Heritage: Summer 2021

While double majoring in economics and international business at SHSU, Jessica Rodriguez-Wahlquist was inducted into Omicron Delta Epsilon (an international society in the field of economics) and was a member of the distinguished Political Science Junior Fellows and Center for Law, Engagement and Politics.

After graduating in 2015, she was offered a scholarship to DePaul University College of Law in Chicago. During her third year at DePaul, she became a visiting student at South Texas College of Law in Houston, where she was chosen to be part of the No. 1 moot court team in the nation.

As a trial attorney, she has worked at some of the largest personal injury and commercial litigation firms in Houston and Chicago, assisting with dozens of multi-million-dollar personal injury, mass torts and commercial dispute cases.

In 2021, she joined the Sorrels Law team in Houston, where she handles cases arising from severe personal injuries and wrongful deaths.

Giving back to her community, she volunteers her time with the Houston Bar Association’s LGBTQ+ committee and AIDS Outreach committee, immigrant rights organizations, Texas Trial Lawyers Association, the Montrose Counseling Center, and as a coach for South Texas College of Law’s varsity moot court team.

She enjoys staying actively engaged with her alma mater and serves as a member of the SHSU Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Why did you choose to attend SHSU?

Initially, I wanted to study forensic science, and I heard about the prominent program SHSU had. However, by the time I attended SHSU, I decided to pursue an international business and economics double degree. At the time, surprisingly, there were not many schools in Texas that offered such programs.

The other beneficial factor was the relatively close distance to Houston, which would allow me to visit my parents in Humble, Texas, and obtain jobs/internships in Houston without a problem.

I am so glad I chose SHSU. I have fallen in love with Huntsville since, and I have made great friendships with community members, students, and professors. They continue to be a part of my life to this day.

Were you a first-generation student?

Yes, I was the first member in my family to graduate from an American high school and the first one to graduate from college entirely. If I had not attended SHSU, I do not know whether I would have made it into law school. SHSU was crucial in my decision to become a lawyer.

What do you do as a member of SHSU’s Alumni Board of Directors?

As a relatively new member, I recently served on the golf tournament and legislative committees. I am also working with Alumni Association leadership on ways to better connect our current alumni network with the latest technology, and also how to become the leading alumni association in the state. I strongly believe reaching that goal is just around the corner.

Why is it important to stay connected to SHSU through the Alumni Association?

To honor our motto. To be a helping hand to students and recent graduates, but also to benefit that Bearkat who may have graduated decades ago and now needs support in finding a connection to a new job opportunity. SHSU graduates are opening doors for each other more and more every day, as we grow in number. My goal is to educate alumni about all the wonderful benefits one can receive by staying involved and ways in which they can support our communities and future generations.