COMMUNITY MEMBER CARMEN PALAO

Carmen Palao is originally from Los Angeles, CA. She attended UC Davis and is currently a 2L at Southwestern.

Carmen plans on practicing immigration law and will be working at an entertainment immigration firm this summer In her spare time, Carmen volunteers at Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA), a non-profit organization located around the corner from Southwestern HOLA provides a plethora of after-school programs and resources for under-resourced communities Additionally, Carmen is the Inaugural Board Fellow for HOLA’s Board of Directors. Carmen says, “ as a Board Fellow I provide valuable feedback to the Board, with the perspective of someone who grew up in the community they aim to serve. As a volunteer, I assist high school seniors with their college applications. Many of these students will be the first in their family to attend a university.”

Carmen got involved with HOLA as a high school junior through the same program she now volunteers for Carmen says, “I knew I wanted to pursue higher education, but I attended an under-resourced LAUSD school I sought out HOLA because I knew they could help me with college applications HOLA helped opened the door to higher education and I have been involved with them ever since I have been a mentor, panelist, Board Fellow, and volunteer. Although none of these positions are directly related to law, they allow me to give back to the community that I come from. I am able to advocate for community members and teach them how to advocate for themselves. HOLA will always have a special place in my heart.”

If students wish to get involved in any capacity, they can contact Carmen directly at cpalao21@swlaw.edu and she will share more information