Throughout our month-long national celebration—which runs from September 15 to October 15—we are excited to share the stories of some of GW Law’s extraordinary Hispanic American students, alumni, and faculty members.
Christina Guerola Sarchio, JD ’95
Partner at Dechert LLP
Hispanic Heritage Month holds a profound significance for me, as it serves as a celebration of the rich tapestry of cultures, histories, and contributions of the Hispanic community in the United States. My family roots trace back to Spain, where my parents were born and raised before making the brave journey to the United States during Francisco Franco's regime. My grandfather fought against General Franco during the Spanish Civil War and he was jailed as a political prisoner. So, my parents came to the United States in search of freedom and in pursuit of the American dream. Coming from a lineage of resilience and determination, their stories of sacrifice and perseverance have profoundly shaped my identity and instilled in me a deep sense of pride in my heritage.
As president of the Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA), I am driven by a commitment to uplift and champion the voices of Hispanic individuals within the legal profession and beyond. My motivation stems from the desire to honor the legacy of my parents and to create pathways for future generations. I realized that after benefiting from the organization as a member for more than 25 years - an organization that has given me mentors, clients, friends, and a sense of “familia” and belonging - it was my turn to give back, particularly during a time when diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives are being threatened.
So, for me, Hispanic Heritage Month is not only a time for reflection but also a call to action. It reminds us of the importance of preserving our rich cultural heritage while continuing to break new ground. We are all immigrants, and our unique cultures adds vibrance to this country. As HNBA president, I hope to inspire others to take pride in their roots while actively contributing to the community. By sharing my personal journey and advocating for our community through the HNBA, I aim to highlight the importance of our collective contributions to the ever-evolving mosaic of American society.
Miranda Hernandez, JD ’22
Associate at Simpson Thacher
My family fled Cuba for the United States in search of refuge and the “American Dream.” They left everything behind in Cuba and established roots in Miami, Florida. They took on jobs such as maids, field workers, factory workers, boat captains, farmers, and fish gutting—really any job they could get—to ensure that their family was provided for without complaint. Generation after generation, my family worked harder and harder to ensure that the next generation would have a bit more ease.
My generation was truly the first to be able to “relax.” But I really couldn’t relax. As a student, I felt a tremendous responsibility to honor the sacrifices of the generations before me and make my family's pursuit of the American Dream worthwhile. As I reflect on this month, a quote from an interview I read years ago sticks with me:
“There’s a knowledge among first-generation immigrants that they aren’t going to be the ones to achieve the American Dream. They have to work hard and struggle so that their children will have a shot at it. So they educate their children and pass the Dream along to them. And now I have an obligation [. . .] to live the American Dream, to validate all the risks they took and everything they went through.”
I am proud of my Cuban heritage and feel blessed to be part of the larger Hispanic/Latino community. This pride drives me to continue taking action to elevate our voices and our community. As the National Chair of the Hispanic National Bar Association’s (HNBA) Young Lawyers Division, I achieve this by organizing valuable programming and events to build community among young Hispanic attorneys. My admiration for our community extends well beyond Hispanic Heritage Month. We truly are a beautiful cultural mosaic in the United States.
Alberto Estrella, JD ’94
Managing Member of Estrella LLC
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!
Growing up in Puerto Rico, where the population is predominantly Hispanic and relatively homogenous, my cultural identity was something I took for granted. It wasn’t until I left for college and law school on the mainland that I began to understand what it truly meant to be Hispanic. This experience shaped my outlook as I returned to Puerto Rico to practice law, carrying with me a deeper appreciation for the richness and uniqueness of my heritage in a broader context. This is why I still pronounce my name in Spanish (Ahl-behr-toh Eh-streh-yah) even when speaking English. And will roll the “r”s when talking about Puerto Rico (Pwehr-toh Rweh-ko.) It’s about being proud of my heritage.
While Hispanic Heritage Month is not as widely celebrated in Puerto Rico as it is in other places, my efforts to bring GW Law’s Estrella Trial Advocacy Competition to Puerto Rico each year are a reflection of my pride in both my Puerto Rican roots and my alma mater. This competition not only provides Puerto Rico law students the opportunity to experience the quality of GW Law’s exceptional advocacy programs. In hosting this competition, we also strive to share Puerto Rican culture with the students, coaches, and guests who visit us each year. By ensuring they experience our unique culture, hospitality, and interactions with local law students, practitioners, and judges, we hope to provide them with a memorable connection to Puerto Rico, both professionally and personally.
Anna M. Gomez, JD ‘92
FCC Commissioner
I am the first Latina to serve as an FCC Commissioner in over 20 years. I was born in Orlando, Florida to a dentist from South Carolina and a systems engineer from Colombia. I lived in Bogota, Colombia during my formative years until my family relocated to New Jersey when I was a teenager. Living in more than one country and belonging to more than one culture taught me to learn from and value all my communities.
To me, as a Latina attorney, Hispanic Heritage Month means community. It reminds me how important it is to build our community and to give back. During law school and throughout my career, I sought and found spaces to connect with attorneys like me—and I encourage others to do so as well. The relationships I developed with other Latine attorneys, through GW Law and affinity bars, helped me build a deeply fulfilling career. I have had the privilege to serve in a variety of roles in government, including at the Senate, the White House, the Department of Commerce, and the Department of State; and I have also enjoyed doing fascinating and challenging work in the private sector.
It is the honor of my career to serve as an FCC Commissioner. I am committed to ensuring we have a vibrant, competitive telecommunications and media marketplace that supports economic prosperity and meets the needs of consumers. I believe that the FCC does best when our work honors the people it serves, and I intend to utilize this incredible opportunity to help serve all historically underserved communities, including Latine communities.