1 | September 2026
SHE EMBODIES EMPOWERMENT MOTIVATION INSPIRATION LEADERSHIP SEPTEMBER 2026 EDITION 02
03
12 | October 2026
GET CONNECTED SHESGOTINFLUENCE.COM
FOR MORE INFORMATION shesgotinfluence.com
04 2 Nights of Excellence, Elegance and Success
operations@ shesgotinfluence.com president@ shesgotinfluence.com
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713.373.5577 | 281.748.8111
In Memoriam of DeShonda P. Charles, Esq.
2 | September 2026
CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH
2027
NOMINATIONS
Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas
DIRECTORY & AWARDS GALA
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2027
In the following categories:
All nominations should include name, emails and/or phone number and the reason for the nomination.
Submit to contact@d-mars.com
Bayou City Events Center
9401 Knight Rd • Houston, TX 77045 6pm-7pm Business Connections • 7pm-9pm Awards Ceremony 10pm-12pm Black Excellence Celebration
UP & COMING: Under 5 years experience TOP P&E: 5–20 years experience SUPER P&E: 20+ years experience TRAILBLAZER: P&E who is a pioneer/
SCAN THE QR CODE TO SEND A NOMINATION
first in their field/industry
COMMUNITY HERO: P&E who makes
extraordinary contributions to the community
LIVING LEGEND: P&E selected by their
peers for showing significant achievement in their field
FORMAL ATTIRE
If you are a business or a corporation and would like to advertise in our directory or become a sponsor of the event, please contact us by phone at 281.748.8111 or email contact@d-mars.com. Serious inquiries only please. For general questions about the directory or the event, please call 713.373.5577.
3 | September 2026
TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS 2026
SHE EMBODIES EMPOWERMENT MOTIVATION INSPIRATION LEADERSHIP
Congratulations Ladies!
4 | September 2026
TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS 2026
Two Nights of Excellence, Elegance & Success.
“ I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” — Mother Teresa For more than a decade, the Top 30 Influential Women of Texas Awards Gala has celebrated women whose leadership, determination and commitment to service have transformed businesses, strengthened communities and inspired others to pursue excellence. Tonight, we proudly continue that tradition by recognizing 30 remarkable women whose influence reaches far beyond their professions and into the lives of countless individuals across our great state. Leadership is not defined by a title or position—it is demonstrated through character, vision and the willingness to serve others. The women we honor this evening represent a diverse range of industries, backgrounds and experiences, yet they share a common purpose: using their talents to create opportunities, solve challenges and leave their communities stronger than they found them. We believe that recognition has the power to inspire. When we celebrate leaders who lead with integrity, resilience and compassion, we encourage others to dream bigger, work harder and embrace the responsibility of lifting others along the way. These women remind us that success is most meaningful when it creates pathways for future generations to follow. Each honoree has overcome obstacles, embraced new opportunities and remained steadfast in her pursuit of excellence. Whether serving in business, education, healthcare, law, government, construction, transportation, nonprofit leadership, media or entrepreneurship, they exemplify what it means to lead with purpose and make a lasting difference. As we celebrate the 13th Annual Top 30 Influential Women of Texas Awards Gala, I encourage each of you to reflect on the impact one person can have through courage, service and unwavering dedication. May the accomplishments of this year’s honorees inspire all of us to continue building stronger businesses, stronger communities and a brighter future for Texas. Congratulations to each of our distinguished honorees. Thank you for your leadership, your perseverance and your commitment to making a positive impact. Your legacy is already shaping tomorrow, and we are honored to celebrate your remarkable achievements. May God continue to bless you as you inspire others through your example and your service. Sincerely,
MR. D-MARS President & CEO Vaskey Media Group, Inc. Parent Company of d-mars.com, Subcontractors USA-Texas and Top30Women.com
5 | September 2026
TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS 2026
The 2026 Top 30 Influential Women of Texas celebrations were truly unforgettable. They reminded me why leadership matters, why community matters, and why our stories, no matter where they begin, have power. At Thursday’s reception, I shared a part of my story I don’t often speak about, that I was born in Liberia. I said something that has always stayed with me. “I could have been any girl in any village.” My life has been shaped by Ubuntu, “I am because we are.” Every step of my journey reflects the people who uplifted me, taught me, encouraged me, and believed in what I could become. It truly takes a village. That village carried me into a career I never imagined as a child, leading infrastructure work that strengthens communities and championing the systems that allow people to thrive. Today, I have the privilege of serving as a visible example for women and girls in STEM, showing them they belong in the rooms where decisions are made, policies are shaped, and the future is built. Friday night at the awards gala, I was especially proud to be joined by members of my Liberian family, whose resilience has shaped me. Even though we were separated for several years, they remain some of my greatest supporters. My message was simple. Whether your story begins in a village on the west coast of Africa or a village on the west side of Houston, your voice matters. Your leadership matters. You can stand in your power and shape the world around you. I am living proof. To everyone who has poured into me, encouraged me, challenged me, and walked beside me, thank you. To the extraordinary women honored this year, congratulations! To the village that raised me across two continents, I am because we are. So grateful. So lifted. So humbled. Thank you to Keith J. Davis, Sr. aka MR. D-MARS and She’s Got Influence (SGI) for this incredible honor. EMILY ANDERSON
DO YOU KNOW A 2027 TOP 30 CANDIDATE? NOMINTE HER HERE.
