurora, Colorado and attended APS. I am the oldest out of four siblings, so I have always been the first to do things and clear the brush for my siblings so they could follow the same path as me. I am not a first-generation college student, but I will be a first-generation law student. I am a sophomore at the University of Denver double-majoring in Political Science and Spanish.

In high school, I was part of my high school, Vista Peak’s branch of National Honor Society and Latino Student Alliance. I graduated with honors in 2019 and hope to give back to the school. I am currently part of the University’s Office of Access and Transitions Volunteers In Partnership Program where we help underserved students have adequate access to resources while they are in college and make sure that both current and future students have a smooth access to and from college. 

I have always known that I wanted to help people ever since I was little. When my grandma came home from working as a translator in the courts, she would tell me about how the people she translated for had a hard time understanding why they were getting arrested and weren’t very knowledgeable of the law as they were in a new country. I would tell her about what I thought why it wasn’t fair to the people because they didn’t understand; so later down the line, I decided to learn Spanish to not just reconnect with my roots, but to also provide legal help to those who weren’t accustomed to U.S. law and had a hard time advocating for themselves. Law school has always seemed out of reach for me, so when I learned that I was going to be a LAW SCHOOL… Yes We Can Fellow, I was very excited because it was the first time that I really felt that I could attend law school and follow my dream of becoming a civil rights lawyer.

Emily Hernandez
Fort Morgan High School
University of Colorado at Boulder

Emily Hernandez was born and raised in Fort Morgan, Colorado. Her family immigrated from Mexico and instilled in Emily the value and importance of perseverance, integrity, and contributing to the good in the world. As a first generation Mexican American Latina, Emily understands the importance of representation to underrepresented communities.

Growing up she also had to navigate a speech impediment which reinforced the importance of having a voice of one’s own. A passion to speak up in what she believes in and to help those who need their voices amplified developed. Emily aspires to be an attorney and help advocate for children and juveniles. 

Emily is going into her third year at the University of Colorado Boulder with a major in Sociology. Emily competes for the university mock trial team and is also a member of the executive board. She is also a pre-law program coordinator for SASC at CU and a mentor to first year students. Emily is excited and honored to be a Law School Yes We Can Fellow.

Olivia Hymowitz
Cherry Creek High School
Colorado State University

Olivia (Liv) Hymowitz has always had a proclivity to help those in need. From a young age, she was aware of issues bigger than herself and longed to explore the compassion she had for the world. Growing up in a world that tends to be focused on surface-level issues such as wealth and body image, it was difficult for Liv to understand why mental health issues were often overlooked. By navigating her way through interactions with her peers and clinical anxiety, she gained respect for those who struggle with mental health issues. After losing a friend to suicide in her senior year of high school, she became motivated to be the first ever Mental Health Chair in her sorority at Colorado State University in 2020. 

Another cardinal passion of Liv’s is advocating for animal rights and environmental conservation. While she always knew that she loved animals, her desire for change became unassailable when she traveled to Thailand on a community service trip. She was told that she would be caring for orphaned elephants at a rehabilitation center, but instead she discovered a world of captivity and torture. Soon afterwards, she participated in an independent study training sheep for research in Colorado. During that time, she witnessed harsh treatment of the sheep and loose regulations. These coupled events inspired her to make it her mission to remedy unfair treatment, whether that be with respect to people, animals, or the environment.

Liv will be a junior at Colorado State University next Fall. She is majoring in Philosophy with a concentration in Science and Technology and a minor in Legal Studies. She is ecstatic to be a Law School...Yes We Can Fellow because she realizes that this opportunity will help her achieve her ambitious goals.

Taylor Johnson
Denver South High School
University of Colorado at Boulder

Taylor Johnson is a proud American-Brasilian student who was born in Denver, Colorado. She spent much of her childhood in Brasil with her family and feels a very special connection to her culture. Her mother immigrated to the United States from Brasil with little to nothing and has embodied what it means to be the “American dream.” Taylor is inspired by her mother’s hard work and tenacity and hopes to make her mother proud.

Growing up surrounded by hard working immigrants and watching how systems in the U.S. mistreat the people she loved, sparked a passion for social justice in Taylor. She feels incredibly privileged to have been born and educated in the U.S. and hopes to use this privilege to uplift her community. Taylor is also interested in women’s rights and hopes to break down glass ceilings.

She graduated top of her class from Denver South High School, and now attends the Univserity of Colorado Boulder. She majors in Philosophy with a concentration in law and society, and is a part of the multicultural leadership scholars program. When she heard of Law School… Yes We Can, she was thrilled to learn and grow through the mentorship program. Not only this, but being involved ed in a community that reflects her values was an opportunity of a lifetime.

Yasmine Lawson
Smoky Hill High School
Colorado State University

Yasmine Lawson was born in Moreno Valley, California, and raised in Aurora, Colorado. 

Growing up in a dedicated and hard-working immigrant family, Yasmine aspired to graduate high school, pursue a college degree, and eventually become a lawyer. Her greatest motivators are her parents, and many of her achievements are due to the unrelenting support that they have given her, and the sacrifices they made so that she could live the life they’ve toiled for. Yasmine also has two older brothers who nourish her potential, inspire and motivate her to pursue her dreams, and be the best possible person she can be. 

Yasmine’s desire to become a lawyer stems from her passion to help others within her various communities. Ever since she was little, she’s always had the ability to “argue like a pro'' according to her father. Her internship at a local law firm helped her to confirm this passion and she hopes to grow and develop her skills and talents through this program to achieve her goal. 

Yasmine plans to pursue her education at Colorado State University, Fort Collins studying sociology with a concentration in criminal justice. She hopes to become not only a lawyer but an activist that betters the social climate that is filled with injustice today. She is excited and eager to be involved in the Law School Yes We Can program and to gain an infinite amount of wisdom and knowledge from this community. 

David Martinez
Denver South High School
Colorado State University

David Martinez grew up in Denver, Colorado. He was blessed to have the opportunity to have a very diverse public education. This exposed him to various interpretations on important issues such as equity and justice. David did not have much family in Denver, so he valued the outlooks of his peers and was always eager to learn from them. David grew up as a low-income Latino so there were never many resources allocated to him or his community. However, that never stopped him from dreaming big and wanting to help those that come from communities similar to his. His biggest inspiration is his mother, she always made sure that he understood how truly loved he was. She is a breast cancer survivor who has conquered various obstacles throughout her life.

David has taken an untraditional path in higher education. After a brief stint at CSU after high school he was not sure what he wanted to do with his life. Once he returned home, he attended Red Rocks Community College. This is where he truly fell in love with not only knowledge, but justice. While at Red Rocks, David took courses that would not only change his life - but introduced him to extraordinary people that were passionate about humanity. This is when David began to take political science courses and was quickly intrigued by the consequences and benefits those political decisions have on communities. David began to work as a canvasser for grassroots organizations, in order to help communities, one must go in the communities and ask them what they need. We live in a hyper individualistic society where we prioritize the self over the group. However, true power lies when we come together, power to the people!

David is currently a senior at Colorado State University, He is a politico science major with a minor in legal studies. David understands how blessed and privileged he is to be a LAW SCHOOL… Yes We Can fellow. He looks forward to taking advantage of all the resources that the program will offer which include, but not limited to networking support as well as LSAT prep. David plans on entering the legal fields of immigration or civil rights. David wants to enter the justice system due to the inequities that BIPOC face within the system.

Omar Medina
Arrupe Jesuit High School
Santa Clara University

Omar Medina was born and raised in Denver, Colorado to a single immigrant mother. Having been instilled with different values like determination and dreaming big, Omar set his sights on being the first in his family to attend and graduate from college.

