Trailblazer for Justice!
We are thrilled to announce that Blanca Rodriguez has been selected as the recipient of this year’s Latina/o Bar Association of Washington’s (LBAW) Justice CZ Smith Trailblazer Award!
Blanca, the Deputy Director of Advocacy, has been with CLS for five years and is based in our Yakima office. Blanca’s commitment to justice and her community has been nothing short of inspiring. From providing direct legal services at Northwest Justice Project (NJP) to leading workers’ rights litigation at CLS, and pioneering an innovative legal clinic partnership with SU Law School, local attorneys, and NWIRP to support workers at Deferred Action for Labor Enforcement (DALE) pro se clinics—her dedication and expertise are truly exceptional. Let’s take a moment to celebrate Blanca and recognize this well-earned achievement.
Honoring a Legacy of Service
After more than two decades of dedicated service, we extend our deepest gratitude to Brenda Carlstrom as she steps down from her role on the Columbia Legal Services (CLS) Board. Since CLS’s inception, she has been an integral part of our organization, helping guide us through its many evolutions while steadfastly upholding our mission of justice and advocacy.
Throughout her tenure, she has not only served as a committed board member but has also held key leadership positions as Board President. Her insight, passion, and unwavering commitment to our work have left an indelible mark on CLS and the communities we serve. Her advocacy and contributions ensured that all voices—especially those often unheard—were amplified in our pursuit of justice.
To our dear friend and colleague, thank you for your years of service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to justice.
Our Latest Advocacy Updates
Columbia Legal Services is actively litigating multiple cases to challenge injustice and protect communities across Washington. From defending farmworkers’ rights and youth in custody to pushing back against unreliable prison drug testing and wage suppression, our teams are taking bold legal action every day.
Learn more about our current cases, where they stand, and how we are fighting alongside impacted communities for long-term change.
2025 Imagine Justice Youth Art Celebration & Contest
We are thrilled to announce our 2025 Imagine Justice Youth Art Celebration & Contest! We invite all youth, ages 5-21, to enter an original, 2-dimensional creation that reflects the theme: My Community. My Home. – Highlighting the importance of safety, community, and belonging.
Winners in three age categories will win $500.
Deadline to submit: May 23, 2025.
Recent Comments