Top 30 Woman 2015

Top 30 Influential Women of Houston

2015

VOLUME lV

3rd EDITION

2015 Name Title of Company Positiion

Name Title of Company Positiion

Name Title of Company Positiion

Top 30 Influential Women of Houston Directory

The 2015 Top 30 Influential Women of Houston

Dr. Selina M. Ahmed

Dr. Judith Craven

Interim Chair HSCS Department, Texas Southern University

Melanie Johnson, Ed.D. President and CEO, The Health Museum

Devon Anderson District Attorney, Harris County District Attorney’s Office

Marian Harper

Susan A. McEldoon

President and General Manager, KHOU-TV

Dell Braunsdorf, M.D.

Joyce Tyler-Williams

Senior Vice President, Community Development – Houston/Galveston, Frost Bank

Camille Cash, M.D.

April Day, MBA

Tammy Harris

Vernita Harris

Winell Herron

Katie Mehnert

Associate Professor, Texas Southern University

Managing Partner, Houston Women’s Obstetrical and Gynecological Associates

President, Women’s Business Enterprise Alliance

Petria McKelvey

Group Vice President, Public Affairs, President, IMPACT Strategies Consultants, LLC Diversity and Environmental Affairs, H-E-B

Dr. Felecia M. Nave

Provost & Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Prairie View A&M University

Founder and CEO, Pink Petro

Liliana L. Rambo, CAPP Director of Parking Services, Houston Airport System

Jennifer Yen, M.D.

Nannette Ray, MBA

Chief Performance Officer, Medical Information Records, LLC

Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, University of Houston Medical School & Baylor College of Medicine

Jessica Farrar

State Representative, Texas House District 148

Wanda Thornton Mott, M.D. Stephanie Nellons-Paige

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Camille G. Cash, M.D.

Founder & Trainer, Soul Grooves® Fitness

Dr. Kamala Raghavan, CFF, CGMA, CFP

CEO and Founder, Texas Women’s Empowerment Foundation International

Medical Director, Behavioral Health, Amerigroup

Vice President, Foundation Development, Houston Astros

CEO, Precision Medical Billing, Inc.

Deavra A. Daughtry

Past President, The United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast

Dr. Krista Olson

Faculty Surgeon, Baylor Facial Plastic Surgery Center

Mary Redmond

Owner/Operator, Redmond Management McDonald’s

LaShonda Pierce and NaKeitha Ross I.C.O.N. Women’s Organization

Senior Director Metro Engagement & Relations, USA Funds

Dr. Marla Fielder, R.Ph

Director of Pharmacy, The Kroger Company-Southwest Division

Heather Holland

Manager, Supplier Diversity & Local Participation, TransCanada

Erma Palmer

CEO, Autos R Us Collision Center

Theresa Roemer

Lifestyle Expert, Philanthropist & CEO, Theresa Roemer, LLC

Page Parkes Founder and Owner, Page Parkes Center of Modeling & Acting

Samille Frazier-Savoie Executive Director, The BES Group, Inc.

Connie Kwan-Wong

Founder, Connie Kwan-Wong Charitable Foundation & Publisher, CKW LUXE Magazine

Crystal Perkins

Founder & CEO, My Legacy Foundation

Kim Gagne

Supervising Producer, Steve Harvey

Raquelle Lewis

Manager, Communications/ Public Information, TxDOT - Houston District

Letitia D. Quiñones

Criminal Defense Attorney, Quiñones & Associates, P.L.L.C.

Lina Sabouni, AIA NCARB Rhonda Skillern-Jones Principal, AUTOARCH Architects, LLC

Board of Education President, District II Trustee, Houston Independent School District

Congratulations 2015 Top 30 Influential Women of Houston

d-mars.com Top 30 Influential Women of Houston

Message From the President & CEO

MR. D-MARS “You may not always have a comfortable life, and you will not always be able to solve all of the world’s problems at once, but don’t ever underestimate the importance you can have, because history has shown us that courage can be contagious, and hope can take on a life of its own.”

- First Lady Michelle Obama

Women today have more opportunities than they did before, so it’s always an inspiration to see successful women who have beat the odds.

It’s especially inspiring to see successful women paying it forward to the community and empowering and encouraging one another. The d-mars.com Top 30 Influential Women of Houston honorees amaze me and have me in awe of their numerous accomplishments, whether it be in their professional lives or whether they are making positive change in their communities. Our honorees are accomplished and have impressive resumes and achievements that will inspire you on your path to success.

In addition to their professional achievements, their humble spirit is what truly makes them influential and worthy of recognition. We at d-mars.com celebrate women in the areas of medicine, finance, business and countless other areas. Our honorees are truly influential in their own right and are the epitome of women’s empowerment. I am proud of these women and encouraged and inspired by them. We at d-mars.com choose to honor them with the Top 30 Influential Women of Houston directory.

Sincerely,

Keith J. Davis, Sr. President & CEO d-mars.com

Top 30 Influential Women of Houston 2015

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“A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be.”

- Rosalynn Carter, First Lady (1977-1981)

“If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman.”

-Margaret Thatcher

I continue to stay encouraged and inspired by the leadership of some of the great women in our city. I am proud to live among some of the most elite leaders who are inspiring individuals by living as lights and opening doors for the next generation. It is an honor that d-mars. com can shed light on some of the most influential women in Houston. The d-mars.com Top 30 Influential Women of Houston honorees are true examples of leadership. Their leadership is not only evident by their stellar reputations in their various areas of expertise, but by the marks they leave in the communities in which they live.

This dynamic and influential group of women are from diverse backgrounds and have overcome various obstacles. Though these women have differences, they have the power of influence in common. The d-mars.com Top 30 Influential Women of Houston honorees are influential not only because of their achievements, but also their willingness to take risks. These women have created their own way and have made their permanent mark in their respective areas of expertise. Though these women have exceeded expectations, they are still consistently reaching for greatness. This is what makes them influential.

d-mars.com continues to provide a necessary platform for positive female influencers to receive the recognition they truly deserve.

These honorees show that no matter your background, race, color or creed, success is possible. The Top 30 Influential Women of Houston is a tradition for the d-mars.com family and the community.

These women have set the standard and raised the bar when it comes to leadership. d-mars.com celebrates you and finds it a privilege to put you on a platform where you can shine. Keep up the great work!

Words cannot express how proud I am to live in Houston and to know I live in a city where some of the most dynamic women reside. These women are shining examples of what can happen if you don’t give in to feelings of doubt or insecurity and continue to pursue your goals and dreams, no matter what anyone says. dmars.com is proud to recognize these trailblazers as some of the most influential women in our city.

Sincerely,

Sincerely,

Kevin “Brother D-MARS” Davis Senior Vice President d-mars.com

Ms. Kimberly Floyd Vice President d-mars.com

Staff: Rockie Hayden, Angel Rosa, Eugenie Doualla, Andrea Hennekes, Booker T. “Pops D-MARS” Davis, Jr., Louis “LC” Poullard, Dawn Paul, Jazmine Bacon, Lindsey Ford, Johnny Davis 2

Top 30 Influential Women of Houston 2015

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d-mars.com Top 30 Influential Women of Houston SPECIAL GUEST

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Honorable Ivy R. Taylor.................... Mayor of San Antonio......................................................................................................................................................... 7

ICONS Dr. Selina M. Ahmed.............................. Texas Southern University................................................................................................................................................. 14 Dr. Judith Craven................................... The United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast............................................................................................................................ 18 Deavra A. Daughtry............................... Texas Women’s Empowerment Foundation International.................................................................................................... 20 State Representative Jessica Farrar ........ Texas House District 148................................................................................................................................................... 22 Melanie Johnson, Ed.D.......................... The Health Museum: John P. McGovern Museum of Health and Medical Science................................................................ 24 Susan A. McEldoon ............................... KHOU-TV......................................................................................................................................................................... 26 Wanda Thornton Mott, M.D................... Houston Women’s Obstetrical and Gynecological Associates.............................................................................................. 28 Stephanie D. Nellons-Paige.................... USA Funds....................................................................................................................................................................... 30 Page Parkes........................................... Page Parkes Center of Modeling & Acting.......................................................................................................................... 32

HONOREES Devon Anderson.................................... Harris County District Attorney’s Office.............................................................................................................................. 34 Dell H. Braunsdorf, M.D......................... Amerigroup...................................................................................................................................................................... 36 Camille Cash, M.D................................. Camille G. Cash, M.D., Aesthetic Plastic Surgery ............................................................................................................... 38 April Day............................................... Women’s Business Enterprise Alliance............................................................................................................................... 40 Dr. Marla Fielder, R.Ph........................... The Kroger Co. - Southwest Division.................................................................................................................................. 42 Samille Frazier-Savoie, LPCS, LCDC, NCC... The BES Group, Inc........................................................................................................................................................... 44 Kim Gagne............................................ Steve Harvey ................................................................................................................................................................ 46 Marian Harper ...................................... Houston Astros................................................................................................................................................................. 48 Tammy Harris........................................ Soul Grooves®Fitness...................................................................................................................................................... 50 Vernita Harris........................................ IMPACT Strategies Consultants, LLC.................................................................................................................................. 52 Winell Herron ....................................... H-E-B............................................................................................................................................................................... 54 Heather Holland ................................... TransCanada.................................................................................................................................................................... 56 Connie Kwan-Wong ............................. CKW LUXE Magazine..................................................................................................................................................... 58 Raquelle Lewis...................................... Tx-DOT - Houston District................................................................................................................................................. 60 Petria McKelvey..................................... Precision Medical Billing, Inc............................................................................................................................................. 62 Katie Walthall Mehnert ......................... Pink Petro......................................................................................................................................................................... 64 Dr. Felecia M. Nave................................ Prairie View A&M University.............................................................................................................................................. 66 Krista L. Olson, M.D............................... Baylor Facial Plastic Surgery Center................................................................................................................................... 70 Erma Palmer.......................................... Autos R Us Collision Center.............................................................................................................................................. 72 Crystal Perkins....................................... My Legacy Foundation...................................................................................................................................................... 74 Letitia D. Quiñones................................ Quiñones & Associates, P.L.L.C.......................................................................................................................................... 76 Dr. Kamala Raghavan…………………Texas Southern University................................................................................................................................................ 78 Liliana L. Rambo.................................... Houston Airport System ................................................................................................................................................... 80 Nannette Ray, MBA............................... Medical Information Records, LLC..................................................................................................................................... 84 Mary Redmond .................................... Redmond Management-McDonald’s................................................................................................................................. 86 Theresa Roemer ................................... Theresa Roemer, LLC......................................................................................................................................................... 88 Lina Sabouni......................................... AUTOARCH Architects, LLC............................................................................................................................................... 90 Rhonda Skillern-Jones........................... Houston Independent School District (HISD)...................................................................................................................... 92 Joyce Tyler-Williams............................... Frost Bank........................................................................................................................................................................ 94 Jennifer Yen, M.D................................... UH Medical School, Baylor College of Medicine & Author.................................................................................................. 96

UNITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD LaShonda Pierce and NaKeitha Ross...... I.C.O.N. Women’s Organization......................................................................................................................................... 98 Top 30 Influential Women of Houston 2015

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Top 30 Influential Women of Houston 2015

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The Honorable Ivy R. Taylor Mayor of San Antonio

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vy R. Taylor is a history maker.

She was elected Mayor of San Antonio, Texas, on June 13, 2015. Mayor Taylor is the first African-American elected to this position.

Prior to that, she was appointed to the office of Mayor in July, 2014, to fulfill Julian Castro’s unexpired term. She had served as the District 2 City Council Representative for a total of five years, beginning with her election in June, 2009.

Mayor Taylor began her career working for the City of San Antonio in the Housing and Community Development Department and the Neighborhood Action Department. While at the City, she worked with a variety of neighborhood associations, developers and nonprofit organizations in order to facilitate inner city redevelopment. After six years, she left employment with the City of San Antonio to become Vice President at Merced Housing Texas. At Merced, she worked to create and implement programs to improve family stability for apartment community residents. For six years, Mayor Taylor also lectured at UTSA in the Public Administration Department.

During her tenure on the City Council and as Mayor, she has remained focused on balanced growth throughout this city and targeted investment in areas where opportunities have been limited. She led the effort to bring over $50 million in federal funding for revitalization of San Antonio’s Eastside.

As Mayor, she and the City Council worked with San Antonio Water Systems to achieve unanimous approval for the Vista Ridge Water Supply project, which will help ensure water supply for this growing city.

(SADA). Mayor Taylor completed the Leadership San Antonio class sponsored by the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce. She was also acknowledged by the San Antonio Business Journal as a “Rising Star” in their “40 under 40” class in 2004.

Mayor Taylor’s achievement makes a great statement in a city that has a large Hispanic population. Mayor Taylor sees her leadership role as a way to inspire the next generation. There are many young African-Americans that feel like their choices are limited, but Mayor Taylor, being the first elected AfricanAmerican Mayor of San Antonio, will inspire them to believe that anything is possible with hard work.

Mayor Taylor currently serves on the board for Healthy Futures of Texas and Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas.

She has served on the City’s Planning Commission and as a Commissioner for the City’s Urban Renewal Agency Mayor Taylor knows that San Antonio

has provided many people with amazing opportunities. Mayor Taylor’s leadership as the Mayor of San Antonio will help the San Antonio community continue to build and grow.

Mayor Taylor obtained a Master’s Degree in City and Regional Planning from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1998. In 1992, she received a Bachelor’s Degree from Yale University.

Mayor Taylor is a devoted wife and a mother.

