Alumni Leadership Day 2017

12th annual

ALUMNI LEADERSHIP DAY

October 11, 2017

The Kinkaid School’s 12th Annual Alumni Leadership Day Dear Class of 2018, This year we have a very impressive group of over 55 alumni returning to campus to visit with the Class of 2018 about their respective careers and the decisions and paths that defined their choices.

We want to thank our alumni for participating in this special event.

Each of them has generously made time for Kinkaid and is willing and eager to share their insights so that you will be better equipped for the opportunities, challenges and decisions that lie ahead.

The alumni panelists have shared a brief summary of what a “day in the life” of their career entails, along with their contact info and educational and work history. We hope that this information can be used to provide you with a realistic view of the demands and expectations of these various jobs.

Our goal is that you will begin to better formulate the questions about your next steps and what lies ahead in the years to come. We encourage you to ask questions during the panel sessions and follow up with the panelists after the program. Making connections within the vast network of Kinkaid alumni is extremely valuable, and we hope that the Class of 2018 will take advantage of this unique opportunity.

Sincerely,

Alexa Leach ’09 Alumni Activities Manager

Sam Pouns ’07 KYPO President 2017-2018

table of contents

4 arts & entertainment 7 banking, finance & accounting 10 energy / oil & gas 13 engineering 15 entrepreneurship 18 event planning 20 healthcare /medicine 23 law 26 marketing /communications & public relations 29 non-profit & education 32 real estate 34 other 35 notes 36 schedule of events

advancement office contact information ALEXA LEACH ‘09 Alumni Activities

TOM MOORE Director of Advancement

(o) 713-243-5054 alexa.leach@kinkaid.org

(o) 713-243-5045 tom.moore@kinkaid.org

arts & entertainment

ERIN ATMAR BECKWITH ’07 Owner/Founder/Photographer, Erin Beckwith Photography erinabeckwith@gmail.com B.S., Psychology, Texas A&M University “When you are a stay at home mama and run your own business, no day looks the same. It’s always a delicate balance of taking care of tiny humans and making sure your work gets done and your clients are happy, in between taking care of tiny humans. However, I typically schedule sessions on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays while Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays are for editing (typically while my kiddos are napping or down for the night). I always thought I had to choose between working and staying at home with my babies, but now I know you can do both. You’ll just be very, very tired.”

4 | alumni leadership day

KATHERINE CUNNINGHAM ’09 Institutional Giving Associate, Alley Theatre ksc1776@gmail.com B.A., Psychology (Theatre Studies minor), Bryn Mawr College “What I do every day is corporate and foundation grant writing for the Alley Theare. Additionally, I am in charge of corporate and foundation stewardship, meaning I help create and coordinate all of the corporate and foundation sponsor events held throughout the year. Finally, I am the webpage coordinator for the Development department.”

arts & entertainment

MEGAN OLIVIA EBEL ’11

JOHN “J.J.” JOHNSTON ’95

High School Art Teacher / Department Lead, Yes Prep Public Schools Self-employed Artist

Founder and Executive Artistic Director, Classical Theatre Company

meganoliviaebel@rocketmail.com

B.A., Theater Arts, Boston College

B.A., Studio Art (Women’s and Gender Studies minor), Sewanee – The University of the South

MFA, Drama, The Catholic University of America

“Every day is completely different! I love that one day I get to engage in critiques with my students and go home to paint a commission, while the next day I might be instructing a live model drawing class and then rendering elevations for my family’s arched tire firm, or going out spray painting a mural, etc. It’s exciting how multi-dimensional a career in the arts can be and how it’s so simple to fit it to your interests and growth. You get to learn every day, teach every day, and the reward of having such community-based jobs is incredible!”

johnj@classicaltheatre.org

“I have worked in a number of theatres in Washington D.C., Boston and elsewhere. I have directed around the country at such theaters and universities as the Goddard Players, Creative Arts, Boston College, the Magic Circle Theater and Tufts University. I have also directed and acted internationally at the National Theatre of Ireland through the Abbey Theatre Program. I have appeared in numerous productions around the Houston area with Stages Repertory Theatre, the Alley Theatre, Unity Theatre, Unhinged Productions, Theatre Under the Stars, the Children’s Theatre Festival and the Great Caruso as well as the International Festival Institute at Round Top and the Houston Shakespeare Festival.

I have also made a number of appearances on television and film, most notably on Law & Order and Law & Order: SVU. As an educator, I was a professor of drama at the University of Houston Downtown, and have taught at all levels of education including Medford High School, Tufts University, Boston College, YES Prep Academy, San Jacinto College and the Catholic University of America.

At CTC, I have directed Reading Series productions in addition to Mainstage productions.

I made my CTC acting debut as Jack in The Importance of Being Earnest, and most recently could be seen as Sherlock in The Speckled Band: An Adventure of Sherlock Holmes. Last year, under my guidance, Classical Theatre Company was awarded the prestigious National Theatre Company Grant Award by the American Theatre Wing.”

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arts & entertainment

STEPHANIE FRISHBERG WHITFIELD ’07 Reporter, KHOU 11 News stephaniepwhitfield@gmail.com B.A., Broadcast Journalism, University of Southern California “Each day begins with a story pitch meeting. After getting my assignment, interviews are set up. Once all the video is shot, I write the story, then present it live during the evening news.”

6 | alumni leadership day

banking, finance & accounting

DREW BLOOM ’09 Associate, First Reserve

MASON BASHAW CLELLAND ’08

drewblm@gmail.com

EVP & Financial Advisor, James E. Bashaw & Co.

B.B.A., Finance, University of Texas

mason.clelland@gmail.com

Prior Employer: Barclays

B.B.A., Management Entrepreneurship & Spanish (Computer Applications minor), University of Notre Dame

“I work at a private equity investment firm exclusively focused on energy. My responsibilities include financial modeling, due diligence, execution and monitoring.”

Prior Employer: Invesco, Ltd. “I work closely and speak regularly with all of our clients to help them achieve their goals and insure that we are apprised of any concerns they might be having or changes in their priorities. Our clients range in age from mid-twenties to early nineties, so it is important that we are cognizant of all of the things they need at the different stages of their lives and how our investment choices will influence their ability to be comfortable in all of those situations. We review all of our clients’ investment accounts on a very regular basis, so reporting and evaluations are also a very important part of my daily responsibilities.”

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banking, finance & accounting

HOLLAN HENSLEY ’09 Investment Analyst, NorthMarq Capital hhensley@northmarq.com B.S., Advertising, University of Texas Prior Employers: Endeavor Real Estate Group SRS Real Estate Partners “My typical day involves modeling real estate transactions, evaluating debt options, assembling marketing materials to send to lenders and spearheading the due diligence process in closings. My primary job is to act as a liaison between borrowers and lenders.”

8 | alumni leadership day

GRACEY WINTERS HOWEY ’07 Assistant Vice President – Corporate Banking, Cadence Bank gracey.howey@cadencebank.com B.B.A., Accounting, University of Texas MPA, University of Texas Prior Employer: Ernst & Young “I develop client relationships and structure financial transactions such as advising clients on financing alternatives, revolving bank loans, term loans, bank syndications and treasury management solutions. I also work with diversified middle-market companies in a variety of industries in Houston.”

banking, finance & accounting

WAKEFORD THOMPSON ’03 Vice President, Post Oak Energy Capital, LP thompson@postoakenergy.com B.B.A., Finance, University of Georgia MBA, Rice University Prior Employer: Amegy Bank “My primary responsibilities include investment origination, evaluation and execution as well as ongoing management of the firm’s active portfolio companies.

I also serve on the board of directors of multiple Post Oak portfolio companies.”

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energy / oil & gas

CULLEN CONE ’08 Reservoir & Operations Engineering Manager, Tri-C Resources cullen@tricresources.com B.S., Petroleum Engineering, Texas A&M University Prior Employer: Energy XXI “On a daily basis, I keep track of oil and gas reserves, project economics and company operations. When we are actively drilling and completing new wells, I travel to the drilling rig and work on-site to oversee drilling and completion activities.

My role gives me a unique opportunity to handle a project from start to finish.”

10 | alumni leadership day

BRITTANY SAKOWITZ KUSHNER ’04 Corporate Senior Associate, Vinson & Elkins LLP brittanysakowitz@velaw.com B.A., Mass Communications, Louisiana State University JD/MBA, University of Houston Law Center Prior Employer: Baker Hostetler LLP “I assist private and public companies in mergers and acquisitions and corporate governance issues. Every day is different, but most involve reading and drafting agreements, discussing issues with clients and negotiating with buyers and sellers to come to a deal.”

energy / oil & gas

HARRIS MASTERSON ’01

CHARLES SIMMONS ’05

Vice President-Light Ends, Freepoint Commodities

Associate – Business Development, Enbridge

harrismasterson2@gmail.com

charles.mckean.simmons@gmail.com

B.A., Economics, Texas Christian University

B.A., Business Administration, Rhodes College

Prior Employer: Gulfstream Trading

MBA, Rice University

“By the time I arrive at my desk around 7:30 a.m., I am caught up on the overnight markets in Asia and Europe and am ready for the US market to open at 8:00 a.m. Most mornings are spent following up with clients, talking with market participants and managing positions. If not out at a customer lunch, I am eating at my desk. The market closes at 1:30 p.m. and soon afterwards activity quickly dies down. If not out entertaining a client, I try to spend my afternoons doing research and catching up on back office work.”

