Top 30 Influential Women of Houston

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO, MR. D-MARS

Min highlighting these women who continue to contribute to the reputation and success of the Top 30 Influential Women of Houston.

The women recognized are accomplished leaders who excel in their professions and possess a spirit of service. The importance of selflessness on the path to success should never be forgotten, and and the honorees serve as shining examples of this virtue.

Despite humble beginnings and overcoming challenges, these women have surpassed expectations, embodying women’s empowerment. We express our gratitude for your participation in celebrating these honorees and hope that they inspire and encourage you.

Regardless of your achievements in your professional life, strive for even greater heights. Whether you are serving your community, do so with utmost dedication. Let this remarkable group of women motivate you to step out of your comfort zone and embrace the extraordinary calling that God has for your life.

May you be blessed and become a blessing to others. My team and I take great pride in hosting this annual event, as it serves as a small token of our profound appreciation for the sheroes, history makers, and servants who are leaving behind a remarkable legacy. Congratulations to all the honorees of the 2023 Top 30 Influential Women of Houston.

Sincerely,

Keith “MR. D-MARS” Davis, Sr. President and CEO

Vaskey Media Group, Inc. Parent Company of d-mars.com, Subcontractors USA-Texas and Top30Women.com

The way to achieve your own success is to be willing to help somebody else get it first.

- Iyanla Vanzant

Never apologize for being a powerful woman.

MESSAGE FROM CHIEF OF STAFF KIMBERLY FLOYD

The Top 30 Influential Women of Houston is an annual tradition honoring and celebrating women who represent success. Their attitude of servitude is what should inspire us most. In a selfserving world, these women shine a light of selflessness that has been a driving force behind their great achievements. Not only are they successful, but they continue to provide a hand for those around them, so they too are successful. They understand and apply the concept of, “There’s room at the table for everyone.” This is what truly makes this year’s honorees top women.

Each honoree has an awareness that challenges are not a reason to give up, but to instead give more of yourself with persistence, faith, and hard work to get to the other side. The honorees are risk-takers, relentless in their pursuit of level playing fields, understanding that they have a responsibility and duty to create a path for this generation and the next generation of women to be effective leaders as well. The Top 30 Influential Women of Houston recipients are leaving a legacy, an indelible mark of excellence in their respective areas of expertise.

Words cannot express how proud I am to live among these influential women in the great city of Houston. They embody the spirit of community and serve as shining examples of what women can accomplish when they support each other. Continue to shine your light, encouraging all women and young girls to shine.

Congratulations to the 10th Annual Top 30 Influential Women of Houston. We honor you for not only what you do, but for who you are. Today, we salute you.

Ms. Kimberly Floyd Chief of Staff and Managing Editor Vaskey Media Group, Inc. Parent Company of d-mars.com, Subcontractors

USA-Texas and Top30Women.com

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

- Marianne Williamson

Emma Aguiñaga

Eugenie Doualla

Émil Flemmon

Chivon Jones

Edward Sanchez

Kendra Wiseman

MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES

Shern-Min Chow anchors KHOU 11 News at Noon weekdays, fills in on other newscasts and reports. She joined the station in 1996.

She began her career in journalism as a stringer for Newsweek and has worked at KTRK-TV and anchored at KPRC-TV in Houston, as well as KENS-TV in San Antonio. Chow’s awards include the Houston Press Club Award for Best Series, the Texas Associated Press Award for Best Spot Newscast-Producer and an Emmy for the documentary “Hong Kong Under the Dragon.”

Shern-Min speaks often to civic groups, schools, churches and other organizations.

Over the years, she has made close to 1,000 community appearances. She is currently on the advisory boards of the Asia Society and the Chinese Community center. She has previously served on the boards of SpringSpirit Baseball, the Bo & Stacey Porter Self Foundation, the YWCA, The Houston Ballet, the Chinese Community Center and The Bayou City Medical Center. A history graduate from Yale University, Shern-Min speaks conversational Mandarin and Shang Hai dialects of Chinese. She has also studied Spanish, French and German. Shern-Min and her husband have two sons. They are students at Rice University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

PHOTOGRAPHER

Grady Carter

Lenora Sorola-Pohlman Broker Consultant Navarro Insurance Group

Dr. Mya Smith-Edmonds Owner/Operator, McDonald’s Co-Founder, The Smith Foundation, Inc.

Shelly deZevallos, Ed.D. President West Houston Airport

Shern-Min Chow Anchor & Reporter

2021 TOP 30 HONOREE 2021 TOP 30 HONOREE

2019 TOP 30 HONOREE

2014 TOP 30 HONOREE

HOST COMMITTEE

Dr. Mya Smith-Edmonds

Lenora Sorola-Pohlman

Shelly deZevallos, Ed.D.

Frances Castañeda Dyess

Dr. Alison Scott

Vanessa Reed

Torsha Johnson

Carlecia D. Wright

Lina Sabouni

Dr. Cashuna “Shun”

Huddleston

WWW.TOP30WOMEN.COM

The Top 30 Women celebrate the accomplishments and giving spirit of hundreds of diverse, influential and powerful women in Houston and the surrounding areas.

August23 nominations

Please submit your nominations for the Top 30 Influential Women of Houston Awards. The nomination deadline is April 1, 2024. Please send bios and Word documents, 400-450 words (include the nominee’s contact information).

Top 30 Influential Women of Houston Awards Nomination Process: Candidates may nominate themselves or be nominated by others. We seek a diverse group of candidates who share a commitment to business growth, professional excellence and the community--- women who are shaping the economic future of large and small corporations or independent firms. The awards are open to women who are business owners or senior executives in the public, private or nonprofit sectors.

EMAIL NOMINATIONS TO OPERATIONS@TOP30WOMEN.COM BY APRIL 1, 2024

If there are any questions, please call 713.373.5577 or email operations@top30women.com

TWENTY - TWENTY FOUR

THE HONORABLE SHEILA JACKSON LEE COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

C ITY OF H OUSTON

Sylvester Turner

Mayor

P.O. Box 1562

Houston, Texas 77251-1562

Telephone – Dial 311 www.houstontx.gov

August 25, 2023

Greetings,

As Mayor of the City of Houston, I welcome all attending the tenth annual Top 30 Influential Women of Houston Awards Gala, hosted by d-mars.com on August 25, 2023.

The Top 30 Influential Women of Houston Awards recognizes women who have broken barriers in their respective fields and left an indelible mark on the face of Houston. The honorees are business owners or senior executives in the public, private and nonprofit sectors who share a commitment to business growth, professional excellence and the community and are shaping the economic future of large and small corporations or independent firms. These women represent the finest in leadership in a variety of enterprises

I commend the Top 30 Influential Women of Houston Awards and the dmars.com on this special occasion.

Please accept my best wishes for a successful gala.

Sincerely,

Sylvester Turner Mayor

Council Members: Amy Peck Tarsha Jackson Abbie Kamin Carolyn Evans -Shabazz Dave Martin Tiffany D. Thomas Mary Nan Huffman Karla Cisneros Robert Gallegos Edward Pollard Martha Castex-Tatum Mike Knox David W. Robinson Michael Kubosh Letitia Plummer Sallie Alcorn

Controller: Chris Brown

SHEILA JACKSON LEE

Congress of the United States House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515

August 25, 2023

Greetings:

On behalf of the Eighteenth Congressional District of Texas, and the United States House of Representatives, please allow me to convey my warmest greetings to you on this momentous occasion.

I take great pride in joining d-mars.com in honoring the Top 30 Influential Women of Houston for their commitment and dedication to their community, professional excellence and business growth.

The 2023 Top 30 Influential Women of Houston have broken barriers in their respective fields and will inspire future generations to come. The honorees continually give their time and talent for the betterment of our city. Congratulations to the 2023 Top 30 Influential Women of Houston.

Sincerely,

Sheila Jackson Lee Member of Congress

BORRIS L. MILES

STATE SENATOR DISTRICT 13

COMMITTEES: Criminal Justice, Health & Human Services, Natural Resources & Economic Development, Nominations and Transportation

August 25, 2023

Greetings,

Welcome to D-Mars.com’s Top 30 Influential Women of Houston Awards & Gala. Congratulations to the all the awardees! Thank you to everyone in attendance here to support and honor these remarkable women.

This event highlights and celebrates our city’s diverse and accomplished women. The awardees embody the Houston area’s spirit of hard work, tenacity, and determination. These top women have all demolished glass ceilings in their respective industries and are all true leaders in our community. The awardees are clearly leaving their mark on Houston. I salute the award winners and congratulate them on their professional accomplishments and thank them for their commitment to our great city.

Best wishes to everyone in attendance and to those who support this important event for our community. It is an honor to congratulate the 2023 Top 30 Influential Women of Houston.

Keep the Faith, Keep the Fight, Senator Borris L. Miles District 13

August 25, 2023

Dear Friends,

On behalf of the Texas House of Representatives, District 146, it is a privilege to welcome all those in attendance at tonight's Top 30 Influential Women of Houston Awards Gala

Tonight's honorees represent the very best of what Houston has to offer. These women come from all walks of life, each with varied stories and experiences, triumphs and tribulations. However, one thing remains constant: their dedication to the citizens of Houston.

I wish to thank D-Mars.Com for hosting and organizing tonight's gala. I extend my most sincere congratulations to the 30 women who will be honored tonight for their vast and varied contributions towards bettering all facets of our greater Houston community.

Warm regards,

Shawn Thierry Texas House District 146

Thierry Top 30 Influential Women of Houston 2017 Recipient

State Representative

State Representative Shawn

P.O. Box 2910

Austin, Texas 78768-2910

(512) 463-0554

6112 Wheatley Street

Houston, Texas 77091

JARVIS JOHNSON DISTRICT

139

August 25, 2023

Dear Honorees,

On behalf of District 139, I want to congratulate you as a diverse and distinguished group of women being recognized in the 2023 Class of the d-mars.com Top 30 Influential Women of Houston. d-mars.com is a well-respected publication that inspires, informs, and educates, and the fact that you are being honored means you are held in high regard not only in your professional life, but by your work in the community.

This occasion is one of the most anticipated in Houston, as it continues to keep the standard of the women that are honored and celebrated. You are examples for others to follow, and I applaud all of your professional achievements and for being leaders that not only Houston is proud of, but that District 139 is proud of.

I did not always have it easy growing up, but I know with hard work anything is possible. You are excellent examples of how you can be whatever you want to be. Your journey may not have been easy, but you didn’t give up. I commend you for this and for being history makers, opening doors for the next generation of Houston leaders.

I join MR. D-MARS and the d-mars.com family in congratulating you on your hard work in your professions and for having a genuine heart for the community. Congratulations again.

Sincerely,

Jarvis Johnson State Representative, District 139

August 25, 2023

S ALLIE A LCORN Houston City Council Member At-Large, Position 5

August 25, 2023

Greetings,

Congratulations to the 2023 Top 30 Influential Women of Houston Honorees who are being recognized at the 10th Annual Women of Houston Awards & Gala, hosted by d-mars.com.

I applaud the honorees on their professional achievements and the extraordinary work they have accomplished in their communities. This diverse group of women, coming from different industries and backgrounds, have a shared passion for leadership and professional excellence.

Please accept my thanks for the hard work each honoree has dedicated to improving the City of Houston.

Sincerely,

Sallie Alcorn

August 25, 2023

Greetings,

As the County Attorney for Fort Bend, I extend a warm welcome to all attending the 2023 Top 30 Influential Women of Houston Awards Gala! This evening will be filled with so many inspiring examples of women in leadership and service to the Greater Houston Area. The honorees are women from different backgrounds and professions however connected and indeed similar in their distinguished paths of pursuing excellence. Tonight, will be a night to remember for all. Thank you, MR. D-MARS, for highlighting women in leadership and inspiring future leaders within our community.

I applaud the 2023 Top 30 Influential Women of Houston on your awesome achievements and look forward to your continued success as you reach higher heights in your professions and deeper depths in service to all in the future. Congratulations to the 2023 Honorees!

Sincerely,

Bridgette Smith-Lawson Fort Bend County Attorney 2019 Top 30 Honoree

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

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 AdvancementCommunications & 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

*Companies and titles in 2013

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

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

*Companies and titles in 2014

2015 TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF HOUSTON

SPECIAL GUEST

The Honorable Ivy R. Taylor - Mayor of San Antonio

ICON HONOREES

Dr. Selina M. Ahmed - Texas Southern University

Dr. Judith Craven - The United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast

Deavra A. Daughtry - Texas Women’s Empowerment Foundation International

State Representative Jessica Farrar - Texas House District 148

Melanie Johnson, Ed.D. - The Health Museum: John P. McGovern

Museum of Health and Medical Science

Susan A. McEldoon - KHOU-TV

Wanda Thornton Mott, M.D. - Houston Women’s Obstetrical and Gynecological Associates

Stephanie D. Nellons-Paige - USA Funds

Page Parkes - Page Parkes Center of Modeling & Acting

HONOREES

Devon Anderson - Harris County District Attorney’s Office

Dell H. Braunsdorf - M.D. - Amerigroup

Camille Cash - M.D. - Camille G. Cash, M.D., Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

April Day - Women’s Business Enterprise Alliance

Dr. Marla Fielder, R.Ph. - The Kroger Co. - Southwest Division

Samille Frazier-Savoie, LPCS, LCDC, NCC - The BES Group, Inc.

Kim Gagne - Steve Harvey

Marian Harper - Houston Astros

Tammy Harris - Soul Grooves®Fitness

Vernita Harris - IMPACT Strategies Consultants, LLC

Winell Herron - H-E-B

Heather Holland - TransCanada

Connie Kwan-Wong - CKW LUXE Magazine

Raquelle Lewis - Tx-DOT - Houston District

Petria McKelvey - Precision Medical Billing, Inc.

Katie Walthall Mehnert - Pink Petro

Dr. Felecia M. Nave - Prairie View A&M University

Krista L. Olson, M.D. - Baylor Facial Plastic Surgery Center

Erma Palmer - Autos R Us Collision Center

Crystal Perkins - My Legacy Foundation

Letitia D. Quiñones - Quiñones & Associates, P.L.L.C.

Dr. Kamala Raghavan - Texas Southern University

Liliana L. Rambo - Houston Airport System

Nannette Ray, MBA - Medical Information Records, LLC

Mary Redmond - Redmond Management-McDonald’s

Theresa Roemer - Theresa Roemer, LLC

Lina Sabouni - AUTOARCH Architects, LLC

Rhonda Skillern-Jones - Houston Independent School District

Joyce Tyler-Williams - Frost Bank

Jennifer Yen, M.D. - UH Medical School, Baylor College of Medicine & Author

UNITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD:

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

*Companies and titles in 2015

2016 TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF HOUSTON

ICON HONOREES

Yolanda Adams - Grammy Award-Winning Gospel Artist

Suzan Deison - CEO/President/Founder, Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce

Zina Garrison - CEO, Zina Garrison Foundation & Former 4th-Ranked Tennis Player in the World

Nathelyne A. Kennedy, P.E. - President, Nathelyne A. Kennedy & Associates

Dr. Laura Murillo - President & Chief Executive Officer, Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Sallie Sargent - President & CEO, Houston Super Bowl Host Committee

HONOREES

Farida Abjani - Co-Founder/CEO, Shining Nightingale, Inc.

Wanda Adams - Board of Education First Vice-President & District IX Trustee, Houston Independent School District

Sehba Ali - Chief Executive Officer and Superintendent, KIPP Houston Public Schools

Jackye Alton - President, Almeda Travel

Erin Asprec - Regional President, Memorial Hermann Health System

Dr. Kimberly Beatty - Vice Chancellor of Instructional Services, Chief Academic Officer, Houston Community College

Mary Benton - Director of Communications and Strategic Projects, Harris County Precinct One

Marianna Brasel - General Manager, Porsche of West Houston

Carlotta Outley Brown, M.Ed. - Principal, Lora B. Peck Elementary School –Houston Independent School District

Victoria Ai Linh Bryant, PharmD - President, World Chamber of Commerce Texas & Founder, Ambassadors Caregivers

Frances Castaneda-Dyess - President, Houston East End Chamber of Commerce

Denise Castillo-Rhodes - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Texas Medical Center

Marina Coryat - Senior Manager, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of TexasSoutheast Texas Region

Katya Dow - Legal Program Director, Juvenile and Capital Advocacy Project & Adjunct Law Professor, University of Houston Law Center

Debbie Drury - President, Market Doctors

Amanda K. Edwards - Attorney & Houston City Council Member At-Large Position 4

Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz - Board Secretary & District IV Trustee, Houston Community College

Sameera Faridi - Director & Designer, Poshak Fashion & Style

Victoria A. Guster-Hines - McDonald’s Vice President, Operations and Franchising - Houston Region

Ana Hernandez - State Representative, District 143

Loren Lane - First Lady, Texas Southern University & Key Account Manager, EMD Serono

Nancy J. Li - President, Easton Resource Development, Inc.

Rania Mankarious, MA, JD - Executive Director, Crime Stoppers Houston

Dr. Saundra Montgomery - Life Coach/Author/Leadership Consultant & First Lady, Abundant Life Cathedral Church

Gigi Myung - President & CEO, GLM Energy, Inc.

Toni Pierre - Business Change Manager-NAIP, Amerigroup Community Care

Sonia Rivera - National President, National Hispanic Professional Organization & Owner/Consultant, Genesis Consulting, Inc.

Ingrid M. Robinson - President, Houston Minority Supplier Development Council

Kim Roxie - Creative Director, LAMIK Beauty

Graciela Saenz - Founder & Attorney at Law, Saenz Burkhardt P.L.L.C.

Sonya Stevenson - Executive Director, The Fort Bend Church

Tene Thomas - CPA Partner, Tax Practice, McConnell & Jones LLP

Joi-Lin Venison, Esq. - CEO/Co-Founder, Super Weave Xpress

Teana V. Watson - Principal Attorney, T.V. Watson Law, PLLC.

