Validation

Alma Martinez, legal administrative assistant in the Los Angeles office, was born in Santa Ana, El Salvador. When she was six years old her mother left for the United States, and at the age of 10, Alma wrote and asked to join her. Her mom, Dolores, traveled back to Santa Ana and then together, they undertook a dangerous, two-week journey to America. Memories of that journey are very vivid for Alma – she has never forgotten her excitement for what was to come.

Despite her initial homesickness for Santa Ana, Alma was determined to succeed in America. From humble beginnings running a paper route, to being selected as an intern for a local L.A. law firm, to attending night school pursuing a litigation secretarial certificate, to joining Barnes & Thornburg – all while working toward attaining her U.S. citizenship – Alma found support and validation every step of the way.

We learned about Alma’s story because of the L.A. office’s recent celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. The office hosted a special luncheon to showcase the native cultures and cuisines of our colleagues, with foods from Belize, Columbia, El Salvador, Mexico, and Venezuela. The meal was delicious, but according to Alma, the most incredible outcome was the safe space it created to share her story.

Stories are a communal currency of humanity.

– Tahir Shah, author and journalist

“I come from humble beginnings, but I’m grateful and don’t take anything for granted. I came here, learned English and went through the hard challenges that come with becoming a citizen. Coming through the hard times has made me a resilient and thankful person,” said Alma.

“Inclusion means something different for each of us. Being validated for who you are and what you have to offer is a never-ending gift … one that I’ll never stop appreciating.”