Prior Employers: El Paso Corporation Kinder Morgan Spectra Energy “Enbridge is the largest midstream/ pipeline company in North America. In the business development group we are looking to grow our asset footprint and system through organic projects. On a daily basis I am talking with external customers and working with our internal groups such as engineering, finance and operations to develop and execute on those projects. This job entails a good amount of customer interaction and travel.”

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energy / oil & gas

JUSTIN VAN KEPPEL ’01

JEFFREY WISE ’99

Senior Landman, Murphy Exploration & Production Company - USA

President, Wise & Susong, LLC

jvk1988@gmail.com B.A., Government, University of Texas Prior Employers: ExxonMobil Various oil and gas companies “After working Murphy’s acreage in the Eagle Ford Shale for four years, I was promoted to the Gulf of Mexico Offshore group in 2016 where I currently work as both a Senior Landman and as head of the Gulf of Mexico scouting department. In addition to my Offshore responsibilities, I continue to work Murphy’s acreage in the Eagle Ford Shale.”

12 | alumni leadership day

jwise@wiseandsusong.com B.A., Government (Business Foundation minor), University of Texas “I am an oil and gas land broker who deals with all land work. A typical day would be reviewing title and trying to lease open acreage for our clients.”

engineering

MATTHEW CRANDELL ’09

ELENI PAPPAS ’04

Mechanical Engineer, JGC America, Inc.

Senior Associate, Traffic Engineers, Inc.

mcrandell09@gmail.com

ehpappas@gmail.com

B.E., Engineering, Auburn University

B.E., Civil Engineering, Vanderbilt University

Prior Employers: Turbo Drill Industries AAA Capital Management, Inc “I joined JGC Corporation in 2014 as a Mechanical Engineer. As a member of the Mechanical Engineering Group, I have worked as a design engineer in Houston on rotating, static and packaged equipment that is used in large oil, gas and petro-chemical facilities around the world.

During college, I held various internships in the upstream, tool manufacturing and commodity segments of the energy industry.”

M.S., Civil Engineering, University of Texas MBA Candidate, Rice University “As a transportation engineer and planner I spend my days trying to make Houston a more livable place. Streets are the tissues that connects our great City and smart design can ensure continued growth and prosperity.”

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engineering

JOHN “JACK” PEDEN ’05

GLEN A. WIND ’11

Software Engineer, Web.com

Cost Engineer, ExxonMobil

jrpeden@gmail.com

Gawind@me.com

B.A., Philosophy, University of Texas B.S., Computer Science, University of Texas

B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas

“I write software! Officially, I’m a fullstack developer designing, creating and deploying Java-based microservices per business needs. This process involves coming up with a plan two weeks at a time, writing and testing the relevant code and then making the new features available to our users.”

14 | alumni leadership day

“I meet with designers and execution engineers to discuss project requirements and utilize ExxonMobil technology to provide accurate cost information to facilitate business decisions. I also interface with contractors to progress design and construction of major global projects.”

entrepreneurship

RYAN BEIERMEISTER ’08

DAVID CHAMBERS ’09

Head of Product for Government, Palantir Technologies

President, D-C Restaurant Group LLC

ryan.beiermeister@gmail.com B.A., Political Science, Northwestern University “I run product strategy and vision for Palantir’s government buisness, designing and deploying analytical software across the Intelligence and Military communities.

My job is to work with intelligence officers to understand how they leverage data to protect national security, translate those workflows into product vision, and oversee execution by teams of designers and software engineers. Most of my days are spent crafting this vision with a small council of designers and engineers -wire-framing ideas, pouring over mocks, and setting our execution in motion. Our company is constantly growing -- hitting a $20B valuation last year! -- so I’m always learning something new and pivoting outside of my comfort zone. That’s one of the most exciting things about Silicon Valley -- excited to share my experiences with fellow Falcons.”

coloneleats@gmail.com B.B.A., Managerial Finance, University of Mississippi Prior Employers: Adair Kitchen Landry’s “In April 2016 I founded D-C Restaurant Group to provide restaurant and hospitality related services. I do lots of running around trying to keep things in order or sitting at a desk catching up on paperwork.”

