d-mars.com Top 30 Influential Women of Houston 2019
VOLUME lll
7th EDITION
2019 Name Title of Company Positiion
Name Title of Company Positiion
Name Title of Company Positiion
Top 30 Influential Women of Houston Directory
The 2019 Top 30 Influential Women of Houston
Brenda W. Bazan
Hon. Dr. Teta V. Banks
President and CEO Houston First Corporation
National Chair United Nations Association of the USA
The Honorable Lizzie Fletcher
Congresswoman Texas’ Seventh Congressional District
Judy Foston-Stanford
Joyce L. Jacquet
President Foston International Communications Inc.
Licensed Therapist and Counselor
Yolanda Ford Mayor, City of Missouri City
Myrtle L. Jones, CPA
Melanie Lawson
Kim Padgett
Lisa Trapani Shumate
Vanessa E. Wyche
Senior Vice President of Tax Halliburton Company
Anchor/Reporter KTRK-TV/ABC 13
President The Padgett Group
Associate Vice President and General Manager Houston Public Media
Deputy Director NASA Johnson Space Center
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
Rachel Andress Davis, PharmD, RPh Licensed Pharmacist OptumRx
Leona E. Filis Founder/Managing Attorney The Filis Law Firm, P.C.
Michelle Garrison Chief Financial Officer GetixHealth, LLC
Kelly A. Irving Associate Director Patient Care Services/Chief Nurse Executive Michael E. DeBakey, VAMC
Olivera Jankovska Global Citizenship Fellow UNICEF USA
Paula M. Mendoza CEO Possible Missions, Inc. & Pos Mis, Inc.
Sherrie Sams Founder & Executive Director AFC Youth
Leanne Dobard Alvarez President & CEO The UPS Store at Shadow Creek – Pearland
Tracey L. Anthony Vice President & Chief Compliance Officer Crane Worldwide Logistics
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
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
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
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
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
d-mars.com Top 30 Influential Women of Houston
Message From the President & CEO MR. D-MARS “I’ve come to believe that each of us has a personal calling that’s as unique as a fingerprint – and that the best way to succeed is to discover what you love and then find a way to offer it to others in the form of service, hard work, and allow the energy of the universe to lead you.” —Oprah Winfrey
W
omen are strongest when they cheer on other women— that is what we are doing through Top 30 Influential Women of Houston -- celebrating women who have spent their lives working not only to better themselves but to pave the way for other women. Our honorees work in professions all across the board, and each one of them has decided to maximize their set of skills and gifts to break down barriers and successfully establish themselves. Each year I have the honor of hosting this event, and each year I am just as honored and empowered by the diverse and distinguished group of women we get to celebrate. Despite the challenges women face in the workforce, our honorees have dedicated themselves to building a better community and paving the way for the next generation of women leaders. For 20 years, d-mars.com has continued its mission to inspire, inform and educate the community, and this year’s group of honorees truly embodies that same mission. Their goal to inspire others is evident in their extensive and impressive resumes. By recognizing these women and their achievements, we are able to show young women in this city and across the world that being successful is possible for anyone. It is my honor to recognize and celebrate these passionate, determined and inspirational women in one of the largest and most diverse cities in the nation. Thank you for using your gifts to leave a mark on this community and show the world what is possible. Sincerely, Keith “MR. D-MARS” Davis, Sr. President and CEO Vaskey Media Group, Inc. Parent Company of d-mars.com, Subcontractors USA and Top30Women.com
Top 30 Influential Women of Houston 2019
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Message from Chief Operating Officer
Kimberly Floyd “The women we honor today teach us three very important lessons. One, that as women, we must stand up for ourselves. The second, as women, we must stand up for each other. And finally, as women, we must stand up for justice for all.” – Michelle Obama
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very year it is an honor to recognize and celebrate a group of influential women who represent the true meaning of sisterhood and have a desire to influence and inspire those around them. These women are from diverse backgrounds and have different beliefs, but they have all made the decision to shatter glass ceilings, break down barriers and serve as role models for the next generation of female leaders. Even with all the success the Top 30 Women have attained, they refuse to rest on their laurels, but continue to strive towards greatness. 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. They took calculated risks, believed in their abilities and embraced change. Today, we salute you. Sincerely, Kimberly Floyd Chief Operating Officer and Managing Editor Vaskey Media Group, Inc. Parent Company of d-mars.com, Subcontractors USA and Top30Women.com 2
Top 30 Influential Women of Houston 2019
d-mars.com Top 30 Influential Women of Houston
Honorary Co-Chairs
Judge Maria T. Jackson
Dr. Christina Robinson
Council Member Amanda Edwards
Mistress of Ceremony Please follow me on
Shern-Min Chow
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d-mars.com Top 30 Influential Women of Houston
TABLE OF CONTENTS THE HONORABLE SHEILA JACKSON LEE COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Yolanda Ford............................................................. Mayor, City of Missouri City....................................................................................................................... 42
ICON HONOREES Brenda W. Bazan....................................................... President and CEO, Houston First Corporation............................................................................................ 46 Hon. Dr. Teta V. Banks............................................... National Chair, United Nations Association of the USA................................................................................ 48 The Honorable Lizzie Fletcher..................................... Congresswoman, Texas’ Seventh Congressional District.............................................................................. 50 Judy Foston-Stanford................................................. President, Foston International Communications Inc................................................................................... 52 Joyce L. Jacquet......................................................... Licensed Therapist and Counselor............................................................................................................... 54 Myrtle L. Jones, CPA.................................................. Senior Vice President of Tax, Halliburton Company...................................................................................... 56 Melanie Lawson......................................................... Anchor/Reporter, KTRK-TV/ABC 13............................................................................................................. 58 Kim Padgett............................................................... President, The Padgett Group..................................................................................................................... 60 Lisa Trapani Shumate................................................. Associate Vice President and General Manager, Houston Public Media....................................................... 62 Vanessa E. Wyche...................................................... Deputy Director, NASA Johnson Space Center............................................................................................. 64
HONOREES Leanne Dobard Alvarez.............................................. President & CEO, The UPS Store at Shadow Creek – Pearland..................................................................... 68 Tracey L. Anthony...................................................... Vice President & Chief Compliance Officer, Crane Worldwide Logistics........................................................ 70 Colleen D. Banks........................................................ Financial Professional, Wealth Development Strategies, LLC........................................................................ 72 Juliet Breeze, MD....................................................... CEO and Founder, Next Level Urgent Care.................................................................................................. 74 Michelle Bythewood.................................................. President, Salata Salad Kitchen................................................................................................................... 76 Dr. Courtney Jacocks Chance..................................... Co-owner/ General Dentist, Oaks Point Pediatric Dentistry.......................................................................... 78 Jane E. Cheeks, IPMA-SCP......................................... Director, City of Houston............................................................................................................................. 80 Connie L. Cochran..................................................... Assistant Vice President of Alumni Relations & Special Events, Texas Southern University............................ 82 Audrey Marie Cosby................................................... First Lady, Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church................................................................................................. 84 Rachel Andress Davis, PharmD, RPh........................... Licensed Pharmacist, OptumRx, a division of United Health Group.............................................................. 88 Leona E. Filis.............................................................. Founder/Managing Attorney, The Filis Law Firm, P.C................................................................................... 90 Michelle Garrison....................................................... Chief Financial Officer, GetixHealth, LLC..................................................................................................... 92 Dr. Melissa N. Gonzalez............................................. President, Houston Community College – Southeast................................................................................... 94 Mia Gradney.............................................................. Emmy Award-Winning Journalist and Anchor, KHOU11............................................................................... 96 Addie Heyliger........................................................... Business Engagement Manager, CenterPoint Energy, Vice President, Fort Bend ISD Trustee......................... 98 Tami Hunter............................................................... Advisor, Compliance, Global Supply Chain & Supplier Diversity Advocate - ConocoPhillips......................... 100 Kelly A. Irving............................................................ Associate Director Patient Care Services/Chief Nurse Executive, Michael E. DeBakey, VAMC..................... 102 Olivera Jankovska...................................................... Global Citizenship Fellow, UNICEF USA .................................................................................................... 104 Dr. Grenita F. Lathan.................................................. Interim Superintendent, Houston Independent School District................................................................... 106 Angela Lee................................................................ CEO, Evolution by Design.......................................................................................................................... 108 LaMonica Love........................................................... Attorney & Business Consultant, The Love Law Group & Consulting Services, PLLC....................................110 Christine Mack........................................................... Regional Head of Procurement, Americas, BP.............................................................................................112 Shawntell L. McWilliams............................................ CEO, SM Global Consulting, LLC & Infinity Cleaning Solutions....................................................................114 Paula M. Mendoza..................................................... CEO, Possible Missions, Inc. & Pos Mis, Inc................................................................................................118 Jamila S. Mensah....................................................... Partner, Norton Rose Fulbright US, LLP..................................................................................................... 122 Chau Nguyen, LMSW................................................. Chief Public Strategies Officer, Houston Area Women’s Center...................................................................124 Eureka Patton............................................................ Owner, Massage Envy – Aliana................................................................................................................. 126 Eileen Perillo.............................................................. Vice President Finance, Shell Energy Resources Company.......................................................................... 128 Marilyn A. Rose......................................................... Accounting Administrator, Harris County Sheriff’s Office & Regent, Texas Southern University................... 130 Gabriella Rowe.......................................................... CEO, Station Houston............................................................................................................................... 132 Sherrie Sams.............................................................. Founder and Executive Director, AFC Youth.............................................................................................. 134 Mya Smith-Edmonds.................................................. Owner/Operator, McDonald’s................................................................................................................... 136 Bridgette Smith-Lawson....................................................... Managing Attorney - Regions 5&6, The Department of Family and Protective Service - Office of General Counsel.......138 Carolyn Watson......................................................... Vice President of Corporate Responsibility, JPMorgan Chase..................................................................... 140 Dr. Tamara L. Williams............................................... President, Chamberlain University – Houston Campus............................................................................... 142 Jennifer St. Julian Wooden......................................... Director, Humble Civic Center/Charles Bender Performing Arts Center....................................................... 144 Dr. Janet Wormack..................................................... Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration, Houston Community College............................................ 146 4
Top 30 Influential Women of Houston 2019
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CITY OF HOUSTON
Sylvester Turner Mayor P.O. Box 1562 Houston, Texas 77251-1562 Telephone – Dial 311 www.houstontx.gov
August August 23, 23, 2019 2019
Greetings, Greetings, As I welcome all all attending the the seventh annual TopTop 30 30 As Mayor Mayor of ofthe theCity CityofofHouston, Houston, I welcome attending seventh annual Influential Women of Houston Awards Gala, hosted by d-mars.com. Influential Women of Houston Awards Gala, hosted by d-mars.com. The Top 30 Influential Women of Houston Awards recognizes women who have broken in their Women respective andAwards left an indelible mark on thewho facehave of broken The Topbarriers 30 Influential of fields Houston recognizes women Houston. The honorees are business owners or senior executives in the public, private barriers in their respective fields and left an indelible mark on the face of Houston. The and nonprofit sectors who share a commitment to business growth, professional honorees are business owners or senior executives in the public, private and nonprofit excellence and the community and are economic future of large and small sectors who share a commitment to shaping businessthe growth, professional excellence and corporations or independent firms. These women represent the finest in leadership in a 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 variety of enterprises enterprises. I commend the Top 30 Influential Women of Houston Awards and the d-mars.com on this special occasion. I commend the Top 30 Influential Women of Houston Awards and d-mars.com on this special occasion. Please accept my best wishes for a successful gala.
Sincerely,
Sylvester Turner Mayor
Council Members: Brenda Stardig Jerry Davis Ellen R. Cohen Dwight A. Boykins Dave Martin Steve Le Greg Travis Karla Cisneros Robert Gallegos Mike Laster Martha Castex-Tatum Mike Knox David W. Robinson Michael Kubosh Amanda Edwards Jack Christie Controller:
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Chris Brown
Top 30 Influential Women of Houston 2019
d-mars.com Top 30 Influential Women of Houston
SHEILA JACKSON LEE 18TH DISTRICT, TEXAS
Congress of the United States
COMMITTEES:
House of Representatives
JUDICIARY
Washington, DC 20515
SUBCOMMITTEES: Ranking Member Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security and Investigations Immigration and Border Security
STEERING AND POLICY COMMITTEE _________ HELSINKI COMMISSION MEMBER _________ VICE CHAIR
CONGRESSIONAL PROGRESSIVE CAUCUS _________
_________
SENIOR WHIP
HOMELAND SECURITY
DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS _________
SUBCOMMITTEES:
Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies
FOUNDER AND CO-CHAIR
CONGRESSIONAL CHILDREN’S CAUCUS
Counterterrorism and Intelligence
_________ BUDGET COMMITTEE
August 23, 2019
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 2019 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 2019 Top 30 Influential Women of Houston.
Sincerely,
Sheila Jackson Lee Member of Congress
WASHINGTON OFFICE: 2187 Rayburn Office Building Washington, DC 20515 (202) 225-3816
DISTRICT OFFICE: 1919 Smith Street, Suite 1180 Houston, TX 77002 (713) 655-0050
HEIGHTS OFFICE: 420 West 19th Street Houston, TX 77008 (713) 861-4070
FIFTH WARD OFFICE: 4300 Lyons Ave., Suite 200 Houston, TX 77020 (713) 227-7740
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d-mars.com Top 30 Influential Women of Houston
August 23, 2019
Dear Friends: I am pleased to extend greetings to the attendees of the Top 30 Influential Women of Houston Awards Gala. On behalf of the constituents of the Ninth Congressional District of Texas, I salute all organizers, leaders and participants for their dedication to making this a memorable event. With great enthusiasm, I applaud d-mars.com for their dedication to promoting leadership and strengthening communities across the Greater Houston Area. I also commend them as they recognize and celebrate the success and accomplishments of these inspirational and influential women leaders. I look forward to working with d-mars.com on future endeavors and continuing to serve you well as a Member of Congress. Best wishes to all for an exciting gala.
Sincerely,
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Al Green
Member of Congress
Top 30 Influential Women of Houston 2019
d-mars.com Top 30 Influential Women of Houston
Lizzie Fletcher 7th District, Texas
August 23, 2019
I am honored to be included as one of the 2019 Top 30 Influential Women of Houston honorees and grateful to d-mars.com for this recognition and celebration of our collective success through the 7th Annual Awards Gala. As the representative for Texas’ Seventh Congressional District, I have the privilege of representing the diverse and dynamic community reflected in the spirit of this evening. We celebrate innovation and inclusion, and it is through our partnerships that we thrive. I look forward to a wonderful evening celebrating not only the achievements of tonight’s honorees but also the very bright future ahead for us all.
