Az Business and AZRE magazines announced the publications’ lists of the Most Influential Women in Arizona of 2023, including Rosary Hernandez, partner at Burch & Cracchiolo. In celebration of the 12th anniversary of the Most Influential Women program, azbigmedia.com is profiling one of the Most Influential Women of 2023 each day leading up to the Most Influential Women of 2023 dinner and reception.
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The Most Influential Women for 2023 will be honored at a reception on Thursday, August 17 at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix. For sponsorship information, email Amy.Lindsey@azbigmedia.com. For information about the event honoring the Most Influential Women, email Lynette.Carrington@azbigmedia.com or click here. To buy tickets, click here.
Rosary Hernandez, partner, Burch & Cracchiolo
BACKGROUND: In practice for 29 years, Rosary Hernandez focuses on commercial and business litigation, professional liability defense, construction law, and tort defense including tortious interference and related claims.
CAREER PATH INSPIRATION: “As the child of immigrants, I was often an accidental advocate for my family and parents. I grew up with stories of despotic rule and the impact of undemocratic principles during the Cuban Revolution. When I was in college at the University of Texas at Austin, I attended a lecture series with Cesar Chavez. He spoke about the role of the law as a means to equalize opportunities and protect both people and democratic systems. It was the first time these concepts and advocate roles lined up for me, and it inspired me to pursue the law as a career.”
SOURCE OF PRIDE: “As a first-generation Cuban American, I am proud of developing a practice and specialty in real estate and construction in Arizona and the Southwest. Assisting businesses manage growth, shores up the economy and creates opportunities for everyone in Arizona. I am also proud of my service as a National Director and Chair of Diversity and Inclusion efforts within DRI, the largest civil defense bar in the country. Phoenix has been wonderful to me, and my family and I have also volunteered for many years as board members with various charitable and professional boards that seek to protect and mentor various underserved communities and provide professional development opportunities. Opportunities to mentor young lawyers are critical to the future of our system.”
SOURCE OF INSPIRATION: “A series of amazing mentors at various stages throughout my career have led me here. Collectively, these individuals taught me how to believe in myself and how to develop a practice and be an effective lawyer. Several have been most impactful. My first firm mentor as a young lawyer is now a federal court judge in South Texas, Justice Nelva Gonzalez Ramos. Along with Nancy Bowen, a now-retired paralegal; these women have mentored me in the 30 years we have been colleagues and friends. I have also had the great fortune to have served as a National Board Member with DRI, the largest civil law defense bar in the country. This DRI community has befriended and supported my growth as a professional and attorney.”
SURPRISING FACT: “Right after college, I came very close to joining the Peace Corps instead of going to law school.”
