Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, I have been an advocate for social justice since before I entered high school. I aim to serve as a Community Lawyer, with a practice focused on immigration law.  I represent primarily working families who seek to be reunited or to stay together in the United States.  Going into our 10th year, the Law Office of Vanessa Frank seeks to continue to provide both top-notch legal services to our clients and also to serve as a resource for immigrant and human rights advocacy on California’s Central Coast.  We hope to counsel our clients regarding all options available to them, helping people to identify their goals and find new and creative ways to meet those goals.  Our success lies in the overwhelming community support this office has received over the years from our clients, the social justice and human rights community of Ventura, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles counties and from the many individuals who have sought to understand our nation’s current laws and policies and how those impact everyone’s daily lives.  ​ 

I graduated from the Johnston Center at the University of Redlands with an Emphasis titled “Communication through Foreign Languages, Linguistics, Psychology, and Art”. After graduating, I searched for a career that was more than just a source of income, where I could feel that my work served a purpose and helped others. I started by volunteering with a non-profit organization that offers individualized therapeutic equine activities to children and adults with disabilities, before finding and joining the Law Office of Vanessa Frank to help support the immigrant community around me. Working here, I know that the work I do each day serves a purpose, and I feel much more connected to the community I live in than ever before. 

As the daughter of two Mexican parents and the eldest of six, I have always been empowered to have a voice. Like many children of immigrants, I was privileged to receive higher education through the sacrifices of my parents. I was the first in my family to graduate high school as well as college. I graduated from CSU Channel Islands with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Political Science. Recently, I received my Juris Doctorate from Ventura College of Law, and plan to take the California Bar and become an attorney. I have always worked toward the goal of using my strong voice to serve those in need. I am grateful for the sacrifices my parents made and wishes to pay it forward to the many parents and children who want the same opportunities.

Growing up in a multicultural, mixed-status home in Ventura County, I developed a deep understanding of the challenges facing our working-class community. This personal experience inspired me to pursue higher education, not only to equip myself with the tools to advocate for my community but also to appreciate the unique and diverse struggles that shape each individual’s experience. I earned my Bachelor's degree in Chicana/o Studies from California State University, Northridge, and later completed a Master’s degree in Latin American Studies at California State University, Los Angeles. These academic achievements have strengthened my resolve to continue advocating for social justice, resisting gentrification, and amplifying the voices of migrant communities who face systemic oppression. I am committed to fighting for a society that recognizes and addresses the disparities faced by marginalized communities, working toward a more equitable future for all.​​

My name is Jose Francisco Sedeño and I was born and raised in Oxnard, CA. I am a third generation Mexican American who has the privilege of helping my community through my work at this office. I received my bachelors degree in psychology from CSU Channel Islands in 2023. I am currently working on my law school applications and hope to begin in Fall 2025, furthering my education and enabling me to service more of the undocumented community.

I am an aspiring lawyer spending my gap year gaining hands-on legal experience before attending law school. As an immigrant, I’ve always felt a deep connection to the immigrant community, shaped by my own experiences and the challenges of navigating the complex U.S. immigration system. These experiences sparked my interest in the nuances of immigration law and kindled my passion to be an advocate for immigration rights and justice. My parents’ resilience and sacrifices taught me the importance of education, hard work, and giving back to the community. With their unwavering support, I graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a BA in International Development Studies and a minor in Global Studies. I aspire to make my parents proud and am committed to giving back to my community by amplifying marginalized voices and advocating for those who have been left unheard.

Hi! I’m Kell Kingsmith, a Junior at Ventura High school and currently pursuing my associate’s degree in psychology at Ventura College. I joined this amazing group of people out of a curiosity around immigration law and a need to be more involved with local important matters. Being an intern here has brought me an incredible sense of community, as well as a better understanding of the intricacies of social justice. I have so much respect for both the others at the office who spend their time making Ventura a better place, and the clients, many of whom experience countless difficulties and are some of the most genuine people. I know that this experience will deepen my passion for justice and be reflected in my future.

Growing up in Oxnard as the son of immigrant parents, I've always been aware of the challenges faced by first-generation families. Despite these struggles, I never let them hold me back. I am passionate about making a difference in my community. As a high school senior, I am excited to be attending CSUN, where I plan to major in political science. My ultimate goal is to become an immigration attorney. My passion for immigration law was ignited by a personal experience. When I was young, my father was scammed by a dishonest lawyer, and it left our family devastated both emotionally and financially. Witnessing this injustice at such a young age made me angry and determined to ensure that others don't suffer the same fate. This experience has driven me to pursue a career where I can help families like mine and advocate for those whose voices are often ignored. I am committed to fighting for justice and making a meaningful impact in the lives of others.