2025 Texas Women’s Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award
Hallie Vanderhider
Oil States International & EQT Corporation
Hallie Vanderhider is most proud of her son Michael Vanderhider. As a single mother for 30 years, she enjoyed watching her son grow and mature into an amazing and talented young man with a heart of gold. He is by far her greatest accomplishment in life. Ms. Vanderhider has had a long career in both Oil & Gas and Private Equity, and is now retired. While continuing to serve on multiple public company and not for profit boards, she is looking forward to traveling with her husband, Bobby Dees. Hallie currently serves on the board of Oil States International, a Houston based oil field service company operating globally and EQT Corporation, the largest natural gas producer in the country. She serves on multiple committees and currently serves as chair of the audit committee and compensation committee for Oil States and EQT, respectively.
Hallie’s primary philanthropic focus centers on education, children and the arts. Hallie is the only Longhorn to sit on the Advisory Board for the Mays Business School at Texas A & M University and has endowed a Chair in the Accounting College of the Mays Business School as well as created a perpetual scholarship with the Association of Former Students providing multi-year scholarships for students at Texas A&M in honor of her son and Michael’s twin brother, Matthew, who passed away in 2007. Hallie has served on many boards over the years including the Houston Ballet, To Educate All Children, The Holocaust Museum, the Lupus Foundation of America and the Memorial Hermann Hospital Foundation Board among others. Hallie has chaired and/or been honored by many organizations including, Houston Symphony, Crime Stoppers, Hermann Park Conservancy, Memorial Hermann’s Razzle Dazzle Breast Cancer Awareness, Houston Chronicle/March of Dimes Best Dressed, Crohn’s and Colitis Woman of Distinction, Texas Children’s Hospital Pediatric Cancer Center, Women in Energy, the Houston Producer’s Forum, the Houston Ballet, Outstanding Woman in Finance, Recipe for Success, the Women’s Home, the Women’s Fund, GHWCC Hall of Fame, Houston Business Journal Lifetime Achievement, and is a Laureate of the Junior Achievement Organization. Hallie Vanderhider is a member of the Champagne Cowgirls, a group of 20 women committed to providing scholarships to children through participation in the Houston Rodeo.
2025 Hall of Fame Inductees
Esi Akinosho
Houston Office Managing Principal
Ernst & Young LLP
As the EY Houston Office Managing Principal, Esi leads approximately 1900 people and is responsible for expanding the firm’s market position, connecting with our community, and fostering a supportive and inclusive culture for all employees. She also currently serves as Global Client Serving Principal to three Energy companies. Esi has been directly serving Energy clients in Houston for 20 years and has over 30 years of risk advisory experience across various industries in the US, Europe and Africa. Prior to her current role, she was the EY Global Internal Audit (IA) Leader, driving transformation, innovation and growth for IA and SOX services globally. Esi serves on the Boards of the Greater Houston Partnership, United Way of Greater Houston and Performing Arts Houston.
She is a UK Chartered Accountant (FCA) with a BA in economics and accounting from the University of Reading, UK. Esi has also completed the Harvard and Kellogg Executive Management programs. In 2023, Esi was awarded the EY Working Mother of the Year by Seramount and earlier this year, Esi was honored as one of the most admired CEOs by the Houston Business Journal. She is widowed and has a 14-year-old son.
Emily Armenta
Designer & Owner
The Armenta Collection
Emily Armenta is a visionary jewelry designer and the founder of Armenta, a fine jewelry house that blends old‑world craftsmanship with contemporary design. Raised in a family of immigrants and entrepreneurs, she grew up believing that work should have purpose and that every creation can tell a meaningful story. Born with physical and neurological challenges, Emily was often told what she would not be able to do. Instead of accepting those limitations, she channeled her determination into creativity and business. Her fascination with jewelry began in childhood, when her father returned from international travels with gemstones and artifacts that sparked her imagination and a lifelong love of transforming raw materials into wearable art. Emily went on to earn a master’s degree and an MBA from Rice University, where an academic project eventually became the foundation for the Armenta brand. Her designs are inspired by aged architecture, ceramics, and art—pieces that carry the beauty of time, imperfection, and resilience. Each collection reflects a balance of rugged and refined, inviting the wearer to see jewelry as both luxury and personal talisman. Under Emily’s leadership, Armenta is also committed to responsible practices, from ethical sourcing to zero‑waste refinement processes and biodegradable packaging. Through her work, Emily champions a vision of luxury that is as thoughtful and sustainable as it is beautiful.
