Meet Austin Bar's New Director of Communications

Get to Know Sonta Henderson

I am Sonta Henderson, your new director of communications. I’m a sixth-generation Texan from Bastrop, Tex., a town named after Baron de Bastrop (known for his partnership with Stephen F. Austin). Word on the street is that “we” missed being the capital of Texas by one vote! I have 30 years of communications experience, working in broadcast television, for national corporations, and with the state.

You may recognize me from my broadcast television days at KXAN and KVUE. During that time, I met many judges and attorneys while covering courts, city council, and more. My reports on court cases were awarded by the Texas Associated Press. Upon leaving my television career behind, I worked for AAA Texas and AAA New Mexico in the government affairs division, working with the Office of the Governor on transportation initiatives and legislators on motorist safety legislation, speechwriting, and collaborating with agencies for service-truck licensing. I’ve also worked for TxDOT on its executive communications team. My work there included executive speechwriting on subjects such as identifying human trafficking and preparing executive staff videos and articles for a transportation magazine. In 2020, I won an international prize, the Communicator Award, for my online video. I’ve hosted events for congressional leaders including Rep. Lloyd Doggett and Rep. Maxine Waters, and celebrities such as Dr. Cornel West and Divorce Court Judge Mablean Ephraim, just to name a few.

Still, I’m most honored when using my skill to create opportunities and enlighten others. It may be teaching job interview skills to young adults, mentoring, giving speeches, or developing communications for my church.

Lastly, I enjoy watching TCM, NFL, UFC, and being on-set with my actor-daughter. She’s had a commercial shown during The Academy Awards and bit parts in Netflix and Amazon Prime movies.

I am excited to collaborate with each of you. So give me a holler anytime! AL

Sonta Henderson is an award-winning communications professional with more than 25 years of experience in broadcast, corporate, and digital communications. She worked at both KXAN and KVUE.

A REVERSE INTERVIEW WITH SONTA HENDERSON

Jennifer Hopgood, co-editor of Austin Lawyer, sat down with Sonta Henderson for a quick Q&A as Henderson begins her journey with the Austin Bar Association as director of communications.

AUSTIN BAR: You must have some great stories from being a journalist. What are some memorable moments?

HENDERSON: There were so many stories, and I vividly remember most of them. For me, reporting stories was always about the people! So many different people with different views from different places. Some of the most memorable include stories about the contested “hanging chad” election between former President Bush and former Vice President Al Gore, covering 911 and its impact, an Austin serial killer case, the first arrests in the Yogurt Shop Murder Case, and an interview with a KKK member. Still “most memorable” does not always mean most enjoyable. I most enjoyed the stories showing people at their best and accomplishing great things despite obstacles. Many times after the stories aired, people would be so gracious and invite me to their homes, family reunions, and such. I’d have to remind them that I was a journalist and just doing my job.

AUSTIN BAR: What are some of your goals as the new director of communications?

HENDERSON: We’ve all heard the saying, “Don’t kill the messenger.” Well, I’ve always believed that how you present the message is what’s really important. To that end, I want to ensure I am identifying new and creative messaging for the Austin Bar and sharing our message in a way that benefits us. This includes working with our members and affinity groups for a greater perspective on issues of importance. I see so many amazing things being done by Austin Bar members (securing HILGERS HOUSE! Hello!). Attorneys are doing great work in the community and giving of their time selflessly. I hope to highlight these good deeds. We know what we do, but so many others aren’t aware. Ensuring our work is seen helps not only our causes, but also our membership. So, I will utilize media to promote our messaging and garner attention for our activities. It’s vital we control our narrative. I see a great opportunity to do so.

AUSTIN BAR: What are some goals for the Bar as a whole for helping to support lawyers?

HENDERSON: The Austin Bar is such a unique group with an amazing reach in many areas of law. I hope to extend that reach even more. One of the groups I hope to gain traction with is criminal lawyers. We will work to gain more interest from that group. I challenge current members to engage fellow attorney nonmembers to join us. Also, as much as COVID allows, we’re looking to support attorneys by providing information and activities which broaden their scope. I particularly hope to keep members engaged with the Bar and continue igniting their interest in community service.

AUSTIN BAR: Do you need attorneys to submit articles and content for the monthly magazine or website?

HENDERSON: We are always looking for timely articles, especially on topics directly affecting our attorneys and the legal community. Attorneys interested in submitting can send an email with information on the subject matter to me at sonta@austinbar.org. Articles are due on the 1 st of each month for the upcoming month. So, for example, if you’re writing for Dec. 2021 edition of Austin Lawyer, then the article is due Nov. 1, 2021. This allows us time to read, edit, and ensure all relevant information is captured for publication.