Meet Adriana Palomares | Attorney/Author/Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Adriana Palomares and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Adriana, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Taking risks has played a significant role in my life and career. Initially, the decision to migrate to the U.S. with my family was a monumental risk, as we left behind our familiar environment and ventured into the unknown in pursuit of a better future. Throughout my academic and professional journey, I’ve continued to embrace risk-taking as a means of growth and advancement. For instance, when I decided to pursue higher education despite financial constraints and societal pressures, I was taking a risk. It required stepping out of my comfort zone, juggling multiple jobs, and navigating unfamiliar territory. Similarly, when I chose to major in English at UCLA, I followed my passion despite uncertainty about future career prospects. This decision ultimately served me well in my career in law. Perhaps one of the most significant risks I took was the decision to move to Portland, Oregon, to attend law school, despite facing numerous challenges and feeling out of place. It required courage to leave behind familiarity and support systems, but it also presented opportunities for personal and professional growth. Even after establishing a successful career as a lawyer, I recognized the need for change when I no longer found fulfillment in my work. Quitting my job, selling my possessions, and moving back to Mexico was another risk I took to pursue new opportunities. In retrospect, embracing risk has been instrumental in shaping my trajectory. Each decision to step into the unknown has been accompanied by valuable lessons, personal growth, and new opportunities. While risks may entail uncertainty and discomfort, they also hold the potential for immense rewards and fulfillment. Trusting in my ability to navigate challenges and adapt to change has been crucial in my willingness to take risks and pursue my aspirations.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career has been a journey marked by resilience, determination, and a passion for making a positive impact. I have an unwavering commitment to authenticity, advocacy for social justice, and continuing to empowering myself and others. One of my proudest accomplishments is becoming the first member of my family to earn a college degree, followed by successfully graduating from law school, establishing a career as an attorney, becoming an entrepreneur and the author of my debut novel Brava, A Latina Lawyer’s Path to Empowerment. Despite facing numerous challenges along the way, including financial constraints, cultural barriers, and self-doubt, I remained steadfast in my pursuit of excellence. My path to where I am today has been anything but easy. From navigating the complexities of the U.S. education system as a first-generation immigrant to overcoming imposter syndrome in predominantly white spaces, I encountered obstacles at every turn. However, I refused to let adversity define me or limit my potential. Instead, I embraced each challenge as an opportunity for growth and learning. Whether it was seeking support from mentors and peers, leveraging resources available to me, or tapping into my own resilience, I found ways to overcome obstacles and move forward. Throughout my journey, I’ve learned invaluable lessons about the power of perseverance, the importance of self-belief, and the impact of community support. I’ve also come to realize the significance of staying true to oneself and following one’s passion, even in the face of uncertainty or opposition. As an attorney, author, and entrepreneur, I strive to inspire others to pursue their dreams and create positive change in their communities. What I want the world to know about me is that I am deeply committed to making this world a better place. Whether through my legal advocacy, literary endeavors, or cultural entrepreneurship, I aim to challenge systemic injustices, amplify marginalized voices, and support those with forgotten dreams. I am excited to continue making a meaningful impact and inspiring others to pursue their passions fearlessly.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: We’ll start the day with a slow hike at Griffith Park to enjoy breathtaking views of the city and the iconic Hollywood sign. After our hike, we’ll grab lunch at Grand Central Market in downtown Los Angeles, where we can sample a variety of delicious food from different vendors. After lunch we’ll explore the vibrant arts district of downtown LA, checking out street art, galleries, and unique shops. For dinner, we’ll head to Avenue 26 Tacos, one of the many fantastic taco spots in the area. Day 2: We’ll spend the day shopping. We would first head to the famous Fashion District and get lost in Santee Alley. We would have a bacon wrapped hot dog for lunch. We would then head to Rodeo Drive and The Grove for more shopping. We would end our day having a late lunch at the Farmer’s Market at the Grove.
Day 3: We would do a half day trip to Malibu and spend the morning relaxing on Point Dume beach. We’ll have lunch at Malibu Farm Pier Cafe, known for its farm-to-table cuisine and stunning ocean views. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Malibu Wine Safari for a unique experience of wine tasting. We will end the day having dinner at the Santa Monica pier while we take in the beautiful ocean views.
Day 4: It would be a day to explore the cultural side of Los Angeles. We would visit museums like the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) or the Broad. We’ll have lunch at Placita Olvera. In the afternoon, we’ll take a guided tour of the historic Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre. For dinner, I would take my friend to dine at a rooftop restaurant in downtown LA, like Perch or Spire 73 to enjoy the panoramic views of the city skyline.
Day 5 and 6 we would spend at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.
Day 7: We will go for a good massage in Pasadena. We would then relax and unwind with a leisurely brunch at a charming cafe in the area. We would visit the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. For dinner at Pez Coastal Kitchen in Old Town Pasadena.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to several individuals and groups who have played pivotal roles in my journey: My Parents: My parents’ courage and sacrifice in migrating to the U.S. laid the foundation for my opportunities. Their unwavering support, love, and encouragement have been my guiding light through every challenge and triumph.
Mentors and Counselors: Programs like The Puente Project and The UCLA Law Fellows provided me with invaluable guidance and support during my college years. The counselors and mentors I met through these programs believed in my potential and helped me navigate the complexities of higher education.
My Peers and Close Friends: Connecting with fellow first-generation college students who shared similar challenges and aspirations provided me with a sense of community and solidarity. Their friendship, empathy, and shared experiences helped me persevere through difficult times.
My Siblings: During moments of doubt and uncertainty, my siblings’ unwavering faith in my abilities served as a source of motivation. Their resilience and love guided me through some of the toughest decisions in my life, reminding me never to give up on myself. Their unconditional love and support has always been my safe landing.
My Community: The support and encouragement of my Latinx community, both in the U.S. and Mexico, have been instrumental in my journey. Their pride in my accomplishments and belief in my potential have fueled my determination to create positive change and give back to my community.
Each of these individuals, groups, and influences has played a unique role in shaping my story and contributing to my success. I am grateful for their support, mentorship, and love, and I dedicate my shoutout to them with immense gratitude and appreciation.

Website: www.latinalegaltales.com

Instagram: @latinalegaltales

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/apalomares1

Facebook: Latina Legal Tales

Image Credits
Leroy Hamilton for personal photo