Ryan J. Wrobel

Our Managing partner

 

 

 

Our Managing Partner Ryan John Wrobel was born in Buffalo, New York, U.S.A. Spending his formative years in Western New York, Mr. Wrobel often travelled over the international border to nearby Ontario, Canada and took an early interest in International travel, culture and affairs.

After completing high school, he began the pursuit of a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Pre-Law at the State University of New York at Buffalo (SUNY-Buffalo). During his time in University, Mr. Wrobel was nominated for the 1999 Robert H. Stern Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Paper in Political Science relating to a research paper he wrote entitled “Human Rights Conditions in Jamaica.”

Upon graduation from University, Mr. Wrobel immediately entered the Law School at SUNY-Buffalo where he concentrated on international law. He enriched his law school experience by taking part in two international study abroad programs during the summers, first in Barbados with the Faculty of Law at the University of the West Indies, and later at University College London in the United Kingdom.

While at the University of the West Indies-Cave Hill in Barbados, our Managing Partner was introduced to foreign investment and international financial services law in the Commonwealth Caribbean. The introduction to West Indian culture proved to have a lasting effect on Mr. Wrobel and from that point forward he became interested in the opportunity to someday live and practice in the region.

Rather than immediately entering the practice of law upon graduation from law school, Mr. Wrobel instead decided to continue his legal education at an institution that he had been introduced to earlier, University College London. The pursuit of a Master of Laws at UCL was an enriching experience for him. He not only was able to gain knowledge of the law from an English perspective at a distinguished institution with graduates such as Mahatma Gandhi, but he was also able to interact with colleagues from around the world. Spending over a year in educationally and culturally enhancing environment of cosmopolitan London, Mr. Wrobel was also availed the opportunity visit numerous countries in Continental Europe.

The time in London solidified Mr. Wrobel’s resolve to pursue a career outside of his birth nation and persevere to follow the path to achieve his global goals and interests. During his time at University College London, he was a recipient of the UCL Faculty’s Bentham Award for exceptionally well qualified overseas graduates, and also had an article on the Belize-Guatemala territorial dispute published in the American Bar Association’s International Law News journal.

After returning to the United States with a Master’s Degree in Law from UCL, Mr. Wrobel sat for and passed the New York State Bar Exam and was called to the New York State Bar in 2004. He started his career as a sole practitioner in Buffalo, New York. In order to serve his clients, Mr. Wrobel was called to the United States District Court and the United States Bankruptcy Court, both for the Western District of New York State. Although the practice of law in New York proved to be a good experience, it did not satisfy Mr. Wrobel’s desire to work within the realm of international law, thus in 2005 he made the decision to migrate to Belize. Belize is a country that he had visited numerous times since 1999 and had a great interest and involvement in since 1996.

Upon moving to Belize, our Managing Partner enrolled in the Belize Tourism Board’s Tour Guide Training Course in order to learn more about his new home. Mr. Wrobel also began consulting for the Big Four professional services firm of Deloitte & Touche Belize in Belize City, where he began to manage Deloitte’s Corporate & Legal Department. Over the years Mr. Wrobel has gained a wealth of experience relating to the legal system in Belize, with a special focus on real estate transactions and company law. He has travelled throughout the nation and has developed a strong bond with its culture, people and way of life. Mr. Wrobel sits on the Board of Trustees of the Scouts Endowment Fund, a trust fund which raises money to support the Scout Association of Belize and was elected as the Treasurer of the American Chamber of Commerce of Belize (AMCHAM-Belize). He is also a member of the Association of Real Estate Brokers of Belize (AREBB), Belize International Financial Services Association (BISFA), and the Belize Museum of History. Mr. Wrobel is also a Welfare Committee Member of the Royal British Legion – Belize Branch. Recently Mr. Wrobel was also elected as Director and Committee Member of the Belize Rifle Club. He was appointed as a Notary Public in New York State in 2004, as well as being appointed by the Attorney General of Belize as a Justice of the Peace in 2008.

In order to further his dream to practice law and further his career in Belize, Mr. Wrobel entered Norman Manley Law School’s Six Month Programme in Kingston, Jamaica. The time spent at Norman Manley Law School was extremely beneficial to him, as he was not only able to learn more about the practise of law in the Commonwealth Caribbean, but also able to establish solid contacts with legal practitioners from across the region. Ryan J. Wrobel was called to the Belize Bar in September 2009 and opened the law firm of Wrobel & Co., as well as the corporate service firm of British Honduras Professionals Ltd. shortly thereafter. He was subsequently called to the Jamaican Bar in 2010 and admitted to the United States District Courts for both the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York in 2011.

