Kirsten Castañeda is Chief Diversity Officer and a partner in the Dallas office of Alexander Dubose & Jefferson, following 20 years as senior counsel at Locke Lord.
She recalls advice given to her while working on the Gator Gazette at Spring Valley Elementary: don’t bury the lead. Tell the reader a story, and all good stories need a hook. When she dreamed of becoming a writer in the sixth grade, she had no idea her writings would pave the way to oral arguments in the Texas Supreme Court and the Fifth Circuit.
“I loved my time in RISD. My education provided a strong foundation that allows me to tackle the most complex legal issues at trial and on appeal. My teachers and friends taught me the value of compassion, the importance of integrity, and the necessity of balancing work with fun! I value all my continuing friendships and look forward to our next RHS reunion.”
Kirsten’s family has deep RISD roots. Her mom, Jeannie Castañeda Ovard, taught at Hamilton Park and Prestonwood. Her sister, Tracey, teaches at Thurgood Marshall Elementary. Kirsten said her sister, Sara, “learned so much through the RHS drama program that she won a scholarship to UNT and then won another scholarship to complete her degree at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC.” Kirsten’s nephew, Jack, graduated from Berkner in 2019. Her niece, Caroline, graduated from RHS in 2021.