Spring Williams-Cox - Director of Operations Southeast Texas, UPS

Kimberly J. Williams, JD - Deputy Chief Procurement Officer, Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County

*Companies and titles in 2016

THE HONORABLE SHEILA JACKSON LEE COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Roxann Thomas Chargois - Director, The Western Area of The Links, Incorporated

2017 TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF HOUSTON

THE HONORABLE SHEILA JACKSON LEE COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Dorinda Walker - Vice President, Multicultural Marketing – Prudential

ICON HONOREES

Cynthia Cisneros - Vice President of Community Affairs, ABC 13/KTRK-TV

Vanessa D. Gilmore - United States District Judge, Southern District of Texas

Shauna Johnson Clark - Head of Employment and Labor - United States, Norton Rose Fulbright

Deborah Duncan - Television Host/Personality, Great Day Houston/KHOU-TV

Carrin F. Patman - Board Chair, Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO)

Ann Stern - President & CEO, Houston Endowment

State Rep. Senfronia Thompson - District 141, Texas House of Representatives

Dawn Ullrich - President & CEO, Houston First Corporation

HONOREES

Juuhi Ahuja - President, Founder & CEO, Wise Men Consultants

Margaret Allen, DDS - Owner, Amazing Smiles, PLLC

Johnte’ Archer, JD - CEO/Founder, J. Archer Insurance Group and SHE IS A CEO Foundation

Karina Barbieri - Vice President, Mediplus Panama, S.A. & Philanthropist

Lea Bogle - CEO, Premier Wireless

Carol B. Brace MS, LSSBB, CTL, CIL, SCOR, PMP - Lecturer/Business Development Specialist, UH-Downtown

Dr. LaQuita Carter - Assistant Superintendent of Performance Management, Spring Independent School District

Twila Carter - Executive Director, Astros Foundation

Dr. Jacqueline Horton-Cobbin - President and CEO, Cobbin & Associates Consulting, LLC.

Tamar Davis - Grammy-Nominated Artist and Edu-Tainment Advocate, Syren Music Group, LLC.

Cheryl L. Duncan, BSN, RN, CVRN - Founder, Ashley Jadine Foundation

Diane Englet - Senior Director, Corporate Community Relations, CenterPoint Energy

Diedra Fontaine - Executive Director, Office of Development, Prairie View A&M University

Karina Gonzalez - Principal Dancer, Houston Ballet

LaTreace Harrison - RN, MS, CMCN, Director of HealthCare Management Services, Amerigroup Texas

Karen Hill, MD - Senior Vice President & Chief Medical Officer, Community Health Choice

Carneta Hunte-Larkin, BSW,MSHEA,MBA - Founder and CEO, I Love My Children, Inc.

Antoinette M. Jackson - Partner, Jones Walker LLP

Courtney Johnson Rose - Principal Broker, George E. Johnson Properties

Ige Johnson - Broker, Re/Max & Owner, GLO Beauty Bar

Torsha Johnson - First Lady & Author, Higher Dimension Church

Carla Kuaiwa, BS, MA, MBA - Owner/Managing Director, Cross OD Consulting, LLC

Monica Lewis - Founder/CEO & Certified Etiquette Consultant, Monica Lewis School of Etiquette

Paula McHam - Account Executive and Community Involvement Lead, Cigna South Texas/Louisiana

Regina Mellinger - President & CEO, Primary Services LP

Cydonii Miles - Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel & Assistant Secretary, American Capital Ltd.

Mary Moreland - Director of Strategic Planning - Latin America, Quanta Services, Inc.

Anhlan Phuc Nguyen, DBA, PMP - Director of Development and Marketing, Institute for Civic Education in Vietnam

Delesa O’Dell-Thomas - Principal, Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy

Debra C. Stewart - Director of Supplier Diversity & Diversity Outreach, Shell Oil Company

Kimberly Gee Stith - Vice President and General Counsel - Employment & Benefits, Waste Management

Nicole Streeter, MPH, MA - VP/Chief Governance Officer, Harris Health System Board of Trustees

Kristin Tassin - President, Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees & Co-Founder, Father’s Joy

Kelley Taylor - Chief Executive Officer, Taylor Construction Management

State Representative Shawn Thierry - District 146, Texas House of Representatives

Barbara Vilutis - Executive Vice President, Amegy Bank of Texas

Dr. Cynthia Wilson - Chief of Staff, Houston Independent School District

Mary L. Young - Executive Director/Chief of Police, Department of Public Safety - Texas Southern University

*Companies and titles in 2017

Too many families settle for a life that isn’t fulfilling. Higher Dimension inspires people to follow Jesus Christ so they can experience the fulfilling life God always intended for them.

2018 TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF HOUSTON

THE HONORABLE SHEILA JACKSON LEE COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Dr. Betty N. Adams - Professor and Dean, College of Nursing, Prairie View A&M University

ICON HONOREES

Dr. Alma A. Allen - State Representative, Texas House of Representatives, District 131

Anna M. Babin - President and CEO, United Way of Greater Houston

Cheryl D. Creuzot - President and Chief Executive Officer, Wealth Development Strategies, LLC

Karen McKemie - Senior Regional Vice President of Operations, Sonic Automotive

Donna Sims Wilson - President, Smith Graham Investment Advisors

Merele Yarborough - Philanthropist and Community Service Advocate

Judge Clarease Yates - Judge and Founder, Indestructible Beginnings

HONOREES

Ann Harris Bennett - Tax Assessor - Collector and Voter Registrar, Harris County, Texas

Gita P. Bolt - Vice President and General Counsel, Houston Housing Authority

Vera Bumpers - Chief of Police, METRO Police Department

Karla Cisneros - Council Member, District H

Helen Conte - Senior Vice President/Group Manager –Business Banking, Comerica Bank

Barbara Harris Curtis - Founder and President, RARE Pearls, Inc.

Dannette K. Davis - Principal, Kay Davis Associates LLC

Tiffany Massie Davis, MSN, RN - CEO, E-PIC Training Center, Inc

Gaynell Floyd Drexler - Corporate Attorney and Community Advocate

Melissa Edwards - Executive Director, Central South Texas, American Diabetes Association

Brenda Erickson - Director, Corporate Supply Chain, ConocoPhillips and Board Chair, Women’s Business Enterprise Alliance

Tammy Faber - Vice President of Operations, Fort Bend Services, Inc.

Staci Taylor Fullmighter - Officer of Student Assessment, Houston Independent School District

Mary Griffin - Grammy-Nominated Artist and Owner, Mahogany Entertainment, LLC

Arquella Hargrove - CEO, Epic Collaborative Advisors

Debra Gatison Hatter, Esq. - Member, Clark Hill Strasburger

Marvalette Hunter - Chief of Staff, City of Houston

Grayle Tully James - Trustee, Fort Bend Independent School District

Constance Jones - Vice President of Operations, Houston Minority Supplier Development Council

Eva L. Loredo - Board Trustee, District VIII, Houston Community College

Jalene Mack, Esq. - Entertainment Attorney, Actress, Producer, Author, Playwright & Founder, Mack Performing Arts Collective

Maria Emee Mendoza-Nisnisan - CEO, Acacia Medical Research Institute LLC and Medical Practice Administrator: Royal Oaks Medical Home and Wellness Clinics

Roslyn Bazzelle Mitchell - Senior Counsel, Weycer, Kaplan, Pulaski & Zuber, PC

Desrye M. Morgan - Managing Director, Wells Fargo Securities and Vice Chairwoman, Houston First Corp.

Marie Myers - Global Controller, HP Inc.

Amber Newman - Chief Executive Officer, Boys & Girls Club of Brazoria County

Dr. Dieu-Thoa Khoa Nguyen - Founder & CEO, DT Pharmacy/DT Collagen and President, VAPhA

LaToshia Norwood - Managing Partner, L’Renee & Associates

Farrah Sabouni Oranje - Principal, AUTOARCH Architects

Stacey M. Parker-Blake - Director of Behavioral Health Services, Amerigroup Texas

Tiko Reynolds-Hausman - President and CEO, TKO Biz Solutions

Michelle Riley-Brown - Executive Vice President, Texas Children’s Hospital

Maribel Rodriguez - CEO, Sunshine Personnel Solutions, LLC

Sadie Rucker - President, Horizon International Group

Cindi Salas - Director, Purchasing and Logistics, CenterPoint Energy

Shawn Emerson Simmons, PhD - Environmental and Permitting Manager, ExxonMobil Chemical Company

Hazel Smith - Owner/Operator, McDonald’s

Heidi McDonald Smith - Chief of Staff, Texas Southern University

Maya P. Thornton - Director, Supplier Diversity, University of Houston HUB

Joycelyn Williams - Vice President of Sales, Williams6Enterprises

Nancy Yuill, PhD, RN - President, Chamberlain University, College of Nursing – Pearland

*Companies and titles in 2018

The University

of Houston

continues to grow not just in student population but also in the construction of new buildings such as the John M. O’ Quinn Law Building and Tilman J Fertitta Family College of Medicine.

UH’s facilities growth includes the continuous need to procure a variety of non-construction goods and services, all of which undergirds UH’s recognition as an institutional “Powerhouse.”

INFORMED BE A PART OF THE COUGAR VILLAGE

2019 TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF HOUSTON

THE HONORABLE SHEILA JACKSON LEE COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Yolanda Ford - Mayor, City of Missouri City

ICON HONOREES

Brenda W. Bazan - President and CEO, Houston First Corporation

Hon. Dr. Teta V. Banks - National Chair, United Nations Association of the USA

The Honorable Lizzie Fletcher - Congresswoman, Texas’ 7th Congressional District

Judy Foston-Stanford - President, Foston International Communications Inc.

Joyce L. Jacquet - Licensed Therapist and Counselor

Myrtle L. Jones - CPA - Senior Vice President of Tax, Halliburton Company

Melanie Lawson - Anchor/Reporter, KTRK-TV/ABC 13

Kim Padgett - President, The Padgett Group

Lisa Trapani Shumate - Associate Vice President and General Manager, Houston Public Media

Vanessa E. Wyche - Deputy Director, NASA Johnson Space Center

HONOREES

Leanne Dobard Alvarez - President & CEO, The UPS Store at Shadow Creek – Pearland

Tracey L. Anthony - Vice President & Chief Compliance Officer, Crane Worldwide Logistics

Colleen D. Banks - Financial Professional, Wealth Development Strategies, LLC

Juliet Breeze - MD - CEO and Founder, Next Level Urgent Care

Michelle Bythewood - President, Salata Salad Kitchen

Dr. Courtney Jacocks Chance - Co-owner/ General Dentist, Oaks Point Pediatric Dentistry

Jane E. Cheeks - IPMA-SCP - Director, City of Houston

Connie L. Cochran - Assistant Vice President of Alumni Relations & Special Events, Texas Southern University

Audrey Marie Cosby - First Lady, Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church

Rachel Andress Davis, PharmD, RPh - Licensed Pharmacist, OptumRx, a division of United Health Group

Leona E. Filis - Founder/Managing Attorney, The Filis Law Firm, P.C.

Michelle Garrison - Chief Financial Officer, GetixHealth, LLC

Dr. Melissa N. Gonzalez - President, Houston Community College – Southeast

Mia Gradney - Emmy Award-Winning Journalist and Anchor, KHOU11

Addie Heyliger - Business Engagement Manager, CenterPoint Energy, Vice President, Fort Bend ISD Trustee

Tami Hunter - Advisor, Compliance, Global Supply Chain & Supplier Diversity Advocate ConocoPhillips

Kelly A. Irving - Associate Director Patient Care Services/Chief Nurse Executive, Michael E. DeBakey, VAMC

Olivera Jankovska - Global Citizenship Fellow, UNICEF USA

Dr. Grenita F. Lathan - Interim Superintendent, Houston Independent School District

Angela Lee - CEO, Evolution by Design

LaMonica Love - Attorney & Business Consultant, The Love Law Group & Consulting Services, PLLC

Christine Mack - Regional Head of Procurement, Americas, BP

Shawntell L. McWilliams - CEO, SM Global Consulting, LLC & Infinity Cleaning Solutions

Paula M. Mendoza - CEO, Possible Missions, Inc. & Pos Mis, Inc.

Jamila S. Mensah - Partner, Norton Rose Fulbright US, LLP

Chau Nguyen, LMSW - Chief Public Strategies Officer, Houston Area Women’s Center

Eureka Patton - Owner, Massage Envy – Aliana

Eileen Perillo - Vice President Finance, Shell Energy Resources Company

Marilyn A. Rose - Accounting Administrator, Harris County Sheriff’s Office & Regent, Texas Southern University

Gabriella Rowe - CEO, Station Houston

Sherrie Sams - Founder and Executive Director, AFC Youth

Mya Smith-Edmonds - Owner/Operator, McDonald’s

Bridgette Smith-Lawson - Managing Attorney - Regions 5&6, The Department of Family and Protective Service - Office of General Counsel

Carolyn Watson - Vice President of Corporate Responsibility, JPMorgan Chase

Dr. Tamara L. Williams - President, Chamberlain University – Houston Campus

Jennifer St. Julian Wooden - Director, Humble Civic Center/ Charles Bender Performing Arts Center

Dr. Janet Wormack - Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration, Houston Community College

*Companies and titles in 2019

2021 TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF HOUSTON

THE HONORABLE SHEILA JACKSON LEE COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Dr. Janice M. Beal - President , Beal Counseling Associates / Beal Behavioral Health

HONOREES

Saba Abashawl - Chief External Affairs Officer, Houston Airports

Talia Alfred - Director of Operations, The Alfred Firm

Dr. Patricia K. Allen - Trustee District IV, President, HISD

Marna Graham Arvie, CPA - Franchise Owner, Mobility Plus Pearland

Dr. Vanessa T. Barrow - Founder & Owner, Sole Aesthetic

Dr. Ira K. Blake - President, University of Houston-Clear Lake

Cindy Clifford - Founder & Owner, The Clifford Group

Glenda Demas, MA, LPC, ACTP - Lead Practitioner and Owner, Pearls of Change Wellness, LLC.

Shelly Lesikar deZevallos, Ed.D. - President, West Houston Airport

Raynese Edwards - CEO/Chief Strategy Consultant, OutsideIn Consulting

Melinda Faust - Managing Director, Detring Energy Advisors

Dr. Charlene Flash - President and CEO, Avenue 360 Health & Wellness

Dr. Reagan Flowers - Houston Community College, Board of Trustees

Lauren Haller Fontaine - Senior Director & Legal Counsel –Operations, Pattern Energy

Eureka Gilkey - Executive Director, Project Row Houses

Cynthia Ginyard - Chairwoman, Fort Bend County Democratic Party

Dr. Cherry Ross Gooden - Retired, Texas Southern University

Veronica Chapa Gorczynski - President, East End District

DeAnna Green - CEO and Founder, The Nydan Group, LLC.

Teneshia Hudspeth - County Clerk, Office of Teneshia Hudspeth, Harris County Clerk

Jenifer Jarriel - President and CEO, DePelchin Children’s Center

Tennille Johnson - Co-Founder, Co-Owner & CEO, Scrubs to the Rescue

Jamie Jordan - Family Law Attorney and Owner Community Service

Advocate, Jamie Jordan, PLLC

Vivian R. King - First Assistant/Chief of Staff, Harris County DA’s office

Linda Leto Head - Senior Associate Vice Chancellor, Lone Star College

Cassie A. Levy - CEO, Emmit Moss Trust

Melanie Miles, Esq. - Board Certified Family Law Attorney and Real Estate Professional, The Law Office of Melanie Miles, P.C.

Amber Mostyn - Co-Founder, Mostyn Law

Denise Navarro - President and CEO, Logical Innovations, Inc.

Andrea Nguyen - Director of Community Relations, Executive Director of Education Foundation, Pasadena ISD

Tamla Oates-Forney - Senior Vice President, Chief People Officer, Waste Management

Rani Puranik - Co-Owner and Global CFO, Worldwide Oilfield Machine

Linda M. Rhodes - Executive Director, Women’s Fund Health Education & Resiliency

Karen Carter Richards - Forward Times Publishing Company, Inc.

Dr. Shirley Rose-Gilliam - Secretary, Fort Bend ISD, Board of Trustees

Erica Davis Rouse - Trustee, San Jacinto College District Board, Co-Founder of ReachOne713

Tasha Royal - Founder, The Royal Agency

Dr. Reem Sabouni - REI Physician, Director of Infertility and Oocyte Cryopreservation, Houston Fertility Institute

Dr. Roberta Grace Scott - Director Social Emotional Learning & Student Discipline, HISD

Tracy T. Smith - CEO, Taylor Smith Consulting, LLC

Lenora Sorola-Pohlman - Broker Consultant, Navarro Insurance Group

Helen Stagg - Chief Executive Officer, Change Happens

Tiffany D. Thomas - Councilwoman, District F, Houston City Council

Molly Waits - Chief Marketing, Air Service Development and Communications Officer, Houston Airports

Janice Weaver - Director of Community Relations, City of HoustonMayor’s Office

*Companies and titles in 2021

2022 TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF HOUSTON

HONOREES

Sallie Alcorn - Houston City Council Member, At-Large Position 5

Sofia Adrogué, P. C - Attorney and Partner, Diamond McCarthy LLP

Anita Bates - Chief Operating Officer, She’s Happy Hair

Antrece L. Baggett, Ed.D - Interim College Operations Officer, Houston Community College - Southeast College

Candace Blue - Brokerage Owner and Team Leader, NextHome Elite Advisors

Susanne Brady-Lusk - Vice President and General Manager, Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages

Maxine N. Buck les - Chief Equity Officer, PortHouston

Marilyn Burgess - Harris County District Clerk

Patricia Cantu - Assistant Chief of Police, Houston Police Department

Michelle Carbone - Senior Vice President of Operations and Chief of Staff, BMC Software

Martha Castex-Tatum - Houston Vice Mayor Pro Tem, Council Member District K

Lynn Clouser - Missouri City, City Council At-Large, Position #2

Laquita J. Cyprian - Chief Banking Officer, Agility Bank

Regina G. Deadrick - Assistant Vice President, Aon

Martina Lemond Dixon - Chief Executive Officer, C3 Building Solutions

Candace Ford - Founder, Project Beautiful Me

Ana Paula Do Nascimento - Consulate General, Republic of Angola

Sherrita Monique Dorsey - US Advocacy & Patient Engagement Lead, GlaxoSmithKline

Dr. Simone A. Ellis - Owner and Entrepreneur, Smile Design Studios

DeMonica D. Gladney - Senior Counsel, Exxon Mobil Corporation

Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney - Superintendent of Schools, Aldine Independent School District

Wendy Granato - President and General Manager, ABC13 KTRK-TV

Latris Hamilton - Chief Nursing Officer, Universal Health Services

Paula Harris - Senior Vice President of Community Affairs, Houston Astros

Dorita Hatchett - Founder, Owner & Lead Consultant, D.L. Hatchett & Associates, LLC

Dr. Cashuna Huddleston - Licensed Psychologist and Owner, New Way Psychological Services, PLLC

Dr. Cynthia Lenton-Gary - Chair, Houston Community College Board of Trustees

Ashlee Martin - Attorney and Partner, Gerger Hennessy & Martin, LLP

Pamela McKay - Vice President and General Manager, Radio One Houston

MaryJane Mudd - Executive Director, East Harris County Manufacturers Association

Dr. Jennifer Murdock - Oculofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon

Rhonda Roychelle Newhouse - Board of Trustees, Spring Independent School District

Kisha M. Porch - Head of Retail Banking, Small Business and Online Products, J.P. Morgan Chase

Bhakti Salunkhe Puranik - Executive Director, Puranik Foundation

LaShaunda P. René - Vice President, TruFund Financial Services - Texas Market

Karen Scott - Owner, Founder & CEO, KNS Industrial Supply

Cindy Siegel - Chairman, Harris County Republican Party

Adrian Stephens - President, Galena Park ISD School Board

Juliet K. Stipeche - Director of Human Services, Houston-Galveston Area Council

Adriana Tamez, Ed.D - Board of Trustees, Houston Community CollegeDistrict III and CEO, Tejano Center

Carla Tharp - Vice President of Corporate Development, Apache Corporation

Dr. Tragil Wade-Johnson - Speaker, Author, Life Coach Life Coach, and Philanthropist

Merinda Watkins-Martin - Entrepreneur and Owner, Lemond Kitchen

Dr. Christie Whitbeck - Superintendent, Fort Bend Independent School District

Carolanda Bremond Woodgett - Associate Vice President and General Counsel ad interim, UTMB

*Companies and titles in 2022

THE HONORABLE SHEILA JACKSON LEE COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Lucrecia Smith - Seniors Executive Assistant to CEO, American Red Cross

2022 Top 30 Honoree

F:832.772.4055

KAREN LEVINGSTON-FRANKLIN

CEO & Chairman, The World Youth Foundation

Mentor, A Business Coach, A Forward Thinker, An Innovator, and A Friend

Since April 1990, we have been extremely committed and humbled to serve as an ambassador in building and cultivating the next generation of leaders, and business owners. Transforming Lives, and Empowering Communities is the cornerstone of my foundation!

Celebrating WYF’s incredible 33-year milestone is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our board members, devoted executive team, enthusiastic volunteers, and dynamic partners. Your collective efforts have not only propelled us but also positioned us at this significant point in our journey.

For over three decades, Karen’s a seasoned leader and professional in the public and private sector providing innovative solutions promoting fundraising, fund development, donor relations, public relations/marketing, and the utilization of certified disadvantaged, minority, women, and small businesses within the public – private sector industries. She serves with the City of Houston, Housing, and Community Development Department, and had served private entities including McDonald’s Corporation, World Youth Foundation, Inc., Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, and World Youth Foundation Enterprises.

The World Youth Foundation, Inc. is a champion that is committed & vested in preparing our youth for sustainable livelihoods in today’s economy. Knowing that empowering youth builds resilience, character, integrity, and wisdom while fostering and enabling opportunities to bring the world to them through project-based learning. At the same time, it fosters engagement and helps them to become healthy and productive members of their communities.

Our mission is to “Empower Every Youth to Win in Life Against All Odds”. We achieve our mission by providing cost-free out-ofschool time programs that empower youth to unlock their innate gifts and potential to gain a competitive advantage in life. Our approach focuses on nurturing the whole individual – their mind, body, and character – ensuring holistic growth and development. This includes developing strong physical and mental well-being, positive morals and personal values, durable (soft) skills, and digital mastery.

Our vision is to see every youth succeed and thrive in our advancing digital economy regardless of their ethnicity, gender, or socioeconomic background. Our partners enable us to continue building and scaling pathways that ensure equal access to opportunities, fostering meaningful and high-paying careers for all, particularly those who have historically been marginalized due to systemic inequities.

In addition, she’s a business owner at Evelyn’s Spice Bakery where she creates and designs delectable treats that serve the community and those in need. She manages a team of volunteers, partners, and advocates on local, state, federal, and global projects. Her unique style of assessing, evaluating, and deploying strategies has garnered a reputation for making the impossible possible.

With many professional accolades outside the home, some are surprised to learn Karen loves the domestic side of life, too. She enjoys cleaning, cooking, and spending time with her family. Karen doesn’t see her journey as unique but appreciates her ability to keep life simple. Her SUPERLady Shine award is most obvious when she’s busy helping others discover their value and take risks to transform their lives.

KAREN LIVINGSTON-FRANKLIN

CEO & Chairman

The World Youth Foundation

2020 Hermann Dr, Houston, TX 77004 713-523-8484

Franklin_k@sbcglobal.net

CLAUDIA AGUIRRE

President & Chief Operating Officer, BakerRipley

Claudia Aguirre is President & CEO of BakerRipley, one of the oldest, largest, and most highly recognized nonprofit community development organizations in the United States. With more than 1,400 employees and an annual operating budget exceeding $500 million, Claudia is responsible for ensuring that BakerRipley provides resources, education, and connection through 56 operating locations, including community centers, charter schools, Head Start sites, and Workforce Solutions offices that serve a combined total of more than half a million Neighbors every year. Widely regarded as a trusted community partner, Claudia has more than three

decades of experience leading large-scale community engagement initiatives in the government, education, and nonprofit sectors. She thrives on collaboration and innovation in all aspects of operations, resource development, and program delivery to address challenges and opportunities in vulnerable communities across the Houston region.

S ince joining BakerRipley in 2010, Claudia’s passion for creating sustainable solutions for socioeconomic mobility has played a pivotal role in advancing the organization’s strong vision, rapid growth, and enduring community impact. She has served the organization as Vice President of Community-Based Initiatives,

Superintendent of Promise Community Charter Schools, Senior Vice President, and Chief Program Officer. In these progressively responsible leadership roles, Claudia has overseen operations and expansions of community centers and charter schools, guided development of a special school for immigrant and refugee children, enhanced programs for entrepreneurship, and immigration services, and spearheaded the implementation of Appreciative Community Building, a strength-based approach to community engagement.

Under Claudia’s leadership, BakerRipley has received widespread acclaim for its expertise in disaster recovery. BakerRipley administered the nation’s most successful COVID-19 rental assistance program that prevented thousands of evictions during the pandemic. The organization has also demonstrated excellence in its capacity to quickly ramp up and operate massive temporary shelters that offer hope and help to people displaced by hurricanes, floods, and winter storms.

Claudia is a Class C Member and Deputy Chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas Board of Directors. She also serves on the board of the Greater Houston Partnership, and she participates on the disaster task forces for the City of Houston and for Harris County.

Claudia earned a B.A. in Political Science from St. Edward’s University and a M.Ed. from the University of Houston. She also holds certifications in Special Education and ESL from the Texas Education Agency as well as an Education Executive Certification from Harvard University.

CLAUDIA

AGUIRRE

President

& Chief Operating Officer

BakerRipley

P.O. Box 231808, Houston, TX 77223 | 4450 Harrisburg Blvd, Suite 200, Houston, TX 77011 713-667-9400

www.bakerripley.org

presidentsoffice@bakerripley.org

IG @claudia_bakerripleyceo, FB @BakerRipleyCEO

TONI BECK

Vice President, External Affairs, Comcast Texas

Toni is the Vice President of External Affairs for Comcast in the Texas region, with leadership responsibility for Comcast Cable’s local government relations, digital equity and community impact, and external communications.

Comcast Cable - one of Comcast Corporation’s three primary businesses— (Comcast Cable, NBCUniversal and Sky) - is one of the nation’s largest video, highspeed internet, and phone providers to residential customers under the Xfinity brand, and it also provides these services to businesses under the Comcast Business brand. In her role, Toni is responsible for advocating for and building Comcast’s brand to key stakeholders in the Texas region, working to bridge the digital divide, and strengthening the company’s standing in communities across Southeast Texas.

An external affairs executive with more than 25 years of senior-level experience, Toni previously served as Vice President, Communications and Community Relations for NextDecade Corporation. In this role, she led stakeholder engagement, government relations and external communications efforts for one of the largest proposed infrastructure projects in Texas, a liquefied natural gas export terminal.

Prior to that, she served as the Vice President, Corporate Communications and Community Relations at Waste Management where she advanced key business imperatives through proactive media relations and advocacy efforts. Additionally, she helped position the company as a thought leader in sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Toni also held numerous communications and external affairs leadership roles in the

energy industry - at Entergy, an electric utility serving customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas; at Spectra Energy, one of North America’s largest natural gas pipeline companies; and at Duke Energy, one of America’s largest energy holding companies.

Toni earned a Bachelor of Social Science degree in Political Studies from University of Cape Town, South Africa. In her free time, she enjoys traveling to Maine with her partner, Bill Yardley.

TONI BECK

Vice

President, External Affairs

Comcast Texas

1959 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, TX 77489

www.ComcastTexas.com

JENNIFER BLAINE, Ed.D.

Superintendent, Spring Branch Independent School District

DrJennifer Blaine has spent 33 years in the field of education with 23 of those years serving the Spring Branch Independent School District community. During her time in Spring Branch, she has served in the following capacities:

• Elementary Principal

• Area Superintendent

• Associate Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction

• Associate Superintendent for Administration and Operations

• Associate Superintendent for Talent and Operations

In 2019, Dr. Blaine became Superintendent of Schools of the Spring Branch Independent School District.

Dr. Blaine holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa and master’s and doctorate degrees from Sam Houston State University. She is a graduate of the 2010 Broad Superintendent Academy, a highly selective and rigorous academy comprised of 14 leaders from across the United States. In 2021, Dr. Blaine was designated by the National School Public Relations Association as a Superintendent to Watch.

Dr. Blaine and her family live in Spring Branch and are actively involved in the community. She is married to William Blaine and has one son, Christopher, a graduate of Stratford High School.

JENNIFER BLAINE, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Spring Branch Independent School District 713-251-2204

Jennifer.blaine@springbranchisd.com

RAQUEL BOUJOURNE

CEO, Indi Construction Partners, LLC

Raquel Boujourne is a true serial Entrepreneur who oversees multiple and successful businesses in development, construction and tech industries.

Ms. Boujourne is CEO and co-founder of Indi Construction Partners, LLC which is one of the largest Latina General Contractors in the United States. She began her construction journey in 2009 and has built a team that continues to strive for excellence. She has participated in over $500M worth of projects and oversees a national team that strives to continue its growth while

inspiring other women to participate in construction and development.

Ms. Boujourne is also the Founder and CEO of S&B Builds, which is dedicated to finding building solutions with sustainability. They are a problem-solving business that believes in removing barriers to home ownership and supports various causes such as affordable housing and economic solutions to the national housing crises.

Ms. Boujourne is also passionate about giving back to her communities. She and her husband founded The Boujourne Foundation in 2022, which guides and

encourages young at-risk youth via mentorshipprograms and various social events that promote positive leadership and thinking. She teaches Confidence College a curriculum that supports The Foundation’s mission to over 1,000 students annually.

Ms. Boujourne is a member of the Associated Builders and Contractors Association, Latin Women’s Initiative, Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas, Lulac 60 Council, East End Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Houston Alumni, and former Vice Chair for the National Association of Minority Contractors.

RECENT AWARDS

2023- Featured on Good Morning America as a Woman Hero of Small Business

2023- Diversity in BusinessHouston Business Journal

2023- # 12 out of the Cougar 100 Fastest Growing Cougar Led Businesses at the University of Houston

2023- Top 12 Latina Style Executives of the Year Awards

2022- Prime-Contractor of the Year AwardSubcontractors USA

2022- Women Who Mean BusinessHouston Business Journal

2022- Humanitarian of the Year AwardLatino Learning Center

2022- December Featured in Mas Mujer Austin Magazine

June 14, 2022- Official City of Houston “Indi Construction Partners, LLC Day”

November 19, 2019- Official City of Houston “Raquel

Boujourne Day”

Indi Construction Partners, LLC 4031 Ellis Rd, Ste 100, Friendswood, TX 77546 713-859-4658

www.indiconstruction.com

info@indiconstruction.com

RAQUEL BOUJOURNE CEO

DR. DARLENE BREAUX

CEO

& Principal Consultant, Insight Ed. Consulting

perspective as a dyslexic thinker to guide her through her educational pursuits. Breaux has earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Texas Southern University, a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Houston–Clear Lake where she graduated with high honors, and a doctorate in organizational leadership from Abilene Christian University where she also received a certification in mediation. Her Research centered on Teachers’ Perceptions Regarding Dyslexia Training for Addressing the Social-Emotional Needs of Children with Dyslexia. Dr. Breaux received the Dissertation of the Year award from the Texas Council of Professors of Educational Administration for her policy and advocacy work for students with dyslexia and the teachers who teach them. To date her dissertation has been downloaded over thirteen-hundred times across eighty-eight countries. Breaux has held a variety of roles in education: teacher, reading specialist, dyslexia and intervention coordinator, campus principal, and director of special populations. Most recently she served as the director of the Research and Evaluation Institute at the Harris County Department of Education.

Dr. Breaux’s experience in higher education has been as an adjunct professor at Southern Utah University and Lamar University where she has led doctoral students in the areas of strategic planning, turnaround leadership, using data to inform decisions, and global policy. Breaux serves on the board of directors for the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB), Gulf Coast Area Association of School Boards (GCAASB), Houston reVision, and is the board president and chair of the policy committee for Alief Independent School District. Through her pursuit of excellence, Dr. Breaux has also earned the distinction of Master Trustee.

DrDarlene Breaux is a powerful motivational speaker that has engaged audiences at a national level. She is the founder and CEO of Insight Ed. Consulting where she helps organizations regain their focus and provides them with the necessary tools to keep them on track with tailor-made solutions that help them thrive. She uses her custom coaching framework to uncover the barriers, limiting beliefs, and behaviors

that hold them back from achieving their goals. She provides specific tools and strategies to unravel challenges and influence strategic action. She developed her passion for education early on because of her challenge as a student. She is number six of seven children and was identified as dyslexic in elementary school. Her parents never allowed her struggle to read to define her intellectual ability. She learned how to trust her strengths and utilize her unique

DR. DARLENE BREAUX

CEO & Principal

Consultant

Insight Ed. Consulting

14718 Mission Hills Dr, Houston, TX 77083

info@insightedconsulting.com

713-806-2079

www.insightedconsulting.com

Twitter/X @Darlene Breaux

IG @ darlene.breaux

FB @ Darlene Jones Breaux

CHARITY CARTER

Founder and Executive Director, Edison Arts Foundation

pre-professional dance company cultivating and preparing young dancers for career paths in dance; S.T.A.R. Summer Theatre Arts Repertory, Afterschool Arts Academy, Black History Month: UnCovering The Legacy, and the Lauren Anderson Ballet Masterclass, a 9-month artistic and educational series taught by ballet legend Lauren Anderson, the FIRST AfricanAmerican prima ballerina of a major ballet company, Houston Ballet. Some of Mrs. Carter’s young ANDance Jr. Company members have been seen alongside Misty Copeland in the Cinderella production. The Edison Arts Foundation proudly sponsors many cultural and performing arts collaborations with some of the most world-renowned dance companies like the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre and Dance Theatre of Harlem.

After nearly a decade of providing arts and cultural programming and after school academic enrichment for Fort Bend Houston families, The Edison Arts Foundation expanded its mission for large scale community impact. Inspired by her father’s hard work and family commitment, Charity Edison Carter now commits herself to her most recent project, The Edison Center: a 12.5-acre mixed used, creative placemaking development that blends arts and culture, entrepreneurship, job creation, affordable housing, healthcare, quality early education, outdoor green space, and public art uses to advance community well-being in Fort Bend Houston.

Charity Carter is a native of Houston, Texas and has been dancing and teaching for over 30 years. She is a graduate of Sam Houston State University where she studied dance under the direction of Dana Nicolay. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance, with a teaching certification in dance, and a minor in business and education.

In 2007, she established FBAAD, Fort Bend Academy of Arts and Dance to provide traditional dance classes, Summer Dance Camp, and After School Dance Conservatory where she pioneered after school dance in Fort Bend Houston.

Throughout her career, Mrs. Charity Carter has cultivated arts education programs

and fostered community outreach through contract partnerships with many local schools, school districts, organizations and more.

In 2013, Mrs. Charity Carter’s commitment to family, community outreach, education and empowerment through the arts inspired her to the create the Edison Arts Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit fine arts organization established for the educational and charitable purpose of producing and developing cultural and performing arts programs for children, adults, and families throughout the community.

The Edison Arts Foundation’s arts education and community outreach programs include: the ANDdance Jr. Company, a

In honor of her parents, Robert and Bertha Edison, The Edison Center- anchored by a 400-seat performing arts center will be a catalyst for equity with arts at its core. Mrs. Charity Edison Carter credits much of her success to FAMILY- one of the three core values of the Edison Arts Foundation (Family. Community. Arts). Charity is the wife of Mr. Troy Carter and the mother to a blended family of 5 children: Cassidy, Mikial, Markus, Mathew, and Addison.

CHARITY CARTER

Founder and Executive Director

Edison Arts Foundation

1959 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, TX 77489 281-403-3200

Edisonartsfoundation.org

Charitycarter@edisonartsfoundation.org

IG @edisonarts

FB @eafarts

AMBER CASANAVE

CEO, CAS + COMPANY

Amber Casanave is the owner of CAS + COMPANY - an awardwinning marketing agency that creates strategies that build awareness, increase revenue, and move brands forward. Amber is a marketing communications strategist with over 20 years of diverse experience managing brands, reputations and nation-wide events for Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, and non-profits.

From strategic planning to creative development and production of communication vehicles from print to digital, Amber is an expert in integrated brand marketing. Amber’s experience in corporate, agency and non-profits sectors has made her an astute operational professional who leads complex, multifunctional teams in the development and implementation of strategic solutions to accomplish objectives and rapidly impact bottom-line performance.

A mber has made it her mission as an entrepreneur to help brands unlock the human and cultural story behind every data point, challenge assumptions, inspire creatives and develop 360-degree marketing strategies that cohesively unite public relations, digital communications, and live events. She has worked with BET, Shea Moisture, the Ad Council, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Houston Super Bowl Host Committee/ NFL, Dell Technologies, Crayola, and the National Urban League to name a few.

A mber’s professional career includes time serving as Vice President of Consumer Marketing at Edelman, a global communications agency, where she developed creative marketing strategies for Fortune 100 companies including Shell and Chevron . Prior to that, she served five years as Vice President of Marketing & Communications at the National Urban League, a nationwide non-profit organization in New York, where she strategically directed their integrated communications and marketing initiatives including media relations, social media, branding, advertising and events designed to empower people with quality resources. In this role, she worked with strategic partners from agencies, non-profits and the corporate sector including Wal-Mart, AT&T, Comcast NBC Universal, The Coca Cola Company, UPS, Toyota, State Farm,

Bank of America, NAACP, NAN, Unidos US, and LULAC among many others.

Prior to joining the National Urban League, Amber held marketing communications positions at Universal Records, A&M Records, and media relations firms in New York where she managed the public profiles of music artists, celebrities, corporate executives, and brands.

A mber holds a bachelor’s degree in broadcasting, telecommunications and mass media from Temple University; and certificates in Strategic Marketing from Cornell University, and in Executive Leadership from The Center for Creative Leadership.

CAS + COMPANY is certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). Amber is married to Donovan Casanave and they are proud parents of their son, Aden.