The Honorable Ivy R. Taylor Mayor of San Antonio City Hall 100 Military Plaza San Antonio, TX 78205 Mayor.IvyTaylor@sanantonio.gov Top 30 Influential Women of Houston 2015

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2013 Top 30 Influential Women of Houston ICON HONOREES: Dr. Patricia Brock – Founder & Chairman Emeritus, Medical Bridges Donna Cole – President & CEO, Cole Chemical & Distributing, Inc. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee – 18th Congressional District of Texas

HONOREES: Nargis Ahmed – Director, Muslim Democratic Caucus of Texas Maria Moncada Alaoui – General Manager, Momentum BMW West State Rep Carol Alvarado – Texas House District 145 Rhonda C. Arnold – Director of Community Relations, Houston Airport System Lisa Ashley – Director, Corporate Communications, Port of Houston Authority Karen Becerra – Chief Operations Officer/Principal, The Principle Partnering Group, LLC Dr. Heather Brown – Owner & Orthodontist, Dr. Heather Brown Orthodontics Madeline Burillo, Ed.D. – Associate Vice Chancellor, Houston Community College Helen Callier – President, Bradlink, LLC Emelda Douglas – SVP and Chief Development Officer, Neighborhood Centers, Inc. Wilma J. Evans – President, North Houston Frontiers Club & Managing Partner, DeMand Staffing & Consulting, LLC Christina Robinson Grochett – Chief Strategist for Innovation and Research, Lone Star College 8

Top 30 Influential Women of Houston 2015

Dr. Irishea Hilliard – COO & Pastor, New Light Christian Center Church Carla Lane – President & CEO, Lane Staffing Shara McClure – Vice President Network Management, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas Catherine Mitchell – COO, Amerigroup Marlene Petry, RN, MSN – SVP, GP Industrial Contractors, Inc. Eva Pickens - Associate Vice President, University Advancement - Communications & Marketing, Texas Southern University Vanessa Reed – Assistant Vice President, South Texas CRA Manager Corporate Public Affairs & Community Reinvestment, Comerica Bank Susan Repka – Executive Director, Women Contractors Association Dr. Jonita Wallace Reynolds – Chief Executive Officer, Gulf Coast Community Services Association (GCCSA) Kandice Rose – Founder, Pretty Girls with Cancer Jamilah Shami – Project Manager, Farouk Systems, Inc. Melinda Spaulding – Anchor, Fox 26 KRIV-TV Dr. Angela Sturm – Facial Plastic Surgeon, Facial Plastic Surgery Associates Dr. Ka-Ron Y. Wade, BS, RN, BSN, DDS – Cosmetic and Neuromuscular Dentist, Cosmetic Dental Texas Cynthia Wenz – President & CEO, The Source for Women Nicole C. West – President, NCA Investigations Dr. Anjanette Wyatt – Pharmacy Manager, President & CEO, Clinical Care Pharmacy, LLC Judge Mimi Yam – United States Immigration Court

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2014 Top 30 Influential Women of Houston ICON HONOREES: State Senator Sylvia Garcia, Texas Senate Karen E. Jackson – Founder/CEO, Sisters Network, Inc.

HONOREES: Dr. Lacey Brooks – Audiologist/Regional Manager Houston, Hearing Aid Express Latoya Bullard-Franklin – Chief Executive Officer, The Bulsard Group Marian Cabanilla, MBA – Vice President Marketing, UnitedHealthcare Shern-Min Chow – Anchor, KHOU 11 Sonia Clayton – President & CEO, Virtual Intelligence Providers, LLC Pamela Ellis – Chief Executive Officer, Smahrt Solutions Sonia Guimbellot – Director/Secretary, World Chamber of Commerce, Texas Joanie Y. Hare, M.D. – Physician, Houston Perinatal Associates Nikki Elizabeth Hart – President & Owner, inMotion Marketing Group Miranda Horn – Vice President, Industrial Welding Academy Judge Maria T. Jackson – 339th District Court Justina Mann – Chief Procurement Officer, Houston Airport Systems 10

Top 30 Influential Women of Houston 2015

CleRenda McGrady – TV Host, Thryv360 Sharon Murphy – Founding Partner, McConnell Jones Lanier and Murphy Kim Ogg – Attorney, Ogg Law Firm Carrie Poole – Chief Executive Officer, Professional Career Training Institute Ronda M. Prince – Chief Operations Officer, Rap-A-Lot Records Maria Rios - President & CEO, Nation Waste, Inc. Dr. Docia Rudley – Executive Director for Academic Assessment, Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law Neeta Sane – Board Chair/Trustee District VII, Houston Community College Thelma Scott – Founder & CEO, Barbara Jordan Endeavors Dr. Alison Scott Cuillier – Owner/Dentist, Lasting Impressions Dental Group Sonya M. Sloan, M.D. – Orthopedic Surgeon Laurie Vignaud – Senior Vice President, Capital One Bank Barbara Walker-Green – Financial Advisor, Advanced Wealth & Retirement, LLC Reva Witherspoon – Vice President, Marketing, Amerigroup Mia K. Wright – Co-Pastor, The Fountain of Praise Carlecia D. Wright – Director, City of Houston Office of Business Opportunity Dr. Betty Young – Educator

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Dr. Selina M. Ahmed Associate Professor at Texas Southern University a Hunger Relief Program for Bangladesh.

Dr. Ahmed has also received several nominations and awards in the Houston Peace Network for the Lifetime Service/ Outstanding Local Person at the Fourth Annual Peace and Justice Award Event.

She has also received the Texas Southern University National Achievement Award (1993-1994) for her exceptional work in education and humanitarian service, which earned her recognition from former Texas Governor Ann Richards and former Houston Mayor Bob Lanier.

Dr. Ahmed served as the Interim Director of the Mickey Leland Center on World Hunger and Peace at Texas Southern University for four years, and she is on the advisory board of the Institute of International Education, the Houston Area Model United Nations and Planned Parenthood. She founded the Annual Childhood Obesity Conference in the Human Services and Consumer Services department at Texas Southern University 12 years ago. She currently serves on the board for the Asia Society Texas Center. In this capacity, she continues her work to serve the community through education about issues of hunger, Dr. Selina M. Ahmed peace and refugees. She is also a board Associate Professor member with Kid-Care, an organization Interim Chair HSCS Department that provides meals for underprivileged children. She has worked to bring world (Former Director Of Mickey Leland Center) leaders in the peace movement to Texas Texas Southern University Southern University and Houston, such 3100 Cleburne Ave. as the Dalai Lama and Dr. Nafis Sadik. Dr. Houston, TX 77004 Ahmed hopes to educate her community 713-313-7636 | www.tsu.edu | ahmed_sm@tsu.edu and the world about hunger and peace issues, and she dedicates her life to elina Ahmed was born in Consumer Sciences. She has also finding solutions to the problems of hunger, Bangladesh. In 1973, Texas served as an Administrative Clinical Woman’s University in Denton, Dietitian for Methodist Hospital and as homelessness and inadequate health care.

Texas, conferred upon her a a Research Fellow in the area of Space Along with her accomplishments, as a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Human Nutrition at NASA Johnson Space Center. community leader, program consultant, Nutrition.

Dr Ahmed’s other community and professor and a researcher, the most Since August of 1975, she has taught professional services include serving as noted and rewarding of all, has been the Nutrition as an Associate Professor President of the Bangladesh Association international fare and ethnicity given to at Texas Southern University in the of Houston and working with former foods for future long duration missions Department of Human Services and Congressman Mickey Leland to develop in space.

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Dr. Judith Craven, AVEN, M.D., M.P.H. Past President of the United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast

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r. Judith Craven is the past president of the United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast, the fourth largest United Way in the country, in terms of dollars raised.

Dr. Craven led this organization that raised over $60 million dollars annually.

Under her leadership, the United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast also utilized thousands of volunteers through more than 250 programs and 82 agencies in Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery and Waller County and in the Bay Area.

Dr. Craven, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, holds a B.S. degree in Biology and English from Bowling Green State University.

She attended Texas Southern University, where she fulfilled her premedical 18

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served on many local, state and national boards, some of which have been the Board of Directors of Belo Corporation, the Texas Medical Center, the University of Texas Board of Regents (Houston Branch), Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, the Better Business Bureau, the Houston Convention Center Hotel Board of Directors and the American Red Cross. Dr. Craven presently serves on the Corporate Board of Directors of Sun America Funds, Luby’s, Inc., Sysco Corporation and Valic Corporation. Dr. Craven also serves on the Board of Directors of the Souper Bowl of Caring. Her current volunteer, community and civic involvement includes serving as a member of the Philosophical Society of Texas, Houston Links, Inc., the National Council of Negro Women, the NAACP, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Associate Member of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. (Houston Chapter), Girl Friends, Inc. (Houston Chapter) and Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ.

Dr. Craven has received numerous awards and honors, including Women on the Move Award, YWCA Outstanding Women Award, Outstanding Young Women of America Award, NAACP VIP Award for Community Service, Houston’s Thirty Most Influential Black Women Award, Fellow in American Leadership Forum and induction into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame. Dr. Craven is married, and she is the mother of two daughters.

requirements, and she then went on to earn a Doctor of Medicine from Baylor College of Medicine and a Master of Public Health from the University of Texas School of Public Health.

Dr. Craven’s past professional appointments include Chief of Anesthesia for Riverside General Hospital, Chief of Family Health Services and Director of Public Health for the City of Houston Health Department, Dean of the University of Texas School of Allied Health Sciences and Vice President for Multicultural Affairs for the University of Texas Health Science Center. In addition, she also served as a Major in the United States Judith Craven, AVEN, M.D., M.P.H. Medical Reserve Corps.

Past President Dr. Craven has held many offices and The United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast

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CONGRATULATIONS DR. JUDITH L. CRAVEN, MD © y y ±y ±y ±y ±y y y y y y y y y y y y ª t y y y y y ¢y e.9y~zy³# q #e³© yt. #

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Deavra A. Daughtry CEO and Founder of the Texas Women’s Empowerment Foundation International tools toward achieving and maintaining a true sense of empowerment—being inspired to reach their personal and professional goals. In 2006, Daughtry developed the Empowerment Community Center, where she utilized her personal resources and invested $800,000 for construction. Through the Empowerment Center, she has impacted over 100,000 lives, sponsoring many free seminars and workshops. Additionally, she continues to make a difference in the youth of the community through her donation of $100,000 in scholarships.

Daughtry holds a Doctor of Divinity degree and a Doctor of Humanity degree from Logos Christian College and Graduate School. She serves on the board of directors for several local, national and international organizations. She has published three books, with a best seller, “Purpose to Blessings.” Daughtry’s main mission in life is making a difference in the lives of others. She is most proud of her greatest role as mother to her two beautiful children, Chaz and Ebone.

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eavra A. Daughtry, President and CEO of Excellent Care Management, one of the nation’s largest personal inhome care agencies, started as a sole proprietorship, now employs over 700 people throughout the Greater Houston area. Daughtry hails from Houston, Texas, and has overcome tremendous odds to emerge as one of the most influential business women and philanthropists in the area. Sharing her compassion and skills, she has trained over 10,000 healthcare employees. An innovative and

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diverse business woman and passionate philanthropist, she is the CEO of Excellent Care Management, Excel E Care Home Health Care and Purpose to Blessing Productions. She is also the Owner and President of Platinum Results Marketing Deavra A. Daughtry and International Décor & Events.

CEO and Founder Daughtry is a founder extraordinaire, hav- Texas Women’s Empowerment ing formed a successful foundation–TexFoundation International as Women’s Empowerment Foundation International that has been in operation 9516 North Freeway since 2002. This foundation serves as Houston, TX 77037 a catalyst where families gain necessary www.twef.org

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Congratulations to Houston’s

Top 30 Influential Women and 2015 Icon Honorees!

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t is my highest honor to recognize and thank tonight’s award recipients for your contributions to Houston.

You are amazing women who are bringing honor, dignity and wisdom to our city and making life better for all Houstonians, Texans and Americans.

I am grateful for your service and wish you the best on this special night.

Pol. adv. Sylvester Turner Campaign, David Mincberg, Treasurer

Warm regards,

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State Representative Jessica Farrar Texas House District 148 served as the Leader of the Texas House Democratic Caucus.

Representative Farrar works extensively on issues related to: • Women’s Health • Children’s Healthcare • Education • Environment • Transportation • Electric Utilities, Telecommunications, Energy Production, Pipelines • Insurance • Immigration • GLBT Equality • Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Representative Farrar grew up in Houston. She received a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Houston and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Texas School of Law. She is married to Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Marco Sanchez, who is a practicing attorney.

They live in Houston’s Lindale Park neighborhood with their dogs, Cricket, Gator and Possum.

J

essica Farrar is currently in her eleventh term as State Representative of District 148. She was first elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 1994 at the age of 27, and she is the longest serving Hispanic member from Harris County in the Texas House of Representatives.

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Representative Farrar currently serves as the Vice-Chair of the House Committee on Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence and is a member on the House Committee on State Affairs. In addition, Representative Farrar serves as the Chairwoman of the Texas House Women’s Health Caucus.

During the 82nd Legislative session, she

State Representative Jessica Farrar Texas House District 148 P.O. Box 30099 Houston, TX 77249 713-691-6912

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Melanie Johnson, Ed.D. President and CEO of The Health Museum: John P. McGovern Museum of Health and Medical Science Forbes magazine. She was selected for the Center for Houston’s Leadership Think Tank (2014). Further, she is the 2015 recipient of the Pierre and Marie Curie Award for Humanities and the Ivy League Charitable Education Foundation Award for one of the City of Houston’s Best Educators.

She has been employed as a senior executive for various types of educational institutions. Prior to arriving at Space Center Houston, Dr. Johnson held the position as Director of Faculty Development for the Art Institute of Houston. In this position, she trained faculty from various disciplines to employ best practices in teaching and to implement strategies to help first-year college students to persist in college enrollment.

Melanie Johnson, Ed.D. President and CEO The Health Museum: John P. McGovern Museum of Health and Medical Science 1515 Hermann Drive Houston, TX 77004 713-337-8444 | mjohnson@thehealthmuseum.org | www.thehealthmuseum.org

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r. Melanie Johnson is an exceptional visionary and change agent for educationfocused entities. She currently serves as the President and CEO for The Health Museum (THM) in Houston, TX. She comes to The Health Museum as the first African-American to hold a senior position in the history of the Museum District in Houston. She previously served as the Director of Education for NASA’s Space Center Houston, where she managed a staff of up to 50 educators, counselors and exhibit staff since her arrival in 2008. She is a strong fiscal and programmatic leader 24

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who oversees net assets of more than $24 million by developing effective programs with researched-based methodologies.

Dr. Johnson’s effectiveness was recently recognized by the largest association for museums when she was awarded the esteemed Nancy Hanks Award for Professional Excellence out of 5,000 annual museum participants representing 50 countries, including the Smithsonian. She was recently interviewed for an upcoming episode of the Travel Channel’s “Mysteries at the Museum,” as she presented facts about the Faith 7 Mercury capsule. She was featured on Radio Disney’s “Backyard” segment and

As head of the Department for Developmental Education at Galveston College, Dr. Johnson’s leadership was the catalyst that launched the department into a synchronized division that was fully funded and staffed with the college’s first ever, developmental education learning community under the Title V – Hispanic-Serving Institutions Grant. She served on the President’s Task Force for Wage Equality, developed the college’s first Associate for Arts in Teaching (AAT) degree program in conjunction with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and organized the gulf coast region’s first Developmental Education Conference.

Her education credentials include a Bachelor’s degree in International Business/ French from Auburn University (Auburn, Alabama), followed by a Masters of Hospitality Management (MHM) and a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction (Ed. D.). Hence, she has served in a leadership capacity for informal education, pre-K through high school, post-secondary and remedial education, and she has impacted thousands of lives in the state of Texas.

