AMPLIFY NASHVILLE HONOREES

Marlen Santana Perez, originally from Cuba, is an immigration attorney and licensed mental health professional whose journey to practicing law has always been guided by one goal: to serve her community.

Marlen practiced law in Cuba until 1998 when she and her daughter left to reunite with her husband in the United States. She worked for Metro Social Services and the Metro Public Health Department helping immigrants resettle in the US, and she volunteered as a medical interpreter with Siloam Health. In 2006, Marlen graduated with honors from the University of Tennessee with a Master of Science in Social Work. She began serving as a therapist with Centerstone, eventually becoming a clinical social worker with Saint Thomas Health Services.

Frequently encountering barriers to care and resources for her immigrant patients, Marlen was inspired to return to law school. She continued working full-time during the day while attending the Nashville School of Law at night. In 2015, Marlen passed the bar exam and opened her legal practice, Santana Law Firm PLLC, which focuses on immigration and family law.

As an immigrant, Marlen uses her experience to offer expert advice underscored by empathy and trust. She is a dedicated advocate committed to helping immigrants who, like her, have come to the United States with determination, faith, and a desire to enrich the community. Since 2017, the Tennessee Supreme Court has recognized Marlen every year for providing pro bono services for immigrants. 

Marlen’s unwavering dedication to serving those around her has earned her the title of this year’s Good Neighbor honoree at Amplify Nashville.