SHEro

Innovation meets advocacy in our latest SHEros episode: Ladies in Tech. 💻⚖️Guest host and TYLA Past President Sally Pretorius leads a dynamic conversation with Elizabeth Rogers, Of Counsel at Winstead PC, and Lavonne Burke, Vice President Legal - Global Security & Resiliency, Digital (IT) and AI for Dell Technologies, on the evolving intersection of law and technology. From breaking barriers to building the future of legal practice, this episode highlights the women driving innovation forward.🎧 Listen here: https://tyla.org/resource/shero-podcast/#TYLA #SHEros #LadiesInTech #WomenInLaw #LegalTech #TexasLawyers #WomenInTech

The newest episode of SHEro is officially here! This week, TYLA President Alyson Martinez shares a story she’s carried with her since childhood - a moment in a Laredo mall when a woman approached her mother, looked at five‑year‑old Alyson, and said, “Your daughter is going to do big things.”In this episode, Alyson reflects on how that moment became a quiet source of confidence as she built her career in public service. She talks about what it means to be a first‑generation attorney, the support of her family, and the pride she carries in becoming the first TYLA President from Laredo.Alyson opens up about the path that led her to leadership, the responsibility she feels to honor the communities that shaped her, and the importance of representation in the legal profession. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, her story is a powerful reminder of the women who lead with purpose, the families who lift them up, and the generations they inspire by stepping into roles no one before them has held.This episode celebrates Alyson’s historic presidency and the legacy she’s building - one rooted in service, courage, and the belief that big things are possible when someone sees greatness in you early on.🎧 Listen now: https://tyla.org/resource/shero-podcast/#tyla #shero #womenshistorymonth #womeninlaw #womenwholead #leadershipjourney #firstgen #publicservice #trailblazer #representationmatters #laredotx #texaslawyers

Defense. Leadership. Legacy.In this episode of SHEros, we sit down with Cynthia Orr to talk about her trailblazing career in criminal defense, the power of mentorship, and what it means to lead with integrity in the courtroom and beyond. Her story is a reminder that excellence and courage can reshape the profession for generations to come.🎧 Listen now: https://tyla.org/resource/shero-podcast/#tyla #SHEroes #womeninlaw #texaslawyers #legalleadership

The newest episode of SHEro is officially here! This week, TYLA President Alyson Martinez sits down with Berry Crowley - the first woman to ever serve as TYLA President - for a powerful, intimate conversation about what it means to lead when no one before you has looked like you.In this episode, Berry reflects on her groundbreaking presidency with honesty, grit, and an unapologetic commitment to showing up authentically. She shares what it was like to step into a role where she had no blueprint, how she pushed through doubt and resistance, and why being “first” is never the finish line - it’s the beginning of a wider path for others.It’s an episode filled with wisdom, courage, and the kind of inspiration that reminds us why representation matters and why women’s leadership transforms organizations. The conversation also features reflections from former TYLA presidents: Justice Karin Crump and  Jo Ann Merica - who was the second woman to lead TYLA - adding powerful context to Berry’s legacy and the path she helped shape.🎧 Listen now: https://tyla.org/resource/shero-podcast/#tyla #shero #firstfemalepresident #womeninlaw #womenwholead #leadershipjourney #trailblazer #legalpionners #representationmatters

🎖️ New SHEROS Episode: Honoring Our Veterans 🎖️  This episode of SHEROS highlights the powerful stories of military veterans who have continued their service through the legal profession. From lessons learned in uniform to leadership, resilience, and advocacy beyond active duty, our guests share how their military experience shaped who they are as lawyers and leaders today.  We’re proud to honor their service and amplify their voices. 🇺🇸⚖️  🎧 Listen here: https://tyla.org/resource/shero-podcast/  #TYLA #SHEROS #VeteransInLaw #MilitaryToLaw #ServiceAndLeadership #WomenVeterans #LawyersWhoServe #TexasYoungLawyers #LeadershipInLaw #HonoringVeterans Opinions are the guests’ own and do not represent the U.S. military or any branch of the Armed Forces.

The newest episode of SHEROS is officially here! This week, we sit down with Adriana Rodriguez and Gavriella Roisman, two powerful advocates who have dedicated their legal careers to service, equity, and social justice.In this episode, they discuss what it means to use the law as a tool for change — from fighting discrimination and violence to championing civil rights and expanding access to justice. They also share the personal side of this work: navigating burnout, staying grounded in purpose, and finding hope in community.🎧 Listen now: https://tyla.org/resource/shero-podcast/#TYLA #SHEROS #SocialJusticeLawyering #AdrianaRodriguez #GavriellaRoisman #PublicInterestLaw #CivilRights #AccessToJustice #WomenInLaw #LegalAdvocacy #TexasYoungLawyers #LawyersForChange

