Marthy Hernandez Honored with Central Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Award for Public/Civil Services Leadership
Marthy Hernandez, a Stokes Lawrence Velikanje Moore & Shore associate attorney, has been recognized with the Central Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (CWHCC) Award for Public/Civil Services Leadership. This award celebrates Marthy's commitment to legal excellence, dedication to her community, and her leadership in promoting diversity and inclusivity within the legal profession.
During her first year in practice, Marthy was appointed as director of the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) Prelaw Undergraduate Scholars (PLUS) Program at Central Washington’s Heritage University, an innovative collaboration with Washington’s three law schools: Seattle University School of Law, University of Washington School of Law, and Gonzaga University School of Law. The program aims to make a legal education more accessible to diverse students, especially Latino/Latina/Latinx and Indigenous students.
As a first-generation attorney, Marthy holds a deep connection to her cultural roots, which continues to shape her mission to provide accessible legal representation and support to underrepresented communities.
"My journey to becoming an attorney has been challenging but fulfilling," Marthy shared. "As one of the less than 3% of Latina attorneys in the United States, I’m motivated to pave the way for future generations who seek to make a difference in our field. It’s an honor to be recognized by the CWHCC, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back to my community here in the Yakima Valley."
In addition to her practice in employment, business, and American Indian law, Marthy is an advocate for mentorship and community growth. She attributes much of her success and dedication to the mentorship of women attorneys in the Yakima Valley, particularly the pioneering role of Judge Sonia Rodriguez True, Yakima County’s first Latina judge, and Bree Black Horse, the first MMIP federal prosecutor in the Northwest region. She is also deeply moved by those aspiring to become attorneys.
“Through the LSAC Plus Program, I’ve had the privilege of meeting passionate students who are driven to make a difference in the world,” says Marthy. “Their enthusiasm reignited my own passion and commitment. It’s a powerful reminder of why mentorship matters so much—because it’s a cycle of inspiration and support that keeps us all moving forward.”
A graduate of the University of Washington with dual majors in Spanish and political science, and minors in law society and justice and international studies, Marthy went on to complete her J.D. at Gonzaga School of Law in 2022. She returned to the Yakima Valley to practice law, driven by a commitment to serve and represent the community that shaped her.
