At KGS Law Group, we hold our city’s culture in high esteem. As part of our annual scholarship program, we encourage students to delve into the cherished traditions of their families and reflect on the enriching impact of diversity within our community. Below, you’ll find profiles of our past scholarship recipients, each embodying the essence of cultural pride and the importance of embracing diversity.
For information on next year’s scholarship, visit our community involvement page here.
2023 Scholarship Winner: Julianne Parker
KGS Law is delighted to congratulate Julianne Parker as the recipient of the 2023 Houston Scholarship! Hailing from a small town in Northeast Mississippi, Julianne attends Baylor University, majoring in Political Science with a minor in Women and Gender Studies.
In her words, “I am absolutely thrilled to accept this incredible opportunity and am deeply honored to have been chosen for the Houston Scholarship. The financial support this scholarship provides will significantly impact my educational journey and alleviate the financial burden on both my family and myself.
My goal is to complete my undergraduate degree at Baylor University and subsequently pursue law school with a focus on family law. Your generous scholarship not only empowers me to continue my studies but also reinforces my commitment to achieving my academic and professional aspirations. I am profoundly grateful to KGS Law, PLLC, for investing in my future and helping to make my dreams a reality.”
2025 Scholarship Winner: Joyance Liao Mendoza
After learning he won the 2025 scholarship award, Joyance had this to say:
“I am truly honored to be selected as a recipient of the 2025 KGS Law PLLC Houston Scholarship. This award is meaningful support as I continue my PharmD training, and it motivates me to keep working toward my goal of improving patient care. I’m grateful for this recognition and for the opportunity to carry that support into the work I hope to do for the communities and patients I serve.”
Joyance Liao Mendoza is a fourth-year PharmD student at The University of Texas at Austin. Originally from Mexico and a first-generation student, Joyance’s path into healthcare has been shaped by a deep appreciation for what access to care can mean for individuals and families navigating a new system. That perspective has fueled both a strong commitment to patient-centered service and a desire to become a clinician who can meet people where they are—culturally, linguistically, and medically.
Joyance is currently completing advanced clinical rotations at the Texas Medical Center, one of the largest medical complexes in the world. Working alongside interdisciplinary teams has strengthened his clinical foundation and reinforced the importance of clear communication, trust, and advocacy in high-acuity settings. Whether helping optimize medication regimens, supporting transitions of care, or contributing to day-to-day problem-solving on the care team, Joyance values the opportunity to translate pharmacotherapy into real outcomes for patients.
As Joyance prepares to graduate, he remains focused on building a career rooted in service, excellence, and impact, using the knowledge gained in training to improve the safety, effectiveness, and accessibility of care for the communities he represents and hopes to continue serving.