Chree Boydstun
Chief Development & External Affairs Officer
Legacy Community Health
Chree Boydstun is the Chief Development & External Affairs Officer at Legacy Community Health, a role she has held since 2007. With more than 30 years of experience in fundraising and nonprofit leadership, she oversees development and external affairs for a $400+ million budgeted healthcare organization that serves 250,000 people through more than 850,000 patient encounters each year. During her time at Legacy, Chree has helped the organization grow in remarkable ways. She has led efforts that nearly doubled the operating budget over 12 years and has raised more than $350 million in capital and program campaign funding. This includes securing a historic $50 million gift from Houston Methodist, the largest in Legacy’s history. She also manages more than $30 million each year in federal, state, local, and private grants.
Chree’s work goes far beyond fundraising totals. She is known for building strong relationships with donors, board members, and community partners. She developed Legacy’s planned giving program, led several major capital campaigns, and strengthened partnerships that bring critical healthcare services to the community. She also mentors a team of 24 fundraising professionals and oversees programs like AmeriCorps, literacy outreach, and volunteer initiatives. Before joining Legacy, Chree held leadership positions with Performing Arts Houston, CARE, and Amigos de las Americas. Her career spans healthcare, the arts, and international aid—always with a focus on securing resources and building partnerships to advance the mission of each organization she serves.
Her contributions have earned her widespread recognition including being named among the 50 Most Influential Women in Houston. In 2024 alone, she was honored as a Woman of Distinction by the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, named Tickled Pink Honoree by the American Cancer Society, recognized as a Woman of Substance by reVision Houston, and celebrated as a Woman Who Means Business by the Houston Business Journal. She is active in the community, serving on the American Cancer Society Board of Directors where she has served as Co-Chair of the Men Wear Pink Campaign in 2024 and 2025, the Latin Women’s Initiative Advisory Committee, and the Southern Smoke Foundation Development Committee, among other roles.
Chree is a graduate of Texas Tech University with a degree in Speech Communications and Political Science. She is a lifetime member of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo where she serves on the Wine Sales Committee and an alumna of the American Leadership Forum. Chree has continued to devote many years volunteering with the Texas Bluebonnet Girls State where she served as a Citizen in 1983.
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Juliet Breeze, MD
Founder & CEO
Next Level Medical
Dr. Breeze graduated from Northwestern University and earned her medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine. After working in family practice for several years, she moved her focus to the development and provision of a variety of healthcare services. As a serial entrepreneur, she developed several large group medical practices, two private hospitals, and two surgery centers. Dr. Breeze has also served on the Board of Directors of several healthcare technology start-up companies. Currently, she is vice-president of Vantage Hospice, the founder and CEO of Next Level Medical, and the founder and chairman of the board of ForthBridge medical technology company.
She founded Next Level Urgent Care, the parent company of Next Level Medical, in 2013 in response to the proliferation of high-cost freestanding emergency rooms. Her commitment to provide high quality, accessible, affordable patient care resulted in rapid growth and unwavering brand loyalty. Now, still a privately owned company based in Houston, Texas, Next Level manages and operates more than 47 clinics in Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and Beaumont. In 2021, the business expanded its service offering to include primary care, preventive care, mental health care, and laboratory services in a membership model for employers. This innovative membership program continues the mission of providing cost savings and highly accessible care. The membership has become a highly valued benefit which has reduced employee turnover, reduced healthcare premiums, and increased routine healthcare utilization in more than 500 organizations providing the membership to more than 115,000 members.
Next Level has also developed proprietary technology enabling workflows and analytics that have improved health outcomes. Now, Next Level has recently launched a white label offering of their service and technology and is currently working on expansion in South Carolina, Alabama, and Florida. Dr. Breeze has been honored to be a 2022 recipient of the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year. She has also been named a “Most Admired CEO” by the Houston Business Journal and one of Houston’s Top 30 Influential Women by D-Mars.com. Supporting women’s initiatives and a commitment to developing future leaders are initiatives that are important to Dr. Breeze. She is a long-time supporter of Junior Achievement, having served as the Board Chair in 2021-2023. Additionally, she is a past Board Chair of Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce and serves on the board of directors.
