Paulina Rudnicka Mauro
Attorney/Founder , Rudnicka Law Firm
We’re excited to introduce our seventeenth HBA Ambassador from Class V (2025-2027), Paulina Rudnicka Mauro, attorney and founder of Rudnicka Law Firm, and Co-Chair of the International Committee of the Houston Young Lawyers Association (HYLA).
Click here to download the video. Click here to learn more about Paulina.
Come back next week to discover who our next HBA Ambassador and Face of Wellness is! Every Wednesday, we’ll debut a new video in the series in our weekly eBulletin—so be sure to keep an eye out!
Benjamin Sanchez
Litigator, Sanchez Law Firm
We’re excited to introduce our sixteenth HBA Ambassador from Class V (2025-2027), Benjamin Sanchez, experienced litigator and founder of Sanchez Law Firm, and past president of the Mexican American Bar Association of Houston.
Click here to download the video. Click here to learn more about Benjamin.
Jose A. Molina
Legal Counsel, TruGrid
We’re thrilled to introduce our fifteenth HBA Ambassador from Class V (2025-2027), Jose A. Molina, legal counsel at TruGrid and a director of the Hispanic Bar Association of Houston.
Click here to download the video.
Jason Kim
Associate, Clark Hill
We’re thrilled to introduce our fourteenth HBA Ambassador from Class V (2025-2027), Jason Kim, a litigation attorney at Clark Hill and member of the Asian American Bar Association.
Click here to download the video. Click here to learn more about Jason.
Vanessa Botello
Attorney & U.S. Army Veteran
We’re thrilled to introduce our thirteenth HBA Ambassador from Class V (2025-2027), Vanessa Botello, a Houston-based attorney specializing in criminal defense and personal injury law, member of Houston Young Lawyers Association, and a U.S. Army veteran.
Click here to download the video.
Nishi Kothari
Partner, Brasher Law Firm
We’re thrilled to introduce our twelfth HBA Ambassador from Class V (2025-2027), Nishi Kothari, partner at Brasher Law Firm, and President of the South American Bar Association of North America.
Click here to download the video. Click here to learn more about Nishi.
Usayd Siddiqi
IP Litigation Associate, Sheppard Mullin
We’re excited to introduce our eleventh HBA Ambassador from Class V (2025-2027), Usayd Siddiqi, an IP Litigation Associate at Sheppard Mullin and member of the Muslim Bar Association.
Click here to download the video.
Shruti Modi
Personal Injury Litigator, Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP
We’re excited to introduce our tenth HBA Ambassador from Class V (2025-2027), Shruti Modi, a personal injury litigator at Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP and Vice President, Gala for the South Asian Bar Association of Houston (SABA Houston).
Click here to download the video. Click here to learn more about Shruti.
Lucia Zhan
Associate, Brothers, Alvarado, Piazza & Cozort, P.C.
We’re excited to introduce our ninth HBA Ambassador from Class V (2025-2027), Lucia Zhan, associate at Brothers, Alvarado, Piazza & Cozort, P.C., and member of the Asian American Bar Association of Houston.
Click here to download the video. Click here to learn more about Lucia.
Patricia Limón de Rodríguez
Associate, Sorrels Law
We’re proud to introduce our eighth HBA Ambassador from Class V (2025-2027), Patricia Limón de Rodríguez, associate at Sorrels Law and member of the Hispanic Bar Association of Houston (HisBA).
Click here to download the video. Click here to learn more about Patricia.
Fallon Hamilton Vaughn
Staff Attorney, Lone Star Legal Aid
We’re excited to introduce our seventh HBA Ambassador from Class V (2025-2027), Fallon Hamilton Vaughn, Staff Attorney at Lone Star Legal Aid and Director of Houston Lawyers Association (HLA).
Click here to download the video. Click here to learn more about Fallon.
Adriana Merlan
Senior Attorney, Sadler Law Group PLLC
We’re excited to introduce our sixth HBA Ambassador from Class V (2025-2027), Adriana Merlan, Senior Attorney at Sadler Law Group PLLC and serves on the board of directors of Houston Association of Women Attorneys.
