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AC2026 NATIONAL AWARDEES

Distinguished Service Award


Grissel Seijo, Associate General Counsel, Head of Labor & Employment, S&P Global, Inc. · HNBA Regions II, III & VIII

 

Grissel Seijo is an accomplished employment attorney, legal strategist, and psychological counselor with more than 20 years of experience advising on labor, employment, and workplace inclusion matters. Her service and leadership span the HNBA, LatinoJustice, and the Directors Development Council.

ATTORNEY OF THE YEAR AWARD

Gustavo Torres, SVP, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary, Fervo Energy Company · HNBA Region XII

Gustavo Torres is SVP, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Fervo Energy Company, a pioneer of enhanced geothermal systems delivering 24/7 carbon-free power, where he led the company’s 2026 IPO. With 20 years in practice, he was inducted into the 2025 class of PODER and serves as President-Elect of HISBA, an HNBA affiliate, where he helped establish and exceed the organization’s fundraising goals.

Ambassador of the Year Award

Jeremy A. Garcia, Special Advisor, Empire State Development · HNBA Regions II & IV

 

Jeremy A. Garcia is a government and economic development professional, legal policy advisor, and national bar association leader. At Empire State Development’s Division of Minority and Women’s Business Development, he advises executive leadership on the policy, regulatory, and strategic matters shaping New York State’s MWBE program. He currently serves as National Chair of the HNBA Young Lawyers Division, where he has led more than 25 programs and initiatives nationwide, and previously served as National Chair and CEO of the National Latino Law Student Association. Jeremy earned his J.D. from Penn State Dickinson Law and an M.P.A. from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

Regional Governor of the Year Award



Maria Piva, Managing Partner, Goldstein & Company · HNBA Region VIII

 

Maria Piva is Managing Partner of Goldstein & Company, where she represents domestic and international clients in commercial litigation, aviation law, and business matters. As Regional Governor, she expanded HNBA Region VIII’s presence across Florida, strengthened strategic partnerships, and created new opportunities for member engagement, connection, and growth.

Affiliate of the Year Award



HLAI, Serving the Hispanic Lawyers of Illinois · HNBA Region IX

 

For more than 30 years, HLAI has advanced diversity, developed leaders, and served communities — and with 600+ members it stands as one of the Midwest’s largest and most influential affinity bar associations. In response to Operation Midway Blitz, HLAI mobilized volunteer attorneys to provide pro bono legal services and Know Your Rights seminars, while expanding scholarships for high school, undergraduate, and law students and supporting elementary students through backpack drives.

HNBA Latina Commission Primera Abogada Award


Recipient Name




Latin American Law Student Association



University of Oklahoma College of Law, Accepted by Iletze Porras · HNBA Region XII

 

The Latin American Law Student Association at the University of Oklahoma College of Law promotes cultural appreciation, professional development, fellowship, and diverse access to justice within the legal profession. LALSA advances diversity and access to justice through cultural, educational, and professional programming; builds connections with the HNBA through national conferences and moot court opportunities; and promotes legal education through community and college outreach.




Latin American Law Student Association



University of Oklahoma College of Law, Accepted by Iletze Porras · HNBA Region XII

 

The Latin American Law Student Association at the University of Oklahoma College of Law promotes cultural appreciation, professional development, fellowship, and diverse access to justice within the legal profession. LALSA advances diversity and access to justice through cultural, educational, and professional programming; builds connections with the HNBA through national conferences and moot court opportunities; and promotes legal education through community and college outreach.




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The HNBA VIA (“Vision in Action”) Fund is the Hispanic National Bar Association’s 501 (c)(3) charitable arm. To learn more, please visit: hnba.com/hnbaviafund/


Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA)

HNBA VIA (Vision in Action) Fund

2020 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Ste. 279

Washington, DC 20006

www.hnba.com | 202.223.4777