Woman of the Year profile: Giovanni I. Perry, J.D., Law Offices of

Journal Record, The (Oklahoma City), Sep 15, 2006 by Journal Record Staff

Giovanni Perry knew she wanted to become a lawyer since she was 4 years old. So when she graduated from the University of Oklahoma School of Law, it was a dream come true.

Growing up, "I argued so often with my friends (and anyone who would listen) about current events that they nicknamed me the 'Defender of Lost Causes.' I enjoy helping people, especially when I am able to use my unique skills to improve the lives of my clients," said Perry, who also is bilingual and has a degree in finance.

After graduating from law school in 1992, Perry worked four years as an associate with Gray, Autry & Wilson before joining the staff of the University of Oklahoma as a clinical instructor and staff attorney. In 1998, she went to work as a farm worker staff attorney for Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma and then as the immigration director for Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Oklahoma City in 2003. In 2005, she joined Michael Brooks-Jimenez PC as an associate before deciding to start her own practice earlier this year.

Perry said it is difficult to choose one professional accomplishment as the most important.

"In my profession, I help one client at a time, thus each time I witness children being returned to the custody of a parent; each time a client obtains Social Security benefits after years of trying to prove his/her disability; each time I help an immigrant victim of domestic violence escape from her abuser; each time I help an immigrant legalize his/her status; and each time an immigrant becomes a United States citizen - I feel that each victory is a professional accomplishment because of what it means to my client," she said.

Perry's professional affiliations include membership with the Oklahoma Bar Association, serving on the group's Law Day and diversity committees. She also serves as vice chair of the Governor's Advisory Council on Latin American and Hispanic Affairs.

A graduate of Leadership Oklahoma, Perry also is a board member of the Latino Community Development Agency. She is a past chair of the Oklahoma Farmworker Health Initiative Advisory Council and former president of the Truman Elementary Parent Teacher Association. She also is a recipient of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education Professional Study Grant.

Perry considers her mother as the most influential person in her life.

"She always stressed the importance of education and helping those less fortunate. I do not think she would call herself a feminist, but the way she pushed me to do my best and said that I could be anything I wanted to be goes far beyond what other Latinas experience. I thank God every day that I am blessed with her love and support and that my children are also able to benefit from all she has to teach them."

About Giovanni:

Birthplace: Ancon, Canal Zone

Spouse: Christopher J. Perry

Children: Ryan Christopher, 10; Gabriela Isabel, 6

First job: Office clerk for the electrical division of the Panama Canal Co.

Dream job: "The one I have!"

Pets: A Dalmatian named Freckles

Hobbies: Reading and watching movies with her children

Favorite type of food: "My mom's cooking!"

Favorite type of music: Country, but likes to dance to Salsa and Merengue

Favorite vacation spot: Bora Bora, Tahiti