Meet Vilerka Bilbao

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Vilerka Bilbao a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Vilerka, 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 resilience comes from my mother. She is the foundation of my strength. As a Dominican immigrant, she came to the United States with three young daughters and a dream. Despite the challenges of starting over in a new country, she always believed in the power of hard work and perseverance. She never let us feel limited by circumstances, and she constantly showed us that there’s always a way forward, no matter how difficult things might seem.

My mother worked a full-time job while also selling beauty products on the side to create multiple sources of income. She taught us that success wasn’t just about earning a living, but about helping others along the way. Her work ethic and commitment to providing for us—while never losing sight of the importance of service and community—were her true guiding principles. I learned from her that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back; it’s about moving forward with purpose, knowing that every obstacle is an opportunity to grow. Her example taught me that if you want something in life, you need to hustle for it, but you also need to lift others up as you rise.

That mindset has shaped the way I approach challenges today. When faced with tough situations, I think of the strength and determination she showed in the face of adversity. It reminds me that resilience is about showing up, doing the work, and always believing that something better is on the horizon.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

My name is Vilerka Solange Bilbao, and my story is deeply shaped by my immigrant experience. I was born in Venezuela, and at the age of six, my family moved to the United States seeking better opportunities. From a young age, I found comfort and inspiration in the arts—ballet, music, and reading. I loved getting lost in different worlds through books, and I’ve carried that passion for learning and understanding people throughout my life.

Professionally, I’ve always been driven by a desire to help others, especially within the immigrant community. I studied psychology and law in college, and through those fields, I became deeply passionate about immigrant rights—particularly the struggles that non-English speakers face within the legal system. When I first witnessed how people were treated because of their language barriers or lack of knowledge of the legal system, I realized the importance of providing a voice for those who often don’t have one.

As a legal professional, I focus on immigration litigation and detainee rights. I’m especially passionate about advocating for those who are detained and fighting for their right to due process. I firmly believe in the values of the U.S. Constitution, but through my work, I’ve come to see how flawed the system can be in practice. The need for compassion and reform is urgent, and I feel privileged to be part of that change.

One of my greatest joys is helping others realize the American Dream by guiding them through the process of starting their own businesses. That was my own dream when I first arrived here—creating opportunities for myself and my family—and it’s incredibly rewarding to now help others achieve that as well. I also teach other attorneys how to navigate immigration litigation, because I believe that the more we are equipped to advocate for vulnerable communities, the more impact we can make.

I’m excited about the future as I continue to expand my work, both in advocacy and in helping entrepreneurs. I’m also looking forward to upcoming events and projects focused on educating others about detainee rights and immigrant legal processes. Ultimately, my goal is to continue making a positive impact and empowering others to find their voice in a system that can often be intimidating and unfair.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I would say the three most impactful qualities or skills in my journey have been fearlessness, the ability to see both sides, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Fearlessness – This quality came from my background in dance. Growing up, I trained in ballet, and I learned early on that pushing yourself beyond your limits is part of growth. Ballet taught me how to do things that seemed physically impossible with grace, but that only happened through dedication, hard work, and constant self-improvement. This lesson became even more powerful during my time in sales in college, where I was forced to put myself and the products I was selling out there. I learned that the fear of rejection is natural, but the more you put yourself out there, especially when you believe in what you’re offering, the less fear you feel. My advice for those just starting out is: Don’t let fear hold you back from the opportunities that will help you grow. You have to be the one to do the work, but it’s incredibly rewarding when you push through your fears.

Seeing Both Sides – Having lived in Latin America and the U.S., I’ve had the privilege of experiencing two very different cultures and systems. This has helped me develop a deep appreciation for different perspectives. It’s not about seeing one side as right and the other as wrong—it’s about understanding that each system, each culture, each person has their own reasons for the way they approach life. This ability to remain neutral and consider both sides has been invaluable in my legal practice and personal life. For anyone just starting, I encourage you to travel, interact with people from diverse backgrounds, and really listen. The more you understand different perspectives, the more well-rounded you become.

Pursuit of Excellence – As the child of immigrants, I grew up with the belief that mistakes were not an option—that in the U.S., we were expected to perform at the highest level because we didn’t have the same margin for error. While I don’t believe in perfection, this mindset has pushed me to always strive for excellence in everything I do. Whether it’s representing clients in immigration cases, teaching other attorneys, or running a business, I aim to provide the highest quality service. I hold myself and my team to the same standard. My advice for those early in their journey: Don’t just aim for ‘good enough.’ Always be present in your work, be meticulous, and put in the energy and time needed for each project. Excellence isn’t about being perfect—it’s about doing your absolute best and constantly learning to improve.

In my work, I also encourage my team to have this mindset of continuous growth, not just professionally, but personally as well. This means developing new skills, pursuing different hobbies, and growing as individuals, because a better version of yourself translates into better work. So my advice to anyone early in their journey is simple: Be fearless, stay open-minded, and never stop striving for excellence.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

One of the biggest challenges I currently face is navigating the political changes in immigration law and the fear surrounding deportation. These shifts not only impact my clients but also create uncertainty within the legal landscape. To address this, I prioritize staying grounded and calm, ensuring that I’m able to lead effectively and make thoughtful decisions.

I stay informed by actively engaging with my professional bar association and closely monitoring legislative and policy updates. This connection allows me to provide accurate, up-to-date advice to clients. At the same time, I’ve committed to setting realistic expectations—both for my clients and my team—while maintaining transparency and trust.

Additionally, I recognize the importance of health and well-being during times of heightened stress. Managing my team’s mental health and promoting wellness practices within our office has become a top priority. By fostering a balanced, supportive environment, we are better equipped to handle challenges and continue providing excellent service to those who depend on us.

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