Grecia Jimenez is an Hermanitas alumna , Tias program participant , and scholarship recipient . In June , Grecia graduated cum laude from UC Riverside with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy . She finished her B . A . in three years , thanks to the college credits she earned in high school . Grecia shares the following on her experience with MANASD : a short introduction about myself to Latinas in the law . I was offered so many interviews ! I had an interview with Mara Elliot , the first woman and first Latina City Attorney of San Diego . Norma Jasso , a MANASD volunteer , helped me prepare for the interviews . Last summer , I was an administrative intern at the City Attorney ’ s office . I was also a legal intern with Kuyateh Law Group . I have been working with them since June , 2021 . I have learned so much from being part of
MANA de San Diego
I am grateful to have been part of the Hermanitas program , the college edition program , and a scholarship recipient . I received a MANASD scholarship during my three years in college . With my first MANASD scholarship , I purchased the laptop I used daily for classes . Without a laptop , navigating college would have been almost impossible . COVID-19 brought additional mental and physical challenges , but I persisted . As an aspiring lawyer , MANA de San Diego connected me to one of its members Marissa Bejarano , who was working as a San Diego District Attorney . Judge Bejarano is so impressive , she spoke to me on the phone , giving me the guidance I needed as a first-generation college student . Judge Bejarano shared her experience with me and offered motivation and tips on the law school application process . I struggled to find an internship due to the pandemic . Judge Bejarano sent my resume with
Hermanita Graduation Ceremony
MANA de San Diego programs . Being in the Hermanitas program for most of high school taught me an incredible amount about confidence , teamwork and leadership skills . One day , I hope to be a great mentor like the mentors I had .
In addition to the Hermanitas and Tias program , MANASD awards scholarships to Latinas pursuing higher education . MANASD ’ s vision is to have more Latinas in leadership positions in San Diego . Their Latina Success Leadership Program ( LSLP ), a partnership with the Center for Creative Leadership Institute , has graduated over 300 Latinas and prepared them for next steps in their career and leadership journey .
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