2026 Officers & Directors

Laura Hassan,
President

I have dedicated my career to advancing justice, equity, and opportunity. As an attorney and community leader, I am deeply committed to uplifting the Latinx community and expanding access to the legal profession.

Since joining the Orange County Hispanic Bar Association (OCHBA) in 2021, I have had the privilege of serving as Chief Financial Officer in 2022 and 2023, Vice President in 2024, and currently as President-Elect for 2025. Throughout my years on the OCHBA Board, I have worked to strengthen mentorship opportunities, expand immigration clinics to those in need, and foster meaningful connections between attorneys, judges, and law students.

My passion for service extends beyond the OCHBA. I have dedicated significant time to pro bono work advocating for survivors of domestic violence through my work with Laura’s House. These experiences continue to inspire my commitment to justice and compassion in leadership.

My vision is to continue building an inclusive and forward-thinking bar association; one that empowers our members, celebrates our shared culture, and amplifies our collective voice in the legal community.

It is a true honor for me to serve as this year’s President, continuing our mission with integrity, collaboration, and heart – always remembering there is strength in diversity, power in unity.

Alejandro Ruiz

President-Elect

Alex Ruiz is a long-time member of the HBA and has served on its Board of Directors for the last two years.  This year, in addition to serving on the HBA’s Executive Committee and Foundation Committee, Alex will once again serve as Chair of the Judicial Evaluations Committee, Co-Chair of the HBA’s Scholarship Committee, and member of the Finance Committee.  Previously, Alex served on the HBA’s Bylaws Committee where he was tasked with revising and updating the HBA’s Bylaws.

In addition to the HBA, Alex currently serves as the Secretary for the Orange County chapter of the Association of Business Trial Lawyers (“ABTL”) and has been a long-standing member of the OCBA Labor & Employment Law Section.

In his practice, Alex is a partner with Payne & Fears LLP where he serves as the Co-Chair of the firm’s Employment Law Group and a member of the firm’s Diversity Committee.  Alex represents several of the firm’s clients in employment and business litigation matters and, being fluent in Spanish, is frequently called upon to liaise with Spanish-speaking clients, translate legal documents, and make Spanish language presentations to Spanish-speaking workforces.

Alex received his JD from Loyola Law School and his BA from Harvard University.  He enjoys spending his free time with his wife and three young children.

Jennifer Corona
Vice President

Jennifer Corona (“Jenny”) is a family law attorney in Newport Beach. Jenny was born and raised in Orange County and was born to Mexican immigrant parents. As the first in her family to go to college, obtain a master’s degree, and to become a lawyer, Jenny strongly believes in the power of mentorship and education.

As the eldest of four children, Jenny always felt the need to set an example for her three younger siblings. This propelled her to prioritize education at a young age.

Upon graduating from UC Berkeley, and before law school, Jenny was a bilingual educator in the state of Texas through Teach for America.

During law school, Jenny was President of her school’s Latino Student Bar Association, served on Law Review, represented clients bro bono in immigration matters, and was the Pacific Regional Director of the National Latino Law Student Association.

Following law school, Jenny limits her practice to family law matters in Orange County. When she is not with her Minyard Morris or OCHBA family, networking, or mentoring, Jenny is finding the next new Netflix show to binge or planning her next dinner with her husband.

Manohar Sukumar,
CFO

Manohar Sukumar is a public interest attorney committed to advancing access to justice and health equity in Orange County. He has been an active member of the Orange County Hispanic Bar Association (OCHBA) for the past two terms, serving as Chair of the Community Outreach Committee for much of that time. In this role, he has led initiatives that connect attorneys with the community through free legal clinics, backpack drives, and educational events.

He aims to streamline the reimbursement process, strengthen fundraising efforts around the newly established OCHBA Foundation, and ensure that every dollar spent reflects the organization’s mission.

He previously served as Comptroller for his dormitory at UCLA and as Treasurer of the Student Bar Association in law school. Manohar holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from UCLA, a Master of Public Health in Community Health Education from Cal State Long Beach, and a Juris Doctor from Lewis & Clark Law School.

