Fall 2025 Winner of the Legal Legacy Scholarship

Edith Fuentes

With her law degree, Edith hopes to expand legal access to the underserved communities. She also wants to be a positive example for other first-generation students. Congratulations, Edith, we look forward to all of the amazing things you will accomplish!

Read Their Essay Here:

As a first-generation Mexican American and first-generation law student, I carry with me the sacrifices, struggles, and resilience of my family. My parents immigrated to the United States in search of opportunity, and I grew up watching them navigate systems that were not always designed with families like mine in mind. From an early age, I understood the power of advocacy—whether it was helping my parents interpret legal documents, supporting my brother with autism as he fought for access to services, or standing by my community when it needed a voice. These experiences shaped not only my decision to attend law school, but also the purpose with which I intend to use my degree.

Throughout my life, I have committed myself to public service. I have worked in government roles, engaged in pro bono initiatives, and contributed to projects that advance equity and fairness. Public service has not just been an activity—it has been a guiding principle. My work at the U.S. Department of Transportation, NASA, and now in private-sector legal internships has shown me that meaningful change can come from many different directions, but it always requires integrity, persistence, and a commitment to justice.

With my law degree, I want to bridge the gap between underserved communities and the institutions that often seem inaccessible or intimidating. Specifically, I aim to practice in fields where law, technology, and civil rights intersect—such as cybersecurity, privacy, and emerging technologies. As technology continues to shape our daily lives, I believe it is critical to ensure that legal protections keep pace, and that vulnerable populations are not left behind. Cybersecurity and privacy are not abstract concerns; they directly affect families like mine who rely on digital platforms for work, education, and communication. I want to be at the forefront of shaping policies and advocating for protections that safeguard individuals while supporting innovation.

Equally important, I want to serve as a role model for students who, like me, are the first in their families to walk the halls of higher education. Representation matters. When students from immigrant families see someone who looks like them, speaks their language, and understands their challenges succeed in the legal profession, it can open doors to possibilities they may never have imagined.

My contribution to making society better will not come from one single case or policy win. Instead, it will come from a lifetime of service: advocating for fairness in the courtroom and in communities, mentoring young students, supporting inclusive legal frameworks, and never forgetting the roots that inspired me to pursue law in the first place. I want my career to reflect the same values my family taught me—hard work, dignity, and the belief that justice should be accessible to all.

In this way, I hope to use my law degree not just as a professional credential, but as a tool for empowerment, equity, and lasting social impact.