1372: Sylvia Ontaneda-Bernales Application created: 01/23/2018

Contacts Email sontanedab@law.gwu.edu

Cell (775) 636-3963

Business* (775) 636-8038

Address P.O. Box 7702

Reno NV, 89510

Application details Occupation details Occupation

Availability details

Education and Experience

Attorney

Flexible

EDUCATION

George Washington University National Law Center, Washington, DC (J.D., May 2002)

University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada (M.A.Journalism, December 1996; Dual B.A.Journalism

and Social Psychology, High Distinction, December 1993)

ADMISSIONS

Maryland Court of Appeals, June 18, 2003

District of Columbia Court of Appeals, March 7, 2005

United States District Court for the District of Maryland, March 25, 2005

Supreme Court of the United States, April 6, 2010

LEGAL EXPERIENCE

American Immigration & Mediation Services - Reno, NV

Owner, April 2013 - Present

Focus on immigration law to assist with family-based petitions, applications to obtain

naturalization and citizenship status, fiance/fiancee and relative petition?; removal of

condition and waiver.

Act as mediator for diverse disputes, including landlord-tenant and misdemeanor matters.

Provide bilingual services, as expert interpreter/ translator (legal, medical, business, etc).

SAMPLE CONTRIBUTIONS IN NEVADA

American Civil Liberties Union, member and state-wide delegate (1997)

Nevada Women's History Project, founding member (1995-1999)

Nevada Women's Lobby, Steering Committee, member (1995-1999)

Washoe K-16 Council (Education Reform), board member (1995-1997)

Coalition for Legal Immigration, Steering Committee, member (1995)

Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada, president (1995)

SOME HONORS

Received the Richard H. Bryan Senatorial Recognition and the Harry Reid Senatorial

Achievement Award, among numerous honors, awards, and scholarships.

Was the first recipient of the Nevada Women's Role Model Award, granted by the Office of

the Attorney General of Nevada, Frankie Sue Del Papa, 1995.

Maryland's Top 100 Women, The Daily Record, 2008

Baltimore City Wage Commission, Commissioner (2010-2011)

Governor's Commission on the Study of the Impact of Immigrants in Maryland,

Commissioner (2010-2011)

Maryland Health Care Commission, Commissioner (2007-2010)

Attachments Curriculum Vitae_01232018

810_012018

Appointment details 1 Human Rights Commission

Qualifications

Workflow

Name Description Status Date

Clerks Schedule

Clerks Appoint

IN PROGRESS

PENDING

For: O Against: O Final Recommendation: None

SYLVIA ONTANEDA-BERNALES, ESQ. P. 0. Box 7702

Reno, Nevada 89510 (775) 636-6561 • (775) 636-8038 • (775) 636-39633

sontancdab@Ia·w.gwu.edu

CAREER PATHS & PRACTICE AREAS

• Attorney o Immigration o Civil Litigation o Consumer and Misdemeanor Mediation and Arbitration

• Journalist o Print and Broadcast Media o Publishing and Documentary-Making o Production and Consulting

• Educator o K-12, College and University Instruction; Spanish Language Consulting

PROFILE

Energetic professional with superior writing, analytical, and advocacy skills. Extensive supervisory, project management and research experience as attorney, journalist, editor, documentary producer, social science researcher, community leader, educator, and founder of non-profits. Skilled communicator, mediator and problem-solver, able to plan and implement large and small projects through keen attention to detail, effective delegation of tasks, and a thorough grasp of the big picture.

ADMISSIONS • Maryland Court of Appeals, June 18, 2003 • District of Columbia Court of Appeals, March 7, 2005 • United States District Comt for the District of Maryland, March 25, 2005 • Supreme Court of the United States, April 6, 2010

APPOINTMENTS • Baltimore City Wage Commission, Commissioners (2010) • Governor's Commission on the Study of the Impact oflmmigrants in Maryland, Commissioner (2010) • Maryland Health Care Commission, Commissioner (2007)

EDUCATION George Washington University National Law Center • Washington, DC J.D., May 2002

• Moot Court: Van Vleck Appellate Constitutional Law; Hispanic National Bar Association Criminal Law

• Trial Advocacy: Judge Ricardo M. Urbina, U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia • Law Clinic: Consumer Mediation; Community Misdemeanor Mediation Project

University of Nevada • Reno, Nevada MA. (3.94), Journalism, December 1996 Dual B.A. (3.75), Journalism and Social Psychology, High Distinction, December 1993

Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Lima • Lima, Peru Certificado de Estudios Completos de Bachillerato - Periodismo (Journalism), December 1969

SYLVIA ON'IANEDA-llERNALES, ESQ

LEGAL EXPERIENCE

American Immigration & Mediation Services - Reno, NV Attorney/Owner, April 2013 - Present

• Focus on immigration law to assist with family-based petitions, applications to obtain naturalization and citizenship status, fiance/fiancee and relative petitions; removal of condition and waiver.

