The Houston Bar Association (HBA) presented Frost Brown Todd (FBT) with its 2022 Diversity Award in the law firm category, in recognition of the firm’s demonstrated commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the workplace and community at large. In addition to recent actions and accomplishments, HBA’s Diversity Award recognizes recipients’ historic efforts and leadership in the DEI space.
“We are truly honored to be recognized by the HBA for Frost Brown Todd’s commitment and actions to create a diverse and inclusive environment where our people can not only thrive, but feel empowered to be themselves,” said FBT Chief Diversity Officer Chris Johnson. “This award helps to affirm our progress on this long journey and serves as a reminder that there is always more work to do. I commend our Houston team for serving as a model for how we must listen, learn and act in support of the people and communities we are privileged to serve across our footprint. For us, progress is defined as taking action. Clear accountability will continue to guide our efforts every step of the way.”
While the HBA Diversity Award for law firms is intended to be enterprise-wide, several local initiatives spearheaded by our Houston office were highlighted in the application. Recent examples include the FBT Houston Artist Showcase featuring four local artists annually and a newly formed internship program between FBT and Rice University, whose student population is 40% diverse with respect to race and ethnicity.
“Since opening in Houston a few years back, we’ve been intentional about recruiting talent that reflects the vibrancy of our Houston community, which is among the most demographically diverse cities in the country,” said Ken Bullock, Member-in-Charge of FBT’s Houston office. “That environment sets the bar and inspires the exceptional people on our team who are passionate about our DEI work, not only in Houston but throughout Frost Brown Todd as a whole. Having the HBA acknowledge FBT’s efforts is encouraging. We look forward to the next steps in our DEI journey as our team continues to grow and succeed here in Houston.”
Receiving HBA’s Diversity Award follows closely on the heels of former FBT Houston Member-in-Charge Zenobia Harris Bivens being recognized with the association’s Heart of Pro Bono Award. Bivens, who passed away in January at the age of 40, received the award posthumously. At FBT, Bivens was a mentor and role model who personified the qualities of fairness, professionalism, and service to others. She was described as a determined advocate for her clients and the many people and causes she championed, and her legacy continues to inform and inspire the work of her Houston colleagues and team members throughout the firm.