Center Volunteer Mercedes Fresno Recognized by La Opinión
On Wednesday, March 30, 2011, La Opinión, LA’s largest Spanish newspaper, held their 5th annual “Mujeres Destacadas” luncheon event, to honor Latina community leaders. A volunteer at the Center for many years, Mercedes “Mercy” Fresno received the La Opinión Community Leadership Award for her tireless advocacy and pro bono work at the Center for over 23 years with more than 1,400 hours of free legal service. La Opinión recognized Mercy as a woman who exemplifies leadership by bringing awareness and solutions to issues that affect Latinos in the local community.
When asked why volunteering at the Center is so important to her, Mercy said, “I see needs in my neighborhood, in my community…You see a need, you do something about it. I cannot envision being an attorney without sharing my legal skills and knowledge with people in my community.” Members of Center staff and Board of Directors were proud to attend the ceremony and honor Mercy.