• Act as mediator for diverse disputes, including landlord-tenant and misdemeanor matters. • Provide bilingual services, as expert interpreter/ translator (legal, medical, business, etc).

Law Office of Sylvia Ontaneda-Bernales - Baltimore, MD Attorney/Owner, April 2010 - Present

• Focus on immigration Jaw -- Perform case management, legal analysis, and review. Immigration Court Representation of individuals in removal proceedings and asylum seekers, including waivers on grounds of excludability. Draft correspondence, file petitions and supporting materials for H lB 1, J-1, LIA, TN and 0 for principals, H4 and other derivative dependent applications, lawful permanent residence (Green Cards) through employment- and family-based petitions, applications to obtain naturalization and citizenship status, fiance/ fiancee and relative petitions; prepare and file labor condition applications, PERM applications, adjustment of status, employment authorization, and travel documents applications, J-1 waivers.

• Non-profit and corporate formation; business and contract development. • Act as Mediator -- from landlord-tenant disputes to misdemeanor matters. • Provide bilingual services, including expert interpretations/ translations (legal, medical, business, etc).

Ober Kaler Grimes & Shriver - Baltimore, Maryland Associate, August 2004 -April 2010

• Handled immigration matters related to employment, immediate relative petition, naturalization and removal.

• Represented clients - trial advocacy in immigration court; district court. • Drafted settlement agreements, contracts, pleadings, motions, interrogatories, writs of garnishment,

and legal memoranda on equal treatment, fraud, negligence, conflict of laws, limitation of liability, breach of contract, spousal and child support, and creditor's rights matters.

• Conducted e-discovery, data privilege and document responsiveness review, issue analysis and coding using Lotus Notes, Concordance, and Summation, regarding a contract dispute between a contractor and equipment supplier for a Puerto Rico power plant project as well as on pharmaceutical pricing practices and hospital contracting strategy.

• Maintained contact with Spanish-speaking clients to ensure understanding oflegal requirements. • Performed legal research, English-Spanish interpretation and translations.

CACI, Inc. - Washington, DC Senior Paralegal, September 2002-August 2004

• Conducted all phases ofreview, coding, and retrieval of hard copy and electronic documents in the Department of Justice's Tobacco Litigation, employing software such as Quattro Pro, Excel, Oracle, and proprietary DOJ systems (e.g., ADIIS, TIMI)

• Identified and prepared thousands of exhibits for use in depositions and at trial. • Created reports and summaries for use by supervisors, project managers, and attorneys. • Performed English-Spanish translations.

CAREER EXTERNSHIPS

NCS Pearson - Fairfax, Virginia Team Lead Supervisor, August 2002-September 2002

• Supervised quality assurance review team. • Performed quality assurance review of Department of Transportation, TSA, Homeland Security new

hire applications. • Performed encoding at intake stage for the background check process. • Prepared materials and records for employee orientation.

SYI.VlA ON'lANU)A-BERNAL.ES, ESQ 2

Center for National Security Studies - Washington, DC Legal Research Assistant, November 2000-April 2001

• Conducted legal research on issues related to National Security, International Right to Travel, National and International Freedom of Information legislation, and Intelligence Agents Protection Act.

• Performed translations from Spanish and Italian into English.

Law Offices of Kurt A. Franke - Reno, Nevada Legal Assistant, December 1998-July 1999

• Opened and maintained case files and calendar. • Drafted correspondence and basic court documents, such as interrogatories, responses, and requests for

production. • Monitored Spanish-speaking client depositions for interpreter accuracy. • Petformed interpretation and translations from Spanish to English.

FEDERAL INTERNSHIPS

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission - Washington, DC Legal Intern, May 2000-August 2000

• Performed legal research and analysis on issues related to employment discrimination based on genetic information, legal sufficiency reviews under the ADA and related case law, and Executive Orders 13132 and 13145.

• Acted as Attorney-of-the-Day. • Prepared FOIA opinions on appeals and FOIA Exemption updates. • Attended EEOC meetings, deliberations, presentations, and Senate Hearings.

Federal Communications Commission - Washington, DC Legal Intern, August 2000-November 2000

• Authored a REPORT & ORDER on the Elimination of Experimental Broadcast Ownership Restrictions.