Dr. Johnson is a recipient of the 2015 dmars.com Trailblazer HMWP Award. Dr. Johnson is married to Bruce Johnson, her spouse for 23 years, and they have two sons.

d-mars.com Top 30 Influential Women of Houston

Explore What It Means To Be Human FIELD TRIPS

Book a DeBakey Cell Lab field trip at The Health Museum! Let your class suit up like a real scientist with a lab coat, gloves and goggles and get up close and personal with cellular biology.

Visit thehealthmuseum.org/fieldtrip for more information and reservations.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES

Make this birthday one they’ll never forget! Book a CELLebrity Birthday Party at The Health Museum. Get a private party room and private access to DeBakey Cell Lab where your party guests can conduct real experiments with authentic lab equipment and go far beyond typical science demonstrations!

Visit thehealthmuseum.org/birthdayparty for details and pricing.

LABOR DAY FUN: UPTOWN SLOWDOWN SEPT. 7, 2015 Join The Health Museum for an exciting Labor Day community event recognizing the importance of therapeutic rest, music, laughter, great food, and connecting families! Get jumping on bounce houses and dance to live music outside, and indulge in relaxing activities with a focus on mental health. Uptown Slowdown is an event that will help families to find balance and get centered.

Visit thehealthmuseum.org for more information.

1515 Hermann Drive, Houston, Texas 77004-7126 Main 713-521-1515 Fax 713-526-1434 www.thehealthmuseum.org

Top 30 Influential Women of Houston 2015

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d-mars.com Top 30 Influential Women of Houston

Susan A. McEldoon President and General Manager of KHOU-TV Board Chair for the Houston Chapter of the American Red Cross.

In 2008, she was recognized as Broadcasting & Cable magazine’s General Manager of the Year. McEldoon’s additional awards and recognitions include, but are not limited to: • Houston Women’s Chamber Breakthrough Woman Award - 2009 • Houston Women’s Chamber Hall of Fame Inductee - 2010 • Houston Woman Magazine 50 Most Influential Women Award - 2012 • Denver Advertising Federation’s Advertising Professional of the Year Award • American Advertising Federation’s Ad Club of the Year Award • Media Alliance of Houston Star Award for TV Station Manager - 2010, 2012 and 2015

Susan A. McEldoon President and General Manager KHOU-TV 1945 Allen Parkway Houston, TX 77019 713-521-4334 | www.khou.com | smceldoon@khou.com

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usan McEldoon is President and General Manager of KHOUTV, a TEGNA Media subsidiary and an affiliate TV station of the CBS Television Network. She joined KHOU in 2004 as Director of Sales and in 2006 was named Vice President/Station Manager. In November 2007, she was promoted to her current position as President and General Manager.

McEldoon is a 25 year veteran of tel26

Top 30 Influential Women of Houston 2015

KHOU-TV is one of the most decorated TV stations in the country. While under McEldoon’s leadership, the station has been recognized with numerous local, regional and national journalistic awards, including two of the industry’s top honors… the prestigious Alfred I. DuPont-Columbia University Award and the Edward R. Murrow Award for Overall Station Excellence.

McEldoon holds a BA in Communications from the University of Missouri/Kansas City and an MBA from The Ohio State University. She completed the National Association of Broadcasters’ Management Development Program for Television Executives at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management in 2007, and she is a Spring 2010 graduate of the Center for Houston’s Future Business/ Civic Leadership Forum.

evision station management. Her experience includes leadership positions at network-owned stations, as well as other media groups. She has held posts with NBC in Denver, CBS in Chicago and the Dispatch Broadcast Group in McEldoon and her husband of 32 Columbus, Ohio. years, Nick Smeloff, have three chilMcEldoon has been an active member dren and five grandchildren. Their of her community throughout her career. hobbies include traveling, boating, bikShe currently serves on the Board of the ing, reading and spending time with Greater Houston Partnership and is the their family and friends.

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d-mars.com Top 30 Influential Women of Houston

Wanda Thornton Mott, M.D. Managing Partner of Houston Women’s Obstetrical and Gynecological Associates Medical Society • Board Member of the NAACP (Houston Branch) • Silver Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated • Chair of City-Wide Safe Motherhood Initiative (Missouri City Chapter of The Links, Incorporated) • African-American Business Achievement Pinnacle Award • Texas Women’s Empowerment Award • IMPACT Award Wanda Thornton Mott, M.D. Managing Partner Houston Women’s Obstetrical and Gynecological Associates 6651 Fannin, Suite F1500 Houston, TX 77030 713-797-1144

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r. Wanda Thornton Mott is Managing Partner for the Houston Women’s Obstetrical and Gynecological Associates, and she has practiced as a board certified obstetrician and gynecologist in Texas for more than 20 years in the Texas Medical Center. As a gynecological clinician and surgeon, her hallmarks include educating patients and providing cutting edge medical and surgical care. She was the fifth gynecologist to be certified in the pain free treatment of fibroids with MRguided ultrasound surgery. Dr. Mott is experienced in minimally invasive surgery, laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, robotic and NovaSure.

• Circle of Friends Award • Edith Award • Woman on the Move Award Soaring • Award

Achievement

in

Medicine

• Top Docs in Houston Award

Medical Association. Since 2006, she • Living Legend in Health Care Award has received the Top Doc and Super Doc • Maimonides Award of Excellence in Awards from Texas Monthly magazine.

Medicine

Dr. Mott is sought after on local, national and international lecture circuits for her talks on nutrition, women’s health, teen sexuality, teen pregnancy and hormone replacement therapy. In 1990, she served as an invited lecturer on Women’s Health Care Concerns: Self Care Obstetrics and Gynecology at the 1st Sino-American Conference on Women’s Issues in Beijing, China. Most recently, she gave the keynote address “Remembering Our Health” for the 2008 BET Foundation’s Women’s Health Symposium in Houston, and she served as a As a world renowned leader and expert panelist on Reclaiming Good Health at in her field, Dr. Mott was recognized by the 2008 Metamorphosis Women’s Emher peers and received the America’s powerment Conference in Houston.

Top Obstetrician and Gynecologist Award Dr. Mott serves in the following capaciin 2011. She serves as an Assistant ties, and she has received the following Clinical Professor at the Baylor College accolades, including: of Medicine and as a Clinical Instructor for the University of Texas Medical School • Medical Director for the Homeless in Houston. Additionally, Dr. Mott chairs Health Clinic at Trinity East United Meththe National Committee on Public Health odist Church

• Women of Distinction in Medicine Award • Houston Woman Magazine Community Angel Award

Dr. Mott was appointed to President Clinton’s Council on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention and received a nomination to the Texas Hall of Fame by the late Texas Governor Ann Richards. Dr. Mott is a member of Phi Beta Kappa, and she is a magna cum laude graduate of Smith College.

She received her medical degree and residency training at Baylor College of Medicine in the Texas Medical Center.

Dr. Mott is a proud Houstonian and a product of Houston schools. She is also a member of Windsor Village United Methodist Church. Dr. Mott is married to William Russell, an automobile executive, and they are the proud parents of three sons and three daughters, Manning, Malik, William, Jamel, Renee, and Consumer Affairs for the National • Co-Founder of the Mary Susan Moore Veronica and Nia. 28

Top 30 Influential Women of Houston 2015

d-mars.com Top 30 Influential Women of Houston

Top 30 Influential Women of Houston 2015

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d-mars.com Top 30 Influential Women of Houston

Stephanie D. Nellons-Paige Senior Director of Metro Engagement & Relations at USA Funds improved the daily lives of millions of students around the country.

Committed to student success, she serves on the board of Ancora Education, which is the governing board for Arizona Automotive Institute, Platt College and South-Texas Vocational Technical Institute. She was recently appointed to the Can! Academy Education Foundation board of directors.

Fiercely dedicated to social and civic involvement, she is an active volunteer at the Roderick Paige Elementary School, conducting the life skill etiquette curriculum program for students, fondly known as eClub. She is a member of the Houston Lemonade Day board of directors, The Links, Incorporated, and she is a Diamond Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She was appointed by the national president of Delta to serve on the sorority’s Strategic Partnership Task Force and was also appointed by the national president of The Links to serve on their Catalyzing Community Committee. Her personal Stephanie D. Nellons-Paige time, knowledge and resources are used to Senior Director mentor her Young People’s Party aka YPP, Metro Engagement & Relations a group of young women and men around USA Funds the country. Her motivational and empowsnellonspaige@usafunds.org | www.usafunds.org erment initiatives have also catapulted her into the realm of serving as a keynote and Inaugural in its status for USA Funds, this ecently appointed USA Funds’ Senior Director, portfolio will provide youth in at-risk situa- commencement speaker.

Stephanie D. Nellons-Paige tions, as well as youth who are disconnect- A proud Baltimore native, she earned her spearheads Metro Engage- ed, with work-based learning solutions with Bachelor of Science degree in Urban Studment and Relations in the Division of Na- several empowerment tenets, including ies and Master of Science degree in Transtional Engagement and Philanthropy. USA college and career readiness and college portation Management from Morgan State Funds’ mission statement is “Completion mentoring and coaching. This portfolio will University. She is one of 13 children from a with a purpose,” and she shares a key role directly impact the economic vitality of the less than privileged socio-economic status, in establishing partnerships to advance youth and the cities in which they reside. but she has a bountiful amount of love from

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their mission in metropolitan areas. Actively serving with USA Funds on this mission aligns concisely with her heart, as she completely endorses building purposeful paths for America’s students to complete college, have rewarding careers and live successful lives. She recently developed a multi-million dollar key education transition grant portfolio with community-based organizations and employer partnerships.

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Top 30 Influential Women of Houston 2015

As Co-Founder and President of Nellons Paige Group, Inc. and having served as a senior executive with several Fortune 500 companies, she has used her enterprising practical application and business development skillset as a catalyst to help major corporations generate over $500MM in revenue and residuals in the areas of transportation, food services and facilities maintenance. These services have greatly

both God and family. She is a member of Brentwood Baptist Church, and she is married to her best friend, the Honorable Rod Paige, U.S. Secretary of Education (20012005). With all her accomplishments, the role which she boasts about the most is being the proud mother of daughter, Danielle Rachel Robinson, a Spelman College graduate, who is a rising corporate executive and her fellow Link sister and soror.

d-mars.com Top 30 Influential Women of Houston

Top 30 Influential Women of Houston 2015

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d-mars.com Top 30 Influential Women of Houston

Page Parkes Founder and Owner of the Page Parkes Center of Modeling & Acting likely people, started by studying at the American School for Fashion Merchandising in Switzerland. Now, the Page Parkes Corporation is known worldwide for their keen instincts on discovering, developing and catapulting new talent to stardom through their world renowned development programs. The state-of-the-art development facilities provide students with the opportunity to learn and train in the modern industry environment.

Supported by a one-of-a-kind, handpicked staff, Parkes continues to ensure the system of ethics, scruples and the morally sound way of conducting business that remains the cornerstone of the corporation’s mission. With names like Channing Tatum, Amber Heard, Brooke Burns, Angelina Jolie, Alexis Bledel, Hilary Duff (to name a few) on the company’s resume, PPCMA continues to create future stars.

Some of Parkes’ accolades and memberships include: • Star of E! Network reality series SCOUTED!

Page Parkes Founder and Owner Page Parkes Center of Modeling & Acting

• Board Member - Better Business Bureau

Houston 1535 West Loop South, Suite #100

• Member - Child Advocates

Houston, TX 77027

• Member - Women in Film & Television

713-807-8200 | www.pageparkes.com

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or over a quarter of a century, the Page Parkes Center of Modeling & Acting has been highly acclaimed throughout the world as being the largest and most instrumental modeling and acting training facility in the Southwest United States. There has never been a shortage of beauty or talent in the world, nor has the world ever been lacking for interpretations of what those two words mean.

There has been, however, an inarguable deficiency of people who feel empowered to embrace how beautiful and talented they genuinely are.

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Top 30 Influential Women of Houston 2015

• Fashion Forum Award Winner Page Parkes is the founder and owner of the Page Parkes Center of Modeling & Acting (PPCMA). She has made a living scouring the earth in search of beautiful and talented people and has worked inexhaustibly to nurture and transform their self-identities, in hopes that their potential might be realized. While one could easily make assumptions about what kind of person Parkes might be, the truth is that most of those assumptions would be completely off the mark.

• Child Advocates Angels of Hope Honoree • Houston’s 50 Most Influential Women of the Year • Texas Motion Picture Alliance Honoree for lobbying efforts in Texas Legislature • Featured in Austin Monthly Magazine, Texas Monthly magazine and Small Business Today Magazine • Better Business Bureau Award for Excellence - Winner of Distinction 2012

Parkes, realizing early on that she had that uncanny knack for spotting talent in • Better Business Bureau Award for Exthe most unlikely places and most un- cellence - Pinnacle Winner 2013

d-mars.com Top 30 Influential Women of Houston

Top 30 Influential Women of Houston 2015

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d-mars.com Top 30 Influential Women of Houston

Devon Anderson District Attorney for the Harris County District Attorney’s Office Anderson earned her undergraduate and law degree from The University of Texas.

She is a graduate of the Career Prosecutors Course at the National College of District Attorneys. After she completed the course, the National College invited her back as a faculty adviser and trial advocacy instructor. Anderson has also taught continuing legal education classes for the State Bar of Texas and the Texas District and County Attorneys Association.

Active in the community, Anderson has served as President of the Board of Directors for the Harris County Drug Court Foundation. Anderson was also a member of the San Jacinto Republican Women and a volunteer for the Bellaire Girls Softball Association.

Anderson is now finishing what her late husband started at the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. Anderson is working tirelessly to restore honor and integrity to a place that has a storied past, and she is diligent in her efforts to make the Harris County District Attorney’s Office the best prosecutor’s office in the country.

Anderson grew up in Waco, Texas. She now lives in Bellaire with her son, Sam and her daughter, Brynn. They are members of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church.

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evon Anderson was appointed Harris County District Attorney in September 2013, and the voters of Harris County elected her in November 2014 to fulfill her late husband’s term.

Anderson was a prosecutor for 12 years at the Houston DA’s Office, trying some of the worst criminals. Anderson rose through the ranks of the office, prosecuting offenses at every level. She was a Chief Felony Prosecutor for 5 years and tried over 100 felony jury trials, including 7 capital murders.

