Marcela grew up in San Francisco and is the child of Salvadoran immigrants. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Riverside. She also studied abroad at Leiden University in the Netherlands. Having received a teaching grant from the Ministry of Education, Marcela served as an English Language and Cultural Educator in Spain.
She earned her J.D. from Golden Gate University School of Law in San Francisco with a specialization in Public Interest Law. During law school, she served as a judicial extern to Magistrate Judge Maria-Elena James at the United States District Court, Northern District of California. She also served at the Women’s Employment Rights Clinic, where she successfully argued a case before an administrative law judge.
As a member of the California State Bar, Marcela has practiced immigration and family law. She specializes in employment and family-based immigration, including H-1B, L-1, E-3, TN, O-1, I-130, adjustment of status, and naturalization. She is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. Marcela is fluent in Spanish.
Life motto:
- Be the change you wish to see in the world.
Most interesting job:
- Teacher assistant for art and dance class
How would you describe yourself?
- Tenacious and compassionate
One thing you would like to see or do before you die:
- Seven Wonders of the World.
Most Favorite place on Earth:
Career choice as a child:
