2024 Top 30 Women

THE 2024 TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF HOUSTON

Jackie

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

Houston, a city known for its dynamic diversity and thriving business community, is home to a remarkable group of women who have made significant contributions to their fields and communities. The Top 30 Influential Women of Houston Awards celebrates these outstanding women, recognizing their achievements, dedication, leadership, and impact.

This awards and gala is devoted to acknowledging leaders from all industries and sectors, including media, education, medicine, finance, law, entertainment, construction, and more. The awards honorees come from different backgrounds, share different beliefs, and have overcome different obstacles, but their common denominator is their undeniable quest for success and passion to mentor the next generation of leaders.

This award honors their remarkable journeys and the legacy they are building.

The Top 30 Influential Women of Houston Awards is more than a recognition event; it is a celebration of excellence, empowerment, and perseverance. Each honoree represents the best of Houston, demonstrating that with determination, vision, and a commitment to service, anything is possible.

We applaud these women for their remarkable journeys that included taking risks, embracing falls, believing in themselves, and remaining courageous and resilient throughout their climb. Their fearless attitudes have helped them break glass ceilings in their fields and industries.

As we look to the future, we are inspired by the example set by the Top 30 Influential Women of Houston. We hope that their leadership, vision, and dedication will continue to inspire and guide us. We celebrate their achievements and look forward to their continued contributions in the years to come.

Congratulations to all the honorees. Your influence and impact are immeasurable, and your legacy will inspire future generations.

Sincerely,

KEITH “MR. D-MARS” DAVIS, SR. President and CEO

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

My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.

– Maya Angelou

MESSAGE FROM CHIEF OF STAFF KIMBERLY FLOYD

Iam honored to extend warm greetings and heartfelt congratulations to all the incredible women being recognized at the 2024 Top 30 Influential Women of Houston Awards Gala. This is an evening that we celebrate not only your individual achievements but also the collective power of women who are making a profound impact across our city, our state, and beyond.

The women in this room embody resilience, innovation, and leadership. You are pioneers in your respective fields—shaping industries, driving progress, and inspiring the next generation. Your stories of determination and success are a testament to the power of vision, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

As we gather for this extraordinary event, we acknowledge that the path to influence is not always easy. It is paved with challenges that require strength, courage, and a relentless pursuit of one’s goals. Each of you has faced these challenges head-on, turning obstacles into opportunities and setting new standards of excellence in your endeavors. Your contributions extend far beyond your professional accomplishments; they reach into our communities, enriching lives and providing a model of what is possible when women lead with purpose and passion.

Women, whether subtly or vociferously, have always been a tremendous power in the destiny of the world.

Eleanor Roosevelt,

“It’s Up to the Women”

This gala is more than a celebration of past and present achievements; it is also a call to action. It reminds us that there is still much work to be done to ensure that all women have the opportunity to realize their full potential. It challenges us to continue supporting one another, to mentor the next generation of women leaders, and to advocate for the equity and inclusion that will allow all voices to be heard.

To the 2024 honorees, thank you for your leadership, your vision, and your unwavering dedication to excellence. You are the trailblazers who inspire us all to reach higher, dream bigger, and make a difference. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition. May your influence continue to grow, and may your successes pave the way for many more women to follow in your footsteps. Here’s to your continued impact and to a future where the voices and contributions of all women are celebrated and cherished.

With deep admiration and respect,

KIMBERLY FLOYD

Chief of Staff and Managing Editor

Vaskey Media Group, Inc.

Parent Company of d-mars.com, Subcontractors USA-Texas, and Top30Women.com

HONORARY CO-CHAIRS

Sineria Ordóñez

Vice President, External Affairs Comerica Bank

Shern-Min Chow

Anchor & Reporter

Emma Aguiñaga

Ronda Damon

Dy’v-l Davis

Eugenie Doualla

Chivon Jones

Sallie Alcorn

Council Member At-Large, Position 5 City of Houston

Kelley Taylor CEO/Co-Founder

Taylor Construction Management

MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES

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

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

Shern-Min speaks often to civic groups, schools, churches and other organizations. Over the years, she has made close to

1,000 community appearances. She is currently on the advisory boards of the Asia Society and the Chinese Community Center. She has previously served on the boards of SpringSpirit Baseball, the Bo & Stacey Porter Self Foundation, the YWCA, the Houston Ballet, the Chinese Community Center and the Bayou City Medical Center.

A history graduate from Yale University, Shern-Min speaks conversational Mandarin and Shang Hai dialects of Chinese. She has also studied Spanish, French and German. Shern-Min and her husband have two sons. They are students at Rice University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Erica Ponder

Edward Sanchez Jaqkolbi Wesley

Kendra Wiseman

HOST COMMITTEE

Shelly deZevallos

Lenora Sorola-Pohlman

Lina Sabouni

Shauna Johnson Clark

Rhonda Arnold

Desrye Morgan

MaryJane Mudd

Mary Benton

Lisa Ashley-Daniels

Torsha Johnson

Dr. Cashuna “Shun” Huddleston

Joyce Jacquet

august

nominations

Please submit your nominations for the Top 30 Influential Women of Houston Awards. The nomination deadline is March 1, 2025. Please send bios and Word documents, 400-450 words (include the nominee’s contact information).

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

BY MARCH 1, 2025 If there are any questions, please call 713.373.5577 or email operations@top30women.com

- TITLE SPONSORS -

PRESENTING SPONSORS -

PLATINUM SPONSORS -

PORSCHE WEST HOUSTON

TABLE OF CONTENTS

THE

SHEILA JACKSON LEE COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

BORRIS L. MILES

STATE SENATOR DISTRICT 13

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

August 23, 2024

Greetings,

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

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

Best wishes to everyone in attendance and to those who support this important event for our community. It is an honor to congratulate the 2024 Top 30 Influential Women of Houston.

Keep the Faith, Keep the Fight,

Senator Borris L. Miles District 13

S ALLIE A LCORN

Houston City Council Member

At-Large, Position 5

August 25, 2023

August 23, 2024

Greetings,

Greetings,

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

Congratulations to the 2024 Top 30 Influential Women of Houston Honorees who are being recognized at the 10th Annual Women of Houston Awards & Gala, hosted by d-mars.com.

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

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

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

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

Sincerely,

Sallie Alcorn

August 23, 2024

August 23, 2024

2024 Top 30 Influential Women of Houston

Greetings,

As the At-Large 4 Council Member for the City of Houston, I extend my warm congratulations to the 2024 Top 30 Influential Women of Houston Honorees, celebrated at the 10th Annual Women of Houston Awards & Gala by d-mars.com.

Your achievements stand as a testament to your dedication and hard work. You have not only excelled in your respective domains but have also shattered barriers, paving the way for future generations of women. Your leadership and spirit of community service make Houston a better place.

Congratulations to the 2024 Honorees, and a heartfelt thank you to Mr. D-MARS for spotlighting these outstanding women.

Sincerely,

2013 TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF HOUSTON

ICON HONOREES

Dr. Patricia Brock – Founder & Chairman Emeritus, Medical Bridges

Donna Cole – President & CEO, Cole Chemical & Distributing, Inc.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee – 18th Congressional District of Texas

HONOREES

Nargis Ahmed – Director, Muslim Democratic Caucus of Texas

Maria Moncada Alaoui – General Manager, Momentum BMW West State Rep Carol Alvarado – Texas House District 145

Rhonda C. Arnold – Director of Community Relations, Houston Airport System

Lisa Ashley – Director, Corporate Communications, Port of Houston Authority

Karen Becerra – Chief Operations Officer/Principal, The Principle Partnering Group, LLC

Dr. Heather Brown – Owner & Orthodontist, Dr. Heather Brown Orthodontics

Madeline Burillo, Ed.D. – Associate Vice Chancellor, Houston Community College

Helen Callier – President, Bradlink, LLC

Emelda Douglas – SVP and Chief Development Officer, Neighborhood Centers, Inc.

Wilma J. Evans – President, North Houston Frontiers Club & Managing Partner, DeMand Staffing & Consulting, LLC

Christina Robinson Grochett – Chief Strategist for Innovation and Research, Lone Star College

Dr. Irishea Hilliard – COO & Pastor, New Light Christian Center Church

Carla Lane – President & CEO, Lane Staffing

Shara McClure – Vice President Network Management, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas

Catherine Mitchell – COO, Amerigroup

Marlene Petry, RN, MSN – SVP, GP Industrial Contractors, Inc.

Eva Pickens - Associate Vice President, University AdvancementCommunications & Marketing, Texas Southern University

Vanessa Reed – Assistant Vice President, South Texas CRA Manager Corporate Public Affairs & Community Reinvestment, Comerica Bank

Susan Repka – Executive Director, Women Contractors Association

Dr. Jonita Wallace Reynolds – Chief Executive Officer, Gulf Coast Community Services Association (GCCSA)

Kandice Rose – Founder, Pretty Girls with Cancer

Jamilah Shami – Project Manager, Farouk Systems, Inc.

Melinda Spaulding – Anchor, Fox 26 KRIV-TV

Dr. Angela Sturm – Facial Plastic Surgeon, Facial Plastic Surgery Associates

Dr. Ka-Ron Y. Wade, BS, RN, BSN, DDS – Cosmetic and Neuromuscular Dentist, Cosmetic Dental Texas

Cynthia Wenz – President & CEO, The Source for Women

Nicole C. West – President, NCA Investigations

Dr. Anjanette Wyatt – Pharmacy Manager, President & CEO, Clinical Care Pharmacy, LLC

Judge Mimi Yam – United States Immigration Court

*Companies and titles in 2013

2014 TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF HOUSTON

ICON HONOREES

State Senator Sylvia Garcia - Texas Senate

Karen E. Jackson – Founder/CEO, Sisters Network, Inc.

HONOREES

Dr. Lacey Brooks – Audiologist/Regional Manager Houston, Hearing Aid Express

Latoya Bullard-Franklin – Chief Executive Officer, The Bulsard Group

Marian Cabanilla, MBA – Vice President Marketing, UnitedHealthcare

Shern-Min Chow – Anchor, KHOU 11

Sonia Clayton – President & CEO, Virtual Intelligence Providers, LLC

Pamela Ellis – Chief Executive Officer, Smahrt Solutions

Sonia Guimbellot – Director/Secretary, World Chamber of Commerce, Texas

Joanie Y. Hare, M.D. – Physician, Houston Perinatal Associates

Nikki Elizabeth Hart – President & Owner, inMotion Marketing Group

Miranda Horn – Vice President, Industrial Welding Academy

Judge Maria T. Jackson – 339th District Court

Justina Mann – Chief Procurement Officer, Houston Airport Systems

CleRenda McGrady – TV Host, Thryv360

Sharon Murphy – Founding Partner, McConnell Jones Lanier and Murphy

Kim Ogg – Attorney, Ogg Law Firm

Carrie Poole – Chief Executive Officer, Professional Career Training Institute

Ronda M. Prince – Chief Operations Officer, Rap-A-Lot Records

Maria Rios - President & CEO, Nation Waste, Inc.

Dr. Docia Rudley – Executive Director for Academic Assessment, Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law

Neeta Sane – Board Chair/Trustee District VII, Houston Community College

Thelma Scott – Founder & CEO, Barbara Jordan Endeavors

Dr. Alison Scott Cuillier – Owner/Dentist, Lasting Impressions Dental Group

Sonya M. Sloan, M.D. – Orthopedic Surgeon

Laurie Vignaud – Senior Vice President, Capital One Bank

Barbara Walker-Green – Financial Advisor, Advanced Wealth & Retirement, LLC

Reva Witherspoon – Vice President, Marketing, Amerigroup

Mia K. Wright – Co-Pastor, The Fountain of Praise

Carlecia D. Wright – Director, City of Houston Office of Business Opportunity

Dr. Betty Young – Educator

*Companies and titles in 2014

2015 TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF HOUSTON

SPECIAL GUEST

The Honorable Ivy R. Taylor - Mayor of San Antonio

ICON HONOREES

Dr. Selina M. Ahmed - Texas Southern University

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

Deavra A. Daughtry - Texas Women’s Empowerment Foundation International State Representative Jessica Farrar - Texas House District 148

Melanie Johnson, Ed.D. - The Health Museum: John P. McGovern Museum of Health and Medical Science

Susan A. McEldoon - KHOU-TV

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

Stephanie D. Nellons-Paige - USA Funds

Page Parkes - Page Parkes Center of Modeling & Acting

HONOREES

Devon Anderson - Harris County District Attorney’s Office

Dell H. Braunsdorf - M.D. - Amerigroup

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

April Day - Women’s Business Enterprise Alliance

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

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

Kim Gagne - Steve Harvey

Marian Harper - Houston Astros

Tammy Harris - Soul Grooves®Fitness

Vernita Harris - IMPACT Strategies Consultants, LLC

Winell Herron - H-E-B

Heather Holland - TransCanada

Connie Kwan-Wong - CKW LUXE Magazine

Raquelle Lewis - Tx-DOT - Houston District

Petria McKelvey - Precision Medical Billing, Inc.

Katie Walthall Mehnert - Pink Petro

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

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

Erma Palmer - Autos R Us Collision Center

Crystal Perkins - My Legacy Foundation

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

Dr. Kamala Raghavan - Texas Southern University

Liliana L. Rambo - Houston Airport System

Nannette Ray, MBA - Medical Information Records, LLC

Mary Redmond - Redmond Management-McDonald’s

Theresa Roemer - Theresa Roemer, LLC

Lina Sabouni - AUTOARCH Architects, LLC

Rhonda Skillern-Jones - Houston Independent School District

Joyce Tyler-Williams - Frost Bank

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

UNITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD:

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

*Companies and titles in 2015

2016 TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF HOUSTON

THE HONORABLE 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

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

Jackye Alton - President, Almeda Travel

Erin Asprec - Regional President, Memorial Hermann Health System

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

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

Marianna Brasel - General Manager, Porsche of West Houston

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

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

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

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

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

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

Debbie Drury - President, Market Doctors

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

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

Sameera Faridi - Director & Designer, Poshak Fashion & Style

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

Ana Hernandez - State Representative, District 143

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kim Roxie - Creative Director, LAMIK Beauty

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

Sonya Stevenson - Executive Director, The Fort Bend Church

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

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

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

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

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

*Companies and titles in 2016

2017 TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF HOUSTON

THE HONORABLE SHEILA JACKSON LEE COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Dorinda Walker - Vice President, Multicultural Marketing – Prudential

ICON HONOREES

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

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

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

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

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

Ann Stern - President & CEO, Houston Endowment

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

Dawn Ullrich - President & CEO, Houston First Corporation

HONOREES

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

Margaret Allen, DDS - Owner, Amazing Smiles, PLLC

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

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

Lea Bogle - CEO, Premier Wireless

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

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

Twila Carter - Executive Director, Astros Foundation

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

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

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

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

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

Karina Gonzalez - Principal Dancer, Houston Ballet

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

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

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

Antoinette M. Jackson - Partner, Jones Walker LLP

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

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

Torsha Johnson - First Lady & Author, Higher Dimension Church

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

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

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

Regina Mellinger - President & CEO, Primary Services LP

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kelley Taylor - Chief Executive Officer, Taylor Construction Management

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

Barbara Vilutis - Executive Vice President, Amegy Bank of Texas

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

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

*Companies and titles in 2017

2018 TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF HOUSTON

THE HONORABLE SHEILA JACKSON LEE COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

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

ICON HONOREES

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

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

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

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

Donna Sims Wilson - President, Smith Graham Investment Advisors

Merele Yarborough - Philanthropist and Community Service Advocate

Judge Clarease Yates - Judge and Founder, Indestructible Beginnings

HONOREES

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

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

Vera Bumpers - Chief of Police, METRO Police Department

Karla Cisneros - Council Member, District H

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

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

Dannette K. Davis - Principal, Kay Davis Associates LLC

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

Gaynell Floyd Drexler - Corporate Attorney and Community Advocate

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

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

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

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

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

Arquella Hargrove - CEO, Epic Collaborative Advisors

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

Marvalette Hunter - Chief of Staff, City of Houston

Grayle Tully James - Trustee, Fort Bend Independent School District

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

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

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

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

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

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

Marie Myers - Global Controller, HP Inc.

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

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

LaToshia Norwood - Managing Partner, L’Renee & Associates

Farrah Sabouni Oranje - Principal, AUTOARCH Architects

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

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

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

Maribel Rodriguez - CEO, Sunshine Personnel Solutions, LLC

Sadie Rucker - President, Horizon International Group

Cindi Salas - Director, Purchasing and Logistics, CenterPoint Energy

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

Hazel Smith - Owner/Operator, McDonald’s

Heidi McDonald Smith - Chief of Staff, Texas Southern University

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

Joycelyn Williams - Vice President of Sales, Williams6Enterprises

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

*Companies and titles in 2018

2019 TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF HOUSTON

THE HONORABLE SHEILA JACKSON LEE COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Yolanda Ford - Mayor, City of Missouri City

ICON HONOREES

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

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

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

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

Joyce L. Jacquet - Licensed Therapist and Counselor

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

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

Kim Padgett - President, The Padgett Group

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

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

HONOREES

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

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

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

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

Michelle Bythewood - President, Salata Salad Kitchen

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

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

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

Audrey Marie Cosby - First Lady, Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church

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

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

Michelle Garrison - Chief Financial Officer, GetixHealth, LLC

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

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

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

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

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

Olivera Jankovska - Global Citizenship Fellow, UNICEF USA

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

Angela Lee - CEO, Evolution by Design

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

Christine Mack - Regional Head of Procurement, Americas, BP

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

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

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

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

Eureka Patton - Owner, Massage Envy – Aliana

Eileen Perillo - Vice President Finance, Shell Energy Resources Company

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

Gabriella Rowe - CEO, Station Houston

Sherrie Sams - Founder and Executive Director, AFC Youth

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

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

Carolyn Watson - Vice President of Corporate Responsibility, JPMorgan Chase

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

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

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

*Companies and titles in 2019

2021 TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF HOUSTON

THE HONORABLE SHEILA JACKSON LEE COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

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

HONOREES

Saba Abashawl - Chief External Affairs Officer, Houston Airports

Talia Alfred - Director of Operations, The Alfred Firm

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

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

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

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

Cindy Clifford - Founder & Owner, The Clifford Group

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

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

Raynese Edwards - CEO/Chief Strategy Consultant, OutsideIn Consulting

Melinda Faust - Managing Director, Detring Energy Advisors

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

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

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

Eureka Gilkey - Executive Director, Project Row Houses

Cynthia Ginyard - Chairwoman, Fort Bend County Democratic Party

Dr. Cherry Ross Gooden - Retired, Texas Southern University

Veronica Chapa Gorczynski - President, East End District

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

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

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

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

Jamie Jordan - Family Law Attorney and Owner Community Service Advocate, Jamie Jordan, PLLC

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

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

Cassie A. Levy - CEO, Emmit Moss Trust

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

Amber Mostyn - Co-Founder, Mostyn Law

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

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

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

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

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

Karen Carter Richards - Forward Times Publishing Company, Inc.

