FIU LAW SCHOLARS F I U C O L L E G E O F L AW :
NAMED SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS, 2 0 1 3
Established in 2002,
the Florida International
University College of Law is proud to be South Florida’s only public law school. FIU Law believes that education should be focused and individualized. With less than 500 students and an average entering class size of about 160, its students and faculty are able to actively engage with one another, enriching the classroom experience and fostering a deeper understanding of the law. FIU Law prides itself on graduating professional, practice-ready attorneys, many of whom become committed public servants. FIU Law is a rapidly-ascending institution of academic excellence. Since 2009, FIU Law has rocketed through the U.S. News & World Report rankings—ascending from unranked to #105—an increase of more than 44 spots. Its students’ LSAT scores and undergraduate GPAs match those of many higher-ranked law schools, and its bar passage rates consistently exceed the state average on the Florida Bar exam. The Florida Legislature established FIU Law on the ideal that a high-quality legal education should be affordable and accessible. FIU Law is a majority-minority institution. It ranks as the most diverse law school in Florida, and it graduates the highest percentage of Hispanic attorneys of any law school in the nation. Last year the College of Law awarded more than $1.9 million dollars in institutional scholarships and grants. This publication highlights many of the scholarship recipients.
Since its inception, the FIU College of Law has provided a legal education to hundreds of students whose parents or guardians never had the opportunity to attend professional school. Our donors developed academic scholarships to recognize these first generation scholars, as well as other outstanding students. In today’s economy, attending law school has become increasingly expensive. Thanks to our donors, many FIU Law students graduate less burdened by student loan debt. Scholarships enable our students to enjoy a better post-graduation quality of life, engage in a wider variety of career opportunities, and most importantly, serve their community. Through their contributions, our donors make it possible for FIU Law to fulfill its mission to provide access to a high-quality legal education to a diverse community.
“This scholarship will allow me to be the first person in my entire extended family to pursue a graduate degree.”
– Kevin Aleman, 2L , Greenberg Traurig Scholar
NAMED SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS | 1
FIU Law thanks the following individuals, law firms, and foundations, each of whom have committed to support the education of tomorrow’s legal professionals. Our students’ success is possible due to their thoughtful and generous contributions.
The Alvarez Law Firm Anonymous Appelrouth, Farah & Co. Avila Rodriguez Hernandez Mena & Ferri LLP Berger Singerman Bilzin Sumberg Baena Price & Axelrod LLP Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC C.A.M.P. 4 Justice Foundation Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A. Colson Hicks Eidson Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute Cuban American Bar Association Genovese Joblove & Battista, P.A. Greenberg Traurig LLP Hispanic National Bar Foundation Hunton & Williams LLP Joseph A. Reyes Endowment The Judge Aaron B. Cohen Charitable Foundation Judge Thomas C. Britton Endowment Justice Barbara J. Pariente Scholarship Justice R. Fred Lewis Scholarship Justice Peggy A. Quince Scholarship Podhurst Orseck, P.A. The Betty G. Reader Foundation Silva & Silva, P.A. Theodore and Rosalind Spak Endowment
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THE ALVAREZ LAW FIRM First Generation Scholarship
Alejandro Leiva |
2L Undergraduate Institution: St. Thomas University Alejandro Leiva earned his B.A. in Political Science, summa cum laude, from St. Thomas University in Miami. He is a second-year student at FIU Law and is a member of the FIU Law Review. Stories of the struggles that Cuban immigrants face during their exodus to the United States inspired him to pursue a career in law. Leiva is the first in his family to attend professional school.
ANONYMOUS First Generation Scholarship
Kirk Villalón |
1L
Undergraduate Institution: Florida International University Kirk Villalón graduated from the Florida International University Honors College, magna cum laude, with a B.A. in History andh a minor in Political Science. During his undergraduate career, Villalón was a member of the Phi Alpha Delta pre-law fraternity, the pre-law honors society, interned at multiple law firms in Miami, and was recognized with the President’s Award for Educational Excellence. Villalón is the first in his family to attend graduate school. He is a first-year student at FIU Law and hopes to practice corporate and real estate law.
APPELROUTH, FARAH & CO. First Generation Scholarship
Jennifer Fleenor |
1L
Undergraduate Institution: University of Florida Jennifer Fleenor earned her B.A. in English from the University of Florida and is a first-year student at FIU Law. As an undergraduate student, Fleenor externed at the Alachua County Criminal Courthouse, which reinforced her desire to become a public defender and help those in need. She is also interested in public international law. Fleenor is a native of Florida, has three siblings, and is the first in her family to graduate from college and pursue a graduate degree. She is a member of the Women’s Legal Society and the International Law Students Association.