6 | September 2026
20| |October October2026 2026 6
TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS 2026 TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS 2026
Congratulations Top 30 Influ
MR. D-MARS President and CEO Vaskey Media Group, inc.
SHERN-MIN CHOW Mistress of Ceremonies 2014 Top 30 Honoree Award-winning Journalist & Author
MARY GRIFFIN International Recording Artist, “Best Female Vocalist” Award From Global Music Awards, presidential Honor, Mayoral Honor, Educational Honor
SUPARNA CHHIBBER, MD, FAAFP President, Houston Family & Geriatric Medicine Honorary Co-Chair 2025 Top 30 Honoree
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
DR. DELESA FRANKLIN Department Chairperson and Asst. Prof. for the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, Online Learning Houston Christian University Honorary Co-Chair 2017 TOP 30 HONOREE
7 | September 2026
October 20262026 | 21 7 | October
TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS 2026 TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS 2026
uential Women Of Texas 2026
SHAREEN LARMOND President West Gulf Maritime Association Honorary Co-Chair
LIZA ALONZO, ED.D Assistant Vice President, Presidential Affairs & Constituent Relations UH - Downtown
DR. DE’MONICA COOPER AMERSON Executive Director, School Improvement & Support Spring ISD Office of Transformation& Author
EMILY C. ANDERSON, P.E., P.ENG., P.M.P. Vice President & Senior Client Advisor Halff Associates, Inc.& Author
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
PAOLA BARBIERI Attorney Attorney General’s Office
8 | September 2026 18 October2026 2026 4 || October
TOP 30 TEXAS TOPINFLUENTIAL 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN WOMEN OF OF TEXAS 2026 2026
KATHLEEN BROWN Deputy Superintendent of Operations Fort Bend Independent School District
KATHRYN “KAT” BROWN CONSTABLE PRECINCT 4, BEXAR COUNTY
NIKI CONNER, CRCM Director, Fair & Responsible Banking Charles Schwab Bank
HONORABLE MOLLY COOK State Senator District 15 Texas Senate
SARA LUJAN DONATTO AVC/AVP Government and Community Relations University of Houston System
SAMANTHA GOLDSTEIN Co-Owner & Managing Partner The Goldham Group
ALMA GONZÁLEZ Owner Mamacita’s & El Jardin Restaurants
GINA GOOSBY-HARRIS Director Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
DR. LISA GRAHAM-GARZA Author & Founder Autism Rescue Angels
KAREN GRAY GOMEZ, MD Physician & Medical Director Centene Corporation
DR. (HC) JACQUELINE MILLER MBA, BBA President & CEO Optimal In Home Care, Inc.
