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“You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right.”
-Rosa Parks
Dear ILS Members and Friends:
March is Women's History Month, a monthlong celebration where we honor and celebrate women’s contributions to America and the advancement of gender equality. It is a time to recognize the strength, resilience and achievements of women of all ages, cultures and walks of life who have made a positive impact on our society. It is also a time to reflect and thank those women who have made a positive impact on our own lives.
On behalf of the ILS, I want to honor the exceptional women who have served as Past Chairs of our Section, including Jacqueline Villalba, Clarissa Rodriguez, Francesca Russo-Di Staulo, Jana Sigars-Malina, and Maurine O’ Brien.
I also want to recognize and express my sincere appreciation to the incredible women who currently serve on our Section’s Leadership Team, including on our Board, Ana Barton (Chair Elect), Cristina Vicens (Secretary), Laura Reich (Treasurer), and all of those listed below. Their commitment, leadership and contributions have elevated our Section’s prominence at a local, national and international level.
Priscila Bandeira: Co-Chair, Richard DeWit Memorial Vis Pre-Moot Committee
Lauren Bengochea: Executive Council
Neha Dagley: Executive Council; Co-Chair, Asia Committee
Jennifer Diaz: Executive Council
Nouvelle Gonzalo: Executive Council; Chair, North America Committee
Susanne Leone: Executive Council; Co-Chair, Europe Committee
Jennifer Mosquera: Executive Council
Kristin Drecktrah Paz: Executive Council; Chair, CLE Initiatives Committee and Co-Chair, International Litigation and Arbitration Board Certification Committee
Penelope Perez-Kelly: Executive Council
Clarissa Rodriguez: Co-Chair, ILS Deskbook Committee
Yine Rodriguez-Perez: Executive Council
Pamella A. Seay: Executive Council
It has been a privilege and pleasure to serve alongside these inspiring women to lead our Section’s mission to provide an important forum for the development, exchange and promotion of international law.
Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the women in my life who have helped shape me into the man and lawyer I am today: my mom, Esther Montes de Oca, my wife, Tiany Montes de Oca, my sister, Cindy Montes de Oca, my late grandmothers, Abuela Luz and Abuela Fina, and my cousin lawyers, Isis Carbajal de Garcia and Gina Polo. I am forever grateful for your inspiration, motivation and guidance.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, I encourage you to reflect, recognize and appreciate the women in your life who have inspired you!
Sincerely,
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