NAMED SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS | 3
AVILA RODRIGUEZ HERNANDEZ MENA & FERRI LLP First Generation Scholarship
Eduardo Robayna |
2L
Undergraduate Institution: Florida International University Eduardo Robayna graduated from Florida International University with a degree in Business Administration and is the first in his family to graduate from college. He was born and raised in Miami, Florida and is of Cuban descent. Robayna is in his second year at FIU Law and looks forward to serving his community upon graduation. He hopes to honor his scholarship donors in the future by providing students with greater educational opportunities.
BERGER SINGERMAN First Generation Scholarship
Joseph Jarone |
2L Undergraduate Institution: University of Utah Joseph Jarone is originally from Houston, Texas and is the first in his family to attend professional school. Jarone earned his B.A. in Philosophy from the University of Utah. It was there that he discovered his passion for advocacy. Before enrolling in law school, Jarone lived in Maine, Utah, and South Korea, where he spent a year teaching English to children. Currently, Jarone is a second-year student at FIU Law. He is a member of the FIU Law Review, a research assistant for Professors Thomas E. Baker and Leonard Strickman, and a teaching assistant in Professor Rosario Schrier’s Legal Skills and Values course. Upon graduation, Jarone hopes to practice criminal law defense and ensure that the accused receive proper due process.
BILZIN SUMBERG BAENA PRICE & AXELROD LLP First Generation Scholarship
Eric Brown |
1L Undergraduate Institution: Thomas Edison State College
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Eric Brown was born and raised in Lakewood, New Jersey. When he was 19, he moved to Europe, where he was a linguist for 15 years before returning to New Jersey to attend college. Brown received his B.A. in Psychology from Thomas Edison State College in Trenton, New Jersey, where he was awarded the Arnold Fletcher Award for excellence in non-traditional learning. During his time at Edison State, Brown worked as a teacher for the City of Asbury Park, various state agencies, and Lakewood Middle School. Brown’s experience as a teacher reinforced his commitment to public service. Brown is a first-year law student at FIU Law, becoming the first in his family to attend law school. He plans to pursue a career providing legal services to disadvantaged individuals, particularly immigrants.
“It brings me great joy to know that my children will never think that law school is an impossible feat.”
– Anthony Halmon, 2L, Colson Hicks Eidson Scholar
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BUCHANAN INGERSOLL & ROONEY PC First Generation Scholarship
Jessica Gardner |
1L Undergraduate Institution: University of West Florida Jessica Gardner earned her B.A. in English, with a specialization in Creative Writing, from the University of West Florida, where she was perennially a member of the Dean’s list. She was born and raised in Pensacola, Florida and is the first in her family to pursue a professional degree. Gardner enjoys writing and has a passion for both human rights and environmental preservation. These interests led her to enroll in FIU Law, where she is currently a first-year student. She hopes to pursue a meaningful career that positively impacts those around her and to inspire others to do the same.
C.A.M.P. 4 JUSTICE FOUNDATION C.A.M.P. 4 Justice Human Rights Scholarship
Jose Campins |
3L
Undergraduate Institution: Florida International University Jose Campins was born in Holguin, Cuba. He left his home when he was seven years old and settled in the United States. While in Cuba, Campins’ father was wrongly imprisoned for supporting the expansion of civil liberties. These challenges inspired him to pursue a career in law. Campins received his B.A. in Political Science, magna cum laude, from the Florida International University Honors College. Campins is a third-year student at FIU Law and is a member of the Cuban American Student Bar Association.
C.A.M.P. 4 Justice Human Rights Scholarship
Dick Ortega |
3L
Undergraduate Institution: Florida International University Dick Ortega, a Cuban native, immigrated to the United States with his family as a young boy. Ortega earned his B.S. in Criminal Justice from Florida International University. Prior to law school, he was the director of a small business for two years and worked in the financial services industry for four years. Currently, he is a third-year student at FIU Law, and he serves as a member of the Board of Advocates. Ortega represented FIU Law in the 2013 ABA National Appellate Competition. He was also a research assistant to Professor Thomas E. Baker, and he interned for both the Securities and Exchange Commission and FIU’s Office of the General Counsel. Recently, Ortega worked as a summer associate for DLA Piper’s Washington, D.C. office, where he will begin his career upon graduation. 6 | FIU COLLEGE OF LAW
COLE, SCOTT & KISSANE, P.A. First Generation Scholarship
Ashley Hersutamto |
2L Undergraduate Institution: Florida Atlantic University Ashley Hersutamto is the first in her family to attend both college and graduate school. She graduated from Florida Atlantic University, summa cum laude, with a B.A. in English. Hersutamto completed her undergraduate degree as a fulltime student while simultaneously working full-time as Chief of Staff of a law firm and hedge fund administrator. She continued in that role throughout her first year of law school, working the maximum amount of hours full-time students are permitted under academic regulations. Hersutamto is a second-year student at FIU Law and is a member of the FIU Law Review. She hopes to practice securities and finance law.