Zane Carruth
Author & Philantropist
Carruth Foundation
Zane Carson Carruth stands out as an internationally acclaimed children’s book author, widely celebrated for her inspirational contributions to the literary world. Her influence extends far beyond writing, as she is a certified business etiquette and protocol professional and is actively engaged on several non-profit boards in Houston, Texas. In her current role as Vice President of the Carruth Foundation, Zane plays a significant part in supporting and contributing to numerous nonprofit organizations. At the pinnacle of Zane’s literary success is her trademarked series, “The World’s First Tooth Fairy… Ever.” This celebrated series has garnered numerous accolades, including the prestigious Purple Dragonfly Book Award, the Story Monsters Seal of Approval, and the 2022 Parent and Teacher Choice Award from HowtoLearn. Notably, all her books have received recognition from the Story Monsters Seal of Approval, underscoring her consistent excellence in children’s literature. Zane’s dedication to philanthropy is reflected in her notable board memberships, including the Carruth Foundation, Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS), and the SPCA board of directors. Her commitment to making a positive impact on her community is evident through her extensive involvement with a variety of charitable organizations, demonstrating her desire to give back and uplift those around her.
Throughout her impressive career, Zane has received numerous significant honors. She has been recognized with the Women Who Mean Business Award from The Houston Business Journal, the ABC13 Houston Woman of Distinction for 2020, and the Top Inspiring Woman Impact Maker for Houston, Texas, in 2020. In 2021, she was named a St. Jude’s Woman of Philanthropy for Houston. Additionally, Zane and her husband, Brady, were honored as Houston Heroes for 2023 by Texas Children’s Hospital. Other distinctions include being named one of the 50 Most Influential Women of Houston, by Houston Woman Magazine for 2024 and Best Dressed in 2023. Highlighting her literary influence, retail giant Neiman Marcus has included Zane’s books in their Books to Bed Program. This collaboration features a custom-designed pair of pajamas adorned with her book illustrations, sold alongside her book “Abella Goes to the Rodeo.” Beyond her books, Zane has contributed articles on manners to several prestigious regional publications, further extending her positive influence into the realm of etiquette and social skills.
In summary, Zane Carson Carruth is a multifaceted individual who skillfully blends her roles as a renowned children’s book author and dedicated philanthropist. Her remarkable career encompasses media acclaim, excellence, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to bettering the lives of others, particularly children. Through her storytelling, advocacy for manners, and deep community involvement, Carruth fosters kindness, creativity, and knowledge in young minds. Her extraordinary journey, marked by literary talent and a profound sense of social responsibility, underscores her mission to restore innocence and joy to children’s lives.
Denise Castillo-Rhodes
Chief Financial Officer
Texas Medical Center
Denise Castillo-Rhodes is the Chief Financial Officer of Texas Medical Center, a position she has held for over 20 years. In 2022, Denise was appointed by Governor Greg Abbot as one of 15 top community and business leaders to serve on the Governor’s Commission for Women, and was reappointed for a second term in 2024. Denise also serves as Trustee of the Houston Municipal Employee Pension System. Denise sits on the board of directors of Oil States International, Inc. and has served or currently serves on numerous not-for-profit boards, including American Red Cross, American Heart Association, University of St. Thomas, Medical Bridges, and Houston Better Business Bureau. Denise was the 2016 HBJ Businesswoman of the Year, a 2018 ABC13 “Woman of Distinction,” a member of the 2019 Houston Chronicle’s “10 Best Dressed,” and was profiled by the Houston Chronicle in its 2019 feature story “Powerful Women Who Run Houston.” One of Denise’s proudest honors was serving as the 2015 Chair of the GHWCC. Denise is married to Robert Sergesketter, has a son, Jeffrey, two perfect grandchildren, Blaire and Royce, and a very lazy but loveable 120-pound rescued Newfoundland, Wilson.
Betty Hrncir
Philantropist & Community Volunteer
A fifth-generation Texan, Betty Hrncir has spent her life serving others through a deep commitment to philanthropy and community involvement – both across the United States and abroad. Her journey began in London during the 1980s, where she played a pivotal role in founding the Junior League of London and served as an executive officer throughout her tenure, helping establish a lasting legacy of service in the UK.
