Get to know Kimberly Gdula, of Jackson Walker, LLP, a new Board of Directors member for 2018!
- What initially brought you to Texas Advocacy Project?
A fellow board member first told me about TAP, and I was struck by how much it reminded me of the work I loved as part of UT’s Voices Against Violence program. I had lunch with Heather Bellino, Executive Director, and Jeremy Rathke, Development and Communications Director, to learn more about TAP, and after that, deciding to apply for a board position was easy.
- Why is the Project’s mission important to share with others?
The number of women who have encountered or will encounter some form of domestic violence or abuse is staggering. Reaching out to those women so they know there are resources out there for them is important, but it is also important to educate others—the bystanders—about what is available if someone in their life is caught in an abusive or potentially abusive situation.
- How has serving as a board member made a difference in your life?
As a brand-new board member, I am looking forward to doing my part to grow TAP so we can be a resource for even more survivors.
- What have you learned that you didn’t know before joining the board?
I am amazed by the workload carried by TAP’s legal team.
- What are your personal goals in serving as a board member?
I want to help increase TAP’s footprint in Texas (which necessarily means helping to increase the resources coming into TAP). I would also like to help increase the number of universities and colleges TAP works with.
- What initiative, campaign or event do you enjoy most from the Project?
As someone new to TAP, I am looking forward to my first Black & White Ball. I’m also looking forward to getting involved in the various Hope projects.
- How long have you lived in Austin?
Going on ten years (not counting the four years I spent at UT getting my undergraduate degree).
- What is your occupation and how would you describe what you do day to day?
I am a partner in the litigation section at Jackson Walker.One of the things I love about my job is that my days vary depending on what cases I have and what my clients need. I handle commercial litigation matters and healthcare-related issues for a variety of clients, and I love the variety.
- What is your favorite pastime? Where can we typically find you on a Saturday evening?
I love to read. I’m often reading two or three books at a time, changing it up based on the mood I’m in. Most Saturday evenings, my family grabs dinner then hangs out at home before the kids go to bed. Then, maybe, I’ll stay awake long enough to watch a movie.
- What is your favorite dish or restaurant?
My favorite restaurant is an Italian restaurant, Antonio’s, near where I grew up outside of Cleveland, Ohio. Here in Austin, it’s G’Raj Mahal on Rainey Street. I love spicy food! |