In 2005, Anderson left the Harris County District Attorney’s Office after being elect34

Top 30 Influential Women of Houston 2015

ed to serve as State District Judge in the 177th Criminal District Court. Anderson also volunteered to supervise Drug Court, which is a special docket of non-violent offenders who struggle with substance abuse addictions. A poll conducted by the Houston Bar Association ranked Judge Anderson second among local criminal district judges in 2007.

Anderson left the bench and started her own criminal defense firm in 2009. Her firm’s focus was on the representation of citizens accused of state and federal criminal offenses. In November 2012, Anderson left her practice when her husband was elected Harris County District Attorney.

Devon Anderson District Attorney Harris County District Attorney’s Office 1201 Franklin, Suite 600 Houston, TX 77002 713-755-5800 DA@DAO.HCTX.NET http://app.dao.hctx.net/

d-mars.com Top 30 Influential Women of Houston

Top 30 Influential Women of Houston 2015

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d-mars.com Top 30 Influential Women of Houston

Dell H. Braunsdorf, M.D. Medical Director of Behavioral Health at Amerigroup Amerigroup members lead healthier lives.

Dr. Braunsdorf’s additional professional history and community involvement include: • Clear Creek Clinic • Gulf Coast Waste Disposal Authority • Chief Resident for Crisis and Outpatient Psychiatry • MHMRA for Galveston and Brazoria Counties • Consultant at Devereux • Chair of the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee • League of Women Voters • Texas Society of Psychiatric Physicians Dr. Braunsdorf is married to Captain Buckley Braunsdorf, and they have one daughter, Kathryn. In her free time she enjoys gardening, traveling, waterskiing and helping those who need a hand up, be they humans, canines or felines. Dr. Braunsdorf also loves the Dallas Cowboys!

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ell Harkey Braunsdorf is a native Texan, born in Dallas. She grew up in the Lake Dallas area and in the Clear Lake/NASA area. She attended local junior colleges, thanks to a scholarship from the Moody Foundation. Dr. Braunsdorf received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Houston (Cum Laude graduate), with concentration in Environmental Management, and she received her medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.

Dr. Braunsdorf has worked with adolescents, adults and geriatric patients in the inpatient, residential and outpatient settings, treating mental illness and substance use disorders.

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Top 30 Influential Women of Houston 2015

Early in her career, Dr. Braunsdorf worked in pollution control for several years.

She also helped implement a conflict resolution model for locating waste management sites. Dr. Braunsdorf has served as Associate Medical Director of Behavioral Health at Optum. While in that role, she was one of the principle designers, and she helped implement the company’s first medical-behavioral integration program.

Currently, Dr. Braunsdorf is Medical Director of Behavioral Health at Amerigroup (Anthem) for Texas and Nevada.

At Amerigroup, Dr. Braunsdorf works with some of the best and most dedicated doctors from many medical specialties, nurses, therapists, social workers andmember outreach specialists, who help

Dell H. Braunsdorf, M.D. Medical Director of Behavioral Health Amerigroup 3800 Buffalo Speedway, Suite 400 Houston, TX 77098 713-218-5160 www.amerigroup.com dell.braunsdorf@amerigroup.com

d-mars.com Top 30 Influential Women of Houston

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who have limited or no access to a reliable phone for emergency and medical use n An extra 8 hours of respite services for families and caregivers of members age 21 and older n Smoking/Tobacco cessation help with personal coaching‡ n Taking Care of Baby and Me® program for pregnant women and new mothers*‡ n Healthy lifestyle coaching for eligible members with certain chronic conditions ages 18 to 64‡ n Pest control services every 3 months n Personal disaster plan and free first aid kit after completing a plan online

Amerigroup is a diverse company and welcomes all eligible people. We do not base membership on health status. If you have questions or concerns, please call 1-800-600-4441 and ask for extension 34925. Or visit www.myamerigroup.com. *For members not covered by Medicare ‡Not for members in Tarrant

Top 30 Influential Women of Houston 2015

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d-mars.com Top 30 Influential Women of Houston

Camille Cash, M.D. Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and CEO to complete a 5-year general surgery residency program and a 2-year residency program focused on plastic surgery techniques. During her surgical training, she rotated through Brackenridge Hospital, the Children’s Hospital of Austin, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Memorial Hermann Hospital and St. Joseph Hospital. She was selected by her peers as Resident of the Year in 1998. Dr. Cash is a recipient of the 2015 d-mars.com Trailblazer HMWP Award, and she is honored to add the dmars.com Top 30 Influential Women of Houston Award to the list of her ongoing achievements.

While the majority of her patients are men and women interested in cosmetic enhancement, she continues to devote a part of her practice to breast reconstruction. She is on the Board of Directors of Sisters Network, Inc., an organization that seeks to make reconstructive surgery more readily available to the underserved minority community.

Camille Cash, M.D. Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and CEO Upper Kirby Location: 2150 Richmond Avenue, Suite 103 Houston, TX 77098 Willowbrook Location: 13215 Dotson Road, Second Floor Houston, TX 77070 713-571-0600 | info@camillecashmd.com | www.camillecashmd.com

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top plastic surgeon in Houston, Texas, Dr. Camille Cash is recognized by patients and peers alike as a leader in her field. She has it all - specialized training and experience, an attentive and caring personality and an aesthetic sense.

plastic surgeon in Houston and the entire state of Texas with this distinction. She is a member of a select group of plastic surgeons with the highest level of cosmetic surgical training and clinical experience.

Upon graduating Magna Cum Laude from Howard University in Washington, D.C., Dr. Cash is double board certified in Gen- she returned to Houston to earn her M.D. eral Surgery and Plastic Surgery. In fact, from Baylor College of Medicine. Decidshe is the only female African-American ing to become a surgeon, she went on

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Top 30 Influential Women of Houston 2015

Even with a thriving private practice and an active family life, Dr. Cash finds time to devote to causes that are important to her. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and she gives her time and support to the Catholic Schools of the Houston/Galveston Archdiocese. Dr. Cash is a Board Member and Founding Partner of Westside Surgical Hospital, where she performs the majority of her surgeries.

She describes her work as “double satisfaction,” when she sees her patients both looking better and feeling better about themselves.

She is passionate about improving the lives of others and also about the profession itself because of its combination of artistry and medicine, fine details and the big picture, instant gratification, lasting change, new technologies and tried-andtrue standards. By restoring form, function and confidence, she has the honor and privilege of helping patients look and feel better about themselves.

d-mars.com Top 30 Influential Women of Houston

Top 30 Influential Women of Houston 2015

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d-mars.com Top 30 Influential Women of Houston

April Day, MBA President of the Women’s Business Enterprise Alliance Enterprise Alliance (WBEA). The WBEA is a leading third-party certifying organization that serves 750 women-owned business enterprises representing nine billion dollars in revenue and more than 40,000 jobs in 94 Texas counties. April’s primary role is to increase opportunities for women-owned businesses and corporate members through education programs and professional networking.

Under April’s leadership, the WBEA has enjoyed increased membership, efficiency and revenues; received more than half a million media impressions; and will soon participate in its first global trade mission to China. Additionally, she developed a Giving Tree scholarship and mentoring program for start-ups; a nonprofit management and business ownership college internship program; and partnered with the City of Houston to launch the Kauffman New Venture and Growth Venture business development initiatives.

April Day, MBA President Women’s Business Enterprise Alliance 9800 Northwest Fwy., Suite 120, Houston, TX 77092 713-681-9232 | www.wbea-texas.org | aday@wbea-texas.org

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or more than 16 years, April Day has brought her unique passion, intellect and sheer willingness to her mission to develop communities and improve lives through education and economic sustainability. Her body of work demonstrates that she has always been on the front end of active service, challenging the status quo in order to create, deliver and preserve programs that achieve her personal goal to change the world.

Armed with postgraduate nonprofit training and valuable internships, April started her results-driven career as a program director for a 15-branch youth mentorship program involving 800 youth and 200

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Top 30 Influential Women of Houston 2015

volunteers. She raised $25,000 in grant money. Since then, April has strengthened the administrative and fiscal operations of several organizations; helped to prepare thousands of young people for college and life responsibilities; launched a women’s business center in 30 days to eventually support 500 plus small business owners and entrepreneurs; managed a total of eight million in annual budget dollars; and raised in excess of $3.5 million in grant funding.

Today, April applies her seasoned communications, collaboration, teambuilding and strategic thinking abilities to her role as President of the Women’s Business

April gives back to the community by serving on several boards, including the WBEA’s Business Enterprise National Council’s Leadership Council, the Government Procurement Connection, the Port of Houston Authority, Will’s Kids, the Parris Foundation and the University of Houston Nonprofit Leadership Alliance.

She is a business trainer for the Houston Community College’s Center for Entrepreneurship, a guest lecturer for the University of Houston’s School of Social Work and a mentor for the Me to We Foundation.

A native of Springfield, Massachusetts, April earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Houston and an MBA from Our Lady of the Lake University. She hopes to achieve a Doctor of Philosophy-Leadership from Our Lady of the Lake University in 2016 and her first karate belt in the near future. She is married with four children and two Maltese dogs.

d-mars.com Top 30 Influential Women of Houston

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Top 30 Influential Women of Houston 2015

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d-mars.com Top 30 Influential Women of Houston

Dr. Marla Fielder, R.Ph.

Director of Pharmacy at The Kroger Company – Southwest Division

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r. Marla Fielder, R.Ph., was born in Columbia, Missouri.

She moved to Duncanville, Texas, at the age of ten and relocated to Houston to pursue her studies at Texas Southern University. She began her career with The Kroger Co. in 2000 as a pharmacy technician. After completing her Doctor of Pharmacy studies at Texas Southern University in 2004, she was promoted to a pharmacist. Since then, Dr. Fielder has held several leadership roles, including pharmacy manager, pharmacy coordinator, pharmacy sales manager and most recently, director of pharmacy merchandising. Dr. Fielder is the first AfricanAmerican and first woman to assume this role in The Kroger Co.

clude more than 200 locations in Texas and Louisiana. She is the President of Women’s Edge, an internal organization aimed at developing and mentoring up-and-coming talent. Dr. Fielder was recently named a Rising Star by Progressive Grocer in its annual Top Women in Grocery awards program and was honored as a Texas Southern University Distinguished Alumnus.

Dr. Fielder is a board member of Texas Federation of Drug Stores, a participant of Lone Star College – Tomball Pharmacy Advisory Committee and a faculty trainer for the American Pharmacists Association.

Dr. Fielder is an active member of her church, where she directs the Health Dr. Fielder is responsible for the divi- Awareness Team, serves on the scholsion’s pharmacy operations, which in- arship committee, a trustee and works 42

Top 30 Influential Women of Houston 2015

with various youth programs, including Girl Scouts. In her spare time, she enjoys mentoring young women and helping youth strive for excellence through education. Dr. Fielder has been married to her husband, Danel, for 11 years, and they have two daughters, Destiny and Dani.

Dr. Marla Fielder, R.Ph. Director of Pharmacy The Kroger Company Southwest Division 19245 David Memorial Dr. Shenandoah, TX 77385 713-507-6265 www.Kroger.com

d-mars.com Top 30 Influential Women of Houston

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d-mars.com Top 30 Influential Women of Houston

Samille Frazier-Savoie, LPCS, LCDC, NCC Executive Director of The BES Group, Inc. A native of Houston, Texas, Frazier-Savoie displayed promise early in life, as she was a member of Top Teens of America (sponsored by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.) Houston Chapter, ranking 2nd Runner-Up Ms. Top Teen and Honorable Mention in Top Teens of America statewide conference in her senior year of high school.

Frazier-Savoie earned her Bachelor of Arts from Austin College in Sherman, Texas. She also earned a Master of Science from Texas A&M University – Commerce, Texas. She is married to Terry Savoie and has one daughter, Lady Havlyn.

Samille Frazier-Savoie, LPCS, LCDC, NCC Executive Director The BES Group, Inc. 4625 North Freeway, Suite 127A Houston, TX 77022 samille@thebesg.com | www.SoYouLive.com

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amille Frazier-Savoie is the Executive Director of The BES Group, Inc. of Texas and is a motivated leader with strong organizational and clinical abilities. Frazier-Savoie is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor and a National Board Certified Counselor.

She empowers those suffering from substance abuse and mental illness to live their best life

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through helping them overcome dependencies, recover from illness and adjust to life beginning with a firm, but nurturing relationship.

Acknowledging the importance of mental health as a youth, Frazier-Savoie verbalized her desire to pursue psychology as a career. Never wavering from the life purpose identified, she began counseling well before becoming an adult being characterized as “wise beyond her years.”

Frazier-Savoie has worked in the field of substance abuse and mental health counseling since 1999, working with children placed in foster care, probationers, parents involved with CPS and referrals from the court system. At The BES Group, Inc., Frazier-Savoie developed and has maintained the Mental Health Division of the company. Assisting with grant writing, implementing curriculum, training clinical and medical staff and enhancing programs and services, FrazierSavoie continues to raise the standard of care and treatment for patients, utilizing an integrated behavioral treatment model. Transitioning from Chief Clinical Officer to Executive Director with The BES Group, Inc. speaks to her dedication and passion for those struggling with addiction and mental illness.

Frazier-Savoie co-facilitates the youth Sunday school class at her church weekly, teaching self-control, respect and love for self and others. She has shared her knowledge of wellness, presenting to various sororities, churches and conferences throughout Texas. She enjoys singing, writing, reading and family time.

Frazier-Savoie credits her faith in God and a strong support system for her success and life perspective. She recognizes her father, Charles B. Frazier, as the person she most admires and respects. She continues now in this work to model wellness for her daughter, Lady Havlyn.

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Kim Gagne

Supervising Producer of Steve Harvey social media experts who know what’s trending and going on in the world. “We are not the only talk show out there, so we want to bring fresh new stories and ideas of interest to our female audience.

We also know what works for us and what segments play into Steve’s wheelhouse.

Steve is the CLO (Chief Love Officer), and giving dating advice to women from a male perspective is what he does best.

We also love telling good stories,” says Gagne.

Gagne specializes in producing pilots and test shows. She has been one of the driving forces behind some of Houston’s hottest shows and other well-known syndicated shows, including: • City Under Siege (FOX-TV) • Great Day Houston (CBS-KHOU) • Texas Justice (Twentieth Television/ FOX-TV) • Judge Alex (Twentieth Television/FOXTV) • The Steve Harvey Project (BET/CENTRIC) • Steve Harvey (NBC/ENDEMOL)

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im Gagne is the Emmy Award-winning supervising producer of the Steve Harvey daytime talk show, and for five years she has produced Steve Harvey’s Neighborhood Awards. Gagne is known for her outstanding leadership and communication skills, as well as her successful track record of effectively managing and training up strong production teams.

