ADEENA WEISS ORTIZ is a licensed attorney in Illinois and Florida for the past 20 years. As the founder of Weiss Ortiz PC and abogadoMe.com, which serves a diverse clientele in both states, she has appeared on network television, national public radio, and is a contributing author to Lawyer Monthly. She holds a Master of Laws and Juris Doctor from the John Marshall Law School, and a bachelor’s degree from Simmons College. She practices in state, federal, and administrative courts in both states.

Who is your role model?

My father, Jack J. Weiss. He was an attorney in Miami, Florida, who showed me how important the legal profession was to serve our community and how it is our responsibility to give back. As a child, I also remember watching attorney Gloria Allred on television. I was in awe of her. I thought she was a real trail blazing attorney, especially for women’s rights.

What are your greatest wins?

When my clients hug me, come by to drop off a gift, and call me on a holiday to wish me well. I know my team and I have left a mark on their lives, and that is the biggest win. We have a lot of wins that validate us, but the human heart-to-heart acknowledgment is what we treasure.

What is your best networking advice?

Get out there and show your face! We all work hard, have families to attend to, and other responsibilities, but getting involved enriches your career, and the connections you make at an event will last forever.

What advice would you give to future Power Women?

Follow your dreams, be strong, don’t listen to naysayers, and never give up.

For more information, visit weissortizlaw.com.