AMBER CASANAVE

CEO

CAS + COMPANY

832-304-8604

amber@cascocreates.com

www.cascocreates.com

LI: amberjaynescasanave

S e r v i c e s P r o v i d e d

R e s i d e n t i a l a n d C o m m e r c i a l D e s i g n

P r o j e c t M a n a g e m e n t

R e n o v a t i o n s

W i n d o w T r e a t m e n t s / D r a p e r y

A r t C o n s u l t i n g / P r o c u r e m e n t

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DESHONDA P. CHARLES, ESQ.

CEO, D. Charles & Associates, PLLC

Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, Attorney Deshonda P. Charles, a.k.a. Dee the Legalista© received her law degree from Tulane University Law School in 2003 before settling in Houston, Texas in 2005. In addition to the active practice of law, Attorney Charles is a sought-after professional speaker on topics such as Estate Planning, Business Succession Planning, Entrepreneurship, and Collaborative Business Initiatives. Attorney Charles has over 20 years of experience practicing law and serves as the CEO and Managing Attorney of D. Charles & Associates, PLLC (“DCA”). DCA provides legal services in the following areas: Estate Planning, Probate Litigation, Employment Discrimination, Family Law, Personal Injury, Small Business Counsel, and Civil Litigation. First licensed in 2003, Attorney Charles is licensed to practice law in four (4) States which include Texas, Louisiana, New York, and Connecticut, in the U.S. District Court for both the Southern and Western Districts of Texas, and before the U.S Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

Since arriving in Houston, Attorney Charles has been a reliable source of knowledge and influence in her community. Serving as a graduate-school level adjunct professor and board member for area nonprofit organizations, Attorney Charles dedicates a significant amount of time to serving others with the goal of creating maximum positive impact. For example, Attorney Charles founded and serves as Executive Director for the week-long summer enrichment camp for kids Camp AATTIA (pr. Uh-tee-uh) - hosted in the City of Houston. For one week at Camp AATTIA, 8 – 12 campers, ages 8 to 16 years old, experience an unforgettable, fun-whilelearning, summer adventure. Camp AATTIA wrapped up its 16th summer this past July. AATTIA stands for Achieving Awesome Things Through Inspired Action.

Attorney Charles is a past president and member of the Houston Lawyers Association and an active member of several national, state, and local bar associations and groups. She is a member of the Texas Bar College, a 2016 graduate of the United Way Project Blueprint Program, a Spring

2022 graduate of Goldman Sachs’s 10,000 Small Businesses Program, and a featured panelist and guest speaker for both local and national organizations including the National Minority Supplier Development Council, where she educates audiences on the 5 Cs of Successful Business Succession Planning.

Attorney Charles is married to her wonderful husband, Joseph M. Smith, and they live and attend church in Houston’s 5th Ward.

DESHONDA P. CHARLES, ESQ.

CEO

D. Charles & Associates, PLLC 808 W. Main Street, Houston, Texas 77006 713-993-7310

www.dcharleslaw.com

info@DCharlesLaw.com

CHITA CRAFT

Meteorologist, KHOU 11

hita Craft, the passionate morning meteorologist known for her captivating on-air presence. From predicting storms to delivering accurate forecasts, Chita’s role is as unpredictable as the elements she tracks. With years of experience and a deep love for all things weather-related, Chita seamlessly blends her expertise with a warm and friendly demeanor. As the weather patterns change through the day, she educates and engages viewers, ensuring they’re prepared for whatever Mother Nature has in store. Chita’s commitment to accuracy and her ability to communicate complex weather information in a relatable manner make her a trusted voice in the meteorology community.

Outside of the studio, she actively collaborates with fellow meteorologists, collaborates on community initiatives, and shares her knowledge through various platforms. Join us as we delve into a day in the life of Chita Craft, showcasing her dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to keeping us informed and safe amidst the ever-changing weather conditions. Chita

has earned the American Meteorology Society Seal of Approval and the National Weather Association Seal of Approval. She is also a member of both organizations. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in meteorology with a concentration from Mississippi State University.

Forecasting weather in Houston is always interesting, and throughout her career, Chita has assisted viewers in navigating extreme weather events. Her composed and direct demeanor was evident during Hurricane Harvey in 2017 and the Texas freeze in 2021. She also played a crucial role in keeping people safe during the 2015 Halloween tornado outbreak and the tax-day flood in 2016. In 2011, during a drought, Chita provided invaluable information to her viewers. One of her most significant adventures took place in 2022 when Chita flew with the 53rd weather reconnaissance squadron, also known as the “Hurricane Hunters.”

She flew into category 5 hurricane Ian, gathering valuable data from within the storm. This information not only helped protect those in the storm’s path but

also provided insight into the workings of tropical systems. Chita began her career 15 years ago as the morning meteorologist at KRCR in Northern California. During her three years at the station, she gained expertise in forecasting for the region’s various microclimates. Houston is not her first encounter with extreme heat, as she also predicted extreme temperatures and wildfires in Redding, California.

In 2011, she even dealt with a tsunami warning following a series of earthquakes. While snow events are not common in her current area, she does have experience covering winter precipitation in California, Nevada, and Oregon. During college, Chita made the most of her internship opportunities, working at KABC in Los Angeles, FOX 10 Phoenix, and NBC4 Washington. All of these experiences led Chita to KHOU, where she can share her passion for Gulf coast weather and serving her community. Her commitment to helping her neighbors aligns with the station’s leadership, including General Manager Bobby Springer, News Director Liz Roldan, Director

of

Innovation Stuart Boslow, and Director of Creative Services Dale Lockett.

Although not a native Texan, Chita has embraced the lone star lifestyle, just like many others. She was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, but her family moved to southern California when she was four years old. Growing up, she enjoyed playing tennis and golf, two sports that she still loves today. Balancing her family and demanding career can be challenging, but it brings fulfillment and joy. Chita and her husband have a six-year-old son and a three-year-old daughter. And in case you were wondering, Chita—pronounced Cheetah—is a family name. It has been passed down through five generations of mother-daughter pairs in her family, including her daughter, who is also named Chita.

CHITA CRAFT Meteorologist

KHOU 11

5718 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77057 713.526.1111

www.khou.com

ccraft@khou.com

DANIELLE A. DAVIS

Vice President, Southwest Head of Diverse Businesses, Commercial Bank, JP Morgan Chase & Co.

the firm and has been a National Achiever multiple times throughout her career. Over the years, she has been involved with JPMC’s business resource groups, such as Houston’s Women on the Move chapter as a Marketing Chair and the Black Organization for Leadership Development’s Global Board as the Marketing and Advertising Chair. Currently, she is the co-chair of the community service committee, supporting volunteerism for over 6,000 employees through the Houston Location Leadership Program and a member of the Global Women on the Move Operating Committee for the Fast Forward Career Development Program. She believes in giving back her time, talent, and knowledge to junior employees at the firm. Danielle truly feels “you cannot be what you don’t see,” so being authentic, open, and honest helps employees be their best selves at work.

Danielle A. Davis is the Southwest Head of Diverse Businesses with J.P. Morgan Chase’s Middle Market & Specialized Industries group in the commercial bank. She is primarily focused on strategy execution, business development and growth of mid-size diverse, women and veteran-owned businesses supporting the eleven states of the southwest segment. Danielle’s passion is helping diverse businesses connect with her firm’s ecosystem of resources, as well as foster relationships through her vast network. She believes this is where the magic happens.

Danielle has 25 years of experience in the financial sector. She started as an intern at JPMorgan Chase with INROADS and has never looked back. Her parents instilled in her at an early age that “hard work pays off” and “anything worth doing is worth doing well.” She attributes her success to embodying those mottos daily.

Prior to her joining the commercial bank in the business development group five years ago, she held various leadership roles in sales coaching and management for Consumer & Community Banking. Danielle has been in the top 1% of producers at

Danielle earned her Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Marketing and Advertising and Master of Business Administration from Eastern Michigan University. She is actively involved in the community through Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Omicron Tau Omega chapter, where she is a board member of the Ethel Hedgeman Lyle Foundation of Texas. Danielle also serves as a board member with The Edison Arts Foundation, Inc. She is the Vice President of Young Alumni with the Inroads Alumni Association, Houston Chapter and was named 2020 Alumni of the Year. Recently, she was honored as a 2023 Outstanding Diversity Champion by the Houston Business Journal’s Diversity in Business Awards. During her leisure time, Danielle enjoys shopping and attending live concerts. She is a foodie who loves to travel the world and explore diverse cultures and customs. She has visited 17 countries to date and is looking forward to her next adventure.

DANIELLE A. DAVIS

Vice President, Southwest Head of Diverse Businesses, Commercial Bank

JP Morgan Chase & Co.

600 Travis, Houston Texas 77002 713-454-4583

danielle.a.davis@chase.com

KELLY S. DEMPSEY, MD

Doctor, The Breast Center of Southwest Surgical Associates

of working with women facing significant social and economic challenges during their diagnosis and treatment left a lasting impression on her.

Specializing in women’s breast health issues and breast surgery, Dr. Dempsey focuses on minimally invasive biopsy techniques and oncoplastic breast surgery, which combines cancer treatment with cosmetic outcomes. She remains at the forefront of technological advancements and patient care. In 2006, she introduced genetic cancer testing, gene expression profiling, and partial breast irradiation to the Sugar Land community.

She has also played a pivotal role in the development of breast imaging centers throughout Fort Bend County. Dr. Dempsey’s contributions were recognized when she was named Female Physician of the Year at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land in 2007 and at Methodist Sugar Land in 2010.

DrKelly S. Dempsey, MD, FACS, is a breast cancer surgeon affiliated with Southwest Surgical Associates. She is dedicated to delivering exceptional care to women in Sugar Land, Texas, and the surrounding Houston area.

Dr. Dempsey, originally from Louisiana, obtained her Bachelor of Science degree from Newcomb-Tulane College in New Orleans. During her time at Tulane, she was actively involved in the Club Sports Organization and was a member of the Tulane Sailing Team.

She received prestigious accolades such as the Dean’s Honor Scholarship, the National Merit Scholarship, and consistently made the Dean’s list. Additionally, Dr. Dempsey was recognized with the Fred R. Cagle Award for Excellence in Biology in 1994, the Shelby G. Friedrichs Award for Commitment to Club Sports in 1994, and the David M. Berger Award for Service to Club Sports and Academic Achievement in 1995.

Subsequently, she pursued her Doctor of Medicine Degree from LSU School of Medicine and participated in a medical mission with Operation Smile in Ecuador. Following that, Dr. Dempsey completed her residency at the University of Texas at Houston, where she distinguished herself through a Craniofacial Research Fellowship. Her research earned her First Place in the Harris County Medical Society’s Resident Abstract Competition in 2002, and she published five journal articles during her residency. Dr. Dempsey considers Dr. Red Duke, a renowned mentor, as one of the most influential figures during her training. She valued his ability to establish rapport and create a sense of familiarity with his patients, as well as his dedication to providing unhurried care.

These qualities have shaped her approach throughout her career. During her initial year after training, Dr. Dempsey found great fulfillment in running the Breast Care Clinic at LBJ Hospital. The experience

In recent years, Dr. Dempsey has served on the Advisory Board for Angels Surviving Cancer, Inc., a women’s organization dedicated to raising awareness about breast health and supporting those fighting the disease. She is passionate about addressing healthcare disparities in the Houston area and actively participates in fundraising and raising awareness for breast cancer care through organizations like Susan G. Komen and The Sisters Network.

Aside from her professional endeavors, Dr. Dempsey is engaged in community service through Sugar Land Methodist Church, Katy Christian Ministries, and her involvement as a member of the P.E.O. sisterhood, which promotes educational opportunities for women. She also volunteers with C.A.M.O., a nonprofit animal rescue group dedicated to rescuing dogs from homelessness and euthanasia.

KELLY S. DEMPSEY, MD Doctor

The Breast Center of Southwest Surgical Associates

16651 SW Fwy, Suite 360, Sugar Land, TX 77479 713-772-1200

www.southwestsurgical.com

kdempsey@southwestsurgical.com

IG @kellys416

FB @ kelly.s.dempsey

DIANA PÉREZ GOMEZ

Shareholder, Chamberlain Hrdlicka

Diana Pérez Gomez is a talented trial and employment law shareholder in the Houston office of Chamberlain Hrdlicka, where she was elected by her fellow shareholders to serve on the firm’s Board of Directors, and also serves as national cochair for the firm’s labor and employment practice, and as national chair of the Women in the Law Committee and the Pro Bono Committee.

D iana’s accomplished career includes government service for the White House in Washington, D.C., for the City of Houston and Harris County, and she has been recognized, among other honors, as a Houston Business Journal’s Women Who Mean Business as an Outstanding Leader in Law, Houston’s 50 Most Influential Women, and repeatedly as a U.S. News Best Lawyer in America.

D iana was also named to the Texas Super Lawyers list by Super Lawyers® consecutively every year since 2013 and was among the Texas Super Lawyers 2020 Top Women. She has been selected as a Top Lawyer by Houstonia Magazine; received the Latina Lawyer Under 40 Award from the Mexican American Bar Association of Texas Foundation; and is a recipient of the Houston Bar Association’s and the Hispanic Bar Associations’ President’s Awards for multiple years. In 2009, she was recognized as a “Local Hero” by Houston Lawyer Magazine for her work as a Presidential Appointee in the Department of Education. She is the Life Fellow of the American Bar Foundation, Texas Bar Foundation and the Houston Bar Foundation.

Diana is a former President of the Hispanic Bar Association of Houston and a former board member of the Mexican-American Bar Association of Houston. She has demonstrated her commitment to upholding the rule of law and the administration of justice in Harris County by chairing numerous Houston Bar Association committees, including the Law and the Media Committee, the HBA Dispute Resolution Committee, the Houston Lawyer Referral Service, the Administration of Justice Committee for the Criminal District/Appellate Bench Bar Conference, the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee, and the Continuing Legal Education Committee.

In 2014, Diana was elected to the Board of Directors of the Houston Bar Association and in 2022, the HBA’s over 10,000 members elected Diana to serve as President where Diana will serve as the first Latina president since the organization was established in 1870.

Diana holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the Texas A&M University and received her law degree from the University of Texas at Austin .

TRACI GREENE

Founding President / CEO, Culture Arts Initiative, Inc.

and Dramatic Academy- Los Angeles; and undergraduate collegiate dance programs at the University of Texas at Austin, Texas State University, University of CaliforniaLos Angeles, Fordham University, Point Park University, Howard University, and the Juilliard School, to name a few.

Traci is also the Creative Director and Producer of Houston’s Urban Nutcracker an annual city wide multicultural community outreach production. Houston’s Urban Nutcracker is Culture Arts Initiative’s largest scholarship fundraiser and has been revered by sold-out audiences since its inaugural production in 2018. Houston’s Urban Nutcracker also hosts an annual summer intensive program which welcomes close to 200 eager young dancers. Thirty underserved HISD students receive full tuition scholarships to attend its camp and CAI awards up to $15,000 in summer tuition scholarship awards to select camp attendees to study dance in New York City and on the island of St. Maarten.

Traci now enjoys giving back to her alma mater, Southern University as the appointed Dance Director and Coach of the Southern University Fabulous Dancing Dolls. Traci was recently invited by Coca-Cola to discuss her professional dance career, philanthropic efforts, and the evolution of HBCU dance, as a special guest panelist at the 2023 Essence Festival.

Traci and the work of Culture Arts Initiative, Inc. can be seen on ABC Television’s Localish, KPRC’s Houston Life, the Houston Chronicle, Houston Defender Network, and Good Morning America. Traci is the proud recipient of Houston Health Fest’s 2018 Changemakers “Metamorphisis” award, the 2018 National Black Girl Excellence “Arts and Culture” award, and the 2023 MLK Servant Leaders “Community Impact” award.

TRACI GREENE

Tr aci Greene is a former international Broadway dancer, choreographer, theatrical producer, creative director and the Founding President and CEO of Culture Arts Initiative, Inc. (a 501c3 nonprofit arts organization). Traci’s professional credits include: dancer of the international touring company of West Side Story, The Color Purple on Broadway Workshop, and more.

In 2013, Traci founded Culture Arts Initiative, Inc., in an effort to support young dancers

who desire to study dance but are unable to due to the lack of monetary funding and resources. Culture Arts Initiative, Inc. has awarded $90,000 in scholarship awards to underrepresented young dancers to date, including the Traci Greene Collegiate Scholarship awards. Through Culture Arts Initiative’s scholarship award programs, many of its scholarship awardees have attended some of the most prestigious dance programs in America, including Alvin Ailey American Dance Center, the Houston Ballet Academy, the American Musical

Founding President/CEO

Culture Arts Initiative, Inc.

713-972-1320 ex.0

president@culturearts.org

www.culturearts.org

www.houstonurbannutcracker.org

DANIELLA GUZMAN

News Anchor, KPRC 2 TV

Daniella Guzman is a 4-time Emmy Award winning bilingual journalist, a native Houstonian, and currently anchors of KPRC 2 News at 5PM, 6PM and 10PM.

Before returning to Houston a year and a half ago, Daniella worked as a morning news anchor at NBC in Los Angeles and NBC in Chicago. She worked at KPRC before that when she was starting off her career in English TV. Throughout her career, she’s

covered all types of local, national, and international breaking news stories. From massive wildfires, hurricanes, earthquakes, political elections, school shootings, immigration issues at the border, the H1N1 outbreak, the COVID pandemic, 3 World Series, 2 Super Bowls and she’ll be covering her 3rd Summer Olympics in Paris next year after live anchoring the Olympics in Rio in 2016, and Tokyo in 2020 for NBC Los Angeles. Daniella is fluent in Spanish, which

helped her launched her career, working for Univision and Telemundo in both Houston and in Miami.

Daniella has also been recognized for her work, including “The Excellence in Broadcast Journalism Award” by the National Hispanic Media Coalition, along with a “Golden Mike Award” for Best Daytime News Broadcast, she’s won 4 “Emmy Awards” for her work in Los Angeles and Chicago, and she was recently recognized with a “Telly Award” for her part in covering the Houston Astros Parade in 2023 for KPRC 2.

Daniella has spent countless hours giving back to each city she’s lived and worked in, sitting on several boards to bring attention to many of the non-profit organizations close to her heart. Along with some of her Houston media colleagues, Daniella was helped raise and given out thousands of dollars in scholarships to journalism students as part of the Houston Association of Hispanic Media Professionals.

Daniella grew up in Sugar Land in Fort Bend County and graduated with a B.A. in bilingual journalism and communications from the University of St. Thomas.

Daniella is a busy working mom to 2 beautiful little girls, 12-year-old Sofia and 7-year-old Olivia. When she’s not on set or chasing a story, Daniella loves to spend time with her family and friends, cooking, dancing, and playing a little pickleball when she has some time.