Click here to download the video. Click here to learn more about Adriana.
Élan Moore-Jones
Co-Founder, Elaine Law Group, PLLC; Harris County Associate Municipal Judge
We’re excited to introduce our fifth HBA Ambassador from Class V (2025-2027), Élan Moore-Jones, co-founder of Elaine Law Group, PLLC, Harris County Associate Municipal Judge, and President of the Houston Lawyers Association.
Click here to download the video. Click here to learn more about Élan.
Cassie Maneen
Associate, Beck Redden LLP
We’re proud to introduce our fourth HBA Ambassador from Class V (2025-2027), Cassie Maneen, associate at Beck Redden LLP, and member of the Houston Young Lawyers Association (HYLA),
Click here to download the video. Click here to learn more about Cassie.
Jordyn Rystrom Emmert
Associate, Royston Rayzor
We’re thrilled to introduce our third HBA Ambassador from Class V (2025-2027), Jordyn Rystrom Emmert, associate at Royston Rayzor, and member of the Houston Association of Women Attorneys (AWA).
Click here to download the video. Click here to learn more about Jordyn.
Derrick Anderson
Associate, Pillsbury
We’re excited to introduce our second HBA Ambassador of 2025-2027, Derrick Anderson, Associate at Pillsbury, and a United States Army Veteran.
Click here to download the video. Click here to learn more about Derrick.
Gabriela Alvarez
Senior Associate, Baker Botts LLP
We’re proud to introduce our first HBA Ambassador of 2025-2027, Gabriela Alvarez, Senior Associate at Baker Botts LLP, and director on the board of the Hispanic Bar Association of Houston.
Click here to download the video. Click here to learn more about Gabriela.
Anietie Akpan
Corporate Counsel, Mattress Firm, Inc.
Meet Anietie Akpan, Co-Chair of the HBA Lawyers for Literacy Committee, Secretary of TYLA, and Director of Corporate Counsel for Mattress Firm, Inc. She represents the company in commercial, omnichannel, and merchandising transactions, and supports the company’s corporate give back initiatives.
In this insightful interview with Anna Archer, discover how Anietie weaves wellness into her daily routine, tackles life’s challenges, juggles multiple roles, and makes self-care a priority. Click here to download the video. Click here to learn more about Anietie.
Brooksie Boutet
Principal, Shipley Snell Montgomery LLP
Meet Brooksie Boutet, HYLA Chair-Elect and principal at Shipley Snell Montgomery LLP. She focuses her practice on complex civil litigation in state and federal courts. She has experience taking cases from pre-litigation through trial and arbitration.
In this insightful interview with Anna Archer, Brooksie shares how she stays grounded—mentally and physically—through running, embracing quiet moments, and prioritizing herself by exploring new approaches to wellness as a busy working mother. Click here to download the video. Click here to learn more about Brooksie.
Trevor Deason
Associate, Jones Day
Meet Trevor Deason, Secretary of HYLA and associate at Jones Day. He represents clients in complex commercial litigation in federal and state courts.
In this insightful interview with Anna Archer, Trevor shares how he maintains his mental well-being through daily walks, spirituality, and more. Click here to download the video. Click here to learn more about Trevor.
Nikki Morris
Partner, BakerHostetler LLP
Meet Nikki Morris, the 2025–2026 Editor in Chief of The Houston Lawyer and partner at BakerHostetler LLP. She is a litigator with a focus on complex commercial litigation and appeals in a wide array of industries, including oil and gas, energy, healthcare and more.
In this insightful interview with Anna Archer, Nikki shares how she prioritizes her mental and physical well-being while balancing the demands of her legal career and leadership roles. Click here to download the video. Click here to learn more about Nikki.