Violeta Schultz

Secretary

Violeta Schultz is an attorney at Barth Calderon LLP, where she focuses her practice on estate planning, business law, and asset protection, with a focus on empowering families and individuals across Southern California, including strong outreach within the Hispanic community. Licensed to practice law in both California and Mexico, Violeta offers clients a valuable cross-border perspective and delivers strategic, bilingual legal guidance tailored to their personal and business goals.

With a Juris Doctor from the University of Guadalajara and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International Business and Economic Law from the University of Southern California (USC Gould School of Law), Violeta bridges global insight with a deep understanding of clients’ diverse backgrounds.

Prior to entering private practice, Violeta served at the Orange County Superior Court, where she played a vital role in bridging the gap between the legal system and access to information for the community. She continues her commitment to public service as an adjunct professor in the Legal Studies Department at Rancho Santiago Community College and as a board member of several nonprofits. Through her ongoing initiatives, she leads a growing movement to expand access to free legal education and resources in English and Spanish for all.

Frank Chirino

Immediate Past President 

Frank Chirino is a founding partner and the lead trial attorney at Ayala Chirino LLP, specializing in the area of catastrophic personal injury.

Having spent more than a decade on the defense side, litigating cases on behalf of major insurance companies, he possesses a comprehensive understanding of injury litigation, which he proudly employs to achieve the best possible results for his clients.

Frank has resolved countless cases through settlement negotiations, mediation and trial. As an advocate for injured parties, it is his honor to work tirelessly to ensure that his clients receive fair treatment and just compensation.

Frank is active in several local organizations, including the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association, the Consumer Attorneys of California, and the OC Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, he is a member of Business Networking International’s first all Spanish-speaking chapter – Lideres Sin Limites.

He is an avid martial artist, with almost 35 years of experience, and has black belts in three separate disciplines.

Allison Aguirre Kray
Director

Allison Aguirre Kray is a senior employment litigation attorney at FedEx, where she serves as in-house counsel handling employment litigation and wage and hour class actions. Prior to FedEx, Allison was a business litigator at Michelman & Robinson, LLP, where she represented individual and institutional clients in a wide range of business disputes and employment matters.

This past year, Allison has enjoyed serving on the Orange County Hispanic Bar Association’s Board of Directors, where she helped plan several of the organization’s signature events, including the Honorable Francis Muñoz Poderosa Event, the Annual Judge’s BBQ, and the End of the Summer Mixer.

A proud double Trojan, Allison earned both her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Communication and her Juris Doctor from the University of Southern California. During law school, she was actively involved in the USC Law Mediation Clinic, served as Editor-in-Chief of the USC Review of Law and Social Justice, and held a leadership role on the executive board of the USC Latino Law Students Association.

As a third-generation Orange County resident, Allison is deeply committed to continuing her family’s legacy of service within the Hispanic and broader Orange County community. She is enthusiastic about continuing her work with the OCHBA to increase Latino representation in in-house corporate counsel positions and mentor emerging attorneys and law students interested in this field.

Miguel I. Alvarez

Director

Miguel I. Alvarez is a Workers' Compensation attorney. Mr. Alvarez is currently an associate at Mullen & Filippi, LLP. Mr. Alvarez focuses on defending all aspects of a Workers' Compensation claim.

Miguel has been involved in the California Workers' Compensation system since 2011. Prior to joining Mullen & Filippi, he was a solo practitioner before transitioning to the role of head of the Workers' Compensation Department at an Applicant firm. Miguel's experience on both sides of a Workers' Compensation case allows him to tailor his services to the needs of the client.

Outside of work, Miguel enjoys taking camping trips with his family across the U.S. and Mexico. Born and raised in Ensenada, Mexico, Miguel is fluent in Spanish.

Shelly Aronson

Director

I’d like to thank the HBA for giving me the honor and privilege of serving this incredible organization as your President (2024), mmediate Past President (2025) and the new OCHBA Foundation President (2025-2026). Serving the HBA has given me a unique perspective into the pursuit of the HBA’s Mission of providing mentorship to Latinx community students and young lawyers, and by providing opportunities and resources for education through Scholarships and Bar Stipends.

