05/12/2026
Growing up in Pasadena, Lourdes Barrera Haley ’01 chose Pomona College because staying close to home made the transition feel manageable — but what she found there ended up shaping her entire trajectory.
As a Politics major, she was challenged by discussion-based seminars that taught her to analyze arguments, defend positions and see the world through different perspectives. Outside the classroom, she built friendships that have lasted decades, including with her now husband, Thomas Haley ’02. Her friend group, the Sagehen Sisters, still gathers every Christmas — now with kids in tow. She also recently returned to campus to celebrate her 25th Reunion during Alumni Weekend.
Lourdes came to the U.S. at age 3 and became a citizen during her sophomore year at Pomona. As an immigrant herself, she felt drawn to immigration law on a personal level. Now, 18 years into her career, she advocates for immigrants’ right to due process at a small law firm in Los Angeles.
“Advocacy will always be important,” Lourdes said. “Every time I go into a courtroom, I feel honored to speak on behalf of my clients. It’s not just for them — it’s their family too.”
