It is with profound honor and sincere gratitude that I submit my candidacy for the Global Women in Law Award 2025. This nomination represents not only a recognition of my professional trajectory, but also an opportunity to share a story of progress, excellence, and legal transformation forged within the unique context of Costa Rica—a country where the determination and talent of women in the legal profession persist in an environment that has historically favored male figures. From the outset of my career, I have faced the challenges inherent in being a young woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, where our potential is often overlooked, and our judgment underestimated. My path was not paved by a well-known surname in Costa Rica; rather, my background—including a European mother—posed additional barriers to establishing myself within the Costa Rican legal landscape, where opportunities were seldom made easy. I have learned what it means to make double the effort to prove my worth, to endure professional envy and objectification, and to experience the dismissal of my legal opinions due to the egos of others. Yet each obstacle has served as a catalyst for growth. In oral proceedings, often conducted in overwhelmingly male settings where female competence was questioned, I secured favorable verdicts and cost awards against opposing parties—underscoring that while gender is a characteristic, it is sound legal reasoning that ultimately prevails. My professional journey has been far from linear. Rather, it has been a steady ascent, forged in resilience and unwavering conviction. Along this path, I have found support and collaboration not only from women but also from many male colleagues, challenging prevailing gender-based stereotypes. My experience has shown that sexist behavior is not exclusive to one gender, and oftentimes, it originates from women themselves. In a field where my age or academic background—different from traditionally dominant universities—have occasionally raised doubts, my commitment to thorough research, rigorous reading, and expert consultation has always enabled me to substantiate my legal arguments with precision. In traditionally male-centered industries such as banana and coffee production, I have not only emerged but consolidated my professional standing. During my tenure at CORBANA (National Banana Corporation), a key sector institution, my performance was marked by excellence. While I encountered individuals who supported my work unconditionally, I also faced others who sought to obstruct my path. Today, as a legal advisor within the Legal Department of the Costa Rican Coffee Institute (ICAFE), I continue to demonstrate that professional merit transcends both gender and historical bias. Reputable attorneys—both domestic and international—have expressed admiration for my preparation and drive, affirming that legal excellence is measured by performance, not by one’s alma mater or family name. Their encouragement has been a source of great motivation, as they attest that I have surpassed the expectations of many.

Academic and Professional Excellence Excellence has been my enduring standard. My academic background includes a Master’s Degree in Economic Criminal Law obtained through an OAS scholarship, along with postgraduate specializations in Tax Practice and Advisory and Notarial and Registry Law. Currently, I provide legal counsel at ICAFE and previously served as an assistant attorney at CORBANA, where I managed 72 complex agrarian case files, represented the Corporation in multiple judicial proceedings and enforcement actions, and consistently adhered to strict deadlines. My commitment to excellence also led me to author the book “The Implementation of Criminal Compliance in the Latin Notarial Function” (published in Argentina and Peru), and co-author “Money Laundering Prevention in the Notarial Function,” both works included in prestigious international legal libraries. My contributions to legal scholarship and participation as a speaker in conferences in Spain, Uruguay, and Colombia reflect my impact on the global legal community, challenging any presumption that a legal professional from a developing country like Costa Rica is less capable. Legal Transformation and Innovation My contributions to legal transformation are focused on ethics, transparency, and innovation. I am accredited as a Compliance Officer by the World Compliance Association and serve on the Compliance Committee of the Costa Rican Bar Association, demonstrating my ongoing dedication to raising professional standards. My essay titled “Compliance as Evidentiary Shield: Enhancing Judicial Decision-Making in Agrarian Conflicts”, housed in the Library of the Costa Rican Judiciary, exemplifies my innovative approach to strengthening legal certainty and sound decision-making. As a part-time university lecturer in Notarial Law, I am actively shaping the next generation of legal professionals, instilling in them the values of ethics, integrity, and adaptability in a constantly evolving legal world. Overcoming Challenges and Promoting Equity This journey has not been free of gender-based challenges, including envy (predominantly from women, and at times, men), the underestimation of my professional capabilities during meetings—often reduced to personal commentary while disregarding my legal insights—and the ongoing need to assert my intellectual merit. Nonetheless, I have also encountered environments of mutual support among women, and leadership that has trusted and empowered me, allowing for meaningful professional growth. It is this spirit of collaboration and resilience, along with my deep conviction that talent knows no gender, which drives my continued advocacy for equitable spaces and inspires me to encourage other women to pursue legal excellence. Complex Agrarian Case Management Managed 72 ordinary agrarian case files involving disputes over real estate and indigenous lands, acting as special judicial attorney (apoderada especial judicial) for CORBANA in multiple legal proceedings, including hearings, witness interrogations, and judicial site inspections in Sixaola, Limón, during the years 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. Drafted and filed closing arguments, judgment enforcement motions, and other procedural briefs, ensuring strict compliance with statutory deadlines and procedural terms. Legal Publications Author of the book \\\"The Implementation of Criminal Compliance in the Latin Notarial Function\\\" (2022), published in Argentina and Peru, and incorporated into the National Library of Peru, the Library of the College of Notaries of Buenos Aires, and the Library of the Costa Rican Bar Association. Co-author of \\\"Money Laundering Prevention in the Notarial Function\\\" (2019), published in Costa Rica. Academic Distinction Final thesis for the Master\\\'s Degree received Honors (Notable) and was subsequently published as a book. This achievement led to the organization of an academic event at the Costa Rican Bar Association, where prominent speakers from various legal disciplines discussed the content and implications of the publication. Speaker at International and National Legal Conferences Speaker at the \\\"Third Congress on Criminal Tax Law\\\" (Spain, Argentina, Colombia, 2025), selected through a competitive essay contest. Also served as a speaker at the \\\"XXII Jornada Notarial Novel del Cono Sur\\\" in Uruguay (2021) and at the \\\"First Day of the New Civil Procedure Code (NPC)\\\" in Costa Rica (2018). Compliance Officer Certification Obtained official certification as Compliance Officer by the World Compliance Association in 2021, following completion of advanced coursework in Compliance as part of the Master\\\'s Degree program. Doctrinal Contributions and Voluntary Involvement Cited as a legal scholar in academic theses in Mexico (2024) and at the University of Costa Rica (2020). Active member of the Compliance Committee of the Costa Rican Bar Association since 2023. Publication of Essays and Legal Articles Author of the legal essay \\\"Compliance as Evidentiary Shield: Enhancing Judicial Decision-Making in Agrarian Conflicts\\\" (2025), incorporated into the Library of the Judiciary of Costa Rica. Published multiple articles in legal journals in Mexico and Argentina, as well as in Costa Rican newspapers. Adjunct Professor Role Serving as Adjunct Professor of Notarial Law at the Latin American University of Science and Technology (ULACIT) since 2023 and at Fidélitas University since 2022.