Meet the Team
The Heart of Abogados W
At Abogados W, our greatest strength is our people. Every team member brings unique skills, deep experience, and genuine compassion to every case we handle. As a firm built specifically to serve the Hispanic community, we understand the importance of trust, clear communication, and unwavering dedication to your immigration journey.
We’re proud to introduce the team standing by your side, every step of the way.
Leadership
Ernest Bradley Westerhold, Esq.
Ernest Bradley Westerhold, Esq.
Founding Attorney & CEO
Over Twenty Years of Dedication to the Hispanic Community
Ernest Bradley Westerhold is the founding attorney and CEO of Abogados W. With more than two decades of committed service to the Hispanic community, he brings deep cultural understanding, genuine empathy, and extensive legal experience to every client relationship.
Before establishing Abogados W in 2013, Ernest made significant contributions to Hispanic communities across the U.S. He began his career as co-host of Latinomania, a popular Spanish-language entertainment program. He later served as the publisher of El Mensajero newspaper in California, where his leadership earned him recognition as Hispanic Businessperson of the Year by Telemundo and the Bay Area Hispanic Chambers of Commerce.
Giving back has always been central to Ernest’s mission. While in San Francisco, he donated a four-year scholarship through the Hispanic Community Affairs Council, enabling local Hispanic students to attend California universities.
Ernest holds a Juris Doctor from Florida State University and a business degree from Rollins College.
Personal Story
Ernest’s love for Hispanic culture began early when he learned Spanish as an exchange student in Venezuela. Since then, he has lived in Colombia and Costa Rica and has dedicated years working closely with Hispanic communities across Florida, California, and Illinois. His passion for the community inspires everything he does — both personally and professionally.
Legal Experience
Since founding Abogados W in 2013, Ernest has personally represented hundreds of clients in immigration courts throughout Florida and nationwide. He also has extensive experience in Florida Family Courts advocating for Special Immigrant Juvenile status for minors who have suffered abuse, abandonment, or neglect. Ernest takes great pride in helping secure freedom for countless clients detained in immigration detention centers, including during some of the toughest years under the Trump administration.
Professional Credentials
- Member, The Florida Bar
- Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)
Admitted to Practice
- All U.S. Immigration Courts
- Federal Court, Southern District of Florida
- Federal Court, Middle District of Florida
- U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals, 5th Circuit
Elizabeth Oropesa, Esq.
Elizabeth Oropesa, Esq.
Associate Attorney
Elizabeth Oropesa was born and raised in Havana, Cuba, where she earned her first Law Degree (Licenciada en Derecho). After emigrating to the U.S., she graduated with honors as a Paralegal from Florida International University in 2015. Elizabeth went on to earn a Master's Degree in International Law and her Juris Doctor from the University of Miami in 2020, receiving the Dean’s Certificate Award from the institution’s Health Rights Clinic. She passed the Florida Bar in April 2021.
Elizabeth’s legal experience spans Family Law, Civil Law, and immigration. Currently, she serves as an Associate Attorney at Abogados W, focusing on immigration proceedings before USCIS and family-based immigration cases. A passionate advocate for her clients, Elizabeth enjoys spending her free time with family and friends, maintaining a strong commitment to her community.
Yavrénim Cruz Morales
Yavrénim Cruz Morales
Senior Litigation Attorney
Attorney Yavrénim Cruz Morales, born and raised in Puerto Rico, is guided by faith, driven by purpose, and grounded in excellence. With over fourteen years of legal experience and more than two decades of service to communities, non-profits, and churches, she is dedicated to defending immigrants and their families as they pursue the futures they dream of.
Her legal career began in Family, Civil, and Bankruptcy Law. After relocating to Florida in 2017 and experiencing firsthand the challenges of starting anew, she found her true calling in immigration law. Yavrénim approaches each case with compassion, integrity, and perseverance — qualities that define both her advocacy and her leadership.
She represents clients across the United States in removal proceedings before the Immigration Court and the Board of Immigration Appeals, and she also handles matters before USCIS and ICE. Yavrénim earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Puerto Rico School of Law and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Management) from the University of Puerto Rico at Bayamón. She is admitted to the Puerto Rico Bar, the Federal District Court for the District of Puerto Rico, and The Florida Bar.
Beyond her legal work, she is a worship music producer, songwriter, and vocal coach — expressing her faith and creativity through music.
Guillermo A. Grecco Chiari, Esq.
Guillermo A. Grecco Chiari, Esq.
