Meet Ethel Viruena

We were lucky to catch up with Ethel Viruena recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ethel, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

My childhood was perfect until my parents divorced. Shortly after, I lost my brother to a drunk driver. My teen years were challenging, and by the age of 22, I was a single mother of three. After losing my partner to a drug cartel in Mexico, I decided to leave everything behind and start anew. I arrived in the U.S. with very little, my English was not perfect, but I was determined.

Once, someone told me, “You might never marry or rebuild your life because no man would want to shoulder such baggage,” referring to me as a single mother of three. Those words stayed with me for years and influenced some of my worst decisions. Life in the U.S. was not easy. As an undocumented mother, finances were tight. Thankfully, my mother helped with my children, but I struggled like many single moms. At one point, I held three jobs and still faced financial difficulties. Despite everything, I refused to depend on a man.

I experienced failed relationships, heartbreak, and disappointments that made me want to give up many times. But I realized my children were watching me, and I needed to be their example. I kept working and gradually understood that my failures were preparing me for what was to come. In 2014, I met my now-husband, who has been an incredible support. He inspired me to educate myself and never give up.

Through my failures, I learned that after losing my brother, my partner, and struggling as a single mother to the point of eviction, no one would come and do it for me. I was responsible for my own destiny. I had to shed the victim mentality and take control of my life. Resilience became my answer. I used to think, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” was a cliché, but it turned out to be true. I became stronger by enduring bad times.

I learned to mature, handle adversities, adapt to changes, and make the best out of difficult situations. My life is not perfect, but when I look back, I see how far I’ve come from that naive 22-year-old girl who trusted everyone. If someone had told her that in 2020 she would graduate as the Valedictorian, and later in 2024 graduate from law school, she would have probably laughed and said, “Yeah, right.” now, that young single mom can be happy that her life might not be perfect, but is better that she could ever imagine.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

As a paralegal, my journey has been a testament to resilience and determination. I specialize in assisting clients with their immigration case preparation, legal, ensuring that every detail is meticulously handled. What excites me most about my work is the ability to support clients through challenging times, knowing that my efforts can make a significant difference in their lives. My background has taught me the importance of empathy, perseverance, and meticulous attention to detail, qualities that I bring to every case I handle. I am passionate about advocating for justice and providing comprehensive support to my clients. My experiences have not only shaped my professional skills but also fueled my commitment to making a positive impact in the legal field. I want others to know that my work is driven by a deep sense of purpose and a desire to help those in need navigate their immigration challenges with confidence and care, because I was them at some point.
In addition to my work as a paralegal, I am also a Zumba instructor, a role that I cherish deeply. Teaching Zumba allows me to connect with wonderful people and create a positive, energetic environment. It’s more than just a part-time job; it’s my stress reliever and a source of immense joy. I don’t see it as work because I genuinely love every moment of it, from the vibrant music to the smiles on my students’ faces. It’s a passion that keeps me balanced and happy.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Reflecting on my journey, three qualities have been most impactful: resilience, empathy, and a strong work ethic. These have shaped my path and enabled me to overcome significant challenges

Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?

Anyone who is undocumented, struggling single mothers, and I was in their shoes, and that alone makes me work harder on their case, and I can provide the best possible support and create a positive, impactful experience in my professional role.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.evservicespd.com
• Instagram: @ev_services
• Linkedin: Ethel Viruena