Wrobel & Co., Attorneys-at-Law has quickly gained the trust and appreciation of numerous clients under the direction of Mr. Wrobel. The firm continues to provide services to an international client base from the main office in Belize City, as well as from affiliate offices in New York City and Kingston, Jamaica.

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Yolanda A. Centeno

J.D. C.L.E. Attorney-at-Law

 

 

 

Yolanda joined Wrobel & Co in July 2018. Her wealth of legal expertise and experience serves the firm’s clients well on a variety of legal matters. (She’s a former magistrate!)

Yolanda earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Pre-Law at the State University of New York at Buffalo (SUNY-Buffalo). She stayed in New York, where she attended SUNY-Buffalo Law School, focusing on transactional practice and real property law. During this period, she studied abroad in Madrid, Spain, burnishing her knowledge of commercial law & transactions, and she also held a Judicial Clerkship with the New York Supreme Court, Civil Part, 8th Judicial District in Buffalo.

After graduating law school in 2004, Yolanda moved back to Belize in 2005 and worked as law clerk in real property department of Deloitte & Touche, where she gained experience in, and a love of, real property management, sales and transactions. In 2008, she returned to the United States and became Closing Attorney/ Supervisor at the REO Closing Department of a large Florida Law Firm. In 2011, she again returned to beautiful Belize, where she worked as Law Clerk for a local criminal practice attorney, then decided to pursue her Certificate of Legal Education. She attended Norman Manley Law School in Kingston, Jamaica, which she completed in May 2012.

Yolanda was appointed as Magistrate in 2013 and worked in this capacity for five years, learning the ins and outs of nearly every part of the legal code.

Yolanda was born in Belize, and grew up here, in Jamaica, and upstate New York. Her admission to the New York State Bar in pending. She has been admitted to the bar in Belize, and Florida, which gives her an excellent understanding of the needs of expats moving to Belize.

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Kia Marie Diaz-Tillett

associate attorney

 

 

 

Kia Marie joined Wrobel & Co. LLP in October 2023 as an Associate Attorney.  She is a passionate Attorney who finds great joy in assisting her clients.

Kia Marie graduated with honours and obtained her Bachelor of Law Degree from the University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus in 2017, and then went on to obtain her Legal Education Certificate at Hugh Wooding Law School in the beautiful twin islands of Trinidad and Tobago where she is originally from.  In 2019 Kia Marie was called to the bar of Trinidad and Tobago which she remains a proud member of.  While reading for her degrees in Trinidad and Tobago she also interned at Veritas Chambers where she had the opportunity to shadow Senior Civil and Criminal Attorneys.

In 2019 she moved to her adopted home, Belize, and was called to the Bar in 2020.  Since living in Belize Kia Marie has gained considerable experience and knowledge in the various roles that she has held in the legal field.  From 2019-2021 she acted as the legal officer to the Ombudsman of Belize where she advised the Ombudsman in executing his role in investigating complaints made against public authorities.  Her time spent as a legal officer reaffirmed her desire to be an advocate.   She then ventured into private practice at the law firm of MHCHEBAT & Co. where she had carriage over litigious and non-litigious matters in areas of Contract Law, Employment, Probate, Tort, Family, and Criminal Law from 2021-2022.  After her time at MHCHEBAT & CO, she thereafter joined the firm of Glenn D. Godfrey Co LLP where she gained further experience in Corporate and Civil litigious and non-litigious matters.  

In her time off Kia Marie enjoys exploring and enjoying the different cultures and food her second home has to offer and spending quality time with her Family and Friends.

Kia Marie’s experience, pleasant disposition, and passion for achieving success for her clients make her an excellent fit for our firm.

Miguelli Alamilla

Director of Operations

 

 

 

Miguelli has been with Wrobel & Co., since its office opened on Barrack Road in October 2010. She started as a Legal Assistant to Attorney Ryan Wrobel and was promoted to Closing Supervisor in 2013. In this capacity, Miguelli strives to make clients 100% satisfied with their experience with both the staff and services.

Miguelli is an island girl, whose family is from Caye Caulker. She split her childhood between Caye Caulker and Belize City where she attended school.

She wishes to pursue the study of law at the University of Oxford, United Kingdom to get her law degree. Miguelli is responsible for handling real estate services, acquiring work permits, and developing relationships with officials and partners in Belmopan.