COLSON HICKS EIDSON First Generation Scholarship
Anthony Halmon |
2L
Undergraduate Institution: University of Central Florida Anthony Halmon became interested in pursuing a legal education when he participated as lead defense counsel in a high school mock trial. He later interned at the Broward County Public Defender’s Office, where he confirmed his passion for the law. Halmon earned his bachelor’s degree in Finance, cum laude, from the University of Central Florida and is a second-year student at FIU Law. He is a member of the FIU Law Review and treasurer of the Black Law Students Association. This summer, Halmon clerked at Colson Hicks Eidson, an experience that he describes as invaluable. He is currently a judicial intern to the Honorable Marcia G. Cooke of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida.
CONGRESSIONAL HISPANIC LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE First Generation Scholarship
Barbara Hernandez |
2L Undergraduate Institution: Florida International University Barbara Hernandez received her B.A., cum laude, in Political Science with a minor in Psychology from the Florida International University Honors College. She is the youngest member of her family and the first to obtain a college degree and attend professional school. She was inspired to pursue a law degree by her father, who shared stories with her about the hardships he personally experienced under an oppressive regime in Cuba. Hernandez is a second-year student at FIU Law. She is a member of the FIU Law Review, the Board of Advocates Negotiation Team, the Women’s Law Society, the Environmental Law Society, and the 2L Representative for the Cuban-American Law Society. Hernandez’ goal is to become a probate attorney and assist individuals who cannot afford legal services. NAMED SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS | 7
CUBAN AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION Cuban American Bar Association First Generation Scholarship
Gabrielle Gonzalez |
1L Undergraduate Institution: Florida International University Gabrielle Gonzalez is the first person in her family to attend professional school. She graduated from Florida International University with a bachelor’s degree in English Literature and in Criminal Justice. As an undergraduate student, she was a member of the English Honor Society, the Delta Phi Epsilon sorority, and the Order of Omega. Gonzalez also held a part-time position with a local law firm, which reaffirmed her desire to become a lawyer. She is a first-year student at FIU Law.
Judge Mario P. Goderich Law Scholarship
Ivette Delgado |
3L Undergraduate Institution: Brown University Ivette Delgado was born in Havana, Cuba and immigrated to the United States in 1999 when she was 11 years old. Delgado received her B.A. in Public Policy and Hispanic Studies from Brown University. She is a third-year student at FIU Law. Delgado is the FIU Law Review Executive Comments Editor, a member of the Board of Advocates, and a member of the 21st Annual Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot team. She is also a research assistant for Professor Joelle A. Moreno. Delgado is presently a judicial extern to the Honorable Marcia G. Cooke of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, and was previously a legal intern in the FIU Family and Education Law Clinic.
Cuban American Bar Foundation Endowed Scholarship
Viviana G. Acosta |
2L
Undergraduate Institution: Florida International University Viviana G. Acosta immigrated to the United States from Cuba in 2001. She endured many hardships like learning a new language, working countless jobs to support her family, and adjusting to the American way of life. Through it all, she never abandoned her dream of becoming a lawyer. In 2010, Acosta graduated, summa cum laude, from Florida International University with a B.A. in Criminal Justice. She received the Worlds Ahead Award from the School of International and Public Affairs for her outstanding academic achievement. Acosta is a second-year student at FIU Law, has made the Dean’s list every semester, and earned two CALI Excellence for the Future Awards. She looks forward to the journey ahead and yearns to play an active role in the courtroom.
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“It is an honor to be selected as the recipient of the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute First Generation Scholarship. This scholarship allows me to focus on my education and further my future goal of assisting individuals who cannot afford legal services.”
