To continue our honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 through October 15, Garvish Immigration Law Group’s Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee will be highlighting the journeys of our very own staff members who celebrate their hispanic heritage. Nearly 40% of our team represents hispanic nations including Argentina, Colombia, El Salvador and Mexico. We are honored to work with such a diverse and talented group of (mostly) women and we cannot wait to share these inspirational stories!

Melissa Tello Headshot Legal Assistant at Garvish Immigration Law Group National Hispanic Heritage Month 2022

Melissa Tello, Legal Assistant

Meet Melissa Tello, a legal assistant at Garvish Immigration Law Group. Melissa was born in Woodstock, Georgia. Her Mexican parents migrated to the United States in 1992 and decided to call the United States their forever home. Melissa’s family is from Rayon, San Luis Potosi, Mexico. They were lucky enough to gain their residency through their son petitioning for them with an I-130 Visa (Petition for Alien Relative).

Melissa’s father has been her greatest role model. He has taught her “que si se puede” which means “it can be done”. This is a common saying in Mexico when others do not believe in you but you do it because all you need is to believe in yourself and put in the effort. Because of both of her parents’ determination and hardworking foundation, Melissa has been able to achieve many milestones. Some of her achievements include working at the Senator’s Office, House of Representatives, three immigration law firms, as well as volunteering at two non-profit organizations in addition to graduating from Georgia State University with her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science by the age of twenty. 

With her practical experience and theoretical knowledge, Melissa’s interest in pursuing a law degree grew immensely. Because Melissa has seen and experienced first hand the challenges immigrants go through, she believes it is her calling to become an immigration attorney. As a first-generation Hispanic woman, Melissa is at a point in her life where achieving the American dream is right at her fingertips and she is ready to achieve it! She is applying to law school next year, which will bring her even closer to fulfilling her dream of becoming an immigration attorney. 

“I believe that there is absolutely no excuse to not be the best attorney for your clients. To prepare myself for this I focus on my mental and physical health. Being mentally stable is what my future clients deserve in an attorney. I am disciplined and I have the calling to fulfill my future client’s needs. My everyday mantra is ‘evolve or repeat’. This has helped me to remain determined and disciplined toward achieving my goals.”

Melissa with her family: dad, Daniel Tello; mom, Oralia Torres; grandmother, Mama Pachita (Francisca Guerrero)

Melissa’s physical health has been a journey, especially after a spinal fusion at the age of fifteen due to severe scoliosis. This has not held Melissa back as she continues to enjoy traveling, hiking, spending time with her loved ones, and overall any adventure! 

  • Melissa at graduation from Georgia State
  • melissa tello with mom and dad
    Melissa with her parents
  • melissa tello hiking
    Melissa hiking on vacation
  • class of 2021 college graduate headshot in cap and gown from georgia state university in atlanta, ga
    Melissa at her college graduation
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Committee

This monthly blog series on National Hispanic Heritage Month is produced by our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee led by our Senior Attorney, Nadia Deans Kalata.

The DEI Mission is: To create and promote a diverse, equal, and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected and allowed to attain their greatest potential (professionally and personally) to work towards achieving the greatest benefits for all our clients.

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Committee

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