The HBA offers MCLE resources as well as programs in collaboration with EGM Legal Academy to provide hope and opportunities to high school and college students for paths to college and law school. I have been instrumental in creating new programs for the HBA including health and wellness programs to provide resources for achieving work-life balance in our legal community. Most importantly, I am proud to announce the creation of the OCHBA Foundation, the Phlianthropic and Charitable arm of the HBA. This has been my dream for a year and a half, and it is slowly coming to fruition! The 501(c)(3) Foundation will definitely be up and running during 2026, and potentially in time for the Gala.

These are historically challenging times for immigrants, especially those of Latinx ancestry, with the urgent need to protect diversity and the importance of preserving our rich immigrant culture. Now, more than ever, we see immigrants losing their rights and their voices during this awful trend backwards in time to an ugly period where immigrants are profiled and judged by their background, their ancestral language, their jobs, and their skin color. I have dedicated my career of over 40 years with the Orange County Public Defender and in private law practice to protecting the rights of those traditionally marginalized by society which has instilled in me a deep passion for this work. I am still fighting for my clients in the OCPD’s Office, to implement new amerliorative and rehabilitave laws for resentencing of juveniles and young adults, imprisoned by a system filled with over 85% individuals of color from backgrounds of family dysfunction, substance abuse, gang affiliation, and poverty. The HBA’s work with the OCBA and the Unity Bar and other organizations is dedicated to providing a path for success to marginalized youth and families faced with any of these difficult issues.

I remain committed to working on social issues of inequality and injustice to continue the HBA’s Mission.

Christopher J. Ayala
Director

Christopher J. Ayala is a founding partner at Ayala Chirino LLP, specializing in the area of catastrophic personal injury.

Christopher graduated with Honors obtaining his bachelor's degree in Business Administration Management and a minor in Philosophy from California State University, Fullerton. Mr. Ayala received his Juris Doctorate from Whittier Law School in 2011, graduated Magna Cum Laude, was a Law Review member, and on the Trial Advocacy Honors Board. He also received two CALI Awards in Legal Writing and Professional Skills. He was then admitted to the California State Bar in December 2011. He is a first-generation college graduate and attorney. 

By understanding the struggles faced by our Hispanic Community, he has volunteered at various pro-bono immigration clinics, health fairs, food banks, and has offered pro-bono services to DACA applicants. In 2012, he received the Wiley W. Manuel Certificate for Pro Bono Legal Services from the State Bar of California.

Christopher is committed to providing his clients with legal representation based on integrity, compassion, and experience. He will go above and beyond to meet his clients’ goals and objectives. Over 90% of his clients are Latino and Spanish speakers. He has a natural ability to connect with and understand each client’s unique circumstances because of his fluency in Spanish and cultural background.

Christopher’s parents immigrated to the United States at a young age and taught him the importance of an education, hard work, and having integrity in all that you do.

Jeannette Garcia
Director

Jeannette Garcia is a family law and estate planning attorney. After six years of working for various prestigious family law firms, in 2021, Ms. Garcia opened her own family law practice in Orange County, the Law Office of Jeannette Garcia, APC. In January 2025 she added estate planning to her practice to help the Latinx community with protecting their legacy. Ms. Garcia is a first-generation Latina and proud daughter of immigrant parents. She was born and raised in Orange County where she graduated top of her high school class at Santa Ana High School (Once a Saint, Always a Saint!).

She attended the University of California, Irvine ("UCI") on a full scholarship and received a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology, Law and Society and Psychology and Social Behavior. While pursuing her Bachelor’s degree, she interned with the Juvenile Defenders, where she established a passion for law. 

Ms. Garcia received her Juris Doctorate from Western State College of Law ("Western State") in 2015, graduating Cum Laude. While at Western State, she received a merit-based full-tuition scholarship for two years and earned a Criminal Law Certificate. Additionally, she was part of the Law Review, Mock Trial Team, and she was President of the Latino Student Bar Association.

