In the bustling city of Fort Worth, Texas, amidst the towering skyscrapers and vibrant streets, there stands a beacon of hope and justice: The Law Office of Rosa Maria Berdeja. Within its walls resides not just a legal firm, but the embodiment of one woman’s unwavering dedication to her community and her profound belief in the power of compassion. This is the story of Rosa Maria Berdeja, a woman whose journey from humble beginnings to esteemed attorney is a testament to resilience, determination and the pursuit of justice.
Rosa Maria Berdeja’s story begins in the sun-drenched town of Brownsville, Texas. Born into a large, impoverished family, Berdeja was the sixth of nine children. Life was not easy for the Berdeja family, and her early years were marked by hardship and uncertainty. However, even in the face of adversity, Berdeja’s spirit remained unbroken. She possessed a natural talent for academics, finding solace and stability in the halls of her school, where she knew she could rely on two meals a day.
At around age 12, her mother told her she should aspire to find a nice man what would marry her and buy her an apartment. In her home, education was not emphasized, working was. Despite the challenges she faced, Berdeja aspired to do more to build a better future for herself. Once she began, she resolved to continue, She completed her education, earning a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences from the University of North Texas before pursuing her Juris Doctorate from Texas Wesleyan School of Law. Though it took longer than some, she was proud to pass the bar at the age of 33. It wasn’t until after her time in law school that Berdeja’s true calling revealed itself. During a visit to a jail, Berdeja encountered a Spanish-speaking woman desperately trying to navigate the legal system to reunite with her husband all without being able to understand English. It was a moment of clarity for Berdeja, a realization that she was being called to advocate for those who couldn’t advocate for themselves. Since then, Rosa has dedicated her career to helping immigrants navigate the complexities of the U.S. immigration system.
To read the full story, click on the cover of the February 2024 issue.
