10 Questions for 1 Alumnus
What was your experience like at Belen?
My experience at Belen was exceptional. The education was rigorous, the teachers were inspiring, and many of my classmates remain my closest friends to this day. Beyond academics, Belen provided a profound religious foundation that has had a lasting impact on my life (although I was not aware of it at the time). It was a truly special and transformative time—something I believe most Belen graduates would wholeheartedly agree with.
What type of student were you?
I was a good student, though not a great one then. I was still maturing academically and developing my work ethic, and my intellectual curiosity had not fully blossomed yet. Interestingly, I became a much better student after leaving Belen, but the strong foundation for that growth was undoubtedly laid there.
Can you describe one funny moment while you were a student?
We were the second class to graduate from the “new school,” so many of the facilities that exist today were not there yet. I fondly remember how, during PE, we would throw rocks at the main building, and there was no grass; the field was full of dirt and rocks. Another memory that always makes me laugh is Father Izquierdo throwing books at students (including me) for not being in class. That would not happen in today’s world. He used to call me “Narciso,” which I find hilarious now, considering how lost I was as a teenager.
What is one thing you will never forget you learned in school?
Mr. Collins instilled in me a strong civics education and a love for reading—two lessons that left a lasting impact. The civics education sparked my interest in law and deepened my respect for the Rule of Law, a principle that truly sets this country apart from others. Meanwhile, the love of reading helped me continue learning beyond the walls of the classroom. It is a powerful reminder of a talented teacher’s profound influence.
Who had an impact on your life?
My parents, both of whom are now deceased, had the greatest impact on my life. My father passed away just last year, and as I grew from a boy into a man, I came to truly understand and appreciate the power of their unconditional love. They showed me the virtue of hard work—my mother within the home and my father out in the world. In every important way, I am a reflection of them; I am, at my core, nothing more and nothing less than my parents’ child.
What do you hold most dear?
What I hold most dear is my family—my wife Johanna, my children Mariana, Alessandra, and Christian, my sister Annie, and my nieces. My cup truly runneth over in so many beautiful ways, but family always comes first. Close behind are the profound, long-term relationships I have been fortunate to build over the years, many of which began during my time at Belen.
How has your Jesuit education shaped you and helped you in your life?
My Jesuit education emphasized academic excellence, ethical values, service, social justice, and a global perspective—all of which I have tried to incorporate into my life. While these are noble virtues, as I have grown older—and perhaps a bit wiser—I have come to deeply appreciate the spiritual guidance that Belen provided. Now, in my 50s, that spiritual foundation resonates more than ever, and I am eternally grateful for it.
What prompted you to go into law?
My father was an orthopedic surgeon, and while I was interested in medicine, I realized it was not my calling. Seeing my daughter Mariana graduating from medical school next year makes me incredibly proud that she is following that path. A love of civics and reading naturally led me to the law—it felt like the logical choice. Looking back, I may not have realized it then, but there was a method to my madness.
How do you make a difference in your profession?
First and foremost, being president of The Florida Bar is the coolest thing ever—especially for someone like me, who was born in Cuba. This achievement would not have been possible without the support of the Belen Alumni Lawyers Section. The legal field is full of challenges, and part of making a meaningful impact is helping fellow attorneys streamline/improve their practices, deepen their expertise, and help them manage the stress that often accompanies the profession. While it may sound banal, I believe the difference I make comes from genuinely caring about their success and well-being.
What advice would you give students interested in becoming attorneys?
Getting into law school and securing a job after graduation can be incredibly competitive. Your grades and LSAT scores play a significant role, so you have to be prepared to put in the work academically—there is no way around it. That being said, once you surpass a certain minimum level of intellectual capability, the best attorneys are often those with the highest emotional intelligence. In the legal field, emotional intelligence is crucial for building strong relationships, managing client needs/expectations, and navigating high-pressure situations effectively.
BELEN JESUIT PREPARATORY SCHOOL
500 SW 127th Avenue, Miami, FL 33184
phone: 305.223.8600 | fax: 305.227.2565 | email: webmaster@belenjesuit.org
500 SW 127th Avenue, Miami, FL 33184
phone: 305.223.8600 | fax: 305.227.2565 | email: webmaster@belenjesuit.org
Belen Jesuit Preparatory School was founded in 1854 in Havana, Cuba by Queen Isabel II of Spain. The task of educating students was assigned to the priests and brothers of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), whose teaching tradition is synonymous with academic excellence and spiritual discipline. In 1961, the new political regime of Cuba confiscated the School property and expelled the Jesuit faculty. The School was re-established in Miami the same year, and over the next decade, continued to grow. Today, Belen Jesuit sits on a 30-acre site in western Dade County, only minutes away from downtown Miami.