Daniella loves working in her hometown and being close to her family again.

DANIELLA GUZMAN News Anchor

KPRC 2 TV

8181 Southwest Fwy. Houston, TX 713-222-2222

www.click2houston.com

dguzman@kprc.com

YASMIN HUEBINGER

Houston Market President, Capital One

Yasmin joined Capital One soon after graduating college and has spent a decade-and-ahalf in virtually every aspect of commercial banking. She began in credit and underwriting, focusing on a multitude of areas, including energy, health care, and commercial and industrial. For over a decade, she served as a relationship manager, focusing primarily on the middle market, where she provided her clients strategic financial advice and solutions.

In her current role, Yasmin manages Capital One’s Middle Market banking efforts for Houston and Central Texas. She leads a team of bankers focused on originating and maintaining new banking relationships and leading the strategic growth objectives in the market. She also serves as the Houston Market President, where her primary focus is to strengthen Capital One’s presence and influence across the region.

As a native Houstonian, Yasmin is active in her community and is especially interested in promoting opportunities for women. In this vein, she was the 2020 board chair for The Women’s Resource of Greater Houston, helping successfully navigate the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic. She remains a board member. Additionally, she is an active member of the Secured Finance Network, the Greater Houston Partnership’s – Executive Women’s Partnership, and is a graduate of Leadership Houston Class XXX.

Yasmin is also actively involved in the bank’s Diversity & Inclusion efforts. In recognition of her business achievements, Yasmin received Capital One’s 2016 Banker of the Year Award and was also honored by the National Diversity Council as a “Power 50 Women” in Houston in both 2018 and 2020.

Yasmin received a bachelor’s degree in Finance from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, TX. Yasmin, her husband Jason, and two children, Jack and Claire, reside in Houston.

YASMIN HUEBINGER

Houston Market President

Capital One

5444 Westheimer Rd, Suite 700, Houston, TX 77056 713-384-9348

yasmin.huebinger@capitalone.com

IG @yhuebinger

A message from Lina

Sabouni,

AIA AUTOARCH Co-Founder & Principal In Charge

To our Community Leaders:

• Empower Locals: they are the backbone of our Community.

• Empower Women: they shape the Future.

• Empower Entrepreneurs: they carry the Potential.

To our Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs:

• Embrace Conviction: Stand for what you believe in.

• Define Your Path: Clarify your aspirations.

• Rise to the Challenge: Step up to the plate and give it your best.

• Be Unique: Ignite your Individuality and create your Impact.

Founded three decades ago, AUTOARCH Architects is on a mission to enhance lives through thoughtful design. We are a specialized architecture and planning firm focused on designing quality smart facilities. Over the course of 30 years, AUTOARCH has evolved into a renowned expert in design excellence. With a portfolio spanning more than 350 local projects, encompassing a remarkable total of over 40 million square feet, our influence on the built environment is deeply embedded in our local fabric. Specializing in education, healthcare, and civic projects, we are dedicated to shaping spaces that enrich our communities.

We hold firm our commitment to functionality, adaptability, and seamless technology integration. Our award-winning designs are meticulously crafted to inspire and create spaces that evolve with changing needs and technological advancements.

In a rapidly evolving industry, AUTOARCH stands as representation. As a women-owned local firm, we are tied to community values – we are constructing legacies, not just buildings. Our dedication echoes in every project and every community we have touched.

EXPERIENCE GOOD DESIGN

L eBRINA JACKSON

Owner/Founder, Escape Spa

When LeBrina Johnson was little she liked to play house with her friends and family. But there was one caveat: she always insisted on playing the role of mom. “I’ve always just wanted to be the caregiver. The person who takes care of others. The one who makes them feel okay,” she says.

Now grown up and a mother herself, the seriously big-hearted entrepreneur sits at the helm of her inspirational Houston-area spa, Escape. Not just a haven for beauty and relieving stress, her spa’s mission centers around recovery and wellness, incorporating mind, body and spirit into every treatment and offering.

Ever an entrepreneur, LeBrina sowed her first business seeds as a summer seller of cool cups. Taking advantage of hot days, wanting to help people cool down and relieve their discomfort, she filled Styrofoam cups with juice, froze them and sold them for fifty cents. Later, her businesswoman’s instincts served her well, when she worked in her mother’s hair salon, becoming part of her family’s five generations of hair stylists. Though she’d gone to university to become a dentist and was good at science, she left school and explains it just made sense to join her family’s salon business.

“I was good at it. Our family is good at hair— it’s been part of our upbringing,” she says. She also knew she could make fast money, which meant she could care for her child as a single mom and begin to plan the rest of her life. At the beauty shop, she went beyond what customers expected (and what they were getting in other chairs) to elevate the experience.

“I wanted them to be happy, to have fun,” she says. She began offering extras… mimosas, cupcakes…, but mostly people came for LeBrina. “I found that long after I finished someone’s hair, they lingered, wanting to continue talking as friends.” Adept at turning a service into a social occasion, LeBrina knew she had other dreams to follow. Committed to lifelong learning and study, she also was keen on exploring and embracing wellness trends. Just about the time she realized that she was ready to apply her entrepreneurial skills to other self-care and wellness realms, she experienced a transformative massage. It was an epiphany. This would be where all her passions could meet. She could support others on their wellness journey by opening her own healing retreat.

Always gifted athletically, LeBrina began her fitness journey as a child. Her father, a known ranch hand and horse whisperer, taught her to ride at age 4, and by age 5 she had her first horse. Weekends with her dad meant

long horseback rides through Houston, often logging ten or more miles. Perhaps it’s part of her own journey as a caring person, an empath, but LeBrina still relies on horses to ground her, regularly riding and showing her 12 purebreds. She applies what she has learned from communicating with them to her interactions with clients in her spa.

“A horse reflects your mood and attitude back to you and helps make you more selfaware, a better leader,” LeBrina explains.

“I realized on one of my meditative rides that I do care about everyone. I just want everyone to feel and be okay.” At her high school LeBrina was a cheerleader and won the title of “Miss Forestbrook,” which helped her set an example for others to strive to be confident, positive and goal oriented.

“To me, beauty starts from the inside out. It’s what you eat, how you think. What you do. How you help others,” she says. “And Pilates doesn’t hurt,” she adds, noting she’s an absolute true believer in the practice.

“Look, my grandmother is my superhero,” she says. “She is fit, kind, beautiful -- and has all her teeth. It is possible to embrace wellness at every age.” In terms of what she offers at Escape, LeBrina says that her first goal is to make sure that clients feel better when they leave than when they came in. Handpicking and carefully curating her staff, she has made sure, as well, that everybody at Escape has the capabilities—both the training and the personality—to carry the torch of LeBrina’s mission.

“We go through an extensive interview process,” she says. “Including a practical. But beyond than that, we look for therapists who understand that not only is attention to detail a key to success but also that taking a genuine interest in our clients and each other is all part of striving for a soul connection in the work we do.”

And what does LeBrina need to feel healthy?

“I try to practice what I preach, making time for self-reflection, deep tissue massage, contrast bathing, IV therapy and salt therapy,” she says

LeBRINA JACKSON Owner/Founder Escape Spa 27118 US-290, Unit P, Cypress, TX 77433 281-800-1522 escapepv.com

LEELA JAMES

Award-Winning Recording Artist

h at sets the acclaimed R&B and soul singersongwriter, Leela James apart is her fearless approach to music. “The best artists stay true to who they are, no matter the scale,” she believes. These values have allowed

Leela to remain a consistent figure in R&B with a discography of quality soul music spanning over a decade-long, with a new single dropping in July 2023. Leela’s music is a constant reminder of what it is to be human – to love, to regret and to dream. Leela’s successful career first began when

she burst onto the scene in 2006 with her debut album, A Change is Gonna Come. She has since collaborated with the best producers, toured successfully across the US and Europe with some of the biggest names in R&B, performed on the ABC hit show, “Dancing with the Stars,” and starred on TV One’s “R&B Divas: Los Angeles”, amongst different guest appearances on a host of shows.

Leela’s talents are undeniable amongst her peers in the industry, and her music continues to resonate with core fans today. This songbird has earned countless spots on the Billboard charts, including No. 1 on Billboard Adult R&B Airplay Charts and No. 8 on Billboard Urban Adult song of the year for hit single “Complicated” from her latest album “See Me”. Leela’s classic albums have also earned nominations for “Outstanding New Artist” at the NAACP Image Awards (2008), “Best R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist” at the Soul Train Music Awards (2008) and scoring her first award from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for her 2014 single “Fall for You”, now certified gold, selling more than 500,000 equivalent units.

The soul singer, coined by James Brown as the God-Daughter of soul, has always had a natural ability to communicate a mixture of emotions with the husky and bluesy tone of her voice and was nicknamed “Baby Etta,” after Etta James, growing up as a child in Los Angeles. In 2012 she released, Loving You More...In the Spirit of Etta James, an album in homage to her idol. Leela’s other musical influences range from soul to funk, and jazz, including legends like Chaka Khan and Al Green. The songstress continues to rock crowds performing an array of classics and new hits, including the latest single, “Right Back In It” You can catch her on tour this Fall, stopping in cities such as New Orleans, DC, Houston, and Charlotte to name a few.

LEELA JAMES Award-Winning Recording Artist www.leelajames.com

NIA JOHNSON-JONES, MD

Doctor, Nia Aesthetics MD

Nia Johnson-Jones is a native of the Washington, DC area. She completed her undergraduate studies at Xavier University of Louisiana with a BS in Biology finishing with highest honors (Summa Cum Laude). She earned her medical degree at Temple University College of medicine in Philadelphia where she graduated in the top 25% of her class.

She later moved to Houston, Texas to complete her emergency medicine residency at UT Hermann here in the Texas Medical Center. Dr. Johnson served as the chief resident and was awarded the “best teacher” during her chief year. She also received an award for the highest score of her in-training exam amongst her class. After practicing emergency medicine here in Houston for years, she decided to

pursue aesthetic medicine. Dr. Johnson opened Nia Aesthetics MD in 2019 and has since serviced over 2000 men and women. Doctor Johnson has been taught by leaders in the aesthetic field and participates in many classes and conferences on a local, national, and international level. She is now recognized as one of the experts in her field, especially full facial rejuvenation with neurotoxins and dermal fillers. She is known for her witty personality and her artistic eyes and hands.

While she absolutely loves what she does, she loves giving back. Her favorite community work has been serving as a board member of Urban Souls Dance company, starting “Doctor for a Day” for young children to be mentored by UT Houston medical school students. These children learn to suture, splint, and perform CPR.

She is a proud member of the Houston Chapter of Jack and Jill, Inc. She has served as a grade group sponsor, co-chair of the regional children’s cluster, special events chair, and technology co-chair.

She is a very proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She is married to her husband of 18 years, Thomas Jones, MD, Orthopedic Spine Surgeon. They have 2 amazing children, Christian Jackson Jones, 16, and Aubri Olivia Jones, 11. Her family loves to travel. Their most recent trips were to Bali and Singapore.

NIA JOHNSON-JONES, MD

Doctor

Nia Aesthetics MD

4203 Montrose Blvd, #440 Houston, TX 77006 210-595-9324

www.Niaaestheticsmd.com

IG: @niaaestheticsmd

FB: Niaaestheticsmd

CHRISTINA A. JONES

VP HR Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Shell USA Inc.

hristina A Jones, VP HR Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for Shell USA, Inc. will soon celebrate her 20th year and quite the global HR career across a vast array of businesses. As an HR Generalist in the US, she supported a variety of businesses in both Houston and in California. She also broadened her skillset outside HR with a Lean Practitioner certification, building a three-year culture journey for the former Shell Martinez Refinery. She then

returned to HR and moved her family to Muscat, Oman, to assist Shell’s joint venture, Petroleum Development Oman, in technical recruitment. During this time, she developed local capabilities within her team, including the development of an Omani successor. Her family’s next adventure was in The Hague, The Netherlands where Christina worked in Joint Venture Excellence, including roles in Talent and HR Business Partnership for Shell’s joint venture in Brunei. After her

time abroad, Mrs. Jones moved back to the United States as VP HR Consultancy for Shell’s commercial businesses before her current assignment.

Christina finds great purpose in supporting Shell’s ambition to become one of the most diverse and inclusive organizations in the world. “Be the Change You Wish to See” is a motto she works to embody daily. This is evident in her leadership in DE&I for Shell USA as an active ally and advocate. She served as an influential voice in Shell’s signing of the Human Rights Campaign Business Statement on Anti-LGBTQ State Legislation in 2022, speaks at key DEI partnership events nation-wide and is often found wearing the well-known Shell branded yellow volunteer shirt, serving our local community in numerous outreach activities.

This motto equally extends to her personal life. Christina, her husband, Stacy, and her son, Shelby 16 years old have spent over 7 years in the adoption process of their daughter from Haiti. They have organized fundraisers and clothing drives world-wide to provide for the orphanage and when safe, visit and help with facility improvement projects. Having survived a critical illness at a young age, Christina spent many years as a patient of the Scottish Rite Hospital for Children (SRHC) and graduated with a scholarship, allowing her to afford college. Mr. & Mrs. Jones ensure they pay it forward to today’s aspiring students through the SHRC Legacy Scholarship Program.

Mrs. Jones earned her BS in Psychology with a minor in Spanish and an MS in Human Resource Management both from Texas A&M University.

CHRISTINA A. JONES

VP

HR Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Shell USA Inc.

150 N Dairy Ashford Rd, Houston, TX 77079 832-337-7891

www.shell.us

Christina.Jones@shell.com

RUTHIE LEE-ESENE

Director of Human Resouces, Butler-Cohen-Design + Build

firm servicing the educational, industrial, commercial and correctional markets in Texas and throughout the United States. With over seventeen years in Human Resources, Ruthie has fostered a consistent practice of nurturing transformation human development by sowing seeds and sustaining people and process. Prior to joining Butler-Cohen, Ruthe was the CEO and owner of Sirvist HRC. Providing services to the following clients NRG, retail Green Mountain Energy and Reliant, Bain and Company, Region Four, Griffin Partners, Inc, CSTEM and Hunting Learning Academy. Sirvist HRC is a full services human resource consultancy that combines talent management expertise winning, metrics-driven performance management. Ruthie has been profiled in the following magazine and is most notable recognized for being the company of the year in Learning and Development by ManageIHR. The 30 Most Reputable Companies by The Silicon Review Magazine and recognized by HR Technology Outlook Magazine for Talent Management.

For the past five years Ruthie has been an adjunct instructor at Rice University, Glasscock School of Continuing Studies teaching the Human Resources certification course and most recently develop curriculum and teaching Mitigating Unconscious Bias while Navigating Diversity and Inclusion. She is also an instructor at Prairie View A&M University School of Continuing Education teaching the SHRM Human Resource certification course.

Ruthie currently serves as a Board of Director for Houston Botanic Garden and an advisor to CSTEM organization.

Ruthie holds a B.A. from the University of Texas at Dallas and an M.S. in Human Resource Management from Houston Baptist University. She is a senior certified human resource professional by the Society of Human Resource.

Holds over 17 years of experience in the Human Resources field, specializing in overseeing entire HR operations departments, supporting C-Suite professionals, and internal HR communications. She directs and provides leadership in HR strategy, best practices, policy, and training. Her expertise is in fostering strong HR platforms, building solid employee relations, and facilitating

mediation and negotiation processes. She is proficient in multi-state staffing and talent management, having developed and implemented recruiting strategies that drive major hiring and performance initiatives by rightsizing organization using a metric driven performance and behavior assessment.

Ruthie is currently serving as the Director of Human Resources for Butler-Cohen. Bulter-Cohen is a full-service design + build

Director of Human Resouces

Butler-Cohen-Design + Build

3200 SW Freeway, Ste 1575, Houston, TX 77022 713-702-3330

RUTHIE LEE-ESENE

WENDY LEWIS ARMSTRONG

Vice President, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

impacts of agriculture in their everyday lives and to inspire the next generation of Black cowboys and Show volunteers. Elected to serve on the Rodeo’s Board of Directors, Wendy served on two board committees, Educational Contributions Review and Budget and the COVID Community Stakeholder Workgroup, prior to becoming a vice president of the Show. As an officer of the Show, Wendy oversees five committees: Black Heritage, Communications & Special Services, Membership, Special Children’s, and Trailblazer. Growing up, attending rodeo festivities, Wendy joined the Rodeo as a volunteer in 2008.

Wendy served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Junior League of Houston. Over the course of her 10 years of service to the League, Wendy held various administrative and community placements, including the League’s first Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director, Financial Vice President, Community Treasurer, and Tea Room Treasurer. Wendy was awarded the covenant Sara Houstoun Lindsey Award, which is presented annually to one member who furthers the mission of the League and its vital role in the community. She is now a proud League Sustainer.

Wendy holds memberships in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Greater Houston Chapter of Hampton Alumni, Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church Women’s Guild, and Humble Intercontinental Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. She currently is a member of the HCA Northwest Board of Trustees and previously served on the boards of the World Youth Foundation, the Houston Chapter and Southwest Region of the National Association of Black Accountants, and the Houston Area Urban League Young Professionals. Wendy is a United Way Project Blueprint Alumni and Girl Scout Gold & Silver Awardee.

She is married to Vince Armstrong and enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends and crafting.

Wendy Lewis Armstrong is a licensed certified public accountant serving as the Chief Auditor, Director of Internal Audit for Noble Corporation, a leading offshore driller. Wendy is a native Houstonian and a proud graduate of Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions. She went on to graduate summa cum laude from Hampton University

(Virginia) where she earned her Bachelor of Accountancy and received the president’s award. She began her career in external audit at PricewaterhouseCoopers and held internal audit positions at Southern Union.

During her term as chair of the Rodeo’s Black Heritage Committee, she created a mentorship program for inner city middle school students to educate them on the

WENDY LEWIS ARMSTRONG

Vice President

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

NRG Center, 3 NRG Park, Houston, Texas 77054 832-489-0573

www.rodeohouston.com

mrswendylewisarmstrong@gmail.com

IG @ wendylewarm

FB @ WendyLewArmstrong

MELISSA MACHESKA-DUARTE, Ed.D.

Superintendent, Texas City Independent School District

strategic planning and passing a bond that will provide many needed campuses in the district. During this time, the district has expanded their career and technical education courses and will be opening a brand-new STEM/Robotics Center. She provided leadership that progressed campuses that were struggling academically to achieve passing standards based on the state’s accountability system. The district went from 42% of the campuses failing to 100% of campuses passing state standards. Melissa’s passion is about providing students with a strong academic foundation that allows them to leave the educational system equipped to achieve any dream that they have. Her purpose is to help those have the endurance to always DREAM BIG! Melissa obtained a Bachelors in Business Administration, Masters in Educational Leadership and Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas Pan American. She has been honored to receive many accolades over the past three years. She was named Citizen of the Year for the Texas City – La Marque Chamber of Commerce, she received the Women in Leadership Award for the educational sector and she was selected as the top 20 for the Galveston County Citizen of the Year award.