Gagne prides herself on giving back. She is immensely proud of her “TV babies” that started as her interns and are now reporters, producers and anchors around the country. Gagne explains, “I tell all my incoming interns and production assis46

Top 30 Influential Women of Houston 2015

Gagne holds a B.A. in Communications from the University of St. Thomas.

Gagne’s goal is to one day produce the Grammy Awards and the BET Awards. tants that they are to ‘grow and go.’ I Gagne is married to Emilian White, and want them to learn everything they can they have three children. from me and their surroundings, then go and take that knowledge out into the universe. I don’t expect them to stay with a show for the entire run. If they do, they should only be staying if they are moving up and going from production assistant, to associate producer and then to producer.”

Kim Gagne Gagne keeps her finger on the pulse of Supervising Producer of Steve Harvey trending topics and pop culture. Always in search of a great story, she combs Deep Dish Productions magazines and the internet for meaning- NBC Tower, 454 N. Columbus Dr. ful stories to tell. She is always in conChicago, IL 60611 tact with leading psychologists, doctors, community leaders, trendsetters and www.steveharveytv.com

d-mars.com Top 30 Influential Women of Houston

CONGRATULATIONS Kim Gagne!

You are the best!

Top 30 Influential Women of Houston 2015

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Marian Harper Vice President of Foundation and Community Affairs, Houston Astros knowledge of local nonprofit organizations and her dedication to community service, she has been instrumental in building key relationships, connecting and engaging the team with groups and individuals to create programs and activities to benefit the Houston community.

Harper serves on the board of directors for the Downtown Management District, the Houston Area Urban League and the Ensemble Theatre, and she is a member of the Missouri City Chapter of The Links, Inc. She is a graduate of Leadership Houston and was honored with community service awards, including a 2013 TWEF International Empowerment Award, the Jimmy Wynn Toy Cannon Award for exceptional community service by the Texas Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007 and also a Volunteer of the Year for the Northeast Family YMCA in 2002.

A native of Pittsburg, Texas, Harper started with the Astros in 1992 and rose through the ranks, starting as a promotions coordinator for the Marketing and Sponsorship departments, then as Director of Community Relations, working with players, alumni, fans, businesses and nonprofit leaders. Over the past decade, Harper has been a key executive for all the team charities’ fundraising and outreach initiatives.

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he 2015 season marks Marian Harper’s 24th year with the Houston Astros. As Vice President of Foundation and Community Affairs, she manages programs and development operations for the Astros Foundation, the official team charity of the Houston Astros. She is the community liaison for the foundation’s Community Leaders youth baseball program

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and was instrumental in the development of the Astros Urban Youth Academy, the second youth baseball academy of its kind in Major League Baseball.

Marian Harper Harper coordinates the team’s com- Vice President munity affairs initiatives, including the Foundation and Community Affairs Astros’ Wives program, and she assists Houston Astros with alumni relations efforts and volun- 501 Crawford St. teer programs. Utilizing her extensive Houston, TX 77002

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Tammy Harris Founder & Trainer, Soul Grooves® Fitness total life solutions for people that involve all aspects of living well, including health, wellness, weight loss and overall lifestyle.

Harris shares a unique and inspiring philosophy that encourages behavioral changes and motivates people to reach their physical and psychological goals.

The motto of Soul Grooves® is “Health and wellness is a way of LIFE.” Soul Grooves® is a transformative mind, body and soul cardiovascular dance workout that inspires people to change their bodies, as well as their lifestyles. It builds a community of compassionate, accepting people that are inspired to do better for themselves and others. With fun, effective, energetic and easy-to-follow dance routines, Soul Grooves® combines Hip Hop, Latin and athletic movements into one 60-minute experience and delivers an unforgettable workout that appeals to all fitness levels, ages, shapes, sizes, genders and backgrounds.

Harris has been the recipient of the following honors and awards: • LIVE! with Kelly and Michael Top Fitness Instructor • 2013 Family Time Women of Achievement Entrepreneur Award • 2014 Houston Chronicle 50 Most Fascinating People Award • d-mars.com Top 50 Black Health, Medical & Wellness Professionals Award • 2015 Houston Chronicle Hottest and Fittest Fitness Instructor Award Tammy Harris has over 20 years of extensive training in dance and fitness.

Harris began teaching dance classes in Houston, Texas, while pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Administration of Justice at Texas Southern University. Harris was a member of the NBA Houston Rockets Power Dancers for 4 years, performing all over the Houston area.

that stems from her own personal journey towards wellness. Before becoming a successful fitness expert, Harris struggled with her own weight challenges.

She was determined to reach her goals and through dedication and hard work, she did. Harris holds her group fitness certification from Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA).

• Outstanding Texan Award Harris lives in Houston, and when she’s not training, she enjoys quality time with her family, traveling and getting involved in charitable activities.

Tammy Harris Founder & Trainer Soul Grooves® Fitness As a motivator and role model, Harris has Harris launched her company, Soul 713-898-9344 | www.soulgrooves.com a unique connection with her audience Grooves®, LLC, with the goal of creating info@soulgrooves.com 50

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Vernita Harris President of IMPACT Strategies Consultants, LLC 2010, from the Houston Minority Supplier Development Council.

She has a long list of successful and innovative projects to her credit. Harris’ visionary talents and marketing skills doubled the membership of the Houston Chapter of the National Black MBAA in two years, securing a national conference. As the National Conference Chair, Harris was awarded a Certificate of Recognition by former Councilman Ron Green for generating over 15 million dollars in revenue for Houston in a five day period. She managed and provided event planning services for the 2007 Community Health HIV Awareness Concert. This included providing oversight and coordination of free HIV testing and educational awareness for 7,000 + teenagers and young adults in the Houston area.

Some of Harris’ accomplishments include: • Outstanding Texan Award - 2007 Vernita Harris President IMPACT Strategies Consultants, LLC P.O. Box 88129 Houston, TX 77288 www.impact06.com

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ernita Harris is a native Houstonian and a creative thinker.

She holds a BBA in Marketing and an MBA in Management from Prairie View A&M University. Her success in meeting and event planning comes from years of experience as a sales and marketing professional and community service. She obtained her CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) in January 2009.

As the President of IMPACT Strategies Consultants, Harris is constantly challenged to ensure client’s bottom lines are positively impacted by the firm’s efforts.

Harris is always working on educational advancement to enhance knowledge and 52

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• Houston Minority Supplier Diversity Council’s John Vega Spirit Award - 2010 • Texas Women’s Empowerment Foundation Honoree - 2012 • Houston Texans YMCA Minority Achiever Award - 2013 • Recipient of the Stella Trimble Community Service Award (The Fountain of leverage strategic methods in a constant Praise) - 2013 changing business environment. In Sep- • Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church Womtember 2010, Harris was chosen as the en’s Guild Audrey H. Lawson Impact Associate Publisher of Who’s Who in Black Award - 2014 Houston and now has the 5th, 6th and • Prairie View A&M University College 7th Editions behind her. She currently of Business, Distinguished Alumni of the serves as National Sales Director. Also, Year - 2014 she opened the doors of Merchant Allied • Texas Southern University School of Communication Community Service Processing (MAP) in February 2014.

Award - 2014 Harris is extremely active in the business community and has been awarded two Ex- • Featured in Who’s Who in Black Houecutive Business Scholarships from Hou- ston 8th edition - 2015 ston Minority Supplier Development Coun- Harris recently celebrated 35 years of accil, which allowed her to attend Tuck’s tive membership at Wheeler Avenue BapExecutive Education at Dartmouth. As a tist Church earlier this year. Harris’ downresult, IMPACT Strategies Consultants won time is usually committed to international the Emerging - 10 Award in November travel and exploring other cultures.

d-mars.com Top 30 Influential Women of Houston

Our focus is to provide customized, value-added solutions through innovative and strategic methods to positively IMPACT our client’s bottom line.

Core Business Areas: » Business Development » Project Management » Diversity Marketing » Meeting and Special Event Planning » Workforce Development Certications: » Houston Minority Supplier Development Council (MBE) » State of Texas – Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) » Women Business Enterprise Alliance (WBE) » City of Houston (MBE/WBE)

For more information contact: Customerservice@Impact06.com

www.Impact06.com

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Winell Herron Group Vice President Public Affairs, Diversity and Environmental Affairs for H-E-B

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native of Austin, Texas, Winell Herron became a Houstonian over twelve years ago and she has since made her mark on the city as a dynamic leader with inextricable ties to many of the city’s most vital nonprofit organizations.

Winell has a personal and professional commitment to an array of large and small, mainstream and diverse organizations. As a corporate executive, she leads H-E-B’s public affairs, diversity and environmental affairs initiatives and manages strategic decisions related to philanthropic giving throughout the H-E-B footprint (Texas and Mexico). While Winell feels privileged to be a part of the state’s largest privately held retailer, it’s H-E-B’s corporate philosophy of giving in hunger relief, education, health and wellness and the arts that perhaps most poignantly enhances the lives of its neighbors.

helping arts organizations to enrich our community’s diverse cultures or supporting health initiatives for children and families in our community – Winell has a strong commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

the millions of dollars raised each year, the many campaigns and events the March of Dimes holds to educate and raise public awareness and the policy decisions its Board makes that add operational efficacy and hope.

Winell and her team at H-E-B are firmly entrenched in our community from a corporate standpoint, and she is also personally involved with a diverse group of the city’s hardest working charitable organizations. She considers it a blessing and an honor to be able to give back twice. Her commitment is to move beyond financial support to the sense of activism that strengthens the heart of each cause and forms lasting community partnerships.

Houston has recognized Winell’s professional and personal efforts by selecting her as a Houston Woman on the Move; by inducting her into the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame; by presenting her with both the 100 Black Men - Phenomenal Woman Award and the NAACP President’s Award - Gulf Coast; and by naming her among the Top 25 Most Influential Women in Houston. She was also named one of Houston’s Women of Distinction in 2014.

Winell serves on the March of Dimes State Advisory Board, the Board of Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Texans Care for Children Board of Directors. She also serves on the boards of the Houston Museum of African American Culture, Texas Lyceum, the Houston Zoo, The Ensemble Theatre and the Community Artists Collective. She is also a member of the Houston Chapter of The Links, Inc., where she served as the gala co-chair for three years. In San Antonio, she serves as a University of Incarnate Word Board Trustee, where she was the 2009 commencement speaker and on the Tobin Performing Arts Center Board. She is currently a senior fellow of the American Leadership Forum and is a Center for Houston’s Future Leadership Forum alumna. Winell has also served on the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Board of Directors, the Texas NAACP Corporate Advisory Council and the Houston Area Urban League Board.

Winell earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin in 1988, and she completed the Food Industry Management Program at the University of Southern California in 1992, before receiving an Executive MBA from the University of Texas at San Antonio in May 2000.

As she sees it, Winell’s greatest reward yet came through her work with the March of Dimes and their commitment to life saving research that reduces the incidence of premature births. Two of her beloved nieces were born prematurely. For Winell, Whether it’s enabling a child’s future, these special births put purposeful cry to 54

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Along with making a difference in the community, Winell’s other personal passions include her family, many friends, traveling, technology, music and reading.

Winell and her husband William (Doug), reside in Bellaire.

Winell Herron Group Vice President Public Affairs, Diversity and Environmental Affairs H-E-B

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At H-E-B, each and every Partner is responsible for upholding our commitment to diversity. Our daily actions value both the differences and similarities that make our Customers, Communities and Partners so unique.

®

For more information on diversity at H-E-B, visit

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Heather Holland Manager of Supplier Diversity & Local Participation for TransCanada Prior to her current role, Holland thrived as a Senior Human Resources Business Partner at TransCanada, where she supported various segments in U.S. natural gas and oil operations.

Holland’s almost 20 years of experience in human resources and labor relations across steel manufacturing and education industries has established her as a strong performer who delivers strategic, yet practical business results and solutions.

Holland, a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), is a member of the following organizations: • National Supplier Development Council • Women’s Business Enterprise National Council • United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Procurement Council • Houston Minority Supplier Development Council Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Holland holds a Master’s degree in Human Resources and Labor Relations from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, a certificate in Organizational Development from Queens University and a Bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Holland currently resides in Houston, TX, and she enjoys traveling and is a bit of a foodie.

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s Manager of Supplier Diversity & Local Participation for TransCanada’s Major Projects Organization, Heather Holland is responsible for leading, developing and implementing a multi-year supplier diversity strategy and

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program for a portfolio of U.S. and Canadian energy infrastructure projects in excess of U.S. $20 billion. In this role, Holland works to ensure integration of aboriginal, minority and women-owned businesses into corporate culture and supply chain processes.

Heather Holland Manager of Supplier Diversity & Local Participation TransCanada www.transcanada.com www.keystone-xl.com

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Connie Kwan-Wong Connie Kwan-Wong Foundation, CKW Collection, Inc. and CKW LUXE Magazine home. Helping those who are less fortunate and spreading messages of hope have always been important goals to her.

She moved to the United States after marrying her husband, Stephen. Stephen helped further strengthen her commitment to be grateful, cherish the blessings of life and to spread those blessings to others whenever possible.

Through her husband’s support and faith in her, she grew to believe that it was possible to have a positive impact on the world and to instill the concepts of charity and humanity in her community and beyond. Kwan-Wong established the Connie Kwan-Wong Foundation. This foundation helps with her charitable works and reflects her belief in the words, “Giving is better than receiving. Love the people around you, and help the people who need you!” The main purpose of her foundation is to raise awareness about the immediate problems and issues facing children in Houston, serving as a bridge between the wonderful Houston community and the reputable charitable organizations in the area.

Connie Kwan-Wong Founder Connie Kwan-Wong Foundation CKW Collection, Inc. CKW LUXE Magazine contact@ckwfoundation.org

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onnie Kwan-Wong is an entrepreneur, pediatric cardiac sonographer, magazine publisher and philanthropist. She combines her many endeavors and her passion for charitable work.

She has had the good fortune to be influenced by several different cultures in her life’s journey. Kwan-Wong was born in Hong Kong and resided there until the age of 11. After living in Hong Kong, her parents moved their family to Australia.

As a result of her experiences, Kwan58

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Wong is very comfortable associating and communicating with people of all cultures and backgrounds, and she truly feels like she is a citizen of the world.

From the time she was a young child, Kwan-Wong was raised to be sincere, honest and to value friendship and family. She got her first taste of being philanthropic when she was in the second grade. Kwan-Wong and her parents would regularly volunteer their time at the local orphanage, deliver meals to the hungry and visit with the elderly at the nursing

After creating her foundation, KwanWong created the CKW Collection, which is a skincare and accessories company.

This company helps fund the foundation.

