Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
My life route was definitely traveled down broken roads. I grew up in the South Bronx along with my three sisters. We grew up on welfare and the stigma associated with it.
I was a very shy child who found solace in reading and writing. After high school, I planned to stay home to attend college. My H.S. guidance counselor convinced me to go away to college - glad I did.
I always wanted to become an attorney but didn't know how to make this happen. I met a 'real life attorney' who showed me how to study for the LSAT and apply to law school. I graduated from Villanova.
Life remained tough after law school. Despite graduating and passing several bar exams, I could not find a job. My first job out of law school was opening mail. I needed to pay my bills, so I did it.
My first job as an attorney, my paycheck kept bouncing. My second job, I almost lost my sanity as my boss was a tyrant. Ten legal jobs later, I landed at Travelers. God blessed my broken roads.
Almost 13 years later, I am still here - and happy!
Education
High School
A. Philp Randolph Campus H.S.
A. Philp Randolph Campus H.S.
Doctorate
Juris Doctor
Villanova Law School
Juris Doctor
Villanova Law School
Certification/License
Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter
American Institute
Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter
American Institute
Career
Associate Managing Attorney
I lead a talented team of attorneys and paralegals. Together, we assist our claim partners in defending claims.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Law
Writing
Being Creative
Day to Day
A typical day starts with walking around the office to say good morning to everyone and chatting about anything of interest to us. I find this to be a necessary part of my day. I seem to become energized from my teammates, build a connection to start our day so that we can handle whatever the day has in store. As a manager, I spend a considerable amount of time in meetings with our various partners discussing or refining case strategies.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for everyone
I would say to reach out to someone who is working in the industry. You would be pleasantly surprised how willing people are to help you get started.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Doctorate
Juris Doctor
Juris Doctor
Certification/License
Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter
Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Myself:
"I was very shy, insecure and had zero self confidence. I grew up very poor and I allowed this to determine my self-worth. Even after I graduated from law school and passed several bar exams, I lacked self confidence. I stood in my own way for many years."
Challenges I Overcame
First-Generation College Student
Interviewed By
