2025 Recipients
Valerie-Garcia Aguilar - Law Student Scholarship
"I am Valerie Garcia-Aguilar, a first-generation law student. I am currently in my second year of law school at the University of La Verne College of Law. I am pursuing law to uplift underrepresented voices and give back to my community by advocating for justice and equity in spaces where we are often unseen. I hope to practice at the intersection of immigration and criminal defense after law school. Ultimately, my goal is to become an immigration judge, where I can continue advocating for immigrant rights and ensure fairness and dignity for those navigating our complex legal system."
Rebeckah Hong - Recent Graduate / Bar Candidate Scholarship
Rebekah Hong is a recent graduate from the University of La Verne College of Law and Public Service. During law school, she served as President and past Secretary of APALSA and as Senior Staff Editor/Communications Officer of the Law Review. She recently completed a Post-Bar Law Clerkship at the San Bernardino District Attorney's Office as a certified law clerk and indicated that the scholarship would support her February 2026 California Bar Exam efforts.
2024 Recipients
Madison Zuniga - Law Student Scholarship
"My name is Madison Zuniga and I am currently a second-year student at UC Law San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings). Growing up in the Inland Empire, I developed a strong connection to my community and a desire to give back. After earning my undergraduate degree at UCLA, I interned with the Riverside District Attorney's Office and worked with private firms, which sparked my interest in corporate law. As a Latina and first-generation law student, I hope to create opportunities for future generations and serve my community."
Maya Gortarez - Recent Graduate / Bar Candidate Scholarship
Maya Gortarez grew up in the Inland Empire and has developed a deep commitment to advocating for educational equity and supporting underserved communities in the region. Recently, she graduated from the University of La Verne, College of Law and Public Service with a Juris Doctor, where her campus engagement strengthened her resolve to uplift and represent underserved communities. While at the University of La Verne, Maya was recognized academically on the Dean’s List and awarded the Paul Egly Endowed Scholarship.
Maya’s passion for public service has been reinforced through roles such as serving as a CalBar Legal Aid Leaders Fellow at the Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino, interning for a personal injury firm, and working as a substitute teacher for Riverside Unified School District.
As a first-generation law student, Maya aims to support and uplift the Hispanic community in the legal field and is grateful for the support of the Hispanic Bar Association of the Inland Empire.
2023 Recipients
Kaley Rivanis - Law Student Scholarship
Phoenisha-Alexzandria Schuhmeier - Recent Graduate / Bar Candidate Scholarship
2022 Recipients
- Law Student Scholarship
- Recent Graduate / Bar Candidate Scholarship