L. Eduardo Alvarez
Senior Legal and Compliance Manager, Access World
Meet L. Eduardo Alvarez, an active HYLA member currently leading the 2026 HYLA Passport to Mexico City trip. He also serves as the Senior Legal and Compliance Manager at Access World, where he oversees legal risk management and corporate governance for multiple companies across the U.S. and the Americas.
In this insightful interview with Anna Archer, Eduardo shares how he prioritizes his mental health by taking time to smile, finding satisfaction in the small things—what he calls “teaspoons”—approaching life with a positive mindset, believing that everything is figureoutable, and more. Click here to download the video.
Samantha Torres
Senior Legal Counsel, Camillo Companies
Meet Samantha Torres, Senior Legal Counsel at Camillo Companies and Co-Chair of the HBA Wellness Committee. She is also the 2025-2026 President of the Houston Bar Association Auxiliary (HBAA), a past president of HYLA, and a member of the HBA Board of Directors.
In this insightful interview with LaVerne Chang, Samantha shares how running, staying active in other ways, reading a good book, going on solo trips, and taking time to debrief her day by talking with a loved one—especially her mom—help reduce her stress, maintain her mental well-being, and much more! Click here to download the video.
Maria Pimienta
Associate, Kelley Drye & Warren LLP
Meet Maria Pimienta, associate at Kelley Drye & Warren LLP and Co-Chair of the HBA Communities in Schools (CIS) Committee. Maria focuses her practice on environmental and energy law. Her environmental practice includes serving as counsel for states, territories, and private-sector clients in disputes related to contamination and natural resource damages from emerging contaminants. In addition, she maintains a pro bono practice, focusing on issues related to immigration.
In this insightful interview with Anna Archer, Maria shares how routine and structure, taking walks, and unplugging for a few minutes helps her stay grounded.
Click here to download the video, and click here to learn more about Maria Pimienta.
Hon. Donna Roth
Judge, 295th Civil District Court
Meet Hon. Donna Roth, Judge of the 295th Civil District Court of Harris County. In this insightful interview with LaVerne Chang, Judge Roth reflects on the importance of prioritizing wellness, sharing how taking vacations, staying physically active, and reading help her manage stress.
Click here to download the video, and click here to learn more about Hon. Donna Roth.
Emily Rohles
Associate, Baker Botts L.L.P.
Meet Emily Rohles, an associate at Baker Botts L.L.P., who serves on multiple HBA committees and is the 2025–2026 HYLA President-Elect. She also served as the 2024–2025 HYLA Secretary. She is a litigation associate who represents clients in a range of complex civil litigation matters in state and federal courts, including commercial disputes, energy and securities litigation, and personal injury and property damage claims.
In this insightful interview with Anna Archer, Emily shares her approach to wellness, including: engaging different parts of her brain outside of work, spending time outdoors and staying active, prioritizing and scheduling time for herself and her friends, and never feeling ashamed to lean on others or seek help when needed—and much more!
Click here to download the video, and click here to learn more about Emily Rohles.
Charles Shaw
Assistant County Attorney, Harris County Attorney's Office
Meet Charles Shaw, Assistant County Attorney at the Harris County Attorney's Office and Co-Chair of the HBA Habitat for Humanity Committee.
In this insightful interview with Anna Archer, Charles shares how staying active, mentoring friends and family, and taking time to unplug, unwind, and laugh all help him reflect and maintain his mental and physical wellness.
Click here to download the video.
Donna Thomisee
Shareholder, Lugenbuhl, Wheaton, Peck, Rankin & Hubbard
Meet Donna Thomisee, shareholder at Lugenbuhl, Wheaton, Peck, Rankin & Hubbard and Co-Chair of the HBA Bench Bar Committee. Donna has focused primarily on the defense of personal injury/commercial claims in diverse industries such as auto/trucking, premises and construction. She is also highly skilled at unraveling all types of complicated insurance coverage claims. Donna regularly counsels businesses on the best approaches to avoiding litigation, including consulting on business process improvement.
In this insightful interview with Anna Archer, Donna shares how reading, gardening, and setting aside time for morning devotions and meditation help her maintain her mental well-being.