In the fall of 2019, Omar achieved his goal of attending college after starting at Santa Clara University in California. There, he has declared majors in Communication and Spanish. He has also been involved with organizations on campus like the Book Club and the Latinx Student Union.

After many trials and hardships doing online classes, Omar is more determined to finish his college career and graduate with a Bachelor's degree. He is excited to be a Law School... Yes We Can Fellow and to be a part of a larger community of individuals who strive for big things.

Aishwarya Mishra
Vista Peak Preparatory
Colorado State University

Aishwarya Mishra was born in Goldhap, Nepal. Her family moved to the United States when she was eight years old. She was faced with difficult challenges when adjusting to her new environment. There were obstacles she faced as a teenager, not understanding where she belonged, and always feeling out of place in social situations. She became too Americanized to fulfill the role of being the perfect daughter for a Nepali household, while also being too foreign to fit into the customs of American culture. Her newly introduced customs and beliefs clashed against the familiarities of her old way of living. Her culture led her to believe that she was inferior in society, simply because she was a woman. She believes that with the right tools and education, she can prove believers of this ideology wrong. She stands up for women's rights, striving to help people like her who struggled as an immigrant. 

Aishwarya is part of the graduating class of 2021 at Vista Peak Preparatory. She will be attending Colorado State University this upcoming fall. During high school, Aishwarya was a member of the speech and debate team for three years. She found herself loving the club and discovered a passion for public speaking. Aishwarya realized that her voice was her most powerful tool. This is when she decided that her future plans would include attending law school. When it comes to her goals, she is determined and ambitious about her education and future occupation. Aishwarya is thrilled to be a part of Law School… Yes We Can because of the opportunities it provides and direction towards attaining her dreams.

Isabelle Munsell
Broomfield High School
Colorado State University

Isabelle Munsell was born in Arizona and grew up in Brighton, Colorado. She attended Broomfield High School where she graduated summa cum laude in 2019. She then attended Regis University on an athletic scholarship to play soccer, but then made the decision to transfer to Colorado State University where she plans on earning a degree in Statistics with an Environmental Affairs and Computer Science minor. At Colorado State University Isabelle is a part of the law club and the Asian Pacific American Cultural Club. Isabelle is a second-generation Asian-American and enjoys being a part of the APAC club at CSU as it promotes her cultural identity.

During Isabelle’s senior year of high school, she discovered her passion for the environment. She began to learn more about the earth’s environmental issues, resulting in the realization that she wanted to dedicate her life to helping the planet. Although she knew she wanted to do something related to the environment, it wasn’t until she took a law class at CSU and discovered the power of policy as it can influence the environment. She saw it as an opportunity to stimulate change for the environment and those who are impacted by environmental injustices. Since then, she has had her heart and head set on attending law school to become an environmental lawyer.

Being a part of Law School Yes We Can, is important to her because it provides her with not only opportunities, but also the guidance she hopes to receive throughout the law school process. Isabelle does not have any family members or friends that are familiar with the law track, so it is important to her to have this program to aid in her journey of law school and serve others.

Evelyn Ontiveros
Prairie View High School
Colorado State University

Evelyn Ontiveros was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. Evelyn knew she wanted to be the voice for those who have been silenced ever since she began to see the injustices around her. In middle school, a teacher recognized the strong will Evelyn had to become a lawyer and introduced her to an after-school law program. In this program was where she started finding her own voice and began to realize how she could use it to help others. 

Evelyn is passionate about helping others and providing a safe place for them. She is currently an RBT and works with autistic kids. She loves her job and finds new ways to connect with her clients every day. Being an RBT has taught Evelyn to befriend her inner child and remember to find happiness even in most serious situations. 

Evelyn will be a graduate from Colorado State University this upcoming summer. She majored in Psychology. Evelyn is thrilled about being a LAW SCHOOL. Yes We Can Fellow because she will have guidance and a community to be able to grow in and be a part of. 

Chastity Polland
Vista Peak Preparatory
Colorado State University

Chastity Polland was born and raised in Aurora, Colorado. As the youngest of five siblings all who never graduated from high school Chastity knew she wanted to be the first to graduate high school and move on to pursue higher education. Chastity identifies as a survivor of child abuse and a witness to domestic violence in her home growing up. Having the cops out every night and dealing with the courts consistently throughout her life is what motivated Chastity to want to be a lawyer and be the voice for the forcibly silenced. Despite the trauma she endured from the past Chastity has made it her strength and dedicated herself to her education to achieve this goal. After the abuse settled, Chastity was raised by her single mother who along with her siblings pushed Chastity to never give up and graduate high school. After a long year, Chastity finally graduated from Vista Peak Preparatory in 2019 and got accepted to Colorado State University her first choice college. 

In the Fall of 2021, Chastity will be a junior Political Science major with a minor in Legal Studies at Colorado State University. In her time in college, she has taken several courses that have continued to develop her passion for the law and helping give voices back to those who are silenced. During the 2020-2021 school year Chastity dedicated herself to giving back to the CSU community by being part of the orientation and transitions program in helping to welcome the class of 2024 and she hopes to have more chances like this one as she continues her college education.

Chastity’s past has driven her to becoming the person she is today as well as the lawyer she will be one day in the near future. Coming from a single parent household can sometimes limit your opportunities and so having this opportunity with Law School... Yes We Can! is a humbling experience. Chastity is grateful to be a part of this and knows this will push her leaps and bounds to where she wants to be one day soon. 

Luisa Quinones Marrufo
Glenwood Springs High School
Amherst College

Luisa Quinones has always delighted in helping people. Throughout her high school career, she has been an active translator for many events. She has always seen her knowledge as a resource for helping others and hopes to branch out in order to help more people. As a first-generation high school and eventually college graduate, she hopes to keep on working hard to achieve her dream of making a difference in her community through her education.  

Luisa had the amazing opportunity of doing a law internship in Washington D.C., which gave her a real-world experience on her true passion. She was also part of the mock trial team at her high school since her freshman year and was coached by a full-time attorney. Due to her working closely with the Latino community at her school, she realized the need they had for greater education. Those experiences shaped her and made her realize that she wanted to go attend law school in order to be a helping hand in her community. 

Luisa is a senior in high school and will be attending Amherst College in Massachusetts in the fall. Luisa is very excited about being a LAW SCHOOL...Yes, We Can Fellow because she will have the help she needs to accomplish her dreams of becoming a lawyer.

Kimia Rejai
Arapahoe High School
University of Colorado at Boulder

Kimia Rejai was born in Louisiana and soon after, her family moved to California. She has been in Colorado since the age of four and currently lives in Denver. She comes from a family of Iranian-Americans that strongly believes in the value of advanced education and motivates her to pursue the career of her dreams. Her first language growing up was Farsi and she learned English after going to pre-school. Later in high school she became proficient in Spanish as well.

She is the youngest of two and looks up to her parents since they persevered through learning a new culture, language, and transformed their lives. Her father came from Tehran, Iran to pursue his studies and attended graduate school in Nebraska, a state which years earlier he did not know where it was. Their hard work, perseverance, and achievements are something Kimia looks up to and hopes to follow.

Kimia’s interests include hiking, skiing, reading, and drawing. Through her educational experiences, she has become passionate about a future in law. She has become determined to help those who may not have the opportunity to be able to help themselves. Her goal is to raise awareness about the importance of learning and trying to shape the laws that govern us to create a more inclusive and just society. 

She is in the graduating class of 2021 at the University of Colorado in Boulder and is majoring in Psychology and Economics with a minor in History. Kimia believes her passion for law is heavily intertwined with her majors and is looking forward to the opportunity to explore it. During her time at the University of Colorado, she has been a member of organizations such as Defend Our Future and Girl Scouts of Colorado. Through her experiences, Kimia found a new appreciation for the power of activism and the importance of always striving for equality.