Litigation Attorney
Attorney Guillermo A. Grecco Chiari is an accomplished immigration lawyer originally from Panama. After graduating from the Universidad de Panamá, he earned a merit-based scholarship to pursue a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Global Law and Technology at Suffolk University Law School in the United States.
Guillermo is licensed to practice law in Massachusetts, the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, and Panama. His extensive international experience includes serving as a senior associate at a prestigious Boston law firm, where he handled complex legal matters involving both U.S. and Panamanian jurisdictions.
Fluent in Spanish and English, and conversational in French and Portuguese, Guillermo combines multicultural understanding with a strong work ethic and an unwavering commitment to justice. His approach to immigration law is rooted in integrity, precision, and empathy — providing clients with clear, effective, and personalized representation in every case.
Through his practice, Guillermo strives to make a lasting difference in the lives of immigrants seeking stability and opportunity in the United States, offering not just legal counsel, but genuine advocacy for their futures.
Francisco Calimano
Francisco Calimano
Litigation Attorney
Francisco Calimano is an immigration attorney based in Orlando, Florida, dedicated to defending individuals in removal proceedings before the Immigration Court. With prior experience as an Assistant State Attorney in Florida, he brings exceptional trial advocacy and litigation skills to every case, focusing on protecting his clients’ rights and keeping families together.
Francisco earned his Juris Doctor from Baylor Law School and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Physiology from the University of Florida. His solid academic foundation and courtroom experience allow him to combine legal precision with empathy and cultural understanding.
Born and raised in Orlando to Puerto Rican parents, Francisco is proud of his heritage and deeply committed to serving the Latino community. Fluent in both English and Spanish, he ensures his clients feel supported and understood throughout their legal journey. Outside of his legal practice, Francisco enjoys racquet sports and community engagement that strengthen his connection to the people he serves.
Leslie Cabrera, Esq.
Leslie Cabrera, Esq.
Litigation Attorney
Attorney Leslie Cabrera is the daughter of Dominican immigrants whose journey toward U.S. citizenship deeply shaped her understanding of the sacrifices and strength behind the pursuit of the American dream. Moving from Puerto Rico to Orlando at the age of twelve, she developed a strong sense of identity and purpose rooted in perseverance and community service.
Leslie earned her Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies from the University of Central Florida and her Juris Doctor from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School at Western Michigan University. Her career began with a focus on reuniting families through Dependency Law and advocating for victims of natural disasters. Today, she specializes in immigration litigation, combining her personal experience as an immigrant with her professional expertise to guide clients through complex immigration challenges with empathy, precision, and determination.
Her practice is driven by the belief that every case represents a story of hope and courage. Leslie is passionate about helping individuals and families navigate the legal system with confidence and dignity, turning each challenge into an opportunity for a new beginning.
Lorely Barea, Esq.
Lorely Barea, Esq.
Litigation Attorney
Attorney Lorely Barea was born in San Germán, Puerto Rico, and earned her Juris Doctor from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico School of Law. She was admitted to the Puerto Rico Bar in 2019, beginning a career marked by commitment, empathy, and excellence.
In 2020, Lorely relocated to Florida, where she began her practice in immigration law. Her work focuses on providing skilled, compassionate representation to clients before the Immigration Court and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). She has handled cases involving VAWA petitions, waivers, family-based petitions, and other immigration remedies, always with a focus on protecting her clients’ rights and supporting their dreams.
Lorely deeply understands the importance of having legal representation that not only speaks the client’s language but also understands their cultural and emotional needs. Guided by professionalism and empathy, she is devoted to helping members of the Hispanic community navigate the complexities of the immigration system with confidence and dignity.
Raquel Santiago, Esq.
Raquel Santiago, Esq.
Customer Success Attorney
Attorney Raquel Santiago brings over fifteen years of combined experience in legal representation and consulting, with a focus on immigration and labor compliance. Licensed to practice law in Puerto Rico and admitted before the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico, she provides bilingual (Spanish–English) representation marked by clarity, empathy, and precision.
Her background in labor relations and human resources gives her a strong foundation for understanding clients’ personal and professional immigration needs. Attorney Santiago’s mission is to guide each client with integrity and care, offering solutions that promote stability and opportunity. Based in Orlando, she continues to advocate for immigrant communities with dedication and respect.
Sonia Westerhold
Sonia Westerhold
President, Business Development
Sonia Westerhold is a founding member of Abogados W and serves as the firm’s President of Business Development. For over twelve years, she has dedicated herself to ensuring that every client receives exceptional service and care. Her leadership has been instrumental in shaping the firm’s identity — from building its first website and designing its original logos to developing customer experience systems that reflect the firm’s values of integrity, empathy, and excellence.