She was admitted to the California State Bar in 2015. Ms. Garcia has worked in the family law field for over 10 years. Prior to opening her own practice, Ms. Garcia litigated family law cases at large and prestigious family law firms in Orange County, where she gained valuable experience in complex financial cases, including high net- worth matters, business valuations, and tracing, among others.  

Ms. Garcia has been a board member of the Orange County Hispanic Bar Association since 2017, where she has served on the executive board and board of directors in various capacities. Ms. Garcia joined the Orange County Women Lawyers Association as a board of director in 2025.

Ms. Garcia is married and has two daughters- a six- and  three-year old. When not working or administering her law practice, she spends her time with her family. 

Christopher Hernandez

Director

Chris grew up locally in Boyle Heights. Chris is an Alumni of UC Irvine, Cal. Western, and the Trial Lawyers College.

He practices personal injury, criminal, and family law.

In addition, Chris shares an office with Llyod Freeburg in Fullerton and also has an office at the Riverside Bar Building. Chris is also an Adjunct Professor. Chris resides with his beautiful wife. 

Gardenia Montero

Director

Gardenia Montero is a Deputy Attorney General for the California Department of Justice. Ms. Montero is part of the Employment Law Section and provides legal representation to state agencies and state officials in state and federal courts and in administrative proceedings involving personnel matters and claims of employment discrimination, harassment, failure to accommodate disabilities, retaliation, and other employment claims.

Prior to joining the California Department of Justice, Ms. Montero was a civil litigation attorney at Schell Nuelle, LLP. During her time at Schell Nuelle, Ms. Montero assisted small business owners to larger corporations with all their business and employment needs. 

Ms. Montero joined the board of directors for the Orange County Hispanic Bar Association in 2024 and has participated in the Community Outreach committee, Newsletter and Communication committee, and MCLE committee. Ms. Montero will continue to work with the board of directors on advancing HBA’s mission in promoting  education, unity, and excellence in the Hispanic legal community.

Catherine Navarro

Director

Ms. Navarro was born and raised in Orange County, California and is currently a Partner at Fontes Law Group, PC.

She graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara in June of 2011 and earned her Bachelor Degrees in Chicana/Chicano Studies and Global & International Studies with an emphasis in Latin America.

In May of 2016, Ms. Navarro graduated Magna Cum Laude and received her Juris Doctor Degree from Whittier Law School.

In June of 2017, Ms. Navarro was admitted to practice law in the State of California and the Central District of California.

Ms. Navarro has represented litigants in Family Law Court and Probate Court.

Alexxandra Nevarez

Director

Alexxandra Nevarez is an associate attorney at Roberts Jeandron Law, representing injured clients in personal injury cases. The first in her family to attend law school, and a proud granddaughter of Mexican immigrants, Alexxandra is passionate about uplifting and empowering her community. Her goal is to continue building a supportive network that empowers Latino legal professionals and creates lasting, positive change in the communities we serve.

Maria Elena Parada

Director

Maria Elena Parada was born in Southern California and raised part of her life in Guadalajara, Mexico. She describes herself as a Tapatia at heart.

Ms. Parada graduated from the California State University, Fullerton and earned her Bachelor's Degree in Molecular Biology. She received her legal education from Whittier Law School, where she earned a Certificate in International Law.

Ms. Parada was part of Whittier Law School's Law Review Journal, a member of the Trial Advocacy team, and served on the Student Body Association as a 3L representative.

Ms. Parada has been practicing law since 2018. She is an associate at Haight Brown & Bonesteel LLP. Her practice focuses on civil litigation with an emphasis in insurance defense and personal injury matters involving automobile accidents and as well as premises liability. Her fluency in Spanish has allowed her to connect with clients to provide effective representation.

As a devoted advocate for the Hispanic legal community, Ms. Parada remains committed to working with the OCHBA Board of Directors to promote education, mentorship, and the advancement of the organization’s mission and values.

Julio Perez
Director

Julio Cesar Perez is an immigration attorney, entrepreneur, and founder of The Law Firm of Julio Cesar Perez, APC, based in Long Beach, California. He was born in Penjamo, Guanajuato, Mexico, on January 7, 1989, migrated to the United States as a child, and grew up in Long Beach.

