The Hispanic Women of Distinction’s Charity Luncheon has been a place to recognize Latina young professionals who show leadership qualities and a dedication to their communities. Arlette Gomez is one such person and has been chosen to be recognized this year with the “Up and Comer Award.”

Gomez is a Magna Cum Laude graduate from NSU College Law School who has been accepted into the Order of the Barristers, a national honorary organization. She previously attended Florida State University with a double major in Political Science and English. She additionally has certifications for Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

During law school, Gomez served as the president of the NSU Trial Association where she presided over 80 members and competed nationally in three competitions where she was a Quarter Finalist.

In addition to this, she served as Director of Finance of NSU Law’s Cuban American Bar Association and is an invitee to the NSU’s highly regarded group the “President’s 64.” This group of handpicked students serve as student ambassadors and representatives at University events and provide targeted feedback to the university president.

In 2021, Gomez planned and hosted the first live event following the COVID-19 pandemic at NSU Law. She hosted this five-day event to teach the art of trial advocacy, focusing on the need for diverse instructors, connecting with the Hispanic Bar Association for assistance in promoting this message.

Additionally, she hosted a full online trial competition for NTA members and worked to develop a program that would connect NSU with a local high school for mentorship and trial coaching.

Gomez cites her resilience, sense of self, and Cuban heritage for letting her dedicate herself to share her knowledge and ensure the places around her are left better than when she arrived. In following this belief, she volunteers at Citizens Drives to help residents complete their citizenship applications. She is currently aiming to grow both as a future attorney and advocate who can support her community.

Other recognitions for her work include being a member and recipient of the “2022 Best Overall Advocate” award for the Moot Court Honor Society, was noted on the Dean’s List for all semesters of law school, and was chosen to serve as a Teaching and Research assistant to various professors.

The Hispanic Women of Distinction’s Charity Luncheon was founded in 2001 by Erwin M.Vasquez, M.D, a Venezuelan born cardiologist, philanthropist, and publisher of the Venezuelan paper, El Heraldo de Broward. It was founded with the goal of empowering South Florida Latinas.

The annual charity luncheon recognizes prominent Latinas across South Florida. Its 21st Annual Luncheon will be held on Friday, Aug. 26, 2022 at Signature Grand in Davie, Florida.