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

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

Tasha Royal - Founder, The Royal Agency

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

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

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

Lenora Sorola-Pohlman - Broker Consultant, Navarro Insurance Group

Helen Stagg - Chief Executive Officer, Change Happens

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

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

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

*Companies and titles in 2021

2022 TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF HOUSTON

THE HONORABLE SHEILA JACKSON LEE COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

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

HONOREES

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maxine N. Buck les - Chief Equity Officer, PortHouston

Marilyn Burgess - Harris County District Clerk

Patricia Cantu - Assistant Chief of Police, Houston Police Department

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

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

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

Laquita J. Cyprian - Chief Banking Officer, Agility Bank

Regina G. Deadrick - Assistant Vice President, Aon

Martina Lemond Dixon - Chief Executive Officer, C3 Building Solutions

Candace Ford - Founder, Project Beautiful Me

Ana Paula Do Nascimento - Consulate General, Republic of Angola

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

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

DeMonica D. Gladney - Senior Counsel, Exxon Mobil Corporation

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

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

Latris Hamilton - Chief Nursing Officer, Universal Health Services

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

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

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

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

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

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

MaryJane Mudd - Executive Director, East Harris County Manufacturers Association

Dr. Jennifer Murdock - Oculofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon

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

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

Bhakti Salunkhe Puranik - Executive Director, Puranik Foundation

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

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

Cindy Siegel - Chairman, Harris County Republican Party

Adrian Stephens - President, Galena Park ISD School Board

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

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

Carla Tharp - Vice President of Corporate Development, Apache Corporation

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

Merinda Watkins-Martin - Entrepreneur and Owner, Lemond Kitchen

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

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

*Companies and titles in 2022

2023 TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF HOUSTON

THE HONORABLE SHEILA JACKSON LEE COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Karen Levingston-Franklin - CEO & Chairman, The World Youth Foundation

HONOREES

Claudia Aguirre - President & Chief Operating Officer, BakerRipley

Toni Beck - Vice President, External Affairs, Comcast Texas

Jennifer Blaine, Ed.D - Superintendent, Spring Branch Independent School District

Raquel Boujourne - CEO, Indi Construction Partners, LLC

Dr. Darlene Breaux - CEO & Principal Consultant, Insight Ed. Consulting

Charity Carter - Founder and Executive Director, Edison Arts Foundation

Amber Casanave - CEO, CAS + COMPANY

Deshonda P. Charles, Esq - CEO, D. Charles & Associates, PLLC

Chita Craft - Meteorologist, KHOU 11

Danielle A. Davis - VP, Southwest Head of Diverse Businesses, Commercial Bank, JP Morgan Chase & Co

Kelly S. Dempsey, MD - Doctor, The Breast Center of Southwest Surgical Associates

Diana Pérez Gomez - Shareholder, Chamberlain Hrdlicka

Tracie Greene - Founding President/CEO, Culture Arts Initiative, Inc.

Daniella Guzman - News Anchor, KPRC 2 TV

Yasmin Huebinger - Houston Market President, Capital One

LeBrina Jackson - Owner/Founder, Escape Spa

Leela James - Award Winning Recording Artist

Nia Johnson-Jones, MD - Doctor, Nia Aesthetics MD

Christina A. Jones - VP HR US Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Shell USA Inc

Ruthie Lee-Esene - Director of Human Resouces, Butler-Cohen-Design + Build

Wendy Lewis Armstrong - Vice President, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Melissa Macheska-Duarte, Ed.D - Superintendent, Texas City Independent School District

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

Carmen McZeal - Co-Founder for Remarkable Kids Pediatrics Therapy & Edge Sports Counselings

Quianta Moore, MD, JD - Executive Director, The Hackett Center for Mental Health

Sineria Ordóñez - VP, External Affairs, National Hispanic Business Development Manager, Comerica Bank

Ada Ortega - Dir of Public Affairs, Comm & Sustainability, Arca Continental/Coca-Cola SW Beverages

Paula Patterson - Superintendent, Crosby Independent School District

Dr. Kerrie Patterson-Brown - Chief Executive Officer / Founder, Legacy the School of Sport Sciences

Dr. Letitia Plummer - Maxwello Dental, Owner / City Council Member At-Large 4, City of Houston

Tracey Prince, EMPA - Sr. Director, Government Relations, Houston First Corporation

Dr. Tonie Reincke - Founder / Medical Director, Reincke Vein Center

Conchita Reyes - Small Business Owner / Fractional CFO, CR Financials

Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora - Superintendent of Schools, Tomball Independent School District

Lauren M. Sparks - Founder & CEO, Agility Bank

Dr. Pretta Vandible Stallworth - District 9 Trustee, Houston Community College

Dr. Neema Stephens - National Medical Director for Health Equity, Cigna Healthcare

Lacey Tezino - Founder & CEO, Passport Journeys

Adrienne C. Trimble - Vice President, Chief Diversity and Culture Officer Sysco Corporation, Sysco

Rashi Vats - News Anchor, FOX 26

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

Mandy Westerman - Regional Vice President of Behavioral Health, Universal Health Services

Chasity Moniek Williams - Senior Director, Media & Entertainment Advisory, Microsoft

*Companies and titles in 2023

JACKIE ANDERSON

PRESIDENT, HOUSTON FEDERATION OF TEACHERS

Jackie Anderson was elected as the Houston Federation of Teachers President in 2020. Jackie was recently elected vice president of the American Federation of Teachers. In her leadership roles, Jackie led the development of HFT’s Leadership Development Program and served as HFT representative on the Houston ISD Special Education Ad Hoc Committee for former superintendent Richard Carranza. Jackie has also served on the District Advisory Committee. In 2017, Jackie co-founded Houston United

for Strong Public Schools to advocate for students and elect champions for public education in Houston. Jackie also serves as president of the Harris County Labor Assembly. A lifelong resident of Houston, Jackie worked as a middle school special education teacher for 33 years in her teaching career.

Jackie is married and has one son. She is blessed with four granddaughters. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Hadassah Chapter #03, Order of

Eastern Star, AF & AM. Additionally, Jackie has been honored by the NAACP with the President’s Award and the Gulf Coast AFL-CIO President’s Award.

As a retired special education teacher, she has always been a union member and an advocate for children, and now teachers and workers in HISD and her community. When she retired from HISD in December 2019, she went to work, continuing her advocacy. She is humbled and yet proud to serve as president of the Houston Federation of Teachers Local 2415.

Her concern for workers and worker rights has always been paramount. Her concern for the last and least has compelled her into service. At the same time, she realizes that the accomplishments that have been made are too precious to lose. Jackie feels we cannot allow those who are divisive and self-promoting to impede future progress, and we cannot afford to lose ground.

Jackie wants to leave this world a better place than the one in which she has lived in-- a world where opportunities are a reality for all. She believes that unions are the mechanism to achieve this goal. Although she views herself as a behind-thescenes person, she does not mind taking the lead if need be. She too believes that power built is power shared. Collectively and collaboratively, Jackie feels we can sustain what we have accomplished, and united we can achieve more success and gain great ground. She believes in organized labor, racial justice, and the democratic process.

JACKIE ANDERSON President

Houston Federation of Teachers 2704 Sutherland Houston, TX 77023

O: 713-623-8891

janderson@hft2415.org www.hft2415.org

IG: @msjwa1

FB: Jackie White Anderson

CAROLYN BENTON AIMAN

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT - CHIEF COMPLIANCE & RISK OFFICER, SEMPRA INFRASTRUCTURE

Carolyn Benton Aiman is senior vice president & chief compliance and risk officer for Sempra Infrastructure, leading the company's compliance and enterprise risk management efforts, as well as leading information management, supply chain, and IT/cyber organizations. Before that, she was senior vice president and chief legal officer for Sempra Infrastructure. She was responsible for all of Sempra Infrastructure's legal affairs, including matters related to legal strategy, LNG development, operations, regulation, governance, and compliance.

Benton Aiman has more than 25 years

of in-house legal and private law firm experience. She has worked in energy for most of her career and has supported different lines of business across the energy value chain. Benton Aiman has successfully supported the delivery of capital projects and global supply chain for an international company, supporting key capital projects across the energy value chain.

Benton Aiman also supported various business lines during her career, such as renewable energy, wind, alternative fuels, manufacturing and commercial, and regulatory and employment law matters. Prior to providing business legal support,

Benton Aiman was a litigator and trial attorney, managing matters from prelitigation to full disputes.

In addition, Benton Aiman has been a champion of inclusion and supportive of diversity in the energy sector and the legal profession. She has also served as executive sponsor of employee resource groups focused on women and related key initiatives. During her career, she has been named to the Top 50 Women in Law 2019 by the National Diversity Council and named Houston Magazine’s Woman of Influence in 2017; Houston Business Journal's 2022 Women Who Mean Business: Outstanding Business Leader in Energy; and 2022 Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce Role Model. She was recently named a Wonderful Woman by the Lawyers of Color Association and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Corporate Counsel Association and Texas Law Book. Benton Aiman was also featured on the cover of the MCCA magazine, featuring diversity initiatives she led while chairing a large legal department’s D&I initiatives for an international energy company.

Benton Aiman is a board member of the Greater Houston Partnership. She invests time mentoring up-and-coming professionals, including young lawyers. She also helps raise scholarships for law school talent. Benton Aiman has a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of Texas and received a law degree with honors from the University of Missouri. She is the mother of two children and has two dogs. Her sister, Mary Benton, is a past Top 30 Influential Women of Houston honoree.

CAROLYN BENTON AIMAN

Senior Vice President - Chief Compliance & Risk Officer

Sempra Infrastructure

1500 Post Oak 12th Floor Houston, TX 77056

O: 713-202-1491

www.semprainfrastructure.com

MELINDA S. BALEZENTIS, MHA, PH.D.

VICE PRESIDENT, NATIONAL ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE, CIGNA HEALTHCARE

Dr. Melinda S. Balezentis is a seasoned industry leader with over two decades of health care and consulting experience, culminating in her most recent role at Cigna Healthcare. In her capacity as Vice President and National Account Executive, she serves as the primary liaison for the City of Houston, overseeing medical benefits administration, health and wellness programs, and community engagement initiatives.

Melinda has been at the forefront of promoting community wellness and environmental sustainability through her dedication to local initiatives in the Houston area. Recognizing the vital link between physical health, mental wellbeing and the effects of climate change, Melinda spearheaded Cigna’s efforts to revitalize neighborhood parks in Houston, focusing on the enhancement of Grimes Park in the Sunnyside neighborhood. The project, completed in December 2023, transformed the park into a hub for recreation and civic engagement, featuring a football field, modern playground, basketball pavilion, tennis courts, walking paths, and im-

proved lighting, benefiting approximately 3,000 community members.

Moreover, her commitment to community health and engagement extends to the sponsorship of "Sunday in the Park." These family-focused events held in local underserved parks offer food, entertainment, and activities to promote wellness and fellowship among residents. Additionally, as a partner of the City of Houston's Complete Communities initiative, Melinda's team collaborates with Brighter Bites to offer healthy eating instructions and fresh produce to approximately 500 elementary students and their families, addressing food insecurity and promoting healthier lifestyles within the community.

Melinda's professional journey highlights tenures at prestigious firms, including Deloitte, Mercer, Buck Consultants, and Global Consulting Partners, where she held key roles in HR leadership and HR/Healthcare Benefits (Total Rewards) consulting. Beyond her consulting roles, she also served as the Director of Sales and Service for National Accounts at Aetna and a Clinical Administrator for UT Medical School.

Throughout her career, Melinda has cultivated her expertise in collaborating with large commercial employers, municipalities, and higher education clients by offering innovative strategies and workforce solutions aimed at enhancing healthcare delivery efficiencies, cost management, and better health outcomes for their employees and families.

Her academic accomplishments underscore her commitment to continuous learning and advancement, having earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Science from Texas A&M University, a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration from Texas Woman's University, and a Ph.D. in Organization and Management with an emphasis in Human Resources from Capella University.

Melinda's passion for education extends to her roles as adjunct faculty at various universities. In addition to her professional commitments and academic pursuits, Melinda has showcased her knowledge and experience through publications in renowned journals, such as Workspan, World at Work, and Benefits Quarterly. Dr. Balezentis regularly contributes her leadership to local organizations serving as a board member for the Houston Firefighters Foundation and as an advisory board member for Houston Christian University’s Women in Leadership Graduate Program. This dedication to community involvement is further evidenced by her longstanding committee membership supporting the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

By leveraging her expertise in consulting and her passion for social impact, Dr. Balezentis continues to make a meaningful difference fostering a culture of health and vitality in the lives within the Houston community at-large.

MELINDA S. BALEZENTIS, MHA, PH.D. Vice President, National Account Executive

Cigna Healthcare

2800 N. Loop West, 7th Floor Houston, Texas 77092

O: 281-732-3682

Honoring the strength, vitality and impact of women.

As a proud sponsor of The

DEJUENA CHIZER

EXECUTIVE SENIOR ASSOCIATE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR, UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON

DeJuena Chizer is the Executive Senior Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Development and Senior Woman Administrator at the University of Houston.

A 24-year veteran with Houston athletics, DeJuena provides direct administrative oversight to four women’s sports programs and is responsible for the overall welfare and development of 450+ Houston student-athletes. She has direct departmental oversight of the Academic Center for Excellence, Student-Athlete Welfare and Development, sports medicine, sports nutrition, career development, and counseling services. She

serves as the sports administrator lead, collaborating with each program’s head coach and primary sports administrator. She also serves as the liaison to Title IX and the Dean of Students Offices. Before Chizer moved into her current position, she served eight seasons as a women’s basketball assistant coach (2000-2008). During her stint on the sidelines, she helped lead the Cougars to nearly 150 wins and four appearances in the postseason, including back-to-back NCAA tournament appearances in 2004 and 2005 and consecutive berths in the WNIT in 2000 and 2001.

This year, DeJuena was honored with the 2024 WBCA Administrator of the Year

award by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association. This award is presented annually to an administrator who has excelled at encouraging the growth and quality of women’s athletics programs. In addition, Chizer served a five-year appointment to the NCAA Women’s Basketball Committee. Her responsibilities included selections, seeding, and bracketing of the NCAA Women’s Basketball tournament.

Before entering the coaching ranks, Chizer was a standout player for the Cougars from 1983-87 and helped Houston earn the first national Top-20 ranking in program history. She remains ranked on Houston’s all-time career lists in points scored, games played, assists per game, steals, free throws made, and free throw attempts. Chizer was also instrumental in the two biggest upsets in program history, leading the Cougars in Houston’s shocking win over No. 3 Louisiana Tech in 1985 and while serving as assistant coach in the team’s victory over the ninth-ranked Lady Techsters in 2000. Before hanging up her basketball shoes, Chizer spent several seasons in Europe playing professionally. DeJuena maintains the standard of a proud athletic leader and always keeps two priorities in mind when making decisions: the betterment of student-athletes and coaches. She desires to prepare young people for life, helping them navigate the rigors of a Division 1 athletic program, and balancing academics and life while being committed to their growth, development, and success.

DEJUENA CHIZER

Executive Senior Associate Athletic Director

University of Houston 3204 Cullen Blvd. Houston, TX 77204

O: 713-743-9468

dchizer@central.uh.edu www.uhcougars.com

IG: @dejuena

FB: dejuena.chizer

The University

of Houston

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

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

CHARTENYA CLEVELAND

DIRECTOR OF UNDERWRITING SOLUTIONS, THE HANOVER INSURANCE GROUP

With nearly two decades of experience in the insurance industry, Chartenya Cleveland has made significant professional achievements and impactful contributions to her community.

Prior to her current role as the Director of Underwriting Solutions for The Hanover Insurance Group, Chartenya managed and profitably grew her complex book of business with insurance agents and brokers. She has also led several special initiative projects, including redesigning her division’s recruiting and interview processes and developing a quarterly newsletter with broad enterprise distribution. As a

Massachusetts home office leader based in Houston, Chartenya acts as a liaison between the field and home office, focusing on workflow and technology advancements. She has curated her department’s new website, developed a new onboarding training curriculum, and contributed to the enterprise task force on generative AI at The Hanover. Her ability to leverage technology for remote underwriting development has been key to her success. Chartenya is also dedicated to advancing women in her field and improving her community. She is the development chair for the Women@Hanover Business Resource Group, striving to create a more diverse

and inclusive workplace. She leads a committee of eight members on a governance council that serves over 1,400 members.

Additionally, Chartenya is the founding chair of the Houston Chapter of the Association of Professional Insurance Women, a nonprofit organization committed to the career advancement of women in insurance. She helped build and grow a membership of nearly 100 in Texas and serves approximately 2,300 members nationwide. Her programming focuses on education, engagement, connectivity, mentorship, philanthropic efforts, and DEI&B within the insurance industry.

Chartenya is also a fellow Class XLII of Leadership Houston, an organization that brings together industry leaders to foster collaboration on projects that improve the quality of life for Houstonians. She led the CORE team in successfully funding, procuring, and installing water-filling stations in underserved communities across Harris County, with support from county judge Lina Hidalgo and each of the county commissioners.

Inspired by her years of community service, Chartenya founded Chayce Jreams, Inc., a nonprofit organization that invests in socially marginalized youth. The organization provides educational support and personal growth opportunities, empowering underprivileged youth to overcome obstacles. Most recently, Chayce Jreams organized a health and wellness fair in an underserved community, offering free health screenings, immunizations, medical insurance enrollment services and more.

Chartenya’s professional success is matched by her servant spirit, making her a true leader in her community.

CHARTENYA CLEVELAND Director of Underwriting Solutions

The Hanover Insurance Group 10375 Richmond Ave., Suite 1050 Houston, TX 77396 O: 713-243-7064 cgray@hanover.com www.hanover.com

KHORI DASTOOR

GENERAL DIRECTOR, CEO, HOUSTON GRAND OPERA

Khori Dastoor has served as the general director and CEO of Houston Grand Opera since 2021. The fourth general director in company history, Dastoor embodies an unwavering dedication to the transformative power of art and its role in ensuring civic vitality. Her leadership has steered HGO against prevailing industry trends, fostering unparalleled fiscal stability, audience growth, and programmatic expansion. With an ardent belief in accessibility, Dastoor has championed initiatives to ensure every member of Houston’s diverse international community has access to fine art and has expanded

HGO’s programming to cater to multigenerational audiences and extend beyond the theater walls.

Named one of Houston’s Most Admired CEOs by Houston Business Journal (2023) and honored as one of the city’s 50 Most Influential Women by Houston Woman Magazine (2022), Dastoor secured a $22 million private gift for HGO’s endowment foundation, the largest in the company’s history, in 2023. Also in 2023, she spearheaded HGO’s new partnership with Apple Classical, expanding the company’s reach and sharing its world-class artistry with audiences across the globe.

