Ohio Northern University Pettit College of Law online student Felida Villarreal is already making a name for herself.
Villareal is among a group of Latino professionals being nationally recognized this month for being a trailblazer of change in her community.
The event, to be held November 21, 2024, in Washington D.C., will honor 30 individuals under the age of 30 for making significant strides to uplift their communities and create lasting impact.
Villarreal, president and CEO of nonprofit VIDA, empowers less fortunate Rio Grande Valley, Texas residents through job training and education opportunities.
“I believe it’s crucial to equip our most vulnerable populations with the necessary resources and tools to achieve education success, which goes beyond financial assistance for academic costs,” Villareal explains. “Addressing critical issues such as childcare, transportation, career counseling, and mentoring are essential to promote education persistence, completion, and credential attainment.”
After years of working in the nonprofit sector, Villarreal decided to obtain her juris doctor online through ONU. “I’ve witnessed firsthand significant injustices and inequities suffered by underrepresented demographics. I believe obtaining a J.D. is an invaluable opportunity to be a voice for the most vulnerable populations of our communities,” she says. She wants to, “protect both the individual and collective rights of people facing discriminatory, unjust, or unlawful circumstances.”
Villarreal joins a growing number of non-traditional law students who are juggling jobs, families, and school in a geographic area of the country where attending law school in person is not an option. While striking a balance is challenging, she wants to set a positive example for her seven-year-old daughter, Amairani.
“My wish is for her to realize that neither your background, age, gender, ethnicity, where you live, your profession, nor the school you attend determines your success; it’s you – your ambition and your willingness to work harder than anyone else that defines your success,” says Villarreal. “Finally, I want her to know that regardless of the future career path she chooses, she has the potential to make a positive impact in our community, and that’s a personal value I hope she always remembers.”