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entrepreneurship

IMAN HOUSTON FARRIOR ’01

JULIA LOVETT ’07 Director of Product, Framebridge

Founder, Funplugit Founder, Lasso Realty

julia.m.lovett@gmail.com

imanfarrior@gmail.com

B.A., English, Georgetown University

B.S.M., Management and Business Law, Tulane University

Prior Employer: LivingSocial

JD, University of Texas School of Law

“My goal is to make the Framebridge website and iPhone app easy and fun for customers to frame the things they love! I work across all our teams from marketing and customer service, to finance and operations, to communicate business needs into technical reality with our engineering team.”

MBA, Rice University Prior Employers: ExxonMobil Vinson & Elkins LLP “My mornings start with checking emails, returning priority emails and fielding phone calls. With my real estate business, I usually have a few calls with brokers and walk properties. With Funplugit, I’m reviewing advertisement performance with our social media manager and vetting projects for future subscription box installments. I then spend a great deal of time calling suppliers and making inventory replenishment decisions based on projected subscription demand.”

16 | alumni leadership day

entrepreneurship

FRANCO SILVA ’09

RUDY WRABEL ’03

Founder, Kizazi Business Development Manager, Mexssub International

Vice President/Co-Owner, At Your Side Home Care

francosilva@mac.com B.A., Social Psychology (Philosophy & Entrepreneurship minor), Tufts University “I founded and lead a brand of soccer equipment called Kizazi, designed to leverage the sport in the fight against global poverty. I am also working on the expansion of a high-tech oil and gas offshore repairs company into the international market. Both opportunities, though fundamentally different in their subject matter, have tremendous entrepreneurial similarities at their core, providing me a blank canvas on which to express my passion for leadership and creativity. I am also starting to work in the real estate field as well, so I am juggling a variety of jobs on a daily basis.”

rudywrabel@gmail.com B.S., Business Administration with Entrepreneurship emphasis (Political Science minor), University of Southern California Prior Employers: Sageworks Kayne Anderson Big Red Print Solutions Jersey Mike’s Subs Franchises MusicProfessor “A day in the life is typically spent out and about driving around Houston developing new referral relationships and partnerships. We partner with Senior Living communities and hospitals to provide in home care to their residents and patients. I also will visit with families who are currently using our care services or considering our care services and communicate those care needs with our staff.”

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event planning

CHELSEA FRED ’10

ABBY LESTIN ’05

Event Designer, A Fare Extraordinaire

Director of Catering and Events, Dish Society Restaurants

chelseaefred@gmail.com B.A., Journalism, Texas Christian University “As A Fare Extraordinaire’s Event Designer, I get to create the look and feel of our clients’ events. From choosing the rentals to the linens to lighting to entertainment options, I communicate with vendors throughout the city to find the best choices for our clients. AFE executes over 600 events each year, so I am constantly balancing different events at one time. Organization, communication and creativity are key elements for success in my role!”

18 | alumni leadership day

abby.lestin@gmail.com B.S., Corporate Communications, University of Arizona “As the catering and events director, I am in charge of bringing in both catering and event sales. I cover all three of our locations. Daily we could have up to five deliveries, and I am in charge of ensuring that all those orders go out correctly and in a timely fashion. A fun part of my job is getting to work with all the different companies and getting to see their happy hour or their business meeting be a success.”

event planning

MADDY FOXX MOFFITT ’06 Luxury Travel Advisor, CSB Travel

MICHEL MILLER MULLETT ’00

maddyfoxx@gmail.com

Senior Client Services Manager, Thompson & Knight LLP

B.S., Broadcast Journalism, Texas Christian University

michelmullett@hotmail.com

Prior Employers: Hines Securities Houston Dynamo “I work as a travel consultant for CSB Travel, a boutique luxury travel company based in Houston. This means I work with clients in a full service collaborative process to create their bucket list itineraries, making sure everything is seamless from start to finish, whether it is a ski vacation in Aspen or a honeymoon in the Maldives. I regularly attend events and meet with our preferred suppliers from all over the world on a weekly basis to make sure our relationships provide us the best opportunities to add value to our clients’ vacation experiences.”