Sincerely
Top 30 Influential Women of Houston 2019
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d-mars.com Top 30 Influential Women of Houston
BORRIS L. MILES STATE SENATOR
DISTRICT 13
COMMITTEES: Agriculture, Water & Rural Affairs, Health and Human Services, Natural Resources and Economic Development and Nominations
BORRIS L. MILES
August 25, 2017
STATE SENATOR
DISTRICT 13
BORRIS L. MILES
COMMITTEES: Agriculture, Water & Rural Affairs, Health and Human Services, Natural Resources and Economic Development and Nominations
STATE SENATOR
DISTRICT 13
COMMITTEES: Criminal Water Justice, HealthAffairs, and Human Resources and Economic Development and Nominations COMMITTEES: Agriculture, & Rural Health Services, and HumanNatural Services, Natural Resources and Economic Development and Nominations
August 25, 2017 Greetings,
August 23, 2019 August I would25, like2017 to welcome all attending the d-mars.com Top Greetings, 30 Influential Women of Houston Awards Gala. The Top 30 Influential Women of Houston Awards Gala Greetings, I would likeand to celebrates welcome all the d-mars.com recognizes theattending diverse group of women inTop 30 Influential Women of Houston Gala. Houston who encompass tenacity, Awards discipline and diligence. The honorees have broken barriers in their respective fields Iand would like to welcome all d-mars.com The Topan 30indelible Influential Women Houston AwardsI GalaTop left mark on attending theofface ofthe Houston. 30 Influential Houston Awards Gala. recognizes andWomen celebrates the diverse groupin of women in commend them on theirofaccomplishments their Houston who tenacity, discipline and diligence. profession andencompass in the community. The 30 Influential Women of Houston Awards Gala The Top honorees have broken barriers in their respective fields recognizes and celebrates the diverse group of women and left an indelible the facethis of Houston. I inthe I extend best wishes mark to allon attending event to honor Houston who encompass tenacity, discipline and diligence. commend them on Women their accomplishments Top 30 Influential of Houston. in their The honorees have broken barriers profession and in the community. in their respective fields and left an indelible mark on the face of Houston. I commend them on their accomplishments in their I extend wishes to the all attending to honor the Keep thebest Faith, Keep Fight, this event profession and in the community. Top 30 Influential Women of Houston. I extend best wishes to all attending this event to honor the Top Influential Women of Houston. Keep30the Faith, Keep the Fight, Senator Borris L. Miles Keep the District 13Faith, Keep the Fight,
Senator Borris L. Miles District 13 Senator Borris L. Miles
Capitol Office District 13 3.S3 P.O. Box 12068 Austin, TX 78711 512-463-0113 10
Central Houston Office 5302 Almeda, Suite A Houston, TX 77004 713-665-8322
Fort Bend Office 2440 Texas Parkway, Suite 110 Missouri City, TX 77489 281-261-2360
Capitol Office Central Houston Office Top 30 Influential Women of Houston 2019 3.S3 5302 Almeda, Suite A P.O. Box 12068 Houston, TX 77004
Fort Bend Office 2440 Texas Parkway, Suite 110 Missouri City, TX 77489
d-mars.com Top 30 Influential Women of Houston
August 23, 2019
Dear Friends, Dear Friends,
I am pleased to extend greetings to the attendees of the 2019 Top 30 Influential Women of Houston Awards Gala. It is a privilege to recognize and celebrate the success of influential women leaders. Their stories are a testament to their success and are inspirational to young women who aspire to become leaders in their communities. The honorees continually give their time and talent for the betterment of Houston. With great enthusiasm, I applaud d-mars.com for their dedication in promoting leadership and strengthening communities across Houston and the surrounding areas. I extend my sincere congratulations and best wishes to all of the honorees, you are an inspiration to everyone in the community. I wish you much success in all your future endeavors. Sincerely,
Senfronia Thompson State Representative, District 141
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d-mars.com Top 30 Influential Women of Houston Texas House of Representatives
RON REYNOLDS
State Representative-District 27-House Democratic Whip
August August 26, 23, 2014 2019
d-mars.com 7 4thth Annual Top 30 Influential Women of Houston 2019 2016 Awards Congratulations to the honorees of the 2019 2016 d-mars.com Top 30 Influential Women of Houston. Your hard work, dedication and successes are deserving of recognition. I admire your integrity and commitment to excellence. It is a privilege to participate in recognizing and celebrating the successes of influential women leaders. This evening will be one to remember with dmars.com acknowledging and commemorating your magnanimous achievements and your invaluable contributions to the community. I extend my sincere congratulations and best wishes to all of the honorees as you are an inspiration to everyone in the community. I want to wish you an enjoyable and memorable evening.
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Top 30 Influential Women of Houston 2019
d-mars.com Top 30 Influential Women of Houston
August 23, 2019
Dear Friends, As State Representative for House District 146, it is my privilege to welcome all attending the Top 30 Influential Women of Houston Awards Gala. I also extend my appreciation to the d-mars.com organization for hosting this spectacular annual event. The 7th Annual Top 30 Influential Women of Houston Award Ceremony recognizes and celebrates women who have demonstrated outstanding excellence in their respective professions and fields of expertise. The honorees reflect a diverse group of accomplished women who are regarded as leaders and role models in a variety of industries. I salute each of the phenomenal women for the contributions they have made towards the growth, betterment and success of the Houston community, and the great state of Texas.
Warm Regards,
Top 30 Influential Women of Houston 2019
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d-mars.com Top 30 Influential Women of Houston
P.O. Box 2910 Austin, Texas 78768-2910 (512) 463-0554 6112 Wheatley Street Houston, Texas 77091
JARVIS JOHNSON DISTRICT 139 August 23, 2019
Dear Honorees, On behalf of District 139, I want to congratulate you as a diverse and distinguished group of women being recognized in the 2019 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
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City of Houston Chris B. Brown City Controller August 23, 2019
Dear friends, I’d like to wish you a warm welcome to tonight’s event and extend my congratulations to the Top 30 Influential Women of Houston 2019 honorees! Tonight’s honorees represent the best of what our city offers. They are trailblazers who are powering Houston’s businesses and economy. They are passionate community leaders who are not ust making our city better for today, but are crafting a road map for how to continue the work of building a better Houston for tomorrow, as well. Most importantly, tonight’s honorees are influential women who are utilizing their influence to create long-lasting, meaningful change that will better the lives of all Houstonians. I’d also like to offer my thanks to d-mars.com and all of tonight’s supporting partners for hosting this important event. This celebration is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and selfless service, and I’m honored to be with you all on this special occasion. Again, my congratulations to tonight’s honorees – thank you for making our city a better place to live for all its residents! Sincerely, Chris B. Brown
City Controller 18
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Mayor’s Office 1522 Texas Pkwy. Missouri City, Texas 77489
Phone: 281.403.8500 www.missouricitytx.gov
August 2019 Aug. 19,23, 2019 Congratulations, Distinguished Top 30 Influential Women of Houston Honorees: On behalf of the Citizens and Councilmembers of the “Show Me City”, I salute your leadership and excellence! The contributions you all are making to your respective professions are integral in this region being one of the fastest growing areas in the nation, making significant gains in economic development, education, housing, public service and entertainment. This recognition of your outstanding accomplishments is also confirmation of our collective goals to stand together in service and SPIRIT (Service, Professionalism, Innovation, Respect, Integrity and Teamwork). It is a privilege to celebrate you and your communities and constituents. Let’s move forward in collaboration and remember, as our City credo states: Together, we excel! Warm Regards,
Yolanda Ford Mayor, Missouri City
CITY OF MISSOURI CITY Top 30 Influential Women of Houston 2019
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2013 Top 30 Influential Women of Houston ICON HONOREES: Dr. Patricia Brock – Founder & Chairman Emeritus, Medical Bridges Donna Cole – President & CEO, Cole Chemical & Distributing, Inc. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee – 18th Congressional District of Texas
HONOREES: Nargis Ahmed – Director, Muslim Democratic Caucus of Texas Maria Moncada Alaoui – General Manager, Momentum BMW West State Rep Carol Alvarado – Texas House District 145 Rhonda C. Arnold – Director of Community Relations, Houston Airport System Lisa Ashley – Director, Corporate Communications, Port of Houston Authority Karen Becerra – Chief Operations Officer/Principal, The Principle Partnering Group, LLC Dr. Heather Brown – Owner & Orthodontist, Dr. Heather Brown Orthodontics Madeline Burillo, Ed.D. – Associate Vice Chancellor, Houston Community College Helen Callier – President, Bradlink, LLC Emelda Douglas – SVP and Chief Development Officer, Neighborhood Centers, Inc. Wilma J. Evans – President, North Houston Frontiers Club & Managing Partner, DeMand Staffing & Consulting, LLC Christina Robinson Grochett – Chief Strategist for Innovation and Research, Lone Star College 26
Top 30 Influential Women of Houston 2019
Dr. Irishea Hilliard – COO & Pastor, New Light Christian Center Church Carla Lane – President & CEO, Lane Staffing Shara McClure – Vice President Network Management, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas Catherine Mitchell – COO, Amerigroup Marlene Petry, RN, MSN – SVP, GP Industrial Contractors, Inc. Eva Pickens - Associate Vice President, University Advancement - Communications & Marketing, Texas Southern University Vanessa Reed – Assistant Vice President, South Texas CRA Manager Corporate Public Affairs & Community Reinvestment, Comerica Bank Susan Repka – Executive Director, Women Contractors Association Dr. Jonita Wallace Reynolds – Chief Executive Officer, Gulf Coast Community Services Association (GCCSA) Kandice Rose – Founder, Pretty Girls with Cancer Jamilah Shami – Project Manager, Farouk Systems, Inc. Melinda Spaulding – Anchor, Fox 26 KRIV-TV Dr. Angela Sturm – Facial Plastic Surgeon, Facial Plastic Surgery Associates Dr. Ka-Ron Y. Wade, BS, RN, BSN, DDS – Cosmetic and Neuromuscular Dentist, Cosmetic Dental Texas Cynthia Wenz – President & CEO, The Source for Women Nicole C. West – President, NCA Investigations Dr. Anjanette Wyatt – Pharmacy Manager, President & CEO, Clinical Care Pharmacy, LLC Judge Mimi Yam – United States Immigration Court
*Companies and titles in 2013
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2014 Top 30 Influential Women of Houston ICON HONOREES: State Senator Sylvia Garcia, Texas Senate Karen E. Jackson – Founder/CEO, Sisters Network, Inc.
HONOREES: Dr. Lacey Brooks – Audiologist/Regional Manager Houston, Hearing Aid Express Latoya Bullard-Franklin – Chief Executive Officer, The Bulsard Group Marian Cabanilla, MBA – Vice President Marketing, UnitedHealthcare Shern-Min Chow – Anchor, KHOU 11 Sonia Clayton – President & CEO, Virtual Intelligence Providers, LLC Pamela Ellis – Chief Executive Officer, Smahrt Solutions Sonia Guimbellot – Director/Secretary, World Chamber of Commerce, Texas Joanie Y. Hare, M.D. – Physician, Houston Perinatal Associates Nikki Elizabeth Hart – President & Owner, inMotion Marketing Group Miranda Horn – Vice President, Industrial Welding Academy Judge Maria T. Jackson – 339th District Court Justina Mann – Chief Procurement Officer, Houston Airport Systems CleRenda McGrady – TV Host, Thryv360 28
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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
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Political Ad paid for by the Maria T. Jackson Campaign
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2015 Top 30 Influential Women of Houston SPECIAL GUEST:
Vernita Harris - IMPACT Strategies Consultants, LLC
The Honorable Ivy R. Taylor - Mayor of San Antonio
Winell Herron - H-E-B Heather Holland - TransCanada
ICON HONOREES:
Connie Kwan-Wong - CKW LUXE Magazine
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
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
HONOREES:
Theresa Roemer - Theresa Roemer, LLC
Devon Anderson - Harris County District Attorney’s Office
Lina Sabouni - AUTOARCH Architects, LLC
Dell H. Braunsdorf, M.D. - Amerigroup
Rhonda Skillern-Jones - Houston Independent School District
Camille Cash, M.D. - Camille G. Cash, M.D.,
(HISD)
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Joyce Tyler-Williams - Frost Bank
April Day - Women’s Business Enterprise Alliance
Jennifer Yen, M.D. - UH Medical School,
Dr. Marla Fielder, R.Ph. - The Kroger Co. - Southwest Division
Baylor College of Medicine & Author
Samille Frazier-Savoie, LPCS, LCDC, NCC - The BES Group, Inc. Kim Gagne - Steve Harvey
UNITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD:
Marian Harper - Houston Astros
LaShonda Pierce and NaKeitha Ross - I.C.O.N. Women’s
Tammy Harris - Soul Grooves®Fitness
Organization
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2016 Top 30 Influential Women of Houston SHEILA JACKSON LEE COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Roxann Thomas Chargois - Director, The Western Area of The Links, Incorporated
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 (HISD) 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
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Marina Coryat - Senior Manager, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas - Southeast 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
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2017 Top 30 Influential Women of Houston 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 Representative 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
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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
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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, S onic 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 (HISD) Mary Griffin - Grammy-Nominated Artist and Owner, Mahogany Entertainment, LLC
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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
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Yolanda Ford Mayor, City of Missouri City
Yolanda Ford Mayor City of Missouri City yolanda.ford@missouricitytx.gov
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esting her hand on her grandfather, Rev. O.D. Ford Sr.’s heirloom Bible, Mayor Yolanda Ford was administered the oath of office at the Monday, December 17, 2018 Regular City Council Meeting by Presiding Judge Debra Sinclair, signaling a historic transition of leadership in Missouri City prompted by Ford’s win in the December 8, 2018 Runoff Election.
supported me to get to this point. I sincerely appreciate it,” said Ford, who is the City’s 11th mayor and the first female and first person of color elected to the position. “And I want to leave everyone with one remark: I know we have a lot of differences, but with that we have to learn to appreciate our differences so that we can work together to get things done.”
with 51.95 percent of the vote citywide, addressed the audience: “I just want to take this opportunity, to one, thank God, my parents, my family and everyone who
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (18th District): “Today you make an enormous statement of history. A history that speaks to a new trajectory in the state of Texas. That
we’ve moved to a point where people are elected from the basis of their credentials and as well respective of color, race or gender. And that is no small measure.” Diana Waters, Community Liaison for State Sen. Borris L. Miles (District 13) presented a proclamation to Mayor Ford on Miles’ behalf, congratulating her electoral success.
At her swearing-in ceremony, Ford, who Ford, who prior to becoming Mayor, was is now also Chair of the 14 METRO MultiDistrict A Council Member from June 2013 Joined by her father, Abram Ford, Sr., City Coalition, received accolades from the to November 2018, and Mayor Pro Tem and her mother, Jacqueline, Mayor Ford following dignitaries: from November 2017 to November 2018, vowed to “faithfully execute the duties of State Rep. Jarvis Johnson (Texas House has been a resident of Missouri City for the Office,” in the presence of hundreds District 139): “I wish you all the best and I more than 40 years. Professionally, Ford’s of citizens, stakeholders, family members, want to let you know that you have a friend background is in urban planning, architecture, elected officials and supporters who came in the State House that will do all that I community development and government to witness the ceremony first-hand and gave can to ensure your success as you build contract management. Ford holds a Master her a standing ovation. on one fantastic City and as you continue of Architecture (M. Arch) from Prairie View A & M University and a Bachelor of Science (B.S) After being sworn in, Ford, who was elected to do great work.”
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from the University of Houston. Ford is an associate member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the American Planning Association (APA).
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Brenda Bazan
CEO & President, Houston First Corporation campus, which included transforming the exterior of the George R. Brown Convention Center, creating the outdoor entertainment plaza called Avenida Houston, bringing retail and restaurant venues to the convention campus and partnering with a private developer to build a second headquarters hotel, the Marriott Marquis, connected to the Convention Center. Bazan serves on the boards of the Alley Theatre, Buffalo Bayou Partnership, Central Houston, Discovery Green, Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau, Hotel & Lodging Association of Greater Houston, Houston Arts Alliance, Houston Ballet Board of Trustees, Texas Bowl, and World Petroleum Congress 2020 Organizing Committee. She also serves as Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee for the World Petroleum Congress 2020 Organizing Committee. Brenda is a member of the American Institute of CPAs, Houston Chapter of CPAs, Government Finance Officers Association, Greater Houston Partnership Executive Women’s Partnership, and Phi Mu Fraternity.
A
s president and chief executive officer of Houston First Corporation (HFC), Brenda Bazan provides strategic leadership for HFC, which is charged with positioning Houston as a world-class destination for business and leisure travel. HFC is also responsible for managing and operating the Hilton Americas-Houston Hotel, George R. Brown Convention Center, Miller Outdoor Theatre, Wortham Theater Center, Jones Hall, Talento Bilingue de Houston, Jones Plaza, Partnership Tower and parking garage, the Theater District Parking Garage, and other smaller municipal properties. Bazan is a proven team builder 46
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and hands-on leader who throughout her career has focused on working cooperatively with clients, boards, management and staff. One of her favorite sayings to her colleagues is, “the future is ours to create.” Bazan has over 35 years of financial and accounting experience, and she is recognized for her calm, steady and practical approach to problem-solving. Previously, Brenda served as Houston First’s chief financial officer and played a key role in the 2001-2004 expansion of the George R. Brown Convention Center and construction of Hilton Americas-Houston Hotel. She was also a key player in the recent redevelopment of Houston’s convention
Brenda is a proud mother of two and grandmother of one. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with family, especially her beloved granddaughter. As an avid reader, she finds great pleasure in curling up with a good book. Brenda is an active and longtime member of Christ the Good Shepherd Catholic Community Church and has volunteered in numerous ministries over the years. Bazan received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree from Western Kentucky University and is a certified public accountant in Texas and Tennessee. Brenda Bazan CEO & President Houston First Corporation 701 Avenida de las Americas, Suite 200 Houston, Texas 77010 713.853.8201 Brenda.Bazan@houstonfirst.com www.houstonfirst.com
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Dr. Teta V. Banks
National Chair, United Nations Association of the USA Dr. Banks also has served as Consul General of the Republic of Liberia, representing the country as it progressed through an era of civil war, rebuilding, the ebola crisis and redevelopment. Appointed in 1994 by the President of Liberia, Consul Banks has been responsible for increasing humanitarian aid to Liberia, trade and economic development and advising the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
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he Honorable Dr. Teta V. Banks is a diplomat, human rights advocate, and educator. Originally from Liberia, she grew up in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of the late Dr. Victoria Banks and Rev. Dr. A.A. Banks, Jr., civil rights colleagues of Dr. King and Mrs. Rosa Parks. She holds the position as the National Chair of the United Nations Association of the United States of America and is the first person of African descent to hold this position in the organization’s 70-year history. The UNA-USA, with its 30,000 memberships
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throughout the USA, is part of the World Federation of United Nations Associations consisting of 94 countries. She is also the first woman of African descent to be elected to the Executive Committee of the World Federation of UNAs. Established by Eleanor Roosevelt, the UNA has as its mission to advocate for the mission and vision of the United Nations and upholding human rights. Dr. Banks accompanied the U.N. Secretary-General on his mission tour for the refugee crisis and was a U.S. delegate to the Secretary-General’s U.N. Special Session on Human Trafficking.
