Latina Cuban American Attorney and Mediator
Meet Diana Santa Maria, 2025 Hispanic Woman of Distinction and Founder, Law Offices of Diana Santa Maria, P.A. and Bilingual Mediators, Inc.
“Navigate through life with confidence and grace, while pursuing excellence in all endeavors. Embrace kindness and compassion as your guiding principles and remember to uplift others as you rise.”
Diana is a nationally recognized trial attorney, mediator, community leader, and passionate advocate for justice. She graduated with undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Miami.
In 1991, she founded the Law Offices of Diana Santa Maria, P.A. in Davie, Florida. For over thirty years she has been dedicated to representing individuals and families affected by personal injury, medical malpractice, and wrongful death. Many cases handled have led to significant safety improvements including repairs on defective roads, correction of dangerous conditions, and enhanced safety standards.
Diana was born in Cuba and was raised in the United States. Her Latin culture and upbringing gave her a profound understanding of how heritage influences her multicultural clients as they navigate the legal system. This insight inspired her to become a mediator and established Bilingual Mediators, Inc., offering mediation services by mediators from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Diana’s commitment to justice and community service has earned her numerous awards including the Florida Justice Association’s “Compassionate Gladiatrix” Award and the “Lawyer of the Year” from American Board of Trial Attorneys (ABOTA) Ft. Lauderdale Chapter. She also is continuously recognized in publications such as “Best Lawyers in America,”” Super Lawyers,” and “Lawdragon’s 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers.” Diana is a member of the Board of Governors for the St. Thomas More Society of South Florida, a Catholic association that honors those in the legal profession.
She has served as an adjunct profession at Nova Southeastern University Law Center. She has held leadership roles in various organizations including the Florida Bar Board of Governors, the Florida Justice Association’s Board of Directors, and she was appointed to the Florida Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Commission.
Diana enjoys music and traveling with her husband, Brian K. Sidella, President of Medical Aesthetics Consulting Group, and spending time with their sons Nickolas and Alexander.
For more information, visit http://www.hispanicwomenofdistinction.comTHE 2025 HISPANIC WOMEN of DISTINCTION ARE:
1. MARISA AZARET, PsyD, Clinical Director, Nicklaus Children’s Psychology Department MIAMI-DADE 2. INES BAUTISTA CAPOTE President/CEO of Mayor Poder Foundation/Senior Power- MIAMI 3. NATY L. DIAZ, Founder, CEO, Prestige Clinical Research Center, Inc. – BROWARD 4. JESSY ALLAIN MENA Donor Relations Mgr. Kids in Distress & Family Central – BROWARD 5. YESENIA MORENO Managing Partner, New Edge Associates, CEO Florida Banking Forum – MIAMI-DADE 6. MARCELA MUNERA Campus Director, Ana G. Mendez University – BROWARD 7. DANAY RODRIGUEZ-ARRITOLA Chief Nursing Officer, Larkin Community Hospital – BROWARD 8. MICHELLE RODRIGUEZ Attorney, GEICO Insurance Company – BROWARD 9. DIANA SANTA MARIA Founder/Managing Attorney, Law Offices of Diana Santa Maria, PA, Bilingual Mediators, Inc. Founder & Mediator – MIAMI-DADE
Real Estate Attorney, Sibila Law – MIAMI-DADE 11. INGRID GUEVARA VANALSTYNE VP of Learning & Culture, Hanley Foundation – PALM BEACH 12. CAROLINE VILLANUEVA South Florida External Affairs Director, Florida Crystals – PALM BEACH 2025 LATINA PIONEER of the YEAR MARIBEL PEREZ WADSWORTHPresident & CEO John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the first Hispanic Woman & First Woman to head Knight Foundation, overseeing a $2.5B endowment to support journalism, community and the arts. – MIAMI-DADE
2025 UP & COMER honoree: ANGELINA NICOLE CAMPOS Title Assistant, American Title Solutions, Phi Beta Kappa honoree, community service advocate and volunteer – BROWARD
TICKETS $110 per person. Sponsorships begin at $1500. For more information, visit: www.hispanicwomenofdistinction.com