Click here to download the video, and click here to learn more about Donna Thomisee.
Derick Mendoza
Partner, Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP
Meet Derick Mendoza, partner at Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP and Co-Chair of the HBA Special Olympics Committee. Derick has extensive experience in managing property tax collection programs for our Houston-area clients. From 2006 to 2015, Mr. Mendoza served as an officer in the U.S. Army Reserve Judge Advocate General Corps. In 2011, he was a national finalist for Most Outstanding Army Reserve Junior Officer. He also earned the Army Meritorious Service Medal and Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.
In this insightful interview with Anna Archer, Derick shares how physical hobbies like Judo, creative outlets such as playing the guitar, community involvement through Special Olympics Texas events, and quality time with family help him keep his mind and body aligned amid life’s everyday stresses.
Click here to download the video, and click here to learn more about Derick Mendoza.
Joe Holloway
Associate, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP
Meet Joe Holloway, associate at Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP and Co-Chair of the HBA Habitat for Humanity Committee. Joe has a wide-ranging transactions practice across industries, including commercial real estate, banking and finance. He represents buyers, sellers, and developers of commercial real estate, landlords and tenants in office and retail leasing transactions, and lenders and borrowers in secured lending transactions.
In this insightful interview with Anna Archer, Joe shares how being handy around his house, volunteering with his family, and taking time to connect with peers outside of the office, such as participating in the HBA Habitat for Humanity home build, help him maintain both his physical and mental well-being.
Click here to download the video, and click here to learn more about Joe Holloway.
Adam Weaver
Partner, Pillsbury
Meet Adam Weaver, a partner at Pillsbury and Co-Chair of the HBA Fun Run Committee. Adam advises clients on sophisticated commercial real estate transactions and financings and complex real estate issues related to the development and financing of energy, construction and infrastructure projects. As the leader of Pillsbury’s Texas Real Estate practice, he focuses on all aspects of commercial real estate and real estate finance, including with respect to complex renewable energy projects and the energy transition.
In this insightful interview with Anna Archer, Adam shares how he incorporates physical activity into his routine. These activities benefit both his physical health and mental well-being, including his participation in the HBA Fun Run!
Click here to download the video, and click here to learn more about Adam Weaver.
Hon. Tanya Garrison
Judge, 157th Civil District Court
Meet Hon. Tanya Garrison, Judge of the 157th Civil District Court of Harris County. Prior to taking the bench in 2018, her law practice consisted of entirely civil litigation with an emphasis on appellate law. In this insightful interview with Anna Archer, Judge Garrison reflects on how practicing gratitude and meditation and embracing a healthy lifestyle help support her mental and physical well-being.
Click here to download the video, and click here to learn more about Hon. Tanya Garrison.
Tina Q. Nguyen
Partner, Baker Botts L.L.P.
Meet Tina Q. Nguyen, a partner at Baker Botts L.L.P. and President of the Southern District of Texas Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. She is a skilled trial lawyer in high-stakes, complex commercial matters. Her practice focuses on energy litigation, pension and ERISA matters, real estate, and other significant disputes, including class action lawsuits. She represents clients in business litigation involving fraud claims, fiduciary obligations, contracts, and other business torts. In this insightful interview with Anna Archer, Tina discusses the importance of acceptance, communication, and taking time for vacations in maintaining wellness while balancing a demanding career.
Click here to download the video, and click here to learn more about Tina.
Farrell Hochmuth
Partner, BakerHostetler
Meet Farrell Hochmuth, a partner at BakerHostetler and Co-Chair of the HBA Gender Fairness Committee. She focuses her practice on complex commercial litigation and e-discovery counsel work. In this insightful interview with Anna Archer, Farrell shares how cooking and meditation helps her maintain her mental well-being. Click here to download the video, and click here to learn more about Farrell.