HGO’s 2023-24 season has seen an influx of new audiences to the company, with two productions, The Sound of Music and Madame Butterfly, attracting more singleticket buyers than any other HGO offering in well over a decade. The season opened with the world premiere of Jake Heggie, Gene Scheer, and Jawole Willa Jo Zollar’s internationally acclaimed world-premiere opera Intelligence, also one of HGO’s topselling single-ticket productions in many years. Speaking to the New York Times about Intelligence, Dastoor said, “We can be an important opera company, but also maintain our nimbleness and spirit of innovation. We aren’t having debates about whether change is good. We’re always thinking about what’s next.”

Meeting the needs of families in the evergrowing metropolis of Houston is another important focus for Dastoor. In its 202425 season, HGO will present the first annual HGO Family Day Presents Cinderella, a special day for Houston families headlined by a relaxed-environment performance of Rossini’s opera, directed by superstar mezzo-soprano and working mom, Isabel Leonard.

As a fervent advocate for the art form, Dastoor serves on the board of OPERA America, is a frequent guest lecturer at universities nationwide, and leads industry efforts in identifying young talent as a judge for numerous international vocal competitions.

Before joining HGO, Dastoor served as the general director of Opera San José. She also enjoyed a vibrant international singing career and was a member of foundation leadership at the Packard Humanities Institute and the Wadhwani Foundation.

KHORI DASTOOR General Director, CEO

Houston Grand Opera

510 Preston St. Houston, TX 77002

O: 713-546-0266

www.hgo.org

IG: @hgokho, @hougrandopera

ROBYN DOUGHTIE

DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER, FORT BEND COUNTY

Robyn Doughtie is the director of information technology and chief information officer for Fort Bend County. Unanimously appointed by the commissioners’ court on June 11, 2019, Robyn has restructured the organization to be more customer-focused and strategic in meeting the needs of the county. Robyn leads a diverse team that provides services in the areas of application development and system support, project management, IT infrastructure, information security, desk-

top support and server operations.

Robyn has 25 years of experience in local government, oil field services and software consulting. She began her career in 1999 as a programmer/analyst at Harris County Central Technology Center. Robyn joined Fort Bend County in 2009, advancing to the role of software developer/technical lead. In 2016, she was promoted to applications and systems programming manager, responsible for all software applications utilized in the county. Her career is

marked by delivering transformative solutions that enhance efficiency, cybersecurity, and community engagement.

With extensive experience working in the public sector, Robyn’s work has been pivotal in deploying vital services, including a county-wide emergency notification system, and coordinated efforts to establish a remote work infrastructure for 3,000+ employees during the COVID-19 pandemic, including procuring laptops, remote licenses, security enhancements, video conferencing solutions, and setting up critical vaccine distribution sites. She also achieved unanimous backing from law enforcement partners for the implementation of a county-wide body cam system, underscoring her drive for impactful, community-focused tech initiatives.

Robyn is the 2023 Houston CIO of the Year ORBIE Award winner – Enterprise and LocalSmart Awards 2023 GoldenGov: County Executive of the Year. These accolades reflect her dedication to excellence and an unwavering commitment to driving forward-thinking IT strategies. She currently serves as the Awards chair for the Houston CIO Advisory Board. She is passionate about empowering youth and encouraging STEM careers, regularly employing more than 30 interns each summer.

Robyn is a graduate of Oklahoma State University with a degree in management information systems and a minor in human resource management. She is currently pursuing her master's in engineering and technology management from Oklahoma State University with an expected May 2025 graduation date.

ROBYN DOUGHTIE Director of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer

Fort Bend County

301 Jackson Richmond, TX 77469

O: 281-341-4570

robyn.doughtie@fbctx.gov

www.fbctx.gov

FB: robyn.doughtie

RENEE’ DOWNEY

AREA DIRECTOR OF SALES AND OPERATIONS, ARCA CONTINENTAL COCA-COLA SOUTHWEST BEVERAGES

Deidra “Renee’” Downey is an accomplished leader with over two decades of experience in sales and operations management. She currently serves as the Area Director of Sales and Operations at Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages in Houston, Texas. Renee’ has demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic vision, driving significant revenue growth and operational efficiency across multiple roles within the Coca-Cola system.

In her current role, Renee’ manages over 900 employees in the Houston area and is responsible for overseeing the distribution of 42 million cases, equating to $512 million in revenue. Her strategic oversight ensures the seamless execution of field sales initiatives across local, regional, and national formats.

Renee’’s tenure with CCSWB is marked by progressive leadership roles. She began her career with Coca-Cola as an account manager for large and small stores, pro-

gressing through the roles of increasing responsibility. She has also served as district sales manager, area sales manager, director of sales for both the small store channel and food service on-premises for all of West Texas, and director of sales and operations for the Southeast area.

Renee’’s career is a testament to her strategic leadership, operational excellence, and dedication to fostering team growth and development. Her impactful contributions continue to drive success and innovation within Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages. Her ability to analyze sales data, develop actionable plans, and foster a culture of learning and development has been a cornerstone of her success.

Before joining Coca-Cola, Renee’ managed sales and operations at Campus Design/Double T Zone and Cardinal’s Sports Center in Lubbock, Texas, where she was instrumental in increasing sales and managing retail operations.

Renee’’s educational background includes studies in exercise and sports science at Texas Tech and West Texas A&M.

Renee’ is a champion for inclusion & diversity and is committed to promoting diversity throughout Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages and the community. She is a member of the Board of Directors for Special Olympics Texas and is involved with NextUp, formerly the Network of Executive Women. Renee’ was named a 2023 Women Who Mean Business honoree by the Houston Business Journal. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends and rooting for her favorite sports teams.

RENEE’ DOWNEY

Area Director of Sales and Operations

Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages

10475 Deer Trail Dr. Houston, TX 77038

O: 346-907-3606

www.cocacolaswb.com

LI: Renee Downey

TEJUANA L. EDMOND

VICE PRESIDENT, PLASTIC ADDITIVES AMERICAS, BASF

Tejuana L. Edmond is the Vice President of Plastic Additives Americas at BASF and a member of the BASF Corporation North America Leadership Team. Tejuana also serves as a member of the BASF North America Diversity & Inclusion Council and as Co-Chair of the BASF North America Philanthropy Committee, where she guides strategic giving and partnerships for the region. With experience in process engineering, strategy, and international business management across the Americas and Europe, Tejuana has enjoyed a long-time career in oil and gas and chemicals, including spending time as an expatriate in Kaposvar, Hungary. Before joining BASF, Tejuana served as Vice President and Market Leader for Downstream Oil

& Gas North America for Bureau Veritas. She also spent several years of her career at BP and Halliburton/KBR, holding various leadership, technology, sales, and engineering roles. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering degree from the University of Texas at Austin and an MBA from The University of Houston –Clear Lake.

Tejuana is actively engaged in community work, advocating for STEM education, educational equity, and diversity and inclusion efforts. She currently serves as the Third Vice Chair and Nominating Committee Chair on the Board of Directors for the Houston Area Urban League. She is also a member of the Board of Directors for Performing Arts Houston. Since

2022, Tejuana has been a member of the External Advisory Council of the McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. She also enjoys serving as a guest lecturer for the department's Introduction to Chemical Engineering course. As a Texas Exes Life Member, she established the Tejuana L. Edmond Scholarship Endowment in Chemical Engineering, which aims to attract and retain a diverse student population within the Cockrell School of Engineering. In February 2024, Tejuana was chosen by the University of Texas at Austin to be inducted into the Academy of Distinguished Chemical Engineers for the Cockrell School of Engineering’s McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering.

Tejuana is a member of various serviceoriented organizations, including the Houston (TX) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, and the Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Tejuana supports mental health awareness through her involvement with The Menninger Clinic and served as Co-Chair of The Menninger Clinic's 2024 Signature Luncheon Fundraiser. She has received various awards and accolades for her advocacy, STEM work, and leadership, including being acknowledged in Diversity Woman Media magazine as a member of the 2023 Power 100 List of Top Female Leaders. In 2023, she also received the S.E.E.N. award from the Black Girls Do Engineer organization, recognizing her career accomplishments, dedication to STEM education, and contributions to women and girls in STEM.

Tejuana resides in Houston, Texas, and loves spending time with her family, friends, and godchildren.

TEJUANA L. EDMOND

Vice President, Plastic Additives Americas Performance Chemicals BASF

11750 Katy Fwy., Suite 120 Houston, TX 77079 www.basf.com

ON TIME, EVERY TIME

Taylor Construction Management (TCM) is a certified, minorityowned, project management consulting firm executing more than $3B in the USA - not including our international portfolio. TCM is at the forefront of mission critical facility improvement projects with unique leadership needs to deliver a tight budget, fast-track completion, and/or stringent regulatory requirements. TCM is alw introduced to skilled talent in the construction sector

CHELSEA EDWARDS

TALK SHOW HOST, MEDIA PROFESSIONAL, FOX 26

Chelsea Edwards is “daytime’s new bestie,” launching her daytime talk show “Chattin with Chelsea,” which will air Monday through Friday at 12:30 p.m. on Fox 26. Chelsea is a true homegrown talent, born in Houston and raised in Missouri City, Texas. She graduated from Hightower High School in 2002 and then from Texas Southern University's School of Communications magna cum laude in 2006.

Chelsea started in the news media industry as a video editor for another local television station. She spent nearly seven years working behind the scenes while simultaneously running afterschool programs in underserved areas around Houston through a nonprofit organization.

With the encouragement of her late godmother, Alma Newsom, one of the first Black female anchors in Houston, Chelsea decided to switch roles and appear on camera, landing her first on-air job as a multimedia journalist at KWTX-TV in Waco and Killeen.

She spent two years covering military,

crime, and community stories before being welcomed back to her hometown to work at Fox 26 as a morning news reporter in 2019. She later became a regular on the studio desk while filling in as an anchor on “Houston’s Morning Show.”

Chelsea has become a trusted voice in the Houston community, delivering impactful stories and educating viewers by shedding light on critical issues and providing a platform for diverse voices. She has covered breaking news and major weather events, rescuing a kitten on-air during Tropical Storm Beta and most recently braving the winds of Hurricane Beryl and directing viewers to resources in the aftermath.

Chelsea’s favorite stories have introduced audiences to innovative change-makers throughout the Houston area, and she has developed a passion for getting to know people and making connections that improve lives.

She has received several accolades for her work and recognition from local organizations for her commitment to her profession. Chelsea is well-known for her bubbly

personality, natural hairstyles, and infectious smile.

She is also a busy, single mom of a 3-yearold and is always looking for ways to help juggle life's demands, which is what “Chattin with Chelsea” is all about. Her new talk show will help empower modernday women while she and her guests discuss trending topics, share tips and tricks, and laugh over midday meals. Tune in at 12:30 p.m. every weekday on Fox 26 starting August 26 for a brighter day with your new daytime bestie!

CHELSEA EDWARDS

Talk Show Host, Media Professional Fox 26

4261 Southwest Freeway Houston, TX 77027

fox26houston.com

IG: @chelseafox26

FB: chelseafox26

Photo by Greg Shaw Photography

DR. MARGARET FORD FISHER

CHANCELLOR, HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Margaret Ford Fisher, Ed.D., began her tenure as Houston Community College’s (HCC) interim chancellor on Sept. 1, 2023.

From 2018-2023, she served as founding president of HCC Online College, leading to the establishment of more than 60 fully online degrees and 70 hybrid programs, building a 62,000-plus enrolment.

Before that role, she served 20 years as HCC Northeast College president. There, she led two successful capital campaigns and community support for HCC district annexation. She led the development of new,

leading-edge STEM energy and biotechnology programs, secured federal and state grants and philanthropic support, and brokered industry relationships that led to high-tech, stackable-certificate programs, state-of-the art facilities, and 14,000 enrolled students.

Since joining HCC in 1985, Dr. Ford Fisher

has served in multiple leadership roles, including Interim Vice Chancellor of Instruction, Associate Vice Chancellor of Academics, Dean of Instruction, Division Chair of Arts and Humanities, and English Chair and professor. She has also taught at Texas Southern University, the University of Houston, and Wichita High School South. She was an assistant professor of Intercultural Communications and International Relations at Wichita State University (Kansas) for nine years.

Dr. Ford Fisher has been a lifelong advocate for education locally, nationally, and internationally. She is a long-time member of the HISD advisory committee and a lifetime NAACP member, as well as a long-term Houston Area Alliance of Black School Educators advisory committee member and National Congress of Black Women board member.

She is a past board member of the Greater Northside Chamber of Commerce and the Greenspoint and Heights Chambers

of Commerce. She serves on the International Relations Commission of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) and is a member of AACC’s Commission on Technology and Infrastructure Support.

She held a three-year elected term on the AACC board and represented the organization before the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Energy on National Science Foundation issues. She was the AACC spokesperson at the International Meetings of Ministers of Education in Windsor, Canada.

Her awards and honors include the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Honorable Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee at the Rice University Community Forum upon her 2012 publication, Learning for Ownership, and Senior Education Advisor designation by the Honorable Rodney Ellis, former state senator. She received the LULAC Council 42 Appreciation Award, the W.E.B. DuBois Award from the National Alliance of Black School Educators, the District Award of Merit from the Sam Houston Council of Boy Scouts of America—Antares District, and the Visionary Leaders Award from the Northeast College faculty and staff.

Dr. Ford Fisher has authored more than 50 publications and four books, including the first book on high school dual credit, High School Students Earning College Credit: Guide to Creating Dual Credit Programs (1996).

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Arts in the Teaching of English

from Wichita State University and a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Houston.

DR. MARGARET FORD FISHER Chancellor

Houston Community College

3100 Main Street, 12D06 Houston, Texas 77002

O: 713-718-7669

www.hccs.edu

KATHY C. FLANAGAN, MD

PHYSICIAN/BOARD CERTIFIED PSYCHIATRIST, KATHY C. FLANAGAN, MD

Be careful how you think, your life is shaped by your thoughts.

- Proverbs 4:23.

This scripture inspired Dr. Kathy C. Flanagan to pursue a career in medicine, more specifically, psychiatry at the age of 8 years old. A 1981 University of Texas at Austin graduate, Dr. Flanagan received her medical degree from McGovern Medical School in 1985 and in 1989, completed her general adult psychiatric residency at Baylor College of Medicine.

Upon completion of her residency, Dr. Flanagan, a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, accepted a BCM Department of Psychiatry assistant professorship. Prompted by the demand for psychiatrists, she transitioned to private practice in the Upper Kirby area in 1990, specializing in mood disorders.

Dr. Flanagan is a National Football League consultant and a former National Basketball Players Association consultant. She was a national speaker for a major phar-

maceutical company for over 25 years.

Dr. Flanagan has received several gubernatorial and mayoral appointments. Both President George W. Bush and Governor Rick Perry appointed her to serve on a state level. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020, former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner appointed her to chair his Health Equity Response Task Force - Medical Care Subcommittee and in June 2020 to his Policing Reform Task Force.

Dr. Flanagan is a member of several professional organizations. She is the immediate past president of the Houston Medical Forum and past chair of the Harris County Medical Society Council of International and Affiliated Medical Societies. She also served on the Houston Academy of Medicine Board of Trustees.

Born to serve, Dr. Flanagan has a passion for community service. She currently serves on the boards of Menninger Clinic, Justice Forward and Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston (chair). She is a member of the Houston (TX) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. - Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter. Community service awards Dr. Flanagan has received include: the Houston Medical Forum 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award, 100 Black Men, Metropolitan Houston Chapter, Inc. 2021 Woman of the Year, and A Woman Who Inspires - Houston Style Magazine. The Houston Chronicle called her the “Well-Heeled Doctor” and “Oscar Worthy” because of her commitment to the community and because of her style, grace, and love for stilettos.

Dr. Flanagan enjoys traveling, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends. Her bucket list includes volunteering for Habitat for Humanity.

KATHY C. FLANAGAN, MD

Physician/Board Certified Psychiatrist

Kathy C. Flanagan, MD 2211 Norfolk, Suite 505 Houston, TX 77098 O: 713-528-1570

Tabitha Pagel Garcia, vice president at Page Parkes Corporation, exemplifies dedication, vision, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Over her 29-year tenure with the company, she has risen from a young model to a respected leader, ultimately achieving her long-standing goal of becoming a partner.

Garcia's journey began in the small town of Sweeny, Texas. When she did not make her high school cheerleading team, her father encouraged her to try modeling. This pivotal moment led to a life-changing call from Page Parkes, sealing her fate with the company. At the age of 12, Garcia began her modeling career at the Page Parkes Center of Modeling and Acting, quickly rising through the ranks to become the corporate director, vice president, and then part owner. Garcia’s loyalty, passion, and grit made her invaluable to the company.

Her partnership with Parkes continues the company’s legacy of supporting strong women. The Page Parkes Corporation is renowned for discovering some of Hollywood's biggest names, including Channing Tatum, Angelina Jolie, Hilary Duff, Alexis Biedel, and Brooke Burns. Garcia prides herself on operating with ethics, working with a hand-picked team, and always handling business intentionally. She maintains sky-high standards for Page Parkes, consistently contributing to it being recognized as a one-of-a-kind talent agency.

For over four decades, the Page Parkes Corporation has been a leader in the modeling and acting industries within the southwestern United States. Its namesake and mentor to many over those years, Page Parkes, is well-regarded for spotting talent in the unlikeliest of places. Parkes’ inclusive vision resonated deeply with Garcia, who, at age 12, participated in a “photo shoot” with a throwaway camera, leading to her eventual acceptance into the Page Parkes Center of Modeling and Acting. Due to Garcia’s remarkable vision and unending creative direction, this female-founded company’s legacy continues.

TABITHA GARCIA

VICE PRESIDENT, PARTNER, PAGE PARKES CORPORATION

Tabitha Garcia's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and vision. From her early modeling days to her current roles, she has played a crucial part in the company’s success, ensuring its continued influence and legacy in the modeling and acting industries.

TABITHA GARCIA

Vice President, Partner

Page Parkes Corporation

7155 Old Katy Rd. Suite 100S

Houston, TX 77024

O: 713-807-8222

tabitha@pageparkes.com

www.pageparkes.com

IG: @tabithag

FB: Tabitha Pagel Garcia

MONICA R. GLOVER

SENIOR MANAGER, GOVERNMENT RELATIONS, PORT HOUSTON

Monica R. Glover is a seasoned management professional with over 20 years of experience working with local, state, federal, and international officials. Currently, Monica serves as the government relations senior manager at the Port of Houston Authority, within the government relations and Public Affairs Division. Since 2008, she has represented the interests of the organization before federal, state, and local officials. In her role, Monica serves as the primary liaison, educating and communicating with elected officials and their staff, and producing policy positions and messages. She organizes and conducts briefings and tours for local, state, and federal officials, advises on policy issues that could impact the port authority, and prepares strategic plans to address them.