– Barbara Hernandez, 2L, Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute Scholar
NAMED SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS | 9
GENOVESE JOBLOVE & BATTISTA, P.A. First Generation Scholarship
Kathleen Pfahlert |
1L Undergraduate Institution: Florida International University Kathleen Pfahlert holds a B.B.A. in International Business, cum laude, from the Florida International University Honors College. As an undergraduate student, Pfahlert was committed to serving the community. She was a volunteer mentor for a local center for disadvantaged women and president of the FIU Honors College Pre-Law Community. Pfahlert is the first in her family to attend graduate school. She is a first-year student at FIU Law, where she is the Student Bar Association representative for her class section and a member of the Women’s Law Society. She aspires to provide legal services to victims of domestic violence.
GREENBERG TRAURIG LLP First Generation Scholarship
Kevin Aleman |
2L Undergraduate Institution: Florida State University Kevin Aleman earned his B.S. in Finance from Florida State University. As an undergraduate, Aleman interned for Thomson Reuters and maintained a full academic scholarship while working at the Florida Department of Historical Resources. He is the first in his family to attend college and professional school. Aleman is a second-year student at FIU Law, a member of the FIU Law Review, and a board member of the Intellectual Property Student Association. He aspires to provide legal services to small business owners and entrepreneurs who wish to make a difference in the world. Aleman plans to pursue these dreams by combining his passion for finance and tax with his legal education.
HISPANIC NATIONAL BAR FOUNDATION First Generation Scholarship
Yanina Caballero |
1L Undergraduate Institution: Florida International University Yanina Caballero was born in Peru and immigrated to the United States when she was 11 years old. Caballero was drawn to the law because of the injustices that she witnessed in her native country. She hopes to someday help eliminate these injustices by representing society’s most vulnerable members. Caballero earned her B.A. in Political Science and in Philosophy, magna cum laude, from Florida International University. As an undergraduate, she won the Academic Achievements Award for her outstanding success and dedication. Caballero is a first-year student at FIU Law and the first in her family to attend graduate school. 10 | FIU COLLEGE OF LAW
HUNTON & WILLIAMS LLP First Generation Scholarship
Lauren Rovira |
2L
Undergraduate Institution: Florida International University Lauren Rovira is in her second year at FIU Law, where she serves as a student ambassador, a note-taker for her classmates with disabilities, and is a member of the Student Bar Association’s Community Service Committee. Rovira earned her B.A. in International Relations and Political Science, summa cum laude, from Florida International University. She also minored in Psychology, and received a Certificate in Latin American and Caribbean Studies. She is the first in her family to attend college and graduate school. Rovira plans to become a civil litigator and eventually pursue a career in politics.
JOSEPH A. REYES ENDOWMENT The Joseph A. Reyes Scholarship
Adam Lewinson |
3L
Undergraduate Institution: University of Florida Adam Lewinson received his B.A. degree in Political Science, cum laude, from the University of Florida. Lewinson is a third-year student at FIU Law and the first member of his family to attend graduate school. He serves as the Executive Symposium Editor of the FIU Law Review, works in the Death Penalty Clinic, and volunteers at the Miami-Dade Public Defender’s Office. Lewinson discovered his interest in criminal law while working at Finnell, McGuinness, Nezami & Andux, a criminal defense firm in Jacksonville, Florida. This past summer, he worked as a certified legal intern at the Miami-Dade Public Defender’s Office. He aspires to zealously represent those that are unable to defend themselves.
THE JUDGE AARON B. COHEN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION Named in his honor, the Judge Aaron B. Cohen Judicial Externship Program reflects Judge Cohen’s commitment to provide students the opportunity to gain first-hand experience as judicial externs. The scholarship is awarded to outstanding students who participate in an unpaid judicial externship. Judicial Externship Scholarship
Abraham Benhayoun |
3L
Undergraduate Institution: Florida International University Abraham Benhayoun was born in Caracas, Venezuela. At the age of 11, he moved with his family to Santiago, Chile, and at 14 he moved again to attend Yeshiva in Baltimore, Maryland, where he graduated from high school. Benhayoun later attended Yeshiva in Israel for one year before enrolling in Florida International University, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Finance. Benhayoun is a third-year student at FIU Law and president of the Jewish Law Student Association. This summer he completed an externship with the Honorable Nushin G. Sayfie of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court of Florida. Benhayoun plans to become a prosecutor upon graduation and aspires to be a judge. NAMED SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS | 11
THE JUDGE AARON B. COHEN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION cont. Judicial Externship Scholarship
Daniel Blackman |
2L Undergraduate Institution: University of Florida Daniel Blackman obtained a B.A. in History from the University of Florida, becoming the first person in his family’s history to earn a college degree. He also earned a master’s degree in Education from the University of Florida and worked as a history teacher at Forest High School, where he won Rookie Teacher of the Year in 2010. Blackman is a second-year student at FIU Law and a member of the FIU Law Review. He recently competed in the ABA Southeast Regional Negotiation Competition and, along with his teammate, received the Runner-Up Award. This summer, Blackman served as an extern to the Honorable Alicia M. Otazo-Reyes in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Upon graduation, Blackman hopes to advocate for disadvantaged children.
