Meet Lety Covarrubias and Diana Mendez, the co-chairs of Stradley Ronon’s Hispanic and Latin engagement group (HOLA).
In a Q&A for Hispanic Heritage Month, Lety and Diana share their backgrounds and journeys to becoming the first in their families to achieve higher education. Learn how Lety and Diana’s identities helped shape their careers and passions.
LETY COVARRUBIAS
Can you share a bit about your background and journey to becoming the first in your family to achieve higher education?
I’m the daughter of a single mother from Monterrey, Mexico. My mother dreamed of studying fashion design but had to drop out of school at a young age to work in my grandfather’s factory. After having my older sister, she made the decision to immigrate to the “land of opportunity,” where she had me shortly after. While the American dream was often portrayed as a path to success, the harsh realities and challenges faced by immigrants were rarely acknowledged. My early childhood was a whirlwind of different apartments, check-cashing places, being the last kid picked up from school, visits to personal loan offices and putting groceries back at the checkout line. I remember my mother always working various jobs, from housekeeping and food service to different factory positions, often with long hours.
Simply put, my mother faced this harsh reality and sacrificed every one of her dreams so that I could have the chance to pursue mine. Like many children of immigrants before me, higher education wasn’t just an option; it was a necessity and an obligation.
In what ways do you think being Latina has shaped your professional identity or approach to your work?
Being Latina has instilled a sense of responsibility to make it easier for those who come after me. I understand the importance of having mentors and allies when you are part of an underrepresented group, and this perspective drives me to support others who are starting to navigate the same path.
What advice would you give to other first-generation Hispanic or Latino students aspiring to pursue higher education and succeed in their chosen careers?
Find your people. While many kids will have their parents to guide them with an inherent understanding of how to navigate the education system, you might not have that privilege. It’s crucial to seek out those who can support your dreams — whether it’s a teacher, a friend’s parent or an affinity group that understands your challenges. These are the people who will champion you and help you achieve anything.
DIANA MENDEZ
How has your identity shaped you to be successful?
As the daughter of immigrants, I am no stranger to hard work. My father never fails to remind me that he has worked two jobs for the past thirty years. While my father was out working to support our family, my mother continuously encouraged me to prioritize my education. Naturally, I adopted this dedicated work ethic, applying it to my studies and achieving success. Even when I faced challenges and felt like giving up, I persevered because I knew this degree represented more than a degree. I owe this and my achievements to my parents to ensure their sacrifices were not in vain. After my college graduation, my father shared a Facebook post to his feed, “My wife and I can now say, mission complete.” My parents’ perseverance and resilience shaped who I am.
In what ways do you think being Hispanic has shaped your professional identity or approach to your work?
In my Salvadoran culture, we place a strong emphasis on family and our collective well-being. This strengthens my desire to build an inclusive, supportive environment and foster teamwork. My family drives my strong work ethic to succeed in professional settings. My heritage influences an authentic approach to my work. I am proud to be a Hispanic woman, and I work hard to represent and make room for myself and my community.
Nancy Fisher and Adriel Garcia contributed an article to Reuters Legal for Hispanic Heritage Month about the origins and evolution of the terms Hispanic, Latino and other identifiers and the importance of these terms to law firm inclusivity efforts. Read the article here.
Stradley Ronon Hosts Virtual Event in Honor of 2021 Hispanic Heritage Month
Stradley Ronon’s Diversity Committee hosted a virtual panel discussion on Oct. 13, 2021 with leaders of the Hispanic community, firm attorneys, staff and clients, in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Stradley Ronon Diversity Committee members Adriel Garcia, Gabriella Leyhane and Rebecca Rodrigues moderated the conversation with panelists Gisele Fetterman, Pennsylvania’s Second Lady, Renee Garcia, Managing Senior Counsel at PNC Bank, and Sharon Lopez, civil rights attorney at Triquetra Law. Click here for the replay.
Members of Stradley Ronon Share What They Love Most About the Hispanic Community
Stradley Ronon's Cristen Negron & Rebecca Rodrigues Reflect on Ways the Hispanic Community Influenced Them
Stradley Ronon Associates Adriel Garcia & Gabriella Leyhane Discuss Workplace Challenges and Benefits
Stradley Ronon's Rebecca Rodrigues & Cristen Negron Share How the Hispanic Community Has Impacted Them
Stradley Ronon Associates Gabriella Leyhane & Adriel Garcia Discuss Obstacles Latinx Professionals Face
