Rosalba Gallardo

Legal Assistant

I was born and raised in Mexico City and immigrated to the United States with my family in 1999. Having migrated to the U.S. as a child, I understand firsthand the challenges of adapting to a new culture, learning a new language, and finding a sense of belonging in an unfamiliar place. Those experiences have allowed me to connect deeply with many of the children I have represented, who are facing similar transitions while navigating the immigration system. My own journey has given me a profound appreciation for the resilience of immigrant communities and inspired me to dedicate my career to helping others navigate the immigration process with compassion, dignity, and understanding.

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In December 2011, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of Houston–Clear Lake. Although I began my professional career in sales, I soon realized that my true passion was serving others. In 2013, I joined Catholic Charities as a legal caseworker, where I worked with detained unaccompanied children, helping some of the most vulnerable young people navigate an unfamiliar and often overwhelming immigration process.

In 2015, I joined Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) as part of its newly established Released Program, where I continued advocating for unaccompanied children. Over the next decade, I had the privilege of working alongside an incredible team that helped hundreds of children obtain lawful permanent resident status, opening doors to brighter futures and bringing them one step closer to achieving their American dream.

One of the greatest joys of my career has been walking alongside my clients throughout their journey. I have had the honor of being one of the first people to hear their stories during intake and, years later, one of the people fortunate enough to place their green cards in their hands. Celebrating those milestones with them and witnessing the hope, relief, and excitement on their faces is a reminder of why I chose this work.

For more than 10 years, I have been committed to empowering immigrants by helping them understand their rights, navigate complex legal processes, and feel supported every step of the way. I believe that every person deserves to be heard, treated with respect, and given the opportunity to build a safe and successful future.

Being an immigrant is not just part of my story—it is the foundation of my purpose. It fuels my passion for advocacy, strengthens my connection with the communities I serve, and reminds me every day that behind every case is a person, a family, and a dream worth fighting for.