DR. MICHELLE HOWZE Founder, CEO & Clinical Director Distinctive Physical Therapy and Wellness Center
CHARLOTTE M. MOSES Mayor City of Port Arthur
ESSENCE NIXON Director of Healthcare Transformation & Emerging Markets GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
RENEE JEFFERSON PATTERSON Trustee, District II Houston City College
SANA SABHARWAL Interior Design Principal Stantec
MYRIAM SALDIVAR DR. JAQUOIA “JQ” SYLVESTER CHERINA THOMAS Trustee-Vice Chair Program Delivery Lead CEO & Co-Owner Lone Star College System Humana Fillette Green Shipping Services (USA) Corp. Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
MARLEN J. TRUJILLO PHD, MBA, CHW CEO Spring Branch Community Health Center
9 |October September 20262026 | 19
5 | October 2026
TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL TEXAS TOP 30 INFLUENTIALWOMEN WOMEN OFOF TEXAS 2026 2026
SOUDABEH ESKANDARI Director of Construction Harris Health
ERIKA FISHER, DNP Senior Director of Ambulatory Services Texas Children’s Hospital
ESTHER FRANCIS CEO Fronza & Francis, LLC
JULIANA GARAIZAR Venture Capitalist & General Partner Portfolia
LILIA GIBSON Managing Partner Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP
SAMICA KNIGHT News Anchor KTRK Television - ABC 13
PERLA J. LANE Executive Director of Facilities, Planning & Construction Aldine Independent School District
GILLIAN LEVI, M.ED CEO Odigo Services, LLC DBA Odigo Learning
DR. RHONDA MASON Superintendent Alvin Independent School District
DR. ALEXIA MCCLERKIN, DC, APRN, FNP-BC Owner The Sports and Wellness Doc
COURTNEY ISAAK PICHON Chief Executive Officer Good Reason Houston
BILLYSSIA PIERCE Founder & CEO Bee Fit Foods
Q. OLIVIA RIVERS CEO The Bridge Over Troubled Waters
DARIA RUSSELL Executive Vice President, Legal & General Counsel Mattress Firm, Inc
PHYLLIS SAATHOFF Executive Director & CEO Port Freeport
LAUREN WADDELL Founder & Managing Attorney Waddell Law Firm, PC
RENEE WATSON CHELSEA WAUSON RAYE L. WHITE, MBA Director Senior Vice President Labor Global Project Manager Small Business and EntrepreRelations Shell USA neurship Department, WestofGulf Maritime Marketing, AssociationMedia and Communication Experience Our World Advertising, Bexar County (WGMA)
DR. TJWANA WILSON CEO Wilson Family Caring Center Inc.
10 | September 2026
TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS 2026
Nomination. Recognition. Celebration.
11 | September 2026
TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS 2026
Pure Excellence: Top 30 Influential Women of Texas From I was just a girl f rom West Texas land of tumbleweeds and now the Executive Director Port Freeport with a $156B economic impact in the region to...the Director of Facilities Design and Construction leading a $B+ bond program Aldine ISD and says “Why not...me!” as the Architect leading this effort to the Director of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo helping to usher in the new $300M transformational facility that will alter the economic direction along 288 South...and to many other honorees sharing their backgrounds and stories highlighting their excellence. Truly a networking bonanza for me! Congratulations to all the Top 30 Influential Women of Texas! HELEN CALLIER (2013 Top 30 Influential Woman – Inaugural Class)
I am deeply honored and grateful to be recognized by D-MARS as one of the Top 30 Most Influential Women of Texas. This recognition is truly humbling and serves as a reminder that purpose, perseverance, leadership, and service can create meaningful impact. Thank you to D-MARS for this incredible honor and for celebrating women who are making a difference in their communities and industries. I am blessed to continue using my platform to empower others, advocate for those we serve, and leave a lasting legacy. Grateful. Honored. Inspired to keep making an impact. DR. TJWANA WILSON
Honored to be named one of the 2026 Top 30 Influential Women of Texas. I’m incredibly grateful for the recognition, and even more grateful for the people, mentors, colleagues, clients, and friends who have shaped the journey along the way. To me, Leadership has always been about creating opportunities for others, building teams that thrive, and using design to make a meaningful impact. Thank you to everyone who has been part of my story. I’m proud to be among this remarkable group of women! SANA SABHARWAL
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12 | September 2026
TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS 2026
New Friends. New Connections.
13 | September 2026
TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS 2026
A heartfelt thank you to you and the entire staff of the 30 Influential Women of Texas Awards for an absolutely first-class, stellar event! It was truly an honor to be selected as one of the 30 Influential Women of Texas and to be recognized alongside such an amazing group of women who are making a difference. The evening beautifully captured the essence of “Honoring Women Making a Difference” and “She’s Got Influence!” Your professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to celebrating women were evident in every aspect of the event. Thank you for creating such a memorable and meaningful experience. I am truly honored and grateful to have been a part of this extraordinary celebration! GINA GOOSBY-HARRIS
What an unforgettable weekend!! From the moment I walked into the Top 30 Influential Women of Texas award celebration, the energy was absolutely on f ire! To stand among so many phenomenal, accomplished, and inspiring women was both humbling and surreal. Some weekends you remember. And some weekends become part of your story forever. This was one of those weekends! Forever grateful. Forever humbled. CONSTABLE KATHRYN BROWN
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14 | September 2026
TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS 2026
THE HONORABLE
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