Q & A
with Victoria Ortega about Her Volunteer Work with Ayuda
Victoria Ortega is an attorney in our Washington , D . C ., office and currently serves on the board of Ayuda .
Q : What prompted you to get involved with Ayuda ?
A : I am the child of immigrants from Cuba and the Middle East . I grew up witnessing the immigrant experience and , as a result , have always been drawn to serving immigrants . Ayuda , which serves the D . C .– Maryland – Virginia area , is a really well-run organization that offers one-stop support to immigrants navigating a new country , including legal , social , and language services , among others .
Q : What was your involvement ?
A : I started volunteering with Ayuda in 2014 , the same year I started as an associate with Blank Rome . I had done some online research and literally walked in Ayuda ’ s front door and asked how I could help . They plugged me in right away , appointing me to their Advisory Council among other volunteer work . In 2021 , I was appointed to their board , which is an inspiring group of professionals committed to expanding Ayuda ’ s services . These roles have allowed me to share Ayuda ’ s stories and connect people in my network to the organization .
Q : How did it feel to help ?
A : It feels very natural , as if it was always a part of the plan for me . Since my career took me in a different direction than immigration law , my volunteer work for Ayuda satisfies my deep-rooted desire to serve and stay connected to the immigrant community in Washington , D . C .
Q : What is next ?
A : I was happy to recently organize a meeting with staff from Ayuda and Blank Rome ’ s Director of Pro Bono and Community Impact Kathy E . Ochroch . I believe this will lead to further partnership between our two organizations as it relates to both pro bono work and community volunteering . It would also allow a new generation of firm attorneys to gain experience with immigration matters and develop a body of knowledge to better serve Ayuda and similar legal services organizations .
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