Becoming an attorney would give Kimia the opportunity to speak out against wrongful convictions, educate others about the law, and promote fair treatment of all people regardless of race, gender, sexuality, or religious beliefs. Kimia is honored to have the opportunity to be a Law School...Yes We Can! fellow because the knowledge, support, and friendships that this program will provide will invigorate her drive and inspire her to keep pursuing for the life that she dreams of.

Zachary Thompson
High Tech Early College
University of Denver

Zachary “Zach” Thompson is from Brighton, Colorado. Having attended school in the very diverse city of Denver for most of his life while living in relatively homogenous Brighton, Zach has developed an appreciation for a diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and ideas. In high school, Zach became involved with his school’s chapter of the National Honor Society, which taught him, among others, the values of leadership and service. Since then, he has sought opportunities to develop those values and began seeking out potential careers that would allow him to employ them.

After graduating from High Tech Early College, Zach enrolled at the University of Colorado Denver eager to advance his education. His interest in law stems partly from a few experiences he has had with the legal system in Colorado, namely jury duty and a legal name change, as well as from his studies in history.

Zach is currently in his third year at University and is pursuing a double major in history and French, two subjects he has been passionate about since high school. As he is part of the University of Colorado Denver’s Honors and Leaderhsip Program, Zach understands the benefits of being part of an organization such as Law School… Yes We Can and appreciates the guidance of mentors as well as the sense of community with his peers who have similar interests.

DeVon Washington
Colorado Early College
Colorado State University

DeVon Washington was the last born out him and his twin brother. I have three siblings and was raised by a single mother. As a child I had always seen that I could be the smile in the room. I made a lot of friends and participated in several extra curriculars. My mother always told me that I was going to be someone; that whenever they said my name they would smile. However, I didn’t have it all behind closed doors. My mother was raising two sets of twins on her own, and with no role model present, I had to grow up fast.

In high school I attended an early college where I was able to receive college credits while still in high school. Upon graduation, I had been accredited 55 college hours, with eyes set on attending Colorado State University to pursue a degree and run track. I realized I had an interest in law, when I came to understand that the world, I was growing up in was also the world that did not want to see me grow. When my uncle was convicted of a crime, it was at this moment I knew that if he had a better attorney, he would have been placed better in the eyes of the system. I knew that I was going to be the helping hand that people in marginalized communities yearned to have. 

Currently on my third year here at CSU, I am studying Sociology with a minor in Criminal Justice. I believe LAW SCHOOL… Yes, We Can, will be able to provide me steps to aid me the rest of my journey of becoming a lawyer. This program will provide me tools in pursuing my dream of becoming a lawyer, while helping me grow through the process. I have hopes of being placed in black communities to serve as a criminal defense attorney while fighting for civil rights. 

Lacee Winn
DSST: Conservatory Green High School
University of Denver

Lacee Winn was born in Chicago, Illinois and moved to Denver, Colorado when she was eleven years old. When she started middle school, she immediately realized how differently people treated her based on her race. Lacee also noticed how racism and lack of resources impacted her close and distant relatives. This played a huge role in her joining organizations and extracurricular activities that focused on healing and empowering the BIPOC community.  

These activities opened her mind to more opportunities to help those in need and help make a better future or generations to come. As the oldest of four kids, she knows how to responsible and hopes to support youth and adults of color alike by providing resources aligned with mental health and racial justice. 

Lacee part of the founding class for DSST: Conservatory Green High School. She is set to graduate in the spring of 2021. She intends to help youth like herself to survive and thrive by obtaining leadership skills, teamwork skills.  She also hopes to make a difference while working towards a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and minors in Psychology and Ethical Studies. Lacee is excited about becoming a part of  LAW SCHOOL…Yes We Can be can get as much guidance and advice as possible to help her become a criminal defense lawyer provide support to others.

Jackie Alderete Urena
Fairview High School
Metropolitan State University of Denver

Jackie Alderete Urena is from Gomez Palacio, Durango Mexico. She moved to Boulder, Colorado when she was eight years old. As an immigrant, Jackie experienced first-hand the many challenges of navigating the United States: diversity of language, culture, religion, socioeconomic status, and life experiences. From a young age, Jackie knew that attaining a higher education would be her ticket to living the American dream. After graduating from Fairview High School in Boulder, Jackie was faced with the dilemma of paying for college. She applied for scholarships, sought out support, and began pursuing her bachelor’s degree at Metropolitan State University of Denver. 

Jackie will be a Junior in the Fall of 2020, majoring in Political Science and minoring in Legal Studies. After graduation, Jackie will pursue law school. She is passionate about immigration law and committed to bringing social justice to the migrant population. Currently she works as a bilingual paralegal for the Saltrese Law Firm. She works closely with people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, and cultures and takes pride in providing support and helping serve this vulnerable population.  

Among her most cherished deeds is volunteer work. She is an active volunteer for RMIAN, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping immigrants detained at the Aurora processing center. Twice she’s traveled to Texas to volunteer for RAICES, a non-profit that provides assistance to detained immigrant parents and their children who find themselves behind bars at one of the largest detention centers in the United States. Jackie is also a volunteer and a Director at Large for the League of Women Voters Boulder County. She joined the League because she believes we all share the same responsibility to participate in government, make our voices heard, and advocate for equality. 

For Jackie, immigration work is personal; being of service to the migrant population is work she holds close to her heart. Jackie is thrilled to be a Law School…Yes We Can Fellow. She knows the support, guidance, and experience she’ll gain through the program will bring her one step closer to becoming a lawyer and even more effectively serving her community.

Cydney Davis
Thomas Jefferson High School
Howard University

Cydney Davis was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 2018. Cydney proudly identifies as an African American and Mexican woman, which taught her very early on the importance of giving back to her communities. She witnessed several family members fall victim to the judcial system throughout her life, which inspired and largely motivated her to become a lawyer.  

In the Fall 2020, Cydney will be a Junior Political Science and Psychology double major and Criminology minor at Howard University. In her time in college, she has worked several government internships, where she developed her passion for civil and criminal law. Cydney has also served as the Health and Wellness Coordinator for the College of Arts and Sciences Student Council, and the Inter-Committee Chair for the Howard University NAACP Health Committee.  

Cydney’s background and experience fuels her passion for becoming the first woman lawyer within her family. She is very excited to be a fellow with Law School…Yes We Can! because the mentorship will create a strong foundation to becoming a successful lawyer and a mentor to others as well. 

Victoria Harwell
Kent Denver High School
Washington University

Victoria (Tori) Harwell was born and raised in Colorado. She is the oldest of three children in her family. Victoria has been serving her community since she was a small child - first with her parents, then independently.   Following her mom's death, she found a love in advocating for health equity for youth of color through working with Denver Public Health.  In addition, she helped raise $5,000 for two consecutive years at YouthRoots, allowing them to give grants to organizations that promote youth mental health services.  

As a sophomore in high school, Tori explored the legal field through activities like Mock Trial, Journey 2 JD, and a legal internship with KLN law firm. These activities only fueled her passion for racial justice and civil rights. She went on to write a comprehensive research paper about the women of the Black Panthers. Victoria has also since completed an independent study in Afro-Latinx studies. Through her academic journey, Tori has learned that oppression is deeply embedded in western governmental structures.  

With her strong base of knowledge, Tori will attend Washington University in St. Louis with a double major in African American Studies and Economics. She hopes to eventually work on international health and economic policies to address health inequity after completing her studies. 