Before her tenure at the Port of Houston Authority, Monica was a public affairs specialist at Discover Financial Services from 2006 to 2008. In this role, she developed and managed strategic public affairs initiatives and addressed public policy challenges within the credit card industry. From 2004 to 2006, Monica served as

the deputy chief of staff and director of operations for U.S. House Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson. She established sound policies and procedures for the Washington, D.C. office, managed public events, organized fundraisers and community outreach events, and served as the liaison for corporations and local community groups.

Monica's earlier roles include government relations associate and Political Action Committee manager at the American Public Power Association, coordinator of Congressional Affairs at the American Forest & Paper Association, and staff assistant for U.S. House Rep. Gene Green.

Monica holds a Master of Public Administration from Bowie State University and a Bachelor of Science in Government from Texas Woman’s University. She has also participated in notable internship programs, including the Texas Legislative Internship Program and the Mickey Leland Congressional Internship.

Her organization memberships and affiliations include Junior Achievement, Greater Houston Partnership, Houston Area Urban League, NAACP Houston Branch, Port Houston Speaker’s Bureau, and Zeta Phi

Monica Glover’s career is distinguished by her excellent leadership skills, successful navigation of public policy priorities, government and community affairs, and complex problem-solving.

In addition, Monica has reached the pinnacle of success as an independent Mary Kay Sales Director, and is a proud driver of a pink Cadillac, a symbol of success reached by approximately 10% of Mary Kay's Independent Beauty Consultants.

MONICA R. GLOVER

Senior Manager, Government Relations

Port Houston

111 East Loop North Houston, TX 77029

O: 713-670-2830

mglover@porthouston.com www.PortHouston.com

IG: @im.monicaglover

FB: Monica R. Glover (Monica Epps)

Beta Sorority, Incorporated.

Congratulations to Monica G lover and to all of tonigh t's recipie nts!

AMANDA HAMMEL

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER, MEMORIAL HERMANN HEALTH SYSTEM

Amanda Hammel is senior vice president and chief information officer for Memorial Hermann Health System. She is responsible for leading the organization's information technology strategy, managing the implementation of technology systems and overseeing the IT department's daily operations.

Under her leadership, Hammel's team of more than 500 full-time employees has designed and implemented innovative IT solutions to improve patient health outcomes. Notable examples of their work include a user-friendly app designed to help patients manage their health care—from

viewing health records and test results to scheduling in-person and virtual appointments; the rapid creation and scaling up of a mass vaccination clinic launched at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic; and the strategic leadership of Memorial Hermann’s ongoing system-wide transition to Epic, one of the largest and most comprehensive technology upgrades in the organization's history.

Prior to her current role, Amanda Hammel was vice president of the Information Systems Division, Operations and Population Health at Memorial Hermann (20072018). In this role, she was responsible for the technical, financial and operational

functions of information systems, including the project management office, financial analyst, security, data analytics and development teams.

Before joining Memorial Hermann, Hammel held numerous Cerner Corporation positions for over 12 years. At the time of her departure, she served as the corporation's director and intellectual property strategist, responsible for leading executive visioning and road-mapping sessions for clients.

Hammel is an active member of multiple professional, non-profit and community service organizations, including the IGNITE Steering Committee, which awards more than $775,000 annually to women leading digital health and medical device startups. She is a College of Healthcare Information Management Executive member, on the advisory board of Inspire CIO and has served as a Health Evolution Forum Fellow.

Under Hammel, Memorial Hermann has been recognized as the "Most Wired" for 16 consecutive years and was the first health system to receive the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society's (HIMSS) Davies Award in backto-back years.

Hammel, herself, has received multiple professional honors, including the Houston Business Journal's "Women Who Mean Business Award" in 2022 and recognition as one of Becker's Hospital Review's list of “Chief Information Officers to Know” in both 2023 and 2024.

Hammel graduated magna cum laude from Austin College with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Her alma mater recognized her as a distinguished alumnus in 2019.

AMANDA HAMMEL

Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer

Memorial Hermann Health System 929 Gessner, Suite 2700 Houston, TX 77024

O: 713-338-5755

amanda.hammel@memorialhermann.org www.memorialhermann.org

Celebrating women leaders.

Congratulations, Amanda!

Thank you for your dedication and commitment to the patients and community we serve. Through your leadership, Memorial Hermann has designed and implemented innovative IT solutions to help improve patient health outcomes. From launching user-friendly apps for managing health to overseeing our system’s largest and most comprehensive IT transition, your efforts are helping us realize our vision of creating healthier communities, now and for generations to come.

Congratulations to all of the amazing 2024 Top 30 Influential Women of Houston honorees!

Advancing health. Personalizing care.

SVP and Chief Information Officer Memorial Hermann Health System

BRANDI HARLEAUX

CEO, SOUTH POST OAK RECYCLING CENTER

Brandi Harleaux stands as a testament to the power of resilience, vision, and purposeful leadership. As the CEO of South Post Oak Recycling Center (SPORC) and a trailblazer in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Brandi embodies the spirit of innovation, empowerment, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Her story is one of breaking barriers, fostering inclusion, and

inspiring women to claim their rightful place at the helm of success in business and beyond.

Brandi’s journey is marked by over 25 years of entrepreneurial brilliance, navigating the challenges and triumphs of leading a second-generation family business to unprecedented heights. Under her stewardship, SPORC has not only become Houston’s most trusted metal recycling

company but also a symbol of sustainable success and community impact. Her leadership during the uncertain times of the 2020-2021 COVID-19 pandemic showcased her unwavering commitment to her team, retaining 100% of her employees and expanding her staff by 25% amid crises.

A visionary at heart, Brandi leverages her unique blend of passion, intellect, and experience to drive positive change, advocating for women’s empowerment and diversity in the workplace. Her journey from excelling in Fortune 500 companies to spearheading SPORC’s strategic direction illuminates the path for aspiring women leaders, demonstrating that with courage and conviction, no ceiling is too high to shatter.

Honored with prestigious awards, including the 2023 SBA Texas Small Businessperson of the Year, the 2020 ISRI Young Executive of the Year, and 2024 Transformational Women in Family Business, Brandi’s accomplishments are a beacon of inspiration. Her recognition as a mentor at the University of Houston Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship and the Lakewood Church Business Ministry underscores her commitment to nurturing the next generation of women leaders, empowering them with the tools and confidence to excel.

Brandi co-led the relaunch of a Women in Recycling group within the Recycled Materials Trade Association after it had gone dormant for over 15 years.

Brandi’s story is a powerful reminder that when women support women, the impossible becomes possible, and the path to success is paved with the milestones of those who dare to dream and lead with heart.

BRANDI HARLEAUX CEO

South Post Oak Recycling Center

14600 S. Post Oak Rd. Houston, TX 77045

O: 713-433-9944

www.southpostoakrecycling.com

LI: South Post Oak Recycling Center

FB: southpostoakrecycling

DR. DIONNE M. HILL, LPC-S

PRACTICE MANAGER, SOUTHWEST ADULT CLINIC, THE HARRIS CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND IDD

Dr. Dionne M. Hill is originally from the Motor City-- Detroit, Michigan. She has led her life following her motto, "Don't talk about it-- just do it," which led her to be the first in her family to complete a doctorate degree (Ed.D.) from Texas Southern University. Dr. Hill received a master's from Kent State University and a bachelor's from Central Michigan University. She is a licensed professional counselor supervisor and has over 25 years of mental health experience working with underserved and at-risk adults and children. She will be pursuing specialized training in animal-assisted therapy to complement her mental health work.

As a manager at the Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD, over the years she became an analytical healthcare leader and trend setter that influenced change. Currently, she manages the Southwest Adult Mental Health Clinic, where over 2,500 clients with a severe mental illness receive treatment. She oversees clinic staff such as psychiatric physicians, nurses, clerical and administrative staff,

licensed therapists, business office professionals, caseworkers, and the first Psychiatry Residents Training Clinic offered in collaboration with UT Health and Baylor College of Medicine.

During her tenure with the Harris Center, she has been instrumental in developing opportunities for clients to become more engaged in their treatment. Dr. Hill developed the first Client Success Wall in 2015. Framed pictures of current clients and their recovery story are posted daily on the wall to instill hope, decrease stigma and show that mental health recovery is possible by seeing other clients with lived experience. She created the first Mental Health Rejuvenation Room at the clinic for staff to partake during the day to reinforce wellness and self-care. She has been interviewed on KPRC 2 for Mental Health Awareness Month 2024.

Dr. Hill has a dynamic spirit with the talent for inspiring students to develop their clinical skills by way of being an educator. She has been an adjunct professor at the following colleges in mental health coun-

seling: Springfield College, Lone Star Community College, Walden University, Texas Southern University, Argosy University and St. Edwards University. She received the Excellence in Education-Outstanding Educator Award from Texas Southern University in 2019. Her passion to teach didn’t stop at the classroom-- it carried over into the community. She received the 2023 Distinguished Clinician Award from the Winner’s Circle Group of Texas, where she coaches and presents to qualified mental health providers on best practices when working with those in foster care and/or child protective services.

Dr. Hill has volunteered with numerous organizations to make a difference. With over 30 years of servitude in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and being a chapter member of North Harris County Alumnae Chapter, being committed to public service comes easy. Answering the question posed by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.- “What are you doing for others?” -- she finds gratification in volunteering with Northwest Assistance Ministries, Houston Food Bank, Galveston County Food Bank, and the George R. Brown Convention Center’s Annual “Super Feast" Houston. She is an advisory council member with Landing, an anti-trafficking organization. In addition, she has served as an advisory board member with Texas Transgender Non-Discrimination Scholars, whose mission is to strategically look at issues and policy development surrounding gender identity. Dr. Hill was the first keynote speaker of color for Texas Transgender Non-Discrimination Scholars in 2019 to speak on advocacy.

Dr. Hill is married to retired U.S. Army Colonel Cedric G. Hill, a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

DR. DIONNE M. HILL, LPC-S Practice Manager, Southwest Adult Clinic

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD 9401 Southwest Fwy. Houston, TX 77074

O: 713-970-3835

Dionne.Hill@TheHarrisCenter.org www.theharriscenter.org

CLAUDIA ORTEGA HOGUE

PARTNER, SSP ENGINEERING & CONSULTING

Claudia Ortega Hogue, a determined beacon, dedicates her life to advocating for the community as a nonprofit professional and business entrepreneur. Her unyielding commitment is to share her knowledge and personal mission with decision-makers, championing the cause of underresourced communities. Her dedication shines through in her work on immigration, naturalization, census, and voting access, making history as the first Latina President of the League of Women Voters of Houston.

Her steadfast support for the nonprofit sector is evident as the founder and CEO of Global Communities Houston, LLC, a company that empowers nonprofits and advances their mission. Also a partner

at SSP Engineering & Consulting, Ortega Hogue’s role in community development is not just a job but a passion: She plays a pivotal role in developing and managing relationships with municipalities, government entities, and architecture firms, contributing significantly to the community's growth.

Her beliefs are the foundation for her work: Faith, love, compassion, making a difference in people’s lives, and a “can do” attitude. She is passionate about philanthropy and “connecting people to people” in a meaningful and impactful way.

Ortega Hogue’s influence goes beyond the local scene. Her extensive experience in government and nonprofit sectors included serving as the district director for the 29th Congressional District of the U.S.

House of Representatives, and being appointed to the advisory council for the Mayor’s Office of New Americans and Immigrant Communities for the City of Houston by the former Houston mayor.

Prior to joining the U.S. House of Representatives, Ortega Hogue worked for more than a decade as the Southwest Regional and Texas State Director with the NALEO Educational Fund, the nation’s leading nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that facilitates and promotes full participation of Latinos in the American political process.

She serves on several nonprofit boards, such as AVANCE-Houston, Houston ToolBank, Bonding Against Adversity, and the National Immigration Forum.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in international business from Oral Roberts University and graduated from the University Language Institute in Oklahoma. She is a senior fellow at the American Leadership Forum (Class LIV). In recognition of her volunteer work, she was featured and profiled in The New York Times and Latina Lista, and recognized among “Houston’s 50 Most Influential Women” by the Houston Woman Magazine and “35 Houston Latinos You Should Know!” by the Houston Chronicle.

The awards for her exceptional contributions include the 2023 Campeón de la Comunidad by the Houston Texans and the 2023 Mayor’s Volunteer Appreciation Award by the City of Houston. These accolades are a testament to her outstanding work and the impact she makes every day in her community.

CLAUDIA ORTEGA HOGUE Partner

SSP Engineering & Consulting 13100 NW Freeway #625 Houston, TX 77040

chogue@sspeng.com www.sspeng.com

LI: Claudia Ortega Hogue, SSP Engineering and Consulting

Shae Keefe Jacobs is senior counsel at Husch Blackwell LLP, an AmLaw 100 law firm with an uncommon approach. Shae began her legal career over 20 years ago while earning her bachelor’s degree at the University of South Florida. She worked up the ranks at several Tampa law firms as a file clerk, legal assistant, and paralegal. In 2006, Shae moved to Houston to attend South Texas College of Law. (That’s right–she’s not from Texas, but she got here as quickly as she could!)

Shae started practicing in 2009 and for the past 15 years, she’s assisted clients with a variety of commercial, insurance, and real estate-related disputes. Shae represents public entities and private businesses in eminent domain litigation for high-profile infrastructure projects. She represents clients in both state and federal courts, and her deep understanding of Texas state law—as well as the state’s real estate industry—provides clients with valuable insight into how to account for litigation risk and develop strategies that accomplish their overall business and legal objectives. Shae is a frequent writer and speaker on a variety of topics, including legal and professional ethics, crisis management, and Texas condemnation law.

She is a proud member of the Texas Bar College, which is a professional society of legal scholars who are leaders in the Texas legal community and champions of legal education. Her professional endeavors include memberships in the American Bar Association, Houston Bar Association, Houston Bar Foundation, International Right of Way Association, and the Texas Bar Foundation (Life Fellow). Shae recently joined the River Oaks Women’s Breakfast Club, a long-standing, highly respected professional association.

She is a frequent participant in Husch Blackwell’s Communities 4 Change initiative, a pro-bono program committed to promoting economic empowerment among qualifying underrepresented businesses, including minority-owned businesses and nonprofits in under-resourced communities. This aligns with her personal commitment to social justice, equity and inclusion, and community involvement as a board member of Allies in Hope (formerly AIDS Foundation of Houston), a

SHAE KEEFE JACOBS

SENIOR COUNSEL, HUSCH BLACKWELL LLP

member of the Asia Society, and a longtime supporter of the Houston Area Urban League, Houston Food Bank, and The Montrose Center.

Shae further supports the Houston community as a Director of The 100 Club, a Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Wine Events Committeeman, and “Sharks R Us” BBQ Cook-Off team member, a Friend of Child Advocates, Texas Children’s Hospital Ambassador, and past president of the Kappa Delta Houston Alumnae Chapter.

SHAE KEEFE JACOBS Senior Counsel

Husch Blackwell LLP

600 Travis St., Suite 2350 Houston, TX 77002 O: 713-525-6276

shae.keefe@huschblackwell.com www.huschblackwell.com IG: @sek920

ARGENTINA M. JAMES

FOUNDER, PRESIDENT, CEO, HILLDAY

Argentina M. James is the visionary founder, president and CEO of HillDay Public Relations, an award-winning firm renowned for its expertise in strategic public relations and supplier diversity. With over 34 years in the public relations industry, Ms. James has guided HillDay from its inception in 2010 to a leadership position in managing large-scale public infrastructure projects and sophisticated corporate communication strategies. The firm serves distinguished clients, including the City of Houston, City of San Antonio, TxDOT, METRO, HNTB, and prominent construction companies such as Hensel Phelps, McCarthy, Manhattan, and Turner Construction.

An alumna of Texas Southern University, Ms. James earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Speech Communications. Her educational back-

ground has been essential in shaping her nuanced approach to public involvement, enabling her to lead community engagement and marketing initiatives that resonate with diverse populations effectively. Before establishing HillDay, Ms. James was the Vice President of Public Affairs at the Port of Houston Authority, where she directed successful initiatives generating over $2 billion in economic development. Under her stewardship, HillDay has excelled in public involvement, communications, and compliance for significant infrastructure, transportation, and construction projects. Currently, the firm engages in delivering comprehensive public engagement, supplier diversity, and contract compliance services for projects totaling $17.5 billion. Her strategic leadership in public engagement has consistently secured necessary regulatory and environmental approvals.

Ms. James' commitment extends beyond her professional achievements to deep involvement in community and industry organizations. She serves as a memberat-large for the COMTO Houston Chapter, secretary of the NAACP Houston Branch, and is an active member of the Young Women's College Preparatory Academy, National Association of Minority Contractors, and Women in Transportation's Houston Chapter. Additionally, she is affiliated with the Public Relations Society of America's Houston Chapter, Missouri City (Texas) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, and is a life member of both Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and the Texas Southern University Alumni Association Houston Chapter.

Her community service includes significant leadership and fundraising efforts that have raised $75 million for various local charities. Alongside her husband, Roger S. Harris, she co-chaired the highly successful NAACP Centennial Freedom Fund Awards Dinner, significantly enhancing both funds raised and event attendance, embodying her motto, “Lift as you climb.”

Ms. James values her family life, skillfully balancing her demanding career with her role as a devoted wife and mother to her children, Argentina Taylor James and Colen J. James, and stepmother to Mia and Megan Harris. Her dedication to her family underscores her belief in the profound role of support systems in achieving both professional success and personal satisfaction.

ARGENTINA M. JAMES Founder, President and CEO

HillDay

3801 Kirby Dr., Suite 507

Houston, TX 77098

O: 713-306-6822

ajames@hilldaypr.com www.Hillday.com

IG: @HillDay

FB: HillDayIndustries

STACI LATOISON

FOUNDER & CEO, DREAM BIG VENTURES

Staci LaToison is an award-winning investor, global speaker, consultant, podcast host, and best-selling author. She founded Dream Big Ventures, dedicated to empowering aspiring entrepreneurs in the areas of professional development, market engagement and growth, and strategic investment opportunities. With over two decades at Chevron, managing global teams and billion-dollar budgets, and roles in China and Angola, she launched Dream Big to inspire women to unlock possibilities they never imagined.

Through her podcast, 'Her Money Moves,' she demystifies the financial world and encourages you to take control of your financial destiny. The show highlights how

empowered women in leadership roles can propel industries, uplift communities, and stimulate global economic growth. It also serves as a guide for those who are ready to experience financial growth. Available in both video and audio formats across major platforms such as YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts, ‘Her Money Moves’ helps aspiration meet achievement. Staci's leadership has steered Dream Big in hosting empowering workshops and supporting women-led businesses, building a robust community network. She's been recognized as the Mendoza Ventures Funder of the Year, received the L'ATTITUDE Ventures Game Changer Award, Chase Latina Executive Award, Angeles Investors New Member of the Year,

Houston Business Journal Women Who Mean Business in Energy, Role Model of the Year Award from the Doll Foundation, and was named one of the 2024 Fresh Faces of Fashion by Modern Luxury Houston magazine.