JUDGE THOMAS C. BRITTON ENDOWMENT The Judge Thomas C. Britton Law Scholarship
Brittany Dancel |
3L Undergraduate Institution: Florida State University Brittany Dancel grew up in Dover, Delaware and is the first person in her family to attend professional school. She earned her B.S. in Multinational Business, magna cum laude, from Florida State University, with a minor certificate in Chinese. As an undergraduate student, Dancel was an active member of the International Business Association and participated in the Chinese Language and Culture Association. Dancel is a third-year student at FIU Law, where she serves as an Articles and Comments Editor on the FIU Law Review and is a member of the Board of Advocates. During her second year of law school, Dancel competed in the final round of FIU’s Tenth Annual Moot Court Competition and received awards for Best Oralist in preliminary rounds and Best Brief Runner-Up.
THE JUSTICE BARBARA J. PARIENTE SCHOLARSHIP Justice Barbara J. Pariente Scholarship
Franco Bacigalupo |
2L
Undergraduate Institution: College of the Holy Cross Franco Bacigalupo was born in Peru and is the first in his family to attend law school. He is a member of the FIU Law Review and treasurer of the International Law Students Association. Bacigalupo earned a B.A. in Political Science from the College of the Holy Cross. He also worked as a legal intern at the “Part of the Solution” clinic in New York, where he helped those in need connect to and work with government agencies. Bacigalupo is a second-year student at FIU Law and currently serves as a judicial intern to the Honorable Adalberto J. Jordan of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. 12 | FIU COLLEGE OF LAW
“The Theodore and Rosalind Spak scholarship helps support my legal education which allows me to provide free legal services to the community through the FIU Law Investor Advocacy Clinic.”
– Benjamin Crego, 3L, Theodore and Rosalind Spak Scholar
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THE JUSTICE R. FRED LEWIS SCHOLARSHIP Justice R. Fred Lewis Scholarship
Chanel Rowe |
3L Undergraduate Institution: Florida Atlantic University Chanel Rowe worked as a summer associate in the Miami office of the international law firm, Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P., where she will work as a litigation associate upon graduation. Rowe graduated, summa cum laude, from Florida Atlantic University with a B.B.A. in Economics and is a third-year student at FIU Law. Rowe is the Executive Business Editor of the FIU Law Review and a member of the FIU Board of Advocates. During her second year in law school, Rowe and her partner won FIU’s Tenth Annual Moot Court Competition. Rowe spent the summer of her first year in law school as an intern to then Chief Judge (now Judge) Melanie G. May of Florida’s Fourth District Court of Appeal. She has also held leadership positions on both local and regional boards of the National Black Law Students Association. Rowe is the first member in her family to attend professional school.
THE JUSTICE PEGGY A. QUINCE SCHOLARSHIP Justice Peggy A. Quince Scholarship
Altanese Phenelus |
3L
Undergraduate Institution: Florida International University Altanese Phenelus received her B.A. in Political Science, cum laude, from Florida International University and is a third-year student at FIU Law. Phenelus is of Haitian descent and the first in her family to pursue a law degree. She holds an executive board position on the FIU Law Review as the President of the National Conference of Law Reviews. She also earned a place on the FIU Board of Advocates after winning FIU’s Tenth Annual Moot Court Competition along with her partner. Phenelus has been honored with the CALI Excellence for the Future Awards for her scholastic achievements in Federal Courts, Civil Procedure, and Constitutional Law. She interned for the Honorable Marcia G. Cooke in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, and has clerked at the United States Attorney’s Office, Economic Crimes Section. During the summer of 2013, Phenelus clerked at the Miami-Dade County Attorney’s Office, where she will begin her career in September 2014.
