Women's History Month 2025: Hear From Our Alumnae on Their Success

The month of March is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate St. Agnes Academy alumnae as we observe Women’s History Month 2025. We must celebrate the incredible achievements and contributions of women throughout our history to help current students see the path ahead of them.

Read the stories from some of our past St. Agnes students to see their success after graduating from our school!

Today, we will share the stories of these exceptional St. Agnes graduates:

Nathalie is a registered and licensed dietitian and intuitive eating coach with over 20 years of experience in the health and wellness field.

Having worked as a community event planner for UTMB Galveston, research director for UT School of Public Health, and a corporate wellness dietitian, Nathalie’s work has made a great impact in the community.

In 2021, she launched her private practice, Nutrition Sessions LLC, which provides private coaching, group programs, and retreat-style events to help professionals and adults build food confidence without restrictive diets.

Her journey was featured last fall in VoyageHouston’s Inspiring Stories series! From her time at St. Agnes, Nathalie reminisces about the impact of Sister Jane, her professors, and the bonds her class created.

- Nathalie: Like anyone, I’ve faced challenges throughout life, and I feel incredibly blessed to have resilience and a strong support circle of family and friends.

One of the biggest challenges I took on was making a major career change into health and wellness in my 30s to follow my passion for nutrition education. Putting myself through school while working was extremely tough, especially since I had struggled with science as a young person – and here I was pursuing a health science career! 

But I was determined, and with great support along the way, I proved to myself that I could accomplish anything when it truly mattered. That experience reinforced my belief that challenges aren’t always roadblocks – they’re opportunities to grow, adapt, and step into the life you’re meant to live.

- Nathalie: Being an Academy woman is one of the most influential aspects of my success, both personally and professionally. There’s something uniquely special about St. Agnes – the values, the education, and the lifelong sisterhood – that I wish every woman could experience. 

- Nathalie: Follow your passion – what excites you – and build on your strengths and interests. One of my favorite quotes is, "Follow your dreams. They know the way." by Kobi Yamada. Your journey will most definitely have twists and turns, but that’s all part of life. Stay open to growth, be thoughtful, trust yourself, and embrace the adventure ahead!

Sofia was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott as a judge to the new Eleventh Business Court Division in Houston last fall. As a native of Argentina, Sofia is a former Senior Trial Partner at Diamond McCarthy LLP and has earned many accolades, including recognition as one of Latino Leaders “U.S. 25 Most Influential Hispanic Lawyers.”

She is also the editor of the Texas Business Litigation treatise (5th Edition). Along with being a St. Agnes graduate (summa cum laude), Sofia is a graduate of Harvard Business School Owner/President Management Program, University of Houston Law Center (magna cum laude), and Rice University (magna cum laude), both on full academic scholarships.

The City of Houston has also recognized her public service by proclaiming July 10, 2004, and December 18, 2018, “Sofia Adrogué Day.” From her time at St. Agnes, Sofia fondly remembers Fish Week, class retreats, and free dress days.

- Sofia: As a lawyer, I have served as an advocate, a facilitator, and a conciliator, resolving a litany of issues, from the simplest to the most complex. From taking the oath of U.S. citizenship 35 years ago to the oath of an officer of the court as a member of the Texas Bar 32 years ago, my American Dream is now realized with the opportunity to serve, with privilege and commensurate responsibility, as a judge.  

My story is a story of intense work, passion and, truly, a little luck. I have sought to return in multiples all the opportunities the United States has provided me—whether through my professional or my community endeavors. As an immigrant, I feel an obligation to give back. I hope my efforts evidence my passion, leadership, and commitment to this nation and its diverse population.

Although over 5,000 miles away from my place of birth, there is no doubt that as a Houstonian, I am inordinately proud of the endless possibilities of our city, our state, our country, and, always, my beloved St. Agnes and fellow alumni.

- Sofia: With a little luck and lots of grit and grind, one prevails. Never forget who you are, and  where you came from, and find your passion, then pursue it with preparation,  perspiration, persistence, and panache.

For me, education, labor, faith, and integrity are the indelible values. My goal has been to "walk the talk," from my commitment to our highest standards through hard work, to connecting with all people for the greater good.

Find and pursue your triad of passions – for me, they are my profession, my community, and my family.  It is a perennial quagmire to balance them; indeed, it is a “balance” in quotation marks.

A few quotations articulate well my personal “mantra” and “secret to success.” We all have two choices: we can make a living or we can design a life. Thus, Carpe Diem and shake it up!

Lita is the founder of LALAIS, a luxury skincare brand launched in the fall of 2023, tailored specifically for oily skin. Her journey to creating LALAIS came after years of frustration with skincare products that did not meet her needs.

Lita tried everything from Accutane to laser treatments, but no product provided a lasting result. This frustration sparked her vision to create a brand that would address the unique needs of oily skin in a holistic way. Since then, LALAIS has made a great impact in the beauty industry. 

LALAIS debuted at Bergdorf Goodman and has since expanded to Neiman Marcus, and Lita’s Blotting Compact was featured in Oprah’s Favorite Things 2023, later winning the Essence Best of Beauty Award 2024 and Byrdie Best of Beauty Award 2024.

From her time at St. Agnes, Lita reflects on her experiences as Class President and Student Body President, performing skits for an assembly program!

What challenges have you faced as a woman in your career or personal life, and how have you overcome them?

- Lita: While there has been progress, there are still some who don’t fully embrace that women are effective leaders and decision makers. I’ve been in countless situations where your ideas are not heard or accepted, you have to work harder, and you have to contribute more to be recognized. It can be frustrating, but I’ve used that as motivation for achievement.

- Lita: You can’t underestimate the power of being surrounded by female talent and leadership. It builds confidence to see nothing but women excel in academics, athletics, the arts, and leadership.

Seeing it, living it, doing it, and having the support that St. Agnes provides, especially at that formative stage of your life, really cements that you can follow your dreams, whatever they might be.

- Lita: My advice is to take the process seriously, but not to get overwhelmed by it. The practice of describing yourself, having an opinion, and touting your accomplishments is something that you’ll have to do over and over and over again throughout your career.

It’s competitive, but life is competitive. Don’t be devastated if you don’t get into the school you have your heart set on. Do your best and have faith that the right thing happens. If you get in, great, but if you don’t, that wasn’t the best opportunity for you to shine your light. Focus on the environment that is going to be best for you, and how to make your mark wherever you go. That’s what you can control.

Secondly, there are some who know exactly what they want to do for their career. But, for the majority, it’s an exploration. The main advice I have is to examine what you’re really good at or what you’re genuinely interested in. What subject is challenging, but intrigues you?

You’re there to learn new things and skills, but you’re likely to excel if you make sure to include studies that tap into areas where you naturally excel and that build upon your genuine curiosity.

What amazing testimonies about the power of community during Women’s History Month 2025. We are very proud to celebrate women like Nathalie, Sofia, and Lita who have accomplished so much after graduating from our school.