The Houston area is home to a vibrant and diverse Latino population that has made it one of the most successful and interesting regions in the country. From artists and activists to academics and authors, Houston is full of Latinos at the top of their fields who don’t get the same daily recognition as politicians and athletes.
For Hispanic Heritage Month, the Houston Chronicle is profiling 10 of these extraordinary individuals, and will continue to focus on Latinos who are making a difference in our community throughout the year.
Adrogué is editor of Texas Business Litigation. She is an adviser to and board member of numerous community-oriented organizations, including the Mayor’s Hispanic Advisory Board.
Tell us about your journey to becoming one of the most successful lawyers and community advocates in Houston.
I immigrated to the United States when I was 8 with my parents and my four siblings. We arrived in Boston with 14 suitcases, speaking little to no English, and moved later to Houston. In pursuit of the American Dream, my parents raised all five children to follow the family tradition of post-graduate careers in either medicine or law; all five of us are practicing physicians or attorneys in Houston.
I took educational opportunities with full academic scholarships at Rice University and the University of Houston Law Center. Bringing my journey full circle, I returned to Boston to Harvard Business School in 2006 as a 40-year-old practicing lawyer and mother of three young children. Those years were challenging, but it paid off. I was selected as the U.S. representative and U.S. keynote speaker for my graduating class. I was the first woman ever serving in those roles in that executive education program.
What worries you and what moves you as a human being?
These are the most sobering of times, unprecedented, with, in essence, a social, economic and health global pandemic. In times of such crisis, we have to pivot, putting people first. There truly is a premium on bold, authentic, empathetic leadership as well as decisive, bold orchestrated actions. Houston and our Hispanic and Latino community do this daily. Throughout my life, I have crossed cultural lines to inspire and mentor. What moves me is about the relentless pursuit, seeking to empower others and pursuing a legacy of excellence and public service as the labyrinth of life continues.
What is justice for you? Have you considered becoming a judge?
Being a lawyer has been most fulfilling. Serving as a member of the judiciary would truly be reaching the summit of my professional goals. After taking the oath of citizenship from a federal judge 32 years ago, and the oath as an officer of the court as a member of the Texas bar 29 years ago, having the opportunity to serve through the formidable privilege and commensurate responsibility of the role of a judge would be the culmination of my American dream.
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