Samantha Carl-Yoder Recognized with Brownstein’s 2025 Mentor of the Year Award

Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck is proud to recognize Policy Director Samantha Carl-Yoder, cochair of the firm’s International practice, with its 2025 Mentor of the Year Award. This honor celebrates a mentor who exemplifies the firm’s core values—All In, Excellence, Respect and Giving Back.

Carl-Yoder draws on her nearly 20 years of service at the U.S. State Department—working in both Washington, D.C., and embassies across the world—to build strategic partnerships for companies expanding domestically and overseas. Her sophisticated understanding of foreign policy and deep relationships with sovereign governments, third-party institutions and global media organizations is used to solve problems that require a multidisciplinary approach.

Carl-Yoder’s mentees appreciate her encouragement, her ability to prioritize mentorship amid a full and demanding workload and her thoughtful, constructive feedback. They value her advice and counsel for how it shapes their approach to work, goal-setting and professional growth.

“Since I started at Brownstein, she has gone out of her way and above and beyond to provide advice, counsel and then take actionable steps to be a positive influence on my career and in my life,” said Policy Advisor and Associate John LaLime.

“I really enjoy having Samantha as a mentor—especially in the international space—because it’s a sector that I feel like not a lot of women are in,” said Policy Analyst Morgan Phillips. “Having a female mentor who was so successful during her time in the State Department and within Brownstein itself … has been really meaningful to me.”

“Samantha deserves this award because she’s the kind of boss that changes the trajectory of people’s careers and when she sees potential in someone, she really pushes them to make the most of that potential and excel in all aspects of the job,” said Policy Analyst Jack Hoyt.

Policy Director Nadeam Elshami, cochair of the firm’s Government Relations Department, said: “Her team cares deeply about her. She goes out of her way to make sure everyone is welcomed and everyone understands their role— that takes a lot of time.”

“Her impact is felt across her entire practice,” said Chief Talent Officer Margaux Trammell. “ No matter how busy she is, she always makes time to support, guide and advocate for others.”

Carl-Yoder was recognized at the firm’s 2025 All Attorney & Policy Retreat on Oct. 18. To see a video highlighting her accomplishments as a mentor, watch below.