October 2023: Ana Maria Arias is an associate in our Miami office. For her, Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month is a chance to deepen her own understanding of this diverse culture. Find out about her journey into law, why she chose White & Case and her advice for the next generation of lawyers who share her heritage.

It is important to celebrate Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month...

...It can help young Latinx growing up in the United States feel connected to a broader history and community. As a young immigrant, I remember a deep desire to not feel different from my classmates. My hope is that it will help children in similar circumstances (including my own) to see their heritage, their culture, and their difference as something to be highlighted and celebrated.

My identity as a Latina played a huge role in my decision to join the Firm...

...And to focus my career and practice on projects and matters in Latin America. Almost a decade later, I can honestly say that the deep connection between my identity and my career has been crucial to my continued success at the Firm. It remains one of the main motivators while navigating some of the more challenging aspects of a "Big Law" career.

Navigating the immigrant experience as a pre-teen and teenager was challenging...

... I moved to the United States at the age of ten and spent many years of my childhood focused on "assimilating"; improving my English and diminishing my accent to try to feel less like an outsider. In addition, as the older daughter of an immigrant family, I often had to help my parents navigate situations that most children never even have to think about.

I overcame these challenges with the support of my parents...

...Who never let our status as immigrants be a hurdle to my dreams. Their perseverance and grit through the process of starting a new life in a new country gave me the stability to seize all the opportunities available to me and, more importantly, the determination to work hard for my goals and dreams.

I also credit my parents with my strong pride in being Colombian and Latina...

...Despite navigating a new culture and society, they always instilled in my brother and me pride in our language and our culture, which eventually (as an adult, with more perspective) allowed me to embrace my difference as an asset.

One of the most important things allies can do is...

...To educate themselves on the status of immigration laws in the US and to help advocate for a fairer and more humane regime. That may include signing petitions, writing letters and, in the case of lawyers, dedicating time toward pro bono efforts for individuals and/or at the advocacy level.

Protecting diversity and inclusion initiatives is another way allies can show support...

...Not only in higher education but in the professional world. I don't think this is specific to the Hispanic/Latinx community but, as a Latina in a predominantly white profession, I think protecting these measures is crucial to ensuring that more people like me have a seat at the table.

"Hispanic" and "Latinx" are terms that encompass several distinct communities and heritages...

...Which individually deserve recognition and celebration. I think it's important for allies to understand that Hispanic/Latinx is not a monolith and that there are complicated and competing histories and stories within our communities. Any effort to support the community should understand, embrace and respect our nuanced identities.

White & Case supports Hispanic/Latinx people by hiring and promoting them...

...I remember back when I was interviewing with firms during law school, White & Case stood out to me as one of the firms where more Hispanic/Latinx individuals were partners, counsel or senior associates. Throughout my years at the Firm, I have noticed the Firm's growing support for (i) hiring Latinx people for both legal and business services positions and (ii) fostering connections and authenticity through its support for the Alianza network. As a law firm, we also support the Hispanic/Latinx community through pro bono work.

For persons who are members of the Alianza affinity network...

...The most important benefit is that they provide spaces for members to connect and to celebrate their common heritage or culture. It is a great place to share stories, struggles and anecdotes and to find mentors who have navigated similar circumstances. It is a safe space to bring your most authentic self to work.

For allies, I think they are valuable spaces for learning about the nuances within our communities and to develop empathy and compassion for some of the issues affecting our community in the workplace and in our society.

My advice to the next generation of Hispanic/Latinx lawyers...

...Is to embrace difference and to show up in your career as authentically as possible. I would also advise them to question any self-doubts or negative self-talk that makes them doubt that they are worthy of having a seat at the decision-making table and to resist any urge to erase their identity in a professional setting. I would also encourage them to look at their culture and heritage as an asset and a tool to obtaining their goals and aspirations.

Lastly, I would encourage them to seek mentors who have experienced similar circumstances to help them navigate the waters of their profession and to remember to pay it forward by seeking ways to make similar opportunities available to other members of our community.

In an effort to broaden my own understanding of my culture and heritage...

... I plan to mark the month-long celebration by dedicating time to read or listen to stories from Latinos from different backgrounds than mine. In my daily life, I celebrate my identity as a Colombian/Latina by sharing it with my children in the hope that it will always be a source of pride in their lives.