MA. JESUSA PINEDA

• Provided legal support and representation for underserved communities in immigration cases.
• Conducted workshops educating the community about immigration laws, enhancing clients/public understanding of legal issues.
• Prepared and filed pleadings, motions/waivers and other legal documents with USCIS.
• Assisted victims of human trafficking in filing T visa applications; extend other support services to victims
• Participated in policy advocacy mobilizations on DACA and other issues; assisted in signature campaign; mobilized API community for support, direct lobbying to elected public officials on various issues and concerns
• Collaborated with community organizations to enhance access to legal services for marginalized populations.
• Conducted in-depth legal research to inform case strategies and ensure compliance with regulations.

• Developed and implemented programs addressing social issues impacting target communities.
• Developed and implemented organizational strategies to achieve set goals and objectives and secured long-term success.
• Supervised various programs and services; direct services, crisis intervention, counseling, legal assistance, shelter and micro-finance, education and training, and community organizing
• Advocacy & Resource Person, Women and Children's Rights & Issues, Prostitution and Trafficking, Violence Against Women and Children, Gender and Development (GAD), Sustainable Development & Environment, HIV/AIDS, Project Conceptualization/Development, Strategic Planning for Local Government Units (LGUs), Family Planning, Maternal and Child Health, and more.
• Presided meeting of the Board of Trustees (BOT); Facilitated Staff Meetings
• Provided leadership to BOT and staff in achieving Vision, Mission, Goals & Strategies (VMGS); Strategic Planning, Project Assessment, monitoring & evaluation, etc.
• Wrote & edited project, annual reports and newsletter
• Led strategic initiatives to enhance community outreach and support programs.
• Monitored compliance with laws and regulations to protect organization from legal liabilities and penalties.
• Built relationships with donors, government officials and other organizations to secure funding and support for organization.
• Represented organization to local and international public by giving presentations and speeches and participating in community/international events.
• Advocated for policy changes at local, national and international levels (united Nations) to further support the organization's goals and objectives.

Process various visa filings; assist in handling cases; generate related cases, case management, monitor status, interview clients and witnesses, liaison with officials of government agencies & others, legal research, draft immigration forms, draft and prepare pleadings, draft factual and legal analysis.

• Attend immigration law trainings/seminars.
• Mentored team members, fostering professional growth and development within the unit.
• Streamlined processes to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs.
• Managed client relationships, ensuring consistent communication and service excellence.
• Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence.

• Led strategic initiatives to enhance organizational effectiveness and stakeholder engagement in helping human trafficking victims/members
• Case Intake, Interviewed members and witnesses; Assisted in Preparing Affidavits; Assisted eligible members with appropriate immigration benefit application filing. Referred cases to NGOs for legal assistance
• Liaised with law enforcement agencies for the investigation and prosecution of human trafficking cases, conducted legal research and drafted factual and legal analysis
• Provided trainings to partner organizations providing immigration services to their community
• Led strategic planning initiatives aligning organizational goals with community needs.
• Facilitated stakeholder engagement to enhance collaboration and drive project success.

• Coordinated programs and services for clients; case intakes for domestic violence, human trafficking, unfair labor practices, discrimination, sexual harassment and mistreatment, asylum, and more
• Case management; drafted correspondence and referral letters and pleadings, drafted and filed immigration benefit applications, conducted and facilitated various public forums on immigration.
• Policy Advocacy, direct lobbying with elected officials in Congress on various policies (immigration, budget, etc.).
• Developed strategic partnerships with local organizations to improve service delivery and outreach efforts.
• Established strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring support for program initiatives.
• Facilitated workshops and conducted one-on-one training to educate team members.
• Attended client's interview at local USCIS office

• Processed various visa filings; assisted in handling cases; generated related cases, case management, monitored status, interviewed clients and witnesses, liaised with officials of government agencies & others, legal research, drafted immigration forms, drafted and prepared pleadings, drafted factual and legal analysis.
• Attended various trainings on immigration law
• Led case management processes, ensuring timely filing and adherence to legal procedures.
• Coordinated communication between clients, attorneys, and of counsels to facilitate case progression.
• Conducted thorough legal research, synthesizing complex information into actionable insights for attorneys.
• Trained and mentored new employees/interns on firm policies and legal standards.
• Assisted attorneys in preparing for trials, leading to successful outcomes and client satisfaction.
• Maintained up-to-date knowledge of legal developments by participating in continuing education programs and industry events.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams for effective case management and resolution.
• Ensured compliance with USCIS deadlines by closely monitoring schedules and assigning tasks accordingly.
• Improved client relationships through clear communication and prompt response to inquiries.
• Maintained and updated organized client contact information to keep in touch with clients and provide updates on cases.
• Assisted counsel in preparing answers, providing documentation, and information for discovery request.
• Liaised with other paralegals and legal staff to complete common tasks on schedule.
• Conducted detailed client intakes and entered information into company database.
• Produced legal documents such as briefs, pleadings and appeals.

• Provided safety planning, court accompaniment, Interpretation services, referrals to legal and social services, life skills development, information on rights and options for survivors; supportive listener and peer advocate; assisted clients in filing VAWA and citizenship application.
• Provided crisis intervention support, ensuring safety and confidentiality for survivors.
• Maintained strict confidentiality when handling sensitive client information, adhering to professional ethics guidelines at all times.
• Conducted comprehensive assessments, developed treatment plans and made independent decisions regarding safety and well-being of assigned women/children and families.
• Contributed valuable insights from personal experiences as a bilingual individual to inform organizational strategies and practices.
• Enhanced client communication by providing translation services during meetings, court hearings, and appointments.
• Educated clients about their rights and responsibilities in various legal processes, empowering them to make informed decisions.
• Documented client progress and activities in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
• Assisted clients in identifying community resources and connecting with appropriate services.