Personal Statement

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As a judicial candidate, I bring with me not only a long history of legal experience but also a passion for this great city that is Miami. As a proud native of Miami, Florida, my love for this vibrant city runs deep. My connection to Miami is more than just a birthplace, it's a reflection of the resilience, sacrifice, and determination of my entire family.

Born and raised in the heart of Miami, Sweetwater specifically, I carry with me a unique story that speaks to the diverse tapestry of our community. With my family roots tracing back to Cuba, my parents' journey to Miami, like many others, was marked with hardship and challenges, but mostly courage.

My mother’s, Alicia Salcines (maiden name Ruiz) tale is one of remarkable courage. In 1961, at the age of 16, she was sent alone from Habana, Cuba to the United States as part of Operation Peter Pan. Leaving behind her parents and siblings and all she knew to exist, she landed in New York City and immediately began forging a new path. Essentially still a child in many ways, she worked tirelessly in a factory, with hopes of one day reuniting with her family. Shortly after, her 12 year old brother was sent to join her. Over the next 3 years, this 16 year old powerhouse cared for herself and her brother until her family eventually joined them.

My father, Alfonso Salcines, was originally from Trinidad, Cuba. In 1961, he left Cuba and headed for Spain. Nine months later, he too would end up in New York, and as fate would have it, he met my mother. Their love story unfolded against the backdrop of the US Air Force, where my father served with honor from 1965 to 1969. Following his basic training, my parents married, and were eventually stationed at an air force base in Peru, Indiana. After completing his service, they moved to Miami, where they embarked on a new chapter together.

Starting an interior decorating company from the ground up, my parents epitomized the spirit of entrepreneurship and hard work. While my father hustled to secure orders, my mother worked along-side him crafting curtains, cushions, and other home decor items with her skilled hands and sewing machines. With no place to leave me, I spent my formative years by my mother's side in a small workshop on Flagler Street, watching and learning the true meaning of hard work. This was a family business to say the least, as my brother, Alfonso Salcines, and my sister, Dania S. Fernandez assisted in all aspects of the day-to-day work.  

Growing up, my father instilled in us a deep appreciation for the legal profession. He often emphasized the importance of pursuing careers in law, believing it to be a path of integrity, advocacy, and service to others. With unwavering conviction, he encouraged us to consider the noble calling of lawyers, inspiring us with tales of justice prevailing and the power of legal expertise to effect positive change in society. His words to us were heartfelt convictions which echoed throughout our upbringing. With each passing day, the vision of becoming lawyers became clearer and inevitably, my siblings and I all became lawyers. Today, as lawyers, we honor their wisdom and love, and carry forward their legacy, driven by a common purpose to uphold justice, champion the voiceless, and make a meaningful difference in the world.

My education began at Westwood Christian School, where I spent my early years absorbing knowledge and values that would shape my future. It was here that I developed a deep appreciation for education, and community service. Throughout my high school years, I participated in various extracurricular activities, including sports (volleyball, basketball, and softball) and student council. I graduated with honors and was awarded Scholar Athlete Award by the United States Navy and the National Scholar/Athlete Award by the United States Army Reserve. These experiences not only enriched my personal growth but also instilled in me a sense of responsibility, teamwork, and leadership.  

After, I attended Florida International University, where I received a Bachelor's in Business Administration, specializing in finance, while also managing to play NCAA D1 Volleyball. This experience further reinforced the values of teamwork, community and time management. 

After graduating from FIU in 1996, there was no doubt I was going to follow the path I knew I was destined for. Enrolling at Nova Southeastern University, I received my Juris Doctor degree in 1999. Upon graduation, I went to work with my brother at the Law Offices of Alfonso Salcines, P.A. Family is everything and this was another example of how my parents instilled in us a strong family bond. 

Throughout my 25 years of practicing law, I was always driven to explore various facets of the law. This drive led me to practice in diverse areas, to include real estate, probate, criminal, civil, traffic, estate planning and bankruptcy law. Each area presented its own unique challenges and opportunities for learning, and enriched my understanding of the legal landscape and honed my skills as a lawyer. 

During my practice in the field of estate planning and probate, I came to realize the pressing need for legal assistance among the elderly. Time and time again, I witnessed the elderly being manipulated or taken advantage of due to their vulnerability and language barriers. The elderly were influenced to forfeit their legacies, whether significant or modest in scale. I often felt it was my duty to provide support or help tailor to their needs. No matter the unique circumstances and preferences, helping them navigate the complexities of estate planning or other legal issues, I took pride in ensuring their wishes were accurately reflected. 

Through it all, I have defended the estates of the elderly who had been defrauded during the estate planning process. I was involved in assisting the eviction of unwelcomed guests from the home of the elderly people, ensuring their safety and security. I have been a tireless advocate for the elderly, having made numerous home visits to aid in the estate planning process. On occasion, I would have to report to the families of the elderly, their abuse or poor living conditions. Witnessing tearful frustrations and feelings of isolation, all with an ear for compassion, my objective was simply to help the helpless with empathy, respect and time.  

With all of my accomplishments over the last 25 years, by far my proudest is my two children. My daughter is 20 and a graduate of St. Brendan High School. She is attending Florida International University and is set to graduate early in the top 2% of her class. She will be heading to dental school after with aspirations of running her own practice. She also embodies sportsmanship ethics, alongside her love and passion for pickleball. In addition to her commitment to sports, she founded a non-profit organization called Smile Crocodile which is dedicated to providing toothbrushes to underprivileged children on an international scale. My son is a student at Christopher Columbus High School, and shares the family passion for sports. He is a part of the Varsity Lacrosse team and takes great pride in attending a school that not only fosters his athletic talents but also instills in him values of brotherhood, academics and compassion within the community.

As a judicial candidate, I bring with me not only a wealth of legal experience but also a passion for justice and a commitment to serving the needs to our community. My journey is our journey. It is a testament to the values of hard work, perseverance, and compassion. I am honored to have the opportunity to give back to our community, one that has given to me so much. Together, let me continue to build a Miami that is fair, inclusive, and justice, for our children and our children’s children.