• Summarized Comments to various Notices of Proposed Rulemaking, such as Public Interest Obligations of DTV Broadcasters.

TEACHING, CONSULTING & ACADEMIC RESEARCH

ProNet Reno - Reno, NV Lecturer and Instructor, February 2015 - September 2016

Courses: Skills Analysis-60 Second Me I Train the Trainer I Train the Presenter I Connecting I Interviewing • Lectured and facilitated discussions for dislocated professionals to enhance participants' interviewing

techniques, resume writing, and job searching skills, and how to transfer specialized skills to other occupations or industries.

• Instructed program graduates in training methods, including the fundamentals of effective communication and instruction.

• Taught novice instructors how to build, prepare, and deliver a short presentation using audio-visual aids.

About Language - Baltimore, Maryland Spanish Interpreter and Translator, November 2007-May 2012

Truckee Meadows Community College - Reno, Nevada Spanish Instructor, May 1992-December 1996

University of Nevada - Reno, Nevada • Foreign Literature and Language Department

Spanish Instructor, August 1996-July 1999 • Women's Studies Department

Instructor, August 1998-December 1998 o Created and taught "Women in the Media."

• Senator Alan Bible Center for Applied Research Supervisor, April 1998-July 1999; Surveyor, April 1997-March 1998

o Supervised and conducted social science research using CATI.

SYLVIA ON JAN!DA-BERNAl.LS, ESQ 3

• Donald W. Reynolds School of Journalism Teaching Assistant, January 1996-August 1996

Foreign Language Consulting - Lima, Peru, Reno, NV; Washington, D.C.; Baltimore, MD Interpreter and Translator, October 1967-Present

• Performs interpretations and translations in diverse areas, including medical, legal, engineering, literary, and educational.

• Analyst and Expert Witness.

MEDIA EXPERIENCE

Arbitron, Inc. - Columbia, Maryland Researcher, April 2005-July 2005

• Conducted telephone surveys at the Research and Technology Center using CATI.

Bilingual Media Communications Consulting - Reno, Nevada; Baltimore, Maryland Owner/Producer, April 1997-Present

• Wrote, produced, and directed Spanish-language commercials and PSAs • Designed and managed newsletters, business documents. • Conducted interpretations and translations (legal, medical, scientific, literary)

TCI Media Services - Reno, Nevada '- Account Executive, November 1996- March 1997

• Sold commercial air time on Spanish-language cable station GALAVISION. • Produced and directed Spanish-language marketing spots.

KNPB/Channel 5 (PBS)- Reno, Nevada Producer, October 1993-May 1997

• Produced public affairs show "To The Point." • Directed, produced, edited the documentaries "Making A Difference: A Celebration of Women in

Politics," "Immigration: A Nevada Point of View" and "Pathways: Disability, Technology and Culture,'' (co-directed with Professor Kris Towers).

Reno News & Review - Reno, Nevada Freelance writer, August 1993-July 1994

KOLO/Channel 8 (ABC) - Reno, Nevada Assistant Assignment Editor/Producer, May 1993-July 1993

• Performed man-on-the-street interviews. • Wrote evening news. • Co-produced and co-hosted public affairs show.

OTHER WORK EXPERIENCE

ProNet Reno - Reno, NV Director of the Education Activity Group, April 2015 - September 2016

• Presided over weekly meetings • Collaborated with case managers to review • Revamped and developed training material • Acted as a resource to core program and advanced course instructors. • Participated in Executive Committee meetings.

Steamboat Hotsprings and Healing Center - Reno, Nevada Spa Attendant/Therapist, August 2011-December 2011

• Performed front desk and back hall duties • Trained in Mind Body system

University of Nevada - Reno, Nevada

• ASUN Bookstore Cashier, July 1998-August 1998

SYIVlA ON'JANEDA-llERNAl,ES, ESQ 4

• Information Resources and Technologies Graphics Assistant, January 1992-December 1993 Distance Education Operator, January 1991-December 1991

International Community of Christ - Lima, Peru; Mexico City, Mexico; Reno, Nevada Executive Overseer and Editor, October 1967-December 1990

• Responsible for executive oversight of doctrinal and managerial affairs. • Collaborated in the development and implementation of marketing strategies. • Edited more than 100 religious publications. • Assisted with copyright and trade mark registrations. • Managed and edited the Community Communique newsletter. • Chaired the School Board of the Jamilian Parochial School. • Taught Spanish K-12; acted as substitute teacher K-8. • Organized and coordinated travel, seminars, and conferences locally and abroad. • Acted as language interpreter before media and government officials in foreign countries. • Responsible for office administration and accounting processes. • Purchased large-scale printing equipment. • Engaged in real estate transactions. • Directed building renovations. • Presided over religious services, e,g., worship, marriages, funerals, and baptisms. • Acted as Logistics officer and Explorer for AEF&OSC on various jungle and ocean expeditions.