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PODHURST ORSECK, P.A. First Generation Scholarship
Robert Visca |
3L
Undergraduate Institution: University of Florida Robert Visca graduated from the University of Florida, cum laude, where he received his B.A. in Psychology and earned a 4.0 grade point average within his major. During his undergraduate studies, Visca volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and afterschool tutoring programs. These experiences reinforced his passion for public service. Visca is a third-year student at FIU Law, where he serves as a Justice on the FIU Supreme Court. He is also an Article and Comments Editor on the FIU Law Review, and his comment will be published in an upcoming edition. Visca has been a law clerk at Podhurst Orseck, P.A. since May 2013. He describes the experience as extremely rewarding and looks forward to utilizing the lessons he has learned when he commences his legal career.
THE BETTY G. READER FOUNDATION The Betty G. Reader Scholarship
Daniela Abratt |
2L Undergraduate Institution: University of Florida Daniela Abratt is in her second year at FIU Law, where she is a staff member of the FIU Law Review, a Dean’s Scholar, and Vice President of the International Law Students Association. She recently participated in the FIU Law Intramural Moot Court competition and won the award for Best Orator in the preliminary rounds. She also advanced to the final round and will argue before a panel of judges in the spring of 2014. Last summer, Abratt served as a judicial intern to the Honorable Richard J. Suarez of Florida’s Third District Court of Appeal. Abratt graduated, summa cum laude, from the University of Florida with a B.S. in Journalism and a minor in International Humanitarian Assistance. Inspired by her South African upbringing, she hopes to work for a non-profit organization in the areas of intellectual property and human rights.
The Betty G. Reader Scholarship
Kristina M. Bado |
2L Undergraduate Institution: Florida International University Kristina M. Bado is in her second year at FIU Law. Bado graduated, magna cum laude, from the Florida International University Honors College, receiving a B.A. in Political Science and in Philosophy, and a Certificate in Law, Ethics & Society. Bado is a Dean’s Scholar and a member of the FIU Law Review. She is also the evening vice-president of the Federalist Society and an active member of the Women’s Law Society. Bado hopes to practice marital and family law and is currently working as a law clerk at Fogel, Rubin & Fogel, where she will become a full-time associate after graduation. She aspires to be an advocate for those who are unable to defend themselves. Desiring to challenge herself in all areas of life, Bado also competes in 5K races and is competing in the 2014 Super Spartan. NAMED SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS | 15
THE BETTY G. READER FOUNDATION cont. The Betty G. Reader Scholarship
Jessica Satinoff |
1L Undergraduate Institution: University of Central Florida Jessica Satinoff, a native of South Florida, is a first-year student at FIU Law. Satinoff graduated, summa cum laude, with a B.A. in Political Science, and a minor in Leadership and in Legal Studies from the University of Central Florida. As an undergraduate, she was a member of the Lead Scholars program and Golden Key. Satinoff first decided to go to law school when she was 12 years old and has been passionate about the law ever since. She gained experience in the legal field through employment and clerkships at various law firms throughout Florida. She ultimately aspires to advocate on behalf of children and assist individuals in resolving difficult familial matters.
SILVA & SILVA, P.A. First Generation Scholarship
Ingrid Cepero |
2L Undergraduate Institution: Georgetown University Ingrid Cepero’s parents immigrated to Miami from Cuba several years ago and worked hard to ensure that Cepero would have the best education possible. Motivated by her family’s sacrifices, Cepero is fulfilling her lifelong dream of attending law school. Cepero received her B.A. in Government from Georgetown University and is the first person in her family to attend college. She became interested in employment and labor law while interning at the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Cepero is a second-year student at FIU Law, where she is a member of the FIU Law Review. She is also a research assistant to Professor Kerri L. Stone and focuses her research on employment law issues.
THEODORE AND ROSALIND SPAK ENDOWMENT Theodore and Rosalind Spak Scholarship
Benjamin Crego |
3L Undergraduate Institution: University of South Florida Benjamin Crego graduated from the University of South Florida with a bachelor’s degree in Finance. During his last year in college, Crego worked at a law firm in Tampa, Florida, where he witnessed the positive effect of hard work and passion. Inspired by this experience, Crego decided to attend FIU Law, where he is currently a third-year student. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the FIU Law Review, is a member of the Board of Advocates, and is a legal intern for the Investor Advocacy Clinic. Crego plans to use his law degree to serve his community. 16 | FIU COLLEGE OF LAW
“One of my favorite quotes reads, ‘The size of your dreams must always exceed your current capacity to achieve them. If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough.’ This scholarship will allow me to transform seemingly impossible dreams into reality.”
– Jessica Satinoff, 1L , Betty G. Reader Scholar
NAMED SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS | 17
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