Dr. Banks has held numerous positions including the following: Executive Director of the King Association for Nonviolence appointed by Mrs. Coretta Scott King, Liaison for the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, President of the Consular Corps of Philadelphia, President of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women ( Pennsylvania), and founding editor of Vital Issues: The Journal of African American Speeches. In the academic arena, Dr. Banks has served at several universities including Spelman College, Rutgers University, Howard University, Washington University and Prairie View A&M University. She is a senior advisor to the Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives through appointment by the great-granddaughter of Frederick Douglass and serves on the Advisory Boards of the Thomas Freeman Honors College and the North American University. She is the Chair of International Trends and Services as a member of the Texas Spring Cypress Chapter of The Links, Incorporated and an esteemed Honorary Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She is the recipient of many awards and recognitions, including recognition as a “Distinguished Daughter of Liberia.” She attended Wellesley College, Howard University, Wayne State University and Oxford University. Dr. Teta V. Banks National Chair United Nations Association of the USA 11110 Bellaire Blvd. Houston, Texas 77072 936.448.7018 www.unahouston.org
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The Honorable Lizzie Fletcher Congresswoman, Texas’ Seventh Congressional District
boutique litigation firm, where she became its first woman partner. Congresswoman Fletcher graduated from Kenyon College in Ohio in 1997, where she earned highest honors in history and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. After college, she worked in the business and non-profit sectors for six years before attending William & Mary Law School in Virginia. At William & Mary, she was the editor-in-chief of the William and Mary Law Review and received the Gambrell Professionalism Award when she graduated in 2006. In the 116th Congress, Congresswoman Fletcher serves on the House Committee of Transportation & Infrastructure and House Science, Space, and Technology Committee. The Honorable Lizzie Fletcher Congresswoman Texas’ Seventh Congressional District 5599 San Felipe Road, Suite 950 Houston, Texas 77056 713.353.8680
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izzie Fletcher represents Texas’ Seventh Congressional District in the greater Houston area. Located entirely within Harris County, the district includes residents of Houston, Bellaire, Bunker Hill Village, Hedwig Village, Hilshire Village, Hunters Creek Village, Jersey Village, Piney Point Village, Southside Place, Spring Valley Village, West University Place, and 50
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unincorporated Harris County west of Katy. A resident of Houston and Congressional District 7 nearly all of her life, Congresswoman Fletcher was elected to represent the district in 2018. Prior to her election, she represented Houstonians in the courtroom as a lawyer on a wide range of matters, first at an international law firm headquartered in Houston and later at a
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Judy Foston Stanford President, Foston International Communications Inc.
Stanford has been the executive producer of The Wash Allen television and radio shows for over 25 years. She was the Executive Producer for the Sammy Davis Jr. Awards Show “Sammys” benefitting The Peoples’ Workshop for Visual and Performing Arts and the Coca-Cola Variety Celebrity Revue. She organized and promoted Coca-Cola “Share the Dream” Essay Contest and Awards Program for high school students for 15 years. She has worked with such celebrities as Beyonce, James Brown, Ben Vereen, Jose Feliciano, Anthony Pena, Bobby Womack, Janet Dubois, Greg Anderson, Freda Payne, Dixie Brown, Victor Rivers and Hubert, Ronnie, Eloise and Debra Laws as well as many others. Stanford served in 2015 as the Vice President of American Advertising Federation, Houston Chapter. Currently, she serves on the National Board of Directors for Sisters Network Inc. and Board Member of the NAACP - Houston Chapter. She also served as the President of the Board for Variety, The Children’s Charity of Houston. During her tenure of three years, she personally raised over $500,000+ for the organization. Stanford is a determined trailblazer, who has broken many barriers in the marketing and communications arena and has many “firsts” in her resume.
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n 1984, Judy Foston Stanford, after working for Fortune 500 companies in sales and marketing nationally for ten years, founded a full-service boutique communications company specializing in marketing, advertising, public relations and special events. Foston International Communications Inc. has provided communication services for various companies over the years such as Coca-Cola Enterprises, Coca-Cola USA, Colgate-Palmolive, Communication 52
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Workers of America (CWA), Texas Women Empowerment Foundation, HEB Pantry, Houston Community College System, Houston Community College Northeast, Kroger, KPRC-TV (NBC Affiliate), National School Board Association and Texas Southern University, to name a few. Recently, she planned and purchased advertisement for radio and print in Texas for Beto O’Rourke, Harris County Judge Lina Hildago, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher and First Tuesday PAC.
Judy Foston Stanford President Foston International Communications Inc. 832.595.2544 jfoston@fostoninternational.com
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Joyce L. Jacquet Licensed Therapist and Counselor
Ladies of Distinction, Inc. Life Member, The Links, Incorporated, Advisory Council of the Young Women’s Preparatory Academy and the Texas State Bar Grievance Board. Her church home is the Church Without Walls where she sings in the Mass choir and works with the prayer ministry. Jacquet is the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions including Outstanding TLOD Area 1 President Award, Area 1 Outstanding Top Lady of the Year Award, Outstanding Community Service Award from Metropolitan CMC Church the 2016-Laureate the Above and Beyond Service Award and the Ivy Educational & Charitable Foundation Award for her Outstanding and Dedicated Service in the Community. Jacquet recently chaired the successful 90th Anniversary Gala for the Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. She also recently served as the National TLOD Community Partnership Chair. Jacquet has been married to Curtis L. Jacquet Sr. for 46 years, and they have two wonderful, well-accomplished sons Curtis II and Christopher Jacquet. Jacquet’s philosophy of life is “You can be and do anything in life that you want to do if you include God. He is the spiritual key to having a productive and successful life.”
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oyce L. Jacquet is a superlative, accomplished retired educator and counselor of 37 years who is passionate about her faith, family and chosen profession. Currently, she is continuing her dedication to helping people live better lives by serving as a licensed therapist and counselor. She has an amazing appreciation for life and all the beautiful blessings she has received. Jacquet holds a Bachelor of Arts from HBCU Grambling State University, a Master of Education from HBCU Texas 54
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Joyce L. Jacquet Licensed Therapist and Counselor jjacquet51@yahoo.com
Southern University and Mid-Management Certification from HBCU Prairie View A&M University. She possesses excellent leadership skills, while also demonstrating the ability to work within the structure of the group. Jacquet’s commitment to serving others is exemplified through her involvement in many civic and service organizations. These include the following: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Life Member, Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Life Member, NAACP, Life Member and NCNW, Life Member, Top
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Myrtle L. Jones, CPA Senior Vice President of Tax, Halliburton Company
where she served as Board Chair, Stages Repertory Theatre, the Houston Area Women’s Center, The Houston Zoo Inc. and Prairie View University’s School of Business Advisory Board. Her community service does not stop with board service. She also has chaired events such as The Houston Area Women’s Center’s 2019 Believe Luncheon, raising significant funds to support the community. She will also chair Genesys Works Houston Ambassadors Luncheon in the fall of 2019. Jones is also a member of the Fort Bend County Chapter of the Links Incorporated, the Greater Houston Partnership’s Executive Women’s Partnership and the International Women’s Forum. She has received numerous awards including Black Enterprise Magazine’s Top 50 Women in Corporate America, Savoy Magazine’s Top 100 Black in Corporate America, the Houston Business Journal’s Top 25 Women in Oil and Gas and one of Channel 13’s 2020 Women of Distinction to name a few.
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yrtle Jones is Senior Vice President of Tax at Halliburton Company. Jones graduated from Mississippi State University with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and is now a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Texas. As Senior Vice President, Tax at Halliburton, Jones manages the Company’s global tax matters in over 70 countries. She serves as the executive sponsor of Halliburton’s African American Networking Forum and sits on their Women’s Sharing Excellence Advisory Board.
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A native of Mississippi, Jones grew up on a small farm with her seven older siblings, her parents and grandparents. She moved to Houston immediately upon graduating from college, discovered that she was a city girl at heart and never left. She is constantly inspired by her three adult children Allie, Candice and Nate and now the newest addition to the family, son-inlaw Chris, to be a positive role model, work hard and continue to serve the community.
Prior to her current role, Jones was Senior Managing Director of Tax and Internal Audit In her spare time, Jones enjoys traveling, at Service Corporation International after movies, theatre, hiking, spending time with spending a significant portion of her career family and friends and laughter. at GlobalSantaFe, Inc. where she rose through the ranks from a Senior Tax Analyst Myrtle Jones to Vice President, Tax before the Company Senior Vice President of Tax Halliburton Company was acquired. 3000 N. Sam Houston Parkway E Her non-profit board service includes Genesys Works Houston, where she served as Chair of the Board, the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce
Houston, Texas 77032 281.871.2699 Myrtle.Jones@halliburton.com www.halliburton.com
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Melanie Lawson News Anchor, ABC 13/KTRK-TV
community is far reaching. She is on the board of numerous community organizations including the Houston Ballet, SHAPE Community Center, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Volunteer Houston and the Houston Association of Black Journalists. She also belongs to the Houston Chapter of the Links, Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority and the American Leadership Forum. She is also a member of the Texas Lone Star Chapter of Emmys and Women in Film and Television. Lawson has also been honored as the YWCA’s “Outstanding Women of the Year,” a “Women of Distinction” by the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation and the Ben and Julie Rogers Ecumenism Award from the Anti-Defamation League. She received her undergraduate degree in Politics from Princeton University and a joint degree in Law and Journalism from Columbia University. She worked at a Wall Street law firm for three years before returning to Houston. She is admitted to both the Texas and New York State Bars.
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ward-winning journalist Melanie Lawson is a proud Houstonian and a product of Houston schools.
Journalism has always been in Lawson’s blood. She started first as a full-time general assignments reporter at Channel 13, then went on to become the co-anchor of Live at 5 and Channel 13’s midday show, Eyewitness News at 11am. Lawson also hosts a weekly Community Affairs program called “Crossroads,” focusing on issues and events around our city. Lawson has had a varied and exhilarating stint at Channel 13. She has covered virtually every city, state and national election during her career. She has traveled to Cuba, Panama and Africa, among other places. She’s won numerous awards for her reporting, including an Emmy for her 58
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coverage of President Clinton’s visit to South Africa, the only local reporter in the nation to make that trip. And Lawson has interviewed a wide range of notables, including three U.S. Presidents, Henry Kissinger, the Dalai Lama, poet Maya Angelou, Grammy Award winners Destiny’s Child, former heavyweight champion boxer George Foreman, director Spike Lee, legendary journalist Barbara Walters, evangelists Joel and Victoria Osteen, Hall of Famer Magic Johnson and actors Lily Tomlin, Shirley McLaine and Denzel Washington. But Lawson’s favorite stories are those about Houston’s rich, multi-ethnic community - especially stories about children and those quietly working to make a difference in their lives. Lawson’s involvement in the Houston
Last, but certainly not least, she is a proud member of the church founded by her parents, Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Melanie Lawson News Anchor ABC 13/KTRK-TV
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Kim Padgett President, The Padgett Group
T. Berry Brazelton Foundation, Interfaith Ministries, Galleria Chamber of Commerce, Houston Achievement Place and others. Her fundraising efforts have benefited AIDS Foundation Houston, March of Dimes, Recipe for Success and more. She was one of the founding families of Veritas Christian Academy, a private school in Bellaire. Professionally, Padgett serves as the president of The Padgett Group, a strategic marketing and public relations consulting firm she founded 18 years ago in Houston. The Padgett Group serves a diverse clientele in the technology, luxury, retail, restaurant, hospitality, energy, banking & finance, legal and real estate industries.
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hen Kim Padgett isn’t managing her public relations firm, The Padgett Group, this media maven can be found supporting charities throughout Houston. Padgett has spent the last 25 years combining her passion for public relations and charity work. She believes that no matter what you give, whether it’s time, treasure or talent, it’s important to give back. She is an active community volunteer and animal advocate born and raised in Houston. She currently serves on the Chairman’s Council for Escape Family Resource Center after serving on the board for more than 16 years. She recently chaired the Annual Celebrity Serve benefit for the organization. She has served on the board of the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau and is serving on the advisory board for the Rice 60
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Recognized by numerous organizations, Padgett has been named a Public Relations Society of America “Media Relations Professional of the Year”, HTexas Magazine’s “Most Beautiful”, honoree for Citizens for Animal Protection, honoree for the International Mother’s Day Soiree, Culturemap’s Most Eligible, Culturemap’s StyleFile, Pet Talk Magazine’s Media Hound, and serves as a judge each year for the Houston Medical Society Journalism awards as well as the Rice University Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship. Business Plan Competition. Padgett has served on the boards of the Partnership for Baylor College of Medicine, She received her Bachelor of Arts in Goodwill Industries, Houston Achievement Journalism and Foreign Studies and Master of Arts in International Journalism from Place, and Joyful Toyful Fiesta. Baylor University. She also attended college She is a founding board member for the in Aix-en-Provence, France and London. Evelyn’s Park Conservancy and served over She is a member of Kappa Delta Sorority eight years on the City of Bellaire Parks and Kappa Alpha Fraternity Southern Belle. and Recreation Advisory Board. Padgett is a lifetime member of the Houston Livestock Padgett is the mother of two sons, Tommy and Show and Rodeo and has served on the Charlie. In her downtime, she travels around Armed Forces Appreciation Committee and the world with her sons and friends, or relaxes currently serves on the PR committee for with her two fur babies, Brando and Cassidy. HLSR Wine Committee. She also served on the City of Houston Mayor’s Committee on Water Conservation and Human Trafficking and chaired the Light the Night Blue Consulate event at the Houston Galleria. She chaired benefits for Citizens for Animal Protection, Holly Rose Ribbon Foundation,
Kim Padgett President The Padgett Group PO Box 20473 Houston, Texas 77225 713.588.4130 info@thepadgettgroup.com www.ThePadgettGroup.com
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Lisa Trapani Shumate, MBA Associate Vice President and General Manager, Houston Public Media
Through her collaborative partnerships with federal, state and local agencies, peer affiliate organizations and the corporate sector, Houston Public Media has become a national public safety leader supporting first responders on a national scale with vital communications assets through innovative life-saving datacasting technology. Appointed to the national PBS Board of Directors in 2015, she currently serves as Vice Chair. She is also a member of the PBS Foundation Board and serves on its Endowment Fund Committee. In addition, she is a member of the Executive Women’s Partnership affiliate of the Greater Houston Partnership, and is the Chair of the Public Television Major Market Group Board of Directors.
Lisa Trapani Shumate, MBA Associate Vice President and General Manager Houston Public Media 4343 Elgin St. Houston, Texas 77204 832.842.5867 | lshumate@houstonpublicmedia.org
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ssociate Vice President, University of Houston System & General Manager, Houston Public Media
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www.houstonpublicmedia.org
A proven media executive with a track record encompassing more than 20 years of top 7 market-leading performance, her experience spans all aspects of multi-media leadership vision, including surpassing sales and capital funding projections on a year-over-year basis, building key alliances, developing new revenue streams of support, as well as increasing target audience growth and digital She earned a Master of Business metrics performance of effective content Administration degree from the University management across all media platforms. of Houston-Bauer College of Business, Her business strengths are knowledge of graduating cum laude, and participated efficiencies surrounding mergers and effective in an International Business Residency in change management methodology, execution China. She also holds a Bachelor of Science and actionable metrics. Prior to joining the Arts degree in Communications from Loyola University, she held successive roles of University, New Orleans, Louisiana.