Recently, she launched a philanthropic, inspirational and luxury magazine to reinforce her passion for philanthropy. KwanWong wants to use CKW Luxe magazine to tell great stories that will reach a different audience and combine luxury with stories of hope, motivation and charitable giving. Her profits from CKW Luxe magazine will support nonprofits and philanthropic work. She is excited about the future of the magazine and how it will impact lives in a positive way.

Kwan-Wong’s motto is, “Share your blessings with others whenever possible.

Love the people around you, and help the people who need you!”

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Raquelle Lewis

Manager of Communications/Public Information for TxDOT - Houston District building, media relations and transportation planning. Prior to TxDOT, Lewis worked in the private sector as a project manager and professional associate with one of Engineering News Record’s (ENR) Top 10 consulting firms in the nation.

Her work has been instrumental in the development and delivery of numerous projects in South/Central Texas, including many critical infrastructure projects in the Houston area, namely the $2.8 billion reconstruction of I-10 Katy Freeway, METRO’s premier light rail line along Main Street and the Southeast Corridor line, the extension of 50+ miles of SH 99/Grand Parkway and the ongoing reconstruction of US 290.

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aquelle Lewis is the supervising Public Information Officer for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), serving as the chief spokesperson and manager of communications in the Houston area. TxDOT-Houston District, the state’s largest of 25 districts, is comprised of six counties, including Brazoria, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Montgomery and Waller Counties. The District, which currently has 200+ active construction projects totaling more than $5 billion in contracts, is responsible for the development, design, construction and maintenance of the state highway system. As the principal spokesperson, Lewis oversees development and dissemination of information to help Texans understand and use department services, 60

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and she is responsible for providing information to the public and media regarding highway conditions specific to daily commutes and during emergency situations.

Lewis was appointed to serve as a Special Advisor to the Executive Administration during the 84th Legislative Session, for which Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared transportation funding one of his and lawmakers’ top priorities for the 2015 session. In this capacity, she worked closely with the department’s administration to facilitate meetings and activities pertaining to the legislative priorities for TxDOT and the Texas Transportation Commission.

Lewis has received numerous professional accolades. She was honored as the 2013 Woman of the Year by the Houston Chapter of Women in Transportation, recognized by former Texas Governor Rick Perry with an Honorable Mention after being nominated by TxDOT to receive the 2012 Outstanding Women in Texas Government Award and she received the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials’ (AASHTO) 2011 Public Relations Professional of the Year Award. Additionally, she is a graduate of Leadership Texas and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Lewis is a proud alumnus of the University of Texas at Austin and did graduate studies at Texas Southern University. Lewis and her husband, Arnold, have two adult children and a growing 8-year old son miraculously overcoming cerebral palsy.

Raquelle Lewis Manager of Communications/ Public Information TxDOT - Houston District 7600 Washington, Houston, TX 77007 Lewis has more than twenty years of ex- 713-802-5076 perience in the transportation industry, raquelle.lewis@txdot.gov specializing in public affairs, consensus www.txdot.gov

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Petria McKelvey CEO and Founder of Precision Medical Billing, Inc.

Petria McKelvey CEO and Founder Precision Medical Billing, Inc. 8203 Willow Place Dr. S, Ste. 230 Houston, TX 77070 713-672-7211 | Petria@PrecisionMedicalBilling.com www.precisionmedicalbilling.com

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etria McKelvey is CEO and Founder of Precision Medical Billing (PMB), a leading provider of customized medical billing and auditing solutions for home health and hospice agencies, physicians, Durable Medical Equipment (DME) providers, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and nursing homes across the U.S. With 26 years of experience in the medical billing industry, Petria’s expertise runs wide and deep. Throughout her career, she has helped hundreds of private practitioners and healthcare organizations solve their billing challenges and recover millions of dollars in lost revenues. To date, she has personally performed more than 350 audits and revenue recoveries nationwide.

“The one thing I am most passionate about is the feeling I get by helping a client retrieve revenue they would otherwise forgo simply because they don’t have the

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time or resources to properly bill or collect it. Taking that burden off my clients or teaching them how to do it on their own helps put their hard-earned money back in their pocket. That’s something I take enormous pride in accomplishing,” says Petria.

Prior to founding PMB in 1995, Petria began her career with Kimberly Quality Care (KQC) in 1989. At the time, KQC was the nation’s largest home health care agency in the country, with more than 380 offices nationwide. She joined the company as a Field Staff Supervisor, and within six months, she was promoted to the Payroll and Billing Department. By the time she left KQC in 1995, she was the Regional Billing Trainer, teaching best practices and techniques to healthcare professionals across a five-state region.

cal billing field, make her a highly soughtafter presenter. She regularly travels the country speaking at seminars, conferences and industry events. Additionally, she hosts a significant number of multi-day training programs designed to help other healthcare professionals improve their billing processes and outcomes.

Petria is an active member of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), and she is also a proud supporter of the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC). She is one of only 100 organizations invited to be a part of Home Care 100, an elite leadership organization dedicated to advancing excellence among leading U.S. healthcare providers.

Petria was a recipient of the d-mars.com 2012 Super HMWP Award and the dBased in the PMB corporate office in mars.com 2015 Trailblazer HMWP Award.

Houston, Petria’s knowledge of continu- Outside the office, Petria enjoys spending ously changing healthcare regulations, time with her children, and she is actively combined with her expertise in the medi- involved in her church.

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Katie Walthall Mehnert Founder and CEO of Pink Petro countries and 175 unique companies.

Mehnert believes women bring a unique perspective to the world, and she wants to harness their voices to pursue gender parity and help the industry tell its story.

Katie Walthall Mehnert Founder and Chief Executive Officer Pink Petro P.O. Box 19913 Houston, TX 77024 281-741-5482 katie@pinkpetro.com www.pinkpetro.com

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atie Walthall Mehnert is the Founder and CEO of Pink Petro, the first and only global social community for women in energy and their diversity advocates. Pink Petro is aimed specifically at closing the gender gap. A daughter to an engineer in the 1980s, Mehnert was acutely aware of the impact the bust in the energy industry had on her family and community. Years later, after struggling in math and science, Mehnert took a non-technical route and graduated from Louisiana State University with a degree in communications. This degree enabled her to later become a ‘People Engineer’ in health and safety.

Determined to cut into an industry in which she could be a force for good, her desire to learn the business and to connect with experts helped her navigate the 64

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She believes in diversity not just in gender, but in generations, ethnicities and cultures. She believes by connecting females to high quality resources and learning, she can create an energy workforce that is engaged, empowered and inspired for this generation and beyond.

She aspires to put a human face on an industry that has quietly powered some of the most amazing technologies and innovations of our time.

Mehnert has 18 years of delivering change, learning and culture transformations.

Mehnert is also the President of Cognovi Communications, which provides strategic change management solutions to the energy and utilities industry. Through Cognovi Communications, Mehnert enables energy companies to cut through waste, deliver value and produce focused solutions to operational and talent challenges. leadership lattices at Enron, Duke Energy, Waste Management, Shell and BP. With every new organization, she noticed a recurring theme: a major contributor to her success was being in the right room at the right time and having the right people at her side. Mehnert had advocates, male and female, who taught her, pushed her and positioned her for success.

Pink Petro was birthed on three cocktail napkins aboard a 777 from London to Houston. Pink Petro is today’s solution to bringing that “right room” globally, locally and 24/7. Pink Petro brings together the right people and the right resources at the right time, to help women in energy succeed. Recently featured

by Fortune magazine, the company is supported by Halliburton, Shell and Jive Software. After 6 months, members of the Pink Petro platform now span 20

Prior to founding Pink Petro and owning her own consulting business, Mehnert served in significant safety leadership roles at British Petroleum and Royal Dutch Shell worldwide. Mehnert serves on the Offshore Energy Center Board and the Executive Council of Ellevate, a global professional women’s network. She was selected as a Who’s Who in Energy leader by the Houston Business Journal in 2014, named one of the 5 Houstonians to Know in 2015 and awarded the Vanguard Award in STEM by Girls Inc. Mehnert is also a graduate of the Center for Houston’s Future and Rice University’s Executive Energy Program. Mehnert is a contributing writer for The Singapore Times, and she has completed four World Marathon Majors in London, Chicago, New York and Berlin. She and her husband, Mark, have a 4-year old daughter, Ally.

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Dr. Felecia Diane McInnis Nave Provost & Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Prairie View A&M University • Issues impacting the recruitment, retention and persistence of African-American and women students in STEM disciplines • Issues impacting the professional development, advancement and persistence of women faculty and students in engineering • Curriculum development in the areas of bioengineering and nanotechnology • Modification of surface chemistry to achieve selective separation, using functionally specified membranes and thin films • Design, development and characterization of new materials for biological applications including: (a) targeted drug delivery and (b) biosensors Dr. Nave has received over $3M in funding from agencies, such as the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Department of Defense (DOD), ExxonMobil, the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), the Engineering Information Foundation and PVAMU Research Foundation to advance both her technical and education related research agenda.

Dr. Felecia Diane McInnis Nave Provost and Senior Vice President Academic Affairs Prairie View A&M University

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r. Felecia Diane McInnis Nave serves as the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Prairie View A&M University. In addition to this position, Dr. Nave also holds rank of professor of Chemical Engineering, and she is presently a member of the Texas A&M University System Graduate Faculty.

College of Engineering and then the Associate Provost and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, respectively.

She served as the Associate Provost until her selection as Provost and Senior Vice President in 2014.

Dr. Nave is a graduate of Alcorn State University, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and a Master of Science in Chemical and Environmental Engineering. She also holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering from the University of Toledo in Toledo, Ohio.

Dr. Nave joined the faculty as an assistant professor of Chemical Engineering and successfully matriculated through the ranks to professor in 2014. Prior to her current post, she served as the interim Assistant Dean in the Roy G. Perry Dr. Nave’s research interests include: 66

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Dr. Nave’s scholarship has been published and presented at the following local, regional and national conferences: • International Congress on Membranes and Membrane Processes (ICOM) • North American Membrane Society (NAMS) • American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AICHE) • American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) • Frontiers in Engineering (FIE) • Faculty Resource Network Online Journal • National Association of Student Affairs Professional (NASAP) Journal • Separation & Technology

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Krista L. Olson, M.D., F.A.C.S. Faculty Surgeon at Baylor Facial Plastic Surgery Center well as methods on facial plastic surgery.

In addition, Dr. Olson has been invited to speak and lecture internationally, regionally and locally.

Krista L. Olson, M.D., F.A.C.S. Faculty Surgeon Baylor Facial Plastic Surgery Center

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r. Krista L. Olson is Assistant Professor and Associate Residency Program Director at the Bobby R. Alford Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine. Dr. Olson has trained at the world-renowned Texas Medical Center and is responsible for training and educating the future surgeons in the field of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Passionate about facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Olson offers medical and surgical expertise to patients and other health care providers. She specializes in facial plastic surgery, including cosmetic facial rejuvenation, blepharoplasty, otoplasty, auricular reconstruction, treatment of facial vascular malformations, rhinoplasty and nasal reconstruction, brow lift, filler injection and Botox injection.

medical school at Baylor College of Medicine, where she was elected to membership in the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and received her M.D. in 1997. At Baylor College of Medicine, she proceeded to complete a general surgery internship and otolaryngology-head & neck surgery residency. In 2004, Dr. Olson entered the distinguished Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship program at the University of California at Irvine. She is Board Certified in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, as well as Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. She was admitted as a fellow in the American College of Surgeons in 2007.

During Dr. Olson’s medical career, she was honored with the Baylor College of Medicine Excellence Award for 2000-2001.

She received the Who’s Who in America in 2009, 2012 and 2013. Dr. Olson has coDr. Olson received a Bachelor of Arts from authored and published medical journals Yale University in 1997. She attended on head and neck surgical techniques, as 70

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Dr. Olson is interested in developing new technologies in facial plastic surgery. She grew up in Mexico and is fluent in Spanish. She has three children, and outside of her busy career, she’s very involved in their school and sport activities.

Dr. Olson’s awards, recognitions and professional affiliations include: • Yale University Environmental Biology Research Award, 1991 • Janet M. Glasgow Memorial Achievement Citation • Alpha Omega Alpha Member, 1996 • American Medical Women’s Association, 1997 • AAO-HNS Resident Travel Grant Recipient, 2001 • Baylor College of Medicine Teaching Excellence Award, 2000-2001 • Who’s Who in America, 2009, 2012 and 2013 • Member, American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Society, Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Education Committee, 2014 • Fellow, American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Society • Member, American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery • Diplomate, American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery • Diplomate, American Board of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery • Fellow, American College of Surgeons • Member, Triological Society Resident • Member, Harris County Medical Society • Member, Houston Otolaryngology Society • Member, American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy • Member, Texas Medical Association • Member, Association of Women Surgeons • Member, Society of University Otolaryngologists – Head and Neck Surgeons • Member, Committee on Residents and Fellows, AAO-HNS • Member, Committee for Women in Otolaryngology, AAO-HNS & AAFPRS

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Erma Palmer CEO of Autos R Us Collision Center her professional life, and it has paid off.

Erma is a WBE and MBE with the City of Houston. Being in business for more than 20 years, she has learned that a satisfied customer is the best advertisement for Autos R Us Collision Center. Her goal is for customers to be so completely satisfied with their experience at Autos R Us Collision Center, that they’ll want to tell others about them. Autos R Us Collision Center provides more competitive collision repair services, while revolutionizing the automotive industry with new and innovative techniques of outstanding services, serving Houston and the surrounding areas.

Erma has received the following awards and is involved in the following organizations: • Business Achievement Pinnacle Award – 1998

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s a native Houstonian and graduate of Phillis Wheatley High School, it was instilled in Erma to dream bigger than her. For over 20 years, Erma served as executive secretary to several prominent attorneys in Houston, gaining extensive experience that helped make her the successful business woman she is today, as CEO of Autos R Us Collision Center.

Never being one to take the easy road, she worked while continuing her education in Business Administration at South Texas College of Law, as well as Real Estate Law and Criminal and Civil Litigation at Houston Community College.

Erma’s earlier experience includes working in the Texas Senate, and she has worked in the office of Craig A. Washington, member of the U.S. House of Representatives (18th District of Texas, 1989-1994). In that role, she worked closely with constituents in the Houston office, arranging committee hearings, conferences, community campaigns and

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• Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award – 2005

workshops, as well as performing other • City of Houston Outstanding MWDBE duties.

