Genesis Draper serves as the Chief Public Defender for Harris County, making history as the first African American and the first woman to hold the role. She leads one of the largest public defender offices in the nation, grounded in a steadfast belief that freedom is not an aspiration, but a constitutional promise worth defending every single day.

Draper began her legal career as an assistant public defender, representing clients at both the state and federal levels. She later served as a criminal court judge and as an adjunct professor, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the criminal legal system. These experiences reinforced the knowledge that public defense remains the most powerful safeguard against injustice.

A proud graduate of Spelman College and The University of Texas School of Law, Draper is an alumna of Gideon’s Promise, a national organization dedicated to building a movement of public defenders committed to client-centered, zealous advocacy. She now serves on the organization’s Board of Directors, continuing her commitment to strengthening public defense through leadership, training, and transformative impact. Draper is also a Fellow of the American Leadership Forum, where she collaborates with cross-sector leaders to reimagine institutions and expand opportunity.

As Chief Public Defender, Draper leads with urgency and purpose, advancing a model of public defense that places dignity, justice, and liberty at its core.