Congratulations to Carmen M. Chavez, the 2026 Woman of Empowerment Award Recipient!
Carmen M. Chavez is a dedicated advocate for justice, immigrant rights, and human dignity, with more than 25 years of service ensuring that vulnerable communities have access to compassionate, expert legal representation.
A San Diego native and longtime resident of San Ysidro, Carmen brings both deep legal expertise and a personal connection to the communities Casa Cornelia serves. She is a California-licensed attorney and graduate of Loyola Law School.
For her decades of compassionate leadership, commitment to immigrant rights, and unwavering dedication to creating a more just and inclusive community, Carmen M. Chavez is a deserving recipient of this year’s Woman of Empowerment honor.
As Executive Director of Casa Cornelia Law Center, a nonprofit public interest law firm providing pro bono legal services to victims of human and civil rights violations, Carmen leads a team of 34 staff members and a network of more than 400 volunteers. Her work ensures that immigrants seeking asylum, survivors of human trafficking and violent crimes, and unaccompanied children receive dignity, due process, and hope in their pursuit of justice.
Carmen’s journey with Casa Cornelia has come full circle. She first volunteered with the organization as a student and went on to serve in numerous roles, including Equal Justice Works Fellow, Staff Attorney, Program Director, and Associate Director, before becoming Executive Director. Her legal expertise includes affirmative and defensive representation before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Executive Office for Immigration Review, and the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Beyond her legal practice, Carmen is a passionate mentor and educator. She has empowered attorneys, translators, and law students to use their skills in service of justice and regularly engages social workers, faith communities, students, legal professionals, and community stakeholders to deepen understanding of immigration law and policy. Under her leadership, Casa Cornelia continues to provide not only legal representation, but also safety, stability, dignity, and renewed hope to those seeking justice.