Lisa Trapani Shumate was appointed Associate Vice President (UH System) & General Manager, Houston Public Media (HPM) in 2011, with dual roles of responsibility including serving as Executive Director of the Houston Public Media Foundation. Lisa is responsible for raising funds for and managing an operational budget of $23 million, as well as strategically positioning the following top-ranked nationally renowned media assets: TV 8, the first educational television station, KUHF News 88.7, the largest news radio audience in Texas, and executive leadership at KHOU-TV (TEGNA), 88.7 HD-2, a high definition radio devoted BELO Corporation (TEGNA) and KTRK-TV (Disney/ABC) in both Houston and Dallas. to classical programming. 62
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Honored with the 2018 Award for Public Service by the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, she is a longtime ambassador and community advocate and has been honored as the recipient of national and regional awards for community service, including a recipient of the Media Alliance of Houston Star Award TV Market Manager (2017-2019), America’s Public Television Stations Pillar of Broadcasting Award (2017), Secured Cities Innovation Award (2015), American Marketing Association’s Crystal Award (2014, 2016), Lone Star Regional Emmy (2010), Leadership Houston Community Award (2009), Lone Star Emmy Public Affairs (2002) and the American Women in Radio and Television Gracie Award (1998).
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Vanessa E. Wyche Deputy Director, NASA Johnson Space Center
Inclusion (I&I) at JSC, Wyche has served as a member of JSC’s I&I Council and co-executive sponsor of “Emerge,” an employee resource group for early career employees. She advocates mentoring and is a passionate promoter of science, technology, engineer and math (STEM). Wyche serves on multiple boards, including vice chair of Space Center Houston, and advisory board member of Houston Exponential, SpaceCom and the NASA College Scholarship Foundation. She has received numerous honors from NASA, notably, two Outstanding Leadership Medals, two Achievement Medals and is a 2014 Women at NASA awardee. She has been recognized externally as a national “2016 Women Worth Watching” honoree by Profiles in Diversity Journal, a 2017 “Inspiring Woman from South Carolina” by Coastal Carolina University and was inducted into the Thomas Green Clemson Academy of Engineers and Scientists at Clemson University in 2019.
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anessa E. Wyche is deputy director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center (JSC), an organization of nearly 10,000 civil service and contractor employees in Houston and White Sands Test Facility in Las Cruces, New Mexico. She assists with leadership of a broad range of human spaceflight activities, including NASA’s astronauts, Mission Control, development and operation of human spacecraft in lowEarth orbit and plans for human missions to the Moon and Mars.
Wyche previously served as acting deputy director of JSC from September 2017 to February 2018. A native of South Carolina, Wyche earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering and Master of Science in Bioengineering from Clemson University. Before joining JSC in 1989, she worked for the Food and Drug Administration in Washington D.C. Throughout the span of her career with NASA, she has held several other distinguished leadership positions including: assistant director of JSC, flight manager of several missions of the retired Space Shuttle Program, executive officer in the Office of the NASA Administrator and led center-level technical and program organizations.
Prior to her position as deputy director, Wyche served as the director of the Exploration Integration and Science Directorate at JSC where she provided executive guidance and direction of a multidisciplined organization to enable human and robotic exploration of deep space. A strong supporter of Innovation and 64
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Vanessa E. Wyche Deputy Director NASA Johnson Space Center 2101 NASA Parkway Houston, Texas 77058 281.483.5000 www.nasa.gov Twitter: @V_Wyche
Final HEB Diversity Red ads.qxp
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At H-E-B, each and every Partner is responsible for upholding our commitment to diversity. Our daily actions value both the differences and similarities that make our Customers, Communities and Partners so unique.
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Leanne Dobard Alvarez
President and CEO, The UPS Store at Shadow Creek - Pearland Theatre Guild founding board member 10 years. Alvarez has served previously on the Pearland Chamber of Commerce Board- 2 years, Northern Brazoria County Education Alliance - 1 year and SCR Village of Emerald Bay HOA Board - 5 years / President - 3 years. Alvarez is a Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Mu Kappa Omega Chapter, Missouri City. She has served as Treasurer and has been a presenter at the Mu Kappa Omega Leadership Retreat. Alvarez is a Life Member of the Pearland Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni Association. Houston Minority Supplier Diversity Council recognized Alvarez as a “Harvey Hero” during the 2018 HMSDC conference. This honor was extended for her assistance to HMSDC after hurricane Harvey. Also, after Harvey, she coordinated a 3000box donation on behalf of The UPS Store and Schwarz Corrugate to displaced Houstonians housed at the NRG arena. Alvarez is a member of Julia F. Thompson, Inc. (JFT), a non-profit organization which provides scholarships to Houston high school students to supplement their higher education endeavors. In 2018, Alvarez, in partnership with JFT, hosted a private event at her home to introduce the organization “Jazz Houston” to the Fort Bend area. Wynton Marsalis was the guest of honor.
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eanne Dobard Alvarez is President and CEO of Leading Edge Enterprises, LLC, doing business as The UPS Store at Shadow Creek Ranch in Pearland, Texas. LA Holdings, LLC is her real estate ventures business located in both New Orleans and Houston. Her businesses have been operational for over 13 years. Alvarez is currently President of The UPS Store Houston Area Advertising Co-Op developing marketing and advertising strategies for the Houston Metropolitan 68
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Area The UPS Stores. Alvarez has been recognized as a Silver level store for the past 5 years, as well as top performer in several profit center categories. Prior to her business ventures, Alvarez was a sales and marketing professional with AnheuserBusch and Cardinal Health amongst other organizations. Her community involvement includes, Shadow Creek Ranch (SCR) Commercial Owners Association current Board President - 3 years, SCR Master Association current Vice President - 3 years and Pearland
A native New Orleanian and the fifth of seven children, Alvarez graduated from Southern University at New Orleans with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. She and husband of 34 years, Michael, reside in Missouri City. They have one son, Evan, and a future daughter-in-law, Madeline Peña.
Leanne Dobard Alvarez President and CEO The UPS Store at Shadow Creek - Pearland 11601 Shadow Creek Parkway, Suite 111 Pearland, Texas 77584 713.436.1090 Store5857@theUPSstore.com
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Tracey L. Anthony
VP and Chief Compliance Officer, Crane Worldwide Logistics As Vice President & Chief Compliance Officer at Crane Worldwide Logistics, Anthony oversees global compliance issues for over 120 offices in 30 countries around the world-ensuring regulatory adherence, and consulting on industry best practices, efficiency and risk management. With the full support of executive management and under the leadership of Anthony, Crane Worldwide Logistics has developed a best-in-class trade compliance program among transportation and logistics service providers and continues to be a valuable resource to the international trade and compliance industry for both the internal and external customers. In line with Crane Worldwide, Anthony believes it is important to be responsible corporate citizens and positively impact global sustainability. They do so through the Crane Cares Initiative, which is composed of three specific branches through which they actively and continually demonstrate their commitment to the environment (Green Worldwide), the communities in which they live and work (Give Worldwide) and the health, wellness and safety of their employees and their families (Live Well Worldwide.) In 2014, Crane Cares started a yearlong focus to support children, Crane Cares...About Children. Anthony is also an active volunteer at Star of Hope Mission in Houston. In 2016, Anthony received the Trail Blazer award by the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber for being a trailblazer in her industry and demonstrating trailblazing leadership in her career, thus opening doors for the current and next generation of women.
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ith more than two decades of experience in Global Trade Compliance, Tracey Anthony is an industry expert dedicated to helping clients meet the rules, restrictions and protocol of international shipping. Anthony is a strategic operational executive with 70
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extensive trade compliance management experience and expertise in anti-corruption and anti-trust. She is a certified import specialist, and member of the Import Export Institute as a Certified Compliance OfficerEmpowered Official and a recognized speaker at collegiate and industry venues.
Tracey L. Anthony VP and Chief Compliance Officer Crane Worldwide Logistics 1500 Rankin Road Houston, Texas 77073 281.443.2777 Tracey.anthony@craneww.com www.craneww.com
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PROGRAM & PROJECT MANAGEMENT I COMMISSIONING CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION I FACILITY ASSESSMENT I SUSTAINABILITY At Rice & Gardner Consultants, Inc. our success is your success. We act as an extension of our clients by offering comprehensive, custom design and construction support services from concept to closeout.
6161 Savoy Drive, Suite 1212, Houston, TX 77036 I 713.482.2300 I www.ricegardner.com Top 30 Influential Women of Houston 2019
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Colleen D. Banks
Financial Professional, Wealth Development Strategies, LLC objectives and then implement strategies to maximize their financial potential. Banks has a Bachelor of Science degree in General Business from the University of Houston and holds FINRA Series 6 and 63 securities licenses and the Group 1 Life and Health and Variable insurance license in CA, DC, GA, IL, IN, LA, NY, PA, TX, VA. Banks has served the community by volunteering with various organizations including Women’s Resource Center as an instructor in the “Money Matters” workshop, Optimum Lifestyle and Extreme Green Youth Works promoting “Green Gardening” in the community, Houston Area Urban League Young Professionals educating young adults on the importance of financial planning and is an active volunteer for CSTEM – “Everyone is an Artist and an Engineer.” Banks is an Iron Woman with This Woman’s Work Stepping Into Strength Mentoring Program. She has participated on panels with various organizations and churches to educate the community on why financial management is necessary for business owners and families to prioritize their finances. Banks, along with other female advisors in the firm, hosted a radio talk show, “Let’s Talk Money.” Banks is a loyal volunteer with the girl’s group at her church, which combines fun in a Christian environment where the girls can discuss issues that relate to them and organizes projects that help the community. She is on the Board of Directors for the Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce and is also an active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
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olleen Banks has been a financial professional with Wealth Development Strategies LLC for 12 years after getting her start serving the financial service needs of the Lutheran community through Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. As a financial professional, 72
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Banks helps her team with achieving financial independence of their clients by incorporating cash management, risk management, college funding, retirement strategies, investments and estate preservation. Banks focuses on helping professionals, entrepreneurs and families identify their financial goals and
Colleen D. Banks Financial Professional Wealth Development Strategies, LLC 4203 Montrose Blvd. 5th Floor Houston, Texas 77006 713.561.8132 www.wealthdevelopmentstrategies.com colleen_banks@wealthdevelopmentstrategies.com
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Juliet Breeze, MD CEO and Founder, Next Level Urgent Care
and serves on the Entrepreneurship Advisory Committee. She is also an active member of the Board of Fort Bend Women’s Center. She has been honored to receive recent awards including regional finalist in the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2017 and 2018. Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce Woman Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017 and the President’s award in 2019. This year she has also been named a finalist in the HBJ “Most Admired CEO” Awards. Next Level Urgent Care has received the distinction of being named a “Best Place to Work” from the Houston Business Journal in 2016 and 2018 and a Top Work Place by the Houston Chronicle in 2018. Next Level has also been named the Reader’s Choice for Best Urgent Care by Living Magazine for the past four years in a row and has received similar Reader’s choice recognitions from The Katy Times and the Fort Bend Star.
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uliet Breeze, MD, a healthcare entrepreneur, is the CEO and Founder of Next Level Urgent Care and the Vice President of Vantage Hospice. Dr. Breeze has developed multiple medical organizations including a comprehensive orthopedics practice, a rehabilitation hospital and several surgical centers as well as her two current ventures. She has a deep interest in Healthcare IT and has created proprietary electronic medical records content for all her organizations.
Dr. Breeze graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Arts with honors in English. She earned her medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine and completed residency in Family Practice. She and her husband are proud parents to four wonderful children, two dogs and a Bank, Vista Bank, the Fort Bend Chamber cat. She enjoys travel with her family and of Commerce, the Better Business Bureau, hiking in her free time. IGNITE and the Greater Houston Women’s Juliet Breeze, MD Chamber of Commerce where she chairs CEO and Founder LAUNCH, a program supporting women- Next Level Urgent Care led businesses. She also serves on the 5718 Westheimer Rd Suite 1800 Houston, Texas 77057 Board of Directors for Blockit and is an jbreeze@nlucc.com advisory board member for Checkins, both nextlevelurgentcare.com healthcare tech start-ups.
Dr. Breeze is deeply involved in philanthropy with a special focus on charities serving the needs of women and children. She currently serves on the Board of Directors During her career, Dr. Breeze has also and Executive Committee for Junior furthered the business of others by serving Achievement of Southeast Texas. She on the Board of Directors for Founders teaches entrepreneurship to high schoolers 74
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Michelle Bythewood President, Salata Salad Kitchen
Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers and brand vice president of marketing for Schlotzsky’s/ Cinnabon Express (FOCUS Brands). Additionally, Bythewood was the founder and principal of Field Marketing Focus, a marketing consulting firm that leads overall strategy development while helping to build partnerships within communities. Beyond her work with Salata, Bythewood sits on the Board of Directors for DHLC Now, a 501(c)3 that provides home repair services to families of military and first responders. She is a member of the American Marketing Association (AMA) and was selected as one of 25 leaders in the Dallas-Fort Worth AMA 2016 and 2017 mentor programs. She is also a member of the Women’s Foodservice Forum and the National Association of Professional Women.
Michelle Bythewood President Salata Salad Kitchen 16720 Park Row Dr. Houston, Texas 77084 mbythewood@salata.com 844.725.2821 Salata.com
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ouston native Michelle Bythewood is president of Salata Salad Kitchen. As president, Bythewood is responsible for management of operations and logistics and creating, communicating and implementing the organization’s vision, mission and overall direction. With Salata’s strategic growth initiative focused on franchise sales and restaurant openings, Bythewood works closely with Salata’s franchise sales team to determine opportunities for expansion into new and existing markets.
led brand management and strategy, national and field marketing, media, digital strategy, marketing technology and product innovation. Her achievements as CMO include building an entire marketing team from the ground up, organizing and leading Salata’s inaugural brand conference, leading an extensive restaurant redesign process and spearheading a number of initiatives related to Salata’s brand that will be unveiled in 2019. Before coming on board as CMO, Bythewood served as a consultant for Salata in 2016 and 2017.
Previously, she was Salata’s chief Prior to joining Houston-based Salata, she marketing officer from August 2017 served as vice president of brand marketing to January 2019. As CMO, Bythewood for Cicis, director of field marketing for 76
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Dr. Courtney Jacocks Chance Co-owner/General Dentist, Oaks Point Pediatric Dentistry
supportive and compassionate care for those suffering from difficult diseases such as HIV/AIDS. In addition to Dr. Chance’s dedication to dentistry, she is an energetic and passionate yogi/yoga instructor eagerly seeking to encourage and strengthen others through the practice of yoga which is a guided practice to grow the physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual aspect of one’s well-being through a state of flow and self-ability. Receiving her RYT 200hr certification in 2017, she loves to immerse her knowledge of yoga with dentistry to alleviate dental anxiety among her patients through breathing and meditation techniques, as well as, facial massages and aromatherapy. She teaches yoga throughout the city and uses yoga as a means to give back to the community through charitable organization events. Dr. Chance lives by the personal motto “Dentistry is my Ministry; Yoga is my Passion.” It is her mission to improve the inner smile and the outer smile of each person she encounters within her respective career fields. She enjoys broadening people’s perspective in regards to oral health and yoga and feels even if a person elects not to apply the information given, she at least provided the knowledge to make a difference.
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r. Courtney Jacocks Chance is a committed general dentist within the Houston metropolitan area. She is coowner of Oaks Point Pediatric Dentistry in the Garden Oaks/Oak Forest community with her husband, a board certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Christopher W. Chance. She is a Cum Laude graduate of Howard University, received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Meharry Medical College and 78
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completed her General Practice Residency training at the University of Kentucky. From a young age, she unequivocally knew she desired to serve others through dentistry. Her goal was to help impact the public by providing knowledge and understanding of the importance of excellent oral health and its correlation and impact on one’s general health. She also strived to become an advocate for those struggling with dental anxiety and sought to provide gracious,
In her spare time, Dr. Chance enjoys traveling and spending quality time with her family and friends. She volunteers with Dream Catchers Stables, Inc., a non-profit organization serving to enhance the independence and improve the self-esteem of individuals with special needs and their care givers through the use of horse therapy. She is also a proud member of service organizations Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and The Links, Inc. (Missouri City Chapter). Dr. Courtney Jacocks Chance Co-owner/General Dentist Oaks Point Pediatric Dentistry 1737 W. 34th St. Houston, Texas 77018
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Jane E. Cheeks, IPMA-SCP Director, City of Houston
staffed with top talent. With the aid of her massive staff, she is able to oversee the delivery of essential City services including: Staffing, Health Benefits Administration, Employee Safety, Training & Professional Development, Regulatory Compliance, Information Security and Compensation. Each year, under Cheeks’ purview, nearly 120 graduates successfully complete the City’s Leadership Institute Program and the City’s Accreditation Program for Supervisors, respectively. Her insight and leadership style render her highly sought out to mentor Senior-Level HR professionals across the City. Most notable, among her recent works within the City, Cheeks led negotiation efforts with the HOPE Labor Union, which resulted in a pay increases for city employees. Prior to her leadership within the City of Houston, Cheeks served as the Director of Security for SETEC Protection Service LP, a subsidiary of HINES. In this role, she led the administration and maintenance of policies to ensure the physical safety of all organizational assets. At her core, Cheeks is a servant leader who simply believes in hard work and unwavering integrity in a political environment. She attributes her success to the dedication of her staff and her commitment to serve the residents of Houston.
