Tag Archive for: Hispanic Heritage Month

Meet Deputy DA Hector Jimenez

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, which is observed 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 Hector Jimenez, who has been with the DA’s Office since 1995.

Hector was born in Guadalajara, Mexico and came to the U.S. when he was 13 years old. Before joining the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, he worked in the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office and before that he represented minors in dependency court.

Hector started at the DA’s Office in the Juvenile Branch, and he is currently assigned to the Public Integrity Unit, in Special Operations, where he investigates and prosecutes conduct of elected officials or matters involving public funds.  He also helps with hate crimes and has taken on a few cases from his tenure in the Economic Crimes Division.

During his spare time, Hector coaches high school mock trials, he is involved with the San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association, and he enjoys triathlons and spending time with his family.

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

“When I was in high school, I was inspired by prosecutors during a Law Day event at the courthouse in Santa Ana, CA. They told us their mission was to help people. From that day, I have aspired to be a diligent and caring prosecutor.”

What is your favorite part of the job?

“I love the people I work with and our mission to serve the people of this state. The successes are very gratifying, and I can’t think of a better group of people to experience the lows with.”

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

“As an immigrant, it is an interesting concept because I came from a place where the contributions of minorities were not appreciated.  I am proud to belong to a community that recognizes the contributions of its diverse population.  One of the interesting things about the Hispanic community is that we come in all shapes and colors, we are very diverse, and we contribute to all industries.”

Legislative Assistant Briana Zavala

Meet Legislative Assistant Briana Zavala

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we are highlighting stories from DA employees and what inspired them to pursue a career in public service. Meet Legislative Assistant Briana Zavala, who joined the DA’s Office as a Student Worker in 2016 and became a Legislative Assistant in 2018.

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your position and how you got where you are?
I grew up in Southeast San Diego, graduated from Lincoln High School, and received a full-ride scholarship to UCSD. For most of my life, I believed in the idea of meritocracy. I believed that if you worked hard, you would be successful. However, after going to college and studying Sociology, Ethnic and Gender studies, I quickly realized that opportunity plays a major role in that equation. I am where I am today because not only did I work hard, but I was given the opportunity to be a Student Worker at the DA’s Office over five and a half years ago. I am grateful to JJ Anderson and Grace Liu for mentoring me to be the young woman I am today.

Now, as Legislative Assistant, I have the opportunity to work with office executives to create laws that will not only benefit our office but the entire state. I am proud of where I am, but I have every intention of continuing to grow within the County by taking on leadership roles. While I love the work that I do, my favorite job is being a mom to two beautiful, sweet and kind little girls.

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you? Why is it important?
Hispanic Heritage month is important to me because I am proud to be Mexican American. It is a time to celebrate diversity and acknowledge the history, culture, and achievements of the Hispanic community. I hope that during this month of celebrations we will use it as an opportunity to educate and have conversations about the lack of opportunity, resources, and marginalization that Hispanic people face to this day. Representation does not equal decolonization. As public servants, we must not only celebrate but hold ourselves accountable for more than can be done in our positions. I ask my colleagues to celebrate this month by reading about mental health barriers in the Hispanic community. The article can be found here.
¡Si se puede! Together we can, and together we will.

Deputy DA Agustin Pena

Tragedy Becomes Inspiration

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we are sharing stories from DA employees about how they got to where they are today. Deputy District Attorney Agustin Peña’s life changed completely after a family tragedy, but even through adversity, he was determined to make a difference in his community.