Bracewell’s Martin and Zelermyer Honored by Unlikely Heroes

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Bracewell LLP Partner Dee Martin and Senior Counsel Salo Zelermyer were two of the six 2016 Hero Award Honorees at the annual Recognizing Heroes Awards Dinner & Gala on November 12, 2016, at the Ritz-Carlton in Dallas. Martin and Zelermyer, part of Bracewell’s Policy Resolution Group, were honored for helping young women who had been abducted by terrorists abroad and escaped from their captors make it to the United States safely and legally. This extraordinary effort called upon all of their skills as lawyers and leading D.C. lobbyists. For this work, Unlikely Heroes presented Martin and Zelermyer with their Hero Award, which honors those who have devoted tireless time and work in advancing global human rights and a lifetime of public service.

“To be honored by Unlikely Heroes, which does such important work to end sex trafficking and slavery every day, is a truly humbling experience,” said Martin. “Those who really deserve the award are the brave, young girls who fight their way to safety, and with the help of Unlikely Heroes, build new lives.”

This year’s red-carpet event “A Night To End Slavery & Celebrate Freedom” was hosted by Nikki Reed and Anjelah Johnson. Platinum Recording Artist Jordin Sparks also graced the stage with a special musical performance. The night’s keynote speaker was former NFL MVP and Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander, who was also a 2016 Hero Award Honoree.

“It’s humbling to be up here. Thank you Unlikely Heroes for letting me and my family be a part of something none of us will ever forget,” said Zelermyer after accepting his award. “I spent part of yesterday with some of the girls we helped and those are moments that touch you in a way that can sustain you through desperate moments. Like Dee, I also want to thank Bracewell for giving us the ability to do the work that we did, and will continue to do.”

Unlikely Heroes has a global mission to rescue, restore and rehabilitate child victims out of slavery. Its experienced teams are on the ground in the U.S., Mexico, Thailand and the Philippines, providing the very best in restorative care, safe housing, education, life skills, medical care, counseling, and stability, as well as giving love to every single child cared for by Unlikely Heroes. Since 2011, Unlikely Heroes has rescued hundreds of children and their journey to freedom starts in one of Unlikely Heroes five restoration homes located around the world.

“When I think about Unlikely Heroes, I cannot think of another organization that does more to let light into this dark, dark world,” added Zelermyer. “And I want to thank them for that.”