Yolanda M. Mendoza, Esq.
Attorney Mendoza has a deep commitment to public service and is passionate about immigration law. Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Harlem, New York City, she comes from a diverse background. Having navigated through the immigration process herself, she is devoted to the practice of immigration law on a very personal level. Her trajectory in law began at the age of 17 when she assisted a family member in responding to a complicated Request for Evidence relating to a family petition. The petition was subsequently approved, and her family member became a lawful permanent resident of the United States after nearly two decades.
Since founding her own practice in 2019, Mrs. Mendoza has helped hundreds of clients achieve their immigration goals. She represents individuals and families in all areas of immigration law, including family petitions, adjustment of status, waivers, naturalization, and removal defense. Her bilingual ability in English and Spanish allows her to connect with clients from all backgrounds and to communicate clearly through each stage of the process.
Before opening her firm, Mrs. Mendoza worked at respected immigration law practices in New York and New Jersey, where she gained extensive experience handling family and humanitarian cases. She also volunteered as a Spanish interpreter for AILA’s juvenile docket program, where she learned the importance of communication and cultural understanding in immigration advocacy.
In addition to her practice, Mrs. Mendoza actively contributes to the advancement of immigration law through her service on multiple liaison committees, including the USCIS South Florida Chapter Liaison Committee, ICE-OPLA South Florida Chapter Liaison Committee, and DOS New Jersey Chapter Liaison Committee. She also serves as an AILA Media Liaison, helping to promote transparency and accurate communication between the immigration bar and the public.
Mrs. Mendoza is an active member in good standing of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and the American Bar Association (ABA). She is a graduate of Suffolk University Law School in Boston and a member of the Massachusetts Bar. Her practice of law is strictly limited to immigration and naturalization law, and she represents clients in all 50 U.S. states.
Savita Ramkalawan, Esq.
Attorney Savita Ramkalawan is a Florida‑licensed immigration attorney with more than six years of experience helping clients navigate a wide range of immigration matters. Her areas of practice span federal litigation, including Writ of Mandamus actions, removal defense, BIA appeals, consular processing, marriage‑based petitions, VAWA, adjustment of status, naturalization, and more. As an active member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), Savita remains committed to staying at the forefront of evolving immigration policy and procedure to better serve individuals and families across the United States.
Raised in a Caribbean community that faced immigration challenges firsthand, she developed a deep commitment to justice and civic empowerment from an early age. Her passion for advocacy began in Broward County, where she served as a Guardian ad Litem Certified Court Appointed Special Advocate, protecting the rights and wellbeing of vulnerable children. She later expanded her service through volunteer work with CABA Pro Bono Legal Services, providing critical resources to undocumented immigrants and assisting with family‑law‑related matters that intersected with immigration needs.
Savita earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Certificate in International Relations from the University of Florida, followed by her Juris Doctor from Florida International University College of Law. While at FIU Law, she served as President of the Negotiation & Mediation Team and earned two CALI Excellence for the Future Awards in legal research and writing. Today, she continues to channel her personal history, professional training, and unwavering dedication into uplifting immigrant communities and ensuring that families have the opportunity to build safe, stable futures in the United States.
Jannia Tenorio
Jannia is a Senior Paralegal with over seven years of experience in immigration law. She has extensive expertise in family-based petitions, removal proceedings, humanitarian relief, and waiver applications. As the proud daughter of immigrants, Jannia brings a unique perspective to her work and a deep personal commitment to immigrant advocacy. She is currently pursuing a Combined BA/MA in International Studies at Florida International University and enjoys photography, traveling, and staying active.
Carolina Lacayo
Carolina is a Senior Paralegal with over eight years of experience in immigration law. Fluent in English and Spanish, she is able to break down barriers and connect with diverse communities. Inspired by her parents’ journey of resilience and determination, she is committed to creating a safe, supportive environment for clients and offering clear communication throughout their legal journey. She holds a certification from the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her dog and family and making memories through travel.
Stella Morillo
Stella is an Immigration Paralegal with over seven years of experience in immigration law, with expertise in removal defense, family-based petitions, non-detained matters, and humanitarian relief. As an immigrant who completed her own consular processing, Stella understands the challenges clients face and is committed to helping families navigate the immigration process. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Rutgers University and takes pride in helping clients achieve positive outcomes. In her free time, Stella enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, and relaxing at the beach.
Mariela Sofia
Mariela Sofia is a Client Partner at Yolanda Mendoza Law with over two years of experience in the legal field. Before joining the firm, she worked as a conference interpreter, translator, and teacher, and co-founded a small business where she developed her skills in communication and client relations. Having immigrated three times herself, Mariela brings a unique global perspective and a deep empathy for the clients she assists. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, cooking, collecting music, and exploring nature.
Jennifer de Armas
Jennifer de Armas is a Client Partner at Yolanda Mendoza Law with over thirteen years of experience in the legal field. Having personally navigated the immigrant experience, Jennifer approaches each client with empathy and understanding, shaped by her own journey to the United States with her family. She’s passionate about helping others feel seen, heard, and supported as they begin their legal journey. Outside of work, Jennifer loves to dance and bring positive energy wherever she goes.