John Ngunjiri, an Associate Attorney in our Houston office, discusses how he finds his sense of belonging and purpose in and outside of work.

I am a firm believer in the saying “it takes a village,” and I am driven by a belief that “to whom much is given, much is expected.”

At the firm, I am involved in the Racial Equity Council ( REC), and in several informal diversity groups, largely because I feel the most balanced and focused when I feel a sense of belonging and community.. REC was formed to develop action plans to help identify improvements we can make in recruiting, retaining and promoting Black lawyers and business services personnel.

I truly enjoy the sense of community and comradery that is afforded to me through our affinity groups. Not only do I find a sense of belonging, but I have a safe place to workshop ideas, to vent, to get encouragement, and also, to offer my support and share experiences.

Outside of work, I am a member of the Houston Lawyers Association and engaged in affinity groups such as the University of Houston Law Center (UHLC)’s Black Law Students Association Steering Committee, the UHLC Young Alumni Association – Mentoring Committee, and Cornell University’s Black Students Association. I love to give back to society by helping others excel. Providing support and mentorship to budding engineering and law students also gives me the opportunity to learn from them as well. As my dad (may he rest in peace) used to say: “You stop learning when you die, but equally die when you stop learning!”

I am happiest when I bring others happiness. Being a positive-minded and optimistic person, I have always seen the “good” and overlooked the undercurrent “bad” in people and situations, but as I have matured, I’ve come to realize that I am equally at fault when I don’t stand for what is right and just – including when it comes to diversity issues.

“The tapestry of our differences is what makes us unique beings. It is sheer arrogance to ignore that.”

I always say that the value proposition for diversity can never be overemphasized, and that the business sense of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is self-fulfilling. As a lawyer now, I am invigorated by the opportunity to make better decisions. I embrace and champion change and seek to ensure that accountability and authority are aligned in DEI matters.