Maria Victoria Castro Juris Doctorate Immigration Law

At a young age, María-Victoria always knew she wanted to fight for social justice and help the underserved Latino community.  Her political consciousness was awakened the first time when she watched Cesar Chavez lead boycotts and hunger strikes against the use of toxic pesticides on grapes.  As a result, her first act of social protest began at home with the banning grapes from her household.  Using Cesar Chavez, Madre Teresa, and Ghandi as examples, Vicky's mother explained to her that all of these people were fighting for what they believed in, defending the rights of those who were being mistreated and did not have a voice.  From then on "peleé por sus crianzas!" ("fight for what you believe in!"), was a central theme in her upbringing, education, and social activism.    

Growing up in the Mission District María-Victoria "Vicky" Castro heard of the progressive work La Raza Centro Legal performed.  It was one of her dreams to be a part of this agency.  In 2006 this dream was realized when Vicky joined the La Raza Centro Legal family when she was contracted as a Elder advocate for the Senior Law Department whose coordinator was on a leave of absence.  After her assignment was completed, Vicky continued on as a volunteer for the Senior Law Clinic.  Shortly thereafter, she was offered a position with the SF Day Labor program performing Job Development and Asset building.  Currently, María-Victoria is working in the immigration department as a JD caseworker. 

María-Victoria holds a degree in Political Science (Public Service) and Sociology from UC Davis.  She earned her law degree from Golden Gate University School of Law.