Reyna was asked about a woman who played a significant role in her life, and she said her grandma, Shirley Ortiz-Estrada.
Shirley watched Reyna from when she was an infant to when she was old enough to drive. From Shirley’s values to her quirks to her love of fashion, these were all things Reyna learned from and embraced. “She was one of the strongest women I have ever come across in my life.” Shirley used that strength to survive pancreatic cancer and was in remission for two years before it, unfortunately, came back, and she lost the battle in January 2022. When she was going through her cancer treatments, Shirley never once complained or didn’t have a smile on her face. She was still optimistic about life even while going through arguably one of the worst things that could happen to someone.
Shirley’s story is a very traditional one. She married young and was a stay-at-home mom for most of her life. Shirley was a leader in her church community and instilled those values in Reyna. Although a common story, her passion for her family made her special. She loved watching all her grandkids while they grew up. She looked forward to spending that time with them, whether getting a treat from Mcdonald’s, having her grandkids teach her the “new hip” songs, or having sleepovers with them and staying up late playing Phase 10. “She always encouraged us to live life and have fun and always said, ‘if you have the option to go dancing, you always go.”
Shirley loved with everything she had and always believed in her grandchildren. “She was always front row at all of my award ceremonies, sporting events, when I gave a speech at my high school graduation, and even when I graduated from college.” Although Shirley passed away while Reyna was in law school and didn’t get to see her graduate, Shirley knew that was Reyna’s dream and encouraged it. When Reyna committed to DU Law, she remembers Shirley crying from joy because, being a Colorado native, she always knew DU was an incredible school and wanted Reyna close to home. She made Reyna believe she could do anything she set her mind to.
When asked why Reyna believes this story is worth sharing, she said, “sometimes it is not the people with a fancy job or title that inspire you the most, but the people that support you and believe that you can conquer anything, and that’s why my grandma was one of the most influential people in my life.”
The values that Shirley instilled in Renya show throughout her work as an attorney in the firm’s corporate practice group. Her practice focuses on corporate transactions and security matters. Reyna is a Colorado native and enjoys working out at Orangetheory, cooking, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