Ferha Khan
Campbell County High School
University of Colorado at Boulder

Ferha Khan was born and raised in Gillette, Wyoming and throughout her life visited her home country every two years for four months at a time. Her parents are from Pakistan and made it a priority to go back so often so that their kids can learn how difficult life is in some places. Going to Pakistan as many times as she did has changed Ferha’s perspective on life and humbled her in all aspects. She had to learn how to balance both cultures since her family was the only Pakistani and Muslim family in her hometown. Ferha graduated high school at Campbell County High in 2016, and went on to her local community college, from which she graduated with her Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice in 2018. Despite missing months of school, she managed to graduate on time while staying on Honor’s Roll throughout. Her GPA remained a 4.0 for all four of her semesters throughout her freshman and sophomore years in college. 

Ferha’s parents did not receive an adequate education due to their immigration to the United States, and being the oldest of five siblings, she is a first-generation student. While this has led to many missed opportunities, she strives to become a good example to her younger siblings, even if valuable lessons are learned through her mistakes. Ferha’s passion for law school comes from the clear underrepresentation and injustice that minorities experience within our justice system. She hopes to create a platform and use it to address inequity, such as issues with wrongful convictions and unnecessarily lengthy sentences given to some minorities.  

Ferha is currently finishing off her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology at the University of Colorado Boulder. When she heard about Law School… Yes We Can, she was thrilled to find exactly what she is looking for: guidance. Having mentors and coming in contact with many people that either have gone through law school, or will, is the exact guidance she believes every first-generation student needs. She is thankful for the program and cannot wait to get involved.

Matthew Mallary
Cañon City High School
Metropolitan State University of Denver

Matthew Mallary was born in Salida, Colorado and grew up in Cañon City, Colorado. Growing up with a father working in the corrections field, Matthew has always had a strong connection to justice and a desire to help those in need. After graduating high school, Matthew entered the workforce in jobs ranging from construction to train conductor and engineer.

Matthew, as many members of today’s society, succumbed to the disease of addiction. Those struggles and life events helped to further Matthew’s connection to justice and the desire to help those in need. Since becoming sober, Matthew volunteers his time to help others addicted to drugs and alcohol through programs like The Phoenix in Denver. He also enjoys fostering dogs and all the outdoor activities Colorado has to offer.

Matthew is in his second year at MSU Denver, considered a non traditional student, he is looking to graduate at the age of 36 with a Major in Political Science and a Minor in Philosophy. Matthew is excited about being a Law School… Yes We Can Fellow because of the opportunity to connect with a wide variety of professionals and to widen the diversity and understanding of the legal community.

Ana Martinez
East High School
Metropolitan State University of Denver

Ana Martinez was born and raised in the Dominican Republic. At the age of nine she immigrated with her brother to the United States with her mother’s temporary work visa. In January 2020 she, along with her family, received her citizenship. Ana’s mother received her master’s which encouraged her to pursue higher education.  

Ana has always been a natural born leader and from a very young age took an interest in law. Her father would call her “abogada” the Spanish translation for lawyer for her constant need to win arguments at a very young age. In high school, Ana had personal experiences with the law enforcement that made her recognize the injustice within the criminal justice system. Ever since, Ana has dedicated her time to her education and law.  

Ana is currently in her Junior year at MSU Denver and will begin her Senior year in the Fall of 2020. She is pursuing a major in History with a minor in Africana Studies. She received the Reisher Scholarship her Sophomore year for her outstanding academics and community service and is now attending undergraduate school debt free. Ana is exhilarated about being a Law School… Yes We Can Fellow because she will have the resources and encouragement she has yearned for in order to become a lawyer and provide for her family back in the Dominican Republic. 

Joanna Mendy
Overland High School
University of Colorado at Boulder

Joanna Mendy is a Colorado native and graduated from Overland High School in 2018. She currently attends the University of Colorado Boulder and is an active member of her student government’s Social Equity Commission. She is also a peer mentor for the Pre-Collegiate Development Program and the Multicultural Leadership Scholars.  

She understands how difficult it can be to grow up without representation. Joanna has also seen how navigating the law can be a tricky and scary experience. She hopes that by becoming a lawyer she will be able to make the law more accessible for her community. She also hopes to act as a role model and provide representation for little black girls everywhere. 

Joanna is about to enter her third year of college and is majoring in Political Science with a minor in Leadership Studies. She is excited to be a fellow and is honored to be a part of Law School...Yes We Can!

T’Phani Perley-Schiele
Gateway High School
University of Denver

T'Phani Perley-Schiele was born in Denver, Colorado, and raised in Aurora, Colorado for most of her life. She attended Gateway High School and graduated in 2019. During her time at Gateway, she participated in any and everything she could. She was involved in student government, holding the titles of Junior Class President, and Student Body Vice President. She was named "most spirited" of her high school class and never missed a home game. T'Phani is the youngest of five siblings and the second to go to college. She is excited and determined to give her parents a legacy they can be proud of.  

T'Phani is currently majoring in Criminology and minoring in Leadership and Socio-Legal Studies at the University of Denver. She is excited to be involved in the Law School... Yes We Can program because they are giving her the guidance and direction that she's wanted and needs to become successful in her career path. T'Phani's dream is to become not just a successful lawyer, but someone who gives back to her community and uses her achievements to uplift others. 

Fernando Ponce-Juarez
York International
Metropolitan State University of Denver

Fernando Ponce-Juarez was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. He comes from an immigrant background where generations worth of struggles are instilled within him. As an only child to a single mother he recognized from a young age that he had to strive for higher education in order to make her and his family’s sacrifices worth it. Beginning from an arduous high school career he graduated and proved to be tenacious. He chose to attend Metropolitan State University of Denver where he quickly recognized his abilities to succeed in an academic setting.  

Metropolitan State University of Denver provided Fernando with a second opportunity to transform himself as a student and excel. He consistently ensured that his GPA was above a 3.7 every semester. During his 2018-second semester at MSU Denver he became a Reisher Scholar recipient, which provided him with a full ride scholarship to continue his educational endeavors.  

Fernando always had an interest for law, which inspired him to major in Political Science and minor in History. He has always wanted to advocate for those who could not do so for themselves and champion the rights of those who required it. He will be a senior in the fall semester of 2020 and looks forward to graduating. Moreover, he is excited to become a Law School… Yes We Fellow because he believes the values the program venerates will be quintessential to his success. Furthermore, the programs excellent networking and mentoring events will be beneficial for him to persevere through law school and serve his community as a family law lawyer. 

Idalí Rodriguez
St. Mary’s Academy
Colorado State University

Idalí Rodriguez was born and raised in Littleton, Colorado. As a young child, Idalí always knew that she wanted to help others. Her love of animals drew her to wanting to become a veterinarian, but her fear of needles brought her to wanting to defend those that have been wronged. Her parents always pushed her to go above expectations and to never settle. They encouraged her to try new things and to always be involved extra-curricular activities. 

Idalí was a part of the graduating 2018 class at St. Mary’s Academy. Attending St. Mary’s Academy allowed Idalí to form confidence in her identity and also allowed her to form long lasting relationships. She was a part of the National Honors society, the diversity club, the honors choir and many more other clubs. Attending an all-girls high school also allowed Idalí to learn about gender inequality along with other social justice issues. Being involved in clubs, also allowed her to travel around the country to perform with her choir, and be exposed to different kinds of people. 

Idalí is currently in her second year of college at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. She is pursuing a double major in Political Science and Cultural Anthropology with a minor in Legal Studies. Idalí is currently the academic officer for her sorority, and is a member of the Pre-law club. Idalí is looking forward to bein a Law School…Yes We Can Fellow because she has the opportunity to make long-lasting friendships and mentors with those that have similar interests and passion. 

