Belkis Plata Named to University of Florida's 40 Under 40 Honorees
The University of Florida Alumni Association recently honored Belkis Plata by naming her one of the prestigious "40 Under 40." This annual recognition celebrates the achievements of young alumni who have made significant contributions to their fields, communities, and beyond. For Belkis, an advocate, entrepreneur, and UF alum with a heart dedicated to justice, this recognition is a meaningful milestone in a career defined by breaking barriers.
From UF Gator to Community Champion
Belkis Plata’s story is nothing short of inspiring. Born in the Bronx to a Puerto Rican father and Colombian mother, her ethos of hard work and resilience took root early in Jacksonville, Florida, where she grew up. With a wide-eyed ambition to pursue medicine, Belkis began her academic career at the University of Florida focused on pre-med studies. However, a criminology class during her undergraduate years opened her eyes to the complexities of the juvenile justice system, sparking a profound passion for law and justice.
Belkis graduated cum laude with a B.A. in Criminology in 2007 and went on to earn her J.D. from UF Levin College of Law in 2010. Those years weren’t just about attaining degrees; they were about discovering her passion for serving some of society’s most underserved and marginalized communities.
A Trailblazer in the Legal Field
Belkis Plata’s career is a testament to trailblazing courage and dedicated compassion. Starting at the Public Defender’s Office, she hit the ground running, defending thousands of clients across Northeast Florida on a wide range of criminal charges. Her commitment to ensuring justice for underrepresented groups quickly distinguished her—not just as an attorney but as a true advocate for change.
By 2014, Belkis took a bold leap and founded Plata Schott Law, becoming the youngest Latina to open her own law firm in Northeast Florida. Her work spans a spectrum of legal services, placing a strong emphasis on human rights, civil liberties, and equitable access to justice. Her firm has become a beacon of hope for clients seeking compassionate and expert legal representation.
Breaking Barriers with National Recognition
Belkis does not simply practice law; she transforms how it intersects with community needs. Awards and honors are plentiful, each showcasing her drive to elevate not just her career but also the lives of others. Some of her remarkable accomplishments include:
2015 Alumni of the Year by Take Stock in Children.
2016 Excellence in Mentoring Award presented at the Library of Congress.
The 2020 YLD Pro Bono Award, celebrating her impactful volunteer work, including reducing the sentence of an 11-year-old boy charged with manslaughter.
Board Certified in Juvenile Law, where she became the youngest attorney in Florida to earn this status in 2017.
Her recent recognition by the University of Florida’s 40 Under 40 class celebrates her ongoing contributions—not just professionally, but as a vital voice in legal diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Beyond the Courtroom
Belkis’s achievements extend far beyond the courtroom walls. She has worked tirelessly to dismantle barriers in the legal field as evidenced by her involvement with initiatives like the Breaking Barriers – Building a Better Legal Community award from the Jacksonville Women’s Lawyers Association in 2024.
Belkis also finds time to mentor young lawyers and contribute to the legal profession through thoughtful discussions on policy and reform. Her mentees describe her as “unstoppable,” a leader who balances an unwavering work ethic with a compassionate approach to those she supports.
A Call to Action for UF Alumni and Beyond
Being named to the University of Florida’s "40 Under 40" amplifies not only Belkis Plata's remarkable achievements but also her message to fellow UF alumni and aspiring entrepreneurs. Her story reflects the incredible power of perseverance, purpose, and community connection. It’s a rallying cry for others to lean into their passions fearlessly, contribute meaningfully to society, and break barriers in their respective fields.
Belkis is living proof that the foundation built at UF can shape world-changing lives. To alumni reading this, take inspiration from her. Ask yourself how you can contribute to your field, build resilience through challenges, and give back to your community.
Congratulations, Belkis Plata
With each case she takes on and each barrier she breaks, Belkis Plata continues to inspire not just her community in Jacksonville but also fellow Gators striving to leave their impact on the world.
Congratulations to Belkis on achieving this extraordinary honor. You exemplify what it means to be a leader and changemaker, and we’re proud to have you in the Gator Nation.