MEMBERSHIPS

• American Bar Association • District of Columbia Bar Association • Gay Law Association of Washington, D.C. • Maryland State Bar Association

o Immigration Committee (2007-2008); Immigration Section (2008-2010) • LGBT Bar Association of Maryland • Baltimore County Bar Association • Bar Association of Baltimore City

o Pro Bono Services Committee (2006-2008) o Judicial Administration Committee (2006-2008) o CLE & Events Committee (2007-2008)

• Women's Bar Association of Maryland o Task Force on Judicial Selections Procedures and Policies, Ethics Subcommittee (2008-

2009) • Maryland Hispanic Bar Association

o Immigration Committee o Foundation Committee

• Hispanic National Bar Association • American Immigration Lawyers Association

o AILA Maryland Chapter

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Participant, President Obama's Making Home Affordable Plan. Foreclosure Prevention Pro Bono Project. Pro Bono Resource Center of MD. Silver Spring Civic Center, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., November 17, 2010.

• Participant, The New Foreclosure Prevention 101-A Beginner's Guide, Foreclosure Prevention Pro Bono Project. Pro Bono Resource Center of MD. Howard County Community College's Ecker Business Center, 8:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m., October 27, 2010.

• Participant, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Legal Issues for Direct Representation, Baltimore City Bar Association, July 2008

SYLVIA (lN'IANEDA-BERNAL.ES, ESQ 5

• Participant, The NEW Nuts & Bolts of Foreclosure Defense-A First Look at Maryland's NEW Foreclosure Law," Foreclosure Prevention Pro Bono Project, Pro Bono Resource Center, MICPEL, July 2008

• Participant, "Best Practices in Asylum Law Today," Audio Seminar, American Immigration Lawyers Association, May 2008

• Participant, "The Initial Divorce Interview- Getting the Facts, Paid and Retained," The Milton Talking Lectures, March 2008

• Participant, Pro Bono Asylum Training, Maryland Immigrant Rights Coalition, March 2008 • Participant, EOIR/Immigration Court Mock Asylum Trial, Maryland Immigrant Rights Coalition,

March 2008 • Participant, Baltimore City Best Practices in Family Law Presentation, Maryland Volunteer Lawyers

Service, March 2008 • Participant, Baltimore County Family Law Best Practices Seminar, Maryland Volunteer Lawyers

Service, February 2008 • Participant, "Practical Pointers Following Twelve Months Under the Federal E-Discovery, January

2008 • Participant, Baltimore Citizenship and Immigration ·service (CIS) Meeting, October 2007 • Participant, Nuts and Bolts of Family Immigration and Naturalization, Pro Bono Resource Center,

MICPEL, May 2007 • Participant, Surviving United States Business Immigration Law in 2007, AILA, Philadelphia Chapter,

2007 • Pat1icipant, Immigration Issues for the Construction Industry, Lorman Education Services, 2007

PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT

• Pro Bono Attorney, Maryland Immigrant Rights Coalition, 2008 • Pro Bono Attorney, Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service, 2007-2008 • Pro Bono Attorney, Community Law Center, 2006-2008 • Pro Bono Translator, Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service, 2007 • Member, Community Law in Action's Program Advisory Committee, 2006 • Court Interpreter- Maryland Administrative Office of the Courts, 2006-2010 • Mentor, Maryland Hispanic Bar Association - Mentoring Program, 2006-2008 • Mentor, Community Law in Action - Mentoring to Empower Program, 2005-2008 • Volunteer Mediator, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Office of the District Court of Maryland, 2004-

2008

CIVIC INVOLVEMENT

• Baltimore City Wage Commission, Commissioners (2010-2011) • Governor's Commission on the Study of the Impact oflmmigrants in Maryland, Commissioner (2010-

2011) • United Cerebral Palsy of Central Ma1yland, (2009-2011) • Maryland Health Care Commission, Commissioner (2007-2011) • CASA de Maryland, Board member (2007-2010) • Maryland Immigrant Rights Coalition, Steering Committee member (2007-2009) • Baltimore City Public School System, Law and Leadership CTE Pathway Program, Advisory