B.S., Corporate Communication, University of Texas Prior Employers: Bracewell LLP Locke Lord LLP The Buzzell Company Public Relations and Marketing “I support the Houston attorneys of Thompson & Knight with their business development and marketing efforts.

My primary responsibility is planning/ executing all Houston-based client events while I also oversee the Firm’s business development training program, assist attorneys with their strategic marketing plans, coordinate media placements, draft press releases, etc.”

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healthcare / medicine

KATHERINE VERITY CLEGG ’08 Pediatrics Resident, Baylor College of Medicine katherine.clegg1@gmail.com

FARYAN JALALABADI ’07 Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Resident, Baylor College of Medicine fjalalabadi@gmail.com

B.S., Psychology, University of Texas

B.B.A., Finance (Biology minor), University of Texas

MD, University of Texas Medical School at Houston

MD, University of Texas Medical School at Houston

“A day in the life of a pediatrics resident includes being at the hospital by 6:30 a.m. to see my patients and round with the medical team (other residents, medical students and attending physician). We then spend the afternoon finishing up work and seeing new admissions. I currently work with children at both Texas Children’s Hospital and Ben Taub. The majority of my training is in the hospital, although we do spend time in clinic as well.”

“I have early morning rounds on inpatients, educational conferences, operating theater, consults and afternoon rounds. I also take overnight call 1-2 nights per week for hand and/or face and plastic surgery. Repeat.”

20 | alumni leadership day

healthcare / medicine

MARGARET WATSON NESMITH ’07 Nurse Practitioner, Kelty Baker, Hematology mwnesmith@gmail.com B.S., Human & Organizational Development, Vanderbilt University MSN, Vanderbilt University Prior Employer: Memorial Hermann Neighborhood Health Center “I see patients both in clinic and in the hospital. My role involves all aspects of patient care including diagnosis, treatments and consultations. Depending on the day, I either see patients autonomously or in collaboration with my supervising doctor.”

LAURA SHEEDY PIPKIN ’01 Certified Physician Assistant, Bellaire Dermatology Associates lsheedy@gmail.com B.S., Human and Organizational Development & Spanish, Vanderbilt University MSPAS, Physician Assistant Studies, Baylor College of Medicine “I assess, diagnose and treat various skin conditions (rashes, acne, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, etc.), as well as perform full skin exams trying to identify any potentially dangerous moles or growths. I focus on the medical aspect of dermatology, but my office offers comprehensive dermatologic care with cosmetic and surgical departments as well.”

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healthcare / medicine

PAIGE GARRISON WRIGHT ’02 Owner/Pediatric Physician, Pediatrics Around The Bend pagarrison@gmail.com B.S., Psychology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill MD, University of Texas Medical School at Houston Pediatric Residency, Baylor College of Medicine Prior Employers: Texas Children’s Pediatrics Texas Children’s Health Plan - The Center for Children and Women “I take care of children from birth through college, seeing them for routine physical exams, immunizations, sick visits and management of more complex or chronic medical conditions.

I spend time every day reading pediatric journals and news reports so that I can continue providing the highest quality care to my patients. The learning is never done!

Since I own my own practice, I make decisions daily regarding the business side of medicine.

These decisions could involve staffing, revenue management, buying new equipment for the practice, dealing with contracts or customer service.”

22 | alumni leadership day

law

JENNIFER VOSKO CAUGHEY ’00

MARY RODMAN CRAWFORD ’11

Justice, Texas First Court of Appeals

Law Student, South Texas College of Law

jennifer.caughey@gmail.com A.B., Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University JD, Harvard Law School Prior Employers: Smyser Kaplan & Veselka, LLP Baker Botts LLP Gibson Dunn & Crutcher “I was just appointed on September 13 by Governor Abbott to serve as a Justice on the First Court of Appeals. I will begin my new role in early October. As a Justice on that court, I will handle appeals from 10 counties, including Harris County.

I will be up for election in 2018, so I am also launching my campaign in the coming weeks. This appointment is such an honor, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve my State.”

maryrodmancrawford@gmail.com B.S., Corporate Communication, University of Texas JD, South Texas College of Law (projected 2018) “Currently, I am a full-time student while also clerking for a law firm, so each day is always different. School days consist of attending classes and reading in between them to prepare for the next class. As a law clerk, I conduct lots of research and write memorandums to the attorneys. I also attend court hearings, mediations and depositions with attorneys.”