He attended California State University, Fullerton, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Chicano Studies. While he was an undergraduate student, he joined several social activist organizations, including M.E.Ch.A. (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan), and the Alliance of Students for an Equal Education (ASEE). He graduated May 2013, and immediately looked for a job in the legal field. After college, he worked as a paralegal at a private immigration firm in Whittier, and as an immigration paralegal and supervisor at Centro C.H.A. (Community Hispanic Association), a non-profit organization in Long Beach.

In August 2017, he began his first semester at Western State College of Law. During his first semester of law school, his father passed away from cancer. Though it was difficult, he persevered. After his father’s death, he took a leave of absence from law school from Fall 2018 to Fall 2019.

Julio returned and graduated from Western State College of Law May 2022, where he obtained his Juris Doctor degree. He passed the California Bar Examination July 2023, and began working at Immigrant Defenders Law Center shortly after, where he learned how to practice removal defense in immigration court.

In June 2025, he founded his own law firm in Long Beach, California. His practice extends representation to immigrants in removal proceedings, as well as affirmative relief cases filed with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). He represents immigrants, like himself, who are aspiring to achieve the American dream.

Nathaniel Perez
Director

Nathaniel Perez is a Southern California native with a background in both engineering and law. He earned his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign, in 2016. Following his undergraduate studies, Mr. Perez worked as a legal secretary at Dechert LLP while studying for and passing the patent bar exam. Mr. Perez continued on to Santa Clara University School of Law, where he graduated in 2022. While at Santa Clara, Mr. Perez dedicated himself to his legal education which earned him several distinctions, including Dean’s List, CALI Excellence for the Future Awards in Law & Technology in Silicon Valley, Intellectual Property Survey, and Mergers & Acquisitions, and a Witkin Award for Academic Excellence in Leadership for Lawyers. Additionally, Mr. Perez was involved in multiple student groups, most notably as the Co-Vice President for the Student Intellectual Property Law Association.

Upon graduation, Mr. Perez entered private practice at Goodwin Procter LLP, where he mainly focused on corporate law and intellectual property transactions. Now, drawing upon his diverse background and comprehensive legal knowledge, Mr. Perez has transitioned into representing injured plaintiffs in personal injury matters. With a commitment to advocating for justice and providing compassionate support to his clients, Mr. Perez wishes to make a positive impact in the legal community.

Patricia Santamaria
Director

Ms. Patricia Santamaria is an associate attorney with Madison Law, APC. She grew up in Orange County, California where she attended the California State University at Fullerton, earning her Bachelor’s degree in Child and Adolescent Development.

During her undergraduate studies, Ms. Santamaria worked for non-profit organizations providing a wide range of services to under-privileged men and women, at-risk youth, foster youth, veterans and survivors of domestic violence, and drug & alcohol recovery from various ages and diverse backgrounds.

Patricia Santamaria understands the importance of giving back and helping others. This desire for helping others combined with her personal experiences is what steered her towards a career in law.

Her practice focuses solely on Family Law matters. She comprehends the difficult and emotional process involved with family law matters and represents clients through the process with dignity and compassion.

Ms. Santamaria is a recipient of the Wally Davis Scholarship offered by the Orange County Hispanic Bar Association as well as a Rising Star Super Lawyers recipient for the last four years. Ms. Santamaria is a member of the Orange County Bar Association, Family Law section and Orange County Hispanic Bar Association.

Rafael Serrano
Director

Rafael A. Serrano III began building his legal career early in law school, when he was selected by his legal writing professor to serve as a law clerk at a prominent family law firm in Monterey County. During his time there, Rafael gained significant hands-on experience dealing with a wide variety of family law issues as a certified law student, including working directly with clients, appearing at numerous hearings, and conducting a trial under attorney supervision.

While in law school, Rafael demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership, community service, and written and oral advocacy. He volunteered with the Domestic Violence Community Workshop, served as Vice President of his law school’s Student Bar Association, and was one of four finalists selected to compete in the law school’s Moot Court competition.