In 2006, the Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois created HLAI Charities to formalize and expand its historic commitment to philanthropic pursuits within the community. HLAI Charities now serves as the charitable arm of the Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois. Donations to HLAI Charities are used for the awarding of scholarships to law students to prepare for the Bar Examination, to deserving college students for their LSAT preparation and to a law student spending their summer at a government or non for profit office.
For more information about HLAI Charities, please contact HLAI Charities President Jessica Velez at charities@hlai.org and list HLAI Charities on the subject line.
2026 SCHOLARSHIP AWARD RECIPIENTS
HLAI Charities Board
President
Maria Elizabeth Calderon
Vice President
Hon. Michael Gonzalez
Treasurer / Recording Sec.
Vivian Sandoval
Director
Stacey Berdejo
Director
Daisy Denizard
Director
Wendy Onofre -Shah
Director
Jorge M. Leon
Director
Jessica Velez
Director
Brian Orozco
Director
Martin Quintana
HLAI President (2017-18)
Director
Juan Morado Jr.
HLAI President (2018-19)
Director
Andrea Belard
HLAI President (2021-22)
Director
Jennifer L. Crespo
HLAI President (2022-23)
Director
Dora Cornelio
(HLAI President 2023-24)
Director
Cindy Medina-Cervantes
(HLAI President 2024-25)
Director
Julio A. Costa
(HLAI President 2025-26)