Staci has been featured in Forbes, Yahoo! Finance, KPRC 2, US Reporter and more to share her vast knowledge in subjects like investing, business, corporate professionalism, and women empowerment. She also celebrated International Women’s Day at Nasdaq for the opening bell and was named one of 2024’s Most Influential Latinas by Latino Leaders magazine. An active board member, Staci serves with the University of Houston, Houston Hospice, Discovery Green Conservancy and Angeles Investors. She's also part of the Latino Corporate Directors Association and the prominent Women Presidents Organization.

Staci’s journey from a young, single mother to a trailblazing entrepreneur is nothing short of inspirational. Her commitment to strategic leadership and fiduciary duty is evident through her service.

Staci is thrilled to announce the inaugural ‘Her Money Moves’ Summit on Sept. 12, 2024, in Houston, Texas! This event is all about empowering women to achieve financial success and leverage their brilliance for business and personal growth. She is inspiring, educating, and uniting women entrepreneurs, leaders, and professionals by creating a dynamic space for learning, networking, and growth, fostering a community where we all think big and dream bigger, and normalize money talk. She hopes to see you there!

STACI LATOISON Founder & CEO

Dream

Big Ventures

1314 Emancipation Ave. Houston, TX 77003

O: 832-240-6000

staci@dreambigventuresllc.com

www.dreambigventuresllc.com

www.stacilatoison.com

IG: @stacilatoison

FB: stacilatoison

LIZA LAWRENCE

Liza Lawrence is an accomplished leader and proactive healthcare professional with over 15 years of experience as an executive healthcare administrator. A skilled leader, Liza manages over 200 physicians, nurse practitioners, and staff in the Houston Methodist Department of Medicine, overseeing 11 multi-specialty clinics to provide guidance and support to ensure high-quality care and positive patient outcomes.

Beyond her impactful healthcare career, Liza is the proud mother of two young boys on the autism spectrum. Her personal journey as a mother has profoundly influenced her dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of children with autism, which led her to begin a movement of change and acceptance.

In 2019, she established Perfect Connection, an award-winning 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to raising autism awareness through education, advocacy, and outreach. Perfect Connection has been a steadfast source of support for children on the autism spectrum and their families. The organization provides essential resources, such as school adoptions, financial assistance, STEM camps, sensory-friendly field trips, social activities, advocacy trainings, literacy workshops, and valuable training for parents and educators. To date, Perfect Connection has serviced over 500 families with autism.

Liza's commitment to autism awareness extends to her role as the co-author of Perfectly Connected, an inclusive children's book promoting the importance of friendships for kids on the autism spectrum.

Throughout her career and community involvement, Liza has garnered numerous awards and recognitions, including:

• 2017 "Maximum Mom" HER Award from Houston Women’s Magazine

• 2016 STEAM Role Model from Greater Houston Women Chamber of Commerce

• 2017 Partner Appreciation recipient from Hope for Three

• 2018 Congressional Recognition for Outstanding Community Service

• 2018 City of Houston Proclaimed “Liza Lawrence Day"

• 2018 Vivacious Award from Autism Moms are Beautiful

• 2018 Legacy Award recipient from Twelve Days Nonprofit Organization

• 2019 Honoree International LCA Award

• 2020 Houston Business Journal 40 Under 40

• 2021 Founding Board Member of the Pink Fund

• 2021 Presidential Joe Biden Lifetime Achievement Award

• 2023 PEP Houston Advocate of the Year Award

In addition to community and business recognitions, Liza has served as a member of the Alvin Community College Business Advisory Board, Texas Disability Grant Review Board, and board of directors for Texas Emergency Nurses Association.

Liza is eager to continue her purposeful work as a healthcare leader and community advocate by making a profound impact in fostering inclusivity, education, and support for families and children affected by autism.

LIZA LAWRENCE CEO and Founder

Perfect Connection

5605 Los Angeles Houston, TX 77026

contact@theperfectconnection.org www.theperfectconnection.org

IG: @theperfect_connection

FB: Perfect Connection

A message from Lina Sabouni, AIA AUTOARCH Co-Founder & Principal In Charge

To our Community Leaders:

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

• Empower Women: they shape the Future.

• Empower Entrepreneurs: they carry the Potential.

To our Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs:

• Embrace Conviction: Stand for what you believe in.

• Define Your Path: Clarify your aspirations.

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

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

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

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

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

THANH LE

CHAIRWOMAN, VIETNAMESE CULTURE AND SCIENCE ASSOCIATION

Thanh Le is a distinguished figure in both the Vietnamese community and broader societal spheres. As the chairwoman of the Vietnamese Culture and Science Association (VCSA), Thanh has been instrumental in fostering cultural understanding and scientific advancement since 1995. Her commitment to the VCSA’s mission has been unwavering, serving as a beacon of leadership and inspiration to those around her.

Beyond her pivotal role within the VCSA, Thanh is deeply engaged in community endeavors, exemplifying a dedication to service that has spanned decades. As a board member of the Asian American Real Estate Association and the past Fundraising Chair of the Houston Asian Junior Chamber of Commerce, she has played an

integral part in various initiatives aimed at enhancing the lives of those within her community.

Thanh is a dedicated advocate for Vietnamese culture and community development, a role she has embraced since 1995. Her journey in community service and leadership spans decades, marked by a profound commitment to fostering cultural understanding and advancing social initiatives.

Her involvement extends beyond VCSA, as evidenced by her significant contributions to various organizations. Notably, she has served as a board member of the Asian American Real Estate Association and as the Past Fundraising Chair of the Houston Asian Junior Chamber of Commerce. Thanh’s dedication has not gone

unnoticed, earning her esteemed accolades such as the Leadership Award and Officer of the Year from the Houston Asian Jaycees and Congressional Recognition for Outstanding Young Community Leadership by Sheila Jackson Lee in Houston, Texas.

Throughout her career, Thanh has demonstrated a relentless passion for service, earning numerous awards and distinctions. She has been recognized as the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year at JPM Chase, Outstanding APA of the Year by the Organization of Chinese Americans and received the NAVASA Outstanding Young Community Leader Award at the NAVASA banquet. Additionally, she has been honored as the Outstanding Member of the Year at the Vietnamese Culture and Science Association.

Thanh’s educational background reflects her commitment to excellence and continuous learning. She obtained her Bachelor of Administration in Management Information Systems from the University of Houston and furthered her education by earning a Master of Business Management from Regis University.

Currently serving as the managing director of Crown ID Solutions, Thanh brings a wealth of expertise and a steadfast dedication to her professional endeavors. Furthermore, her leadership extends beyond the boardroom, as she utilizes her skills and experiences to make meaningful contributions to society.

She is currently living in Houston with her husband, Dr. Danh Le, and two daughters, May Le (12) and Tam Le (5).

THANH LE Chairwoman Vietnamese Culture and Science Association

9901 Beechnut St. Houston, TX 77036

O: 281-788-8426

Lthanh74@gmail.com

www.crownidsolutions.com

IG: @thanhluu

FB: thanh.luu.397

TOMIKIA P. LEGRANDE, ED.D.

PRESIDENT, PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY

Tomikia P. LeGrande, Ed.D., became the ninth president of Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) on June 1, 2023. Her career in higher education is marked by successive leadership roles and professional achievements.

Before joining PVAMU, Dr. LeGrande served as vice president for strategy, enrollment management and student success at Virginia Commonwealth University, where she led the development and implementation of the university’s strategic plan, priorities, and goals to influence national prominence, strategic partnerships, and student access and success. Other senior level leadership roles prior to VCU include vice president for student affairs and enrollment management at the University

of Houston-Downtown, and associate vice chancellor for enrollment management at Winston Salem State University.

Throughout her career, Dr. LeGrande’s focus has been on advancing equity, accessibility, and affordability in higher education. She works to create and sustain engaging and supportive cultures for faculty, staff and students resulting in positive institutional outcomes. She has been prolific in securing resources to support innovation and accelerate progress. In all of her career endeavors, Dr. LeGrande has created “cultures of care” utilizing her expertise in strategic planning, new technology implementation, change management, and policy and business process redesign. With a personalized approach, she engages at all levels of an organization– forming, deploy-

ing and managing cross-organizational teams that find solutions to impediments that may impact university progress.

The art of leadership is Dr. LeGrande’s passion. She creates challenging yet supportive environments that embolden the pursuit of wide-ranging and futurefocused goals. She embraces developing and cultivating leadership at all levels of an organization and has documented success in procuring funds to support programmatic expansion and change.

As a two-time graduate of HBCUs, and having earned a doctorate in higher education leadership, Dr. LeGrande understands the transformative power of education in helping students dismantle class, social, and cultural barriers. She believes that centered and effective leadership in higher education can amplify and accelerate the social mobility of all students, but especially of those from communities that have been underserved and underrepresented.

At the national level, Dr. LeGrande is actively engaged in issues of access, parity, higher education policy and leadership development. She is a sought-after thought leader, and a regular presenter and facilitator on the topics of enrollment management, educational equity and student success. She testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Education and Labor in 2019 during a hearing on “Innovation to Improve Equity: Exploring High-Quality Pathways to a College Degree.” She was also the recipient of the Governor’s “Champion for Change Award” for the Commonwealth of Virginia in 2021.

A native of Savannah, GA, Dr. LeGrande earned a B.S. in chemistry from Savannah State University, M.S. in chemistry from North Carolina A&T State University, and an Ed.D. from Texas Tech University.

TOMIKIA P. LEGRANDE, ED.D. President

Prairie View A&M University

100 University Dr. Prairie View, TX 77446 www.pvamu.edu

Photo by PVAMU

APRIÉL POWELL MARTIN

ATTORNEY, UNITEDHEALTHCARE

Apriél Powell Martin’s interest in health care began long before law school. Upon graduating Langston University with a healthcare administration degree and from her tenure at Memorial Hermann Healthcare System, she honed her skills in managed care health insurance serving as a physician contracting liaison, working with an 800-member physician group. This experience fostered a deep appreciation for the healthcare industry— from both the provider and patient perspectives. One of her many memorable professional experiences at Memorial Hermann was training the late renowned trauma surgeon, Dr. James “Red” Duke on the system’s newly implemented electronic medical records platform.

After graduating from Thurgood Marshall School of Law and passing the Texas bar the same year, Apriél embarked on a dynamic legal career. She was fortunate enough to land a position at the Galveston

County District Attorney’s Office, which was key in polishing her courtroom and prosecution skills as an assistant district attorney. While an ADA, she prosecuted both misdemeanor and felony criminal cases. Notably, she was promoted to chief of the Bond Forfeiture Division, securing the largest bond recovery judgment for the county at that time.

Following the DA’s office, her path then led her to St. Luke’s Hospital System, where she served as a privacy attorney. In this capacity, Apriél trained clinicians on HIPAA compliance, skillfully mitigated privacy and security issues, safeguarding patients and successfully defending the hospital system against federal agency allegations. Her dedication earned her the title of Corporate Trainer of the Year. She then transitioned to management and assumed the role of assistant vice president, overseeing health insurance contracting, credentialing, and board governance for a network of 1,200 physicians. She was

instrumental in attaining one of the first large-scale value-based contracts for the health system.

Her leadership extended to an academic hospital system affiliated with the UT Health System as a legal officer. There, she worked on innovative healthcare arrangements and risk management, and directed malpractice defense.

During the pandemic, Apriél’s expertise became even more critical. As chief legal counsel for MD Medical Associates, she grappled with the ever-evolving health laws and regulations spun from COVID-19. Additionally, she appeared as a guest on the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, discussing health law changes and advance directives— a segment that resonated with a 3 million-strong listening audience.

Apriél’s current position as general counsel—Medicaid attorney spans four markets, with the Texas market being the largest. She deftly manages federal and state contracts and program initiatives, totaling over $1 billion.

Apriél has a heart and passion for community service. She has served on the Harris County Drug Court (now Justice Forward) Board and the advisory committee for the Young Mother Residential Program at Project Row Houses. She has also found great joy serving alongside other like-minded professional women as she has held national, regional and local positions with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and The Links, Incorporated. Her professional accolades have earned her the title of Distinguished Alumnus of Thurgood Marshall School of Law, where now she is an adjunct health law professor. Alongside her sister, Dr. Adrianne Powell, she co-hosts the web series “Powell Power Hour,” educating communities on medicallegal matters and empowering them to navigate the healthcare system.

APRIÉL POWELL MARTIN Attorney UnitedHealthcare

O: 415-943-3582

www.uhc.com

Trilogy Engineering Services LLC is a minority-owned, woman-owned engineering firm located in Houston, Texas.

Trilogy Engineering Services’ approach to client service is providing the technical solutions required, while using the client’s input and preferences all within the established project budget. Trilogy Engineering Services realizes the finished project is the Owner’s not the consulting engineers. That’s why we pride ourselves with a slogan that sums up our belief “It’s about our clients” when we approach delivering our services.

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:

Drinking Water Design

Waste Water Design

Water Resources

Roadway Design

Environmental Services

Disaster Recovery

We listen to our clients to develop processes that exceed their expectations. We have a heavy focus on communicating with the clients clearly on the project and being receptive to their feedback.

KRISTIN L. MASSEY

VICE PRESIDENT, BAYOU CITY EVENT CENTER

Kristin L. Massey is an accomplished business leader and the vice president of Bayou City Event Center, the largest privately-owned event center in Houston. She graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor of Science in Economics in 2003, where she also served as the president of the Economics Department for two terms.

Early on, Kristin was selected by the department to work with the Waco Chamber of Commerce, where she leveraged her education to collaborate with small, medium, and large companies to identify strategies to further industrialize the city. Concurrently, she excelled as an intern at the Southwestern Company, ranking first regionally and 10th nationally out of 3,500 students. This success led to a full-time position with the Southwestern Company, where she established the company's presence in Houston. As the organization’s top sales manager, Kristin created new internship opportunities for

students at Rice University, Texas Southern University (TSU), and the University of Houston.

Kristin’s business development prowess was further demonstrated when she was hired to open a new branch of Cambridge Galaher Settlements in Houston, Texas. She developed a new client base for the company and aided both domestic and international clients in reaching settlements with protected client assets. Kristin's expertise eventually brought her into a new family business, where she plays a pivotal role as vice president of Bayou City Event Center. She and her mother, Lori Schroeder, have grown this magnificent woman-owned business together for the last 13 years and counting! In 2016, the event center expanded into in-house catering. With its culinary and management teams, the event center has mastered the art of catering for hundreds or thousands of guests per event.

In her vice president role, Kristin has built extensive client relationships with large

organizations like MD Anderson, Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, Baylor College of Medicine, Community Health Choice, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston Methodist, Better Business Bureau, City of Houston, Greater Houston Port Bureau, University of Texas, University of Houston, A&M Club, Houston Independent School District, Houston Community College Foundation, Texas Children’s Hospital, Vaskey Media Group, GT Sports Marketing, and several others.

Kristin and her team have executed some of the largest events in Houston, including private events with StubHub Super Bowl LI, Final Four, and Copa, and with special guests like Bret Michaels, Tom Keifer, T-Pain, Paul Wall, Bun B, Trae tha Truth, Gatlin Brothers, Temptations, Lee Greenwood, Demi Lovato, Yolanda Adams, Steve Wariner, Jay Leno, JJ Watt, Dana White, Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman, Yordan Alvarez, Emmitt Smith, Kyle Tucker, Ryan Pressly, Jeremy Pena, Drew Brees, George Springer, Warren Moon, Michael Irvin, Terry Bradshaw, Dan Pastorini, Darryl Strawberry, Eddie George, Chuck Norris, and many others.

Kristin is currently an active director and past gala co-chair for the Kym Coleman Education Foundation (KCEF), where she raised the highest funds of any single gala in the organization’s history. Kristin has also been a member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo since 2004, where she has served half of her years in leadership.

Kristin is a proud mother to Landon, Emma, and Brian. You can often find her and her husband, Jeff Goldberg, cheering on their kids’ educational, sports, and entrepreneurial goals.

KRISTIN L. MASSEY Vice President

Bayou City Event Center 9401 Knight Rd. Houston, TX 77045

O: 281-501-6720, Ext. 102

kristin@bayoucityeventcenter.com www.bayoucityeventcenter.com

FB: Bayou City Event Center Houston

LORA L. MAYES, BSN RN FOUNDER, CEO,

BEACON HOME HEALTH AGENCY, LLC

Lora L. Mayes, BSN RN, is the founder and CEO of Beacon Home Health Agency, LLC in Stafford, Texas. Lora oversees all facets of the organization, ensuring seniors receive optimal health care in the comfort of their homes. With a career spanning over 36 years, Lora has emerged as a prominent figure in her community, and her journey embodies a profound commitment to enhancing the lives of seniors and their families. Mrs. Mayes has led Beacon since 2004 and has ensured the organization’s compliance with both state and federal regulations. Beyond her role as a business owner, Lora is a tireless advocate for senior rights and quality health care. She is an active member of the Texas Association of Home Care and Hospice, a previous Board of Director member for the organization from 2020-2022, and current member of

the Political Action Committee, Government Affairs and DEI. Lora was instrumental in the development of the Diversity Equity Committee within the TAHCH to ensure the industry recognizes its need for diversity and health equity. Lora is also a Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Alumni, Cohort 22.

She actively engages with community organizations, lending her expertise to initiatives aimed at improving access to care and promoting aging in place. Guided by her belief that patients deserve care where they feel happiest and safest, Lora continues to advocate for quality health care delivered with compassion and dignity, making a profound difference in the lives of those she serves. As she reflects on her journey spanning three decades, Lora remains steadfast in her mission to redefine aging with grace and dignity.

With boundless compassion and a wealth of experience, she continues to pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future in senior care.

Lora has been married to Ricky Mayes for 36 years. They have two sons and seven grandchildren.

LORA L. MAYES, BSN RN Founder, CEO

Beacon Home Health Agency, LLC

13004 Murphy Rd., #206

Stafford, TX 77477

O: 713-592-6428

loramayes@hotmail.com

www.letbeaconhelp.com

IG: @beaconhomehealth2020

BELINDA MAYS

AUTHOR, SPEAKER, WOMAN IN TECH, LOCKHEED MARTIN ENTERPRISE OPERATIONS

Belinda Mays is an associate manager at Lockheed Martin Enterprise Operations, where she coaches and mentors early-career employees in the Engineering Leadership Development Program (ELDP). In addition to her leadership role in ELDP, Belinda also provides executivelevel support to the senior vice president and chief information officer’s technical assistant.

Belinda is a certified project management professional (PMP), SAFe Scrum Master (SSM), and Scrum.org product owner. She is passionate about process automation, continuous improvement, and providing efficient user experiences. Belinda has over 20 years of front-end application,

SQL, and systems integration experience.

Throughout her career, Belinda has successfully led large complex projects, including the Content Server Directory Services transition, which impacted 24,000 active domestic and international users across multiple defense programs.