Rashida Burgess

Corporate & QRP Services Coordinator

 

 

 

Rashida joined Wrobel & Co. in October 2016. She began as a legal assistant but in early 2017 was promoted to IBC and QRP Services Coordinator due to her determination, reliability, and calm demeanor.

Her duties include assisting in preparing and managing clients files, corresponding with clients and guests, and helping maintain a welcoming and comfortable professional environment at the firm.

Rashida’s family background is in Bermudian Landing/Flowers Bank, but she has lived in Belize City her entire life. After graduating from Canaan Seventh Day Adventist School, she was majoring in Pharmacology at the University of Belize until she decided to change her major to Paralegal Studies once she immersed herself in the legal work of Wrobel & Co. In her words, “I strive to become an outstanding woman not only for myself but also for my organization.”

Melonie Gillett

REAL PROPERTY ASSOCIATE

 

 

 

Melonie Gillett joined Wrobel & Co. as a Real Property Associate in 2021.  She attended St. Catherine’s Academy followed by St. John’s College Junior College and Polk Community College in Lakeland, Florida, where she graduated with an Associates Degree in Computer Science. 

Upon returning to Belize in 2005, she began experimenting with music, becoming one of Belize’s brightest musical gems. Melonie alternated roles between Singer/Songwriter/Producer and Director. She has released two industry-standard Albums and numerous music videos. This was followed by the launch of her production business, Metamorph Creatives, in 2012. Melonie has been awarded best music video by the BIFF several times. She has also won the KREM best music video award.

 

 

Giselle Torres

Corporate & Legal Services Associate

 

 

 

Giselle Torres is from the beautiful town of San Ignacio in the Cayo District. She moved to Belize City in 2009 where she attended St. Catherine Academy and graduated in 2013. She spent two years earning her associates degree in Business Administration at St. John’s Junior College. She’s currently studying to get her bachelors in Business Management with a focus in Marketing. 

Giselle craves adventure and is grateful that Belize is the country to give her those experiences. The islands are her favorite place to visit in Belize. She loves being on a boat out at sea. She also enjoys road trips with friends and family visiting different places in Belize. Her second favorite place in Belize is Mountain Pine Ridge. She may not swim well but it is one of her favorite hobbies – or simply being in the water. While Giselle has many short and long-term goals, her ultimate goal in life is to be genuinely happy.

Jasmine Bailey

Accounting Clerk

 

 

 

Jasmine Bailey  joined Wrobel & Co. in 2020 as an Accounting Clerk. She is originally from Sittee River Village, Stann Creek, but grew up in Belize City.

Jasmine graduated from the University of Belize with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and an Associates Degree in Business Science. She’s planning on taking the ACCA Global exams to become a Chartered Certified Accountant.

In her free time Jasmine likes listening to Podcasts, TED Talks and True Crime Documentaries. She describes herself as an adventurous person and loves hiking and swimming.

Elizabeth Baeza

accounts clerk

 

 

 

Elizabeth Baeza joined Wrobel & Co. in 2020 as an Accounts Clerk. 

She was born and raised in the central of Orange Walk Town. Elizabeth graduated with honors from St. John’s College Junior College with a major in Accounting and has over 7 years of experience in QuickBooks.  She plans on finishing her studies and becoming a CPA. 

Elizabeth likes her job and being challenged, and she’s always opened to learning new things. She loves to travel, explore new places, and being creative with handworks such as crafts, carvings, drawings and designing.

Nydia Gallicia

legal assistant

 

 

 

Nydia Gallicia joined Wrobel & Co in 2021 as Legal Assistant.  Previously she worked as a Clerk/Interpreter and Secretary with Attorney Yolanda Centeno in the Magistrate’s office.  She’s also a certified family mediator.

She lived in the beautiful village of Bullet Tree, Cayo District, until the age of 7.  Her family later moved to Independence Village in the Stann Creek District where she attended Independence Junior College, earning an Associate Degree in Science in Natural Resource Management. 

Nydia loves outdoor activities, watching movies, traveling, and spending time with her family. She unfortunately became allergic to cats, but she dreams of having a hairless cat one day.

Cheryl Castro

legal assistant

 

 

 

Cheryl Castro was born and raised in Belize City. She studied at the University of Belize and graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Tourism Studies.  Cheryl joined Wrobel & Co. LLP, Attorneys-at-Law on March 14th, 2022 as a Legal Assistant. Her primary responsibilities include managing the day-to-day incoming correspondences from clients, maintaining and updating Clio matters, and assisting with the incorporation of Companies. 