Melissa is visionary in the work that she does and is passionate about making a difference for students and the entire community. In education, we provide experiences today that will prepare this years pre-kindergarten students for the world in 2037, when they graduate. That is a tall task to prepare students for careers that don’t even exist. The passion, excitement, and creativity that Melissa brings to the job makes a difference every day.

Melissa Duarte has served communities and students for the past 32 years through her career in education. She began as a middle school teacher. During her tenure she has taught elementary, middle school, high school, college, and university level students. She has been a curriculum coordinator, executive director, assistant superintendent, deputy superintendent and currently superintendent of schools for Texas City Independent School District (TCISD). Melissa is responsible for over 7,800 students in her role and approximately 1,300 employees. She has

led TCISD for the past three years. During her time as an educator, she has helped districts and campuses overcome barriers and provide strong academic and educational opportunities.

When Melissa stepped into her position at TCISD in July of 2020 it was during the pandemic. Navigating virtual instruction, setting expectations for instruction, and supporting staff during this time of unknown was a challenge she handled with grace. During the past three years, Melissa has been instrumental in starting a dual language program, an early college high school at both high school campuses,

Melissa is married to her loving husband, Darrell, and has four amazing children; Ryan, Aaron, Brittany, and step-daughter, Drew. She also has two beautiful granddaughters.

Superintendent

Texas City Independent School District

1700 Ninth Avenue North, Texas City, TX 77590 409-916-0100

MELISSA MACHESKA-DUARTE, Ed.D.

LILYANNE Mc CLEAN

Senior Vice President, Global Public Policy and Government Affairs, FuelCell Energy

supporting the organization’s Executive Committee, Steering Committees and the Board of Directors. She directly partnered with Houston area CEOs and managed key business issues, including tax policy, corporate governance and ESG.

Lilyanne was recruited to the GHP from a global public relations firm in Washington, D.C. that specialized in supporting highly regulated industries with public affairs, public relations, and strategic communications services. Notably, she also spent 12 years at American Express Company in several senior positions, in New York and Washington, D.C. This includes serving as the Vice President for global government affairs, directing teams in Europe, Asia, North America, South America, Australia, and the Caribbean. She has worked with or met every U.S. President since George H. W. Bush.

Lilyanne holds a J.D. from George Washington University Law School, a master’s degree in communications from Georgetown University and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Montclair State University, a liberal arts college in New Jersey that has received national awards for producing the best teachers in the country.

Throughout her career, Lilyanne has been an active leader in many organizations, including the Urban Bankers Association, Suited for Change, the Business Council for International Understanding, the Council on Foreign Relations, the American Financial Services Association, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Lilyanne McClean has recently been named the new Senior Vice President of Global Public Policy and Government Affairs at Fuel Cell Energy. She has over 30 years of business, policy and communications experience and an established reputation as a “game changer,” capable of implementing complex strategies and driving stakeholder support. Prior to joining Fuel Cell Energy, she served as the new President of Texans for Lawsuit Reform, a $25 million business organization in Texas, created to ensure a fair and efficient civil justice system. In this role, she also worked closely with

influencers in Louisiana, Florida, and other states with high levels of frivolous litigation and/or organized efforts to target the business community.

Immediately before this role, Lilyanne was the Executive Vice President for Public Policy and Communications at the Greater Houston Partnership (GHP), a $12 million business organization that has led the state in economic development, public policy implementation and advocacy. As the only EVP, Lilyanne was responsible for driving success in two major departments, supporting the CEO, guiding the senior leadership team as the “shadow COO,” and

Lilyanne is currently a member of the United Way of Greater Houston’s Board of Directors, an Advisory Board Member of Amegy Bank, a division of Zion’s Bancorp, and a Trustee at George Washington University’s Law School. An enthusiastic mentor focused on developing talent, she has memorialized some of her career advice in a column entitled, “Race to the Top,” which ran for over two years in the Houston Forward Times, one of the oldest Blackowned newspapers in the country.

LILYANNE MCCLEAN Senior Vice President, Global Public Policy and Government Affairs FuelCell Energy

DR. JENNY McGOWN

Superintendent, Klein Independent School District

of University Women (AAUW) Outstanding Woman in education (2019), Sam Houston State University Distinguished Educator of the Year (2020), Houston Business Journal’s Women Who Mean Business award recipient (2021), a Distinguished Administrator by the Texas Music Educators Association (2021), and a NorthStar award recipient from the North Houston Association (2023). She is nationally recognized as the National School Public Relations Association Top Superintendent to Watch, 1 of only 20 selected across the United States. Most recently, she was recognized as the Houston Business Journal’s Most Admired CEO (2023).

Dr. McGown played a pivotal role in developing first-in-the-state pathways for students to earn advanced degrees before graduating from high school, including the first-in-state Geospatial Engineering and Land Surveying Academics, the Arts and Athletics. Under Dr. McGown’s leadership, Klein ISD was named the Districts of Distinction National District of the Year (2021). As the leader of what she calls the “Klein Family,” Dr. McGown has earned the love and respect of students, staff, and the Klein community.

Dr. McGown serves on numerous boards including the Google for Education North America K-12 Advisory Board, the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts Board, the Northwest Assistance Ministries Board, the Klein Education Foundation, and is a member of the Lone Star College Chancellor’s Advisory Council.

Dr. McGown received her Master’s and Doctorate degrees from Sam Houston State University and is a proud graduate of Texas A&M University where she met her husband of over 20 years. Together they have two children, both Klein ISD students since Kindergarten.

Jenny McGown is a positive, studentfocused leader who is grateful to serve as the superintendent of schools in Klein ISD, a 54,000+ student public school district located in Klein, Texas. Dr. McGown has spent her entire stateside career in Klein, strengthening the long-standing tradition of excellence and innovation in every role she’s held including classroom teacher, campus principal, executive director, chief learning officer, and deputy superintendent before

being named Klein ISD Superintendent in 2019.

Dr. McGown has earned numerous leadership accolades, including being recognized as the 2022 Region 4 Superintendent of the Year and State Finalist for Texas Superintendent of the Year (2022). Throughout her career she has been named Teacher of the Year (2004), Houston Business Journal’s Top 40 under 40 Professional across all sectors (2017), the Houston BizWoman Headliner in Education (2018), American Association

DR. JENNY McGOWN

Superintendent of Schools

Klein Independent School District

7200 Spring Cypress Road

Klein, Texas 77379-3215

832-249-4000

superintendent@kleinisd.net

CARMEN McZEAL

Chief Administrator and Co-Founder at Remarkable Kids / Co-Founder and Psychotherapist at Edge Sports Counseling

Carmen has received numerous recognitions, including:

• The Boys and Girls Club of America Volunteer Award

• Teacher of the Year

• Top 50 Entrepreneurs

• Pinnacle Award Nominee

• Community Spirit Award

• ABPA Scholarship Award

Carmen’s memberships include:

• Montgomery County Executive Leadership Board

• American Counseling Association

• Texas Association of Mediators

• The Woodlands Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, Inc.

• North Harris Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

• Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce

• National Association for the Advancement of Colored People

• Texas Coalition of Black Democrats

In her current role, she manages numerous partnerships among 3 locations with over 50 associates.

Despite the challenges of being a minority business owner in the field of mental health and athletics, Carmen is helping to shatter the glass ceiling in a largely male-dominated field while breaking the stigmas surrounding mental health in athletics and fostering a culture of understanding, compassion, empathy, and open dialogue.

Carmen McZeal is the co-founder of Edge Sports Counseling and the owner of Remarkable Kids Pediatric Therapy. As a co-founder of Edge Sports, she partners with sports organizations, general managers, athletic directors, and schools to help their athletes “edge” out their competition. As the owner of Remarkable Kids Pediatric Therapy, Carmen ensures that the children of Houston and its surrounding areas receive the physical, occupational, and speech therapy services they so desperately need. And as a licensed Psychotherapist and consultant, Carmen has been providing services in the Greater Houston area for nearly 20 years.

She began her career as a therapist in partial hospitalization programs and state agencies. Soon after, she became a certified mediator and has spent many years handling conflict resolution cases within the Harris County court system. Her advanced skills in counseling and conflict resolution paved a way for Carmen to open her private practice and consulting business. She has also shared her expertise as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional and has served as a guest speaker, consultant, lecturer and panelists for local state agencies, school districts, NAACP conferences, and PHP programs.

Carmen attended the University of New Orleans and Dillard University where she received a B.A. degree in English and a M.A. degree in Counseling and Psychology from Prairie View A&M University.

Carmen is a devoted wife and mother. She and her husband, Kevin own Zealand Investments and they currently live with their two children in Spring, TX.

Chief Administrator | Carter Psych Solutions, LLC

Co-Founder and Psychotherapist | Edge Sports Counseling

507 N. Sam Houston Pkwy. E., Houston, TX 77060

O: 281-466-4635 | C: 832-289-4277

remarkablekidstherapy.com

CARMEN McZEAL

QUIANTA MOORE, MD, JD

Executive Director, The Hackett Center for Mental Health

Quianta Moore MD, JD, is the Executive Director of The Hackett Center for Mental Health and the Executive Vice President of Health Equity at Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute. Under Dr. Moore’s leadership, The Hackett Center is focused on creating transformative change for mental and relational health by co-creating evidence-based, communityinformed policies, programs, and practices and bringing them to scale. For example, she secured a $15 million dollar investment in Harris county to create a mental and behavioral initiative that meets the rising demand of access to mental health services for youth. Dr. Moore also serves as an adjunct professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine. Additionally, Dr. Moore is the owner and founder of Catapult Dreams, LLC where she helps funders and non-profits enhance their social impact through evaluation, coaching, capacity building and strategic planning. Dr. Moore is an experienced action-oritented

researcher who has designed and conducted large-scale, statewide evaluations of mental health initiatives and early childhood programs. Her research uses rigorous methods to answer important questions that then inform the design of policies and programs that have real impact on people and the communities in which they reside. For example, her work has resulted in mulitmillion dollar investments in historically under resourced communites.

Dr. Moore has dedicated her professional life to advancing health equity and protecting the future of the next generation through promoting early brain health, which is vital to breaking generational poverty and to the future economic prosperity of our country. She is the creator of Brain Builders, a parenting program that focuses on improving early brain development and builds social cohesion among moms, both of which improve health and economic outcomes.

Dr. Moore previously served as the Huffington Fellow in Child Health Policy

at the Baker Institute for Public Policy where she created and led the Child Health Policy Program. She received an MD from Baylor College of Medicine, a JD from the University of Houston Law Center, and a Bachelor of Arts in sociology from Cornell University.

Dr. Moore was given a proclamation by Mayor Sylvester Turner acknowledging the impact of her work in the greater Houston area and is also a Robert Wood Johnson Interdisciplinary Research Leader. In her personal life, Quianta is active in her church, spends time with her loved ones, including 3 active teenagers and is passionate about living a life of service and gratitude.

QUIANTA MOORE, MD, JD

Executive Director

The Hackett Center for Mental Health

P.O. Box 130059, Houston, TX 77219-0059 903-238-3425

www.thehackettcenter.org

SINERIA ORDÓÑEZ

Vice President, External Affairs, National Hispanic Business Development Manager, Comerica Bank

Sineria works at Comerica Bank as VicePresident, External Affairs Market Manager for South Texas, and National Hispanic Business Development Manager. In her national role, Sineria supports Comerica’s ongoing commitment to strengthening relationships with Hispanic business leaders, entrepreneurs, and communities across its five primary markets of California, Texas, Michigan, Arizona and Florida.

As External Affairs for South Texas, Sineria is responsible for community reinvestments with priorities in small business, economic and workforce development; affordable housing; education including financial education; and neighborhood revitalization programs benefiting low to moderateincome individuals and communities. She has experience working across different industries in Marketing and Media, Insurance, Entrepreneurship, Education, and Non-Profit. From leading initiatives to creating a way to forge new partnerships, Sineria’s focus has always been in building relationships within the community and believes in the strength of collective impact.

Sineria is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a B.A. in International Studies and has a Master of Science in Project Management from St. Edward’s University. She is active in her community and serves on the DiscoverU Board and Project Management Advisory Board at Houston Community College, as well as a Senior Fellow of the American Leadership Forum, Class XLIV. Sineria was a 2022 Sisters with Superpowers honoree by Rolling Out and most recently, has been named a 2023 National Latino Leaders Awardee by the National Diversity Council.

Sineria is a proud mother of two and enjoys spending time with familia while partaking in the cultural offerings that Houston has to offer.

SINERIA ORDÓÑEZ

Vice President, External Affairs

National Hispanic Business Development Manager Comerica Bank

Sineria Ordóñez, MSPM comes from a big family, being one of seven siblings and was raised by a single mother. With limited resources after immigrating to the United States and with the will to pave new roads, Sineria and her family made Texas their home. Her mother, without knowing it, had planted

seeds of entrepreneurship along the way showing Sineria the art of customer service and lessons in continuous learning that lead to growth. A product of public Title I schools, Sineria embraced the richness and resilience that exists in communities that are often overlooked.

2 Riverway Dr. , Houston, TX 77056

SEOrdonez@comerica.com

ADA ORTEGA

Director of Public Affairs, Communications & Sustainability, Arca-Continental/Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages

a health insurance provider for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) located in San Antonio, Texas. Ada was also a regional press secretary for the Texas Democratic Party during the 2014 statewide election cycle. In this role, Ada planned and executed press conferences across the state, briefed and advised elected officials and statewide candidates for Spanish interviews, and coordinated press and earned media in local markets around the state.

Throughout her career, Ada’s focus has been to empower communities and be at the forefront of championing diversity and inclusion initiatives. Ada is passionate about Latino advocacy issues and advancing Latina leadership representation in the US. In 2014, Ada was selected to be a community of practice member for LatinasRepresent, an initiative led by the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda to increase Latina representation throughout the civic engagement continuum and inspire more Latinas to seek public service opportunities.

Ada is a graduate of Leadership Houston Class XL, 2019 Latina Leadership Institute program and the 2015 Alex Briseño Leadership Development Program led by the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Ada is a native of Brownsville, Texas and holds a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from American University in Washington, D.C. Besides loving her job, Ada enjoys traveling, spending time with her family and friends, volunteering and being a fashion enthusiast.

ADA ORTEGA

Ada Ortega is a dynamic public affairs leader with over a decade of experience in government relations, media communications, issue management and corporate social responsibility. Ada is the Director of Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability for the South Market Unit for Arca Continental/Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, one of the largest Coca-Cola bottlers in the United States. In this role, Ada executes strategic public affairs and communication business plans while supporting statewide government relations activities for the Houston, Austin, San Antonio, South Texas, and East Texas territories.

Prior to Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, Ada served as Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner’s Press Secretary where she managed citywide communications strategies for the City of Houston and acted as the Spanish spokesperson for the mayor and the city. Ada joined the mayor’s office during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and was part of the essential group of communicators for the city of Houston during the pandemic and Winter Storm Uri. She was also Mayor Turner’s communications advisor during his 2022 trade mission to Mexico.

Before joining the mayor’s office, Ada served as a corporate communications manager for Community First Health Plans,

Director of Public Affairs, Communications & Sustainability

Arca-Continental/Coca-Cola

Southwest Beverages

10475 Deer Trail Dr, Houston, Texas 77038 cocacolaswb.com

ada.ortega@cocacolaswb.com

MAKING COMMUNITY MAGIC

Diverse people and communities are at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we’re committed to building a more sustainable and inclusive future for all. Learn more at cocacolaswb.com.

PAULA PATTERSON

Superintendent, Crosby Independent School District

Mrs. Paula Patterson is a public education innovator and advocate, who is passionately living out her mission to grow all students. Mrs. Patterson is the Superintendent of Schools for Crosby Independent School District, a mid-sized district in East Harris County, just outside of Houston.

Superintendent Patterson has returned to her hometown for the third time to serve her community at the highest level of district leadership. She was among the inaugural group of leaders chosen for the prestigious Superintendent Leadership Program with The Holdsworth Center in Austin. She will next embark on The Holdsworth Center’s Leadership Collaborative, strengthening the bench of district leaders in Crosby ISD. Among her accomplishments, she is most proud of leading Crosby ISD to become the largest district in Texas to adopt a hybrid four-day instructional week. She has also been named: Principal of the Year honoree in Crosby ISD; 2023 TAABSE Dining with

Divas honoree; Texas Association of School Administrators Executive Committee Member; Region 4 Chapter of Texas Council of Women School Educators PresidentElect; and a member of the Houston Health Museum Steering Committee for the Drugs: Costs and Consequences Exhibit.

Mrs. Patterson is married to her Crosby High School classmate, Cedric Patterson, Jr., who is also an active member of the Crosby/Barrett Station communities and Crosby ISD. They have two sons, who are also Crosby High School graduates. Cedric Patterson, III (Tre) is currently a graduate student-athlete at Rice University and Jeremiah Patterson, who attends Texas State University.

Education is an occupation of the heart. With more than 20 years of experience in education, Mrs. Patterson’s ‘why’ is straightforward: forging new paths for students, driving innovation among staff, and leading with heart in the community she calls home. She loves nothing more

than seeing students succeed, and she will always be a champion for high student academic achievement. She often shares that career paths are not always a straight line. She encourages students to never fear the curves and detours they will find in life on the way to their destination.

Humbled by her position, Superintendent Patterson is grateful each day that young women can see in her example a reflection of their future selves. She is thrilled to be among the honorees selected for the 2023 Top 30 Influential Women of Houston Awards. She wishes all the best to her fellow nominees on their journeys, sharing their superpowers as bold, inspirational, and aspirational leaders.

Superintendent

Crosby Independent School District

14670 FM 2100 Crosby, TX 77532

281-328-9200

www.crosbyisd.org

PAULA PATTERSON

DR. KERRIE PATTERSON-BROWN

Chief Executive Officer / Founder, Legacy The School of Sport Sciences

opening a charter school that would not only cater to young athletes but also shed light on the various career opportunities available within the sports world. She firmly believes that sports go far beyond playing the game, coaching, athletic administration, sports medicine, and sports media. With a strong conviction that God had a plan in place, Kerrie embarked on a challenging journey to establish Legacy the School of Sport Sciences - the first charter school of its kind in the state of Texas.

The school’s mission is to empower young athletes with knowledge and skills related to the business and science of sport. Legacy provides a unique learning environment where 97% of the students are athletes themselves. Kerrie and her team use the students’ passion for sports as a foundation to teach various content courses through the lens of the sports industry. By doing so, they aim to nurture well-rounded individuals who not only excel in their respective sports but also possess a deep understanding of the diverse opportunities available in the world of athletics.

