Welcome to another edition of Meet the Staff! This month we are going to our Union City office to meet Branch Office Manager, Hansy Velasquez. She was born in Guatemala and raised in El Salvador by her grandmother, Maria Velasquez. At the age of 16, she came to this country and moved to Union City, where she currently lives.
Hansy began High School with little knowledge of the English language. Unable to speak the language, she was forced to begin as a freshman, which caused a setback in her educational career. Despite not being able to speak English her motivation to succeed remained. Every day she would visit the town’s library to read children’s books and newspapers. These daily trips to the library helped her become familiar with the English language. The following year, her hard work was rewarded. She advanced two grades, graduating high school with honors.
After completing high school, Hansy decided to pursue a medical assistant career. She successfully completed, and graduated as a “Registered Medical Assistant”. She completed her internship in a private doctor’s office; however, she did not feel fulfilled in her career. She worked in retail stores as customer service representative, knowing that there was more in store for her future. Hansy was finally provided the opportunity to work in a law office. “Ever since my first job working as a paralegal, I felt that I found the job that I not only like doing, but also feels rewarding when helping others,” she explains.
The person Hansy admires most is her grandmother. She adds, “She raised me, taught me discipline, to be a strong independent woman, and how important hard work is. She always told me ‘treat others the way you want to be treated.’ This is why when I meet with a client, I always try to put myself in their shoes and go out of my way to help them.”
Hansy forms close bonds with clients, stating the most rewarding part of her job is being able to assist and educate the clients about their rights. In these moments is when Hansy’s confidence is affirmed that she chose the right profession.
Hansy affectionately describes her family, “I am currently married to my wonderful husband, Christopher, who supports me in everything I do. Together we are raising two beautiful girls, Alexandra (9 years-old) and Erika (15 years-old, who aspires to be an attorney).”
September marks Hansy’s fifth year with the Ginarte Family, and states, “I am proud to say that I work for a Firm that truly cares about their clients and I could not have been happier to be a part of this prestigious Firm.”