I opened my own law firm in 2005 to provide immigration legal services to individuals and families whose most precious goal is to reside in the United States and achieve the American Dream. I wanted to have a neighborhood office that provided professional and ethical services to those most vulnerable in our society. Although I had been practicing law for almost 17 years, I had no business experience. Owning your own business creates very distinct challenges. I had to follow my heart, my sense of fairness and the work ethic my parents had taught me. I attended every business expo, seminar, and workshop being offered including the LATINA Style Business Series offered at the McDonald’s Campus in Oak Brook Illinois in 2007. I soon realized that I had to become well versed in four key areas in order to succeed as a Latina Business Woman: Marketing, Access to Funds, Management and Technology. The process was challenging but exciting. I was able to put my own personal stamp on my business. Success or failure was all in my hands. There were no excuses allowed. There was no glass ceiling. I set my own standards and goals. I determined my destiny.

The formula is simple. Our clients are treated in a professional, cordial and sympathetic manner. We are very unpretentious. Most of my clients never remember my last name for I am known in the community as “La Abogada Teresita.� Our attorneys delight in the daily contact with our clients and are invested in the constant practice, defense and advocacy of immigration law. As of November of 2009 our attorneys have been offering free immigration seminars every other Tuesday. These seminars have greatly benefited the community as many of the crucial eligibility questions are being answered. The recent economic downturn has also thrown a harsh light on the unscrupulous business practices to which the most vulnerable members of our communities are subject. This has been a new challenge for my business to overcome; once a person’s trust has been broken, it is very difficult for them to believe that anyone can honestly assess their situation and help them. It is a challenge, however, that I zealously tackle. It has been yet another learning experience that I did not anticipate but has made my business efforts and my dedication to the community I work and live in more rewarding. My firm is also involved with Latino youth education. I have been a Girl Scout troop leader for seven years. Through the ties I have been fortunate enough to establish in my community, my firm has been able to secure sponsorships for the programs and trips that allow the future of our Latino community to participate in events such as the Latino Law Forum at Northwestern University, tour the Juvenile Division of the Cook County Circuit Court and the Chicago 10th District Police Station. I believe that by being a leader to the youth in this community, my firm can lend a hand in inspiring the future entrepreneurs that will return to and uplift these communities. I tell my troop that education is the key to success, not only for them as young girls but also as they get older, and for me as their leader. In search of an opportunity to enhance my business education and help build a foundation for our next Latina leaders, I applied for the Anna Maria Memorial Business Fund Award. To my delight I was chosen to receive this prestigious award and attend Dartmouth University’s Tuck School of Business. I look forward to spending a week among other great Latinas in whom I see my own passion for our various enterprises, professions and communities reflected. By Teresita Marsal-Avila