Josué Rodríguez
Denver School of the Arts
University of Denver

Josué Rodríguez was raised in Denver, Colorado. He is a first-generation high school graduate and a first-generation college student. He will be entering his third year at the University of Denver with a double major in Political Science and International Business. 

Josué is the president of the Latinx Student Alliance at his university and has also worked with the Gang and Rescue Support Project (GRASP) in the Denver-Aurora area. He is dedicated to making the change he would like to see in his own community and hopes to continue that in the Law School…Yes We Can program with his dream of being a civil rights lawyer. 

Elizabeth Stricker
Two Roads Charter School
Metropolitan State University of Denver

Elizabeth (Lexie) Stricker was born and raised in Colorado. She was adopted as a baby and became the youngest of five girls. Her whole life, Lexie loved helping others. From a young age her mother always told her that she should be a lawyer when she grows up because of how much she loved to argue and negotiate. No one in her family is a lawyer, but she does have many relatives who work in the criminal justice field.

In high school, Lexie was part of many clubs and played volleyball and was on her high school cheer team. Being part of these things taught her a lot about community and teamwork. She also learned to work hard and stick with it to achieve her goals. After high school she had her daughter and has always strived to give her the best life she can.

Lexie is currently in her first year of college at Metropolitan State University of Denver. She is pursuing a major in Political Science, with a minor in Criminal Justice. Lexie is excited about being a Law School… Yes We Can Fellow because she will have people to help her and support her with chasing her dream. As well as being a role model for her young daughter. She cannot wait to graduate college and get to law school to learn more about criminal law and go out into the field to help people when they need it the most.

Sara Vieyra
Arrupe Jesuit High School
College of the Holy Cross

Sara Vieyra was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. Sara has an older brother and a younger sister who inspire and motivate her to pursue her dreams and be a role model in her community. Growing up with a hard-working immigrant family, Sara aspired to graduate high school and, in time, become a first-generation college graduate and eventually lawyer. Her greatest motivations are her family, the support that they have given her, and the sacrifices they made so that she could attain her goals.

Sara has played many roles in her community at Arrupe Jesuit High School, from which she will graduate with honors in the summer of 2020. Being involved in her community as a leader, being a student intern at two law firms, and her rigorous academics opened a gateway to her interest in being a lawyer. Sara hopes to be an activist through her work and help impoverished and minority communities that do not have access to affordable and effective representation. 

In the Fall of 2020, Sara will be attending the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts.  She is planning on pursuing a major in the English Language and Literature and becoming involved in many different extracurricular activities. Sara is ecstatic about becoming a fellow for the Law School Yes We Can program because she will have mentors who will help lead her through college and law school to become a criminal lawyer and provide representation to people in need.

Daizha Brown
Pikes Peak Community College
Colorado State University

Daizha Brown is currently a Junior at Colorado State University, Fort Collins studying Political Science and Sociology with a concentration in Criminal Justice. Raised by a single mother, Daizha overcame many obstacles through education. Daizha graduated with her Associates Degree of General Studies from Pikes Peak Community College before even graduating high school in May 2018. As devoted as she is to her education, Daizha is also involved in her community. She has served as a Young Champion Ambassador for Colorado Springs, her high school’s Student Body President, and an Ambassador for the Educating Children of Color Conference. 

Now in college, Daizha is a Senator for the Associated Students of Colorado State University for the 2019-2020 school year--representing students of color on CSU’s campus. She will also serve as the Outreach and Retention Coordinator for the Black Student Alliance next year. Daizha hopes that holding these positions will assist her in reaching her ultimate goal of pursuing law. Daizha is interested in law because she has personally experienced the injustices that persist in our country’s courts. A law degree will provide her with the skills and tools to become the change she wants to see in the world regarding the racism, underrepresentation, and discrimination plaguing people of color in our court systems today. 

Daizha is excited to enter into the Law School…Yes We Can! program. She has previously struggled in navigating aspects concerning higher education because of her first-generation status but hopes to gain genuine connections with other fellows and her mentors that will help her in the many journeys to come on her way to law school. In her own words, “you can never have too much support in life.” 

Nicandria Nungaray Carbajal
University of Denver

Nicandria Nungaray Carbajal is the middle of five children. Being in the middle, she was always following her older sisters’ paths. When her older sister started law school, Nicandria decided law also might be for her. She explored several legal fields. Nicandria was also given the opportunity to be mentored by Erik Lemmon, a real estate lawyer at Holland and Hart. Nicandria is inspired by her community and her family. Being Latina, she cares greatly about her people and wishes to help her community through her legal career. Nicandria recognizes the underrepresentation of Latina women in the legal field. Nicandria wants to be someone her community can trust for help.

In high school, Nicandria joined a great number of programs and clubs. Many of the activities revolved around community service. She was a mentor to middle schoolers for two years and was in student council helping plan school events. Nicandria enjoys helping others whenever she has the chance. Nicandria is also a Varsity Tennis player. Juggling sports, clubs, and school isn’t easy for her because she also helps at home. Nicandria’s mom is ill and needs constant assistance with everyday things. Since the age of ten, Nicandria has been a major part of her household.

Nicandria is graduating high school a year early and attending the University of Denver in the fall of 2019.

Maria de los Angeles Bustillos
Mead High School
University of Denver

Maria de los Angeles (Angie) Bustillos grew up in two countries and understood early on what it meant to be a part of two different cultures. Having struggled to find her place, Angie saw the importance of advocating for those who found themselves in similar situations. Angie is the first in her family to attend an American university. She hopes that setting this example will allow younger members of her family to pursue higher education.

Angie pioneered the AP Capstone program at Mead High School and will graduate with honors in the spring of 2019. She is the first Latina from her high school to receive the Boettcher Scholarship and hopes her achievement inspires others to work hard and give back to their communities. She has led and founded various activities and organizations at her school and even on the international level. The diverse perspectives she has been exposed to have fostered a passion for advocating for equity in and beyond her nation. She hopes that, through her education, she will be able to bring peaceful unity to the world and those that inhibit it.

Angie is going to the University of Denver this fall, where she will pursue a double major in Political Science and International Affairs with minors in Linguistics and Leadership at the Josef Korbel School of International Affairs. Angie is excited about being a Law School...Yes We Can! Fellow because she will have the guidance she has longed for to get through college and law school to study international law.

Sadaf Ghiasy
Silver Creek High School
University of Colorado at Boulder

Sadaf Ghiasy was born in Kabul, Afghanistan. She was a junior when she moved to Colorado three years ago and attended Silver Creek High School in Longmont, Colorado. Sadaf graduated from high school in 2017 with a 4.1 weighted GPA. It was a great accomplishment, as she faced countless obstacles throughout her two years in high school after moving to the U.S.  Sadaf wants to make her parents proud and show them that she appreciates all of their sacrifices and overtime hours and will not take them for granted. Sadaf’s grandfather and uncle were lawyers in Afghanistan and have witnessed human rights violations. Their courage and bravery motivate her to become a lawyer. She wants to give to every human being every right that she claims for herself and speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. 

Sadaf is the first student from her school to receive the Slick Haley Award and Scholarship. Sadaf has been and remains involved in numerous clubs and non profit organizations. She was on the Speech and Debate team for two years in high school. In college, she joined Student Government of Front Range Community College as a Legislative Representative, the Model United Nations, and the New Era organization. 

Sadaf currently is in her second year at the University of Colorado, Boulder, pursuing a double major in International Affairs and Sociology along with minors in Leadership Studies and Marketing.  Sadaf was accepted into the Pre-Law Undergraduate Scholars (PLUS) Program. This is a three-week program designed to prepare students for law school or a career in the legal profession by helping them to develop essential core competencies needed to succeed in different areas.