In addition to her IT career, Belinda is also an award-winning author and speaker. She is the author of six children’s books, including, My Amazing Dad, 7 Days with Daddy, I Am, God’s Affirmations For Little Girls, and I Am, God’s Affirmations For Little Boys. She has received a Purple Dragonfly Award, a Christian Indie Award, and a Book Excellence Finalist Award.

Belinda’s writing style captivates children while entertaining adults. Her published

book titled My Amazing Dad started as a tall tale speech about her father, retired Air Force sergeant Berkins Booker Jr. After his passing, Belinda transformed the speech into a beloved children’s book and found her purpose as an author: to promote literacy and positive family images. Her synergy of communication and technical skills allows her to connect with diverse audiences at an intimate and individual level. She has given numerous presentations during conferences, community events, and business luncheons.

Belinda obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and Communication from Huston-Tillotson University and received a Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Texas at Austin.

Belinda served as an area director, Vice President of Education, and Vice President of Membership for Toastmasters in District 52 and 25. She also volunteered as a speaker for the North Texas American Diabetes Association and Raising the Standard Foundation Girls Math and Science AKAdemy. She is a proud silver star member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Belinda is a native of Beaumont, Texas. She currently resides in Houston with her husband, Dr. Anthony Mays, her mother, and the couple’s three children. She enjoys writing, speaking, and outdoor water activities.

BELINDA MAYS

Author, Speaker, Woman in Tech Lockheed Martin 595 Gemini St. Houston, TX 77058

O: 817-935-1684 www.belindamays.com

DR. SHERI L. MILLER-HOSKIN

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, TRANSCENDENCE EDUCATIONAL PARTNERS, LLC.

Sheri L. Miller-Hoskin, Ph.D. is a visionary education and business professional skilled in educational leadership, as well as leadership and business development, operations oversight, and systems implementation in both education and business markets. She’s a nationally and internationally recognized education executive whose work revolutionizes the way services are delivered in our school systems, and brings extensive experience as a former teacher, elementary and middle school principal, and senior executive in districts across the U.S.

Known for her dynamic approach to school turnaround and transformation in many of the country’s largest urban epicenters, she’s led over 150 national and international schools. Her work is guided by an unyielding commitment to level the educational landscape for Black and Brown children, and equip leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to change the academic and social-emotional trajectory of students who attend their schools. A native Houstonian, Dr. Sheri believes in giving back to communities that served her, by providing them with equitable educational opportunities for minority students.

Dr. Sheri’s achievements and accolades include: the 2008 launch of the Regional Principal Leadership Academy for Houston A+ Challenge as Director of Leadership/School Performance, where she designed and executed the development of over 300 school leaders via six leadership academies for aspiring principals across the Greater Houston area. She also served Edison Schools in various capacities: Vice President of Educational Services, Vice President of Achievement and Vice President of Development, where her focus was to increase student achievement levels in underperforming schools across the nation and leading the opening of new schools in urban areas inclusive of the design and launch of charter schools. While with Edison Schools, she was also responsible for professional development programs, managing achievement support systems and metrics, and accelerating and sustaining school achievement gains via a district partnerships model for over 100 schools. Dr. Sheri also served as superintendent and regional vice president for Lighthouse Academies, where she led

the radical turnaround of historically underperforming charter schools in Chicago, Illinois, Gary, Indiana, and East Chicago, Indiana. She also served as executive director for the Hawthorn Leadership School for Girls in St. Louis, Missouri, where she led the transformation of the only all-girls school in the State of Missouri.

In 2017, Sheri launched TranscEnDence Educational Partners, LLC. (TEP), a boutique educational consulting firm designed to provide targeted support to struggling schools via a five-fold focus campus improvement model. In 2019, TEP expanded its reach to include the international education sector with a focus on improving schools in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). TEP’s reach also extends to Africa and India.

Throughout her career, Dr. Sheri has served as a national speaker and guest lecturer across the country inclusive of Harvard University and Washington University, and currently coaches aspiring school leaders and judges New School Design Exhibitions for Columbia University’s

Teachers College and coaches aspiring leaders at Bank Street College.

Now, Dr. Sheri has added a new role to her life as wife to Pastor Erick W. Hoskin, Sr., Pastor of The Word of God Christian Fellowship Church, one of the fastest growing churches in Cypress, Texas. In her new capacity as First Lady and Chief of Staff of WOGCF, she will now bring her years of organizational transformation experience to the church, its systems and processes.

DR. SHERI L. MILLER-HOSKIN Chief Executive Officer

TranscEnDence Educational Partners, LLC. P.O. Box 1852

Cypress, TX 77410

O: 832-619-9709

smiller@transcendenceedu.org www.transcendenceedu.com

IG: sheril.miller

FB: Dr Sheri Miller-Hoskin

LISA MODICA

VICE PRESIDENT, GLOBAL LABOR & EMPLOYMENT LAW, HALLIBURTON COMPANY

Ms. Lisa Modica is Vice President of Global Labor & Employment Law at Halliburton Company, a Fortune 200 multi-national oil and gas services company with over 45,000 employees. In this role, she is responsible for the legal strategy and risk management of global employment claims and disputes, regulatory enforcement actions, and employment litigation. Ms. Modica manages a significant departmental budget, manages outside counsel, and supervises a staff of attorneys and support personnel. She is a member of the Executive Legal Management Team, reporting directly to the general counsel and a trusted advisor to the C-Suite. Ms. Modica also has responsibility for U.S. Immigration and the U.S. Dispute Resolution Program, which includes mediations and arbitrations of employment claims.

Ms. Modica has had a successful law career in both private practice and in-house. Prior to Halliburton, Ms. Modica was an ERISA attorney at Continental Airlines from 2005 to 2010. From 1999 to 2005, Ms. Modica was in private practice as an ERISA associate at Vinson & Elkins L.L.P.

Ms. Modica is the recipient of several awards, including receiving recognition as a 2023 Wonderful Women honoree, Lawyers of Color, and the Nation’s Best List honoree, Southwest Region, by Lawyers of Color in October 2020. She is the recipient of the 2018 Breakthrough Woman Award by the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce and the Women in Energy Award by the Houston Business Journal in 2016.

Ms. Modica is committed to community service. She is the Chair-Elect of the Board of Directors of the Houston Area

Women’s Center and serves on its Nominating and Governance Committee. She formerly served as chair and board member of Aid for Victims of Domestic Abuse (2005-2017) and as a member of the Board of Directors of Avondale House for Autism (2003-2005).

LISA MODICA Vice President

Global Labor & Employment Halliburton Company

3000 N Sam Houston Pkwy. E Houston, TX 77032

DIVERSITY

IS THE SPICE

Life

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

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

SHEROO MUKHTIAR

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, SERJOBS

Sheroo Mukhtiar is the chief executive officer for SERJobs, bringing over 30 years of experience in the nonprofit sector across four states and six community-based organizations. Her extensive experience has honed her expertise in strategic growth and transformational impact.

Over the past six years at SERJobs, Sheroo has spearheaded efforts to enhance the organization’s reach across industries and in Greater Houston. This includes the successful transition to the organization’s headquarters, known as the Workforce Opportunity Center, in 2018, followed by the construction and launch of a new, state-of-the-art Workforce Resource and Training Center in 2023. SERJobs’ mission

continues to revolve around the elimination of barriers to employment, through diverse and comprehensive programs for underserved and under-resourced individuals and communities. With collaborative efforts and a robust funding portfolio, SERJobs is widely recognized as a valued workforce development organization across the Houston area, with services being offered in 17 satellite locations.

Sheroo holds a Master of Social Work degree from Washington University in St. Louis, with a specialization in Children and Youth Services and Nonprofit Management. She has also earned a Bachelor of Social Work degree from the College of Social Work in India, focusing on Child Welfare. Sheroo completed leadership

programs such as Leadership Houston and the American Leadership Forum, which along with her professional experiences have provided her with exceptional skills in all aspects of nonprofit leadership, including advancement, board development and governance, strategic planning and growth, capacity building and talent management, marketing and communications, budgeting, and program development.

Sheroo has actively engaged with various boards and community initiatives, such as Impact100 Houston, the Indian American Political Action Committee (IAPAC), Leadership Houston, Texas Executive Women, and the Cypress Fairbanks Independent School District, demonstrating her commitment to social impact and community development. Additionally, she has participated as a panelist and keynote speaker for events and conferences hosted by Comcast, the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA), Texas Capital Bank, UNIDOS, C3 (Construction Career Collaborative), Department of Labor, and Leadership Houston.

In 2023, Sheroo received the Women Who Mean Business award from the Houston Business Journal and was also recognized as a Woman on the Move by the Texas Executive Women.

Outside of work, Sheroo's interests include traveling and experiencing diverse cultures and cuisines with her family. She is especially devoted to her two daughters, whom she describes as her North Stars.

SHEROO MUKHTIAR Chief Executive Officer SERJobs

1710 Telephone Rd. Houston, TX 77023 O: 713-773-6000 www.serhouston.org

2024 TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMAN OF HOUSTON HONOREES

CLAUDIA ORTEGA HOGUE Partner

SSP Engineering & Consulting SHEROO MUKHTIAR

Chief Executive Officer SERJobs

LENORA SOROLA-POHLMAN

- 2021 HONOREE -

ROSIE NGUYEN

REPORTER, ABC13 HOUSTON

Rosie Nguyen is an Emmy awardwinning journalist and the race and culture reporter at ABC13 Houston (KTRK-TV). Her passion lies in covering issues impacting our diverse communities and highlighting their contributions to society with the hope of combating harmful stereotypes.

She moved to Houston in 2021 and has loved calling the Bayou City her home. During her time here, she's reported about a myriad of topics, including how new Texas voting laws disproportionately impact communities of color, the environmental

inequities that cause health issues for minority neighborhoods, and how recent legislation has created hostile conditions for families with transgender children.

But don't worry, she gets to cover positive stories too. She followed R'Bonney Gabriel's journey after she won Miss Texas USA, who ultimately won Miss Universe 2022. She was the only TV news reporter from Houston to interview Second Chief Millie Thompson Williams, the first woman to hold a chief position for the AlabamaCoushatta Tribe of Texas. She also featured Rev. Doris Benford of Rising Star

Missionary Baptist Church in Texas City, who holds the Guinness World Record for the longest-serving pastor of a single church, two months before he died.

Rosie comes to Houston from her hometown of Salt Lake City, where she helped launch the market's first live nightly news discussion show during the 7 p.m. hour. As the anchor and host of "In Focus," she explored various topics of community interest, such as racial equity, LGBTQ+ issues, disability rights, intergenerational poverty, mental health, and more.

During her time in Utah, she won multiple awards, including a 2021 Rocky Mountain Regional Emmy in the Breaking News category as an anchor during the destructive George Floyd riots. She's also won several first-place awards with the Utah Society of Professional Journalists in the categories of criminal justice, minority issues, and general news reporting.

She graduated from the University of Utah with a master's degree in communications and began her news career as the weekend morning anchor for KEZI in Eugene, Oregon. Rosie is the daughter of two Vietnam War refugees and speaks Vietnamese fluently. She and her boyfriend, Jason, are excited to live in a city with one of the largest Vietnamese populations in the country. They have a Labrador Retriever, Dug, who loves to venture the outdoors with them. If you have any recommendations for good places to eat or places to explore, please send them her way!

ROSIE NGUYEN Reporter

ABC13 Houston

3310 Bissonnet St. Houston, TX 77005

O: 713-663-4634

rosie.nguyen@abc.com www.abc13.com

IG: @rosieabc13

DR. ANGELA OKOTIE-EBOH, DNP, APRN

CEO, NP CARE SERVICES GROUP

Angela Okotie-Eboh (affectionally known as Dr. Angela) was born in Edo State, Nigeria. She was educated and received a bachelor’s degree in banking and finance from the University of Benin. In 1992, she immigrated to the United States to join her husband Goodluck Okotie-Eboh in Houston, Texas. Dr. Angela decided to change her career focus from banking and finance to nursing. She entered junior college to pursue her perquisites with hopes of attending nursing school. After completion, Dr. Angela’s hopes were realized when she received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Texas School of Nursing–Houston campus. She then went on to receive her Doctor of Nursing from Rush University in Chicago, Illinois. She is currently certified as an adult medicine and psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner.

Dr. Angela has over 23 years of experience

in providing evidence-based, high-quality patient care to diverse populations. She is experienced in treating and managing care for the chronically mentally ill population. Further, she is highly skilled at developing, implementing, and evaluating patient-centered care plans that support individualized patient care needs.

In 2004, Dr. Angela founded Heart and Health Ministries International. The vision for this ministry was birthed after her childhood friend died needlessly in her home country of Nigeria because of very sub-standard medical care. Heart and Health International has sponsored and taken part in over 26 mission trips to Nigeria, Africa, and Pampanga, Philippines, serving over 5,000 people each trip.

In 2005, Dr. Angela established NP Care Services Group, Inc., one of the first nurse practitioner multi-specialty group practices in the Houston area. The practice care is focused on treating the chronically

mentally ill population utilizing evidencebased treatment models. NP Care Services Group, Inc. provides comprehensive service to over 4,500 patients yearly. Because of its proven track record, the company was selected to partner with a major managed care organization for a newly enhanced approach to follow-up care for patients discharged from psychiatric hospitals.

Dr. Angela is a member of the Molina Managed Care East Region Provider Quality Workgroup, National Nurse Practitioner Advisory Council on Diabetes, Speakers Bureau for Glaxo SmithKline, National Black Nurses Association, American Nurses Association, American Psychiatric Nurses Association, Texas Nurses Association, The Fort Bend – Houston Chapter of the Black Nurses Association, and Sigma Theta Tau (International Honor Society of Nursing).

In 2002, Dr. Goodluck Okotie-Eboh founded The Ark Fellowship Church, where Angela served as co-pastor. Upon the death of her husband in 2021, Dr. Angela assumed the role of lead pastor for the church, which is located in Cypress, Texas. The TV program, “Word of Faith,” launched in 2014 and reached over 12 million people in southern Nigeria weekly. The TV ministry signed on with the NOW Network in 2023 and can now be watched by 250 million viewers all over the world.

Dr. Angela and her late husband, Dr. Goodluck Okotie-Eboh, are the proud parents of three adult children-- Omare, Grace and Toju.

DR. ANGELA OKOTIE-EBOH, DNP, APRN

CEO

NP Care Services Group 2420 Fannin St. Houston, TX 77002

O: 832-831-3651

angela.o@npcareservices.com

www.npcareservices.com

IG: @thearkfellowship, @tafcypress, @angelaeboh

FB: Angela Okotie-Eboh

EVEITT PAYNE

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, RETAIL AREA MANAGER, THIRD COAST BANK

Eveitt Payne is a Cleveland, Ohio, native and distinguished leader in the banking industry with over three decades of experience. Currently, she serves as the senior vice president and retail area manager for Third Coast Bank, where she manages an extensive network of branches across Houston, Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio. Known for her ability to develop leaders, enhance brand visibility, and foster strong community ties, Eveitt is most proud of her role in creating a robust succession

plan that ensures the continued growth and success of Third Coast Bank.

Eveitt's career in banking began in 1989 when she joined the industry as a teller. Her skills and dedication quickly earned her a promotion to assistant manager within just six months. Over the next 13 years, Eveitt ascended the ranks to become a regional manager and eventually a senior vice president. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her inspirational leadership and unwavering

commitment to her teams, making her a respected figure in the banking industry. Beyond her banking career, Eveitt is also an accomplished entrepreneur. In 2003, she founded her own Farmers Insurance Agency, which she operated until 2009. In addition, she owns EPayne Etiquette Company, a venture that reflects her diverse interests and dedication to empowering others through education and professional development.

Eveitt's commitment to her community is as impressive as her professional achievements. Since 2002, she has been a deaconess and servant leader at The Fountain of Praise. Her community involvement extends to her work as a former advisory board member for the YMCA, a former board member for the Tri-County Chamber, and a board member and literacy champion for Woodlawn in Alabama. She also made significant contributions as the founding president of the African American chapter of an employee resource group at PNC in Alabama.

Educationally, Eveitt holds a bachelor's degree in business management and studied at Houston Baptist University (now Houston Christian University) and the University of Phoenix. Her leadership philosophy is grounded in compassion, leading by example, and the belief that mentorship is crucial to success. Throughout her career, she has been guided and supported by mentors such as Dr. Tracy Weeden, Dr. Mia Wright, Rosalyn Houston, and Dr. Bridget Hilliard. She has been married to her husband, Carl P. Payne, for 24 years.

Eveitt Payne's blend of professional excellence, entrepreneurial spirit, and community service makes her a standout leader in her field, continually inspiring those around her.

EVEITT PAYNE

Senior

Vice President, Retail Area Manager

Third Coast Bank 1800 West Loop South Houston, TX 77027 epayne01@yahoo.com

Photo by Al Torres Photography

Wendy Preciado is the founder and CEO of CM & D National Construction LLC. Her journey from humble beginnings to the helm of a major international firm is a testament to her unwavering faith, resilience, and dedication. Born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, Wendy immigrated to the United States at the age of 8. Her early years were marked by the challenges of poverty and the struggles of an immigrant family. Her mother, a single parent of five who did not speak English, drive, or hold a job, relied on the kindness of a church to provide shelter. Wendy’s path was further complicated when she discovered her immigration status while attempting to enroll in college.

Despite these obstacles, Wendy’s determination propelled her forward. She became a U.S. citizen and leveraged her experiences to inspire others. Her mantra, "Faith over Fear," underscores her belief in the power of faith in Jesus Christ and perseverance. Wendy attributes her success to God's grace, acknowledging that divine in-

tervention opened doors and created opportunities she never imagined possible.

Wendy’s professional journey is equally impressive. With over a decade of experience in commercial construction and development, she has become a respected figure in the industry. Her expertise extends to the hospitality sector, where she has collaborated with numerous recognized franchises. As founder of CM & D National Construction LLC, Wendy’s leadership, business development acumen, and public relations skills have significantly enriched her team.

Beyond her corporate responsibilities, Wendy is deeply committed to community involvement. She participates in panels and conferences and speaks at schools to share her story and motivate others. Her mission is to show children, young adults, and adults alike that regardless of their background, culture, or circumstances, choosing faith over fear can lead to transformative change. Wendy’s personal narrative is a powerful example of how cur-

rent situations do not determine one's future.

Wendy’s contributions extend to various industry associations. She is the ambassador for the Texas region of the Latino Hotel Association. In this role, she collaborates with president and CEO Lynette Montoya to educate and empower Latino and Hispanic families on hotel ownership, aiming to create generational wealth within these communities. She is an active member of the U.S. Council of Hispanics in Construction and serves on the board of advisors for La Voz de Construcción. Additionally, she collaborates with small business owners like Luisa Montoya, the founder and CEO of Diversity Matters, who provides resources and information for the growth of small businesses. Recently, she has been collaborating with Liz Castillo, the founder and president of the Greater Houston Trucking Association, and Priscilla Picasso to get more involvement in the trucking and transportation community.

