“I think it’s important to move people beyond just dreaming into doing. They have to be able to see that you are just like them, and you made it.”
U G EST EDITOR
-U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor
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Photo by Jennifer Powell Photography
hen my friend Michelle Mitcham asked if I’d be the guest editor of Tallahassee Woman Magazine’s Hispanic Heritage Month edition and interview my friend Marcia Warfel, of course I agreed. In fact, I texted Michelle, “I’m going to be a writer in my next life!” The truth is, I write every day for the work I do at my immigration law practice. This project, however, was different. Not only was I able to write in a casual style, but it allowed me to get to know my friend Marcia more intimately. I am grateful to have had the chance to tell her little-known story of hard work and perseverance—two characteristics shared by my Cuban and Italian great-grandparents, as well as my immigrant clients pursuing the American dream. U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who is of
Puerto Rican heritage once said, “I think it’s important to move people beyond just dreaming into doing. They have to be able to see that you are just like them, and you made it.” My hope is that my interview of Marcia conveys Justice Sotomayor’s message. Marcia, who always dreamed of having a stable and loving family life combined with financial stability, moved beyond that dream into achieving it. The single mom started over more than once, held multiple jobs, helped her parents, and got a master’s degree at 50, but she made it! Upon meeting her, you’d never know the hardships she went through. She’s positive, endearing, and full of energy. I imagine that most TWM readers share Marcia’s same goals and that we have also had to start over, work a second job, and sacrifice for our families. For those readers who are dreaming about achieving your goals, we are all just like Marcia. Take her advice. “Don’t ever give up. Keep climbing and persevering.”
Elizabeth is an award-winning attorney and managing partner of Rambana & Ricci, PLLC; named the “Go-to lawyer for veterans” by the Philadelphia Enquirer. Elizabeth, mother of two girls, is a volunteer Legal Studies teacher at Maclay High School. an advocate for improving the lives of women and girls in our community.
tallahassee woman | 12 | october • november 2022
