#53 | From Shadows to Advocacy: Hector Quiroga's Immigrant Journey to the American Dream
A Spanish speaker from Colombia, South America, Hector Quiroga entered the United States legally, but alone, in the pivotal year 2000. With lawyers for parents, he’d always known he would be a professional. He also knew law was his calling. He loved the idea of advocating for others who needed help. Armed with a solid upbringing, a handful of English words, and little money in his pocket, he knew the road ahead would be a challenge. He was ready.
Hector managed to teach himself English, attend college at Gonzaga University, graduate with honors in Economics, pass the bar exam in his newly learned language, and after considerable trials and tribulations — win a spot in law school at the same university. Fate also stepped in, and Hector fell in love with Casey, also a law student, and they were married soon after graduation. Before long, they opened Quiroga Law Firm, and started to grow their firm and their family.
Though it seemed everything was going his way, the law firm wasn’t producing enough income for their family to survive. No matter how many hours Hector put in, and how little money they spent, the math wasn’t working. He considered giving up law and teaching high school Spanish. When a business coach pressed him to look deeper, Hector discovered a personal memory had been holding him back from truly believing in himself or valuing his own worth enough to charge what an attorney needs to charge. That started a long journey of self-discovery that unlocked his potential to thrive.
Fast forward a few more years, Hector and Casey have seven beautiful children, a multinational law firm, and multiple offices around the U.S. They are able to do the work he alway envisioned–helping other immigrants find a pathway to success—whatever that means for them.
“I understand the challenges and opportunities that immigrants face, and I am committed to providing them with compassionate and effective legal representation.”- Hector Quiroga
In his book, Prove Them Wrong: One Immigrant’s 10-Year Journey from Bankrupt to Millionaire, Hector discusses the weight of trauma and the power of sharing and healing. He also explores the impact of childhood trauma and the struggle with self-worth, and highlights the consequences of undervaluing oneself and the journey to trust and delegate.
As an attorney and CEO at Quiroga Law Office, PLLC, Hector has been practicing immigration law for over 14 years, “helping clients achieve their American Dream.” Since 2015 has taught law students at Gonzaga University School of Law, “sharing his knowledge and skills in practice management, trial and case management, and settlement strategies”.
In this episode:
Coming to America
The Importance of Legal Guidance for Immigrants
Immigration and Abuse
Challenges in the Immigration System
The Impact of Childhood Trauma
The Power of Talking and Seeking Help
The Struggle with Self-Worth
The Journey to Trust and Delegate
Finding Purpose and Calling
Trusting in Yourself and Your Passion
Helping Others Find Healing and Hope
Episode Links
Prove Them Wrong: One Immigrant’s 10-Year Journey from Bankrupt to Millionaire (On Amazon)
