Tag Archive for: Hispanic Heritage

Meet Deputy District Attorney Norma Flores

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 through October 15, we are highlighting stories from DA employees and what inspired them to pursue a career in public service. Meet Deputy District Attorney Norma Flores.

Norma began her career with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office in 2015 as a receptionist in the East County Division. During her time as a support staff, she performed a variety of duties in the Misdemeanor Unit and eventually transitioned to the Felony unit, where she served as lead. In December of 2020, she made the difficult decision to leave a job that she truly loved to pursue her dream of becoming a prosecutor. During law school she returned to the office as an intern and a Graduate Law Clerk where she worked in several units including, Narcotics, Gangs, Family Protection, and Sex Crimes. In December of 2024, she achieved her goal and proudly rejoined the office as a Deputy District Attorney and is currently assigned to the East County Division.

When she’s not busy working as a prosecutor, Norma spends her free time with her two children. Read more about what inspired her to pursue a career in public service, below.

Why did you choose a career in public service/what inspired you to pursue this career?

“My career path was shaped by an early personal experience with the justice system as a juvenile. At that time, the San Diego County District Attorney’s office took my life circumstances into consideration and gave me an opportunity to change my life. This experience also sparked an interest in the law.

During my time as a Legal Support Assistant with the office, I was assigned to the arraignment and readiness department where I assisted prosecutors in court. Daily, I witnessed Deputy District Attorneys in the courtroom work diligently to protect victims, the community, and to ensure justice. This deeply inspired me and quickly realized that I wanted to devote my life to public service. I am grateful to now be doing so for the same office that never gave up on me.”

What is your favorite part of the job?

“What I love most about being a prosecutor is the ability to protect the community I grew up in, while also advocating for victims who need a voice.”

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you/why is it important?

“Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate our accomplishments and using them to inspire the next generation to achieve their dreams.”

Read more Hispanic Heritage Month stories from the DA’s Office, here.

Hispanic Heritage: Meet Care Coordinator Lisbet Perez

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we are highlighting the stories of DA employees and what inspired them to pursue a career in public service. In this video you will meet One Safe Place Care Coordinator Lisbet Perez, whose personal journey lead her to dedicate her career to helping others who have gone through the same experiences as her.

You can read more Hispanic Heritage Month stories from the DA’s Office, here.

Hispanic Heritage: Meet Deputy DA Javier Vargas

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we are highlighting the stories of DA employees and what inspired them to pursue a career in public service. In this video you will meet Deputy District Attorney Javier Vargas, who has a long family history of public service.

You can read more Hispanic Heritage Month stories from the DA’s Office, here.

 

Paralegal Veronica Flores.

Meet Paralegal Veronica Flores

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 through October 15, we are highlighting stories from DA employees and what inspired them to pursue a career in public service. Meet Paralegal Veronica Flores.

Veronica was born and raised in San Diego. She graduated from SDSU in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology/Social Work.

“I was 39 when I went back to school. It’s never too late!! Si Se Puede!”

As a Paralegal II for the Insurance Fraud Division, Veronica assists in writing the six different Insurance Fraud Grants that fund that division and help gather, analyze, organize, and accurately report all the data for the multiple statistical reports required for our programs. She also organizes the division’s mass media, outreach programs, and community events they participate in throughout the entirety of San Diego County. Additionally, she is assigned many special projects and duties, such as the maintenance of the division’s arrest warrant database and various restitution projects.

During her spare time, Veronica likes to travel and explore new places. She loves spending time with her family, her three grandchildren, going to concerts, and going to Raider games in Vegas!

What inspired you to pursue a career at the DA’s Office/in law enforcement?

“I did not originally plan to pursue a career at the DA’s Office, and it was pure luck that I started working here. I first applied for a position with the Health and Human Services Agency and luckily the DA’s Office called to interview me for a secretarial position. I was hired and assigned to the Gangs Unit. That is where I started learning more about the DA’s Office and how we pursue justice for our victims. Former Deputy DA Sophia Roach pushed me to become a paralegal, she even wrote a recommendation letter for me that went a long way toward helping me get into the USD paralegal program. After working in the Gangs Unit, I was transferred to the Insurance Fraud Division and gained experience with paralegal duties. Once I got my certification, I applied for and got a paralegal position in the Family Protection Division where I did more case management. Eventually, I returned to the Insurance Fraud Division to assist with the grant program, but I still work on some Family Protection cases, one of which is going to trial this month.”

What is your favorite part of the job?

“I am a very high (I) – Influence behavior style (people involvement), so I enjoy helping others and being social. Luckily, I know how to multi-task so I’m able to get my work done! I love that there is still the opportunity to learn new things every day so that I continuously improve at my job.”

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you? Why is it important?

“Lately, there is so much negativity in the news media about immigrants, so events like Hispanic Heritage Month are important because they shine a spotlight on the contributions and achievements made by Latinxs across the United States and beyond. Holidays like Mexican Independence Day on September 16th, ‘El Grito,’ which is celebrated the day before, are huge holidays that allow us to share our culture and history with others. These kinds of things help foster inclusivity and acceptance in the community.”

Meet Paralegal Sandy Barajas

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 through October 15, we are highlighting stories from DA employees and what inspired them to pursue a career in public service. Meet Paralegal Sandy Barajas.

Sandy was born in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, but came to the United States when she was only six months old. She grew up in San Diego County, in the community of Barrio Logan, where her family has lived for over 50 years.

She attended Southwestern College and graduated with an Associate of Arts degree in General Studies, then went directly to National University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. She then pursued a Pre-Law degree in Paralegal Studies at the University of San Diego.

Currently, Sandy is assigned as a Paralegal I for the East County Division, where she works on Misdemeanor DUI cases. She also serves in the County’s Peer Support Team because she has always been passionate about giving back to her community.

When she is not busy working, she loves to make her spare time useful. She currently has a business which consumes half of her time, but she also likes to stay active in her community.

“I volunteer my time and expertise to help others,” she said. “I feel I have a duty to give back and help younger women to reach their potential. Once I had women who gave to me, who mentored me, so it’s only fair that I continue to keep the ball rolling. I enjoy non-profit volunteer work.”

What inspired you to pursue a career at the DA’s Office/in law enforcement?  

“There were several factors that inspired me to pursue a career at the District Attorney’s office. Firstly, I have always had a strong passion for justice and protecting the rights of individuals. Here at the DA’s Office, we believe in protecting victims, building safe neighborhoods and partnering with the community. I have worked with diverse communities for the past 20 years.”

What is your favorite part of the job?  

“I love to work with diverse populations and give back to my community. I believe it’s important to pay it forward and help others.”

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you? Why is it important?  

“Hispanic Heritage Month holds a special significance for me as it is a time to celebrate and honor the rich cultural contributions of Hispanic individuals to our society. It is also a time that I get to indulge in the beautiful traditions, history and accomplishments of the Hispanic community and to educate others about the diversity within this group. I am very passionate about my roots and that is why I decided to create a business that entails the art, culture and traditions of my Hispanic culture. As a Latina, Hispanic Heritage Month allows me to connect with my roots, showcase the beauty and resilience of my culture, and feel a sense of pride in my heritage.”