When Sadaf heard of Law School...Yes We Can!, she knew she had to apply.  Sadaf believes she is blessed to have been selected to become part of this incredible program. She knows that the road to becoming a lawyer is not easy. She also knows that with the help of her Mentors and the program, many doors will be opened, and she will accomplish her dream of becoming an immigration lawyer.

Mikaela Gonzalez
Holy Family High School
University of Colorado at Boulder

Ian Lee
Aurora Public Schools
Metropolitan State University of Denver

Ian Lee was born in China. He was then adopted and moved to Aurora, Colorado. From a young age, people told Ian he couldn’t be anything worthwhile because he is legally blind. Throughout elementary and middle school, this message was pushed on him. However, with the help of teachers and friends, he overcame this obstacle, instilling a strong sense of drive and a need for justice.

Ian Lee has never lost his honor roll status throughout high school and has won multiple academic achievement awards. He has also been honored by Aurora Public Schools for winning a scholarship to Washington D.C to help present new laws to Colorado’s representatives. Through his diverse community, Ian learned to use his motivation and drive for justice to educate himself about people and their issues, which has motivated him to pursue a career in law

Now, Ian Lee in currently planning on attending Metropolitan State University of Denver and majoring in English with a minor in Political Science. He hopes that one day he will be able to attend law school and become a lawyer that can help the disabled. As an incoming Law School...Yes We Can! Fellow, Ian hopes that the program's guidance and mentorship will help him achieve his dream.

Renee Lopez
Colorado State University

Renee Lopez was born and raised in Colorado, proudly identifying as a first-generation Latina student. She has always known that she needed to be the voice for the many who did not have one. This has been her biggest motivation for pursuing a career in law, where she seeks improve the lack of women of color in empowering areas like law.  

Renee has a lot of passion for giving back to her community. She is part of Realities for Children, a non-profit that helps at-risk children in Northern Colorado. Being part of this group made her realize how much she wanted to study law and help people by changing their lives for the better. 

Renee is double majoring in Communications and International Studies while also pursuing a minor in Legal Studies at Colorado State University. She is beyond thrilled to be entering the empowering community of Law School… Yes We Can! because it will provide her with the path to becoming a lawyer and the ability to change lives one person at a time. 

Yatzari Lozano
University of Denver

Yatzari Lozano grew up in Denver, Colorado. Her mother is an immigrant that has worked incessantly in order for Yatzari to attain a quality education and pursue the future of her dreams. She is the oldest of two and has been raised and shaped by the incredible women in her family. They have been her role models since they tackled the challenges of poverty, adapting to an entirely new culture and language, and raising children on their own. Their strength, perseverance, and independence are something Yatzari values and hopes to achieve.

Through her experiences as a low-income student and a Hispanic, Yatzari has seen the lack of opportunities and the injustices that people of color face. She has become determined to pursue a future where she can help everyone have equal opportunities for success and justice.

She is graduating seventh in her class of five hundred and will be attending the University of Denver, covering her entire tuition through scholarships. Yatzari began finding her passion for law when she realized that injustices were far more common than they should be. She decided to take action. She joined a social justice group in Commerce City, Colorado to help its residents address social issues in the city and find solutions. Through her activism, Yatzari found a new appreciation for the power of her voice and the importance of always pushing for equality.

Being a lawyer gives her the opportunity to fight for the justice and fair treatment of all people regardless of race, gender, sexuality, or religious beliefs. Yatzari is delighted to be a Law School...Yes We Can! Fellow because the guidance, support, and friendships that this program will provide will invigorate her drive and inspire her to keep pushing for the life that she dreams of.

Malak Shawesh
Rocky Mountain High School
Colorado State University

Malak Shawesh was born in Fort Collins, Colorado. She has an older sister and a younger brother. Her parents, born in Tripoli, Libya, made sure to raise their family in America with traditional Libyan ideals. The core values that her parents taught her were to always serve others before yourself, find the greater truth in everything, and compromise when working with others. This led Malak to pursue a legal career in order to learn more about others while helping the community serve justice with honesty and integrity. Growing up following the political turmoil in Libya, Malak has always hoped to take what she learned in the United States and help people in Libya build a safe and serviceable justice system. 

Malak graduated Rocky Mountain High School in May of 2019. While in high school, she made an impact not only on the students and teachers, but also the surrounding community. She took part in Mock Trial for three years and learned to cooperate and work with a diverse set of people in order to achieve their highest goals. Malak was president of Girl Rising, which fundraised money throughout the school to sponsor girls' education internationally and locally support women in the Fort Collins community. She also was president of Cultural ARMS, a social club that explores and Integrates diversity safely into the school community. Malak has grown and found compassion for the community through these groups and hopes to keep participating in similar groups throughout college.

Malak will be attending Colorado State University in the fall, majoring in the STEM field while pursuing a major or minor in International Affairs. Malak looks forward to learning more about the law through her Law School…Yes We Can! Fellowship and aspires to use this experience to make an impact on others.

Jacqueline Marquez
Noel Community Arts School
Metropolitan State University of Denver

Jaqueline Marquez was born in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico. She moved to Denver, Colorado when she was only one year old. She had no choice but to lead by example as she is the eldest daughter of Susana and Edgar Marquez. Despite no support and no foundation, she persevered in school, achieving a 3.7 GPA during her freshman year in college. 

Being an immigrant made Jaqueline realize the importance of higher education. From a very young age, Jaqueline understood that succeeding in school was crucial if she wanted a chance in life. Jaqueline graduated from Montbello, Colorado's Noel Community Arts School in 2017.

Jaqueline was able to thrive at Noel Community Arts School, where she was a nominated team captain and founder of an environmental club for which she served as vice president. Throughout these experiences, Jaqueline never neglected her role as a scholar. It was her high school’s diversity and lack of funding that opened her eyes to the struggles that people of color and immigrants face in this country. 

Jaqueline’s background and struggles sparked the flame that burns within her to become a lawyer. She will be a junior at the Metropolitan State University of Denver in the fall of 2019. She is pursuing a major in Political Science with a minor in English. Jaqueline is excited to be a fellow with LAW SCHOOL…Yes We Can! because she believes in the support network that the program will bring as she pursues her bachelors and J.D. degrees. 

Erin McGrew
Colorado State University

Erin McGrew was born in Aurora, Colorado and graduated from Fort Lupton High School in 2019. Being the only child of a disabled mother and a working-class father, Erin was no stranger to poverty growing up, nor the many struggles that come with it. At one point, Erin was the victim of a violent crime. Because of her family’s unfortunate financial situation, she was unable to pursue justice against her aggressor. After years of trying to cope with what happened to her, Erin began to realize that she was not alone. Through her participation in a Social Justice program at Colorado State University, she learned to recognize themes like privilege and discrimination in law. She found that many people struggle to find justice based on factors like race, sexual orientation, disability, or class. This became an integral part of Erin’s future educational and occupational goals.

During high school, Erin joined mock trial to learn more about the United States legal system. Through that experience, she determined that the best way she can make a difference is by pursuing a legal career. As a first-generation college student, Erin knows that she has not chosen an easy path for herself. However, no matter how many obstacles she has faced, Erin has never given up on her dream of going to law school. 

Erin is currently a freshman at Colorado State University. She is majoring in Political Science with a concentration in US Government, Law, and Public Policy. Erin is excited about being a Law School...Yes We Can! Fellow because she will have an opportunity to change the narrative of hurt and injustice faced by people who come from underprivileged backgrounds.