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ane E. Cheeks is a tenured HR management professional with diversified leadership successes in both public and corporate sectors. Cheeks holds a solid reputation for executing large-scale HR consolidation strategies and maintaining oversight of multi-million-dollar budgets. Cheeks is a Jackson State University alumna, who holds 80
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a distinguished designation as a member of the International Public Management Association - HR. Cheeks currently lends nearly 20 years of municipal expertise to her role as the Director of Human Resources for the City of Houston. Under her leadership are nine chief divisions and 270+ HR professionals who ensure the City of Houston is adequately
Jane E. Cheeks, IPMA-SCP HR Director City of Houston 611 Walker Houston, Texas 77002 832.393.6043 jane.cheeks@houstontx.gov
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Connie L. Cochran
Assistant Vice President of Alumni Relations & Special Events, Texas Southern University alumni to the University through involvement and financial support. She also mentors students and serves as an advisor to student organizations, including the Pre Alumni Association and Collegiate 100. Cochran graduated Cum Laude from Texas Southern University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism. She was very involved in campus life, serving as a member and captain of the Lady Tigers Tennis Team and named to the Southwestern Athletic Conference All-Academic Team. She was initiated into Gamma Psi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. at Texas Southern University. She holds a Master of Science degree from Chicago State University.
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onnie L. Cochran serves as Assistant Vice President of Alumni Relations & Special Events at Texas Southern University, carrying more than 29 years of experience in her field. Cochran moved to Houston from Chicago, Illinois where she previously served as Executive Director of Alumni Relations & Special Events at the largest College of Medicine in the country – the University of Illinois – Chicago. At Texas Southern, Cochran is responsible
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Cochran was named Alumni Director of the Year by the Black College Hall of Fame and received an HBCU Leadership Award. She has been the keynote speaker for several events and conferences. She is a member of St. James Episcopal Church. She is currently a Life Member of the Texas Southern University Alumni Association. She is a Life Member, Silver Star and National Editor for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Regional Editor for Jack & Jill of America, Inc. and a member of the Links, Inc. She is a liaison on a national HBCU Task Force and works to bring more awareness to the human trafficking issue. She is a member of numerous boards and was a featured guest on the Oprah Winfrey Show entitled “Career Women Who Do It All.” Cochran was Chairman of the 2016 Debutante Ball for the Houston Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, Inc. She has been for creating and implementing activities a member of the Houston Livestock and and events designed to support alumni Rodeo PR Committee for many years. relations programs and alumni giving at the University. In this role, she has helped She is the proud mother of two sons, Tucker to increase alumni involvement as well as and Tate, who both attend Morehouse alumni giving. She oversees outreach and College in Atlanta. communication to graduates and former students of Texas Southern University and works closely with the TSU National Alumni Association to increase membership and provide enhanced customer service. Her goals are to engage, educate and reconnect
Connie L. Cochran Assistant Vice President of Alumni Relations & Special Events Texas Southern University 3100 Cleburne, HH 210 Houston, Texas 77030 713.313.7606
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Audrey Marie Cosby First Lady, Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church
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udrey Marie Cosby, committed to the care and nurture of family and the faithful, is a proud native of Chicago, Illinois who studied nursing at Hampton University. While in Virginia she began care for homebound persons in the home health care field. She now ensures that the same care she provided for others in Virginia is given in service at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church where her husband and high school sweetheart, Dr. Marcus D. Cosby, serves as pastor. At Wheeler Avenue she has mentored young girls in the Girls Rites of Passage Program, provided leadership to various service ministries, expanded the church’s outreach to the homeless community and served as Middle School Ministry Coordinator. She is likewise a member of the Board of the Central City Comprehensive Community Center (5 C’s), a non-profit organization committed to the promotion of social services in the Third Ward community. Aside from her service to Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, Cosby is quite active in civic affairs as well. She is a member of Jack and Jill of America, The Links, Incorporated. She has served as a Harris County Election Clerk and on the Citizen Review Team of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. She was recently elected to the Board of Directors of Target Hunger and the Imani School Parent Association Executive Board. She is the proud mother of five children, Adrienne Marie, Ashley Marie, Aliyah Marie, Marcus D, II and Matthew D. Cosby. Audrey Marie Cosby First Lady Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church 3826 Wheeler Avenue Houston, Texas 77004
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Rachel Andress Davis, PharmD, RPh Pharmacist/Community Advocate, OptumRx
awareness and funding for local nonprofit organizations that focus on impacting literacy efforts, supporting college scholarships and health and wellness. She has served on the host committees of Smahrt Girl Foundation’s Brunch and Ball Gowns 2015 & 2017, Texas Southern University’s Inaugural Maroon & Gray Affair 2017, The Inaugural Dance Lab Initiatives Houston Urban Nutcracker 2018 and as chairperson of Nicole’s Garden Inaugural Mad Hatter’s Luncheon 2019. Dr. Davis is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc by way of the Xi Alpha Omega Chapter where she has served as a financial member for 21 consecutive years. She has served on the Executive Board in assorted capacities and committee chairperson on local, cluster and regional levels. In the summer of 2018, Houston was the home of over 30,000 members during its 68th National Convention where Dr. Davis served as chairperson for Experience Houston: Celebrating the Pink on Discovery Green which hosted over 10,000 members of the organization.
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achel Andres s Davis, PharmD, RPh is a licensed pharmacist currently practicing in the Pharmacy Benefit Management sector at OptumRx, a division of United Health Group. Additionally, she manages the pharmacy practice at Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast, where she oversees pharmacy compliance within their seven local clinics. During her 17 years of pharmacy practice, she has remained committed to the improvement of health, wellness and the quality of life of others both inside and outside of the pharmacy. 88
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Dr. Davis is happily married to Vice Mayor Pro Tem Houston City Council Member, Jerry Davis. Together they have chartered new territory in District B and throughout the City of Houston through numerous community endeavors, including but not limited to, Making It Better, a 501c3 organization focusing on literacy and leadership skills which currently serves over 1,500 students in under-resourced areas of Houston.
Dr. Davis earned a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science degree from Texas A&M University ’95. She successfully completed the Doctoral Program in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at Texas Southern University where she earned a Doctorate of Most importantly, they are parents to one Pharmacy. During her pharmacy career, son, Dean, and twin daughters, Rylie and she has demonstrated her versatility in Ryan, who give meaning, inspiration and the numerous positions she’s held in purpose to their lives daily. Pharmacy Practice, as well as Human Rachel Andress Davis, PharmD, RPh Resources as an Executive Pharmacist Pharmacist/Community Advocate Recruiter for a national retail company OptumRx for the Southeast Region of the country. 8412 Katy Freeway, Suite 330 Dr. Davis has a passion for raising
Houston, Texas 77024 713.436.2516
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Leona E. Filis Owner, The Filis Law Firm, P.C.
realized that the niche of a Special Needs Attorney was not being filled and that many parents were overwhelmed and uninformed regarding their medical and legal rights. Her primary focus is to help guide and educate parents and families of children with special needs. Filis and her staff provide free presentations to parent groups with information about Interest Lists for Medicaid Waiver Programs, SSI, local services and programs, Estate Planning, Supplemental Needs Trusts, Wills, Power of Attorney and Medical Power of Attorney documents, Supportive Decision-Making Agreements, 529A accounts, transitioning into adulthood, Guardianship cases, and lesser restrictive alternatives. In addition to the monthly e-newsletters to her clients, Filis has a publication – “8 Steps to Consider When Raising a Child with Special Needs” and an article “Utilizing Section 504, IDEA, and Special Education” in The Houston Lawyer, January/February 2018. Her article was included in a compilation that won the 2017-2018 State Bar of Texas, Substantive Law Series of Articles Award for Special Needs Law & Advocacy.
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eona Filis, owner of The Filis Law Firm, P.C., in Houston, is an attorney who focuses her time and energy on helping families with children with special needs. Filis has built her practice by being a partner and a resource to parents, helping them navigate through tough decisions regarding their child’s care. Filis grew up in a Greek family, spending much of her youth in the family-owned 90
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Filis is active in her community with her volunteer work and donations of pro bono legal services and funding of special projects. Her interests include charities that share her passion to help individuals with disabilities. She is on the Advisory Board of the Houston nonprofit S.A.F.E. Diversity Communities. Recently, Filis was honored to be the 2019 Chair for the 5th Annual Blue Carpet Scholarship Awards restaurants. After graduating from the Gala for S.A.F.E. Diversity Communities. University of Texas, she attended South Texas College of Law in Houston. When she passed the State Bar in 2002, Filis Leona E. Filis founded The Filis Law Firm, PC, as a Founder/ Managing Attorney general civil practice. Later, being that Filis Law Firm she lived in Houston, Texas, she began 5600 NW Central Drive, Suite 202 Houston, Texas 77092 working in oil and gas law. Her personal 713.462.1777 life changed in 2010 when she received leona@filislaw.com the diagnosis that her son, Jonathan, was www.filislaw.com on the Autism Spectrum. Since then, Filis
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Michelle Garrison Chief Financial Officer, GetixHealth, LLC
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ichelle Garrison is the Chief Financial Officer of GetixHealth, LLC, a privately held multi-million-dollar Revenue Cycle Management Services Company. Garrison joined the GetixHealth team in 2015 and is currently responsible for managing all financial aspects of the company in joint with the CEO. With her guided leadership her team ensures that GetixHealth has the proper financial controls, reporting procedures, talent and systems required for financial strength and overall operating efficiency. Garrison is a native of Atlanta, GA where she lived most of her life. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Georgia Institute of Technology, where she was a member of the National Association of Black Engineers and the National Society of Women Engineers. She went on to receive a Master of Accounting and Financial Management from Keller Graduate School of Management, in Atlanta, GA. Garrison founded, owned and operated a commercial 92
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construction company from 1999 - 2011. Before moving to the Houston Metro Area, Garrison broke a 43-year-old barrier in 1997 by becoming the very first black female electrical engineer to be hired by one of the largest electrical construction companies in the southeast area. From 2012 – 2015 Garrison operated as the Senior Director for The Strategic CFO, where she served as a CFO Consultant to many mid-market businesses in the Houston Area. She provided her unparalleled knowledge to various industries including rig manufacturing, logistics, retail and commercial construction to name a few. Garrison has a proven track record for strategically aligning her expertise in management, finance and business to successfully mold and orchestrate companies for their upward mobility within their respective industries. Garrison is an influencer and advocate of success in all aspects of life, and it exudes not only in her professional accolades, but also in her personal life as well. She has a
rich love for culture and family. She is married and has a beautifully blended family of two sons and two daughters. She fosters a spirit for community service and is cofounder of a life skills group name C.R.E.W. (Christian’s Ready Equipped and Willing), a group of high school student athletes that benefit from Christian based teachings and community service and prepares them for the transition from high school to college. Garrison and her family were struck with a challenge, when her youngest son was diagnosed with a right coronary anomaly, a life-threatening heart condition. He underwent open heart surgery in December of 2014, and Garrison was able to see him work through many hurdles and challenges as he returned to full activity. Supporting her son through such a trying time lit a fire within Garrison. She knew that many families didn’t have the capacity or finances to withstand such a hardship. Jointly with Texas Children’s Hospital, she is actively spearheading The Coronary Anomaly Foundation (NonProfit). This foundation will not only provide knowledge for families that are affected, but will also supply resources and various avenues of support to help them through the difficulties that go along with caring for a sick child. Garrison knows the importance of giving back, and her faith is what strengthens and motivates her to persevere no matter the circumstances. Her favorite bible verse is Philippians 4:8. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things!”
Michelle Garrison Chief Financial Officer GetixHealth, LLC 14141 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, Texas 77478 713.414.5372 www.getixhealth.com
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Dr. Melissa N. Gonzalez President, Houston Community College - Southeast
TEA Region VI program targeting single mothers in the Rio Grande Valley. Her passion for helping others fulfill their dreams and change their lives became a personal journey and mission. While a professor, Dr. Gonzalez pursued basic and applied research in the areas of cross-cultural management, management education, maquiladoras in Mexico and Hispanic career paths. Her articles have been accepted for presentation and/or publication at over thirty regional, national and international conferences. She has presented in hundreds of academic and community events in the subject of international business management, higher education, women’s career paths and topics related to the Hispanic community.
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r. Melissa N. Gonzalez is President of Houston Community CollegeSoutheast. Dr. Gonzalez holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration, an MBA and doctorate in international business management from the University of Texas-Pan American. She was formerly the Chief of Staff for Houston Community College Chancellor, Dr. Cesar Maldonado. Prior to her position at HCC, Dr. Gonzalez was Vice Chancellor of Workforce and Economic Development at Lone Star College in Houston, Texas. She began her higher education career 94
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In the community, Dr. Gonzalez has served on the Board of Directors of the Texas Association of Women in Higher Education, Near Northwest Management District, Montgomery County Hispanic Chamber, Neighborhood Centers Leadership Committee, Gulf Coast Planned Parenthood, AAMA, and FIRST Robotics of Houston. Currently, she serves on Advisory Boards for AVANCE, Eastside University and East End Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Gonzalez has received numerous honors and recognitions for her service in education, some recent accomplishments include 2017 Houston as an Associate Professor of Management 50 Most Influential Women of 2017, at the University of Houston-Clear Lake Houston Women Magazine, 2017 Honoree and was also an adjunct professor at the for Education, Solo Mujeres and 2016 University of Houston- Downtown. Women of Now Inductee. As a child growing up in Alamo, Texas, in Dr. Gonzalez is married to Edward, and the Rio Grande Valley, Dr. Gonzalez faced together they have four beautiful daughters, a cycle of poverty too often encountered Ashley, Amanda, Natalie and Erika. by Hispanic females. The cycle was broken, however, by her parents’ decision to invest Dr. Melissa N. Gonzalez in her education. After graduating from President Houston Community College-Southeast P.S.J.A. High School, she found herself 6815 Rustic on the path to success. Houston, Texas 77087 While in graduate school, she began her teaching career as a GED instructor for a
713.718.7071 melissa.gonzalez@hccs.edu www.hccs.edu
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Mia Gradney
Evening News Anchor, KHOU 11 News the scenes as a writer and production assistant. She made the transition to onair talent with career stops in Victoria and Beaumont before returning to her hometown of Houston to anchor, report and produce special programming and news. Gradney is a proud alumna of Sam Houston State University with a degree in Radio/Television/Film and a specialty track in broadcast news. In 2016, the university honored and inducted her into its Distinguished Alumni Society. She is also a past inductee into the school’s Dan Rather Hall of Fame. Other professional awards and honors include Lone Star Emmy Awards for two half-hour magazine special programs, an environmental series and special events coverage. In addition, she has received Lone Star Emmy nominations for a special medical report and a half-hour employment special.
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ative Houstonian Mia Gradney is an Emmy Award-winning talent and the 5, 6 and 10 p.m. anchor at KHOU 11 News in Houston, Texas. For two decades, Gradney has covered everything from historic hurricanes to major Hollywood red carpet events and national sports championships. She specializes in breaking news/continuous coverage and special events with interests in women empowerment/job readiness, health and wellness and sports entertainment.