Her dedication to community service is fueled by her belief in several core principles: preparation meets opportunity, the importance of a strong network, the value of helping others, and the notion that change starts within oneself. Wendy also emphasizes that one's environment significantly influences their potential and that the best gift one can give is the gift of giving. She strives to be remembered not for her titles or wealth, but for the positive impact she has on others’ lives.

Wendy Preciado’s journey from an immigrant child to a successful Founder and CEO and community leader embodies the spirit of resilience and the power of faith. Her story is a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration for many, demonstrating that with determination and faith, one can overcome any obstacle and achieve greatness.

WENDY PRECIADO Founder and CEO

CM & D National Construction LLC

O: 281-939-6585

cmdnationalconstruction@gmail.com

Diversity, equity and inclusion aren’t just talking points.

At Comerica Bank, these words don’t describe what we try today. They define what we do and who we are.

That’s why 52% of all Comerica managers are female, and almost one-third of senior leaders are racial minorities. And that’s why we’ve been named a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ equality. Because actions always speak louder than words.

ANA MARIA BRODBECK SCHICK

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CFP FOUNDATION

Ana Maria Brodbeck Schick has spent the past 20 years in nonprofit leadership. She will be joining the CFP Foundation as their executive director in September, leading the overall activities of this philanthropic family foundation focused on education. Most recently, Ana served as executive director of Small Steps Nurturing Center, a high-quality early childhood education program serving students and families in the Fifth Ward and Gulfton areas. In her 11 years of leadership, Ana has worked to inspire excellence and is a faithful leader committed to continuous improvement. She led the organization through periods of growth, opening a new

school in the Gulfton area in partnership with St. Luke’s United Methodist Church and expanding the Fifth Ward campus. Along with her board of directors and staff, Ana expanded the reach of this critical high-quality early intervention, serving more children and families in a deep and meaningful way and focusing on the whole child and their families. Ana led the organization through the challenging periods of Hurricane Harvey and COVID-19, opening Small Steps’ doors as soon as possible to serve Small Steps’ students and families during this uncertain time. During her tenure, Small Steps has been fully accredited twice by COGNIA. A passionate advocate for high-

quality early childhood education, Ana believes in collaboration and the power of the network of community resources in Houston. Under Ana’s leadership, several new collaborations have been formed with Small Steps to provide resources to the students and families Small Steps serves.

Prior to working at Small Steps, Ana served for five years as executive director of Interface Samaritan Counseling Centers, a faith-based mental health counseling nonprofit. Before entering the nonprofit field, Ana spent 10 years working at Vinson & Elkins LLP in recruiting and client development.

Ana believes each step of her professional journey taught her many valuable lessons, and she is filled with gratitude for the people who were and continue to be part of her journey. Ana credits her parents for modeling an incredible work ethic and emphasizing the importance of giving back to the community. Embracing these values in her life, she is a committed volunteer to numerous causes around the city. Ana is a past president of The Junior League of Houston, Inc., a volunteer position leading one of the largest Junior League organizations in the country. In her 30+ years in Houston, she has volunteered and served in leadership positions for numerous organizations, including Amazing Place, American Red Cross, BEAR, Kappa Kappa Gamma Alumni Group, Museum of Health and Medical Science, River Oaks Baptist School, St. John’s School, and St. Theresa Catholic Church.

Ana is Cuban American and a Louisiana native. She received a bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University. She and her husband, Mike, are the proud parents of two adult sons and a daughter-in-law.

ANA MARIA BRODBECK SCHICK Executive Director

CFP Foundation

P.O. Box 1063

Houston, TX 77251

O: 713-830-3400

IG: anaschick

TRACEE SEALS, MBA CFRE

FOUNDATION DIRECTOR, DISRUPT GIVES

Advocate, entrepreneur, and community leader Tracee Seals is a dynamic and accomplished professional, serving in multiple influential roles that reflect her commitment to community empowerment, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. Currently, she holds the position of executive director for Disrupt Gives, a role where she channels her passion for fostering positive change within the marginalized and socioeconomic communities to build more sustainable lives.

Tracee is the CEO of TraceeSealsSpeaks, LLC, a platform through which she leverages her expertise as a two-time SXSW Presenter of Innovative Technology (in 2023 and 2019) and international speaker. Her commitment to innovation and empowering others is further demonstrated by her role as the vice president of the

Elevating Women Empowerment Group, a business dedicated to providing networking events for female entrepreneurs and essential business services. Tracee's journey in business has been marked by success and recognition.

Tracee's career in the nonprofit sector has been marked by consistent growth and remarkable achievements. Her journey, encompassing roles such as Women's Business Center Director, Development Director at Katy Christian Ministries, Director of Operations for the 100 Black Men of Houston, and the Foundation Director at Disrupt Gives, showcases her versatility and expertise in nonprofit management. Tracee's leadership style is characterized by strategic thinking, empathy, an unwavering commitment to equity, and a heart for nonprofits. She has a unique ability to identify organizational needs, develop

comprehensive strategies, and motivate teams to achieve ambitious goals.

A standout example of Tracee's impact has been expanding the 100 Black Men of Houston mentorship program by partnering with Employee Resource Groups (ERG) to facilitate the need for more mentees. She also expanded each nonprofit reach by partnering with other nonprofits which improved their outreach by 70%.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Tracee is actively involved in mentoring students between the ages of 11-13 years old in the Alief School District, and she is a mentor to the Collegiate 100, (a part of the 100 Black Men of America). Tracee is a member of Women in Real Estate, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo member, and WISE-Women in Sports and Events. She is also the Empowering Through Education Strategic Planning Committee Chair. Tracee was recognized for being one of the Top 50 Women Who We Admire in Houston and was named one of the Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., embodying the values of sisterhood, scholarship, and service.

Her educational background is equally impressive, holding a B.S. degree in business administration and a B.A. in literary arts, as well as a master’s in healthcare administration from Belhaven Christian University. Currently pursuing her Ph.D. in healthcare administration, Tracee combines her business acumen with a deep understanding of healthcare dynamics. In the realm of health care, Tracee is a certified orthopedic physician assistant (OPA-C) and a certified community health worker (CHW).

TRACEE SEALS, MBA CFRE

Foundation Director

Disrupt Gives

757 N. Eldridge Parkway, Suite 900 Houston, TX 77079

O: 346-349-8319

tracees@disruptgives.com www.disruptgives.com

Congratulations Tracee Seals!

We would like to congratulate our Foundation Director Tracee Seals on being honored as one of the 2024 Top 30 Influential Women of Houston! TRACEE SEALS Foundation Director

Team!

RHONDA SCOTT SMITH

DEPUTY DIRECTOR/CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER, HOUSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT

Rhonda Scott Smith is a highly accomplished financial executive currently serving as the chief financial officer (CFO) and deputy director for the Houston Police Department (HPD). In this role, she oversees the department's annual $1 billion budget and manages all financial operations, reporting directly to the Chief of Police. With over 30 years of extensive experience in finance, accounting, auditing, and leadership, Rhonda has made significant contributions to both large municipal organizations and public corporations.

Before joining HPD, Rhonda held key leadership positions, including executive director for the Houston Municipal Employees Pension System (HMEPS) and deputy director for the Houston Firefighters’ Relief and Retirement Fund. During her tenure at HPD, she was instrumental in securing increased funding to ensure business continuity amid the uncertainties of 20202021. She also spearheaded the Transformational Cultural Change program, fostering a positive cultural shift among employees. Her implementation of new financial policies and reporting methods,

coupled with the utilization of advanced financial tools, has optimized business growth and improved stakeholder alignment, resulting in enhanced efficiency and timely decision-making.

From 2008 to 2016, Rhonda served as the executive director for HMEPS, where she reported to an 11-member board of directors. She successfully implemented new investment strategies, established best practices, and achieved top-tier annual returns, even during the recession, as ranked by the Wilshire 5000 index. Rhonda also launched a comprehensive rebranding campaign for HMEPS, introducing new logos and a revamped website, supported by effective communication strategies involving various groups and sessions. She further enhanced board governance oversight through fiduciary training for internal directors, industry peer groups, and other small municipal pension funds, earning certification for best practices from a third-party auditing firm. Rhonda began her career as an auditor for Deloitte and Touche (now Deloitte) and served as an internal auditor for Occidental Petroleum. She is recognized as an ac-

complished financial and pension expert, offering guidance in investment best practices, pension reform, and board governance. Currently, Rhonda holds the position of Independent Director and Audit Committee Member for Kayne Anderson BDC, Inc. and Kayne DL. She also serves as a trustee and board secretary for HMEPS and is a member of the Advisory Board of AIF Global. Additionally, Rhonda is actively involved with the Girls Scouts San Jacinto, serving on their board development committee.

Her outstanding contributions to the field have earned her several accolades, including the Women on the Move award from Texas Executive Women and the Women Who Mean Business award from the Houston Business Journal. Rhonda's areas of expertise encompass a wide range of financial and management skills, including financial reporting, strategic investment planning, portfolio risk assessment, bargaining and contract negotiations, regulatory compliance, business continuity planning and execution, board governance, auditing, accounting, leadership development, and change management.

Rhonda holds an MBA in finance and management from the Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Fisher College of Business, Ohio State University. She currently resides in Houston, Texas, and in her personal time enjoys angel investing and traveling with her family. Rhonda is also a board director at St. Luke's Healthcare System, a former Girl Scout Director, and a board director at One Delta Plaza Educational Center Foundation. She is married, has three adult children, and is the GiGi of twin boys.

RHONDA SCOTT SMITH Deputy Director/Chief Financial Officer

Houston Police Department 1200 Travis Houston, TX 77002

O: 713-308-1708

Houstonpolice.org

IG: @Rhondasmith4hmeps

FB: Rhondasmith79069

Nathaniel curvey, ceo

JACKIE ST. GERMAIN, LCSW, MBA

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING, UTHEALTH BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES CAMPUS

Jackie St. Germain, LCSW, MBA, is a therapist, administrator, mental health and substance use advocate, community volunteer, and educator. Jackie has devoted the past 30 years to working as a passionate advocate for those struggling with mental health and substance use concerns. With the goal of servicing more people and advocating for reform at all levels, Jackie is a much sought-after speaker and has spoken to many influential groups across the United States and Canada.

With a passion for making change at all levels, Jackie has built an impressive career serving as a divisional director of community relations, chief operations officer of a psychiatric hospital and chief executive officer of a psychiatric hospital. However, Jackie knew there were more ways she could serve her community if she had the

freedom to conduct outreach, talk with and represent those struggling with mental health issues in our city. To that end, she joined UTHealth Behavioral Sciences Campus as their Director of Marketing and Business Development. In this role, she meets with individuals and groups as an advocate, teacher and supporter. It is not unusual to see Jackie answering her phone at all hours of the week, weekend and holidays. Her willingness to take that call from someone desperately needing help for their loved one has resonated with many. She calmly helps them and works to provide resources and support – never indicating she stepped away from dinner, her family, or a vacation to do so.

Jackie is an energetic and passionate leader in mental health policy, advocacy and education. She is committed to improving access to high-quality care, re-

ducing stigma, decriminalizing mental health, and driving systems change. She has worked hand-in-hand with fellow social workers, behavioral health providers, EAPs, advocacy organizations, state officials, and concerned individuals to create mental health change that is long-lasting and helps to bring change to the landscape of mental illness for all. The relationships Jackie has developed with these individuals have proved critical in securing funding for those with medical illnesses and mental health concerns. Jackie’s work within the mental health industry has led to securing funding, and assisting countless individuals both directly and indirectly through her support, education and advocacy and due to this work.

Jackie has served our community on a variety of boards and advisory boards, including president and vice president of the Houston Employee Assistance Professionals Association, president of Houston Area Continuity of Care, board member of the Texas Association of Addiction Professionals – Houston Chapter, advisory board member of Child Advocates – Houston Chapter and most recently Leadership Houston, of which she is a proud graduate. Jackie continues to use the skills she learned in Leadership Houston while advocating and working with those struggling with mental health concerns in our community.

When she is not working, serving our community on committees, or volunteering, Jackie loves spending time with her family and friends, traveling and loving on her two “foster fail” pups.

JACKIE ST. GERMAIN Director of Business

Development

and Marketing

UTHealth Behavioral Sciences Campus 5601 H Mark Crosswell Jr. St. Houston, TX 77021

O: 713-500-1500

jacqueline.stgermain@uth.tmc.edu www.uth.edu

SERVICES

• 24-hour assessment and admission

• Board-certified physicians and licensed professional staff

• Discharge planning and collaboration with providers

• Family and group therapy

• Medication management

• Family education and counseling

• Treatment-resistant depression program

DIAGNOSES WE TREAT

• Depression and mood disorders

• Anxiety disorders

• Post-traumatic stress disorder

• Psychosis

• Co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders

ASHLEY J. STEINBERG, MD FACS

PLASTIC SURGEON, TROUVAILLE AESTHETICS & PLASTIC SURGERY

Ashley J. Steinberg, MD FACS, is a highly esteemed double board-certified plastic surgeon based in Houston, Texas. She leads Trouvaille Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery, where she provides a comprehensive range of aesthetic and reconstructive procedures. Her expertise spans from breast augmentation and tummy tucks to labiaplasty, eyelid surgery, and breast reconstruction. Additionally, Dr. Steinberg offers non-surgical treatments like Botox

and dermal fillers, focusing on achieving optimal results for her patients.

Dr. Steinberg completed her general surgical training at the University of Nevada School of Medicine. She went on to specialize in plastic surgery, completing her training at Houston Methodist.

At Trouvaille Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery, Dr. Steinberg is known for her meticulous attention to detail and her commitment to patient-centered care. She tailors each

treatment plan to meet the unique needs and desires of her patients, fostering strong doctor-patient relationships built on trust and open communication. Her practice emphasizes safety, satisfaction, and personalized care, ensuring the best possible outcomes for her patients.

Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Steinberg is dedicated to advancing the field of plastic surgery through education and mentorship. She actively participates in training plastic surgery residents, sharing her knowledge and experience to help shape the next generation of surgeons. Her involvement in professional organizations like the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), The Aesthetic Society, Texas Society of Plastic Surgery, and the Houston Society of Plastic Surgery keeps her at the forefront of the latest advancements in the field.

Dr. Steinberg’s contributions to plastic surgery have earned her numerous accolades and recognition from peers and patients alike. She was named the 2024 Castle Connolly Top Doctor and a Texas Monthly Rising Star every year from 2021 to 2024. Her exceptional surgical skill, artistic eye, and compassionate care are evident in the glowing testimonials and her patients' impressive before-and-after results.

Dr. Ashley J. Steinberg’s holistic approach to plastic surgery, combining technical expertise with a deep understanding of patient needs, has made her one of Houston's most sought-after plastic surgeons. Her dedication to enhancing natural beauty, restoring confidence, and improving quality of life underscores her commitment to her patients.

ASHLEY J. STEINBERG, MD FACS

Plastic Surgeon

Trouvaille Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery

6750 W Loop S Suite 1060 Bellaire, TX 77401

O: 832-519-0099 info@drsteinberg.com www.drsteinberg.com IG: @ashleysteinbergmd

DEE DEE STEPHENS

GENERAL COUNSEL AND CORPORATE SECRETARY, LIQUIDPOWER SPECIALTY PRODUCTS INC.

Dee Dee Stephens has over 20 years of experience in both inhouse and law firm roles. She joined LiquidPower Specialty Products Inc. (“LSPI”), a Berkshire Hathaway company, in July 2019 as Senior Counsel and has had several roles of increasing responsibility. Dee Dee has served as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary since January 2023, overseeing a legal team that supports LSPI’s global operations on legal matters, including litigation, regulatory and compliance issues, corporate governance, labor and employment, IP, data privacy, cybersecurity, crisis management, and charitable contributions.

Dee Dee also advises the business on commercial business strategy. Before LSPI, Dee Dee worked for Primoris Services Corporation (previously known as Willbros Pipeline Construction Company) with responsibility for regulatory compliance and commercial litigation. Dee Dee started her legal career at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman in the Palo Alto, California, office in the Commercial and Employment Litigation Groups. She was on a trial team that went to verdict and second-chaired a binding tax arbitration. She also was uniquely positioned to assist clients with Administrative Property Tax Controversy issues.

Dee Dee earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Psychology degrees from Texas Southern University and graduated magna cum laude. She earned her juris doctorate from the University of California at Berkeley School of Law. After returning to Houston, she earned her LLM in taxation from the University of Houston Law Center. Dee Dee remains barred in both California and Texas.

Dee Dee is married to Riley Broussard III. They are the proud parents of a son, Jaiden, who attends Morehouse College, and a daughter, Sydnie, who is entering 9th grade at Episcopal High School. Riley and Dee Dee are both originally from Port Arthur, Texas, but are now proud Houstonians.

Dee Dee serves on the executive board of Breakthrough T1D and is the Advocacy Team chair for the Southern Texas Chapter – Houston. In this position, she advocates for research and funding to help fund a cure for type 1 diabetes. She is also

a Silver Star member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. by way of the Gamma Psi Chapter at Texas Southern University and is currently serving as the Parliamentarian for the Montogomery County Pearls of Purpose. In her spare time, Dee Dee loves to travel and watch movies with her family and friends.

DEE DEE STEPHENS

General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

LiquidPower Specialty Products Inc. 2103 CityWest Blvd., Ste. 1400 Houston, TX 77042 O: 842-438-3174

deedee.stephens@liquidpower.com www.liquidpower.com

Founder | Torsha Johnson

SARAH SYED

ORGANIZING MANAGER, WOORI JUNTOS

Sarah Syed is a native Houstonian, the daughter of immigrants and granddaughter of refugee war survivors and nomadic expatriates. In her role at Woori Juntos, she is committed to advancing the full agency, participation, vitality, and safety for people of Asian descent -- and all im/migrants in Texas. Her non-profit advocacy focuses on inclusive capacity building, and she continues organizing efforts to redress systemic health disparities, particularly within im/ migrant and refugee populations.

Through her work, voter engagement in Harris County has turned out more than 30,000+ Pan-Asian and Latine voters in less than two years. Sarah has co-developed and expanded civic and community engagement within disenfranchised voter blocs across the Greater Houston area. Woori Juntos was named the Top AAPI Civic & Community Engagement Performing Non-Profit by the Houston Endowment in 2023.

At the local, state and federal levels, Sarah is actively engaged in policy areas of language accessibility, emergency disaster preparedness, and health equity. Since 2022, Syed has served as the youngest visibly Muslim woman registered as a Texas lobbyist. Sarah and Woori Juntos have continued to co-lead delegations of im/migrants to provide public comments and share their personal testimonies at the City of Houston, Harris County Commissioners Court, and State of Texas Capitol. They helped co-create the first Texas Language Justice Collective, a one-of-akind coalition of 15+ organizations across Texas, addressing language accessibility and accommodation through peer-to-peer support, direct action, a network of organizers, social workers, community health workers, advocacy groups, and more. Through their advocacy and coalition building, the Office of Harris County Administration approved a language access plan in 2024 with a commitment to initially invest $500,000 for a Language Access

Office. The City of Houston approved an initial $30,000 for a part-time Language Access Coordinator in 2024. At the next Legislative Session at the Texas Capitol, Syed and her team at Woori Juntos will be re-introducing legislation to address language accessibility within the Department of Health and Human Services.

