“I am a proud Utah native, daughter of Mexican immigrants and first-generation Latina law student. I’ve attended public schools, focused my career on community outreach and helped launch a scholarship program for first-generation students in my hometown of Heber City. All my life, my parents instilled in me the importance of earning an education to better serve my community.

While pursuing my undergraduate education at the University of Utah, I noticed an information gap that prevented many people in my community from voting. To address this, I formed a student organization to register eligible Latinos to vote. Understanding the voting process is the first step to meaningfully participating in civic engagement and I was proud to see the transformation this information brought my community.

I am passionate about utilizing my law degree to help people who cannot afford an attorney with their legal problems. My previous roles as a case manager, nonprofit manager and community outreach coordinator have taught me to work collaboratively and directly with communities, community partners and other agencies. No matter what area of law I end up in, I am excited to bring my previous experiences with me.

I am beyond grateful to be named a 2024 Arc to Justice Fellow because this award embodies my hard work, passion, and commitment to public service. I also feel honored that S.J. Quinney values my potential, community-oriented perspective and a strong desire to use my law degree to increase access to justice. I look forward to interacting with the law firm partners supporting this program. With the Arc to Justice program, I can confidently pursue a legal education, gain access to additional mentoring support and become the first person in my family to earn a law degree.

While there are many aspects of my career that are unknown, ultimately, I see myself practicing law in Utah for the foreseeable future. Utah holds a special place in my heart, and I want to be a part of its legal legacy.”

—Valeria Jimenez, 2024 Arc to Justice Fellow

1L student at the S. J. Quinney School of Law from Heber City, Utah