Yvanna Cancela

Nevada State Senator, District 10, Member of the Thomas & Mack Legal Clinic Advisory Board at the Boyd School of Law

You are the first Latina in the Nevada State Senate. Can you talk to us a little about that?

It’s an honor to be the first Latina in the State Senate, and I know I won’t be the last. I feel strongly about opening the doors for others to find their place in the political process. Nevada is full of young leaders. I want to do my part to make sure the door that was opened for me is left wider for those who follow. 

Tell me about your decision to serve on the Thomas & Mack Legal Clinic Advisory Board and what makes Boyd Law’s mission meaningful to you.

"A laboratory for justice," is the Thomas & Mack Legal Clinic’s motto. I truly believe the work of the Clinic exemplifies that. I was honored when asked to serve on the Advisory Board. I was and am constantly inspired by the innovative work done by Clinic students. There is a real understanding that students benefit from hands-on work. I believe that’s true in all areas of Boyd Law. The impact students and alumni have made in our community ripples across sectors; from non-profits to politics to business to private practice, Boyd graduates shape the fabric of our state. It was easy to say yes to serving on the Clinic’s Advisory Board.

What was your first or most memorable job?

My first job was as a bartender at a sports bar in Miami. I finished bartending school during high school and got a job to earn money before starting college. It was hard work. I never would have thought that a summer job would end up having such a marked experience on my future job at the Culinary Union. It’s because I never earned more than $2/hour as a bartender that I believe in ensuring service jobs are good jobs. No one should have to rely exclusively on the generosity of guests to be able to pay their bills.

What advice would you give to current Boyd Law students?

Stay focused. Work hard. Dream big.

Tell me about something you've read that's made a real difference to you.

I recently finished a book on Michelle Obama. Her family’s story is one of grit and determination. It was deeply moving.