As an editor for one of Oklahoma’s largest and most prominent Latino news publications – El Latino American Newspaper – Norma Condreay is always searching for compelling and interesting storylines.
So, when tasked with identifying a keynote speaker for a Tribute to Working Women in the Latina Community event held Saturday, July 23 at the Marriott Tulsa Southern Hills Hotel, Condreay knew immediately who to call.
“We wanted someone who could share with all the attendees the great contributions that Latina women make to the economic and social development not only in Oklahoma but our country,” El Latino American Newspaper editor Norma Condreay said. “Lorena’s story is a powerful and successful one. As a Latina who descended from immigrants, she had to overcome a number of challenges to achieve her professional goals, which she certainly has done.”
Lorena Rivas story is indeed a powerful one. Born in tiny Mutual, Oklahoma to two proud Mexican nationalists, Rivas has emerged as one of the nation’s most prominent immigration attorneys.
Her Tulsa-headquartered firm, Rivas & Associates, now features a staff of over 70 attorneys and legal personnel and has a national and international presence. Rivas is a four-time Super Lawyers® Rising Star selection and is committed and passionate about advocating for and supporting her clients.
“I’m a Mexican-American,” Lorena Rivas said. “Immigration law is something that is constantly hitting my life, whether it be family members, friends or my clients. In law school, I initially thought I wouldn’t go into immigration law, but I started thinking about it more, and felt like I could make a bigger impact in that area.”
Rivas certainly has done so and people like Norma Condreay have taken notice. Along with being the featured speaker at Saturday’s event, Rivas recently served as a panelist for a free community immigration forum at St. Thomas More Church in Tulsa and also was a panelist for the Tulsa Women’s Leadership Summit in May.
She has traveled to such locales as San Diego, Boston, St. Louis, Austin and Cincinnati this year alone to help clients fulfill their immigration dreams and has no intention of slowing down.
“I am very fortunate in that I love what I do,” Lorena Rivas said. “If someone calls and needs help, regardless of where they are, I will come to them and do my best to help them navigate through their immigration issue.”