Houston, TX, Nov. 30, 2009 – LawFuel.com – Winstead PC congratulates shareholder Graciela Saenz on her induction into the second annual Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce (GHWCC) Hall of Fame. Each year the GHWCC honors those Houston women who have made significant contributions to the advancement and empowerment of women through advocacy, research and education.
A Houston native, Saenz has demonstrated her commitment to her city through extensive service in public office. In 1992, Saenz was elected to the Houston City Council, where she went on to serve three two-year terms. She also earned the distinction of being the first individual of Hispanic descent to hold an at-large position on Houston’s City Council as well as the position of Mayor Pro Tem. In addition to her time as a council-member, Saenz represented a broad range of clients in the corporate, international, energy and tourism sectors. As a member of the Winstead team, Saenz currently practices in the area of Government Relations.
Saenz promotes a culture of diversity by encouraging connections between Houston and Latin American-based companies looking to expand in a location of growth and opportunity. She recently demonstrated her skill at liaising between the city and the larger Hispanic community by assisting in negotiation agreements for the city to host the 9th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards. She continues to focus her volunteer endeavors on the areas of leadership, education, economic development, healthcare and assisting small business owners by her active participation on the boards of the American Leadership Forum, the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Memorial/Hermann Hospital Board, the College of Biblical Studies, the Plaza Group and Project G.R.A.D.
Saenz is no stranger to women’s advocacy or to acting as a role model to future businesswomen and community leaders. She received the Sor Juana Women of Achievement award from the National Museum of Mexican Art and the Texas Executive Women’s Women on the Move award in 2007. Prior to 2007 Saenz was selected for the Professional Women in Fellowship Award in 2002 and was inducted into the Hispanic Women in Leadership Hall of Fame in 1996. Saenz was also recently inducted into the 100 Hispanic Women in Houston for Community Service by the Hispanic Women in Leadership.
“I am incredibly honored to be recognized by the Greater Houston Women’s Hall of Fame,” Saenz says. “It is extraordinarily rewarding to be recognized for my efforts on behalf of the residents of Houston, both as a shareholder of Winstead PC and as an advocate for women and minorities within the business community.” Saenz will receive her award along with ten other illustrious 2009 GHWCC Hall of Fame inductees at the Hall of Fame Gala to be held Dec. 10 at the Westin Galleria in Houston, 5060 West Alabama St.
Winstead is among the largest business law firms in Texas. Winstead attorneys and consultants serve as trusted advisors to mid-market and large businesses, providing a core range of legal services that are critical to their operation and success. From its well-known reputation in real estate and financial services to its corporate and high-stakes litigation practice, Winstead delivers practical knowledge and responsive service. And it’s all backed by a get-it-done attitude. Winstead has offices in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and The Woodlands, Texas; and Washington, D.C. For detailed information about Winstead, visit www.winstead.com.