✨ Episode Release: Barriers, Broken ✨The wait is over! The newest episode of SHEROS is now live, featuring Judge Diana Song Quiroga. In this inspiring conversation, Judge Song Quiroga opens up about her path to the bench, overcoming challenges, and breaking barriers as an Asian American woman in the Texas and federal legal community. Her story is one of resilience, purpose, and public service.#TYLA #SHEROS #BarriersBroken #JudgeDianaSongQuiroga #WomenInLaw #FederalJudiciary #TexasLawyers #DiversityInLaw #LegalInspiration #YoungLawyers #BreakingCeilings

In this episode of the SHEros Podcast, From Courtroom to Community, Judge Diana Saldaña shares her inspiring journey from humble beginnings as a child of migrant farmworkers to serving as a federal judge. ⚖️ Judge Saldaña opens up about perseverance, purpose, and the power of giving back highlighting the Kazen Fellowship Program, which she founded to create new opportunities for students in her community. 💫 🎙️ Listen to From Courtroom to Community available now wherever you listen to podcasts! #SHErosPodcast #TYLA #TexasYoungLawyers #WomenInLaw #LatinasInLaw #RepresentationMatters #FederalJudge #CommunityLeadership #EmpowerHer #LegalTrailblazer #GivingBack #KazenFellowship #PodcastForChange #UncommonLeaders

In this episode of the SHEros Podcast, Family Law, Family Life, Judges Derbha Jones and Crystal Levonius open up about how their personal journeys as mothers, daughters, and community leaders shaped their path to the bench. 👩🏽‍⚖️👩🏼‍⚖️ They share powerful reflections on balance, empathy, and how lived experience guides their work in family law courtrooms every day. 🎙️ Listen to Family Law, Family Life available now wherever you listen to podcasts. #SHErosPodcast #TYLA #TexasYoungLawyers #WomenInLaw #FamilyLaw #WomenOnTheBench #LegalLeaders #EmpowerHer #RepresentationMatters #FirstGenLawyer #WomenOfColorInLaw #PodcastForChange #UncommonLeaders

 This week on the SHEros Podcast, we’re talking about ending the tampon tax in Texas. This episode contains a powerful conversation with Kelly Hanen and Laura Shoemaker, two advocates who helped make menstrual equity a reality in our state. From policy change to breaking stigmas, Kelly and Laura share how determination, collaboration, and advocacy can drive lasting impact for women across Texas. 🌟 🎙️ Listen now to SHEros wherever you get your podcasts. #SHErosPodcast #TYLA #TexasYoungLawyers #WomenInLaw #AdvocacyInAction #MenstrualEquity #EndTamponTax #WomenSupportingWomen #LegalLeaders #EmpowerHer #RepresentationMatters #PodcastForChange #UncommonLeaders

✨ Episode 1 of SHEROS is here! ✨ We’re kicking off our podcast series with an inspiring conversation featuring Judge J. Elaine Marshall and Judge Janikka Bratton—a groundbreaking mother-daughter duo and trailblazers in Texas judicial history. 💫👩🏾‍⚖️👩🏾‍⚖️ Tune in as they share their journeys, challenges, and what it means to break barriers in the legal profession. 🎙️ 🔗 Listen now anywhere you listen to podcasts. #TYLA #SHEROS #WomenInLaw #BreakingBarriers #TexasLawyers 

✨ Re-Introducing SHEros: Stories of Women Who Lead ✨ Episode 0 is here! 🎙️ Meet the voices behind this season as our hosts share who they are, why this project matters, and what you can expect from the inspiring conversations to come. This season, we’ll highlight first-gen women lawyers, women of color, and trailblazers making a difference in their communities. Their journeys remind us that representation matters—and that every SHEro’s story deserves to be told. 💪👩🏽‍⚖️👩🏻‍⚖️👩🏿‍⚖️ 🔗 Listen to Episode 0 now and get ready for a season of empowerment, reflection, and celebration.#SHErosPodcast #TYLA #WomenInLaw #FirstGenLawyer #WomenOfColorInLaw #LegalLeaders #RepresentationMatters #Trailblazers #TexasYoungLawyers #EmpowerHer

“When you break a glass ceiling, there’s a lot of fresh air up there.” This was just one of the many words of wisdom shared with Texas Young Lawyers Association by the Honorable Lora J. Livingston: a barrier-breaking judge, a pro bono champion, and the latest guest of the SHERO podcast.  In the next powerful episode of SHERO, we sat down with the Honorable Lora J. Livingston, the trailblazing first African American woman to serve as a district judge in Travis County, Texas. With a career dedicated to advancing justice and equity, Judge Livingston reflects on her personal “sheroes,” her inspiring journey to the bench and her passion for expanding access to justice. We dive deep into the intersection of race, law, and leadership, and explore how she continues to champion fairness and inclusion in the courtroom. Join us for a conversation that highlights the importance of representation in the judicial system and the work that still lies ahead to ensure justice for all.

