About Belem

I have lived in Michigan since I was 16 years old and currently live with my husband and our son in Royal Oak.

I am originally from El Paso, Texas. I was raised by my grandparents in a migrant community and I speak Spanish fluently. I went to Wayne State University and have a BA in political science. In 2014 I graduated from Cooley Law School where I was awarded the Navarro-Vezina Scholarship for my commitment to public service. I’m currently a practicing attorney with a solo practice in Royal Oak.

My desire to be a voice for the voiceless stretches back to my childhood. I, like too many children, was a victim of abuse from when I was 5 years old until I was 11. I know firsthand what it feels like to not be heard and to not be believed. This experience eventually led me to law school where I helped migrant workers who were victims of domestic violence obtain visas under the Violence Against Women Act so that they could contact police without fear of deportation. I also worked at HAVEN, a local domestic violence shelter, where I used my legal skills to assist victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, in addition to volunteering part time at the Common Ground Legal Clinic.

I am a member of the State Bar of Michigan and the Oakland County Bar Association. I am actively involved in Royal Oak and am a Royal Oak Schools Foundation Board Member and a member of the Royal Oak Traffic Committee. Advocacy is in my blood. As a City Commissioner, I will be an advocate for you. I hope to earn your vote on November 5.