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law

WILLIAM DOGGETT ’05

ANDREW KLEIN ’08

General Counsel, Doggett Equipment Services Group

Corporate Associate, Vinson & Elkins LLP

wdoggett@doggett.com

aklein@velaw.com

B.A., History, University of Texas

B.B.A., Finance, University of Alabama

JD, University of Texas School of Law Prior Employer: Bracewell LLP “I am the General Counsel of the Doggett Equipment Services Group, where I oversee all legal aspects of the business. My practice includes litigation, contract negotiation, employment issues, governmental relations and real estate transactions.”

24 | alumni leadership day

JD, University of Texas School of Law “As an associate in our Mergers & Acquisitions and Capital Markets Group, I spend most of my day drafting, reviewing and revising transactional documents for public corporations and private companies. Significant time is also spent collaborating with other attorneys, investment banks and clients in order to move transactions forward towards closing and advising clients regarding SEC compliance and corporate governance.”

law

DAVID LEONARD ’04

SHEA HENRY YOESEL ’03

Associate Attorney, Gray Reed & McGraw LLP

Attorney, Lapidus Knudsen, P.C.

dmleonard.jr@gmail.com B.A., Government & Spanish, University of Texas JD, University of Texas School of Law “A day in the life consists of an unpredictable combination of any and all of the following tasks: (i) communications (via e-mail, in-person meetings, telephone, etc.) with a variety of people (e.g., clients, opposing counsel, co-counsel or expert witness); (ii) writing on a wide variety of subjects targeted to a wide variety of audiences (from causal e-mails with colleagues to formal court filings); (iii) appearing in court; and/or (iv) reading and analyzing of a wide variety of texts (e.g., case law, court pleadings, correspondence, secondary legal authority or document production).”

sheahenry@gmail.com B.A., English Literature, Southern Methodist University JD, South Texas College of Law Prior Employers: Serpe Jones Burck Lapidus, P.C. “I am a trial attorney at a small litigation firm. Our practice includes first-party insurance defense and third-party personal injury defense, bad faith and other extracontractual liability claims, healthcare liability defense and products liability defense. My day-to-day practice covers all phases of litigation, including discovery, witness preparation, pretrial matters, motion practice, settlement negotiations and trial preparation. When I am not in the office, I may be attending depositions, a mediation and/or appearing in Court.”

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marketing / communications & public relations

LAINE LIEBERMAN ’10

TORY LIEBERMAN ’07

Publicist, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Business Development & Marketing Manager, Zadok Jewelers

laine.lieberman@gmail.com

tory.lieberman@gmail.com

B.A., Plan II Honors, University of Texas B.F.A., Art History, University of Texas

Sports Media, University of Southern California B.S., Public Relations, University of Houston

“As a publicist for the MFAH, I’m responsible for acting as a liaison between local, regional and national media and the museum. On any given day, I write and issue press releases, facilitate media interviews and photoshoots, strategize on press plans for upcoming exhibitions and more.”

Prior Employer: Houston Dynamo

26 | alumni leadership day

“As the Business Development Manager at Zadok Jewelers, my day-to-day responsibilities are never the same. I handle projects spanning from operating systems and IT issues to event planning and digital marketing. Retail marketing is always evolving – and quickly! – so a big part of my role is to make sure we are keeping up with market trends and staying ahead of the curve. Prior to Zadok, I worked as the social media and digital marketing coordinator for the Houston Dynamo soccer team.”

marketing / communications & public relations

CHRIS PAIZ ’03

ELIZABETH ROBINSON ’07

Commercial Manager, Rolls-Royce

Consultant, Slalom Consulting

paiz.chris@gmail.com

elizabeth.a.robinson@vanderbilt.edu

B.A., Business & Communication Studies, Southwestern University

B.A., Economics (Corporate Strategy & Financial Economics minors), Vanderbilt University

JD/MBA, Villanova University Prior Employers: Fox Rothschild LLP Dollar Financial Group Sonic Automotive Group OMPR Navigant Consulting Inc. “My mornings start off by checking emails to see what activities took place in my company overseas. I then usually have a backlog of contracts to review and markup.

Throughout the day, I will be asked to counsel different team members on topics ranging from legal topics to commercial risks to sales strategies. Finally, some days I engage customers directly either over the phone or face to face to negotiate complex equipment contracts.”

Prior Employers: KPMG PwC MMI Agency “Consulting can mean a lot of things!

I work with corporations on their organizational effectiveness, customer experience/marketing, communications, internal training and change management.

I have had the opportunity to work for a variety of industries in a variety of cities. I also worked internally in marketing for a period of time so I stay connected to those projects as well.”

