Meet the Team

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Bettina has served as the Executive Director of The Legal Clinic since 2019. In this role, she works closely with board and staff to develop and implement the organization's strategic plan, secure its financial sustainability, manage people and partnerships, and ensure that the work and activities are mission-aligned. Prior to her work at TLC, Bettina worked for philanthropic foundations, youth-serving organizations, workforce development initiatives, environmental conservation groups, cross-cultural training initiatives, and international exchange programs. She has over 24 years of non-profit management experience, including prior roles as an executive director. She has also served as an independent consultant to other nonprofit organizations in Hawaiʻi and California, primarily focused on fundraising and strategic development. Bettina has a Master’s degree in International Administration and speaks English, German, basic Spanish, and French. The daughter of two first-generation immigrant parents (Chinese and German), Bettina was born in Bangkok, Thailand, and came to the US at the age of six. She is inspired by the power of collective action in the pursuit of justice for all.

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATIONS

Luella joined the TLC staff as the Director of Development & Operations in October 2023. Prior to joining TLC, Luella served as the Community and resource Strategy Manager for the Oahu Economic Development Board for 5 years under the leadership of the late Pono Shim. Luella has over 35 years of nonprofit leadership and community volunteer experience, which includes serving on nonprofit and community boards, as a commissioner with the Honolulu Police Commission, and as a member of the Hawaii State House of Representatives. With parents originally from the Philippines, her father served as part of the U.S. Army Filipino Infantry Regiment during WWII, one of the last segregated units recognized with the Congressional Gold Medal in 2017. As a first-generation college graduate, Luella is honored to continue her family's legacy of service through her work at The Legal Clinic.

SENIOR STAFF ATTORNEY

(Spanish Speaker/Hablo Español)

Neribel was admitted to the Puerto Rico Bar after graduating Magna Cum Laude from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico Law School. For over 15 years, her practice primarily focused on Labor and Employment Law defense litigation. Neribel also has experience in personal injury and family law with Honolulu law firms. Prior to joining The Legal Clinic, Neribel worked as an immigration attorney, representing clients in Immigration Court and in a wide range of immigration matters. Neribel is a Registered Spanish Interpreter (Hawaii State Judiciary) and Notary Public. Neribel’s calling and passion is serving. She believes all experiences in life prepare us to put us in a position to serve at the correct time and season.

STAFF ATTORNEY

(Speaks conversational Cantonese and basic French)

Nanor is a licensed attorney in California. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree from UCLA in International Development and completed her Juris Doctor (law degree) from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Nanor was awarded a scholarship for her Masters of Law at UC Berkeley with a concentration on Law & Technology. Prior to joining The Legal Clinic she worked as a Legal Officer at Justice Without Borders fighting against discrimination, labor trafficking, and financial exploitation of migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong. There, she helped the organization set precedents through her cases to expand access to justice in the courts of Hong Kong. Nanor’s strong desire to serve the underrepresented and underserved communities propelled her to a career in important public interest work. At The Legal Clinic, she works on a variety of immigration matters and applications, primarily focused on both affirmative and defensive asylum cases and removal proceedings.

EQUAL JUSTICE WORKS DISASTER RESILIENCE FELLOW - STAFF ATTORNEY

Josh was admitted to the Hawaiʻi Bar right after graduating from Santa Clara University School of Law. Prior to joining The Legal Clinic, Josh served as a research attorney at the Hawaiʻi State Legislature. He also interned and volunteered for several non-profit organizations and government agencies serving low-income clients (including Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi and the Office of the Public Defender) in a variety of legal areas, including immigration, consumer, eviction defense, elder law, and criminal defense. Josh’s immigration experience includes assisting clients apply for visas, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), naturalization, and asylum, including assisting families fleeing persecution after the United States’ withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. As an Equal Justice Works Disaster Resilience Fellow, Josh’s work is focused on providing direct services to those impacted by the 2023 Maui fires and related advocacy and education work.

PARALEGAL/DOJ ACCREDITED REPRESENTATIVE (DHS Only)

Megan began her position as The Legal Clinic's Legal Assistant in August 2023. She assists with client screening and intake, assembling client submissions for USCIS, prepping for hearings in immigration court, and managing client files. She graduated in 2022 from Boston University with a B.A. in International Relations and a B.A. in Environmental Analysis and Policy with a regional concentration in Africa and the Middle East and a functional concentration in Environment and Development. In September 2023, she completed Villanova University's professional development program, Interdisciplinary Immigration Studies Training for Advocates (VIISTA), a year-long course that trained her in immigration law in preparation for becoming a Department of Justice Accredited Representative. Her interest in immigration began as an undergrad while studying how climate change leads to displacement and migration. Learning more about the immigration system in the U.S. developed into a passion for equal and affordable access to representation and legal assistance that continues to grow as she prepares to apply for accreditation.

LEGAL ASSISTANT (Spanish Speaker/Hablo Español)

Viridiana has served as a Legal Assistant since November 2023. She is a Mexican American from San Diego, CA. Prior to joining the Legal Clinic Viridiana worked as a Services Advocate for a non-profit Indigenous organization serving Indigenous survivors of violence and addressing the epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIW). After gaining experience in advocacy and client base management, she wanted to rekindle her interest in supporting the refugee population. She graduated in 2021 from Humboldt State University with a bachelor's degree in International Studies. TLC is giving her the opportunity to learn more about the immigration system to better protect immigrant and migrant populations.

ENGAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR (Tagalog Speaker/Nagsasalita ng Tagalog)

Mai joined the TLC staff in December 2023 as the Engagement & Development Coordinator. She has a diverse background that spans public service, education, and a deep personal connection to the immigrant experience. Prior to this she has dedicated four years of service at the Hawaii State Capitol, where she honed her skills in advocacy and community engagement. She started her professional journey in education, teaching 1st grade for five years at St. Joseph Parish School. Being an immigrant herself, she moved to Hawaii from the Philippines in the 90s when she was only 3 years old. Her unique perspective and personal experiences have made her acutely aware of the struggles that many immigrant families face today. As a first-generation college student, she achieved a significant milestone by earning her Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from Chaminade University of Honolulu in 2017. She believes that her educational background equips her with valuable insights that will contribute to the success of TLC’s mission.