Upon returning to the United States, Betty immersed herself in the New Orleans community. She chaired the Holiday Home Tour of Garden District Homes and led “Dollars for Scholars,” a collaborative initiative between the New Orleans Public Schools and the Chamber of Commerce that provided scholarships to motivate underprivileged students to pursue higher education. She also chaired St. Martin’s three-day Citywide Fair and co-chaired the Junior League Showhouse VI. Her passion for bringing people together extended to organizing “A Royal Affair” honoring Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, and hosting a dinner for Sir David Attenborough in support of the Royal Society of Nature Conservation.
Since returning to Houston in 1995, Betty’s philanthropic spirit has continued to flourish. She and her family established the McMillan Character Education Speaker Series at The Kinkaid School, which they presented for many years. Betty has served on the Executive Boards of The Partnership for Baylor College of Medicine, TIRR Family, and The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, holding key leadership roles in each. She founded Pony Parents, SMU’s parent leadership support organization for student athletes, and served as its president for five years. In 2006, she chaired The Women’s Health Summit featuring Mrs. Barbara Bush as keynote speaker. Her civic involvement also includes serving on the Commissioning Committee for the USS George H.W. Bush, the Navy’s 10th and final Nimitz Class aircraft supercarrier, commissioned in January 2009.
Betty’s leadership continued with her co-chairing of the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary “Reflections on Style” Runway Show, Luncheon, and Chic Boutique in 2010, which raised record-breaking funds. In 2013, she co-chaired The Crystal Ball celebrating the Huffington Center’s 25th Anniversary, surpassing all previous fundraising efforts. She co-chaired “Melissa Manchester Unplugged and On a Mission” in 2014 for the Mission of Yahweh, and served as the 2014 President of the Development Board of The Huffington Center on Aging at Baylor College of Medicine. Her two decades of service earned her the title of Lifetime Ambassador for the Huffington Center.
Betty’s passion for childhood literacy has been a lifelong calling. Early in her career, she taught young children to read. For over three decades, she and her husband have been devoted Committee Members of The Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation’s “A Celebration of Reading.” In 2015, Betty co-founded the Ladies for Literacy Guild with Julie Finck to support the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation, serving as its inaugural president for two years.
Her contributions have been widely recognized with numerous honors including the ABC/Channel 13 Woman of Distinction by the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America in 2007 and honored as a Distinguished Woman by Northwood University in 2008. In 2009, she received the Spirit of Excellence Award from the Huffington Center at Baylor College of Medicine. Betty was the 2012 Honoree of TIRR Family and TIRR Foundation’s Gala, “Connect the Docs.” In 2016, she was named a Houston Treasure by The Social Book and a Community Champion Honoree for Texas Children’s Cancer Center. She was selected as one of the 25 Beautiful Houstonians in 2017 and received the Houston Sweetheart Award in 2018. That same year, she was honored at the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary Reflections on Style Luncheon and Fashion Show and named a Woman of Substance by the Mission of Yahweh. In 2019, she was deeply honored to be named ABC/Channel 13 Woman of Distinction Ambassador by the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.
In May 2022, Betty received the inaugural Childhood Literacy Impact Award from the Barbara Bush Literacy Foundation for her extraordinary dedication to improving lives through the power of literacy. In March 2023, she co-chaired the Salvation Army Annual Spring Tea, and in April, she was honored with the George H W Bush Points of Light Award, recognizing individuals and groups creating meaningful change in communities across America and the world. In May 2023, she received the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary Margot Perot Award—the highest honor bestowed by the organization for volunteer service.
Most recently, on October 25, 2025, Betty co-chaired the 10th Annual Power of Literacy Luncheon hosted by the Ladies for Literacy Guild of the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation. This milestone event, celebrating Mrs. Bush’s 100th birthday and featuring Tom Selleck as keynote speaker, broke records for both attendance and revenue. In December 2025, Betty will be honored as the Legendary Honoree for Houston Treasures of The Social Book.
Betty is a proud member of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the River Oaks Luncheon Club, and A Hope of Glory Bible Study.
She and her husband, John, have two sons, Garrett and Trent, and a beloved daughter-in-law, Keely. They are blessed with five grandchildren—Cece, Casady, Mary Margaret, Kennady, and Nelson—each a cherished reminder that “every good and perfect gift is from above.”
Maria Martinez
Vice President, Human Resources
Murphy Oil Corporation
Maria Martinez works as the Vice President, Human Resources of Murphy Oil Corporation in Houston, Texas. Maria joined Murphy in 2010 as Manager, Human Resources with experience in human resources in the oil and gas industry. Maria holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Business Administration from the University of St. Thomas in Houston. She completed the Chief Human Resources Executive Education Program with Cornell University ILR School and the Corporate Director Certificate with the Harvard Business School.