Jaclyn Barbosa
Attorney at Law
Meet Jaclyn Barbosa, Attorney at Law and Co-Chair of the HBA Golf Tournament Committee. Jaclyn worked for an "Am Law 100 Global" ranked law firm in Downtown Houston for several years before founding her own firm. She has years of experience representing individuals and businesses in civil and criminal cases in federal and state courts in the State of Texas. In this insightful interview with Anna Archer, Jaclyn shares how prioritizing her morning helps her maintain her mental well-being. Click here to download the video, and click here to learn more about Jaclyn.
Noah Meek
Associate, Gauntt, Koen, Binney & Kidd, LLP
Meet Noah Meek, an associate at Gauntt, Koen, Binney & Kidd, LLP, and Chair of the HBA Health Law Section. In this insightful interview with LaVerne Chang, Noah shares how unplugging from his phone and work on his days off, staying active, and playing softball with his wife helps reduce stress and improve his mental wellness. Click here to download the video.
Angeles Cassin
Partner, Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP
Meet Angeles Cassin, a partner at Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP, and Treasurer of the HBA Federal Practice Section. She is a skilled trial lawyer, who helps companies defend against employees’ claims of discrimination, retaliation, and unpaid wages. She also helps companies protect their confidential information and defend against claims alleging misappropriation of trade secrets.. In this insightful interview with Anna Archer, Angeles shares how engaging in activities that boost her dopamine and motivation, along with having a supportive person to talk to during stressful times, enhances her mental well-being both personally and professionally. Click here to download the video, and click here to learn more about Angeles.
Chris Agboli
Associate, Jackson Lewis P.C.
Meet Chris Agboli, an associate at Jackson Lewis P.C, and co-chair of the HBA Communities In Schools Committee. His practice focuses on representing employers in workplace law matters, including preventive advice and counseling. In this insightful interview with Anna Archer, Chris shares his approach to managing stress, fostering workplace wellness, and maintaining a positive mindset. Click here to download the video, and click here to learn more about Chris.
Jeremy Dunbar
Associate, White & Case LLP
Meet Jeremy Dunbar, an associate at White & Case LLP, and Chair-Elect of the HBA Federal Practice Section. He focuses his practice on high-stakes commercial litigation and appeals related to energy, contract, technology, and real estate matters. He also has experience handling constitutional and governmental issues in federal district and appellate courts. In this insightful interview with Anna Archer, Jeremy shares how staying active, indulging in his hobbies, and sharing them with his family help him maintain and prioritize his physical and mental wellness. Click here to download the video, and click here to learn more about Jeremy.
Monica Uddin
Partner, AZA
Meet Monica Uddin, a trial lawyer, hiring partner at AZA, and co-chair of the HBA Gender Fairness Committee. She has represented energy companies, businesses, and individuals in complex commercial matters, including contract disputes, partnership breakups, and trade secret cases. With a computer science degree from Stanford University, she has also played an active role in AZA’s intellectual property and patent litigation team. In this insightful interview with Anna Archer, Monica shares how she prioritizes her mental well-being and unwinds after a busy day. Click here to download the video, and click here to learn more about Monica.
Kat Kunz
Senior Counsel, Hicks Thomas
Meet Kat Kunz, Senior Counsel at Hicks Thomas, who focuses her practice on complex commercial litigation with extensive experience in the energy sector. Kat has also represented plaintiffs and defendants in antitrust, employment, and securities disputes. In this insightful interview with Anna Archer, Kat shares how she prioritizes wellness in both her personal and professional life, and how singing helps her maintain balance and serves as a creative outlet. Click here to download the video, and click here to learn more about Kat.
Rachel Sedita
Shareholder, Diggs & Sadler
Meet Rachel Sedita, President of the Houston Association of Women Attorneys, former HBA Ambassador, proud mom, and shareholder at Diggs & Sadler. Since beginning her journey with the firm in law school, Rachel has dedicated her career to guiding clients through divorce and family law matters. In this insightful interview with Anna Archer, Rachel shares her approach to wellness and how she integrates it into both her personal and professional life. Click here to download the video, and click here to learn more about Rachel.