Prime Contractor Award – 2005 Her experience working in government gave her the skills to create her own • Member of Women’s Industry Network business, Autos R Us Collision Center. • Member of Driving the Future for WomShe started working out of her home, en in Collision Repair to now having an independently owned • Texas Skill Standards Board Member multi-million dollar business. Autos R appointed by Governor Rick Perry Us Collision Center is the premier auto body and collision repair shop in Hou- • Automotive Board Member appointed ston, Texas. Erma has created success by Mayor Bill White in this industry because of her simple, • Prayer Partner at Lakewood Church straight-forward way of doing business, Erma is happily married to Jerry Palmer, which is offering honest, top quality serand they have 2 children and 7 grandchilvices at reasonable prices. All of their dren. technicians are highly trained, ASE and I-CAR certified. Autos R Us Collision Center is an OEM Certified Collision Erma Palmer Center Repair Facility for Ford, Nissan, CEO Honda, General Motors and Chrysler. Autos R Us Collision Center Autos R Us Collision Center offers a life- 11101 Wallisville Road time warranty, free shuttle service, free Houston, TX 77013 internet Wi-Fi and excellent fleet servic- 713-673-3050 es. Erma has used the values instilled arucollisioncenter@flash.net in her growing up to create success in www.autosruscollisioncenter.com

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Crystal Perkins Founder & CEO of My Legacy Foundation for accreditation.

Crystal currently directs and manages Perioperative Enterprises and surgery scheduling for MD Anderson Hospital, utilizing her proven listening, communications, problem-solving and strategic thinking skills to lead a staff team tasked with revamping and optimizing the hospital’s overall operating room process, usage and resources. With patient safety the highest priority, she works with hospital executives to ensure that over 30 operating rooms serving over 30,000 patients and generating 365 million dollars annually function at maximum efficiency.

Additionally, Crystal sits on various committees, leading various projects, while also serving as a hospital subject matter expert and operations officer.

In 2009, Crystal founded My Legacy Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides educational and social training to young girls ages 8 to 18. Crystal and the foundation have received numerous awards, including Houston’s Top 40 under 40, Houston Business Journal “Biz Women” Woman on the Move, i10 Media’s nonprofit of the month and a City of Houston proclamation declaring My Legacy Foundation Day.

Crystal Perkins Founder & CEO My Legacy Foundation P.O. Box 2332 Pearland, TX 77588 www.mylegacyhouston.org

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rystal Perkins’ leadership role for the world’s number one ranked hospital in cancer care has its origins in her first high school and college job for a healthcare clinic. After college, the owners of that same clinic made the young, smart, efficient and self-described “sponge,” their Chief Operations Officer.

Since then, Crystal has worked for highly regarded hospitals and medical schools in Baton Rouge and Houston, learning every facet of the business. She is one of the youngest female hospital board members to assist in writing hospital bylaws and ethical guidelines for a mag74

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net rated hospital. Crystal has participated on medical executive boards and committees for one of the top medical schools in the country, managed staff teams, medical professionals and departments with budgets topping $13 million. She has spearheaded the human research area, ensuring federal guideline compliance in patient studies for one of the top-tier private medical schools in the U.S. Crystal also designed a medical school fellowship program for one of the highest ranked medical schools in the state of Texas. Following the first audit review, that same fellowship was awarded the maximum number of years

Perkins is actively involved in the community, and she is a member of the following: • Leadership Houston, Class XXXI • American College of Health Care Executives • American Management Association • Texas Wall Street Women • National Association of Professional Women A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Perkins achieved a business management degree with a minor in marketing from Louisiana State University. Crystal is the proud mother of Garry. She enjoys spending time with family, traveling, cooking, reading and abstract painting.

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Letitia D. Quiñones

Criminal Defense Attorney, Quiñones & Associates, PLLC. Over the years, Quiñones has broken down many barriers, and she has completely shattered the glass ceiling often found for women of color. She is now the sole owner of the Law Office of Quiñones & Associates, P.L.L.C. Quiñones volunteers her time mentoring young up-and-coming lawyers, and she speaks locally and nationally. Quiñones Co-Chairs the elite Trail Advocacy Program at Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law. She has been noticed and acknowledged by many organizations and has the following honors: • Lifetime Member of Best Attorneys in America • Premier 100 Trial Attorneys • American Academy of Trial Attorneys (Nominated) Letitia D. Quiñones Criminal Defense Attorney Quiñones & Associates, P.L.L.C. 1207 S. Shepherd Houston, TX 77019 713-481-7420 | 713-523-7878 | quinoneslaw@yahoo.com

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etitia D. Quiñones is a prominent and acclaimed criminal defense attorney in Houston.

She is a proud graduate of Texas Southern University - Thurgood Marshall School of Law. After graduating from law school, Quiñones began her legal career as a solo practitioner and immediately hung her shield. It did not take long for Quiñones to realize she was born to be a criminal defense attorney.

After practicing on her own for almost seven years, she caught the eye of Mr. Robert Alton Jones. Mr. Jones took Quiñones under his wing and taught her the ins and outs of the “real” practice of law. Jones helped cultivate her talents, and he poured as much knowledge into her as he possibly could. Now, Quiñones is one of Houston’s most widely respect76

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• 50 Top Attorneys in Houston Quiñones has also founded Food For Growth, Inc., a nonprofit organization that will feed the underprivileged community in Houston and the surrounding areas.

Through this program, Quiñones will educate children on the importance of nutrition and how to develop a healthy relationship with food, an initiative first speared by First Lady Michelle Obama. Food For Growth, Inc. will not only teach the young generation the importance of healthy eating, but it will also be a vehicle used to create a sense of positive possibility for their futures.

ed and successful criminal defense attorneys. As Quiñones continued to fight for justice for her clients, she eventually caught the eye of one of the most famed, feared and successful attorneys in Texas, Mr. Chip B. Lewis. Lewis has represented many high-profile clients.

Quiñones has assisted with many of his Quiñones is a single mother of two beauhigh-profile cases. tiful girls, Lauren and Elyssa. Lauren is Quiñones has received acquittals and a seventh grader at The Imani School, dismissals on very complex and difficult and Elyssa is a senior at the University criminal cases. Additionally, Quiñones of Southern California. Through hard has been successful in negotiating and work, dedication and cultivating of talent, obtaining fair and equitable punishments Quiñones enjoys a reputation in Houfor defendants across the nation. Re- ston as a woman on the move. Her life cently, Quiñones received a dismissal on is dedicated to the service of the peoa highly publicized Stand Your Ground ple, and she would not have it any other case. Quiñones and the case will be fea- way. Quiñones believes that knowledge tured on the up and coming crime show, is power, and one of her favorite quotes Crime Watch Daily. is, “If you know better, do better.”

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Dr. Kamala Raghavan, CPA, CFF, CGMA, CFP Associate Professor at Texas Southern University

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r. Kamala Raghavan is an Associate Professor of Accounting at the Jesse H. Jones School of Business at Texas Southern University. In this position, she teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in advanced financial accounting, managerial accounting and accounting information systems.

Dr. Raghavan has conducted seminars on finance for managers and international accounting standards at the Executive Development Symposium for senior managers from Africa in 2009. She is a member of the Editorial Board of Texas Society of CPAs and a Digital Faculty Consultant for McGraw Hill.

She received her Doctorate in Accounting from Cleveland State University, an MBA 78

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in Finance from Northeastern University, an M.S. from Simmons College and a BSc (Honors) from Calcutta University.

Dr. Raghavan holds the certifications of Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Financial Forensics Accountant (CFF), Certified Global Management Accountant (CGMA) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP). She has taught graduate and undergraduate courses in managerial and financial accounting, accounting information systems, controllership, government/nonprofit accounting and personal financial planning at Robert Morris University, Cleveland State University, University of Houston and Ursuline College. She taught banking courses for ABA and other banking organizations during her banking career.

Prior to joining academia, Dr. Raghavan was Senior Vice President of Corporate Accounting, Senior Vice President of Investments, Senior Vice President of International Operations and Chief Financial Officer of NatCity Investments at National City Corporation. She was also the Senior Vice President of Investment Operations at Citizens and Southern Bancorporation and Comptroller of the Treasury Division at First City Bancorporation. During her banking tenure, Dr. Raghavan managed the corporate accounting, investment and international operations, treasury, systems and securities compliance. Dr. Raghavan serves on the editorial board of the Texas Society of CPA’s, and she is an active participant in the Management accounting, Financial accounting, Government and nonprofit accounting and International accounting sections of the American Accounting Association. Dr. Raghavan’s research interests are in banking, accounting, financial management, government and nonprofit management, systems and ethics.

Dr. Raghavan has been active in many nonprofit organizations, promoting community welfare and education in Cleveland and Houston. She is currently President of the Indo-American Charity Foundation (Houston), which supports education, family, general community welfare (including hunger) and healthcare for the needy in the metro Houston community. She also serves on the finance committee of the Meenakshi Temple Society (Pearland).

Dr. Kamala Raghavan, CPA, CFF, CGMA, CFP Associate Professor Accounting and Finance Jesse H. Jones School of Business Texas Southern University 3100 Cleburne Rd. Houston, TX 77004 713-313-4202 | raghavank@tsu.edu

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Liliana L. Rambo, CAPP Director of Parking Services for the Houston Airport System let parking program at IAH and HOU • Building, opening and operation of a new Compressed Natural Gas facility A leader with a strong background in the parking industry and over twenty-eight years of experience, Rambo joined the City of Houston Parking Management Division in April 2005. Prior to that, she headed the City of Hollywood, FL, Office of Parking Services for over four years, and she was a member of the management team at Miami Parking Authority for over 14 years.

Rambo is a Certified Administrator of Public Parking (CAPP) and holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from St. Thomas University. Rambo is the Past Chair of the Board of the International Parking Institute (IPI) and Past President of the Texas Parking and Transportation Association.

As Past Chair of IPI, Rambo was responsible for the formation of the Global Parking Association Leaders Summit and for planning and hosting the first three annual Latin American Parking Conferences.

Liliana L. Rambo, CAPP Parking Director City of Houston, Houston Airport System Liliana.Rambo@houstontx.gov | www.fly2houston.com

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iliana Rambo joined the Houston Airport System (HAS) in July 2011, to oversee the parking operation for George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). Rambo is responsible for the operation of over 35,000 parking spaces and annual revenues of over $95M. Her responsibilities also include the development of a parking team, maximizing the parking revenues, construction of new parking facilities, implementation of new parking technology and enhancing the parking products HAS offers its customers. She is also responsible for the development 80

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Rambo has also served in many other board positions and committees with many organizations within the City of Houston that provide services to many constituents and children within the city.

and construction of new parking facilities and their overall operation. Some Her community involvement includes: of Rambo’s accomplishments at the air• Vice President of the Dawson High ports include: School Volleyball Booster Club

• Continued increased in parking • Past President of the Women Profesrevenues of over 20% over the last 4 sionals in Government years • Former Girl Scout Troop Leader • Design, planning and current construction of a 3,000-space parking facil- • Founding Member of Women on the ity at HOU and a 2,200-space covered Move Running Club parking lot at Will Clayton • Past Member-City of Hollywood Eco• Implementation of a system wide nomic Development Roundtable Negotiparking marketing campaign and am- ating Team and Steering Committee bassador program • Education Committee and Diamond • Successful implementation of a va- Service Award Committee

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Nannette Ray, MBA Chief Performance Officer for Medical Information Records, LLC 12 years and has utilized this knowledge to successfully perform in her current role for MIR. As MIR’s Chief Performance Officer, Ray is responsible for measuring, managing and improving overall performance of the organization.

Instead of focusing on a specific area, such as finances or operations, Ray assesses MIR’s success based on market trends, competitor strategies and other factors that affect MIR’s ability to succeed in a software market devoted to healthcare.

Ray believes in working in her community and helping young people to succeed. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and she currently serves as Vice President of the Katy Prairie View Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. She also is a member of Higher Dimension Church (Katy campus).

Some of her community service includes, but is not limited to: • March of Dimes Walk for Babies • Beacon Center • Mamie George Community Center • Toy Share Program at Hemmenway Elementary School • United Negro College Fund

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annette Ray was born in Meridian, Mississippi, and she received her undergraduate degree in Accounting and Information Systems from the University of Texas at San Antonio. She also holds an MBA degree in Finance from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas.

She is married to Terrence Ray, Sr., the CEO of MIR. They reside in Katy, Texas, and have three children - Jessica (age 23), Terrence II (age 18) and Miles (age 14). Jessica is a recent graduate of Purdue University and has recently started her own company, J. Cole Productions, LLC, a graphic design and marketing firm. Terrence II will be attending Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA, and Miles is a freshman at Cinco Ranch High School. Ray enjoys reading and spending time with family and friends.

nies such as USAA and PricewaterhouseCoopers. She has served as Vice President of TNR Accounting and Management Consulting, LLC, and she currently serves as Chief Performance Officer for Medical Information Records, LLC (also known as MIR).

Nannette Ray, MBA Ray has successfully ran companies with Chief Performance Officer Ray has worked in the IT field for compa- revenues in excess of $5M over the last Medical Information Records, LLC 84

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Mary Redmond

Owner/Operator of Redmond Management - McDonald’s shape their minds by telling them they are awesome. It is a blessing to assist them in developing life skills and help them learn to become responsible adults in the community where they live. Our youth of today are worth fighting for, and McDonald’s provides the opportunity for me to tell every child that passes through our doors how awesome they are,” says Mary.

Her dedication to excellence and her appreciation for the people she employs has resulted in very high internal satisfaction scores for her business and a change in each youth’s self-belief.

She is currently a member of the board of directors of the Ronald McDonald House Charities, Brand Lead for Houston Regional McDonald’s, Lead for the McDonald’s Manager Leadership Council and she has served in the capacity of several esteemed positions as vice president and secretary of the Black McDonald’s Operators Association. Mary has received numerous awards for her service, but one in particular she is most proud of is the 2014 Inspire Women Legacy Couple Award for leaving a legacy in the city of Houston that will extend beyond her lifetime.

Mary Redmond Redmond Management-McDonald’s 8520 Bissonnet Houston, TX 77074 713-981-4750

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ary Redmond is a successful McDonald’s owner and operator, and she is spreading the company’s message of good food, good people and good neighbors all over the Houston area. She and her husband, Ernest Redmond, have owned McDonald’s franchise locations in the Greater Houston area for the past 30 years. During that time, they have seen their franchise operations grow and provide jobs for countless Houstonians over the years.

