Diaz named to top Hispanic leadership group in Phoenix

Marisol Diaz, director of admissions and student groups at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at ASU, recently was named a recipient of the 6th Annual 40 Hispanic Leaders Under 40 Awards for her strong commitment to diversity in education.

Diaz and the other awardees were selected from more than 60 nominations for their impact on the community and excellence in leadership. They represent corporate, health care, government, nonprofit and arts and culture sectors across Arizona. 

“It is truly an honor to be nominated and selected for this award,” said Diaz, a 2009 graduate of the College of Law. “I am humbled, excited and grateful to be recognized as a leading Latina in our community. Additionally, I am overwhelmed by those who wrote letters of support on my behalf. They have my deepest expression of gratitude, especially since I look to so many of them for inspiration and mentorship.”

Diaz is co-director of the Hispanic National Bar Association/ASU Mentoring Program in Phoenix, which connects high school students with pre-law undergraduates, law students and local attorneys. She is a former member of the State Bar of Arizona’s Committee on Minorities and Women in the Law. As a law student, Diaz was vice president of the Chicano/Latino Law Student Association.

Law professor Charles Calleros, who has worked with Diaz on youth outreach projects for several years, said she is a natural leader.

“Marisol fosters collaboration through integrity, initiative, commitment, positive attitude and communication skills,” Calleros said. “Through constructive, creative solutions, she helps a team overcome any obstacle to achieve its goals."

Valentine Castillo, a 2008 alumnus of the College of Law, also is a recipient of the 40 Hispanic Leaders Under 40 Awards. Castillo is co-manager of The Law Offices of Castillo & Camuñez, PLLC, and a Judge Advocate in the Arizona National Guard.

A luncheon is set to take place Oct. 3, at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa in Phoenix, to honor the recipients.

Begun in 2007, the 40 Hispanic Leaders Under 40 Awards are sponsored by Wells Fargo, Univision Radio – Phoenix and Valle del Sol to honor young Hispanics who demonstrate their passion for community through their tireless efforts of service and leadership.  Recipients are nominated by family, friends, industry colleagues, employers and/or community and professional networks.