Tania is a dedicated attorney with a deep commitment to social justice and extensive experience in the field of immigration law. As the Managing Director, Technical Compliance, Tania oversees the contractual deliverables of all federally funded programs, ensuring adherence to legal and regulatory requirements. Prior to joining Acacia, Tania served as the Director of Transition at the Vera Institute of Justice’s Center on Immigration Justice. In this role, she played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Acacia Center for Justice by successfully transitioning the Center’s programs funded by federal government contracts. Her strategic approach and dedication to program management ensured a seamless transition while aligning with the overarching goals of the organization and the field. With more than 16 years of experience, Tania has been a determined advocate for immigrant rights and has dedicated her career to providing legal defense for immigrants. For the first decade of her professional journey, Tania worked directly with legal service providers in the Los Angeles area. Her work primarily focused on removal defense for various vulnerable communities, including individuals in detention, unaccompanied children, and people with mental health incompetency issues, among others. Tania was a founding member of the Immigrant Defenders Law Center, Southern California’s largest non-profit deportation defense organization. Through her work, she has built a strong partnership with various immigration legal service providers, furthering their shared commitment to serving immigrant communities.
Tania earned her J.D. from Loyola Law School, showcasing her strong legal foundation. She also holds a bachelor’s degree from UCLA, where she cultivated her passion for social justice. Born in Cochabamba, Bolivia, Tania immigrated to the United States at a young age, giving her a unique perspective and understanding of the challenges faced by immigrant communities. She is a native Spanish speaker and is based out of Los Angeles, California.