Hannia Pantoja
Denver Center for International Studies
Metropolitan State University of Denver

Hannia Pantoja was born in Guanajuato, Mexico and brought to Denver, where she was raised, at the young age of one-and-a-half.  Early on, Hannia knew she carried a big responsibility in her family. Being the eldest of five taught her that she had people not only looking up to her, but also counting on her. Hannia has a fire burning in her to be the first in her family to graduate high school, college, and eventually law school. She recognizes and understands the tremendous sacrifices both her mom and dad have made for her and her siblings, which gives her the motivation and ambition she carries with her every day. 

Hannia has been successful in taking steps to achieve her dream. She graduated from Denver Center for International Studies in 2016 and obtained her Associates degree from Community College of Denver in 2018. Growing up witnessing her father being penalized by the justice system multiple times is one of her biggest motivators to go to law school. Seeing how unfairly a person of color can be treated by the justice system and law enforcement is something she has witnessed firsthand. It is an overdue change she wants to see in our justice and legal systems. Through her education, Hannia hopes to lift up the voice of minorities by bringing attention to their rights and making them a priority. She seeks to uplift her community by bringing knowledge to her people about politics and economics-often overlooked subjects. 

Hannia is currently in her Junior year at the Metropolitan State University of Denver. She is pursuing a major in Political Science with a minor in Philosophy. Hannia is beyond grateful and ecstatic for the opportunity to be a fellow in LAW SCHOOL... Yes We Can! Hannia is the first in her family to graduate high school, let alone attend college. She is excited to receive the support, guidance, and expertise of her mentors so she can achieve her dream of attending and graduating law school. Most of all, she Is excited to keep making her parents and Raza proud!

Josephine Robles Guzman
Arrupe Jesuit High School
Regis University

Josephine Robles Guzman was born and raised in Denver, Colorado and attended Arrupe Jesuit High School, where she participated in Student Government, Mock Trial, and worked at two Denver law firms. As the daughter of Mexican immigrants, Josephine has been instilled with passion and drive to become the person of society that her parents sacrificed for. In the early 90s, her immigrant parents left everything behind and moved to Colorado, searching for a better life for their children. Her father, starting from absolutely nothing, built a construction business. At a young age, Josephine would often translate client communications, invoices, and emails for her father. The same way he advocated for her, she has advocated for him. Holding an important role at a young age, she longs to continue to be an advocate for others. 

Josephine wants to become an immigration attorney, one day owning her own firm that aids people like her parents, who aim to live the American Dream every day.

In the Fall of 2019, Josephine will attend Regis University, majoring in Business Administration with a double minor in Spanish and Sociology. Being the first in her family to graduate high school, she is excited to continue to break generational statistics, become a college graduate, and pursue a Juris Doctorate. 

Camilla Rodriguez Guzman
University of Denver

Camilla Rodriguez Guzman was born in Denver, Colorado. She comes from an immigrant family where members worked multiple jobs to ensure survival. Camilla learned that education is the key to success and has taken every opportunity to better herself.

Camilla graduated as top 10 in her high school class and now attends the University of Denver. She is majoring in political science and criminology with a minor in critical race & ethnic studies. At the University of Denver, Camilla is an active participant of mock trial, Excelling Leaders Institute, Latinx Student Alliance, and Puksta Scholars. She holds a part-time position with the Latinos Leadership Institute as a Program Specialist. Being involved has helped Camilla increase her leadership and advocacy skills while making her become more passionate to serve her community.

Camilla wants to become and immigration attorney and advocate for her community. She is very excited and grateful to be part of LSYWC because it will provide her the support and guidance to make her dreams become a reality.

Alicia Garcia
Eagle Ridge Academy High School
University of Colorado

Alicia Garcia is a Mexican American, first-generation student, who graduated from Eagle Ridge Academy Charter school in 2017. Raised by a single teenage mother, Alicia witnessed firsthand how difficult it was for her mother to provide for her and her brother. She soon learned that an essential factor in financial stability is an education, as she continues to dream bigger for her career path. 

Alicia is currently a fourth-year student at the University of Colorado at Boulder, double majoring in Ethnic Studies and Spanish, a minor in Multicultural Leadership Scholars, and a certificate in Latinx Studies. For the spring semester of 2021, she will be participating in her university’s C.U. in D.C. program where she will have the opportunity to intern in Washington D.C. Her passion has always been to help her community, as her and her mother have had experience aiding those who are undocumented to obtain their driver’s license through the CO-RCSA SB251. Alicia is currently applying to intern for an organization that works for the immigrant community.  

Brandon Gonzalez
KIPP Denver Collegiate High School
Colorado State University

Brandon Gonzalez was born in San Juan de los Lagos, Jalisco, Mexico and raised in Denver, Colorado. As the oldest of three brothers, he had to become very responsible and feels that he must be the best role model he can possibly be for them. As a first-generation college student, his parents were not able to share much about college, but they always reiterated that college would open many doors and was one of the reasons they brought him to the United States.

Brandon graduated from KIPP Denver Collegiate High School with honors in May of 2015. Always fascinated by the law, he realized he wanted to practice law after continuous conversation with a high school teacher about ways to help those less fortunate. He knows that he can help others as an attorney.

In 2019, Brandon graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in Economics and a minor in Legal Studies. In August of 2019, Brandon began teaching Algebra 1 at KIPP Denver Collegiate High School where he attend himself. He is also pursing his Master's Degree of Education. Brandon is taking the PowerScore prep course this summer to take LSAT later this year and plans to attend law school the fall semester of 2021.

Cherokee Ronolo-Valdez
Denver South High School
University of Denver

Cherokee Ronolo-Valdez was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. She is a first-generation college student and a recent graduate of the University of Denver. Education has always been a passion and priority, and her family has stood with and supported her every step of the way. 

Over the past three years, Cherokee has faced many challenges centered around attending a private institution close to home. She found it difficult to find a community in which she felt truly and fully accepted. Often, she elected to be at home rather than in her residence hall. When she became a LAW SCHOOL...Yes We Can Fellow, she finally felt as though she had a community to call her own.  

Entering college, she had a plan to obtain her bachelor’s and master’s degrees simultaneously before pursuing her law degree immediately after. Fortunately, life has a funny way of turning our plans upside down. Now, three years and three major changes later, Cherokee has obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and she is eagerly anticipating taking a year off while she studies for the LSAT and applies to law schools.  

During college she had much uncertainty about law school, and whether or not she should go. After three years of contemplating why she wanted to be a lawyer and if this was truly the path to take, Cherokee recognizes that there is nowhere else she would rather be. 

LAW SCHOOL...Yes We Can has provided Cherokee with the resources she needs to attend law school. But, more than this, it has provided her with a community of individuals that understand the struggle of imposter syndrome, and it has encouraged her to thrive where she thought she had failed. 

Dustin S. Martinez
Pueblo East High School
University of Colorado at Boulder

Dustin S. Martinez is the second child of three raised in Pueblo, Colorado. He is an optimistic, strong-willed leader and loves a good challenge. He believes that if one works hard and puts forth the effort, the effort will eventually pay off.

Dustin graduated from Pueblo East High School in 2018 and is now attending the University of Colorado-Boulder, where he is majoring in business administration. During high school, he was very involved in activities. He was the President of Chess Club and the Speech and Debate Team. He also was Captain of the Cross Country and Track and Field Team. He participated in Future Business Leaders of America, Fellowship of Christina Athletes, Marching Band, and Drama Club. He was Class President in Student Council for one year.

Dustin decided that he wanted to become a lawyer when he joined the Speech and Debate Team in his freshmen year and understood that he could help others as an attorney.

Dustin is looking forward to being part of the LAW SCHOOL...Yes We Can Program and is looking forward to all of the support and help that this program will supply him in his journey towards law school.

