News & Insights
Lena Silva to Receive the Hispanic Bar Association of Houston President’s Award
June 15, 2022
News
On May 5, 2022, the Hispanic Bar Association of Houston (HisBA) held its annual gala recognizing luminaries in the legal profession and awarding scholarships to deserving high school, college, and law school students. Towards the end of the program, HisBA President Sergio Leal recognized a few HisBA directors who have gone above-and-beyond the call of duty. Specifically, he recognized the hard work of Lena Silva in growing HisBA’s mentorship program for current law students. The President referred to Lena as HisBA’s “Rookie of the Year” for her enthusiasm and hard work in making invaluable professional development and mentoring resources available to students throughout the state.
As the newest member to join the HisBA Board of Directors, Lena was surprised and humbled to be recognized. Over the course of the past year, Lena co-chaired the Mentorship Committee for HisBA and had the opportunity to work alongside a tremendous committee of local attorneys – including two judges, a general counsel, and several partners at other law firms. While at first intimidated by the incredible accomplishments of these committee members, she quickly felt at home and welcomed by their generosity of spirit, time, and dedication to giving back to the next generation. Together, they successfully coordinated a program that serves almost 200 people, including 100 law students. They have hosted over half a dozen of events, including panels, social outings, and service events. Countless students, many the first in their family to go to college or law school, found summer and full time employment through this program. Moreover, what often gets overlooked is how much mentors get back by giving time to their mentees – Lena has grown in confidence and holds herself to an even higher standard knowing that these students are looking up to her.
Receiving the Hispanic Bar Association of Houston’s President’s Award is a symbol of the importance of mentorship to me and to my community. Without my mentors, I would not be at Beck Redden; it is an honor to be able to give back and hopefully inspire law students to dream as big as I have!
– Lena Silva