Daniel Cortes

Second-Year Law Student
Florida International University College of Law
Miami, Florida

Daniel Cortes is currently a second-year law student at Florida International University College of Law. Daniel immigrated to the United States at the age of six when his family fled the political instability in his native country, Colombia. Growing up in a different country and learning a language he did not know, Daniel’s parents always prioritized education. Unfortunately, Daniel was “undocumented” and therefore the law treated him as somewhat less than his classmates.

Nevertheless, Daniel graduated 17th out of 750 students in high school and because of his teachers he was able to secure a spot at a local university with some partial scholarships. Daniel graduated with a degree in Business Administration from Kutztown University in three years and began volunteering within his city, teaching tennis to inner0city youth. In 2013 Daniel joined Teach for America where he thought 6th grade math at North Miami Middle School. Daniel was a founding member of Latinos Unidos, a teacher-led organization that educated teachers and community members about undocumented students and their access to college.

At FIU College of Law, Daniel is part of several student organizations. He serves as Treasurer for the Federal Bar Association and as the B.R.O (BLSA Reaching Out) Director for the H.T Smith Black Students Association. Daniel is passionate about education, social justice and immigrant rights. In his spare time, he enjoys salsa dancing, playing tennis, and painting