Her name is Cristina San Roman, and she’s one of only a handful of lawyers in town that is both female and Hispanic.

She's not only very proud of her Cuban decent, she says it also is advantageous in her profession.

Cristina’s family moved from New York to Arkansas when she was a teenager.

(Cristina San Roman, Associate at Mitchell Williams Law Firm) “When we moved here, there was one other Cuban family, and there really weren't any Hispanic families at all. And now you go to the grocery store--or anywhere--and you hear other people speaking Spanish.”

Cristina says being born of Cuban parents, but growing up in America, offers her a unique perspective.

(San Roman) “I'm the first born here, and so I feel so American in some ways--and yet I feel so Cuban or Hispanic in other ways. And, it's almost like you're not 100% of either one, but you're 100% of both.”

Cristina, whose first language is Spanish, says there are very few attorneys in central Arkansas that speak Spanish and English--and that being bilingual is not only an asset, but very satisfying.

(San Roman) “To provide someone with legal help, or any kind of assistance where they wouldn't have been able to get it otherwise. And so it's been very fulfilling.”

She hopes to see the Hispanic community here continue to flourish.

(San Roman) “I hope that our youth continues to grow, become educated, professional, and successful. I think that's a great hope for our community.”

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