Family and community are driving forces in Rebeca Lopez's life.
Lopez, an attorney in the labor, employment and immigration practice group at Milwaukee law firm Godfrey & Kahn SC, credits her parents for teaching her the value of work and the importance of giving back.
"There was a very strong focus on volunteering. It was just a normal part of growing up," said Lopez, who often volunteers today with daughter, Aerial, 14, at her side.
"Volunteering motivates me. I don't have a lot of hobbies, but I do enjoy working on projects that are going to move the community forward. We combine family time with volunteering, so it doesn't feel like work," Lopez said.
Born and raised on Milwaukee's south side by her immigrant father and Dutch-German mother, Lopez attended Milwaukee Public Schools. There she met her future husband, Marco, in middle school, although romance didn't bloom until high school. Today, he shares his wife's commitment to community, working as a Milwaukee police officer.
Causes that Lopez devotes time to include Centro Legal, Core/El Centro and the United Community Center.
"Rebeca has that ability to inspire people to do better, to do more," said Gladys Manzanet, a fellow volunteer at the Latino Veterans Legacy of Valor Project. "She motivates people in a way that makes them understand not only are you helping your community, but yourself."
It was Lopez's volunteerism at a young age that prompted a Latino leader to urge then-Sen. Russ Feingold to hire the college junior for immigration casework. Lopez loved the job, but as a liaison ultimately had to hand over the case to an attorney. She changed that by entering Marquette University Law School at age 27, creating another mother-daughter bonding experience.
"I'd take Aerial with me to the law library, where we'd both do homework. I was always motivated to be someone she could be proud of," Lopez said. "She makes me proud every day."
As an attorney, Lopez is proud of Godfrey & Kahn's efforts to increase diversity in the bar by sponsoring fellowships at Marquette and University of Wisconsin-Madison law schools that offset tuition and provide students the opportunity to work as summer associates.
Lopez's future includes keeping family, hard work and volunteerism top priorities.
"Growing up, to be called a hard worker was a badge of honor," she said. "I have a lot of high aspirations for the community and myself. I just want to continue to be involved."