Before co-founding Abogados W, Sonia studied Psychology at the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain, and served as General Manager for a major European retail company. Her background in psychology and management has given her a unique ability to connect with people, understand their needs, and lead with both strategy and heart
Today, Sonia continues to guide Abogados W’s growth and innovation, fostering a culture of service, compassion, and teamwork that defines the firm’s mission and impact.
Astrea Daza
Astrea Daza
Team Leader USCIS
Astrea Daza earned her law degree from the University of Zulia in 2010. She dedicated 15 years to the Executive Directorate of the Judiciary of Zulia State, Venezuela, primarily within the Criminal Judicial Circuit, where she ultimately served as Assistant Attorney.
In 2016, she became Assistant Prosecutor #37 at the Public Prosecutor’s Office, handling cases involving criminal responsibility. After emigrating to the United States, she furthered her education with English studies at Miami Dade College and completed the Immigration Paralegal Training Program at the Paralegal Institute of America in November 2022.
Astrea joined Abogados W as a paralegal in September 2022, describing her role as rewarding and consistently enriching, truly "a learning path."
Angela Gamez
Angela Gamez
Client Service Manager
Angela Gámez was born in Havana, Cuba, where she graduated from Law School at the University of Havana. She emigrated to the United States many years ago alongside her family.
After arriving in the U.S., Angela furthered her expertise by earning an Immigration Paralegal Certificate. Since 2015, she has worked closely with Abogados W’s clients, providing compassionate and knowledgeable assistance with immigration cases. Angela finds great joy in her role, supporting people who, like her, pursue their American dream.
Angela identifies deeply with a quote from David Henry Hwang: “I define the American dream as the ability to imagine a way that you want your life to turn out, and have a reasonable hope that you can achieve that.”
María Laura Gutierrez
María Laura Gutierrez
Team Leader Litigation Legal Assistant
María Laura is a Venezuelan attorney, a graduate of the School of Law at Universidad Católica Andrés Bello in Caracas. Her journey as an immigrant has profoundly shaped her worldview, enriching her professional practice with empathy, adaptability, and a deep understanding of human resilience.
Her approach to law goes beyond technical expertise — she is committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate support to every client she serves. María Laura believes that the practice of law is not only about resolving legal matters but also about understanding the person behind each case. With a focus on integrity, responsibility, and strategic thinking, she ensures her clients feel guided, supported, and empowered throughout their legal process.
Her professional path reflects her dedication to continuous growth and her belief that every challenge brings an opportunity to evolve. Through her work, she strives to transform legal advocacy into a bridge of trust and positive change for those seeking new beginnings.
Lesbia Oropeza
Lesbia Oropeza
Team Leader Customer Success
Lesbia Oropeza is a Venezuelan professional with a degree in Business Administration, specializing in Business Management, from Universidad José María Vargas in Caracas. With more than 30 years of experience in administration, auditing, and consulting, she brings a wealth of strategic, operational, and leadership expertise to her role.
Her professional journey began at a multinational auditing and consulting firm in Venezuela, where she worked for nine years as a Senior Consultant developing operational manuals and implementing process improvements for diverse organizations. She later served for two decades as Administration and Finance Manager at CANTV (Compañía Anónima Nacional Teléfonos de Venezuela), overseeing institutional relations with corporate suppliers in the Human Resources sector.
In 2023, Lesbia continued her career in Los Angeles, California, as Head of Administrative Operations at RP-JC’Stars, managing the company’s client portfolio. Since September 2024, she has been part of Abogados W as Customer Success Specialist, where she combines her professional discipline with her personal empathy as an immigrant. She finds deep purpose in helping clients feel supported and confident, knowing they are guided by an experienced and committed legal team.
Our Team
Carolina Borges
Carolina Borges
Quality Control Specialist
Carolina Borges is a Venezuelan attorney, born in Valencia, who graduated in Law from Universidad José Antonio Páez, where she also completed a diploma in Private Investigation and Criminology. Since February 2025, she has been an integral member of the Abogados W team, where she combines her professionalism with a deep sense of empathy and service.
Her work is driven by a passion for helping people through every stage of their legal and personal journey. Carolina is devoted to ensuring that each client receives the attention, care, and quality representation they deserve. Her approach is guided by the belief that behind every case there is a human story, and she is motivated by the opportunity to help individuals achieve their goals and dreams in a new country.
She defines migration as “a great step filled with courage, where we must never forget our history, our efforts, our goals, and our dreams.” Carolina’s perspective as both an immigrant and a legal professional allows her to connect with clients on a profound level, offering understanding, guidance, and hope in every interaction.
