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Name : Miriam Velez Valkenburg Profession : Attorney
Home Town : Chicago , IL ( Living in Tampa , FL )
Pais : Family from Puerto Rico
Latin-Times : Tell us about your job / career ? Miriam : I presently work for my own firm , the Law office of Valkenburg & Velez , PA ., where I practice with my husband , Jason Valkenburg . We opened our firm in 2003 , since that time we have focused our attention on criminal defense , personal injury , contracts litigation and family law . I can honestly tell you that I love being an attorney . I love what I do and I love the fact that I can help so many people .
Aside from running a busy law practice , I am an active member of a number of local organizations . I am most proud of being involved with Are You Safe , Inc ., a non-profit agency that provides free legal services to victims of domestic violence . I am presently President of Are You Safe along with being a founding member . Are You Safe has been able to provide free legal advice and representation to well over 65 individuals since 2009 .
Latin Times : What was the biggest challenge you have encountered in your life – and how have you overcome it ? Miriam : As a Hispanic female I have encountered many challenges throughout my lifetime both personally and professionally . However , none of those challenges have been more difficult than trying to find a balance between my family life , professional responsilibilies and the social demands around me . I am a firm believer that a woman can do it all ; raise a family while maintaining a healthy family environment , have a successful career and still have time to run and maintain a social life . However , this is not accomplished without hard work , motivation and strong time management skills . At forty , I have finally come to realize that I can ’ t do it all , all the time . I have to prioritize and occasionally say “ no ”, but just occasionally . I am very fortunate to have such an understanding and supportive husband and family . It is because of their support that I am able to balance my many responsibilities .
Latin Times : What are some of your immediate goals ? Miriam : My personal goal is to always be a good mother and role model for my daughter , Ellianna . She is an amazing little girl . My professional goal is to ultimately be a Judge .
Ms Latina International
Name : Erica Cuascut Profession : Ms . Latina International United States
Hometown : Miami , Florida Pais : Puerto Rico
Latin-Times : Tell us about your familia and your cultural Background . Erica Cuascut : I come from a huge loving and supportive family and Puerto Rican parents . My mom was born in Añasco , Puerto Rico from a family of ten siblings and my dad was born in Brooklyn , New York with from a family of six siblings . My mother ’ s family is from Rincon , Puerto Rico and my father ’ s family is from Ponce , Puerto Rico . My great grandparents from my father ’ s side were of French decent . I was born in Brooklyn , New York and raised between New York and Puerto Rico . Every Christmas and summer , I would travel to Puerto Rico with my parents for almost one month to spend time with my family since it was a tradition . Living in Puerto Rico six years after graduating from high school , I learned from many memorable experiences and I also learned more about my Hispanic origin .
Latin-Times : Tell us about your spirituality and beliefs . Erica Cuascut : I was raised Catholic all my life and attended catholic school since 1st grade until my senior year in high school . Everything I have accomplished in life , I always put god first and I thank him for blessing me with the best supportive loving parents and a wonderful family .
Latin-Times : Who Living or passed , is your greatest hero and inspiration ? Erica Cuascut : My mom is my greatest hero and inspiration .
Name : Rachel Carrillo Pais : Cuba
Home Town : Tampa , FL
Latin Times : What do you do for a living ? Rachel Carillo : I work in Banking for Florida Bank . I specialize in offering different banking solutions to my clients while delivering first class service .
Latin Times : What type of community projects are you involved in ? Rachel Carillo : I ’ m a proud member of Tampa Latin Chamber and currently serving as a Board member and Treasurer . I have deep Hispanic roots and being able to serve the Hispanic Community through the Chamber has been very rewarding .
Latin Times : Tell us about your family ? Rachel Carillo : I have a great loving and caring family . I ’ m proud mother of 2 wonderful children who ’ ve grown up to be young responsible adults .
Latin Times : In your life , who is your inspiration and hero ? Rachel Carillo : My parent because they came to the United States and not knowing the English language and started a new life with no family , and not knowing anyone in Florida . Today they are still alive and been here for 49 years and are US Citizens .