Texas Immigration Lost a Heroine in 2025

Rose Odette
Aug 27
2 min read

Why We Stand Taller on the Shoulders of Giants

Women in Leadership: Honoring a Trailblazer

Just days ago, the legal world lost a legend: Alma Lamar Lopez Cavazos, the first Hispanic woman to serve as chief justice on a state appeals court (Texas, Fourth Court of Appeals), passed away at age 81. Before her groundbreaking judicial career, she spent decades as an immigration and family law attorney. Today, St. Mary’s University honors her legacy with the Alma L. Lopez Women in Leadership Award.

When Alma L. Lopez Cavazos began practicing immigration and family law in San Antonio, she stood nearly alone as a Latina woman in that arena. For 25 years, she fought for immigrant families with courage, clarity, and compassion.

Later, she shattered barriers as the first Hispanic woman to serve as chief justice of a state appellate court. She didn’t stop there—she pioneered accessibility, bringing hearings to underserved border communities and launching video teleconferencing in 2001, long before the concept of “Zoom court” became a reality.

Alma’s story is pure Lioness leadership: bold, barrier-breaking, and protective of those who needed her most. The Alma L. Lopez Women in Leadership Award, presented annually at St. Mary’s School of Law, carries her spirit forward—recognizing women who lead with vision, resilience, and a legacy mindset.

We see farther because she carried us. We stand taller because we stand on the shoulders of giants.

5 Takeaways for Lioness Leaders - Immigration Lost a Heroine in 2025

Lead with courage rooted in service.
Transform barriers into stepping stones.
Expand access—make systems inclusive.
Represent those who feel unseen.
Build legacies that roar long after you’re gone - Immigration Lost a Heroine in 2025