Mary saw that passion rewarded when she was presented with the Ronald Award. This is the highest recognition given to a McDonald’s owner/operator. This prestigious award is a salute to owner/operators who consistently and boldly execute McDonald’s vision, give back to their communities and are true brand ambassadors. For

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The Houston franchise owner has been the champion of three chef events in Houston, which have garnered national attention and been invaluable tools in educating and promoting McDonald’s quality food standards and their commitment to Her pride in promoting the McDonald’s sysexcellence. tem has been contagious and spreads to all of her restaurants and the people she Mary is a graduate of Prairie View A&M employs. As a leader, she not only edu- University, and she is a member of New cates her team through a solid training pro- Faith Church. Mary is driven and fueled gram, but encourages them to have fun as by her dedication to promote the McDonthey work together to promote love of the ald’s brand, and she has a genuine deMcDonald’s brand. sire to make a difference in the commu“I love our children. Often they are over- nity. Mary says, “If I can get one child to looked and told that greatness does not dream big and believe they can own one exist inside of them. As a McDonald’s of America’s most respected businesses franchise owner, I am allowed to give them as McDonald’s, then I have reached my a different view of themselves. McDonald’s goal of changing a child’s belief. I want has provided an opportunity for me to pay them to know they are awesome, and with it forward to the youth. I am able to help God they can accomplish anything.” those who know Mary, the award comes as no surprise. Mary led the way for the McDonald’s Brand Ambassador Program, and she recently received the Brand Ambassadorship Award.

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Theresa Roemer Philanthropist & CEO of Theresa Roemer, LLC was determined to prove them wrong.

It was at that point in her life that Roemer began her lifelong journey to stay active, healthy and physically fit.

Roemer opened her chain of fitness centers, Body by Design in Wyoming in 1991. She ran five facilities through 2000, while also providing personal training services through her company, Phenomenal Physiques during this time. Roemer took the U.S. Open title in body-building at the age of 40, and in 2010, Roemer held the titles of Mrs. Houston United America, Mrs. Texas United America and she was the 1st runner up for Mrs. United America concurrently. In 2011, Roemer climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro to raise money for Child Legacy International.

In addition to being the CEO of Theresa Roemer, LLC, owning several home goods companies and being a fitness expert, Roemer is also a highly sought after corporate philanthropist. As an expert in business philanthropy, Roemer works regularly with major motion pictures, television studios, corporations and high profile brands to expand their philanthropic reach to raise millions of dollars through business charity events. Roemer consults with organizations such as LVMH, to help them understand their business goals with fundraising, and she then turns their objectives into a reality with her ability to produce high-impact business fundraising events.

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heresa Roemer grew up on a farm in Nebraska. While her childhood friends were busy being kids, Roemer did odd jobs to make money. She was always looking for the next entrepreneurial challenge, whether it be delivering newspapers or mowing lawns. This strong work ethic has served Roemer

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well, and she is now a multi-millionaire with several businesses.

Roemer’s passion for health and helping people started at a young age. As a child, Roemer was diagnosed with rheumatic fever many times over, which caused her to have a heart murmur.

Though her doctors diagnosed her with a lifetime of physical constraints, she

Theresa Roemer Philanthropist CEO Theresa Roemer, LLC 281-292-2781 Theresaroemer@Theresaroemerllc.com www.theresaroemer.com www.true-and-real.com

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Lina Sabouni, AIA NCARB Co-Founder & Principal of AUTOARCH Architects, LLC education system in the MENA countries, through promoting transactions between U.S. companies, institutions and organizations active in the education sector and their equivalent parties in the Middle East. Sabouni’s passion and drive for public education have paved the road for healthy economic growth in the truly diverse Texas community and abroad.

Sabouni’s professional affiliations include: • American Institute of Architects • Texas Society of Architects • Houston Chapter of AIA • Education Chair of Bilateral US-Arab Chamber of Commerce • Board of Directors of Fort Bend Education Foundation • Board of Directors of Houston Independent School District Education Foundation • Board of Directors of Houston Community College Foundation • Board of Directors of Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce • Board of Directors of Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council

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ina Sabouni, co-founder and principal of AUTOARCH Architects, brings more than twenty years of experience in the delivery of architectural, engineering and design excellence in the new construction of 21st century educational and work force facilities.

Her body of work includes educational (K12 and higher education) institutions, governmental, office and commercial buildings, medical facilities and worship spaces.

proval of the bonds. For the past 18 years, Sabouni has tirelessly chaired efforts to assist in passing these much-needed bonds in support of educational opportunities. Cultivating her relationships with both public and private entities, Sabouni was instrumental in obtaining several joint programs, creating synergies between higher education and other education organizations. Sabouni has also participated in key community roundtable discussions for long-term planning of A great believer in the public educational targeted higher education campus projects system and a recognized leader in the com- and in community partnering efforts. munity, Sabouni has been called upon to In 2013, the Bilateral US-Arab Chamber reach those in the architectural, engineer- of Commerce, in response to the growing ing and construction industry, as well as the demand for updating and advancing the business community, to rally support for sev- Educational System in the MENA Countries, eral important Educational Bond Elections. established the Education Council and reThis effort has included coordinating com- quested Sabouni to be the education chair. munity meetings and making presentations Sabouni hosts monthly round table discusfor public/community awareness and ap- sions to assist in building and advancing the 90

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• Greater Houston Partnership • Katy Area Economic Development Council • Board of Directors of Interfaith Ministries • Board of Directors of Arab American Education Foundation • Fort Bend Leadership Forum (Class 2005) • Fort Bend Leadership for Nonprofit Excellence (Class 2007) • City of Sugar Land Planning and Zoning Commission (Commissioner 05-06) • American Leadership Forum Member, Class XXVII Lina Sabouni, AIA NCARB Co-Founder and Principal AUTOARCH Architects, LLC 6200 Savoy, Suite 100 Houston, TX 77036 lina@autoarch.net www.autoarch.net

d-mars.com Top 30 Influential Women of Houston

Founded in 1991, AUTOARCH Architects is a full-service Architecture, Planning, and Interior Design Firm providing design and allied services to both public and private sector clients. AUTOARCH has earned a reputation for innovative design, superb delivery, and efficient management of its teams and projects. The core of the organization is comprised of professionals who possess the technical knowledge, experience, and management skills necessary to complete successful projects. We serve our clients as trusted advisors, combining localized expertise with a global perspective. Our firm strives for excellence in design and project delivery, and as such, have had the opportunity to attract and retain many wonderful clients. The majority of our business is from repeat clients, and that is a testament to our abilities as professionals. We are focused on delivering the best project for our clients by listening to their concerns, researching and developing industry leading standards for their benefit, and providing quality and implementable solutions.

W W W. A U T O A R C H . N E T

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Rhonda Skillern-Jones Board of Education President, District II Trustee, Houston Independent School District

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honda Skillern-Jones was elected to the Board of Education in 2011. She was sworn in as Trustee in January 2012. She served as board secretary in 2012 and 2013 and First Vice President in 2014. She also represents the Houston Independent School District (HISD) on the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Board of Directors.

Skillern-Jones is constantly recognized for her community and district efforts that are enhancing the lives of Houston children and citizens. She has received the Top 50 Black P&E 2015 Community Hero Award from d-mars.com and received other countless achievement awards and honors. Skillern-Jones holds membership in several civic and community organizations, including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Skillern-Jones has a strong faith in God and cites her parents as her heroes and role models. She served HISD in a volunteer capacity for 20 years before joining the school board. She has a passion for education and children, and she believes that all children deserve an equitable and quality education for a fair start in achieving their life goals.

It is her goal to see that every child in HISD has access to superior education and receives the best tools and support possible.

She continues to fight for the community and sees to it that all of the community’s concerns are addressed respectfully.

Skillern-Jones is a wife and mother of five children. She earned both a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in clinical Sociology from Texas Southern University.

Rhonda Skillern-Jones Board of Education President District II Trustee Houston Independent School District Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center 4400 West 18th Street Houston, TX 77092 www.houstonisd.org 92

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Joyce Tyler-Williams Senior Vice President & Community Development Officer for Frost Bank • Houston Money Week Leadership Committee • Capital IDEA Board • Vice President of the Houston Area Urban Community Development Corporation • President of the Houston Chapter of the Drexel Society, Inc. Joyce was the second woman to be elected as President of the Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce (formerly known as the Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce). She is also a member of the Knights and Ladies of St. Peter Claver Council & Court #138 (a national Catholic fraternal organization). She is a recipient of the Silver Medal of Merit Award and the Sir Knight Dennis Armelin Humanitarian Award from KPC for her outstanding contributions to the Diocese, church, community, family and as a Lady of Peter Claver.

She has been featured in Who’s Who in Black Houston and Presidential Who’s Who. Joyce received an award for Outstanding Women in Banking and Financial Services and also received a Community Service Award from the National Women of Achievement, Inc. (Missouri City Metroplex Chapter).

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oyce Tyler-Williams was born in Beaumont, Texas. She has been a native of Houston for 57 years.

She received her undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Texas Southern University School of Business. She is Senior Vice President and Community Development Officer for the Houston/Galveston Region of Frost Bank, where she has worked for 30 years. As the Community Development Officer for the Houston/Galveston Region, Joyce is responsible for assisting the bank in assessing the credit and banking needs of Frost’s trade market, with special focus on low-income and moderate-income neighborhoods and minority segments of the market and assisting the bank in meet-

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ing those needs. Joyce’s responsibilities also include providing Financial Education classes for young adults, seniors and elementary students and coordinating the Frost Financial Youth Academy.

She serves on the following boards and committees of various professional and community organizations throughout the city:

Joyce is an active member of Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church, where she serves as a Lector, Lay Minister and the Finance Council Chair. She is married to James Williams. She has one daughter, Earlene White, a son-in-law, Anthony White and three grandchildren, Shanteri, William and Angelica. She also has one great granddaughter, Amaya.

• President of the Houston Credit Coali- Joyce Tyler-Williams tion Senior Vice President & • Houston Community College Banking Community Development Officer Advisory Council Frost Bank • Government Procurement Connections, 1001 Broadway Inc. Board Houston, TX 77012 • Family Services Ways to Work Loan 713-388-7828 jtyler@frostbank.com Committee

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Jennifer Yen, M.D.

Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, University of Houston Medical School & Baylor College of Medicine & Author ing her Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine.

Since the completion of her training, Dr. Yen has split her time between a successful private practice and community and academic work. She is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry with the University of Houston Medical School in Houston, and she is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry with Baylor College of Medicine. She has served as the staff psychiatrist for Asian American Family Services, a nonprofit organization serving the Asian American population in Houston. She is involved in local and national psychiatric organizations, and she speaks regularly on topics of mental health and mental disorders.

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r. Yen was born in the city of Taipei, Taiwan. Shortly before the age of eight, her parents chose to immigrate to the United States, despite knowing only a few family members, no understanding of the language and no job prospects. Dr. Yen faced the challenge of learning a brand new language and culture, but with the support of wonderful teachers and her loving parents, Dr. Yen soon adapted to her new life. She strove for academic excellence, while balancing 96

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In addition to her professional work, Dr. Yen also has an alter ego in J.L. Clark, a writer whose mission is to connect with and encourage young people through enthralling storylines and engaging characters. Dr. Yen began her writing career in the fourth grade, writing short stories, poetry and fanfiction starring strong and intelligent girls and women. She was recently inspired to pen The Avalon Relics, a young adult fantasy fiction series, after being introduced to several young adult books that depicted weak heroines and unhealthy relationships. Dr. Yen is currently working on several projects, including the third book of The Avalon Relics and a storybook and game narrative for a local gaming company, Artistic Justice her family’s traditional Chinese culture Games. She also recently accepted a and the more Westernized perspective of position as Health Editor for CKW Luxe, a her peers. local luxury philanthropic magazine.

By the time she reached college, Dr. Yen was accepted into the University of Houston Honors College with scholarships, Jennifer Yen, M.D. and she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Bio- Assistant Professor of Psychiatry chemistry. She attended the University University of Houston Medical School of Texas Medical School in Houston and & Baylor College of Medicine obtained her Medical Doctorate in 2006. Author Dr. Yen received her general psychiatry storytellingdoc@gmail.com residency training there before complet- www.jl-clark.com

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LaShonda Pierce and NaKeitha Ross Co-Founders of the I.C.O.N. Women’s Organization I.C.O.N. tailors its community events, programs and efforts throughout the year, developing women socially, academically and economically. Through these efforts, I.C.O.N. is able to equip these women with the necessary tools to also empower their children and communities. In fact, their division for girls, I.C.O.N. PEARLS, parallels their efforts with girls (ages 5-18), and the primary focus is on teen homelessness. Their goal is to promote and encourage more self-sufficiency and independence, with positive results. To help assist them in this process, they provide clothing, food, empowerment seminars, scholarships and assistance throughout the year. The empowerment seminar topics include, but are not limited to self-esteem, anger management and tips for successful interviews.

Their largest efforts include actively being involved with the women who are in transition at Volunteers of America, serving families during Christmas at the House of Amos, awarding over $50,000 to deserving high school and college students in the past 5 years and spreading breast cancer awareness with their annual Tailgating for the Cure event.

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.C.O.N. Women’s Organization (I.C.O.N.) is a nonprofit organization that was established by LaShonda Pierce and NaKeitha Ross in May 2010. Pierce and Ross created this awesome organization over a phone conversation. I.C.O.N. is designed to elevate, motivate and educate women. Their membership is comprised of a dynamic and selfless group of women with a vast variety of skills and gifts. The members devote their time, talents and treasures to local communities throughout the year. Their purpose as an organization is to provide charitable services through programs, scholarships and economic sponsorships of community based programs, enriching the lives of women and children.

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Pierce is the owner and designer of LaPierce Designs, and she is the proud • Service mother of son, Keelyn. Ross is co-owner of 360 Degrees Hair Studio and the glob• Education al artistic director for McBride Research • Mentoring and Self-Empowerment Laboratories. She is married to Jeremy • Health and Wellness J. Ross, and they have two children, Jada I.C.O.N. is committed to serving the lo- and Jeremy. Pierce and Ross value time cal communities through various outlets, with their families, and they adore travewhile building strategic partnerships that ling and enhancing their crafts. allow their organization to educate the area on issues such as education, health LaShonda Pierce and NaKeitha Ross and social awareness, human rights, Co-Founders economic security and environmental I.C.O.N. Women’s Organization sustainability. I.C.O.N. provides informa- 11601 Shadow Creek Parkway, #111-156 tion about various issues that emotion- Pearland, TX 77584 ally, spiritually and intellectually impact 713-385-8085 the community. Their outreach enlight- iconwomen@yahoo.com ens and raises awareness. www.iconcares.org The I.C.O.N. programs are:

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Sisters Network Inc.

2015 Pink Angel Awards Luncheon & St yle Show ®

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Sunday, October 25, 2015 1:00 p.m.

The Westin Galleria Houston 5060 West Alabama, Houston, Texas 77056 For more information, please call 713.781.0255

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