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marketing / communications & public relations

MARSHALL SHAFFER ’11

JULIA WOOD ’08

Social Media Account Executive, Integrate Agency

Brand Marketing Manager, Debner+Company

mls4615@gmail.com

jcwood2012@gmail.com

B.A., Communication & Sociology, Wake Forest University

B.B.A., Marketing, Texas A&M University

“At Integrate, I manage the social media strategy and implementation of an integrated public relations campaign for four clients. This includes day-to-day posting on all profiles as well as overseeing larger branding initiatives and paid social media advertising.”

Prior Employers: Furniture Marketing Group (FMG) Sewell Automotive Companies

28 | alumni leadership day

“As Brand Marketing Manager of one of the largest office and healthcare furniture distributors in Houston, my day to day entails fostering client relationships, event planning, brand management and marketing of both our Workplace Solutions and Healthcare Solutions studios. Debner+Company is the sole Knoll furniture distributorship in the Houston area. We work closely with some of the largest architecture and design firms, as well as with brokers throughout Houston and other major markets globally.”

non-profit & education

XAVIER BECKWITH ’08

ANNE HOPPE FRIED ’04

Middle School Math Teacher, The Kinkaid School

Family Philanthropy Manager, Greater Houston Community Foundation

xavier.beckwith@kinkaid.org B.A., Philosophy of Law & Ethics, University of Rochester MS, Education Policy, Warner Graduate School of Education MA, Teaching, Relay Graduate School of Education Prior Employers: KIPP Polaris Academy for Boys Morgan Stanley SCF Partners “After listening to Billy Holiday’s “Lovely Day” during my morning commute to work, my day begins with warm salutations from Kinkaid faculty, staff and students.

After completing cool handshakes with my star-studded advisory group, I’m off to my awesome classroom to teach my eager math students. After creatively teaching Math in the morning, I serve as the 7th Grade Head Football Coach in the afternoon. Once practice is over, I leave my Kinkaid family en route to meet clients for my private practice, if I don’t have commitments to the KIPP PALs Executive Board, which I graciously serve.”

annefried116@gmail.com B.S., Communications, Texas Christian University Prior Employers: DePelchin Children’s Center Baylor College of Medicine The Texas State History Museum Foundation “I work with three main groups at the Greater Houston Community Foundation – the Next Gen Donor Institute, the Family Giving Circle and the Youth Leadership Team. Some days I am planning site visits to local nonprofits and others I am hosting educational events for donors – it all depends!”

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non-profit & education

PABLO HENNING ’10 President, Saludos Connection phenningjr@gmail.com B.S., Bioengineering, Rice University B.A., Art History, Rice University “There are three general types of days. If it’s the day of an event, I’m most likely preparing last minute details and then actually working at the event. If it’s a volunteering day, I’m working with volunteers on documenting and packing the supplies we send. On the other days, I’m working on everything else, mostly with a notebook and my computer, meeting with various people to advance different projects.”

30 | alumni leadership day

SARAH DEWALCH MOUTON ’09 Marketing and Development Coordinator, Casa de Esperanza de los Ninos sdmouton9@gmail.com B.S., General Business (Personal Finance minor), Louisiana State University Prior Employer: SilverStone Events “My daily duties include constant contact with donors, grant writing, marketing for the organization and upcoming events, planning the details of upcoming events, giving tours of our organization and growing our donor network. My main focus is on our Young Professionals Group, and I am constantly brainstorming ideas of how to keep them engaged in the organization and how to recruit new members.”

non-profit & education

CATHERINE CLARK PRESLEY ’05 Assistant Principal, KIPP Houston Public Schools – KIPP Sharpstown College Prep catherinecpresley@gmail.com B.B.A., Finance, University of Texas B.A., Spanish, University of Texas

EMILY SCHREIBER ’06 Associate Director of Development, Rice University egs.schreiber@gmail.com B.A., Individualized Study, New York University

MBA, Rice University

M.A., Non-Profit Management, University of Houston-Downtown (projected 2018)

Education Entrepreneurship Program (Principal Certification), Rice University

Prior Employers: Houston Grand Opera Houston Zoo

Prior Employers: Teach For America Houston Independent School District

“I am a major gifts officer responsible for developing and implementing strategies to raise gifts of $100,000 or more to realize the goals of Rice University. In half of my role, I work on behalf of the Glasscock School of Continuing Studies to raise current use and endowment gifts in support of the school’s eight program areas. I also work with a general portfolio of donors in the greater Houston area who are “friends” of the university, meaning they may or may not have a natural affinity to one area of campus, to bring in gifts to any school, division or department at Rice.”