Committee, member, (2006) • Community Law in Action, Program Advisory Committee, member (2006-2007) • Democracy for Maryland, liaison; Bylaws Committee, member (2006) • Democracy for Baltimore, facilitator & county liaison (2006) • Hispanic Leadership Summit, participant ( 1998) • American Civil Liberties Union, member and state-wide delegate (1997) • Nevada Women's History Project, founding member (1995-1999) • Nevada Women's Lobby, Steering Committee, member (1995-1999) • Washoe K-16 Council (Education Reform), board member (1995-1997) • Coalition for Legal Immigration, Steering Committee, member (1995) • Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada, president (1995)

SYLVIA ON'IANEDA-BERNALES, ESQ 6

• Common Ground -Toward an Enlightened World Community, founder/president (1994-1999) • Alliance of Latinas in Action and Solidarity, founding member ( 1994-1999) • Washoe Health Systems, Membership, community representative ( 1994-1999) • Hispanic Unity Summit, participant (1994) • Planned Parenthood of Northern Nevada, board member (1993-1995) • Gold Hill Gathering, Steering Committee, member (1993-1995) • Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Northern Nevada, friend (1992-1999) • National Issues Forum/Nevada Issues Forum, pat1icipant (1992-1996)

ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES

George Washington University School of Law • Hispanic Law Students Association, Minority Affairs & Recruitment, chair • International Law Society, member • Law Association for Women, member • Lambda Law, member • Phi Delta Phi, exchequer

University of Nevada, Reno • Women Leaders of Nevada, founding member • Committee on the Status of Women, member • Center for American Women and Politics, Forum for Women State Legislators, intern • Committee on Student Conduct and Academic Standards, member • Graduate Student Association, representative • National Association of Graduate & Professional Students, member • UNR Student Union Director Search Committee, member • Professional Advisory Board, D.W. Reynolds School of Journalism, member • Radio & TV News Director Association (RTNDA), vice president

CERTIFICATIONS

University of Nevada, Reno, Extended Studies • The Human Factor of Project Management, September 2015 • Project Management Essentials, June 2015 • 40-HR Beginning Mediation and Conflict Resolution, April 2015 • Online Marketing Strategies for Small Business Owners, March 2015 • Paralegal Studies. February 2015 • Managing with MS Project 2013, February 2015 • Social Media Digital Analytics - Pt 1, February 2015 • Social Media Essentials: Building Effective Campaigns, January 2015

American School of Real Estate Express, LLC • Nevada Salesperson's 90-hour Pre-License Course, August 2013

American Council on the Testing of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) • Spanish Proficiency, Superior,

ProNet Reno • "Blogging" Workshop, March 2015 • State ofNevada Job Opportunities Workshop, February 2015 • Advanced Linkedln Workshop, February 2015 • Train the Trainer Workshop, January 2015 • Train the Presenter Workshop, January 2015 • Advanced Resume & Mini Bio Lab, December 2014 • Professional Career Search Curriculum, December 2014

Maryland Administrative Office of the Courts • Court Interpreter Program, March 2006; May 2007

SYl.VlA ON'lANEDA-llERNALES, LSQ 7

District Court of Maryland • Settlement Conference Facilitation Skills Training, November 2004

SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS

2008 • Maryland's Top 100 Women, The Daily Record 2007 • Educator Award, Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service, 2007 • Public Service Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual, Maryland Hispanic Bar

Association, 2007 2001-2002 • Asian Pacific American Law Students Association Public Interest Scholarship • Darrell L. Dreher Scholarship • Balfour Phi Delta Phi Minority Scholarship 1997 • Honor Roll, Women on the Move through History, Nevada Women's History Project 1996 • Senatorial Recognition - Richard H. Bryan, United States Senator (Nevada) • Achievement Award - Harry Reid, United States Senator (Nevada) 1994-1995 • Women's Role Model Award - Frankie Sue Del Papa, Attorney General of Nevada • The Robert Laxalt Writing Award • Graduate Student Award • Outstanding Magazine Editor Award 1994-1996 • Corporation for Public Broadcasting Graduate Fellowship • UNR Graduate School Graduate Fellowship 1991-2001 • Graduate Student Association Technical Scholarship • UNR Undergraduate Research in Social Psychology & Law Scholarship • Joseph & Leola McDonald Scholarship • Martha Jones Scholarship • Ella Savitt Scholarship for Graduate Studies • Ted Scripps Journalism Scholarships • Paul Leonard Journalism Scholarship • Nevada Women's Fund Scholarships • NWF/Friends of the Fund Scholarship • NWF/DesReprobates Scholarship • Nevada Hispanic Services Scholarship 1965-1966 • American Field Service Scholarship

