Azael Chávez Laría joined NCLR in April 2007 as a part-time Project Assistant. Originally from Mexico, Azael graduated from UNAM (Universidad Autónoma de Mexico) with a degree in Business Management in 1995 and went on to work at several private international companies such as L’Oreal and Sears Roebuck. Although he had achieved success professionally, Azael faced much persecution due to his sexual orientation. He tried to seek help from authorities but all doors were closed to him. Afraid for his life, Azael fled to the United States in February 2005, and soon after became a client of NCLR. His case was a happy victory, and he successfully obtained asylum status in June 2007. He is currently attending San Francisco City College and lives in Daly City.