Leticia M. Diaz, Dean of Barry University Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law, has been named one of 2014’s Most Powerful & Influential Women by the Florida Diversity Council.
The award was presented to Diaz and 12 other Central Florida business professionals during the 5th Annual Florida Diversity & Leadership Conference on April 3, 2014, at the Rosen Plaza Orlando.
The Florida Diversity Council sponsors the annual conference to support and establish business development ideals that are driven by a goal of inclusiveness. The honorees were lauded for the progress they have made advancing leadership and organizational change while promoting diversity in their respective fields.
“Diversity is one of the cornerstones of our Mission at Barry Law, so this is an award I hold very close to the heart,” Diaz said. “At Barry Law, we have worked for 15 years to create an environment that celebrates diversity along with academic excellence. We do so because we truly believe it is best for our students, but awards such as this are a welcome acknowledgment that our Mission is making a difference.”
Diaz, who has been at Barry Law since its founding and has served as its top administrator since 2007, is the first female Cuban-American dean of an ABA-accredited law school in the United States. Her professional involvement has included serving on the advisory committee for the ABA Commission on Hispanic Legal Rights and Responsibilities. She has taken a leading role on Hispanic issues, including penning an article on the DREAM Act that was entered into the Congressional Record.