Maria is a member of the American Petroleum Institute and WomenExecs on Boards. She was the 2024 Chair of the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce and is currently the Chair of the Advancement Committee at St. Agnes Academy. Maria recently joined the American Cancer Society Houston Board of Directors.
Janette Marx
CEO
Airswift
Janette Marx is a highly driven achiever who is a pioneer in bridging family and executive level success. She is viewed as a dynamic powerhouse in her industry. She currently serves as the CEO of Airswift, a billion-dollar global workforce solutions company focused in the energy, process, and infrastructure industries. With over 30 years of experience, she has led transformative mergers, navigated complex global markets, and championed innovation and inclusion in the workplace. Additionally, Marx serves on the corporate board of a NYSE listed company, Navigator Gas, ticker symbol NVGS.
Marx is involved in several different community and philanthropic activities including the American Cancer Society’s CEOs Against Cancer, Junior Achievement, American Staffing Association, and the University of Houston’s Bauer School of Business. In 2019, she was elected to the prestigious Committee of 200, a membership organization of the world’s most successful women entrepreneurs and corporate innovators. She is a champion of building people’s careers through mentorship and sponsorship.
Marx is featured on Staffing Industry Analysts’ Staffing 100 in North America list and the Global Power 150 Women in Staffing list. She was also recognized as a Top 50 Women CEO’s of 2025, The Most Admired CEOs by the Houston Business Journal, named as a ‘Breakthrough Woman’ by the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and received the Leader of Influence award from the World Affairs Council. Marx earned an MBA from Duke’s Fuqua School of Business and holds a bachelor’s degree in business management. She is the co-author to two books: Together We Rise and Rising with Courage which embodies stories of resilience, grace, and the unwavering belief that we can all rise by lifting others.
Janette enjoys spending time with her husband, son, daughter-in-law and 2 German Shepherds at their family home in Houston. They enjoy traveling, music, sports, the outdoors, and volunteering. As a cancer survivor, her family focuses on opportunities to give back and rise others up that are going through a difficult time. Janette loves spending time with her extended family, including her parents, three sisters, three stepsisters, two sisters-in-law, eight brothers-in-law, and twenty-seven nieces and nephews!
Chantell Preston
CEO
Preston Partners
Chantell Preston is a seasoned healthcare executive, entrepreneur, and growth strategist with nearly 30 years of experience. As the Founder and CEO of Preston Partners, she leverages her expertise to partner with organizations on strategic planning, leadership development, and business scaling. Previously, she served as the CEO of Facilities Management Group (FMG), overseeing multimillion-dollar healthcare facilities across the US. Under her leadership, FMG experienced record-breaking revenue growth and strategic diversification. Before that, she co-founded Mentis Neuro Health, where she played a key role in its expansion and successful private equity acquisition. A sought-after keynote speaker and host of the podcast “Get Real, Get Results”, Chantell is passionate about authentic leadership, mental resilience, and empowering women in business. Her TEDx talk, Breaking Free from the Lies That Hold Us Back, has sparked national conversations and led to appearances on media outlets including ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX, as well as features in Forbes, USA Today, and Glamour.com. She challenges outdated leadership norms, encouraging professionals—especially women—to embrace their strengths, take risks, and advocate for themselves.
Heidi Rockecharlie
Rockecharlie & Co.
Heidi Helton Rockecharlie is an influential community leader whose career spans finance, nonprofit advancement, and the arts. A University of Houston graduate, she began her career in investment banking before discovering her calling in philanthropy.
As the first Special Event Director for Houston Hospice, she quickly transformed the organization—establishing an endowment for palliative care education, securing a $1 million grant, and creating the Laura Lee Blanton Community Spirit Award.
A passionate advocate for classical music, Heidi has supported the Houston Symphony for more than two decades and recently completed her term as President of the Houston Symphony League.
Her contributions have been recognized with honors such as Woman of Distinction (2022), CKW Luxe Top 20 Impact Maker (2023), and Woman of Substance (2024). Heidi finds joy in traveling with her husband, Nick, and caring for family and friends.
