In recognition of her work to promote Latinas within the legal profession, the Hispanic National Bar Association has appointed Botkin Chiarello Calaf partner María Amelia Calaf (MAC) to its Latina Commission.

The Latina Commission of the HNBA is charged with offering professional development and leadership training programs to help advance the careers of Latina attorneys. Because Latina lawyers account for less than 2% of all lawyers in the United States, the Commission has implemented regular programming across the country to not only support Latinas in the profession, but to increase the pipeline of Latinas entering the practice of law.

“I’m honored to join such a talented group of Latina lawyers committed to opening doors for others,” said MAC, “I’ve personally benefited from the excellent leadership programs the Commission offers HNBA members and am looking forward to paying it forward and working to create programing that empowers future and current Latina lawyers to rise in the legal profession.”

In addition to her work with the Commission, MAC is involved in leadership groups to promote diversity in law. She recently helped found an Austin “Cafecito,” a local chapter of a networking group for Latina lawyers and law students. She is also a board member of Mother Attorneys Mentoring Association (MAMAs) Austin, was a steering committee member of the Texas Minority Counsel Program for several years, and has mentored young female attorneys through the Travis County Women’s Lawyers Association.