On a picture-perfect late summer evening on Thursday, September 12 in San Francisco, the Youth Law Center celebrated its first 45 years at its Advocacy, Justice, and Hope event. Held at the Pearl in the Dogpatch, one of the City’s hip neighborhoods, Youth Law Center friends old and new gathered and noshed on delectable lite bites from Foxtail Catering and Events on the Pearl’s rooftop.
Angela Vigil, Partner and the Executive Director of the Global Pro Bono Practice at global law firm Baker McKenzie, was honored by the Youth Law Center in recognition of her work as a tireless crusader for children’s rights. The event concluded with a special performance by world famous drummer and percussionist Sheila E. and her band, which included a surprise solo by Angela Vigil (click here to watch the video!).
Honoree Angela Vigil and Student Leadership Cohort member Yefry Samael. Photo credit: Alex Knowbody
“The event, and Youth Law Center’s work in general, inspire me so much. And it inspires so many across the child rights and social justice community.
I think about the children we all know are sitting in cement cells missing any sense of a childhood whose lives will be better because of the work Youth Law Center does and inspires. I know of the children alone in foreign homes and facilities who are lonely, desperate, and seeking any kind of a sense of home after being ripped from siblings and family members. I know of children who don’t yet know that they can excel and thrive if they get health services, meaningful mental health treatment, nutrition, or even simple things like glasses—but the work of the Youth Law Center will contribute to giving them better lives and inspire others to follow that example. And I think of the youth and children around the country who don’t know what a “right” really is because it has been nothing more than an elusive illusion promised for others and never for them—a fight Youth Law Center never stops fighting. I am inspired by you, and I thank you. “
– Angela Vigil, 2024 Advocacy, Justice, and Hope Champion
