Latinas in Law: Alumnae Advocate for Immigrants in Valley

Linda Barreto ('08), Jessica Jaramillo Perez ('14) and Alejandra Tenorio Zurita ('20) all knew at a young age that they wanted to become lawyers. What they didn't know, however, was that UC Merced would play a pivotal role in merging their paths to create a powerhouse that advocates for hundreds of immigrants in the Central Valley.

All three alumnae are Latina, Valley natives and working in the field of immigration law. They are part of the New American Legal Clinic (NALC) at San Joaquin College of Law (SJCL) in Clovis. Founded in 2012, the NALC is a full-service immigration clinic that trains law students in immigration law and serves under-resourced individuals in the community. Barreto, a professor at the college, is the executive director of the clinic; Perez is a staff attorney after a stint as a volunteer attorney; and Zurita, a third-year law student, is a research assistant.

In order to get a glimpse of the personal passion that drives each of these professionals, one must make stops in cities along Highway 99. All three agree that their experiences at home and school instilled in them the discipline and hunger to fight for what is right and defend those who are unable to defend themselves.

Ticket to Her Future

Barreto was born and raised in Fresno. In 2005, she joined the inaugural class at UC Merced, where three years later she received a degree in psychology.

"We were pioneers. I loved the opportunity to open a new campus," she said. "I never thought I would have the chance to go to a UC so close to home and receive a prestigious education."

People told Barreto she wanted to be a lawyer because as a child she liked to argue. Chuckling, she said it's been more about proving a point and doing what is right.

That sentiment was in full drive when she received a citation for making a left-hand turn on campus. Barreto went to traffic court, diagramed the entire incident, and successfully fought the ticket. Prior to this, she had thought twice about attending law school after her time at UC Merced, but she realized there was no turning back.

"I was like, 'OK, I'm doing this,'" she recounted. "It's a calling."

Barreto said taking the reins of the NALC reminded her of the pioneer spirit she felt when embarking at UC Merced — an institution that prepared her to be on the same page as her counterparts in law school.

"Even if Latinas don't normally have a seat at the table, I was prepared to have a seat at the table because of my education," Barreto said. "UC Merced didn't teach me law, but it instilled discipline, rigor and wanting to achieve academic excellence, which is what you need in law school."

Latina Support Found

Perez was born in Merced and raised a few miles away in Winton. She majored in political science with a minor in Spanish. A member of the Class of 2014, she was part of the Associated Students of UC Merced (ASUCM), which prepared her for advocacy and public speaking. She also studied bylaws and even discovered a grant for undergraduate students that had not been used for some time.

Out of everything she encountered at the university, Perez said it was the different kinds of people that allowed her to grow.

"Because of UC Merced's diversity, it was easier to engage with others," she said. "I took part in public speaking, ran for office and advocated for students I could relate to."

During her undergraduate years, Perez said, she took nothing for granted. That feeling was nothing new since she said Latinos in general have so much gratitude for the opportunities they receive.

"I had moments where I could vividly recall where I was sitting in class and thought, 'Wow, am I lucky to be here,'" she said. "It's not something that's expected or guaranteed that we're going to get. It gives me a bigger appreciation for everything."

Out of all the support Perez found, it was a chance meeting with Barreto that filled a void she longed to fill.

"It's hard to find people to confide in and receive help from, but it's getting better with time," she said. "However, I took Professor Barreto's class at SJCL and instantly felt I could relate to her. I had never had this before. It's hard to find this as a Latina. Finding a female attorney mentor was a big reason why I applied to work here at the clinic."

Todo Para La Familia (Everything for the Family)

Zurita was born in Merced and raised in the town of Planada. She majored in Spanish with a minor in political science. It was an easy decision to attend UC Merced because of its proximity to her hometown.

"It was my first step into the real world," she said. "Some classes at Merced were the size of my high school graduating class."

But becoming a Bobcat didn't mean she was settling one bit. Zurita knew she was receiving a world-class education that the UC system is known for. She had several resources at her disposal, including professors from the Department of Political Science, pre-law courses, the Pre-Law Society and ASUCM. She was also making connections with others in the field.

"The interactions at UC Merced played a role in me deciding to go to law school," she said. "I heard of alumna Linda Barreto from a staff member at the library, who recommended I learn more about her. That opened the opportunity for me to network."

Zurita's connection with her family and heritage are what keep her going to finish law school. She said fulfilling this dream is not only for her but for her parents, who have done so much for the family.

"Coming from a small town, it's hard to excel in academics and finding a job," she said. "Being a Latina has given me a lot of strength and motivation because I look into my roots, and I see all the struggles my parents had to go through. They are first-generation immigrants, and no one in my family obtained any type of education until I did. It's very empowering."

The NALC keeps Zurita busy with a variety of immigration cases, but she's been used to it. In February, she assisted her grandmother in renewing her permanent resident card. In the past, she also worked with a nonprofit organization that helped recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.