Young Latina Cuban-American Law Grad Excels
Arlette Gomez, 2022 Hispanic Woman of Distinction,Up & Comer Honoree
“Our unique perspective, our inherent ability to empathize, and our unyielding strength is part of what makes Hispanic women such indispensable parts of our society. We are a combination of cultures, hardships, and experiences, and our voices deserve to be heard and amplified. “
The “Up & Comer Award” was established to honor young professionals who are committed to their communities, their careers, and who also demonstrate leadership. To that end, Arlette Gomez represents what the future could bring to these rising stars.
Arlette graduated Magna Cum Laude, as Student of the Year from NSU College Law School, and was inducted into the Order of the Barristers. She previously attended Florida State University, where she double majored in Political Science and English with a certification in Emergency Management and Homeland Security.
During Law school, Arlette served as President of the NSU Trial Association, where she led a group of over 80 members, and competed nationally in three trial competitions where she was a Quarter Finalist. She was also a member, and recipient of the “2022 Best Overall Advocate” award for the Moot Court Honor Society. Arlette was on the Dean’s List for all semesters of law school, was a Junior Editor of Nova Law Review, and was chosen to serve as a Teaching and Research Assistant to various Professors after earning the highest grade in three courses. Arlette was also voted the 2022 Student Mentor of the Year by her fellow classmates – for her dedication and contribution to the growth and development of colleagues and community.
Born in Cuba, Arlette came to the United States at a young age, and she immediately sought out Hispanic role models. Her mother was her first role model, since she taught Arlette how to overcome any and all difficult circumstances that she might encounter in life. As a result, Arlette says that through her own resilience, sense of self, and firm ties to her Cuban culture, she has been enabled to dedicate her life to search for answers to difficult questions, and to share her knowledge with those in need and to leave places better than how she found them.
To this end, Arlette also volunteers in community service by participating in Citizen Drives that help residents to complete Citizenship applications at no cost. She served as Director of Finance of NSU Law’s Cuban American Bar Association and is an invitee of the NSU’s highly esteemed group – “President’s 64”.
Additionally, Arlette planned and hosted the first post-Covid 19 live event at NSU Law in 2021, a five-day experience teaching the art of trial advocacy where she focused on the need for diverse instructors – thus reaching out to the Hispanic Bar Association for help. Arlette also hosted a full online trial competition for NTA members and worked to create a program where she connected her law school with a local high school for mentorship and trial coaching.
The ability to study, grow and come into her own in the United States, with the roots she has in Cuba, a place so vastly different, has inspired Arlette and made her determined to share her knowledge and expertise with others. A resident of Miramar, Arlette aims to continue to grow as an advocate, and future attorney while following her mission to make meaningful contributions to her community.
The annual celebration of Community, Culture and Charity honors Latinas in South Florida, past and present.
The 21st annual Hispanic Women of Distinction Charity luncheon to be held on Friday, August 26th, 2022, at Signature Grand in Davie, Florida is anticipating another sell-out of up to 1000 guests paying tribute to Latina professionals who are strengthening the social fabric of this country and making inroads in the leadership pipeline for a growingly diverse America.
Founded in 2001 by the late Erwin M.Vasquez, M.D., a Venezuelan-born cardiologist, philanthropist and publisher of the pioneer Spanish newspaper, El Heraldo de Broward, the goal was to help to empower Latinas and to recognize the influence they have in the South Florida community. These Latinas, both past and present, are not afraid to dream big, to carve their own paths, to be grateful for the opportunities they have received, and to pay it forward to those who will follow.
The 2022 Honorees are:
- ODALYS AREVALO – co-founder, Las Madrinas de Los Seguros, managing partner Sunshine Life & Health Advisors.
- ALEXANDRIA AYALA – School Board Member, Palm Beach County
- DUNIA CUNEO – Owner, Doral Human Resources Consulting
- SYLVIA DAUNERT, PhD, PharmD, MS – Lucille P. Markey Chair and Professor, Dept. Biochemistry/Molecular Biology, Miller School of Medicine
- JESSICA JOSEPH – Manager. Philanthropy/Public Relations, Catholic Hospice, Inc.
- NAELYS LUNA- Ph.D., MSW – Founding Dean & Professor, College of Social Work & Criminal Justice – Florida Atlantic University Work & Criminal Justice – Florida Atlantic University
- AYENZA A. MATTHEWS – Wellness Director, Heal the Planet
- MONICA PAYARES-LIZANO, M.D. – Pediatric, Orthopedic Surgeon, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital
- SUSY DIAZ PIESCO – Exec.Director Middle School of the Arts Foundation, City Councilwoman Greenacres City
- KARINA de OLIVEIRA RODRIGUES – Assistant County Attorney, Broward County Attorneys Office
- VANESSA SELTZER – Director of Philanthropy, Arc Broward
- PATRICIA TREJO – Adm. Program Planner Hispanic/Latino Studies, Palm Beach County School District, FL-ALAS President
2022 LATINA PIONEER of the YEAR
ANA VEIGAMILTON – President, José Milton Foundation, Chair of Jackson Health Foundation, UM Trustee and President of the Citizens Board, lawyer and engineer, committed to impactful philanthropy and community engagement throughout South Florida. Family Values • Community-Wide
UP & COMER HONOREE
ARLETTE GOMEZ – Third year law student at NSU, Shepard Broad College of Law, Dean’s list with awards for outstanding service. Cuban born, this young woman is active on numerous community boards, and NSU’s President’s 64 Member, whose purpose is to strengthen the relationship with the community.
JOIN US on August 26th to honor these fantastic women! Tickets $95 per person, table sponsorship $1500. For more information email: hispanicwomenlunch@aol.com. www.hispanicwomenofdistinction.com
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