By Beth Pitcock, Director of Human Resources & Compliance
Francisco “Javier” Rosas, Director of Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion at San Joaquin College of Law was honored with the Unity Bar Award this spring, for his passion and commitment to supporting unity and diversity in the legal community. The award was presented at the Central California Asian Pacific American Bar Association’s Honorable Mikio Uchiyama Annual Scholarship Banquet in May. Speaking in place of Attorney General Ron Bonta who appeared via video due to a sudden trip to Washington D.C., Associate Justice Shama Hakim Mesiwala noted the grit and tenacity that is required to blaze a path as the first in a family or underrepresented group to achieve a college degree and become a successful professional.
Himself a first generation college graduate, Rosas attended Fresno State to obtain a BA in History and an MA in Higher Education Leadership and Administration after sustaining injuries during military service in Iraq. A Purple Heart recipient, Rosas worked with veterans on the campus of Fresno State before coming to SJCL to continue his support of students seeking higher education and success.
In her speech Justice Mesiwala highlighted other notable firsts, including her own as the product of her father’s immigration from India as he sought freedom and educational opportunities. After attaining her undergrad degree in just three years, Justice Mesiwala enrolled in the UC Davis School of Law at the age of 20. Her long and esteemed career lead to a nomination by Governor Newsom to the California Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District, where she was unanimously confirmed.