CABA Launches Leadership Program to Empower Future Legal Leaders

2400 South Dixie Highway, Miami, FL, USA - The Cuban American Bar Association (CABA) is at the forefront of fostering leadership within the legal community, and its L.E.A.D. program is making waves. Recently, CABA held its second session of this impactful initiative at Bilzin Sumberg’s Miami offices, where emerging leaders gathered to hone their skills. This program is designed specifically for CABA fellows to equip them with the essential leadership skills needed for CABA, The Florida Bar, and their communities, according to Community Newspapers.

The theme of the session was „Communication in The Legal Profession.“ Esteemed judges and former presidents of CABA, including The Honorable Norma Lindsey, The Honorable Alex Bokor, and The Honorable Kansas Gooden, shared their insights. Notably, Aida C. Rodriguez, CEO of Ascension Global Staffing & Executive Search, and partners from Bilzin Sumberg also contributed to the curriculum, which covered vital topics such as brand communication and the pathway to partnership.

A Diverse Cohort of Leaders

CABA has recently announced eleven new fellows inducting into the L.E.A.D. program, as reported by CityBiz. This Class I cohort includes a diverse group of young professionals from various sectors, poised to make significant contributions to the community. CABA President Giselle Gutierrez emphasized the necessity of self-discovery and ongoing growth in leadership during the announcement.

The inductees are:

• Ian Corp: Business, real estate, and bankruptcy litigation attorney.
• Kyle Forges: Criminal defense Assistant Public Defender.
• Alani Fraga: Associate at Bilzin Sumberg.
• Andy Hernandez: Associate at Martínez-Cid Law.
• Juliette Hernandez: Associate at Stearns Weaver Miller.
• Yoe Lopez: Senior Assistant City Attorney for Miami Beach.
• Joshua Padron: Personal injury associate at Haggard Law Firm.
• Fabian Ruiz: Labor and employment shareholder at GrayRobinson.
• Magbis Sanchez: Of counsel at R+C Litigators.
• Isis Pacheco Velasco: Vice president at Interamerican Bank.
• Jonathan Vita: Associate at Weil, Gotshal & Manges.

A Legacy of Service

CABA, founded back in 1974, stands as one of Florida’s largest bar associations, with a special focus on championing issues affecting the Cuban community and minority rights. As part of its extensive outreach, the creation of CABA Pro Bono Legal Services in 1984 marked a critical step in providing legal help to disadvantaged Spanish speakers lacking access to representation, as highlighted by the CABA Pro Bono website.

The Pro Bono Project has done a remarkable job, assisting over 1,500 community members annually. It connects clients with volunteer attorneys willing to provide their services for free and has taken on significant challenges, from mortgage foreclosure to aiding unaccompanied immigrant minors. They even received recognition as a ‘Point of Light’ from former President George H. W. Bush in 1992!

Looking forward, CABA’s commitment to nurturing future leaders and supporting the community continues to shine brightly. The L.E.A.D. program is just one example of how the organization invests in individuals who are ready to step up and make a difference, embodying the spirit of leadership we all can admire.