Kerrie Patterson-Brown’s relentless determination, combined with her compassion and desire to make a positive impact, has earned her immense respect within both the education and sports communities. Through her innovative approach to education, she continues to shape the lives of countless young athletes, providing them with the tools they need to succeed both on and off the field. As a pioneer in her field, Kerrie’s legacy will undoubtedly extend far beyond the boundaries of Legacy the School of Sport Sciences, leaving a lasting imprint on the future of sports education.

Kerrie Patterson-Brown, Ed.D. is a visionary and trailblazer in the field of education and athletics. A former collegiate athlete, she played basketball for Texas A&M University, where she not only excelled on the court but also demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities that would serve as the foundation for her future endeavors.

After completing her college education, Kerrie married her college sweetheart, Reggie Brown, who was a standout line -

backer for Texas A&M and later pursued a successful career as a professional football player in the NFL. However, fate took an unexpected turn when Reggie suffered a devastating neck injury during his second year in the league, leaving him grappling with a loss of identity and battling severe depression for over a decade. Witnessing her husband’s struggle and recognizing the need for support and alternative paths within the sports industry, Kerrie became determined to make a difference.

Kerrie tirelessly pursued her dream of

DR. KERRIE PATTERSON-BROWN Chief Executive Officer / Founder Legacy The School of Sport Sciences

2727 Spring Creek Drive, Spring, TX 77373 713-400-7848

www.legacycmhs.org

DR. LETITIA PLUMMER

Maxwello Dental, Owner / City Council Member At-Large 4, City of Houston

the Need Program,’ a vital effort that provided meals to seniors and food-insecure families across Houston. Her commitment to food security hasn’t waned; she continues to seek long-term, sustainable solutions for food deserts.

Dr. Plummer’s passion for justice is reflected in her work on comprehensive Policing Reform as part of Houston’s budget amendments. Since introducing the reforms, she has been a staunch advocate for criminal justice reform, displaying an unwavering commitment to her principles.

Her responsiveness and dedication were also evident in her extensive work during Winter Storm Uri. Dr. Plummer took the initiative to provide immediate assistance to underserved and vulnerable residents, gaining recognition from several community-based organizations for her relentless efforts.

In 2021, she furthered her commitment to the quality of life for Houstonians by proposing an Apartment Inspection Reform ordinance. She has since worked tirelessly to enhance living conditions for tenants, launching a Tenant Education Program, forming a Tenant Council, and collaborating with the city’s inspection team for swift results. Letitia’s vision extends even further. Recognizing Houston’s potential in the global economy, she has actively forged international business alliances. Dr. Plummer is committed to creating lucrative partnerships that attract investments and employment opportunities to Houston, enhancing the city’s status as a thriving hub of opportunity.

Like many Houstonians, Dr. Letitia Plummer was raised in a multicultural household, an enriching experience that has deeply shaped her life and career. Born to an African American father and a Yemeni-Indian mother, she grew up in an environment founded on strong principles of opposing injustice and actively speaking out against it. Her upbringing has influenced her deeply, steering her into a life dedicated to public service and community care.

Dr. Plummer’s educational journey began with her graduation from the prestigious

historically Black Spelman College. Following this achievement, she continued her education at the Baylor College of Dentistry. Inspired by her father’s career, she pursued a path in dental practice and is now a successful practicing dentist in her community.

Her accomplishments extend far beyond her professional practice. As a city Council Member, Dr. Letitia Plummer has embarked on several noteworthy initiatives that have resonated with the Houston community. During the challenging times of COVID-19, she demonstrated her innovative leadership by engaging top Houston chefs in her ‘Feed

Dr. Letitia Plummer is a dedicated servant of the people. Her multicultural upbringing, professional achievements, and relentless drive for justice and community betterment set her apart as a leader, advocate, and visionary.

Maxwello Dental, Owner Council Member At-Large 4, City of Houston 10009 Broadway Street, Suite 109 713-436-2522

www.maxwellodental.com

pearland@maxwellodental.com

IG & Twitter/X @cmplummer4

FB @Council Member Letitia Plummer

IG @maxwello_dentalpearland

FB @Maxwello Dental Spa & Orthodontics

DR. LETITIA PLUMMER

TRACEY PRINCE, EMPA

Sr. Director, Government Relations, Houston First Corporation

long-term strategies to build and support, in particular, underserved and marginalized communities. Tracey was called upon to utilize her expertise in bringing people together when she was asked to organize Houston’s Social Justice and Social Healing forum with the Los Angeles County Probation Department and the Black Probation Officers Association with the goal of collaborating with the community to reimagine the justice system.

Tracey is a proud graduate of Texas Southern University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences Degree in Telecommunications, with a Minor in General Business. She returned to her Alma Mater to pursue an Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA). Additionally, during Tracey’s junior year at Texas Southern University, she was selected to travel to Washington D.C. to participate in the Late Congressman Mickey Leland’s internship program, where she served on the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Finance, chaired by then-Congressman Edward J. Markey, who now serves as Senator Edward J. Markey.

Tr acey Prince’s reach and accomplishments are widespread, encompassing education, business, telecommunications, politics, and public service. As Sr. Director of Government Relations for Houston First Corporation, the City of Houston’s official marketing organization, she has been a key player in promoting Houston worldwide, attracting businesses, and helping to make Houston one of the nation’s best cities to live, work and visit. Houston First Corporation manages over ten city-owned arts and entertainment venues, including the George R. Brown Convention Center, all of which fall within some aspect of her portfolio.

Tracey’s responsibilities at Houston First Corporation include developing and managing the corporation’s relationships with local, state, and federal elected officials and government agencies. She has

become the go-to person after successfully managing partnerships/relationships that have resulted in several opportunities for both residents of Houston and those in the private sector.

Prior to this position, she served three years as the Government Account Manager for Verizon Wireless. Responsible for sales and customer support to government accounts, Tracey consistently led the team, exceeding annual sales by 150%. Her position at Verizon Wireless, which included meetings with high-level officials in Houston Independent School District and local elected officials, laid the groundwork for her rapid rise at Houston First Corporation.

Tracey’s advocacy extends to initiating and facilitating collaborative projects within greater Houston. She works tirelessly to develop and implement short and

Tracey is a native Houstonian with a big heart for serving her community. She served on the Julia C. Hester House board of directors for two years and is a proud member of Leadership Houston Class #30. Tracey volunteered at her son’s school, serving six years as the PTO President from elementary to middle school. Her work and service are ongoing, as exemplified in her serving a third year on the board of directors for St. Pius X High School.

In addition, Tracey is serving her first year on the board of directors for the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council. On January 30, 2023, Tracey was honored to receive the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award/ MLK Dream Award, signed by President Joe Biden. She is happily married to Ronald Prince, and they are the proud parents of their beloved son Justice Prince.

TRACEY PRINCE, EMPA

Sr. Director, Government Relations

Houston First Corporation

713-853-8112

701 Avenida de las Americas, Ste.200

Tracey.prince@houstonfirst.com

Houstonfirst.com

DR. TONIE REINCKE Founder / Medical Director, Reincke Vein Center

Dr. Reincke’s commitment to her patients goes beyond the walls of her clinic. She is dedicated to community outreach to underserved minority groups and has made significant efforts to ensure that her clinic is accessible to all. These efforts include advertising on Univision and Telemundo, participating in Q&A talks on VieTV, doing interviews on Great Day Houston and Houston Life, attending the LGBTQ Houston Chamber annual meeting, offering free ultrasound scans and medical consultations at The 100 Black Men of Metropolitan Houston conventions and health fairs, giving educational talks at Landon Ridge Senior Living Center, contributing time and resources to Miracles R’ Real, and volunteering at Bread of Life.

I n addition to providing exceptional patient care, Dr. Reincke is passionate about educating the next generation of healthcare professionals. She regularly mentors and teaches resident doctors and ultrasound students, and has plans to work with medical students in the future. Dr. Reincke’s dedication to her patients and her profession has been recognized by Living Magazine, which has named her “Best Vein Doctor in Fort Bend County ‘’ every year from 2016 to 2023. Reincke Vein Center is certified as an official minority and women-owned business by WBEA and is also certified as a Historically Underutilized Business in Texas.

DrTonie Reincke is a highly accomplished physician who has devoted over three decades of her life to providing compassionate care to her patients. Her journey into the medical field began as a nurse in the surgical ICU where she developed a passion for providing the highest level of care to patients. With the goal of furthering her connection with patients and assuming greater responsibility in their treatment, Dr. Reincke went on to become a Physician Associate, and ultimately a skilled Interventional Radiologist.

With a passion for helping patients suffering from vein disease, Dr. Reincke has built an impressive career, serving as the chief medical director for the state of Texas at one company and practicing at several different vein clinics throughout Houston. However, she always knew that she could provide even better personalized care for her patients if she had the freedom to operate her own private practice. In 2021, she founded Reincke Vein Center, a clinic where she can provide superior care without the limitations of company oversight.

When not caring for patients, Dr. Reincke finds balance in her personal life by spending quality time with her two sons, enjoying exercise, great food and wine, and cuddling with her beloved dogs Zoro and Zeus. Dr. Reincke is a true inspiration and leader in the medical field, and her dedication to her patients and community is unparalleled.

DR. TONIE REINCKE

Founder / Medical Director

Reincke Vein Center

1111 Hwy 6 South, Suite 170 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-394-4446

reinckeveincenter.com

CONCHITA REYES

Small Business Owner / Fractional CFO, CR Financials

Conchita paid her way through college by working for the Houston City Controller and now Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia. As a result, she was given the distinct honor of 100 team members of the Advance of the White House under the Clinton – Gore administration. Prior to building her own firm, Conchita was a fiscal administrator for the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Mir Fox & Rodriguez P.C. CPA Firm.

C onchita Reyes has over 20 years of experience in accounting and small business development. She now owns and operates a financial and consulting group, helping businesses with accounting and tax planning. She specializes in governmental accounting, fraud, sales tax, and insurance audits.

Conchita has served her community in many ways, staying active on many nonprofit boards like La Rosa Family Services, Tejano Center, Memorial Park Conservancy, Latin Women’s Initiative, Morales Memorial Foundation, American Jewish Committee for Community of Conscience, and Rebuilding Together Houston. She also serves as the liaison for the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Council 19 –Johnny Mata and LULAC Council 60, one of the oldest councils in Houston. She is a graduate of leadership programs including the Latino Texas PAC Candidate Leadership Program, Leadership ISD Class III, American Jewish Committee (AJC) Emerging Latino Leaders, and American Leadership Forum (ALF) Class L.

Conchita enjoys educating and empowering young Latina entrepreneurs, start-up businesses, and non-profits. She is the proud mother of three wonderful children: Alec (20) is serving in the U.S. Navy, Andres (17) is a Junior in high school, and Alina (11) is a 5th Grader at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School.

Conchita is currently running for Houston City Council At-Large Position 1, where she hopes to become the second Latina to ever hold that position.

CONCHITA REYES

Small Business Owner / Fractional CFO

CR Financials

o: 713-647-0016

c: 832-283-8551

DR. MARTHA SALAZAR-ZAMORA

Superintendent of Schools, Tomball Independent School District

to COVID but have only strengthened them ever since.

Along with leading almost 23,000 students and over 3,000 employees district-wide, Dr. Salazar-Zamora remains committed to the growth of public education and the impact it plays on our local community by serving her time on numerous boards.

She currently is a member of the Texas Education Agency (TEA) Commissioner’s Cabinet, Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) President-Elect, President of Fast Growth School Coalition (FGSC), the Texas Representative on the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) Executive Committee, Vice President of The Council of Women School Executives (TCWSE), a member of the Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) Tomball Board of Trustees, a Board Member for the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce, and Past President of Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (TALAS). She is also exceptionally proud to serve as a mentor to other leaders throughout the state and nation. She is frequently asked to speak on various topics and to serve on the dissertation committees for students seeking to earn a doctorate degree.

DrSalazar-Zamora has served as an educator in Texas for over 36 years and as the Superintendent of Schools in Tomball ISD since 2017. Her first Superintendent position was in her hometown of Kingsville, Texas in 2003.

Recognized as the 2023 Region 4 Superintendent of the Year, Dr. SalazarZamora not only leads a fast growth district, but one of the highest academic achieving districts in the State of Texas, all while maintaining strong financial management practices.

As the Team Tomball leader, Dr. SalazarZamora has elevated Tomball ISD into a consistent A-rated school district and as the Top Ranked School District in the Houston area. In addition, Tomball ISD was honored as a 2023 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards finalist in both Large School District and Outstanding School Board categories,

the only school district in Texas recognized for one than one award.

Under Dr. Salazar-Zamora’s leadership, Tomball ISD continues to set the bar high with innovative programs and initiatives that are student-centered and intentional. Since 2017, she has led the implementation of Tomball Star Academy, the District’s early college high school, Tomball ISD’s TwoWay Dual Language Academy, the District’s first P-TECH focused on healthcare, a Pre-K Center for young learners, the state-of-theart Tomball ISD Stadium and Event Center, along with the opening of several campuses and CTE programs which are in place to accommodate the fast growth happening in Tomball.

She is exceptionally proud of not only the academic success of the district, but the whole child approach that includes wrap around services for all students inclusive of mental health offerings to support children. The district began robust programs prior

Dr. Salazar-Zamora earned a Doctor of Education at Texas A&M University, a Master of Education in educational administration and a Master of Education in special education at Texas A&M UniversityKingsville, and a Bachelor of Science at Texas A&M University.

She also enjoys spending quality time with her husband Emilio, their two daughters, Milan and Matisse, and their two granddaughters, Arya Rose & Aurelia Rose Callegari. Although, her daughters and granddaughters all live in Milan, Italy, the family enjoys quality time as frequent as possible.

Schools

Tomball Independent School District

310 S. Cherry St., Tomball, TX 77375

281-357-3100

tomballisd.net

DR. MARTHA SALAZAR-ZAMORA Superintendent of

LAUREN M. SPARKS

Founder & CEO, Agility Bank

After close to 40 years of Lauren Sparks’ career as a community banker and banking consultant, she knew there was a need for greater representation of women where financial decisions were being made—in the boardroom. She also recognized the value of technology if you were going to survive as a community bank in the future.

Lauren founded Agility Bank over almost a year ago as the first woman-owned and

led Minority Depository Institution (MDI) created for its purpose in the country. Agility is a digital forward commercial community bank focusing primarily on small and mid-sized businesses in the Houston area. To get started, Lauren and her team completed a capital raise of over $43 million, 30 percent more than required by federal regulators to open. Approximately 70 percent of the 331 shareholders are women.

Lauren knew earning the special MDI

charter awarded by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) would set Agility Bank apart. MDI status is granted to a financial institution when its ownership and/or its board is more than 50 percent of the minority it focuses on, which in Agility’s case is women.

In developing a new bank, Lauren’s focus has been team and technology. She gathered a board and executive team who have strong banking and community experience. To increase the pipeline of women in banking, she established “Generational Dream Teams” of seasoned bankers to mentor new or returning bankers. To build the bank of the future, the bank’s “technology stack” goes beyond traditional “banking out of a box.” Instead, by utilizing a variety of high-tech providers for its products and services, clients of the bank can be as close to a fintech experience as they need or want. As a business owner herself, Lauren has a unique perspective on how Agility can serve its clients. In 2009, she formed Third Party Resources, Inc. (3PR Inc.), a woman-owned consulting firm specializing in risk and compliance management for community banks, financial service firms, and software companies. At any given time, 3PR Inc. works with over 30 community banks and has been a preferred vendor for one of the world’s largest software providers.

Overall, Lauren’s goal of supporting women’s financial aspirations and enhancing community bank technology is working. She added: “We definitely look and feel like the bank of the future. In fact, we are leading the way!”

LAUREN M. SPARKS CEO & Founder Agility Bank

2401 N Shepherd Dr, Ste 140, Houston, TX 77008 713-324-8810

www.agility.bank

info@agility.bank

LI @agility-bank

IT’S GO TIME.

To small and mid-sized businesses with big ideas: WE’RE HERE.

Here for creative thinking — wherever you need us to be. Using advanced digital financial tools and resources in surprisingly personal ways.

Taking your dreams more seriously than you ever thought possible. Making our community stronger, healthier, and more vibrant.

Ensuring your business has opportunities to be a part of that growth.

Welcome to the commercial community bank of the future.

You say ready. WE SAY GO. Member FDIC www.agility.bank, 713-324-8810 2401 N Shepherd Dr, STE 140, Houston, TX 77008

DR. PRETTA VANDIBLE STALLWORTH

District 9 Trustee, Houston Community College

Dr. VanDible Stallworth is an Association of Community College Trustees Directorat-Large. The 3-year term involves strengthening the capacity of the community, technical, and junior colleges. ACCT fosters the realization of community college missions at the national, state, and local levels.

D r. VanDible Stallworth serves on the Rice University Engineering Alumni Board and is Sponsorships Chair. The 3-year term commitment allows her to increase multicultural student academic engagement in the Rice engineering and science programs. She also served on the board of the Association of Rice University Black Alumni.

Trustee VanDible Stallworth was an adjunct professor for over 35 years and has taught 16 courses at the university, 2-year college, business, and corporate training levels. She is a corporate trainer, a curriculum designer, and online course developer. Pretta designed and developed revolutionary emotional abuse awareness curriculums utilized in family law courts and K-12 education.

and PTO Historian of Parker Elementary School. She was the 2010 President of the Ft. Bend County International Festival. Dr. VanDible Stallworth served as Chaplain for Senate District 13, Precinct 555 Chair, and Election Judge for three years. She also served on her community HOA Board for several years.

Trustee VanDible Stallworth was the first HCC District 9 Board member from 1989-1993. During the 5-year tenure, the appointed board transitioned the community college from a Presidentdirected, shared-facilities entity with Houston Independent School District to an independent Chancellor leadership system with six colleges. Notable board governance accomplishments included: increased college revenue from $75,000,000 to $150,000,000; raised college reserves from $5,000,000 to $30,000,000; purchased land for a campus on Hwy 288; developed the 1st distance learning college in Texas; began the first high school and college dual enrollment courses.

Pr etta VanDible Stallworth is the District IX Trustee for the Houston Community College Board, elected in December 2017. She is an HISD graduate of Reynolds Elementary, Woodson Middle, and Worthing High District 9 schools. She focuses on serving, promoting and advancing District 9 and HCC through the national core values of diversity, advocacy, innovation, and student success. Her accomplishments include work that raises awareness and increases student enrollment in the district, at HCC, and beyond its borders.

D r. VanDible Stallworth is a TED.com Organizer, promoting Sunnyside, District 9, and HCC for global TED Talk Speaker events. “TED: Ideas Worth Spreading” is an international nonpartisan nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas in Technology, Entertainment, Design — from science to business to global issues — in more than 110 languages.