Gradney’s passion for journalism is matched by her incredible generosity of spirit and commitment to community. She volunteers for a variety of organizations and special causes including female empowerment, pediatric cancer research & awareness During more celebratory times, Gradney and childhood literacy. journeyed to Los Angeles for Game 6 of Gradney is a recipient of the M.D. Anderson the 2017 World Series to report on her hometown Houston Astros’ historic quest Cancer Hospital’s Karen Harrison Service to become World Champions. She has also Award for her work with the hospital’s field-anchored, live from NRG Stadium, two education program. Houston Super Bowls: Super Bowl XXXVII Some of her other proud accomplishments and Super Bowl LI. and positions include co-founding Women
Gradney exercises her talent behind the scenes too as a producer. In honor of Dress for Success Houston’s twentieth anniversary, Gradney and a small team at KHOU 11 produced A Common Thread. The hour-long documentary special follows One of her defining career moments came three remarkably diverse women and their when she navigated Houstonians through personal journeys of hard-work, heartache, one of our nation’s most catastrophic natural happiness and healing. disasters, Hurricane Harvey, with almost 138 Prior to her work at KHOU 11 News, Gradney non-stop hours of airtime despite the flooding anchored and reported for over a decade and evacuation of KHOU 11’s building. The at Houston’s CW 39 providing reports for breaking news coverage was later recognized the local station and station group. She got with an Edward R. Murrow Award. her start in television in Houston behind 96
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of Wardrobe, Dress for Success Houston’s young professionals group. She is also a continuing education instructor for Dress for Success Houston’s client based professional women’s group and an Advisory Council member for the nonprofit organization that suits up women for success. Mia Gradney Evening News Anchor KHOU 11 5718 Westheimer Houston, Texas 77057 713.284.1021 mgradney@khou.com www.khou.com
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Addie Heyliger
Business Engagement Manager, CenterPoint Energy/Vice President, Fort Bend ISD Trustee the Fort Bend Independent School Board where she currently serves as the Vice President. When Heyliger is not serving on the school board, she can be found working with the Greater Pearland Area Chapter of the Links Incorporated by partnering with the Boys and Girls Club and facilitating the entrepreneurship program “Be the Boss” for underprivileged children. Heyliger believes that the foundation of a child’s education is their ability to read. She initiated the “Addie’s Read-A-Thon” to support one of the underperforming schools in the district where over 70 volunteers from the community and professional organizations volunteered their time Heyliger has recently won two awards for her service, the Outstanding Texan from the Texas Legislative Black Caucus and the Francis L. Williams Advocacy Award from the Houston Lawyers Association. She is a certified technology professional, having earned her undergraduate degree in Computer Science from North Carolina A&T State University and her Master’s in Business Administration from Texas Women’s University. She is a certified Project Management Professional.
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ddie Heyliger is an accomplished technology professional with over two decades interfacing with senior business executives and technical teams. She provides leadership to a technology organization in the areas of business engagement, project management and portfolio value and delivery for CenterPoint Energy. While Heyliger has excelled professionally and won many awards in her career, her true passion is service. She brings over 18 years of community service to the Houston Area.
She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., The Links Incorporated, and foster care system and promoting child Jack and Jill of America, Inc. She is an placements from foster care to adoption. active member of The Fort Bend Church. She led by example by adopting two children She serves as President of the National of her own and encouraging adoption to Congress of Black Women – Houston other families in her community working Metropolitan Chapter. with various organizations, which has led She is the proud mother of two handsome to other successful adoption placements. young men, Milton and Alex Heyliger. In addition to her advocacy regarding adoption, she also advocates for children Addie Heyliger with mental illness. Heyliger closely works Business Engagement Manager with local law enforcement and medical CenterPoint Energy professionals in order render proper Vice President Fort Bend ISD Trustee services for youth. 713.207.5241
She was able to fulfill one of her life long Most notably she was elected in 2015 and passions by advocating for children in the re-elected in 2018 as Trustee to serve on 98
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Tami Hunter
Advisor, Compliance, Global Supply Chain & Supplier Diversity Advocate - ConocoPhillips a healthy diverse supplier portfolio did not go unnoticed. Her leadership has garnered her awards such as Advocate of the Year, Helping Hand Award, and Rising Star Award from the Houston Minority Supplier Development Council, as well as the Soaring Heights Award from the Texas Business Alliance. She is also the recipient of two ConocoPhillips SPIRIT Awards for projects that she diligently worked for the collaboration of external stakeholder engagement and diverse supplier inclusion. Hunter serves on the Board of Directors for The Women’s Business Enterprise Council South. She has also been instrumental in keeping ConocoPhillips in the forefront of diverse supplier development by representing the company on the boards of The National Minority Supplier Development Council and the Southwest Minority Supplier Development Council. She assumed her current position as Compliance Advisor with the company in October 2018 where she is now responsible for the company’s U.S. supply chain compliance activities.
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ami Renata Hunter serves as Advisor of Compliance, Global Supply Chain for ConocoPhillips, the world’s largest independent exploration and production company based on production and proved reserves. Her career with ConocoPhillips began in 1988 when she joined the company as a contractor supporting the commercial trading organization. She was new to the Houston area and thought she would only invest one year with the corporation. Well, fast forward 30 years, Hunter is still employed with the company and has enjoyed an exciting multifaceted career where she has successfully served in various roles and functions including 100
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Marketing Communications Specialist, Customer Service Lead, Quality Assurance Lead, Procurement Specialist and a 15-year commitment to advancing the company’s Supplier Diversity program. That role is the one Hunter enjoyed and thrived most as it allowed her to fully immerse her talents and skills in cultivating relationships with historically underutilized business enterprises to help them engage in the company’s supply chain. Hunter managed to maintain a successful Supplier Diversity process for the company even through volatile market conditions in the oil and gas industry. Her unwavering commitment to successfully maintain
Hunter devotes her spare time and personal resources to assisting economically disadvantaged families facing hard times. She has a passion for mentoring and guiding young women and girls in overcoming life’s challenges. She has fostered many children in need. When not working in corporate offices or devoting time to families in need, Hunter can be found at home engaging in DIY projects and indulging in her passion for restoring and decorating old homes. Tami R. Hunter Advisor, Compliance Global Supply Chain & Supplier Diversity Advocate ConocoPhillips 925 N. Eldridge Pkwy Houston, Texas 77079 832.486.2202 Tami.r.hunter@conocophillips.com
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Kelly Irving, MSN, RN
Associate Director Patient Care Services/Chief Nurse Executive, Michael E. DeBakey VAMC Irving started her nursing career at West Jefferson Medical Center in New Orleans as a registered nurse on a busy Ortho/ Neurology unit and advanced to clinical coordinator. She later became the clinical manager and consulting board certified wound and ostomy nurse for a Diabetes, Endocrine/Wound Care Center sharing her expertise in wound care. Irving has been with the Department of Veterans Affairs since March 2005 and has worked at three VA medical centers including Michael E. DeBakey VAMC in Houston where she started as a Nurse Manager in 2006 and has served as an Associate Chief Nurse of Operations and the Deputy Associate Director for Patient Care Services. She was appointed to Associate Director Patient Care Services/ Chief Nurse in 2014, where she continues to serve. Ir ving lead MEDVAMC to Magnet designation by American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) in 2014 and 2019. ANCC’s Magnet designation is the highest and most prestigious credential a healthcare organization can achieve for nursing excellence and quality patient care. MEDVAMC is the only VA to achieve this designation four times. MEDVAMC has sustained one of the lowest RN turnover rates in the country at 2.9%.
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Orleans and received her BSN from Our Lady of Holy Cross College, now University of Holy Cross, in May of 1993. She received a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 1998. Additionally, she received an Enterostomal Therapy Certificate from the University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center in 1997. Irving is also a graduate of VISN 16 Leadership Development Institute (LDI) and Advanced LDI. She received a certificate in Nursing Leadership from the Texas Medical Center Nurse Executive Advisory Council Irving attended Southern University in New in 2015. elly Ir ving, MSN, RN, has more than 26 years of nursing experience, including 22 years in various nursing leadership positions. As Associate Director Patient Care Services (ADPCS), she serves as a key member of the medical center senior management team; providing leadership and expert knowledge for the VA’s state-of-the-art medical facility and nine community-based outpatient clinics in southeast Texas.
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Irving is a member of numerous professional nursing organizations, committing her time and leadership expertise. She also serves as a Certified Mentor in the VA system mentoring nursing leaders and giving back to her community. She is a member of the Krewe of Athena (KOA) supporting debutantes and future professionals. Kelly Irving, MSN, RN Associate Director Patient Care Services/ Chief Nurse Executive Michael E. DeBakey VAMC 2002 Holcombe Blvd. Houston, Texas 77030 713.794.7475
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Olivera Jankovska
Community Engagement Fellow, Houston UNICEF USA resources and skills to be effective global citizens - thinking globally and acting locally for the world’s most vulnerable children. Jankovska is an organizer leading change through engagements with faith-based organizations, academic communities, independent volunteers, political appointees and other advocates. An economist by training and service leader at her core, Jankovska not only brings ten years of international development work experience, but she also has a strong business acumen. She simultaneously serves as the Nonresident Scholar at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy where she conducts research on international power markets. Jankovska is proficient in seven languages and an avid traveler and was recognized as one of the 2015 United Macedonian’s Diaspora “40 under 40”. A global citizen, a double recipient of the ‘Outstanding Young Alumna Award’ for 2018 at University of Arkansas and at Virginia Tech, a published economist and a winner of the 2009 Wall Street Journal Academic Achievement Award, just to mention a few, Jankovska is not short of recognition for her extraordinary contributions to the non-profit, academia and private sector. Jankovska received an A.S. in marketing from Perrotis College, Thessaloniki, Greece, a Bachelor of Science in agricultural business from the University of Arkansas, and a graduate certificate in international research & development and a Master of Science degree in agricultural and applied economics from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Jankovska is native of Kriva Palanka, Macedonia.
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recipient of the 2017 United States of America President’s Volunteer Service Award, Olivera Jankovska
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is a champion of children’s rights and represents UNICEF as a Global Citizen Fellow. In her role, Jankovska empowers youth in the United States with the
Olivera Jankovska Community Engagement Fellow, Houston UNICEF USA 520 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 280 Houston, Texas 77027 832.463.2427 www.unicefusa.org
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Dr. Grenita Lathan
Interim Superintendent, Houston Independent School District In 2008, she was named chief elementary school improvement officer of the San Diego Unified School District and then interim deputy superintendent in 2009. Dr. Lathan was then named the superintendent of Peoria Public Schools in 2010. Five years later in 2015, Dr. Lathan moved to Houston and served as HISD’s chief school officer over elementary transformation schools for a year. During this time, she led more than 20 schools out of an “improvement required” state rating to a “met standard” rating. From 2016-2018, she served as HISD’s chief academic officer. Dr. Lathan holds a bachelor’s degree in business education from North Carolina A&T State University, a master’s degree in business education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a doctoral degree from Southern Illinois University. She supports numerous philanthropic organizations. She is a proud silver member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and is a member of the Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter. She is a charter member of the Katy-Richmond Area Chapter (TX) of the Links, Incorporated. Dr. Lathan’s passion for helping women shatter the glass ceiling motivates her to coach young women around personal and professional growth. She lives by the mantra “If I can help somebody, as I pass along, then my living shall not be in vain.” Dr. Lathan is married and has one daughter.
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r. Grenita Lathan was named interim superintendent of the Houston Independent School District in March 2018. Under her leadership as chief academic officer and interim superintendent, 92% of HISD’s campuses were rated Met Standard in 2018 (252 out of 275 rated campuses). In 2019 under her leadership, Kashmere High 106
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School, the longest running improvement required campus in the state, exited improvement required status. In 1991, Dr. Lathan began her career in education as a teacher at Morehead High School in Eden, NC. While in North Carolina, she also served as both assistant principal and principal at other campuses.
Dr. Grenita Lathan Interim Superintendent Houston Independent School District 4400 West 18th Street Houston, Texas 77092 713.556.6300 www.houstonisd.org
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Angela Lee
Principal Designer, Evolution by Design Business Journal, d-mars Magazine and the Houston Chronicle. She is a member of American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), Greater Houston Builders Association (GHBA), Houston Chamber, Houston Community College advisory board for their Interior Design Department and a board member for Kid’s Aspiring To Dream. She is also a dedicated member of The Fortbend County Chapter of the Links Incorporated. Lee has devoted her time to volunteering on several committees and has chaired diverse committees for local organizations. Not only has she given of her time by volunteering, but she has provided sponsorships, donated money, helped with obtaining silent auction gifts and assisted with raising funds by getting sponsors for several of the organizations as a committee member. As a result, she has supported the following organizations: Art League Houston, Art Collective Houston, The Ensemble Theatre, United Negro College Fund (UNCF), National Kidney Foundation, The Fortbend Links Incorporated, The Sake of Art (Texas Southern University Museum), Kid’s Aspiring to Dream, Women of Virtue Christian Pageant and Alzheimer’s Association Walk (Sugar Land)
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ngela Lee is a native of Tyler, Texas. She is a graduate of the highly recognized Louisiana Tech University School of Architecture and Interior Design. Her career has consisted of working with residential and commercial companies as well as providing contract services for smaller firms. Lee is married to William Lee and resides in Fort Bend, County. She is currently the owner of a full service Interior Design company and boutique furniture showroom, Evolution By Design Inc. which is located in Stafford, Texas. As principal designer of the company with over 19 years of experience in the design industry, 108
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Early on it was instilled in Lee by her parents to always give back and to get involved. She learned the beauty of giving back and making a difference by following her parent’s example and being a member of several civic organizations and being active in church while growing up. Her motto has always been, “When God blesses you in any capacity of your life it is your obligation to give back.” This Lee has also been a speaker for is a philosophy that she carries with her organizations, local schools and professional and personal life. participated as a speaker for the NFL’s “Life Beyond Football.” She has appeared Angela Lee on HGTV, The Live Well Network and other Principal Designer Evolution by Design local networks. Her company has been 281.568.3869 featured in Black Enterprise, Upscale www.evolution-bydesign.com Magazine, Texas Homes, The Houston her career has consisted of working for residential and commercial companies. Her company provides full service interior design to a diverse yet affluent clientele in Houston and other cities. Her clients have included: restaurants, homeowners, CEO’s of corporations, public and private schools, custom homebuilders and some of the top professional athletes in the league.
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LaMonica Love
Attorney & Business Consultant, The Love Law Group & Consulting Services, PLLC everyday women on political engagement. As a Native Houstonian, Love is extremely passionate about electing and supporting women of color candidates for political office. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Love also serves as the volunteer Executive Director for ProjectNEXT, the building expansion initiative for Harvest Point Fellowship Church and as a member of Hope of Harvest, a 501(c)3 focused on entrepreneurship and business development in Southeast Houston. Love balances her business along with her family which includes her partner, Michael, a creative son Blake and spirited daughter Blaire. LaMonica Love Attorney & Business Consultant The Love Law Group & Consulting Services, PLLC 713.526.1275 lamonica@lamonicalove.com www.lamonicalove.com
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aMonica Love is the founder of The Love Law Group and Consulting Services, PLLC, which provides top-notch legal services and business solutions to startups, entrepreneurs and small/medium sized businesses. She previously worked as a corporate attorney and business management consultant for two Fortune 500 companies, representing those companies in corporate multi-million-dollar transactions. Her practice areas include business planning and management, commercial transactions, mergers and acquisitions, risk-management, intellectual property and corporate governance and formation. She has been a recurring contributor on Fox 26 Morning News discussing legal issues surrounding technology and social media.
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Love is a graduate of the Houston Young Lawyers Association Leadership Academy and currently serves as the President of the Association of Women Attorneys (AWA). She previously served as the PresidentElect, Secretary and on the Judicial Nominations Committee of the AWA. Love is also a graduate of the Project Blueprint Leadership Development Program through the United Way of Greater Houston and has volunteered with THRIVE Family Stability Collaboration and the Bi-Annual Community Reinvestment. These committees make decisions on the allocation process of over 17 million dollars of donations from corporations and individuals to non-profits and NGO’s in Houston. She also served on the Inaugural Host Committee for the “Polichic” Training for Women, which travels nationally training
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Christine Mack
Regional Head of Procurement, Americas, BP She is a supporter of diversity and inclusion involved in multiple affinity groups including serving as a core member of the BP Women International Women’s Network, a catalyst to attract and retain talent by facilitating professional and personal growth through a strong community where career networks are built. In 2019, Mack led Women in History Month to build and sustain momentum for International Women’s Day while deepening connections across BP’s Business Resource Groups. She has been a mentor as part of BP Energia to improve the development and advancement of Latinos. Mack is an active member of the BP Supplier Diversity Advisory Council driving economic growth in the diverse supplier community by creating systematic enhancements to drive supplier inclusion. Externally, Mack serves as Secretary on the Board of Directors for the Houston Minority Supplier Development Council and spent two years as a mentor through the Women’s Energy Network.
