Meet Women's History Month Local Hero Teodora Purcell

Local attorney Teodora Purcell is being honored as a KPBS Women's History Month Local Hero. She fills a vital role near the world's busiest border crossing as a pro bono lawyer focused on helping immigrants navigate complex legal systems.

Purcell says a lot of her time is spent volunteering her services at Casa Cornelia Law Center. Casa Cornelia is a public firm whose primary commitment is to Southern California's immigrant community. Purcell says she's been volunteering there for about six years, and has encouraged her coworkers at Fragomen Worldwide (her primary office) to give their time, too. Now, nearly all of San Diego's Fragomen attorney's volunteer there, according to Purcell.

An immigrant herself — from Bulgaria — Purcell came to San Diego in 1999 to attend University of San Diego's School of Law, after earning a law degree in her home country. She's licensed to practice in both countries and is a dual citizen.

Purcell says her experiences as an immigrant benefit her work substantially. Even having an accent helps. She says it aids in building rapport with her clients. "I know what it's like to be far from family, to face an immigration judge or officer, to tell a stranger your story... I think it's good to have a different cultural background. It helps me understand that when they don't respond it's probably because of discomfort they feel."

Because she's gained the trust of her clients, Purcell is able to see commonalities among many she's helped. "They're victims of some trauma — psychological or physical — who really are just looking for freedom or a better life. And they really count their blessings and are grateful."

Courtney Brown, a director at Casa Cornelia, nominated Purcell for the honor. Here's an excerpt from the nomination: "The importance of her (Purcell's) work cannot be overemphasized; she has directly changed lives, and secured a brighter future for those refugees fleeing persecution who were fortunate to have her as their pro bono attorney."

When Purcell learned of her nomination she was pleasantly surprised. "I don't see myself as a hero, just a professional who's dedicated, who enjoys what I do and is committed to helping others." She continued, "Everyone has skills that make us heroes, as long as we can use those skills to impact each other's lives."