Nury Chaparro Botia
Nury Chaparro Botia
Litigation Legal Assistant
Nury Chaparro Botia, a Colombian attorney from Sogamoso, Boyacá, is a specialist in Constitutional and Administrative Law. She graduated from Universidad Santo Tomás de Aquino and earned her postgraduate degree from Universidad Católica de Colombia.
With over ten years of experience in the Colombian public sector, she has served in key legal positions at institutions such as the National Civil Service Commission, the National Institute of Health, the Bogotá District Mobility Secretariat, and the National Pedagogical University, among others. Her career reflects a steadfast commitment to ethics, public service, and justice.
Her professional practice has focused on public procurement, administrative law, public service, and the protection of human rights. In her current role as Litigation Legal Assistant, she contributes her legal knowledge, discipline, and integrity to strengthening the firm’s administrative and litigation team.
“Fiat iustitia, pereat mundus.” — Let justice be done, though the world perish. — Hans Kelsen
María Duque
María Duque
Litigation Legal Assistant
María Duque is a Colombian attorney with a background in corporate and labor law. She earned her law degree from Universidad Libre in Bogotá, Colombia, where she developed a strong foundation in legal analysis and human-centered advocacy.
Since moving to the United States, María has continued to pursue her passion for social impact and service. Her personal experience as an immigrant has strengthened her empathy and understanding of the challenges faced by those who begin a new life in a different country. She firmly believes that the world changes through the actions we take every day, and she applies this philosophy to her work with every client she serves.
Beyond her professional life, María enjoys sharing coffee with friends, appreciating the serenity of the ocean, and watching sunsets with her family. Through her role at Abogados W, she finds gratitude and purpose in helping others fulfill their dreams and build a better future.
Camila García
Camila García
Customer Success Representative
Camila García is a Colombian business administrator with extensive experience in marketing, brand management, and strategic leadership. She earned her degree in Business Administration from the Universidad de Antioquia, one of Colombia’s most prestigious public universities.
Before relocating to the United States, Camila developed her professional career over nine years in the marketing department of Colombia’s largest retail company, where she honed her skills in commercial strategy, project management, and brand development. These experiences shaped her ability to lead with creativity, organization, and a strong sense of purpose.
Since moving to the United States nearly three years ago, Camila has embraced new personal and professional challenges with dedication and optimism. Guided by her vocation for service, she supports immigrant communities with empathy and commitment, helping individuals pursue their goals and build meaningful lives in their new home.
Patricia Pazo Gomez
Patricia Pazo Gomez
Litigation Legal Assistant
Patricia is a Venezuelan attorney, a graduate of Universidad Católica Andrés Bello – Guayana Extension, where she earned her law degree in 2022. Guided by her passion for law and her desire to transform lives, she chose to specialize in immigration law — a field where she combines professional excellence with deep compassion for those pursuing new beginnings.
Her goal is to accompany each client with humanity, dedication, and clarity, ensuring they understand every step of their process. For Patricia, being part of Abogados W represents both professional growth and personal fulfillment. She values the opportunity to contribute to a team that changes lives through justice and empathy.
As an immigrant herself, Patricia understands the courage and hope that define every migration story. She believes that each decision to begin anew is an act of faith and strength, and she is honored to help clients turn their dreams into reality through legal guidance and heartfelt advocacy.
Eva Grabosky
Eva Grabosky
USCIS & SIJ Legal Assistant
Eva Gabrosky was born and raised in Havana, Cuba. She graduated from the University of Havana and brings more than 30 years of professional experience from both Cuba and the United States, where she emigrated in 2012.
As a Legal Assistant, Eva deeply values her interactions with clients, with whom she identifies closely. Her passion for helping others, combined with her extensive knowledge and personal experiences as an immigrant, ensures clients always feel understood and confident they're in the right hands to fulfill their dreams.
Yessica Gruppillo
Yessica Gruppillo
USCIS Legal Assistant
Yessica Gruppillo is a Venezuelan attorney, a graduate of Universidad Yacambú (Venezuela) in 2007, with a specialization in Commercial, Labor, and Administrative Law. Throughout her career, she has provided legal counsel to companies, labor unions, and non-profit organizations, combining technical expertise with a strong sense of ethical responsibility.
For more than seven years, she served as Director of the Legal Consulting Department at the Institute of Health of the State of Yaracuy, where she structured multi-year contracts with various health sector unions and established the legal mechanisms for the procurement and importation of equipment and supplies related to the field.