Gustavo Torres Martinez
West Leadership Academy
Community College of Denver

Gustavo Torres Martinez came to the United States from Chihuahua, Mexico. He has three sisters: two younger sisters and on older sister studying in Mexico. He is the only male in his family, which means her carries the responsibility for them. Gustavo puts extra effort into everything he does and loves to play soccer.

Gustavo is starting his college career at the Community College of Denver. He is pursuing an Associate’s of Arts degree to transfer to Metropolitan State University of Denver and get a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. This will open the door for him to then go to law school, Gustavo is also the first generation of his family to go to college and, eventually, law school.

Itzel Santos
Denver East High School
Metropolitan State University of Denver

Itzel Santos was born and raised in Denver, CO, and is a proud first-generation Mexican-American. She is the oldest of five siblings and the first one to graduate from college. Itzel graduated with a double major in Criminal Justice and Spanish and also attained a translation certificate.  

Itzel is currently the Operations and Program Manager at a local non-profit, where she enjoys facilitating culturally rooted curriculums for youth in multiple communities. In addition to being passionate about her work with youth, Itzel is also dedicated to helping her community who struggle with language barriers. Thanks to one of her LSYWC mentor’s advocacy, Itzel was able to obtain a job translating and interpreting with the Office of the Alternate Defense Counsel.  

In her personal life, Itzel is devoted to fitness and health. Her commitment encouraged her to obtain her Personal Training Certification to be able to help others stay active and healthy. 

Jesus Madrigal
Westminster High School
Colorado State University

Jesus Madrigal is the oldest of three children. Jesus and his sister were born in Parral, Chihuahua while their youngest sister was born in Louisville, Colorado. He is a hardworking, caring, and respectful young man who uses his parents as his motivation to achieve his goals.

Jesus graduated from Westminster High School and is attending Colorado State University with a full ride scholarship known as the Dream.US. He will be majoring in Political Science and may minor in history. In high school, Jesus took on college level preparatory classes, known as IB classes. He learned to balance his school work and extracurricular activities since he was involved in LINK Crew, boys’ soccer, girls’ soccer management, Knowledge Bowl, and Access Opportunity.

Jesus decided to become a lawyer early in life, in first grade. The anticipation of becoming a lawyer grew as the years progressed. The more he learned, the more he wanted to become a lawyer.

Jesus is looking forward to being part of LAW SCHOOL...Yes We Can because he knows that he will benefit from the resources provided by the program.

Karina Gonzalez
Fort Lupton High School
Colorado State University

Mariela Hollines
Cherry Creek High School
University of Northern Colorado

Noah Spicer
Overland High School
Morehouse College

Noah Spicer was born in Chicago, Illinois, but moved shortly afterward to his home in Aurora, Colorado. A graduate of Overland High School, Noah had the unique opportunity to see the profound effect that diversity and inclusion can have on a body of people. He learned what it means to show empathy, compassion, and acceptance, as well as what it means to embrace every culture and ethnicity to better the world. Growing up as the oldest child, Noah was taught early about the importance of responsibility and leading by example. These values of leadership, accountability, and compassion have driven him to affect significant change for himself, his family, and his broader community.

Although he does not know what sort of law he would like to practice specifically, Noah understands and acknowledges the immediate impact that laws and their governing bodies can have on everyday people. Therefore, one of his primary goals is to become an agent of change and impact people who feel the disproportionate effects of the law.

Noah is entering his third year at Morehouse College. He is pursuing a major in Political Science, and he has joined Morehouse’s Student Government Association (Senator), Presidential Ambassadors program, and Office of Student Services as an intern. Noah is excited about being a LAW SCHOOL...Yes We Can Fellow because he will have connections and another level of support to help  him to hone his skills to fulfill his dream of practicing law.

Valeria Gomez
Arrupe Jesuit High School
University of Denver Daniels School of Business

Valeria Gomez greatly admires her devout mother, who has always taught her to answer honestly, follow her passions, and face the world courageously. Her mother came to the United States 23 years ago with an empty pocket but a heart full of inspiration, and she has been fighting for her children's dreams. She and Valeria's father made Denver their home and live with their four aspiring kids. Although there have been adversities, they have always remained strong and persevere. 

Valeria was introduced to the mission of service through her high school's motto, "to be men and women for and with others" and has tried to embody it ever since. She discerned that she wanted to be an attorney at the "ripe" age of eight, and she figured that she would be the voice of those who did not have one. Working at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck has only reinforced her drive and motivation to pursue her interests, and she is anxious to fight for equal rights for all men and women from all walks of life. Over the course of her professional experience, she has taken developed the ability to articulate her thoughts and learned to network, realizing those and ambition are key factors to success.

Valeria is excited to become a part of the encouraging community of the LAW SCHOOL... Yes We Can program because she will receive invaluable advice from successful attorneys while completing her studies at the University of Denver in the Daniels School of Business.

Yazmine Milena Garcia
CEC Early College of Denver
Colorado State University

Yazmine Milena Garcia is a first generation Mexican-American student, born and raised in Denver, Colorado. Yazmine graduated from CEC Early College of Denver. She is the first in her family to attend college at Colorado State University at Fort Collins. She plans on majoring in Sociology with a concentration in Criminology and Criminal Justice.

Yazmine's mother has always taught her to work for what you want. She is a firm believer in accomplishing anything you to which you set your mind. Yazmine's mother was her inspiration for pursuing a career in law. Yazmine went through the naturalization process with her mother and that set her heart on helping others through that process. Yazmine also participated in her high school's Mock Trial Team.

Yazmine applied to LAW SCHOOL...Yes We Can because she knew it was the next step towards her future career. She hopes to be the best lawyer she can possibly be and hopes to make a difference, not necessarily in the world, but at least in the lives of future generations.

Yoselyn Roman-Rodriguez
CEC Middle College of Denver
University of Colorado at Denver

Yoselyn Roman-Rodriguez is a Colorado native. She has lived all her life in Denver, and she is the youngest of four children. Since she was a child, she dreamed of becoming someone“important.” As she grew older, she realized that her family lived with the fear of deportation. This fueled her to fight to keep her family together. Family is everything to her, and she is striving to pay off her family's sacrifice. As a first-generation student, she is now a role model to her younger nieces and cousins.

Yoselyn went to a small high school that helped her prepare for college. However, she had a different plan for herself. She aspired to be an architectural engineer and even had an internship with an architectural firm. It was not until her first year of college that she realized that path was not right for her. Instead, she realized that the law would ensure the safety and stability of her family. This was one of the best decisions thus far, and she switched her major to Political Science.

Yoselyn is entering her third year of college at the University of Colorado at Denver. She is thrilled to be a Fellow and join the Law School Yes We Can program. As a Latina, she knows this will help her to empower herself and receive the proper guidance for law school. She is ready to give back to her community and help her family.

“Sí, Se Puede” is a phrase born of farmworkers, who, under the leadership of the UFW, César Chávez, and Dolores Huerta, fought valiantly for equal protection under the law.  As a result of the efforts of the UFW, “Sí, Se Puede” has become well known as a call that engenders hope and inspiration in those who face similar battles. We thank the UFW, whom we acknowledge to be the sole and exclusive owner of the Trademark SI SE PUEDE, for granting us a limited license to use“Sí, Se Puede” in connection with our efforts to recruit, in Colorado, students of Hispanic or Latino descent for our law school pipeline program. For more information about the programs offered by the UFW, please see UFW’s webpage (www.ufw.org); UFW Foundation’s webpage (www.ufwfoundation.org); and UFWF’s immigration services webpage (www.sisepuede.org)