Cheryl loves challenges and being able to accomplish them, she has a genuine interest in Corporate Law, she is very focused, a team player, and responsible. She is a strong believer that when we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.

In her free time, Cheryl enjoys traveling, reading, swimming and photography.  

Shenelle Williams

Real Property Associate

 

 

 

Vibrancy, discernment, and wit combined with passion and purpose contribute to who I am. I was raised in Belize City amongst 6 other siblings. We were very close knit growing up; hence, I am very family oriented.   

I am a graduate of St. John’s Junior college where I acquired an associate degree in Sociology and History. I am currently in the final year of my LLB program at the University of London’s LLB and look forward to graduating this year! I hope to enroll in an LLM – Bar Training Course in the near future. 

In addition, I have served as a volunteer for several youth organizations and institutions in Belize, including the Youth Department, the Inspiration Center, the Belize Volunteer Club, and the Belize Peer Helpers, which allowed me the opportunity to work and communicate successfully with many individuals, families or groups within a variety of settings. This has certainly added to my customer service skills. 

Notably, I am no stranger to the legal field. I was employed as a legal secretary/paralegal for over 5 years prior to joining the Wrobelians. The area of real estate captivated me the most, hence my interest in the real estate associate position I currently hold. My current interests include reading, writing and traveling. 

Keshia Black

Legal Receptionist

 

 

 

My name is Keshia Black and I was raised in Ladyville. I graduated from the University of Belize in 2013 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism Management. This has allowed me to become an outstanding communicator with clients, providing preliminary information regarding the diverse service options provided by our office.

As a young mother of two, I am constantly juggling a variety of passions and hobbies. I enjoy spending time in my kitchen trying new recipes, cooking and baking, watching cooking shows and indulging in my alter ego of a doctor on Grey’s Anatomy. I often enjoy family trips to the Cayes to soak up the sun, as my happy place, and traveling around the country – fueled by adventure, exploring the many hidden beauties Belize has to offer.

Davian Acevedo

office assistant

 

 

 

My name is Davian Azazel Acevedo, and this is the story of my unexpected yet rewarding journey from aspiring engineer to an enthusiastic paralegal student. Life has a way of leading us down unexpected paths, and mine took a significant turn when I embarked on my pursuit of an associate degree in Paralegal Studies at Wesley Junior College.

As a child, I dreamt of designing buildings and bridges , fueled by a passion for engineering. Little did I know that fate had different plans for me. When I started working at Wrobel & Co. in April 2023, I was introduced to the world of law, and it quickly piqued my curiosity. I realized that my newfound interest was more than a passing curiosity, it was a calling.

Embracing this new passion, I decided to take a leap of faith. As I continue my studies, I am committed to honing my skills, gaining knowledge, and contributing to the world of law. My goal is to become an indispensable part of a legal team and to help serves society effectively. I am excited about the future that lies ahead as I work towards becoming a successful paralegal.

James Miller

Director of Business and Systems

 

 

 

James joined Wrobel & Co. in June 2015 as a financial consultant charged with keeping clients updated on domestic and international economic trends so they can make fully informed real estate, retirement, and offshore investment decisions. He continues to act in this capacity, as well as handle staff relations, human resources, and business operations. He has undergraduate degrees in Political Science and History from Fordham University, as well as a Master’s in International Relations from City College of New York, and enjoys analyzing the way these areas of study interconnect.

James travels extensively to scout new market trends, but is originally from Cleveland, Ohio, in the United States, which means he has had his heart broken by terrible sports teams multiple times every year since he’s been alive … until LeBron finally brought a championship home! His favorite restaurant in Belize City is Nerie’s. He recommends the stewed lobster.

Jota Botia

social media Manager

Jota joined Wrobel & Co. in July 2019 as a Marketing Assistant and today she is the Social Media Manager for the firm.  Her duties include planning and creating all of the content for social media platforms as well as keeping our clients and future clients informed about company services and relevant information about Belize.  She also supports all of the marketing strategies for the communication department.    

Jota has an Advertising degree from “Universidad Central” in Bogotá, Colombia where she is originally from. She speaks Spanish, English and now she is pursuing her third language: French. In her free time she studies piano and she thinks there’s no better plan than going to concerts or places with live music.

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