RESILIENCE
Markia Bordeaux’s journey to earn her JD from South Texas College of Law Houston required extraordinary resilience. Enrolled as a part-time student while working full-time, she started law school in fall 2017 as the city grappled with the devastating Hurricane Harvey.
A few years later, after persevering through law school during the world-altering COVID-19 pandemic, she and her classmates were left in the dark — literally — while studying for the bar exam as much of the state lost power during Winter Storm Uri.
“We were the trendsetters for resiliency!” Bordeaux said. “The class of 2020 is the most resilient law class of all time.”
REFLECTION
Despite these challenges, Bordeaux ’20 gives her experience at South Texas Law a “10 out of 10” and credits it for her continued success and sustained belief in the importance of integrity and empathy. She is grateful for her professors’ support and their compassion for their students. “Treat others the way you want to be treated,” she said. “That applies in law, but also as we just navigate the world.”
Since graduating, Bordeaux has thrived as an assistant county attorney at the Harris County Attorney’s Office, specializing in child welfare. “I’ve come full circle,” she said, noting that she had initially pursued a career in social work with Texas Child Protective Services (CPS) before attending law school.
It was during her time at CPS that Bordeaux first encountered the legal system, regularly testifying in court on behalf of children in foster care. One judge in particular noticed her professionalism and composure under pressure. “This judge was mean to everyone but me,” she recalled with a laugh. “One day, he asked if I had ever thought about going to law school, which was the conversation that planted the seed that led me here.”
RESPONSIBILITY
A self-proclaimed “24/7 activist with a passion for all things civil rights,” Bordeaux is a devoted advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in both society and the legal profession. “Everyone benefits from diversity, not just people of color,” she said. “As attorneys, we have a responsibility to ensure that laws apply fairly and equally to everyone.”
Her involvement in the Houston Area Urban League Young Professionals, Houston Lawyers Association (HLA), and the Houston Young Lawyers Association (HYLA) exemplifies her commitment to leadership and social responsibility as a law practitioner. As the immediate past president of the Urban League, Bordeaux helped advance economic empowerment and social justice for Black professionals — a mission rooted in the Urban League’s long history as a civil rights organization. Under her leadership, the chapter received the National Chapter of Excellence award.
Currently, Bordeaux serves as co-chair of HYLA’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and as programs chair and corresponding secretary for the HLA. Her leadership across these organizations underscores the vital role attorneys play not only in practicing law but also in advocating for community empowerment and fairness.
REMEMBRANCE
For Bordeaux, Black History Month holds profound significance. “It’s a time to remember the journey of Black Americans and to recognize that Black history is American history,” she said. She noted the importance of remembering the countless contributions Black Americans have made to the nation, often in the face of adversity.
Bordeaux’s own family history is a powerful reminder of this truth. Her great-uncle Clovis Bordeaux was one of the original Tuskegee Airmen in the 99th Fighter Squadron, a groundbreaking, all-African American military unit.
“He was willing to fight for a country that didn’t even see him as human,” she said through tears. “His story reminds me why we must continue to move forward and always remember the sacrifices that were made.”
She believes Black History Month is an opportunity for attorneys to honor those who fought for civil rights and to recommit to justice and equality. “The legal profession has played a pivotal role in shaping our society,” Bordeaux said. “This month is a chance to celebrate progress while recognizing there is still much work to be done.”
