Rockwall County DA Kenda Culpepper honored as 2018 ‘Living Legend’ in Dallas

(ROCKWALL COUNTY, TX – April 30, 2018) On Saturday, Rockwall County District Attorney Kenda Culpepper was named as a 2018 “Living Legend” at the 4th Annual Verna’s H.E.L.P. Foundation Women’s Empowerment Prayer Brunch in Dallas.

Culpepper was recognized for her efforts in helping to create both the Children’s Advocacy Center for Rockwall County and the North Texas Regional Veterans Court, the first of its kind in the nation. Organizers also highlighted her many civic and professional awards and leadership positions, including being the President of the Board for the CAC and her upcoming Presidency of the state-wide Texas District and County Attorney’s Association. Culpepper was additionally lauded as the first woman to take office as a District Attorney in the history of North Texas.

Dr. Tricia Harris introduced Culpepper during the event and shared a little about her friend’s background. “Kenda graduated from SMU Law School in 1992 and quickly got a job in the Dallas Country District Attorney’s office as a prosecutor in the misdemeanor and felony trial division,” Harris said. “After a few years of practicing law in the Dallas County District Attorney’s office, she went into private practice until she was elected in November 2008 as the Rockwall County Criminal District Attorney. This is incredibly significant because Kenda was the very first woman to hold the office of District Attorney in the history of North Texas. That, my friends, is an exceptional accomplishment.”

Dr. Harris also pointed out that Culpepper has been named by D Magazine as one of the “Best Lawyers in Dallas”, by Texas Monthly as a “Texas Super Lawyer”, and by Forbes Sky Radio as one of “America’s Most Influential Women”.

“Whether it’s working hard in the criminal courts, helping abused or neglected children in need, working with our military veterans, or helping raise money for our police officers, Kenda is a lady who does such an incredible job for our community, our citizens, and our state,” Harris said.

Others honored at the event included Barbara Watkins, Chairman of the Board for Medical City Dallas Hospital; Regina Montoya, Chair of the Dallas Mayor’s Task Force on Poverty and a former U.S. Representative to the United Nations; Hon. Gloria Carrillo, Board of Trustee member for the Grand Prairie School District; and radio personality and community activist, Dr. J. Ester Davis. Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins and Dr. Christopher Perkins were honored for their work during the 2014 Ebola crisis, and Dallas Police Chief Renee Hall, Interim Dallas County Sheriff Marian Brown and Dallas DA Faith Johnson were awarded the “Shattering the Brass Ceiling” award for their roles as African American women leaders. Dr. Angelika Selle, National President and International Vice President of the Women’s Federation of World Peace was one of the keynote speakers at the event.

“I am so honored to have been recognized with so many deserving community leaders,” said Culpepper. “It was truly inspiring during the event to meet and hear more about the courageous service of such passionate and hardworking people in our extended community.”

After receiving her award, Culpepper thanked the selection committee and then spoke about collaboration and ending community divisiveness.

“We all live on this part of the earth together, and we should do our very best to get along and make it better,” she said to the audience. “And though we can surely disagree, we should try to do so respectfully and effectively.”

She added, “While we should act with courage and passion and purpose, we should also and always find ways to move forward together and understand each other. Because we all want the same thing – a better tomorrow.”

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