HONORS

• Phi Delta Phi, John Marshall Inn • Phi Kappa Phi/Honor Society for Superior Scholars in All Academic Fields • Phi Beta Delta/Honor Society for International Scholars • Psi Chi/Honor Society for Psychology Scholars • Kappa Alpha Tau/National Journalism Society • Golden Key Society

PUBLICATIONS

• Author, "A Wake Up Call: The SSA 'No-Match' Letter and the Safe Harbor Rule, Health Law Alert," OberlKaler, 2008

SYLVIA ON"lANEDA-llERNA! ES, ESQ 8

• Co-author with Geoffrey S. Tobias, "Walking a Tight Rope: Ethical Considerations and Pitfalls in the Representation of Both Employer and Employee," Maryland Bar Journal, Maryland State Bar Association, September 2008

• Author, "Verifying Employment Eligibility," Construction Ober View, Ober!Kaler, 2007 • Author, Imagining, Tender Moments. The International Library of Poetry. July 2001. Owings Mills,

Maryland. • Author, Master of Arts Degree Project - Documentaries & Supporting Non-Thesis Paper, 1996.

o "Making A Difference: A Celebration of Women in Politics" (I hr-PBS Special) o "Making A Difference: Nevada Women in Politics, 1965-1982" (1/2hr-Nevada Experience

series). o In Hindsight: The Making of"Making A Difference" and the Art of Documentary Production.

• Co-author with R. Coker, V. Misselli, J. Mifflin, and D. Davis, "Juror Reactions to Six Applications of Hypnosis in the Legal System," Rocky Mountain Psychological Association, 1992

PRESENTATIONS

• Basics of Immigration Law - 4 Modules 1. Law, Agencies, Resources, Status, Relief, Authorized Practioners, Notarios, Going Solo 2. Business-related Visas 3. Family-related Visas 4. Non-Immigrant and Humanitarian Visas, Overstays, EWI, DREAMERS, Removals and other Court actions (Sept., Oct. 2015; Jan., Feb 2016) Preparer & Presentor. Charles R. Kozak, Attorney at Law, Reno, Nevada

• A Discussion of Habit and Paradigm (November 14, 2005). Preparer & Presentor. Community Law in Action. Ober, Kaler, Grimes & Shriver. Baltimore, Maryland.

• Poetry Reading. Various poems by Chilean author, Emma Sepulveda (November 14, 2001). Performer. "Voices." The Committee on Minority Affairs, Student Bar Association. The George Washington University National Law Center. Washington, D.C.

• Poetry Reading. A selection of original self-authored poems, including Holy Water, Divine Kiss, Fireside Reading, Imagining, and In the Silence (March 23, 2001 ). Performer. "The Skies of Washington," a Guillermo Silveira production. Brazilian-American Cultural Institute. Washington, D.C.

• Ethics and the Young Attorney in the 21st Century -- Phi Delta Phi Ethics/Professional Responsibility Panel (November 2000). Organizer & Moderator. The George Washington University National Law Center. Washington, D.C.

• Multicultural Intercollegiate Career Conference -- Law Panel (November 2000). Panelist. The George Washington University National Law Center. Washington, D.C.

• Multicultural Intercollegiate Career Conference -- Media Panel (November 2000). Panelist. The George Washington University National Law Center. Washington, D.C.

• "Queer Theories" Conference -- Gay, Lesbian Bisexual Student Union (October 1998). Social Director & MC. University of Nevada, Reno.

• "Establishing a Partnership with the Media For Social Work Advocacy" -- Field Experience in Social Work (April 1998). Guest Lecturer. School of Social Work. University of Nevada, Reno.

• Women's Summit '98, Women United, Nevada Women's Lobby in conjunction with Nevada Women's History Project Conference -- Critical Issues Facing Latinas at the End of the Century. "Mending Shattered Mirrors: Hispanic Women and the Media" (March 1998). Panelist. University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

• Women's Summit '98, Women United, Nevada Women's Lobby in conjunction with Nevada Women's History Project Conference. "Making A Difference--A Celebration of Women in Politics" (March 1998). Presenter. University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

• Women's Summit '98, Women United, Nevada Women's Lobby in conjunction with Nevada Women's History Project Conference. "Making A Difference: Nevada Women in Politics--1965-1982" (March 1998). Presenter. University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

• "Being Latina in Northern Nevada" (February 1998). Speaker. The American Association of University Women, Sparks, Nevada.