In this episode we speak with Jenna Castleman, general counsel of Alterman, Inc. and Jenée Duran, associate general counsel of the Texas Tech University System, two women in-house attorneys who have already made great strides in their young career. During this episode, Jenna and Jenée candidly address the key differences between working in-house vs. working in a law firm, navigating gender bias in the workplace, and much more! 

In this Shero episode, Maggie Louise Callahan of Maggie Louise Confections and Kim Bueno, a partner at Scott Douglas & McConnico, LP, discuss their journey in and out of the practice of law.  This Shero episode is brought to you in partnership with Changemaker Chats.

When Mary Golder began practicing law at Webb, Stokes & Sparks in West Texas she was one of the first female trial lawyers.  In this Shero episode, Mary Golder discusses her journey blazing the trail for other women in West Texas, the advantage she has found as a woman practicing law, and provides poignant advice for young lawyers. 

In this Shero episode, Anna Romanskaya, former chair of the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, discusses keys to maintaining balance in one's career and personal life.  Further, Anna provides great advice for young lawyers that are just starting out.

In this Shero episode, Erica Grigg shares with us how the "hamster on the wheel" dominated and almost ended her life.  In an open and honest discussion between Dicky Grigg and Erica Grigg, Erica shares her struggle with alcoholism and depression and the steps that she has put in place in order to tame the "hamster on the wheel".  Additionally, Dicky and Erica discuss the importance of getting help when suffering from depression and addiction and how law firms can support those in need.

Judge JoAnne Garcia learned a very important lesson after the birth of her daughter Alexia while in high school, it truly takes a village to raise a child.  As Judge Garcia notes "Good people are willing to step up and lend a hand when you need them the most.  They want to be a part of all of your success."  With the support of her family and friends, Judge Garcia graduated the University of Texas law school, was a founding partner in the law firm Garza Garcia, PLLC, and in January 2019 was elected as Hidalgo County Probate Judge. 

In this Shero episode, Yetter Coleman Partner Tracy LeRoy discusses the importance of maintaining a work-life balance and provides insightful advice to young lawyers on preparing for their "end game."

In 2008 law enforcement raided the YFZ ranch, a community in Eldorado, Texas settled by the Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints.  The raid resulted in 462 children being removed becoming the largest custody battle in the United States.  In this Shero episode, Judge Carmen Dusek shares her experience as co-lead counsel for the children removed. 

As a law student, Chief District Judge Barbara Lynn joined forces with other female law students to form the Association of Women Law Students.  This Association sued five Dallas law firms for discriminating against women.  As a law student Judge Lynn sought to break down barriers for women and she has continued to do so throughout her career becoming the first female associate and partner at Carrington Coleman Sloman & Blumnethal, L.L.P. and most recently becoming the first chief justice in the Northern District of Texas.  In this Shero episode,  Monica Latin discusses with Judge Lynn about her legal career and the progress being made by women in the legal profession. 

When Judge Renee Rodriguez-Betancourt took the bench on the 449th District Court she broke the age barrier by becoming the youngest district judge in the State of Texas.  In this week's Shero episode, Judge Betancourt talks about her journey to becoming the youngest district judge and the importance of giving back to the community. 

In this Shero episode, Judge Yolanda Huff discusses how she didn't let a teenage pregnancy prevent her from achieving her dreams.  Judge Huff discusses the challenges of balancing work while raising a family and the keys to maintaining a work-life balance.  Further, she discusses the importance being engaged in the community as a whole as well as the legal community specifically.

In this week's SHERO, Lorena Perez McGill discusses how she refused to be labeled as a “woman” or “minority” but rather as an equal.

In this week's Shero episode, Justice Elizabeth Lang Miers discusses the challenges she has faced as a woman lawyer, the importance of challenging oneself, and maintaining a work-life balance.  This episode is brought to you in conjunction with the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers' Project Continuing the Conversation.  

In this week's Shero episode, Jane Bockus discusses overcoming the misperceptions and challenges that women lawyers face. 

Lisa Tatum was the first African-American to serve as President of the State Bar of Texas. In this week's Shero episode, Lisa Tatum talks about her journey from the serving as an Assistant District Attorney to owning her own law firm and serving as the first African-American President of the State Bar of Texas.

Justice Linda Yañez, who was appointed by Ann Richards to the 13th Court of Appeals in 1993, was the first Latina to sit on a Court of Appeals bench in the State of Texas.  In this week's Shero episode, Justice Yañez talks about her journey from the farm fields of South Texas to her campaign for the Texas Supreme Court.

An in depth look at what a Shero is through the eyes of the Texas Young Lawyers Association Executive Committee. The Podcast features TYLA President Sally Pretorius, TYLA Immediate Past President Baili Rhodes, TYLA Vice President Britney Harrison, and TYLA Chair Elect Courtney Barksdale Perez discussing what Shero means, their personal Sheroes, and the challenges and obstacles they have faced as women lawyers.