A s a business-to-business consultant Dr. VanDible Stallworth provides project management, commercial cost estimation, construction support, business development and operations. Consulting support services were provided to Dr. Charleta Guillory for medical intervention models. The Texas Pulse Oximetry Project Model, TxPOP, is the award-winning national screening model for the early detection of Critical Congenital Heart Defect (CCHD) in apparently healthy newborns. The Honey Child Prenatal Education Program model provides African-American women with culturally appropriate information and support needed for healthy pregnancy and birth outcome.

Trustee VanDible Stallworth volunteers for TPT Community Development Corporation, community, and K-12 organizations. She is a member of Top Ladies of Distinction Sugar Valley Chapter. She served as the Sam Houston Area Council Boy Scouts of America Troop 740 Parent, Merit Badge Counselor, and Friends of Scouting Coordinator. She was an active HISD VIPS parent for over 20 years and served as Chair of the 201215 HSPVA Parents of Black History, PTO President of Johnston Middle School (now Meyerland Performing and Visual Arts),

D r. VanDible Stallworth was owner and manager of Computer & Technology Support Services (CTS) for over 16 years. The Mississippi-based small business concern held contracts with Department of Defense military divisions.

The company participated in the 2005 Federal Disaster Recovery Katrina Effort. CTS contracted with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and provided technology expertise and information systems support in 5 Mississippi disaster recovery installations .

Houston Community College

3100 Main Street, Houston TX 77002 713.718.2000

www.hccs.edu

DR. PRETTA VANDIBLE STALLWORTH

District 9 Trustee

COLLEGE YOU CAN AFFORD

DR. NEEMA STEPHENS

National Medical Director for Health Equity, Cigna Healthcare

DrNeema Stephens is Cigna Healthcare’s National Medical Director for Health Equity. She is a board-certified Nephrologist and Internal Medicine physician with 20 years of experience in the health care industry. Her leadership is focused on driving education and interventions that address social determinants of health and reduce health disparities. Dr. Stephens is a native Houstonian, and passionate about improving health and vitality within communities.

She is the clinical lead for Cigna’s enterprise health equity program. The team is currently leading a number of initiatives in the Houston area. Notably, the team launched a pilot that deployed community health workers to better support members living with diabetes. By addressing both clinical and social needs, the community health workers are able to provide more holistic support for patients. To address the ongoing maternal health crisis, Cigna Healthcare partnered with local OB/GYN physicians in the Houston area to

provide culturally appropriate, high quality pre-natal care with a goal of reducing disparities in pre-term births. Pregnant members are aligned with nurse case managers who help with care navigation and address social needs such as food and transportation assistance, as needed.

Addressing social determinants of health, including food insecurity, is a key priority for Cigna Healthcare. Dr. Stephens served on an advisory committee that developed a partnership plan in support of Harris Health System’s Food as Medicine, Food Farmacy initiative. As a result, Cigna Healthcare committed to a multi-year collaboration with Harris Health System to increase access to fresh produce and nutrition education for families living in under-resourced communities and experiencing chronic diseases.

Dr. Stephens also participates in volunteerism and philanthropic efforts as an active member of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing social, cultural, educational and leadership development opportunities for youth.

Prior to joining Cigna, Dr. Stephens was a faculty member at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, where she served as the medical director of the kidney transplant program. In addition to caring for patients, she instructed medical students and resident physicians in training.

Dr. Stephens completed her undergraduate studies at Rice University and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Spanish. Dr. Stephens earned her medical degree from University of Texas Medical School at Houston. She completed Internal Medicine residency and Transplant Nephrology fellowship at Emory University School of Medicine.

DR. NEEMA STEPHENS National Medical Director for Health Equity Cigna Healthcare

www.cigna.com

neema.stephens@cigna.com

LACEY TEZINO

Founder & CEO, Passport Journeys

Lacey Tezino is the Founder & CEO of an exciting new startup, Passport Journeys, a company completely focused on supporting mother-daughter relationships.

Lacey created the very first teletherapy app designed specifically for adult motherdaughter pairs. The app works by assigning each pair to a licensed clinician to guide the

women through this important relationship.

The monthly subscription includes biweekly video sessions, a prescribed bonding activity, a thoughtful journal prompt and an assigned worksheet to help with communication. The app was recently approved and published on both iOS and Google app stores.

Before jumping into entrepreneurship,

Lacey created a successful career as a healthcare IT leader. Lacey worked as a PMP certified project manager, vendor relationship manager, and organizational change management expert for large hospital systems throughout the United States and the nation of Qatar. Lacey most recently served as the Director of IT for the Menninger Clinic, one of the top 10 best psychiatric hospitals in the nation. She led the clinic through their largest project in their 94-year history, the implementation of an electronic health record system. One of Lacey’s mantras is that technology can be used in beautiful ways to enhance our lives and make mental health care more accessible and convenient.

Before moving to Houston, Lacey spent many years traveling the world and immersing herself in other cultures. Lacey’s favorite adventure was living in the Middle East Region. She spent three years in the recent FIFA world cup host country, Qatar. Lacey lived and worked in Doha leading the digitization of clinical documentation for the entire nation of Qatar. Her team transformed 8 hospitals and 23 clinics from paper onto electronic health records.

Lacey holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Sam Houston State University and a master’s degree in Healthcare Administration that she obtained while living in Incheon, South Korea. Lacey studied during the day and served as the Head of Foreign Staff at a Private English academy in the evenings.

Lacey now lives in Houston, Texas as a devoted wife, mom of 3 and caretaker for her 83-year-old grandmother. Lacey has her hands full and pours every creative ounce into the success of Passport Journeys. This year will hold many exciting projects: a pilot study for the mobile app, a new motherdaughter glamping site for unique stays away from home and a personal memoir.

LACEY TEZINO CEO & Founder Passport Journeys, LLC

5300 N Braeswood Blvd, Ste

713-259-0650

passportjourneysapp.com

4

- V711, Houston, TX 77096

laceytezino@passportjourneysapp.com

A r e y o u i n t e r e s t e d

i n g o i n g d e e p e r

w i t h y o u r m o t h e r -

d a u g h t e r

r e l a t i o n s h i p ?

We are the 1st teletherapy app created for mother-daughter pairs!

Convenient video sessions with licensed therapists

ADRIENNE C. TRIMBLE

Vice President, Chief Diversity and Culture Officer Sysco Corporation, Sysco

Adrienne Trimble is the Vice President and Chief Diversity and Culture Officer for Sysco Corporation. She is a known thought leader for advancing corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. She has led DEI and Social Impact initiatives for large, complex organizations nationally and globally. Additionally, she has served as the leader of a non-profit national organization, with global affiliates, providing certification and development for minority owned businesses.

Trimble began her diversity and inclusion work at Toyota Motor North America, where she worked closely with the company’s senior leadership team in developing advocacy and accountability measures to integrate DEI processes across the organization’s business operations. She oversaw Toyota’s Supplier Diversity initiative from 2005-2012. In this role, she grew the company’s diverse supplier base to reflect an increase in spend that exceeded 300 percent, topping nearly $3B in spend with diverse suppliers.

Ms. Trimble served as Executive on Loan as the President & CEO for the National Minority Supplier Development Council from August 2018 – February 2021. Under her leadership, the organization grew the number of corporate members, certified minority businesses and implemented a strategic plan for long term organizational sustainability. She has served on various boards and committee, including The Billion Dollar Roundtable, Lean Enterprise Institute and Unidos, the leading civil rights organization for Hispanic and Latino Americans. She is also a Trustee for her alma mater, Wilberforce University. Ms. Trimble has previous Human Resources leadership experience in financial services, healthcare and media broadcasting industries.

ADRIENNE C. TRIMBLE Vice President, Chief Diversity and Culture Officer Sysco Corporation Sysco

1390 Enclave Parkway, Houston, TX 77077 www.sysco.com

adrienne.trimble@sysco.com

“Having a diverse and inclusive culture strengthens our decisionmaking ability and perspective. It increases innovation and creativity and enhances our vibrant, engaging culture. A diverse and inclusive culture is a competitive advantage and will feed our future growth.”

Ron Phillips

Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer

“In prioritizing our commitment to DEI, we are building a business case that offers everyone our customers, our colleagues, our suppliers and the communities we serve a seat and a voice at our table.”

Adrienne Trimble Vice President, Chief Diversity and Culture Officer

Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved. Sysco Corporation. 3834858

RASHI VATS

News Anchor, FOX 26

Houston native Rashi Vats is an evening anchor for FOX 26 News.

She joined the news team in August 2013 and is so happy that her career brought her back to her hometown.

Since joining FOX she has held multiple roles including traffic anchor, reporter, and fill-in anchor for every single weekday and weekend newscast at FOX 26.

She was in the trenches reporting for 4 days straight during the floods from Hurricane Harvey, and the first reporter “live” from Santa Fe, Texas less than an hour after the mass shooting that killed several students and teachers. She is passionate about international news and has done extensive coverage on the Houston ties to those stories. Most recently she did multiple stories after the Taliban took over Kabul

and the war in Ukraine. One of her stories helped a local daughter get her mother to the US from Ukraine. She also was a part of the continuing coverage during the Astros 2017 and 2022 World Series wins.

Before joining FOX, she worked at the CBS affiliate in Bryan/College Station, where she served as the weekend anchor and reporter for two years. She was also a reporter for KRIS and KZTV in Corpus Christi and KXII in Sherman, Texas.

Rashi is a graduate of Texas Christian University. She has worked for CBS Evening News in New York as a chosen International Radio and Television Society (IRTS) Summer Fellow. Right before moving to New York City, Rashi was overseas where she interned at the CBS London Bureau. She has emceed and supports numerous organizations including the Indo American Charity Foundation, Indo American Chamber of Commerce, India House, Literacy Now and Texas Liver Foundation.

The most influential women in her life is her mother who came to the US from India when she was 20 years old. Through numerous trials and tribulations, she has always unconditionally loved her children and given them her unwavering support to be the best version of themselves. “She is the epitome of strength, grace and elegance,” says Rashi. “She was very strict growing up, but now I see the softest side thanks to her grandchildren than can do nothing wrong!”

The business is challenging and very competitive, but her secret weapon has been her husband, Daniel Gotera, who has been a sports journalist in the Houston television market for almost 15 years. They have two little children who run their world!

RASHI VATS

News Anchor

FOX 26

4261 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77027 281-795-1052

rashi.vats@fox.com

JACQUELINE WARD

System Chief Nurse Executive and Sr. Vice President, Texas Children’s Hospital

DrJackie Ward, DNP, RN, NEA-BC is currently the System Chief Nurse Executive and Senior Vice President for Texas Children’s Hospital. She began her career at Texas Children’s Hospital as a graduate nurse in 1993. Throughout her career, Jackie has held various progressive leadership roles in nursing administration.

J ackie holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Texas Tech University, a Master’s of Science in Nursing with a focus on Health Care Systems Management from Loyola University New Orleans. She holds a Doctorate in Nursing Practice with a focus on executive leadership from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Cisik School of Nursing. She holds an Advanced Board Certification as a Nurse Executive from the American Nurses Credentialing Center and a Healthcare Management graduate certification from the Rice University Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business. Her expanded formal education and certifications augments

her knowledge and abilities as a leader in the world’s largest Pediatric and Women’s healthcare organization.

S he has received numerous awards including the Texas Nursing Association Top 20 nurse in District 9, the Vannie Cook Foundation’s Community Hero for her groundbreaking work on the opening of the Vannie Cook Clinic in the Rio Grande Valley to provide cancer care for the underserved, the Third Ward Community Cloth Award for her commitment to serving others during the COVID pandemic, Top 25 Multicultural Leaders in Healthcare of Houston Awardee, and the Houston Power 50 National Diversity Council Awardee. Her most humbling award was being named a Legacy Builder Alumni in Action award from her high school alma mater James A Madison Senior High. Jackie is incredibly honored for being named a 2023 Top 30 Influential Woman of Houston.

She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and a mother member in the Missouri City-Sugarland Chapter of

Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated where she holds the Board position of Chapter President. She is also a member of the Board of Trustees for the Good Samaritan Foundation and Casa De Esperanza House of Hope for Children.

Jackie’s passion for consistent nourishment and growth of everyone she meets is consistent in both her professional and personal life as she mentors and pours into individuals seeking to advance in their career.

Jackie is a God-fearing loving wife to Darrin and mother of two, Whitney Alyse and Cody Elijah. She enjoys traveling, serving and spending quality time with her family.

JACQUELINE WARD

System Chief Nurse Executive & Sr. Vice President

Texas Children’s Hospital

6621 Fannin, Houston, Texas 77030

jaward@texaschildrens.org

FB – Jackie Malone-Ward

IG – jackierward

LI – Jackie (Malone) Ward, DNP, RN, NE, BC

Congratulations, Jackie Ward!

For more than 30 years, Jackie Ward has been an active force and leader in Nursing at Texas Children’s healthcare system.

Her contributions to her patients and colleagues and her engagement with the community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic have led her to being named one of the Top 30 Influential Women of Houston for 2023.

On the front lines of health care delivery, she provides outstanding, compassionate care to patients and their families while continuing to raise the bar of nursing excellence.

At Texas Children’s, the difference is life changing. Come see why at texaschildrens.org.

Jackie Ward System Chief Nurse Executive and Senior Vice President

MANDY WESTERMAN

Regional Vice President of Behavioral Health, Universal Health Services

Mandy Westerman is Regional Vice President of Behavioral Health Services for Universal Health Services. Mandy provides oversight of behavioral health and substance abuse inpatient, residential, and outpatient programs across Texas, Mississippi and Missouri. Prior to joining Universal Health Services, she served as West Tennessee Regional Supervisor for the Specialized Crisis Program with Youth Villages. Mandy earned her bachelor’s in social work from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN and her master’s degree in social work, management and community practices from the University of Tennessee in Nashville, Tennessee. She served as a

Mandatory Pre-Screening Agent for the state of TN while earning her license in social work.

S he has 12 years of experience with Universal Health Services as Director of Clinical Services, Associate Administrator, Chief Operating Officer in Training, Chief Executive Officer, and Group Director. In recognition of her consistent leadership, financial results, positive patient and employee satisfaction, community involvement and delivery of quality patient care, she was awarded the Chairman’s Council award in 2018 and 2020.

Mandy is focused on meeting the behavioral health needs of the communities her facilities serve. Throughout her tenure with

Universal Health Services, she has worked with her teams to increase accessible beds for all age groups across various markets. In addition to creating more access to inpatient beds and outpatient services, she is focused on ensuring the most vulnerable in our communities are being served. She has provided oversight of the development of specialty programs for first responders and healthcare providers, medically compromised patients, women, children and adolescents in state’s custody and veterans. She is also passionate about growing leaders and ensuring they have training and tools needed to be effective. She actively works with other organizational leaders as a part of the Chief Operator Officer training program. She serves as a mentor to participants as they learn role specific and management skills while developing their own leadership style. She values giving back and serving the community. Mandy has worked to establish internal and external opportunities for staff and their families to engage in community service activities. She also has facilitated a Houston market wide symposium and facility events to raise funds for the Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Open Door Mission, and Star of Hope. Mandy enjoys giving back to the community through Volunteer Houston, Houston Food Bank, NAMI, and her local church. Mandy continues her focus on advocating for staff and patients to ensure quality behavioral health services are available to those in need. She currently serves as the chair of the behavioral health council for the Texas Hospital Association. She is a member of ACHE and through her work in Texas, she has participated in Jail Diversion Task Forces, served on the NAMI Advisory Board, and been a member of the Houston Network of Behavioral Health Providers.

MANDY WESTERMAN

Regional Vice President of Behavioral Health Services

Universal Health Services

2001 Ladbrook Drive Kingwood, TX 77339

mandy.westerman@uhsinc.com

www.uhsinc.com

CHASITY MONIEK WILLIAMS

Senior Director, Media & Entertainment Advisory, Microsoft

Beyond her professional endeavors, Chasity is deeply passionate about investing in and advising startups, leveraging her expertise to foster their growth and success.

Drawing from her personal experiences, Chasity is driven to create a more inclusive and equitable business environment. She is committed to supporting and uplifting underestimated entrepreneurs and professionals, ensuring that their talents and contributions are recognized and valued. With her extensive experience as a technology leader and her deep understanding of the business landscape, Chasity actively works towards creating platforms and initiatives that provide resources, mentorship, and opportunities for underestimated entrepreneurs to thrive.

Through her advocacy and leadership, Chasity aims to inspire change within the business sector, encouraging organizations to recognize the untapped potential and talent that exists among diverse intelligence. She believes that by amplifying their value, businesses can benefit from diverse perspectives, innovative ideas, and ultimately foster a more inclusive and prosperous economy. Chasity’s educational achievements further demonstrate her dedication to excellence. She holds an Executive MBA in entrepreneurship, strategy, and innovation from the prestigious Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.Additionally, she earned a double degree inbusiness administration and management information systems from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Chasity Williams is an accomplished and visionary technology leader with a remarkable 20 year track record. Her dedication to driving meaningful growth through innovation is unwavering, and she firmly believes in the essential role of humanity in business and innovation. Chasity is a prominent advocate for incorporating humanism into the design and deployment of technology, recognizing its significance in creating impactful and inclusive solutions.

Currently serving as a Senior Director for Microsoft’s Media & Entertainment digital advisory, Chasity empowers Fortune 500 organizations to identify and seize new growth opportunities through digital transformation. Her wealth of experience

includes leading high-performing teams, creating cutting-edge technology products, designing innovative solutions, structuring partnership deals, and making astute capital investments. Her contributions consistently enhance business performance and drive profitability.

In 2020, Chasity founded Collective Intelligentsia, an AI start-up on a mission to address the potential exploitative aspects of AI and safeguarding consumer interests. With her people-first approach to technology, she fervently believes in the transformative power of emerging technologies to creating immense societal value while also bridging the wealth and opportunity gap, promoting equity and leveling the playing field for all.

As Chasity continues on her remarkable journey, she aspires to disrupt the innovative ecosystem by championing individuality, diversity, equity, and privacy. Her unwavering commitment to these principles paves the way for a more inclusive and empowered future, where technology serves as a catalyst for positive change.

CHASITY MONIEK WILLIAMS Senior Director, Media & Entertainment Advisory Microsoft

IG

LI

@chasitymoniek

@chasitymwilliams

DIVERSITY IS THE SPICE OF Life AT H - E - B

H-E-B’s Supplier Diversity Program works hard to ensure we’re selling goods and utilizing services from a wide variety of Texan businesses. We’re proud that our suppliers are as diverse as the Lone Star State itself.

As a former small business ourselves, we believe in and celebrate the value & strength that working with small businesses, local businesses, and businesses owned by minorities, women, LGBTQ+, Veterans, and disabled Texans brings to both our business and the communities we serve.