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hristine Mack has been with BP for 10 years and serves as the Regional Head of Procurement for the Americas within the Global Business Services organization in Houston, Texas. Her experience at BP includes a multi-billion-dollar portfolio across the categories of Human Resources, Professional Services, Business Consulting, Property, Travel, Meetings and Events and Contingent Labor with a global supply base covering 60 countries. Mack has over 25 years of category management experience in both the private and public sectors including Best Buy, Target Corporation and the National Aeronautics and Space 112
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Mack holds a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Houston, Clear Lake, with a concentration in Management Information Systems, a Bachelor of Science degree from North Dakota State University double majoring in Business Administration and Industrial Psychology and is a Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) from the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). She and her husband, Brad, have three children and reside in Katy, Texas.
Administration at the Johnson Space Center. She has led large procurement teams in a variety of indirect areas for procurement, supplier diversity, systems and processes. She has led outsourced procurement organizations to deliver product and service value, implemented Christine Mack new acquisition processes, and led the Regional Head of Procurement development of operational processes, BP procedures and performance management 501 Westlake Park Blvd. of large outsourced arrangements. While at Houston, Texas 77079 281.892.3957 NASA, Mack spent time in Moscow overseeing www.bp.com Russian Language and Logistics Services among other contractual relationships during the transition from the Shuttle Mir to the International Space Station Program.
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Shawntell L. McWilliams CEO, SM Global Consulting, LLC & Infinity Cleaning Solutions
benefiting Texas Children’s Hospital, Sisters Network Pink Angel Luncheon, Greater Houston Women Chamber of Commerce STEAM Luncheon and Style Show, The Links, Inc Tea and Fashion Show, Childcare Council of Greater Houston Inc. Luncheon, The Fifth Ward Enrichment Program Annual Luncheon, National Multiple Sclerosis Society Luncheon, Perfect Connection Autism Gala, United Negro College Fund Gala and Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America Winter Ball. McWilliams has received numerous awards and recognitions for her work in the community and business acumen: National Women of Achievement Pillar of Strength, 2017 ABC-13 Woman of Distinction by Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, Role Model from Greater Houston Women Chamber of Commerce, 2018 Houston Chronicle Best Dressed benefiting March of Dimes, St Jude’s Cancer and Research Hospital Philanthropy Award, Trailblazer Award from Houston League of Business and Professional Women, Texas Children’s Hospital Philanthropy Champion, Legacy Award from Twelve Days of Christmas and Outstanding Advocate from Houston International Trade Development Council.
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hawntell McWilliams, a native of Shreveport, Louisiana, has resided in Houston for seven years and currently serves as CEO of not one, but two enterprises, one being SM Global Consulting, LLC, which assists nonprofit organizations, small/ medium businesses and individuals with developing philanthropic branding, community relations programs, event production and specialized fundraisers. McWilliams is also CEO of Infinity Cleaning Solutions, a female-owned commercial cleaning company.
Services Administration: Concentration in Fund Development and Grant Writing from Louisiana State University and a Post Master’s degree as an Education Specialist in Education Leadership from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Education Leadership. She is also certified in Corporate Etiquette and International Protocol from The Protocol School of Washington.
McWilliams works enthusiastically in the community, chairing numerous fundraisers for non-profit organizations and raising She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in millions of dollars. She has chaired the Chemistry from Wiley College in Marshall, National Kidney Foundation Luncheon Texas, a Master of Science degree in Human and Fashion Show, Men of Style Gala, 114
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She is af filiated with numerous organizations such as The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, The Links, Inc., Junior League of Houston, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and Leadership Houston Class 34. She also currently serves on the board of Greater Houston Women Chamber of Commerce. A proud breast cancer survivor, McWilliams lives by the Chinese proverb, “The journey is the reward.” She is married to the love of her life, Keith McWilliams. Shawntell L. McWilliams CEO SM Global Consulting, LLC Infinity Cleaning Solutions Info@smglobalconsulting.co infinitycleaningsolutions.com www.smglobalconsulting.co
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Paula Mendoza
CEO, Possible Missions, Inc. & Pos Mis, Inc. Mendoza’s experience has led the company in achieving significant accolades including Houston Minority Business Council’s 2012 Supplier of the Year Award and a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Accountability Champion Award for its expenditures with fellow MBEs in 2013 and 2018. The U.S. SBA’s Award of Excellence in 2012 noted the firm’s success as a sub-contractor by the UT System Supply Chain Alliance. Possible Missions maintains the prestigious ISO Certification since 2011. Mendoza’s humility, discernment and sense of fairness are evidenced by her service as past Chairman of the State of Texas Ethics Commission, past board member of the Texas Board of Public Accountants and past Chairman of the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC). In October 2013, Mendoza was appointed to the University of Houston System Board of Regents, a Tier One institution, by the Governor of Texas for a six-year term, where she is currently serving as the Secretary of the Board. She also serves on countless boards in Houston. Over the years, she has offered her time and talent as a speaker, event organizer and community leader to countless organizations. She has been recognized as a Women of Distinction, one of 50 Most Influential Women in Houston and a Women on the Move.
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ative Houstonian Paula Mendoza is an entrepreneur, innovator, advocate, barrierbreaker and tireless volunteer recognized not only for the quality of her work but for the passion she brings to every endeavor. For the past 18 years, Mendoza has been in leadership at Possible Missions, Inc. (PM), a company she established in 2001,
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Mendoza earned a B.S. degree in Criminal Justice (1995) and an MBA from the University of Houston-Downtown (2017). She and her husband of 31 years, Robert, have one adult son, a wonderful daughter-in-law, three specializing in Procurement Solutions. grandkids and a 17-year-old goddaughter, Beginning with just $100 in the bank to Natalie, who has captured their hearts. reaching multi-million dollars in revenues, strategic planning was always a must. During this process, Mendoza came to Paula Mendoza CEO the realization that a new structure was Possible Missions & Pos Mis, Inc. necessary to separate the services side of 150 W. Parker Rd., Suite 602 the company with the product side. This is Houston, Texas 77076 713.271.3746 where Pos Mis, Inc. (PMI) was incorporated Info@possiblemissions.com in 2018. www.possiblemissions.com
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Jamila S. Mensah Partner, Norton Rose Fulbright US, LLP
sought-after attorney and a standout among her peers. She is also an active citizen of her law firm, serving as the vice chair of Norton Rose Fulbright’s Minority Lawyers Network and a member of the PRIDE Network. She is also significantly involved in the firm’s recruiting efforts and was recently selected to join the Houston Hiring Committee. Mensah is a native of Houston, Texas where she lives with her husband and two daughters. She graduated from Rice University in 2000, where she was a member of the track and field team, before attending the University of Texas School of Law, from which she graduated with honors in 2006. She is a 2014 Leadership Counsel on Legal Diversity Fellow and a former Vice Chair of the Labor and Employment Division of the National Bar Association. Mensah is also involved in various civic and community activities. She currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors for Houston Volunteer Lawyers, the UT Law Houston Steering Committee and the Oak Creek Village Swim Team, and she is the Chair of the Association of Rice University Black Alumni. Mensah still fancies herself a “runner,” but in reality, she squeezes in running and other workouts whenever she can. When she’s not working, she can be found at any local restaurant with her family talking about sports, music and all Marvel movies.
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amila Mensah is an Employment and Labor partner in Norton Rose Fulbright’s Houston office. Her practice covers all areas of employment law, including extensive experience in discrimination, retaliation and wage and hour issues. In particular, Mensah litigates on behalf of her clients in federal and state court and before administrative bodies, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. 122
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She also counsels and trains employers on a wide range of employment issues, including hiring, termination, wage and hour compliance, disability accommodation, employment discrimination and drafting of employee handbooks and personnel policies. Additionally, Mensah conducts internal investigations for clients on sensitive employment-related issues. Her commitment to excellence and superior client service have made her a highly
Jamila S. Mensah Partner Norton Rose Fulbright US, LLP 1301 McKinney, Suite 5100 Houston, Texas 77010 713.651.5504 jamila.mensah@nortonrosefulbright.com
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Chau Nguyen
Chief Public Strategies Officer, Houston Area Women’s Center sits on the Boards of Catapult and The University of Houston Friends of Women’s Studies, and she is on the advisory board of Houston Achievement Place. Nguyen is a Licensed Master Social Worker and holds a Masters of Arts in Social Work from the University of Houston and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of St. Thomas. She is frequently asked to emcee events, including Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner’s Inauguration in 2016. She is the proud mother of two young girls, Ryan and Myles, a Yorkie named Peanut, and she is an active member of Unity of Houston.
Chau Nguyen Chief Public Strategies Officer Houston Area Women’s Center 1010 Waugh Dr. Houston, Texas 77019 713.630.2211 www.hawc.org Position
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hau Nguyen is the Chief Public Strategies Officer for the Houston Area Women’s Center, tasked with managing and expanding key partnerships while positioning HAWC as thought leaders in order to drive broad awareness of domestic violence and sexual assault, with a goal of reducing interpersonal violence and changing cultural norms about how survivors are understood.
space, Nguyen spent 15 years as a television news journalist and last served as an anchor and reporter with KHOU TV. She is the first Vietnamese American journalist to receive an Emmy Award for her documentary series covering a medical mission in Vietnam, and the Houston Press has named her Reporter of the Year.
A native Houstonian, Nguyen is passionate about staying connected to her community, Prior to her leadership in the non-profit serving on numerous Boards. She currently 124
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Eureka Patton Owner, Massage Envy - Aliana
while providing qualifications such as professionalism, strong ethics, sense of style, ability to analyze and negotiate and work with people in all walks of life. In addition to her business affiliations, Patton is also committed to engaging in causes that help others reach their dreams and potential. One such entity for which she is intensely involved is The Secret Place Book Club, a subsidiary of SEGWAY International, Inc., as well as being an active member of the Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Incorporated, Epsilon Chi Chapter, Katy, Texas and Vice President of Acorn to Excellence Foundation.
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Even though Patton has had an extensive and successful business career, her entrepreneurial flame continued to remain ignited. Fueled by continuous faith, hope and hard work, she witnessed the manifestation of one of her greatest “Eureka…I found it!” moments. In July 2018, she opened the doors to her own company, Massage Envy - Aliana, located at 10237 W. Grand Parkway S., Suite 107 in Richmond, TX. This monumental accomplishment was the fulfillment of her life-long dream of becoming a business owner. The selection of the name of the company is significant. Patton explains that Aliana is defined as being “Noble and Gracious.” At Massage Envy Aliana, “We are inspired by our values of Gratitude, Optimism, Empathy, Consistency and Excellence. We believe total body care is an integral part of everyone’s well-being journey, and here we take pride in this vision.”
experienced a “Eureka…I found it!” moment when she attained this goal by gaining employment as an Account Executive in the Telecommunications industry. In this position, she provided excellent service to business customers in several companies, Although this business professional and including AT&T and MCI. entrepreneur has already accomplished In 1997, Patton achieved another so much for herself and others, with “Eureka…I found it!” victory as one of great expectation, she will continue to her business career goals of becoming a look forward to future “Eureka…I found licensed real estate agent was actualized. it!” discoveries and opportunities. She started in real estate as a new home sales counselor for U.S. Homes in Pearland Eureka Patton and then for D.R. Horton Custom Homes Owner in Sugar Land. Well-versed in selling new Massage Envy - Aliana 10237 W. Grand Parkway S., Suite 107 One of Patton’s early career goals was construction for builders, Patton guided Richmond, Texas 77406 to work for a major corporation. She her customers from contract to close Eureka.patton@yahoo.com ureka Patton, a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, moved to Houston, Texas in 1978. While she cherishes her fond memories of Mardi Gras, arts and heritage festivals, Cajun cuisine, crawfish and music (especially jazz), the greater Houston area is where she has made an indelible mark in the professional business sector. This highly proficient and successful business powerhouse has adopted as her motto the expression, “Eureka…I found it!” because she is constantly looking towards new discoveries and business opportunities that will propel her to elevated levels of success.
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Eileen Perillo
Vice President Finance Unconventionals, Shell Energy Resources Company Optical Products business unit. Over the years, Perillo has been active in various volunteer activities in the community including youth coach for soccer and basketball, organizing and leading fundraisers for in her church and in supporting service projects with her three sons. Upon moving back to Houston, she joined the Board of the Houston Minority Supplier Development Council and serves on the Executive Committee as Treasurer. Perillo has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of New Hampshire and an International MBA from the University of South Carolina. While at Shell, she has also attended executive leadership courses at INSEAD and IMD. Perillo is married and the proud mother of three sons and one active, disobedient dog. She enjoys travel, food, sports and spends a lot of time watching her boys play soccer, basketball and run track and field.
Eileen Perillo Vice President Finance Unconventionals Shell Energy Resources Company
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ileen Perillo has worked for Shell for 15 years in a variety of roles across the Group. She joined Shell in the Lubricants business as Cluster Finance Manager, Business to Consumer North America. After three years in Lubricants, she spent three years in Upstream, first in The Hague with Upstream Commercial Finance (now Mergers & Acquisitions) and then as the Upstream Americas Strategic Cost Leadership manager. She joined Shell Trading in late 2010 with financial responsibility for the Americas Crude and Refined Products 128
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business. She returned to The Hague area in 2014, joining Finance Projects & Technology Projects with oversight and accountability for the Conventional Oil & Gas capital projects portfolio. In early 2017, she temporarily assumed the Vice President Finance, Projects role before taking her current assignment as Vice President Finance, Unconventionals in December 2017. Prior to joining Shell, she spent 10 years working for PPG Industries, Inc. in a variety of Finance roles including Manufacturing finance, Internal Audit and leading the Finance function in their global
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Marilyn A. Rose
Accounting Administrator, Harris County Sheriff’s Office/2nd Vice Chair, Texas Southern University, Board of Regents in completing the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants examination in 1990 and is licensed under the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy. Rose is a Texas Southern University Board of Regent. She is serving her second term having been appointed in 2011 by the former Governor Rick Perry and reappointed by Governor Greg Abbott in 2015. Rose is a former board member of the Lupus Foundation of America Texas Gulf Coast Chapter and Texas Organization of Youth Sports (TOYS).
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arilyn A. Rose is a Certified Public Accountant. She is the Accounting Administrator in the Finance Office of the Executive Bureau at the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. She has worked in various capacities in her six year tenure there. Before coming to the Sheriff’s Office, Rose spent nine years at the Harris County Tax Assessor Collector and Voter’s Registrar Office as the Internal Auditor. Prior to embarking on a full-time position with the Harris County, she worked on several contract engagements with Independent Accountants and established the LM Rose 130
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Rose’s work in the community has come with some recognition. On June 5, 1999 at the Status of Women Luncheon, she received the Status of Women Achievement Award from the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Epsilon Tau Sigma Chapter in admiration of her spirit, love and unselfish dedication to the pursuit and betterment of those she touched with her simple act of kindness. Rose was presented with the Marilyn Rose Presidents Leadership Scholarship Donor Award in 2013 by the then president, John L. Rudley, in appreciation of her commitment to student success at Texas Southern University. In 2015, for her outstanding support to the university, students and alumni, Rose received the Excellent in Achievement Award from the Texas Southern University National Alumni Association. Consulting Group. She was employed with Price Waterhouse International Accountant Firm (Price WaterhouseCoopers) in her native country, The Bahamas, from 1988 to 1993. Rose attended Prairie View A & M University from 1981 to 1984, where she obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Accounting. She went on to complete her graduate studies at Texas Southern University where she obtained a Master of Business Administration Degree in 1988 from the Jesse H. Jones School of Business. Rose was successful
Her passion and love for all people is shown in her dedication to helping others, something she credits to her mother Yvonne Watson and her father, the late William Watson. Rose was born in New Providence (Nassau), Bahamas. She is married to The Honorable Lynden Rose, Honorary Consul to the Bahamas. They have three children, Madelyn, Lynden and Lynnard. Marilyn Rose Accounting Administrator Harris County Sheriff’s Office marilyn-rose@sbcglobal.net Position
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Gabriella “Gaby” Rowe Chief Executive Officer, Station Houston
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abriella “Gaby” Rowe is the CEO of Station Houston, the city’s largest hub for startup technolog y acceleration, corporate innovation and entrepreneurship. S t at i o n H o u s to n’s m emb er s hip includes over 200 active startups, 350 members, 130 mentors and 40+ highimpact strategic partnerships with the corporations that lead the key industries of Energy, Transportation, Aerospace and Construction driving Houston’s economy. Rowe is responsible for taking Station Houston to the next level as a dominant global innovation hub and as Rice University’s partner for content and programming in the development of Houston’s much-anticipated innovation district. Prior to Station Houston, Rowe was an education executive, investment banker and management consultant in New York City for more than 25 years. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Bryn Mawr College in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania and full master’s coursework from Bank Street College of Education in New York City, New York. Rowe and her husband, Kenny, have four children. She is an avid runner and football fan and can be found practicing her “pitmaster” skills on her family and friends most weekends. Gabriella Rowe CEO Station Houston 1301 Fannin St #2440 Houston, Texas 77002 281.393.0500 Position
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Sherrie Sams
Founder and Executive Director, Ambassadors for Christ Youth Ministries, Inc
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eople have different drives and aspirations, which can either make them the leader or the follower.