Alicia Smith
President & CEO
Innovative Legal Solutions
Alicia Smith proudly wears many hats: wife, mother, entrepreneur, volunteer, and philanthropist. Alicia is the President and CEO of Innovative Legal Solutions which all began in 1992 when she founded Houston-based Associated Video Services, Inc. The first female-owned legal video enterprise in Houston. Her entrepreneurial drive led her to expand Associated Video into Innovative Legal Solutions in 1997. Alicia was appointed to the CRCB Task Force in 2008, serves on the board of directors of The Houston Ballet, Crime Stoppers of Houston, the advisory board for Houston PetSet and is a member of the International Women’s Forum and the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) Forum.
While her business flourished, so too did Alicia’s personal life. She and husband, Lance, are the proud parents of three sons, Lance, Jr.–28, Cole-26 and Chandler-24, and can always be found supporting their many activities. Alicia attributes her role as a parent to further strengthening her commitment to serving charitable organizations that benefit youth, health and the arts. Of the many hats Alicia wears, being a mother is her most cherished and meaningful role.
Certainly talking the talk while walking the walk, Alicia has been involved in an extensive range of philanthropic endeavors, drawing upon her extensive business skills as chair, co-chair, auction chair, invitation chair, program chair and advisor for events, festivals and galas benefiting too many charities to list them all. Alicia has been a member of the HLSR Rodeo Auction Angels since inception in 2023. She served as Honorary Chair for Voices for Hope 2025 and co-chaired Sing for Hope last year, both benefiting Avenue 360. She co-chaired the 2020 Houston Chronicle Best Dressed Luncheon benefiting the March of Dimes during the pandemic raising $1.44 million. Alicia has served on The Houston Ballet Ball Committee for the past five years, and is a member of The Women’s Collective for Kid’s Safety.
Though her dance card is certainly full, balancing family life and a rewarding career, volunteer work seems to come naturally to Alicia. Her honors include the Team Excellence Award –CAC Direct Service Volunteer bythe Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas, 2004 Children’s Assessment Center Spirt of Spring Honoree, 2007Woman of Distinction, Leadership Houston Class XXVI, named 25 Most Beautiful Houstonians by HTexas Magazine in 2007, 2009and 2015, named an Haute Momby Icon Magazine, honored by Crisis Intervention of Houston “The A List,” inaugural Houston Sweetheart, received the Excellence in Bloom award from the Women’s Health Summit, Huffington Center on Aging, 2014 GHWCC Breakthrough Woman, 2014 Social Book Houston Treasure, a 2015 Community Champion by Texas Children’s Cancer Center, a 2017 Woman of Substance by The Mission of Yahweh, one ofHouston’s 50 Most Influential Women of 2017, top WBE CEO of 2017, 2018 Easter Seals Hats Off to Mothers Honoree, 2018 Houston Chronicle Best Dressed, Houston’s 10 “Most Beautiful” Spring 2025 Inside Houston Magazine and is humbled to be inducted into the GHWCC Texas Women’s Hall of Fame 2025.
Alicia cannot thank her husband, Lance and her three boys enough for graciously supporting everything that she does.
Connie Taylor
Chair of the Real Estate and Construction Section
Baker Botts L.L.P.
Consuella (Connie) Simmons Taylor is a partner in the law firm Baker Botts L.L.P. She is the firmwide chair of the Real Estate and Construction Section. Her practice focuses on commercial real estate transactions. She has represented developer clients in a wide variety of office, retail, and multifamily sale, acquisition, financing and development matters. She has a particular expertise in leasing of office, retail and industrial projects, representing landlords and tenants in leases from small retail leases to large logistics/industrial buildings to major office headquarters leases for up to one million square feet.
Connie received her J.D., magna cum laude, from Tulane Law School where she graduated Order of the Coif, and she received her B.A., magna cum laude, from the University of Houston. Connie is a member of the planning committee for the ICSC+US Law Conference and a Fellow of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers, where she currently serves on the Board of Governors and is the Chair of the Orientation and Integration Committee. She is ranked in Chambers USA, has been recognized as a Texas Super Lawyer, is listed in The Best Lawyers in America and is included in the 2024 and 2025 Lawdragon 500 Leading Global Real Estate Lawyers. In the community, she is a past chair and a current member of the Board of Directors of Dress for Success Houston, a non-profit corporation with the mission of empowering women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and development tools. Connie is married to Rev. Dr. Kylyn Taylor and they are the parents of 2 sons, Jarius (26) and Jackson (17).