SYLVIA ON'JANEDA-l3ERNAL.ES, ESQ 9

• The National Conference -- Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration. "A Christ-like Life" (January 1998). Invocator. Methodist Church. Reno, Nevada.

• Social Work and the Media -- "Interacting with the News Media: How to Minimize the Risk of Being Interviewed" (October 1997). Guest Lecturer. UNR School of Social Work. University of Nevada, Reno.

• Wildflowers & Sage: A Celebration of Jean Ford's Life. Poetry Selections (October 1997). Performer. Old Assembly Chambers, Capitol Building. Carson City, Nevada.

• The American Association of University Women State Convention. "Personal Spaces, Public Habits: Diversifying and Integrating a Board" --A Common Ground Multi-ethnic, Multi-racial Dialogue Series (May 1997). Presenter. Airport Plaza, Reno, Nevada.

• Truckee Meadows Community College & Northern Nevada Diversity Networking Group. "Workforce Diversity: Women's Issues" (March 1997). Panelist. International Gaming Technologies (IGT). Reno, Nevada.

• Nevada Women's Lobby, Grass Roots Lobby Days. "Lobbying for Minorities" (March 1997). Speaker. Nevada State Library and Archives. Carson City, Nevada.

• The Nevada Women's History Project First Biennial Statewide Conference. "Making A Difference: Nevada Women in Politics -- 1965-1982" (March 1997). Presenter. Sands Hotel. Reno, Nevada.

• The Nevada Women's History Project First Biennial Statewide Conference. "First Steps Toward the Research of Minority Women's History in Nevada" -- A Common Ground Multi-ethnic, Multi-racial Dialogue Series (March 1997). Presenter. Sands Hotel. Reno, Nevada.

• The National Conference --Interfaith Memorial Service, Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. "The Spirit of a Migrant Worker: Civil Rights Tribute to Cesar Chavez" (January 1997). Speaker. St. John's Presbyterian Church. Reno, Nevada.

• Planned Parenthood Mar Monte -- Roe v. Wade 24th Anniversary. "Choice Beyond Borders" (January 1997). Moderator. Reno Hilton Hotel. Reno, Nevada.

• Committee on the Status of Women Forum Lecture Series. "Multiculturalism: Does it address racial and ethnic issues?" -- A Common Ground Multi-ethnic, Multi-racial Dialogue Series (December 1996). Presenter. Truckee Meadows Community College. Reno, Nevada.

• Nevada Women's Lobby -- UN Conference for Women One Year Later. "Toward a Common Ground" --A Common Ground Multi-ethnic, Multi-racial Dialogue Series (December 1996). Presenter. Sierra Nevada Community Access Television. Reno, Nevada.

• Women and Leadership Symposium. "The Documentary as a Research Tool in Women's Political History" (November 1996). Guest Lecturer. Political Science Dept. University of Nevada, Reno.

• Athens by the Truckee Coffeehouse. "Shared Meaning and Common Ground: Celebrating Diversity through Dialogue" (October 1996). Speaker. University of Nevada, Reno.

• Women and Leadership Symposium. "The Making of A Documentary About Political Women" (November 1995). Guest Lecturer. Political Science Dept. University of Nevada, Reno.

• Athens by the Truckee Coffeehouse. Legends from Oaxaca, Mexico (October 1995). Story teller. University of Nevada, Reno.

• Rocky Mountain Psychological Association Convention. "Jury reactions to six applications of hypnosis in the legal system" (April 1992). Researcher/Presenter. Savoy, S. 0., Coker, R., Misselli, V., Mifflin, J., & Davis, D. Red Lion Hotel-Riverside. Boise, Idaho.

CLE CREDITS

The End ofDACA: What You Need to Know Now, September 18, 2017. ACLU CLE Credits for: District of Columbia [CLE-DC Credits, Credit Status: Non-MCLE State]

SYLVIA ON"IANEDA-BERN/\LFS, LSQ 10

SYLVIA ONTANEDA-BERNALES BIOGRAPHY

Sylvia Ontaneda-Bernales is an attorney licensed in Maryland and Washington, D.C. She obtained her JD at the George Washington University School of Law and has been admitted to the Federal Bar (United States District Court for the District of Maryland) and to the Supreme Court of the United States. Focusing on immigration matters, Ms. Ontaneda-Bernales offers her legal services to local, national and international clients to obtain US visas, assisting them in the preparaton of immediate relative petition and naturalization filings, as well as in obtaining employment authorization for foreign nationals.