True leaders are also good followers and come from all occupations. They are able to build lasting relationships, forge bonds, and develop trust with the people they encounter. One of those people is Sherrie Sams, who manages to succeed in her craft and, at the same time, succeed in developing and mentoring the people around her. Her position as the Founder and Executive Director of Ambassadors for Christ Youth Ministries, Inc. allows her to sow seeds into the youth served as well as the staff she employs. Ambassadors For Christ Youth Ministries, Inc. (AFC) is a 501(c)(3) faith and community based nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire excellence and promote leadership to children and youth through mentoring, music and 134
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attention through the Aetna Foundation and CNN. Under her leadership, AFC has touched the lives of more than 12,000 at-risk, underserved and underprivileged youth. With a total of three administrative offices in two States (Texas and Arkansas), AFC operates two male and female transitional living programs for homeless young adults who are over the age of 18, as well as a Basic Center emergency shelter for homeless youth under the age of 18. Additionally, AFC operates a drop in and resource center in one of north Houston’s most high crime infested areas, a domestic-victims of human trafficking (DVHT) program, a street outreach program, a young mother’s juvenile reentry program, a childhood obesity health and wellness program, a counseling and therapy program to help combat issues of mental health, trauma and substance abuse and a teen pregnancy prevention, HIV and STI awareness program. As AFC embarks upon its 13th year in October, Sams has plans to expand its services the performing arts in order to provoke yet again, to incorporate social enterprise positive change and enrichment in the businesses and a young offenders’ 2nd community. Sams graduated from the chance reentry program. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and Beyond her professional work, Sams afterwards, established a 12-year career is an avid believer in discontinuing the as a Polymer Chemist. Ever since she poverty mentality that some of our youth could remember, Sams has possessed have unfortunately inherited. She has an a deep love of music and the performing unparalleled passion to shift the mindsets arts, and later discovered that this love of at-risk youth and instill in them positivity would give her a platform in churches and and fortitude. schools to minister to youth experiencing Sams currently resides in Houston, Texas, issues of bullying, drugs, teen pregnancy, is married to Kenneth Sams, and has three homelessness and abuse. She was so children, ages 23, 21, and 4. As a mother fueled by her passion that it gave an of multi-generational children, she brings unquenchable drive to begin providing a unique perspective to the juggling act voluntary mentoring sessions to youth at women face daily balancing motherhood an alternative school near her workplace and their professional lives. during her lunch breaks. In 2006, through an undeniable prompting of the Holy Spirit, Sams founded Ambassadors For Christ. Since its inception, AFC has become a thriving, state of the art organization that has gained national
Sherrie Sams Founder and Executive Director Ambassadors for Christ Youth Ministries, Inc www.afcyouth.org
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Mya Smith-Edmonds Owner/Operator, McDonald’s
of speaking on several panels during the yearly Ameriplan National Conventions. In 2008, Smith-Edmonds embarked on her ultimate dream; following in her father’s footsteps and becoming a successful McDonald’s Owner. During her required 2-5-year program, which she completed with highest honors on every level, she became a General Manager and was awarded the Ray Kroc Award, an achievement earned by the top 1% performers in the McDonald’s system. Smith-Edmonds is also the co-founder of the non-profit organization the Smith Foundation, Inc. whose mission is to help send children to college, supply school supplies and collect Christmas toys for underprivileged schools and communities.
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ya Smith-Edmonds, a native of Houston, Texas, is the first female AfricanAmerican Next Generation McDonald’s owner/operator, owning seven McDonald’s Restaurants in Central Indiana. She serves as a Board Member for the Greater Indiana Operators, Vice President & Secretary of the Central Indiana Black McDonald’s Operators Association and has earned the Trailblazer Award for the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO Indianapolis), was a recipient of the Galore “Distinction Award” and was featured in Indy Metro Magazine.
Smith-Edmonds is grateful and inspired to continue to be a blessing to others and the Kingdom of God. She is a public speaker and has a genuine heart and special love for children. She enjoys coordinating community give-a-ways with local businesses and avidly supporting empowerment youth programs like Ladies of Great Purpose and the Positive Black Male Association “Reaching Youth Everywhere RYE Program.” accountability, discipline and focus. SmithEdmonds graduated Magna Cum Laude from University of Houston with a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and minor in AfricanAmerican Studies. She went on to become a Certified Public Accountant at Deloitte & Touche, one of the largest accounting firms in the world.
During her career development years, Smith-Edmonds earned various awards as a Program Director with KCOH Radio Station and numerous more as an Independent Business Owner with Ameriplan USA. Committed to helping others build their businesses utilizing biblical principles, At 13, Smith-Edmonds began working Smith-Edmonds was awarded the honor at her father’s McDonald’s where of becoming the youngest National she developed her strong work ethic, Sales Director and earned the privilege 136
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Smith-Edmonds was awarded “Woman of the Year” by PBMA, in which she received recognition from United States Congresswomen Sheila Jackson Lee and Sylvia Garcia, Mayor of the City of Houston Sylvester Turner and Houston City Council At-Large, Position 4 Amanda K. Edwards. Smith-Edmonds is co-Author of the book, “When Married Women Speak!” What she loves most is serving God and being a wife to her amazing husband, Emmanuelle Edmonds. Mya Smith-Edmonds Owner/Operator McDonald’s myamcds@gmail.com SmithFoundationOnline@gmail.com
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Bridgette Smith-Lawson
Managing Attorney, The Department of Family and Protective Services - Office of General Counsel Department, Smith-Lawson was in private practice and practiced in the areas of criminal law, family law and personal injury, including pharmaceutical litigation, civil litigation, probate, bankruptcy (7,11,&13) and guardianship matters. Smith-Lawson graduated cum laude from Thurgood Marshall School of Law in May 2003 and was licensed in November 2003. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Houston in 2000 with a major in political science and a minor in english. Smith-Lawson is also licensed in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas since May 2004. Smith-Lawson has participated in several inter-disciplinary organizations and focus groups whose goals are to research permanency practices, policy development, education and collaboration in protecting the aged and disabled populations and children. Smith-Lawson has also given numerous presentations to community organizations, civic groups, judges and Continued Legal Education (CLE) presentations regarding the awareness/ prevention of abuse, neglect and financial exploitation of the aged/disabled population and children. Recently, Smith-Lawson has announced her candidacy for the Fort Bend County Attorney position to focus her experience and expertise more locally after years of serving and supporting several counties in this area with DFPS.
Bridgette Smith-Lawson Managing Attorney The Department of Family and Protective Services - Office of General Counsel 2525 Murworth Houston, Texas 77054 713.394.4061 www.dfps.state.tx.us
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ridgette Smith-Lawson is the Managing Attorney for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, Regions 5 & 6 consisting of 23 counties in Southeast Texas. Smith-Lawson began with the Department of Family Protective Services as a Regional Attorney assigned to Adult Protective Services and then to Child Protective Services. Smith-Lawson supervises a division of attorneys and legal assistants and provides direct legal advice to the Regional Directors for CPS and CPI Divisions on agency matters which impacts 138
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over 2,000 employees within the Gulf Coast Area. Smith-Lawson and her team also help support County Attorneys and District Attorneys across the Southeast Texas area. She also provides legal advice to the agency staff on a wide variety of matters including but not limited to child welfare law, civil litigation, policy interpretation, immigration (SIJS) and some probate and criminal matters. She has been awarded the “Extraordinary Coach Award” from the Health Human Service Commission and has completed the Executive Leadership Academy – ELA Class 8. Before joining the
Smith-Lawson enjoys being a public servant and considers serving others as her lifestyle both professionally and recreationally. Service is the debt we owe society, and whether it’s serving as a director of Childrens’ Ministry, which she has done for the past five years at her church, working in her Jack and Jill chapter, where she is currently Vice-President, coaching girls on a summer track team or volunteering at a local pantry, no job is beneath her when it comes to serving children and families and helping make somebody’s day and life better.
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Carolyn Watson
Vice President of Corporate Responsibility, JPMorgan Chase entrepreneurs. She brought the national Ascend model to Houston, which coordinates money, markets and management education for ready access by underserved entrepreneurs. She serves on the City of Houston’s Small Business Task Force that is focused on increasing access to capital by minority and women-owned businesses.. Before joining JPMorgan, Watson served as a program officer for the Rockwell Fund, Inc., a private, nonprofit foundation. She designed and led the Zip Code Assistance Ministries Organizational Development Program (ZCAM ODP), an award-winning capacity-building collaborative involving more than 25 nonprofit organizations. Watson chaired the Executive Committee of ZCAM ODP’s successor organization, the Alliance of Community Assistance Ministries of Greater Houston, a coalition of faith-based emergency assistance providers that collectively serve nearly 200,000 people each year. Prior to Rockwell Fund, Watson held positions at the Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County and Avenue Community Development Corporation.
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towards that end. In collaboration with area employers, she led the development of “PetrochemWorks.com,” an engaging and interactive career platform targeting high school students and young adults for careers in the petrochemical industry. Most recently, she led the creation of the Bridge to College and Career Success, designed to pave employment and post-secondary education pathways for Houston’s Opportunity Youth, 16-24 year olds who are disconnected from education or employment. These approaches have resulted in increased credential attainment, new collaborations and new resources for the region’s workforce development system. She serves on the Greater Houston Partnership’s UpSkill Watson’s workforce investment strategy Houston Executive Committee. addresses the region’s acute training To support the growth of small businesses, and education gaps. To date, JPMorgan Watson has directed grants to support has deployed over $6 million in grants veterans, incarcerated women and inner-city arolyn Watson is Vice President of Corporate Responsibility at JPMorgan Chase. She directs the JPMorgan Chase Foundation’s philanthropic investments for Houston, Austin, San Antonio and El Paso, which collectively employ more than 10,000 people. The approach of each high-impact investment is to leverage the company’s strength - and the dedication of its talented employees - to tackle pressing social and economic challenges. To expand economic opportunity to reach more people across the Houston region, Watson has led the creation of focused strategies in workforce development and small business growth.
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She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Louisiana State University and a Master of Public Affairs degree from the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at UT Austin. In 2010, she received a Master of Science in Management from Stanford’s Graduate School of Business. Texas Executive Women recognized her as a “Woman on the Move” in 2007 and Houston Woman Magazine named her one of Houston’s 50 Most Influential Women of 2015. Watson enjoys mentoring young adults, spending time with family and friends, ballroom dancing and traveling adventures across the globe. Carolyn Watson Vice President of Corporate Responsibility JPMorgan Chase 712 Main, 4N Houston, Texas 77002 713.216.5008 www.jpmorganchase.com
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Dr. Tamara Williams President, Chamerlain University - Houston Campus
at Rush University College of Nursing in Chicago, where she taught foundational nursing courses and assisted with nursing curricular revisions. Dr. Williams joined Chamberlain University’s Chicago campus in 2010 as the SIMCARE CENTERTM manager and went on to hold the roles of instructor, visiting professor and associate dean of academic operations. Dr. Williams has created and led successful teams and established a culture of inclusiveness and safety. In 2011, she was honored with the Chamberlain University Values Award for Outstanding Teamwork and Contributions to Student Success. Dr. Williams is a member of the Texas Nurses Association and Sigma Theta Tau International. She is an active volunteer, helping nursing students achieve their own volunteer goals by providing health screening and presentations to elderly participants at Lawndale Christian Community Center. Dr. Williams earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Concordia University, a Master of Science in Nursing degree from Walden University and a Doctor of Education degree from Walden University. Dr. Tamara Williams President Chamberlain University – Houston Campus 11025 Equity Drive Houston, Texas 77041 713.277.9879 chamberlain.edu/houston
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specialist at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, Illinois. She has extensive clinical experience in cardiovascular nursing. Her work as a clinical nurse specialist has been dedicated to serving clients with hypertension and obesity in Prior to joining Chamberlain University, underserved communities. Dr. Williams Dr. Williams was a cardiac clinical nurse also worked as an associate professor r. Tamara Williams is the president of Chamberlain University’s Houston campus. She brings nearly 20 years of combined experience in nursing practice and nursing education to her role.
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Jennifer St. Julian Wooden Director, Humble Civic Center/Charles Bender Performing Arts Center
the loop to experience hidden gems in Humble. Outside of her already hectic work life, Wooden still finds time to be greatly involved in the lives of her five phenomenal children as well as in her community, church and local schools. She is an active member of the Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Houston Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. She serves on the board for the Leadership Lake Houston Alumni, is a committee member for the Lake Houston In the Pink Luncheon, which provides free mammograms to women in need, is an ambassador welcoming new businesses to the Lake Houston area and serves as a mentor for the pathway to leadership program with Memorial Hermann Hospital Northeast. She is also actively involved in the local school district on the Site Based Decision Making board and a member of Hope City Church. Before serving under Mayor Merle Aaron with the City of Humble, Wooden worked in public relations as a liaison for Harris County Commissioner Jack Morman. She has a background in public relations and marketing, health and wellness management and graphic design, having done extensive design work for celebrity and local clients.
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ennifer St. Julian Wooden wears many hats, holding several roles in her career, volunteer and family life. She has almost two decades of experience in the fields of public relations, performing arts, graphics design and sales and marketing. Wooden currently serves as the director of the Humble Civic Center & Arena Complex, the Charles Bender Theatre and the Humble Area Senior Activity Center. Her duties include directing all marketing and sales, as well as overseeing the public 144
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relations and growth strategies for facilities and events in the City of Humble. Wooden has made a great impact on the increased tourism traffic in the Humble area. Since 2017, she has brought numerous well-known shows and events to the Humble Civic Center and the Charles Bender Theatre. In addition to her impressive public relations experience, Wooden’s “go big or go home” attitude has played an important role in revitalizing the city of Humble by drawing visitors beyond
Wooden holds a Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness Management with a concentration in Marketing from the University of Wisconsin-Superior. She also studied Theatre Arts at Sweet Briar College, Virginia. She is also a certified Life Coach and Independent Wellness Consultant with a passion for promoting the importance of work-life balance. Jennifer St.Julian Wooden Director Humble Civic Center Charles Bender Performing Arts Center Humble, Texas 281.446.8428 jwooden@humblecc.com
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Dr. Janet Wormack
Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration, Houston Community College • A sustained talent pipeline through equitable and market based compensation programs • Retention and scholarship programs to support needy students • Keeping tuition affordable • Advocating for and receiving sustained state funding and Board of Trustees support of academic and student services capital projects ranging from $348 million to $425 million • Completing bond refinancing transactions to reduce operating budget impact • Support for the purchase of real estate property for campus expansion ($55 Million) • Successfully managing an annual operating budget of over $300 million • Ensuring proper financial and internal controls receiving unmodified financial audits • Improved campus public safety and safeguarding through centralization and an emphasis on the student experience
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r. Janet Wormack is a recent transplant to the Houston, Texas community. She currently serves as the vice chancellor of finance and administration at Houston Community College providing leadership and oversight of a dynamic leadership team including talent engagement, facilities and capital improvement, public safety, budget and finance, financial aid, information technology and procurement.
Dr. Wormack holds a Doctorate in Education in Communit y College Leadership and Administration from Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland and a Master of Arts in Administrative Management from Bowie State University, Bowie, Maryland. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona.
with over 15 years of upper management experience in public and higher education administration. Her experience includes management expertise in finance, contract negotiations and contract management. She works tirelessly and collaboratively with Dr. Wormack looks forward to being a good all levels of the organization and values partner in the Houston Community. diversity. Dr. Wormack works closely with boards of trustees, particularly the financial sustainability and audit committees, as well as external legislative and other stakeholders Dr. Janet Wormack She is dedicated to ensuring that all students and the internal college community to bring Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration Houston Community College are able to pursue their educational goals strategic focus on the mission. 3100 Main Street by providing excellent customer service and Houston, Texas 77002 efficient and responsive services, facilities In her short tenure at Houston Community 713.718.5187 College, Dr. Wormack accomplished significant janet.wormack@hccs.edu and programs. strategic and programmatic goals through www.hccs.edu Dr. Wormack is an accomplished senior design thinking and through the extraordinary leader in administrative and fiscal affairs, talents of her team. Results included: 146
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