From 2021 to 2023, Yessica worked as an advisor to the General Manager of 305 Partners LLC, contributing to the organization and implementation of the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) across Miami-Dade County.
In April 2024, she completed her technical studies to become a certified Preparer of Immigration Forms, strengthening her expertise in U.S. immigration matters. Since May 2024, she has been part of the Abogados W team, where she serves as a Legal Assistant, supporting clients in the preparation and organization of immigration documents.
As an immigrant herself, Yessica personally understands the challenges and emotions that accompany every migration process. Her commitment is to provide compassionate, human-centered, and professional service, guiding each client with dedication and respect on their path toward a new opportunity in the United States.
Karen Rondon Herrera
Karen Rondon Herrera
Litigation Legal Assistant
Karen Rondón Herrera is a Venezuelan attorney, a graduate of Universidad Bicentenaria de Aragua (2014). She later expanded her academic background in the United States through studies at Miami Dade College (2017) and Valencia College (2023), where she enhanced her English communication and professional skills.
Throughout her career, Karen has held various positions that have strengthened her abilities in customer service and client relations, developing effective, empathetic, and results-oriented communication. Her professional approach is centered on guiding and assisting individuals through their legal processes with personalized support, clear communication, and practical solutions.
Karen is deeply committed to providing ethical, transparent, and client-focused service, ensuring that each person she assists receives the attention, respect, and professionalism they deserve.
Marihelen Jiménez
Marihelen Jiménez
Litigation Legal Assistant
Marihelen Jiménez is a Venezuelan attorney and legal professional whose career has been defined by service, empathy, and justice. She earned her law degree from the Universidad Central de Venezuela (UCV) in 2007 and has dedicated many years to assisting and guiding individuals through complex legal processes with professionalism and compassion.
After arriving in the United States in 2023, Marihelen continued to strengthen her legal education and focus on immigration law, a field that allows her to combine her passion for helping others with her extensive legal training. She currently serves as a Legal Assistant at Abogados W, where she provides essential support to attorneys and clients navigating immigration procedures.
For Marihelen, every case represents an opportunity to stand with those seeking a better life, offering them clarity, respect, and genuine care. Her approach is grounded in the belief that the practice of law is not only about defending rights but also about empowering people to begin new chapters with dignity and hope.
Diana Mogollón
Diana Mogollón
Customer Success Representative
Diana Mogollón is a Colombian business administrator with a strong background in marketing, brand strategy, and project leadership. She earned her degree in Business Administration from the Universidad de Antioquia and built her career over nine years in the marketing department of one of Colombia’s leading retail companies, where she developed her expertise in strategic planning, brand management, and team leadership.
After relocating to the United States, Diana embraced the challenges of starting anew, channeling her professional skills and empathetic nature toward serving the immigrant community. Her vocation for service and deep understanding of people’s needs have allowed her to guide clients with care, responsibility, and cultural sensitivity.
At Abogados W, Diana contributes her professionalism and compassion to every client interaction, ensuring that each person feels supported on their journey to achieving their goals in a new country. She firmly believes that true success lies in helping others build better futures through empathy, service, and integrity.
Juliana Palacios
Juliana Palacios
Litigation Legal Assistant
Juliana Palacios is a Colombian legal professional who brings dedication, precision, and compassion to her role as Litigation Legal Assistant at Abogados W. Originally from Colombia, Juliana’s decision to continue her career in the United States reflects her commitment to growth, service, and justice.
As a Colombian attorney, she combines her academic foundation and legal training with a profound sense of empathy toward immigrants seeking to build better futures. Her approach centers on guiding clients through complex legal processes with professionalism, patience, and clarity, ensuring that each individual feels supported and informed every step of the way.
Juliana believes that every immigration story represents courage, hope, and the pursuit of dreams — values that drive her daily work. Her goal is to provide clients not only with exceptional legal support but also with the reassurance that they are accompanied by a caring and capable team dedicated to their success.
Nohelia Gomez Romero
Nohelia Gomez Romero
Customer Success Representative
With a background in administrative management, Nohelia has learned the value of efficiency, empathy, and effective communication. At Abogados W, she applies those principles daily within the Customer Success team, accompanying each client through their immigration process with commitment and care. She believes every case carries a story and a dream, and her goal is to provide an experience that is clear, supportive, and human.
Ready to Meet Our Team?
Schedule a consultation today and let us walk with you on your path to the American Dream.
We look forward to getting to know you and understanding your immigration goals. Let’s talk about how Abogados W can help you and your family take the next step toward your American Dream.