Sylvia is founder/manager ofONTANEDA-BERNALES LLC, American Immigration & Mediation Services and the Law Office of Sylvia Ontaneda-Bernales. Prior to embarking on her solo career, she worked at Ober, Kaler, Grimes and Shriver, one of the oldest law firms in Baltimore City, Maryland, where she was tasked with diverse complex litigation matters. As a pro bona attorney, she also handled mediation cases involving landlord-tenant disputes and misdemeanor matters at the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, U-visa and asylum claims, non-profit 50l(c)(3) filings and EEOC cases, in addition to acting as translator and interpreter for several legal aid service providers and community organizations in the greater Baltimore Metro area.

In addition to her legal career, Sylvia is an accomplished print and television journalist, documentary filmmaker, minister and religious publishing editor, desktop publisher and magazine designer, college professor, published poet, and jungle explorer (she's participated in the disscovery of several ancient cities). Originally from Peru, she is highly proficient in spoken and written Spanish, a language she has effectively taught privately and in various academic institutions for several decades. Her broad understanding of cultural, ethnic, and legal nuances in Latin America enhances her legal work.

Sylvia's professional memberships include the Baltimore City Bar Association, the Maryland Women's Bar Association, and the American Immigration Lawyers Association. She was president of the Maryland Hispanic Bar Association (2009-2010) and Council member of the Maryland State Bar Association Immigration Law Section.

Her involvement in the Reno community goes back many decades, having earned a dual B.A. (journalism and social psychology) and an M.A. (journalism) from UNR, in addition to her journalism degree from the Catholic University in Lima, Peru. She produced and hosted the PBS/Reno Public Affairs show "To the Point," and has directed several PBS documentaries, including the highly acclaimed Nevada documentary "Making a Difference: A Celebration of Women in Politics," in commemoration of the 75tl1Anniversary of Women's Suffrage.

During her many years in Nevada, Sylvia was the recipient of numerous scholarship, honors and awards, including the first Women's Role Model Award from Nevada's Attorney General (Frankie Sue Del Papa), The Robert Laxalt Writing Award, and UNR's Outstanding Magazine Editor Award. While in Maryland, she received the Educator of 2007 award from the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service, and the Maryland Hispanic Bar Association honored her with their 2007 Public Service Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual. In 2007, Governor Martin 0 'Malley appointed her to the Maryland Health Care Commission, and in 2010 to the Governor's Commission to Study the Impact oflmmigrants in Maryland. Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake appointed her to the Wage Commission in 2010. In 2008, The Daily Record recognized her as one of Maryland's Top 100 Women. Super Lawyers Magazine named her a Maryland Rising Star in January 2011, 2012 and 2013. Baltimore Magazine has also ran,ked her as a Top Lawyer in Maryland (2011-2013).

Most recently, Sylvia has been involved in Northern Nevada's political and civic scene, as volunteer in presidential elec'tion races and as active participant in the formation of the Latino Leadership Caucus of Washoe County, among other community endeavors. She often lectures on history arid women's issues, legal ethics and immigration, foreign language interprettion practices, journalism topics, and the documentary art process.

###

c T Y 0 F OML Waiver Web Submitted On:

City of Reno February 13th, 2018@ 3:57pm

WAIVER OF NOTICE REQUIRED UNDER NRS 241.033(1) TO ALLOW CITY COUNCIL TO CONSIDER CHARACTER, MISCONDUCT, OR COMPETENCE OF PERSON TO BE APPOINTED TO A BOARD, COMMISSION, OR OTHER PUBLIC BODY FOR THE CITY OF RENO

The City Council for the City of Reno will be considering on a future posted agenda your appointment to a board, commission or other public

body for the City of Reno. Pursuant to NRS 241.033(1), in order to consider the professional competence of an applicant, notice need be

provided to that person of the time and place of the meeting in compliance with such statutory provisions. By signing below, it is confirmed

that I have been provided notice of the meeting at which my appointment will be considered by City Council. Further, I knowingly and

voluntarily am waiving my rights to all written notice requirements under NRS 241.033(1) pertaining to my qualifications, competence, and

character to hold this appointment and consent to the evaluation of my character and competence by the Reno City Council in a public

meeting. Further, the undersigned acknowledges that he may at any time withdraw both this waiver and related application for appointment.

Name of Board, Commission or

Other Public Body to which the

undersigned is seeking City

Council's consideration

Signature Data

Reno

µ "'""~"' {2.t~h~ C~~l~Slo"'

First Name: Sylvia

Last Name: Ontaneda-Bernales

Email Address: sontanedab@law.gwu.edu

Signed at: 02/13/2018 12:S7PM