“I focus on ensuring our students receive rigorous, effective instruction in every classroom. This includes monitoring student culture, coaching and developing teachers and building relationships with our families and community.”

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real estate

BEN BROWN ’01

JENNIFER HAMELET ’85

Broker, Baker Katz bbrown@bakerkatz.com

Owner, Mirador Builders Real Estate Developer, Homebuilder, Designer

B.B.A., Real Estate Finance, Southern Methodist University

jenniferhamelet@miradorbuilders. com

Prior Employers: Retail Properties Group Regency Centers

B.S., Interior Design, University of Texas

“I currently work for Baker Katz, a local commercial real estate firm specializing in retail brokerage and development.

My responsibilities include tenant representation and project leasing. I also serve on the governing board of Casa de Esperanza House of Hope for Children and the Greater Houston Community Foundation.”

32 | alumni leadership day

Prior Employer: The Finger Companies “I build custom and speculative homes in River Oaks and West University. I founded Mirador Builders in 2006 and have built over 100 homes. The day starts early, fielding questions from my project managers, trades and suppliers. Site visits begin around 9:00 a.m., followed by meetings with clients. The afternoons, and sometimes into the early evenings, are spent in my office signing contracts, working on schedules, budgets or design.”

real estate

SAM POUNS ’07

SARAH POWELL ’09

Commercial Real Estate Broker, Fritsche Anderson Realty Partners

Realtor Associate, Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

spouns@fritscheanderson.com

sarah.powell@sothebyshomes.com

B.B.A., Real Estate, The University of Georgia

B.A., Theatre, University of Southern California

Prior Employer: Colliers International

“Being a realtor is unique in that each day is different. One day may consist of meeting with clients while the next day may consist of hosting an open house.

The most important thing I have learned about being a realtor is how much of the business is built on the strength of relationships. And although there is paperwork and maintaining deadlines, I can’t wait to start each day knowing that I get to help others achieve their dreams.”

“My job takes me all over town on property tours and client meetings. I enjoy being able to get away from my desk and work in the field. Brokerage is fun for me because I get to utilize both my business and analytical skills, as well as public speaking and networking.”

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real estate

other

LEXI SAKOWITZ ’07

JAMES EILERS ’06

Residential Sales Associate, John Daugherty Realtors

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer, United States Navy

lexisakowitz@gmail.com

jameseilers@gmail.com

B.F.A., Film Production & Theatre, Chapman University

B.S., Computer Science, Georgia Institute of Technology

Prior Employer: Reality Television Producer

“As an EOD officer, I am involved in a wide breath of operations which include: diving operations, demolition operations, parachuting and helicopter air operations, underwater salvage, explosive ordnance disposal (IEDs, traditional ordnance, underwater mines, chemical, nuclear & biological weapons), integrating and working with SEALs, Army Special Forces and other special operations forces.”

“I assist buyers, sellers and tenants with their residential real estate needs by negotiating contracts, getting my clients the best and fair offer or purchase price, putting together comparable market analysis, keeping my clients informed with market inventory and finding them the perfect place to call home. I have enjoyed being back in Houston and getting reacquainted with the city. In just under a year, I have grossed over $2 million in sales, proving to be an asset to Houston homeowners.”

34 | alumni leadership day

Not present, but feel free to reach out to James if you want to know more about his specialized career.

student notes

the kinkaid school | 35

schedule of events 9:45 – 10:05

Coffee & Light Breakfast, Student Life Building Front Lobby

10:10 – 10:40 Assembly, Moss Amphitheatre 10:50 – 11:20 Panel 1 11:30 – 12:00 Panel 2 12:10 – 12:40 Panel 3 12:45 – 1:25

Roundtable Luncheon, Ogilvie Lobby

The panel sessions will take place in the following rooms: 1. Arts & Entertainment: Character Education A 2. Banking, Finance & Accounting: SL 202 4. Energy / Oil & Gas: SL 206 5. Engineering: Character Education Conference Room 2 6. Entrepreneurship: Anderson Room 7. Event Planning: Character Education Conference Room 1 8. Healthcare/Medicine: Character Education B 9. Law: SL 203 10. Marketing/Communications & Public Relations: Moss Amphitheatre 11. Non Profit & Education: Main Conference Room 12. Real Estate: Room 110 (Freshman Hall) 36 | alumni leadership day