Yvette Ostolaza, the daughter of Cuban immigrants who came to Miami as children through Operation Pedro Pan, has become the first Hispanic person to lead one of the nation’s top 20 law firms by revenue, according to CBS News Miami.
She grew up in the Grapeland Heights neighborhood of Miami, where a college education was not always expected. Ostolaza said she is a first-generation college student and earned two degrees from the University of Miami.
Ostolaza leads the global firm Sidley. Beatriz Azcuy, co-managing partner of the firm’s Miami office, described her as a mentor, role model and advocate for the people around her, not only for clients.
Ostolaza also provides free legal services and supports community groups, including Miami’s Orange Bowl Committee. She credited her family for helping her reach the top.
She advised young people to be curious, read constantly, seek mentors and stay open to change. She said she plans to keep mentoring the next generation of lawyers while serving clients and giving back to the community.
