“Well-behaved women seldom make history.”
- Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
March is Women’s History Month so we’re celebrating our very own founding attorney, Sandra Perez Ard, and Spectrum Health Solutions's Deena Scott. Both women are well-revered in their community for speaking up for those who can’t, consistently delivering quality work, and tackling whatever obstacles get in their way. Ard Law Firm, PLLC is proud to work closely with Deena on charitable events, building up our community, and day-to-day business.
Women’s History Month was started by educators in California as one week of learning more about women throughout history whose influential impact had often been overlooked. In 1980, Women’s History Week went national with a presidential proclamation from Jimmy Carter. Seven years later the week expanded to a month of celebrating women’s history and has been observed as such ever since.
Our founding attorney, Sandy Ard, is known for her quick turnaround and tenacity to support her clients and employees in any way that she can. Her fighting spirit and understanding is the fuel to our firm–hear more about Ard Law Firm’s company culture from employees themselves in our Women’s History Month Video.
But enough about us, let’s get into why we’re really here: Celebrating one woman making history in our neighborhood right now, Mrs. Deena Scott.
Ard Law Firm (ALF): Introduce yourself.
Deena Scott (DS): I am the Director of Business Development for Spectrum Health Solutions in the Houston Market. I have been in marketing for 10 years now. My passion is to serve others by assisting them with resources or placement. I serve on BACA – Bay Area (501c3 non-profit organization), as President, as well as serving as a board member for the Perry Family YMCA. My husband and I are marriage coaches and enjoy guiding other couples navigate in their seasons of marriage. In my spare time I enjoy playing in makeup and have been a professional makeup artist for the last seven years. I truly enjoy making memories with my husband, Wil Scott of 15 years of marriage, and our two children, Lathan and Shiloh.
ALF: How has being a woman influenced your approach to the work that you do?
Growing up, I have always admired my mother, Judie. She always went above and beyond what she was called to do for work. When I started my career as a marketing liaison, I made sure to display those same values as my mom displayed. She set the bar high to serve others without expecting anything in return.
ALF: If you have children, how has motherhood changed your relationship to work?
DS: Being a working mother has its challenges, but also is so rewarding. I am setting an example for my children to learn how to help others. That no matter what situation or circumstances arise, that we are called to serve one another and to also show grace. Seeing my children every morning makes me want to do better for them. Everyday I have an opportunity to help someone in their life. I share that with my children each day also.
ALF: be your approach to your work in 3-5 words.
DS: Prayer, Guidance, Great work ethic, and Ambition.
ALF: How have other women helped you or inspired you in achieving your goals?
DS: Having support from other women has been tremendous with achieving my goals. They support, the prayers, encouraging words, all matter in assisting me to be able to achieve my goals.
ALF: Is there any advice you wish you could give to your younger self (especially in regards to any challenges you’ve had to face as a woman)?
DS: Don’t kill yourself for a job. The time you take away from your family, will never be able to get back. Stand strong in what you believe in. NEVER, and I mean NEVER allow anyone to tell you that you are less than.
ALF: Please feel free to share anything else about you, your work, and your relationship to womanhood.
DS: My daughter watches my every move. From how I apply makeup, to how I treat others. Without realizing, she keeps me held accountable. When I am assisting others, I assist them as if they were one of my family members. At the end of the day, we are all human, we all have feelings, and all deserve to be guided along the way out of love. I want my daughter to know that no matter the circumstance, no matter who is supporting you or who is not, you still need to serve others with a caring heart. I hope I am making her proud, as my mother was for me.
Deena, Sandy, and all of the incredible women we work with are making history every single day and we’re so proud to witness all of their greatness. As Women’s History Month comes to an end, let us look to all the women in our lives and throughout history who have built legacies on helping their communities flourish.