Meet Joanna; Attorney, partner at Ventura Law, and proud mom of two teens, Joanna brings the same compassion, intuition, and strength she learned from her own mother into every part of her life. Originally from Puerto Rico and rooted in Fairfield County for over 20 years, she’s passionate about family, community, and advocating for others when they need a voice most.
When it comes to motherhood, Joanna believes the most important guide is learning to trust yourself: “Trust your instincts. Love deeply. You’re doing better than you think.”
Where are you originally from, and how long have you been in Fairfield County?
I was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico but grew up in various parts of the United States. I have been residing in Fairfield County for 20 years.
Tell us about your family! How old are your children, and what do you love most about being a mom?
I have 2 children, Jacob who is 18 years old and Alia who is 15 years old. What I love most about being a mom is that I am blessed to play such an important role in someone else’s life. I provide nurturing, guidance, and most of all unconditional love to my 2 children. Becoming a mother is truly the most rewarding and amazing role I have in my life.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you.
I love music and I used to sing in a garage rock band as well sang back up on my friend’s CD before I became a mother. It was a very fulfilling hobby of mine.
One thing you wish someone had told you about motherhood.
That there is no playbook and that it is ok to do what you feel is best for your family.
Who has most influenced you to be the mom that you are today?
My own mother. She has shown me that beauty of motherhood is accepting that there will be moments when you will doubt yourself as a mother but will learn to trust your maternal instincts and intuition to always do what is best for your children.
What’s your favorite thing about raising a family in this area?
I love living in Stratford. It is a town that is diverse and offers a lot to its residents. The size is perfect, not too big or small of a town. There are always many family friendly events and programs to participate in. I love the town greens and the beach. We are also very fortunate to have a train line which allows its residents to easily travel to other places along the coast as well as New York City.
Are there any favorite local spots, events, or activities that your family enjoys?
Our family enjoys spending time at the beach as well as participating in various town events like Stratford Day. We also enjoy grabbing a bite to eat at many of the local restaurants.
What makes these communities special to you as both a mother and a professional?
Being part of a community like Stratford is very special because of its diversity. I find that this is important for our children and as a professional, I can easily relate to various cultures and groups.
Best “mom hack” that makes your life easier?
When my children were younger, my husband and I would sneak vegetables into their meals. For example, blended cauliflower into their mac ‘n’ cheese. Now they are pretty good about just eating their veggies. As my children grew older, I continued to implement mom hacks to make my life easier. With our busy schedules consumed with sports, work, school and extracurricular activities, I always try to find time to spend with my children as well as take care of myself. To get fresh air and exercise as well as mom time with my children, we go on family walks around the neighborhood, especially by the beach. Not only is it good for our health but also for our mental health. It allows me to spend quality time with my husband and children. We have many good talks while on our walks. Another hack is spending time with one child at once. Whether it is out for lunch or shopping, it is nice to give individualized attention to each child. I don’t want to just be physically available for my children but emotionally as well.
Tell us about Ventura Law and what you do there.
Ventura Law is a personal injury law firm established in 1957 by our founder, Americo Ventura. We are located in Connecticut with headquarters in Danbury and other offices in Bridgeport, South Norwalk and Hartford. We specialize in accidents and cater to all communities, especially those with a large population of Spanish and Portuguese speaking residents. I am a Personal Injury Litigation Partner. I litigate accident cases from the moment the suit is filed until they are resolved through medications, arbitrations, settlements or trial.
How long have you been with Ventura Law, and what was your background before joining?
I have been part of the Ventura Law family for approximately 5 years. Prior to joining Ventura Law, I worked in various areas of the law including defense litigation, immigration, criminal and family law to name a few. Some of those years were spent as a stay-at-home mom to my 2 children.
What areas of personal injury law are you most passionate about?
I am passionate about the discovery phase of the personal case. This part of the case is so crucial to our clients. I am motivated to assist them in testifying and becoming an integral part of their case. Although I provide our clients with legal advice throughout the life of their claim, I encourage them to engage and tell me how they want to present their case. It is very important for our clients to be able to participate and narrate their story. I find this part of the case the most rewarding.
Tell us about the different services that Ventura Law offers.
Ventura Law provides pre-litigation and litigation services for all our clients. Our experienced team is there for our clients from the beginning of their claim until the end, providing them with advice, guidance and reassurance.
How does your role allow you to advocate for families, children, or vulnerable individuals?
As an attorney, I am an advocate for those that need a voice in the eyes of the law. Navigating through the legal system can be daunting and intimidating for most. As an attorney, not only do I provide legal advice to families and vulnerable individuals, but I also listen to their needs to better understand them.
What is one thing you wish more people knew about personal injury law and how it helps families?
I wish more people would know that personal injury law is vital to assist those that have suffered a loss or injury. We are not just attorneys handling a case, but experts in personal injury able to help individuals that are vulnerable and need help. We can help families whether it is when
As a mother and a personal injury attorney, what advice do you have for parents of teen drivers?
Remind your children that they are in control of their actions behind the wheel and are responsible for those in the car with them as well as those on the road. I always remind my 18-year-old that driving is a privilege and should be treated with responsibility.
What are some of the most common mistakes teen drivers make that lead to accidents?
The most common mistakes teen drivers make when driving is texting or talking on the phone. Both actions are very distracting and can lead to accidents.
What legal or safety measures should parents take to protect their teen drivers?
Parents should make sure that their children’s vehicles are safe and pass inspections. As far as Insurance is concerned, recommended limits should be at least $100K per person and $300K occurrence. Parents should also advise their young drivers that they should limit the amount of people they allow in their vehicles.
What’s the best advice you have for moms struggling with mom guilt while balancing a career and family?
We all go through the “mom guilt” when we go to work. Mine was especially hard because I went from staying at home for 9 years to raise both of my children to having a full-time attorney job. The guilt went away when I realized that my children were happy with the situation because I always made time for them when I was home. It is so important as a mom to have something to call your own. Whether it is a career, a side hustle or volunteering in your community, being able to be around peers and adults helps balance things. All moms need a break from every day and escape to something they can call their own. You cannot be your true self for your family if you aren’t being true to yourself and engaging in your calling.
How do you manage the inevitable challenges of juggling work and parenting?
I stay organized. My husband and I have a family calendar that manages all of our activities and the children’s. It is vital to us. With 2 teenagers that have school, activities and sports, we need to make sure that everyone is covered for rides, dinner, etc. My husband ands I must divide and conquer many times to make sure that one of us is always there for our children.
What advice would you share with a new mom or other working moms?
Always make time for yourself. I cannot stress this enough! It is vital to your mental wellness. If you are feeling good about yourself you will be good for others.
How has motherhood shaped your approach to helping families in need?
Motherhood has shaped my approach tremendously when helping other families. It brings a sense of familiarity to the situation. I have become more sensitive and understanding when working with a family in need of our services because I can relate to them as a parent. My clients are more relatable to me in many ways.
