Three FIU Law alumni, Diana Arteaga (J.D. ’09), Marcel De La Cruz (J.D. ’22), and Joshua Padron (J.D. ’19), were elected to the 2026 Cuban American Bar Association Board of Directors during their Annual Election and Holiday Party on December 3, 2025. This prestigious appointment marks a significant milestone in their legal careers, recognizing their commitment to serving the public on issues affecting the Cuban community as well as broader legal and human rights matters impacting
minority communities.
Each alum brings a distinct path, perspective, and record of service to the board. Below, we highlight the professional journeys that led them to this achievement.
Diana Arteaga (J.D. ’09) has been reelected to the 2026 CABA Board of Directors. She currently serves as Chief of Staff & General Counsel at the Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser’s Office and brings more than 16 years of leadership experience across the private sector and different levels of government. She previously represented Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, LLC in Public Affairs.
At FIU Law, Diana was an active member of the FIU CABA chapter, benefiting from its mentorship and scholarship programs.
Diana has served on the CABA Board of Directors and currently co-chairs the CABA on Cuba Committee, which leads human rights and rule of law advocacy efforts. She looks forward to further engaging members and supporting fundraising efforts for CABA Pro Bono Legal Services and the CABA Foundation. “As I move into my third term, I look forward to expanding CABA’s impact for our membership and community.”
Marcel De La Cruz (J.D. ’22) was newly elected to the CABA Board of Directors. An Associate in the Miami office of Vedder Price, an international business-focused law firm, his practice focuses on complex commercial litigation across a broad range of industries.
Each alum brings a distinct path, perspective, and record of service to the board. Below, we highlight the professional journeys that led them to this achievement.
Diana Arteaga (J.D. ’09) has been reelected to the 2026 CABA Board of Directors. She currently serves as Chief of Staff & General Counsel at the Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser’s Office and brings more than 16 years of leadership experience across the private sector and different levels of government. She previously represented Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, LLC in Public Affairs.At FIU Law, Diana was an active member of the FIU CABA chapter, benefiting from its mentorship and scholarship programs.
Diana has served on the CABA Board of Directors and currently co-chairs the CABA on Cuba Committee, which leads human rights and rule of law advocacy efforts. She looks forward to further engaging members and supporting fundraising efforts for CABA Pro Bono Legal Services and the CABA Foundation. “As I move into my third term, I look forward to expanding CABA’s impact for our membership and community.”
Marcel De La Cruz (J.D. ’22) was newly elected to the CABA Board of Directors. An Associate in the Miami office of Vedder Price, an international business-focused law firm, his practice focuses on complex commercial litigation across a broad range of industries.At FIU Law, Marcel served as the Executive Marketing Editor of the FIU Law Review, Vice President and Treasurer of the CABA FIU Student Chapter, and a member of the FIU Law Moot Court Team. “FIU Law gave me more than an education; it gave me mentors, opportunities, and a community that believed in me.” De la Cruz shared.
“My professors pushed me to think critically, my leadership roles taught me to serve with purpose, and the support I received from FIU prepared me for every step of my career. I carry that foundation with me into my practice and into my service on the CABA Board,”
As a member of CABA’s Board of Directors, Marcel will help strengthen CABA’s voice, support its mission of service to the Cuban-American and broader Hispanic legal community, and work alongside leaders committed to professional excellence, mentorship, and human-rights advocacy. Reflecting on his election, De La Cruz called it “an extraordinary honor,” noting that as a Cuban immigrant who arrived in Miami at age eleven, CABA has long represented both community and opportunity.
Joshua Padron (J.D.’19), founding partner of Padron & Lopez-Trigo, P.A., has been re-elected to serve on the CABA Board of Directors. His firm is devoted exclusively to representing victims of personal injury and wrongful death, and before launching it, Joshua refined his skills at The Haggard Law Firm. During his tenure there, he helped to recover over One-Hundred Million in compensation for clients.At FIU Law, Joshua benefited from rigorous advocacy training, strong mentorship from professors, and hands-on courtroom experience through the Trial Team and Trial Advocacy Program.
“It gave me the confidence, discipline, and practical skills I rely on in real courtrooms every day,” he shared.
His reelection to the CABA Board of Directors is a recognition that reflects his continued leadership and commitment to Florida’s legal community. “Serving on the CABA Board is an honor,” Padron said. “This organization has played a pivotal role in strengthening our legal community, and I’m committed to advancing mentorship, community outreach, and meaningful advocacy for the clients and communities we serve.” Joshua will help shape CABA’s strategic vision, support initiatives that expand access to justice, and promote the professional development, especially in young attorneys across the state.