Sarah’s international aid work with refugee women, children, and infants has been highlighted in the TIME: Finding Home Series. More recently, she has helped colead and created powerful toolkits to take action supporting impacted community members who call Occupied Palestine, Syrian Golan Heights, Southern Lebanon, and Egypt - their home. She has continued to work with local attorneys and advocates to directly help Gazans and new im/ migrants find safety, especially those who are arriving in Houston.

Since 2023, she has actively served as an Advisory Board Member for the City of Houston Office of the Mayor Asian American Pacific Islander Board, a Board Member for the League of Women Voters Houston (LWVH), and a Board Member for New Leaders Council Houston (NLC). She additionally serves as the Organizing Manager for the National Korean American Service and Education Consortium (NAKASEC) Action Fund of Texas and the Asian Americans for Change Fund (AAFC).

Sarah Syed has continued to break barriers for increased accessibility through meaningful advocacy and intentional coalition building.

SARAH SYED

Organizing Manager

Woori Juntos

1809 Hollister St. Houston, TX 77080

O: 832-831-2354

info@woorijuntos.org sarah@woorijuntos.org

www.woorijuntos.org

IG: @woorijuntostx

FB: woorijuntostx

Life Enhancement Services of Texas is a behavioral health company in the state of Texas serving Harris County. With our staff of bi-lingual qualified mental health professionals and licensed therapists, we are proud partners of the Houston Independent School District, Aldine School District and Harris County Juvenile Probation.

We proudly shine the spotlight on the phenomenal women of our Life Enhancement Services staff. They are beacons of hope, compassion, and resilience. With unwavering dedication, they stand at the forefront, transforming lives and uplifting the underserved families and children who need it most.

Life Enhancement Services has been in business since 2011 with offices in Houston, Baltimore, Dallas, and Washington, DC.

RESHONDA TATE

NATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR/PRODUCER/MANAGING EDITOR, DEFENDER NETWORK

ReShonda Tate has the credentials and the passion to bring stories to life. That’s exactly what she has done in the 54 published books that she has written, including her latest novel, The Queen of Sugar Hill, a fascinating fictional portrait of Hattie McDaniel, one of Hollywood’s most prolific but woefully underappreciated stars, and the first Black person to win an Oscar for her role as “Mammy” in the film classic, Gone with the Wind.

A highly sought-after motivational speaker and award-winning poet, ReShonda is the recipient of the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literature for her book Say Amen, Again and was also nominated for her books Mama’s Boy and The Secret She Kept. She has received a plethora of distinguished awards and honors for her journalism, fiction, and poetry-writing skills, including an induction into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame and the Texas Literary Hall of Fame. Considered one of

the top African American authors in the country, her books have been featured on the Today Show and in national magazines and newspapers.

ReShonda writes adult and teen fiction, as well as nonfiction. Her novel, Let the Church Say Amen, was made into a film directed by actress Regina King, and produced by T.D. Jakes and Queen Latifah. ReShonda made her on-screen movie debut in the BET and Netflix film. Her book, The Secret She Kept, was also made into a movie and aired on TV One. ReShonda made a cameo in that movie as well. The Queen of Sugar Hill is currently in production with the Academy Award-winning producers of Rustin and Precious. ReShonda is also a screenwriter whose upcoming film Christmas in the Friendly Skies debuts this winter.

A well-respected journalist for more than three decades, ReShonda has worked as a television reporter and anchor for stations in Oklahoma City, Beaumont, and Houston. She is currently the managing editor for the Defender Network, where she also leads the Black Women’s Channel. ReShonda also works as a professional editor, ghostwriter, and literary consultant.

A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, ReShonda is a member of the Missouri City – Sugar Land Chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Jack & Jill of America. She is married to Jeffrey Caradine and is the mother of three children ages 24, 22, and 17, and two bonus children ages 25 and 24.

RESHONDA TATE

National Bestselling Author/Producer/ Managing Editor

Defender Network

Reshonda@Reshondatate.com www.ReshondaTate.com

IG: @ReShonda_Tate FB: realreshondatate

MARY M. VITEK

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, GIRL SCOUTS OF SAN JACINTO COUNCIL

As chief executive officer for Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, Mary Vitek is responsible for one of the largest Girl Scout councils in the nation, which serves approximately 38,000 girls and 17,000 adults across 26 counties in Southeast Texas. She is responsible for managing a $19 million budget, advising a 34-member board of directors, and maintaining relationships with key constituents in the community.

Mary has been employed with the council since 1994, overseeing the Finance and Fund Development functions before being named CEO in 1998. During her tenure, the council has reached several milestones, including completion of two capital campaigns totaling over $17 million to improve the opportunities available to girls, forming an endowment to ensure the long-term sustainability of Girl Scouts, opening the Program Place for Girls and Goodykoontz Museum of Girl Scout History, complet-

ing a council merger, and hosting the 2011 National Council Session/52nd Convention of GSUSA, an event that launched a yearlong celebration of the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouting in the U.S.

Prior to joining Girl Scouts, Mary was an audit senior manager at KPMG. She attended Sam Houston State University, where she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration and was named Outstanding Accounting Graduate. She became a certified public accountant in 1988 and is a member of Sam Houston State University’s College of Business Administration Advisory Board, the United Way of Greater Houston Women’s Initiative, the Executive Women’s Partnership Committee of the Greater Houston Partnership, Leadership Houston and American Leadership Forum. She is past president of the United Way of Greater Houston Agency Executives Association and has served on the United Way of Greater Houston Board of Trustees.

Mary has been recognized as one of five Outstanding Young Houstonians by the Houston Junior Chamber, one of five Outstanding Young Texans by the Texas Junior Chamber, and one of Houston’s 50 Most Influential Women by Houston Woman Magazine. In addition, Mary was inducted into the Greater Houston Women’s Hall of Fame in 2011 by the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce and was honored as Outstanding Non-Profit CEO of the Year in 2016 by the Houston Business Journal.

Mary and her husband Mike have an adult daughter, Molly, who is a Gold Award Girl Scout and a son-in-law, Will, who is an Eagle Scout.

MARY VITEK Chief Executive Officer

Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council 3110 Southwest Fwy. Houston, TX 77098

O: 713-292-0300 mvitek@sjgs.org www.gssjc.org

2024 TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF HOUSTON

LAURA MOTON WHITLEY

MARKET PRESIDENT, TDECU

From helping people navigate their financial journeys to crafting communication strategies and advising the presidents of leading public and private organizations, Laura Whitley is a results-driven, versatile business leader whose professional experiences have taken her from newsrooms to boardrooms.

Laura serves as a key executive for TDECU, Houston’s largest credit union. As market president for the Houston area, she drives business development initiatives and establishes and nurtures key relationships with corporate partners,

community organizations, and local businesses to strengthen TDECU’s presence in the region. Laura also leverages her exceptional communications skills to develop meaningful relationships and foster internal collaboration.

Laura is a veteran storyteller whose work in marketing content creation has been recognized with both Addy & Telly awards. Before moving to corporate communications, Laura honed her storytelling skills as a journalist. She came to Houston in 2003 as a reporter for KTRK/ABC13. After leaving daily news, she founded her own agency, Reel Media Solutions, where she

produced for national news programs like Good Morning America and helped a diverse portfolio of clients tell their stories.

In 2016, Laura joined the press office at the Metropolitan Transit Authority (METRO). During her tenure, she helped support the agency’s successful effort to pass the Houston region’s largest transit bond in history and founded the agency’s first podcast, “The Next Stop.”

Laura joined TDECU in 2021 to lead communications efforts to enhance and grow brand awareness. As the vice president of communications, she led a team that in 2022 successfully managed several major announcements, including TDECU’s historic partnership with the University of Houston, as well the launch of a modern digital workplace to support employee engagement.

Laura’s proven success, dedication to improving lives, and deep ties in the community she’s called home for the last 20 years were key factors in her promotion to TDECU’s first-ever market president for the Houston area.

Laura is an engaged community volunteer and enjoys exploring Houston with her family. She is a proud graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. Laura is committed to continuous professional development and is a graduate of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce Leadership Forum, a board member of March of Dimes Houston, Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas, and the TDECU Cares Foundation.

LAURA MOTON WHITLEY Market President

TDECU

14141 Southwest Fwy, Suite 310 Sugar Land, TX 77478

O: 346-452-6236 lwhitley@tdecu.org www.TDECU.org

IG: @tdecuyourcreditunion

DR. ALVEDA WILLIAMS

CHIEF INCLUSION OFFICER, DOW

Dr. Alveda Williams is the chief inclusion officer at Dow. In this role, she is responsible for institutionalizing inclusion, diversity, and equity as key drivers for the company’s long-term growth and business success.

Prior to being named Chief Inclusion Officer, Dr. Williams served as Corporate Director of Inclusion and Senior HR Director for Talent Acquisition, where she was responsible for driving and implementing

Dow’s global ID&E strategy, ensuring fair and equitable end-to-end talent acquisition processes, and embedding inclusion into the overall employee experience for breakthrough results. This included maximizing employee resource group engagement, diversifying Dow’s talent pipeline and supplier network, and driving efforts that enable a culture of inclusion for Dow’s employees, customers and communities. Under Alveda’s leadership, Dow has delivered meaningful progress on key inclusion and diversity performance

indicators, ascended to the #3 spot on the Fair360 Top 50 Companies List, and was named one of the 2023 World’s Best Workplaces™ by Great Place to Work® and Fortune, a distinction only awarded to 25 companies.

Williams joined Dow in 2002 and has held a variety of leadership roles across research and development and human resources over her 20+ year career. She is the creator of Dow’s Building Engineering & Science Talent at Dow (BEST) Symposium, which introduces underrepresented minority Ph.D. talent to careers in industrial research. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Open Chemistry Collaborative in Diversity Equity (OXIDE), the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) Corporate Council, the Chief Diversity Officer Board for the Institute for Corporate Productivity (i4CP), and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Corporate Advisory Council.

Williams earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Norfolk State University and a Ph.D. in materials chemistry from the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign. She holds three patents and is the author of a number of internal and external publications, including a recent feature in Nature Chemistry magazine. She is the recipient of the NSBE Golden Torch Award for Corporate Diversity Leadership (2009), the prestigious Dow Transformation in Action Award (2012), the Council for Chemical Research Diversity Award (2013), Diversity Journal’s Women Worth Watching List (2014), and i4CP’s Board Member of the Year Award (2021).

DR. ALVEDA WILLIAMS

Chief Inclusion Officer

Dow 1254 Enclave Pkwy. Houston, TX 77077

O: 979-238-1383

jwilliams2@dow.com www.dow.com

Congratulations, Dr. Alveda Williams!

Ph.D. chemist and 3x patent holder Human Resources Leader Chief Inclusion Officer

We don’t have the space to list all her accomplishments – or name the tens of thousands of people she’s impacted by making Dow one of the most inclusive companies in the world and a Great Place to Work® – because we also want to say:

Thank you, Alveda, for helping make Dow a place where people can be their best, deliver their best and have the best experience possible.

KRISTIN WILLIAMS

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, KINGWOOD PINES HOSPITAL

Kristin Williams has been the CEO of Kingwood Pines Hospital, a 116-bed in-patient psychiatric hospital, since August 2019. With over 22 years of experience in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care, Kristin has dedicated her career to improving mental health services for children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric populations.

Before her tenure at Kingwood Pines Hospital, Kristin served as the CEO of Garland Behavioral Hospital, a 72-bed in-patient facility in Garland, Texas. Her leadership journey with Universal Health Services (UHS) began in 2017 when she joined Garland Behavioral Hospital. Previously,

she served as Administrator for Oceans Behavioral Hospital of the Permian Basin, a 64-bed in-patient hospital. During her over eight-year tenure at Oceans Behavioral Hospital, Kristin held several key positions, including Director of Intake and Director of Business Development, showcasing her versatility and deep commitment to mental health care.

Kristin’s academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, and a master’s degree in counseling from the University of Texas of the Permian Basin in Odessa, Texas. Her educational foundation and practical experience have equipped her with the knowledge and skills neces-

sary to excel in the field of psychiatric care. She is a licensed professional counselor, further solidifying her expertise and dedication to mental health.

Kristin is not only an accomplished leader but also a passionate advocate for patients, their families, and her staff. She emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and trauma-informed care environment where employees can thrive. Her leadership style is characterized by a deep commitment to advocacy and support, ensuring that both patients and staff receive the highest quality of care and support.

In addition to her professional responsibilities, Kristin is actively involved in several professional organizations. She is a member of the Houston Network of Behavioral Health Providers, the Texas Hospital Association, and the American Hospital Association. These affiliations reflect her dedication to staying at the forefront of advancements in mental health care and her commitment to continuous improvement in the field.

Kristin Williams’ extensive experience, compassionate leadership, and unwavering dedication to mental health advocacy make her a respected and influential figure in the psychiatric care community. Under her leadership, Kingwood Pines Hospital continues to thrive, providing essential mental health services to those in need and fostering a supportive environment for both patients and staff.

KRISTIN WILLIAMS Chief Executive Officer

Kingwood Pines Hospital 2001 Ladbrook Dr. Kingwood, TX 77339

O: 281-404-4014

Kristin.williams2@uhsinc.com www.kingwoodpineshospital.com

Kingwood Pines Hospital congratulates our fearless leader and Chief Executive Officer, Kristin Williams, MA, LPC on being recognized and honored as being part of the Top 30 Women of Influence for Houston. Kristin came to Kingwood Pines Hospital in August of 2019. Since that time, she has overseen the implementation of our expanded Substance Use services, our Exclusively Women’s Program, incorporating trauma-informed employee/patient culture, expanding children’s program to include outpatient services for 8 -12 year olds and, most recently, incorporating a charter school into our services to better serve children and teens. She manages a staff of over 200 full and part-time employees.

We are grateful to have a leader who embodies intelligence, leadership, kindness and humility. She is a shining example of leading with heart and how that can create a positive culture from the top down.

Kingwood Pines Hospital, located in the North Houston section of Texas, is a behavioral health facility that offers psychiatric and chemical dependency treatment on an inpatient and outpatient basis. Our psychiatric hospital has multiple levels of care to help children, adolescents, and adults. Whether one needs inpatient or outpatient treatment services, our team can help get patients of all ages the kind of psychiatric care they need. Please call us to discuss treatment options for you or your loved one.

MONICA G. WILLIAMS, PH.D.

HOUSTON CAMPUS PRESIDENT, TEXAS WOMAN'S UNIVERSITY

Texas Woman’s University’s inaugural Houston campus president, Dr. Monica G. Williams, has nearly 30 years of administrative and leadership experience in nonprofit and educational sectors. Her appointment was announced earlier this month. As president, Williams will provide strategic leadership for the campus located in the Texas Medical Center, which encompasses more than 60 medical institutions. It is the largest medical center and life science destination in the world. She will work with students, faculty, staff and key stakeholders — including alumni, community members, business and industry leaders, legislators and policymakers — to

ensure Texas Woman’s is a key contributor to the higher education landscape in Houston.

For the last decade, Williams has served as foundation president and vice president of advancement at the University of North Texas at Dallas. She played a key role in helping increase UNT Dallas’ enrollment by 60% during her service there. Williams has an extraordinary record of achievement in leading philanthropic efforts, securing grants and stewarding gifts. A native Houstonian, Dr. Williams is an accomplished fundraiser and passionate advocate for the underrepresented. She has devoted the majority of her career to social services and the advancement

of underserved communities by raising money to support an array of worthy causes. Before joining UNT Dallas, Dr. Williams was the Founding Managing Director of Community Partnerships for the United States Fund for UNICEF, where she led the organization’s efforts to create awareness around the plight of children living in impoverished nations. It was at the U.S. Fund for UNICEF that she worked to build organizational capacity and develop strategies for significant partnerships with diaspora groups in the United States. Her fundraising efforts have generated more than $200 million in support for multiple institutions of higher education and other well-respected not-for-profit organizations. She began her professional career as a high school English teacher and later held leadership positions at Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc., the Brown Schools, Neighborhood Centers Inc., Texas Southern University, Prairie View A&M University, Rice University, and HoustonWorks USA.

Among her most celebrated accomplishments are serving her church as a lifetime board member and being one of the co-founders of the Women’s Leadership Summit, started by The Hon. Helen Giddings and an esteemed network of African American women.

A native Houstonian, Dr. Williams holds a B.A. in journalism and an M.A. in communications from Texas Southern University, and a Ph.D. in educational leadership from Prairie View A&M University. She has one adult daughter, Brittaney Harvey James, and one granddaughter, Eden Grace. Dr. Williams is engaged to Ronald Robinson, who brings to their blended family three adult children and six bonus grandchildren.

MONICA G. WILLIAMS, PH.D.

Houston Campus President

Texas Woman’s University 6700 Fannin Houston, TX 77030

O: 713-794-2000

Mwilliams108@twu.edu www.twu.edu

Photo by Kali Rhe Creative

KELLY WOODWARD

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, HOUSTON AIRPORTS

Kelly Woodward is a visionary and accomplished executive who has made history in Houston as the first female chief operating officer (COO) of Houston Airports. She brings over two decades of aviation management experience in the public and private sectors. Her journey to this significant role is a testament to her unwavering determination, exceptional leadership, and profound commitment to her hometown.

Kelly is responsible for the strategic direction of Houston Airports, with a focus on

achieving and maintaining a 5-Star rating at both Bush and Hobby airports. Her role encompasses enhancing operational efficiency across all departments, fostering strong collaborations with airport stakeholders, and ensuring the highest standards of excellence are upheld throughout the airport system.

Most recently, Woodward served as a managing director with AvAirPros in Houston, overseeing operational readiness, terminal systems integration, move sequence teams, and baggage handling systems teams for the IAH Terminal B Transformation.

She worked for Houston Airports from 2002 to 2023. During that time, Woodward held various leadership roles, such as operations, contract services, custodial services, interim general manager of Bush Airport, and assistant director of the Operational Readiness Division.

The aviation industry has historically been male-dominated, and Woodward's appointment as the first female COO at Houston Airports highlights the industry's progress toward gender diversity. Industry data indicates that women remain a minority in aviation leadership roles.

Kelly holds a Master of Science Degree and a Bachelor of Science Degree, both in Aeronautical Science from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. She also possesses an FAA Commercial Pilot/Flight Instructor Certificate and is a Certified Member (CM) of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE).

Kelly’s appointment as the first female COO of Houston Airports is a significant milestone for women in leadership roles. Woodward's expertise plays a crucial role in maintaining operational excellence and future growth at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), Ellington Airport (EFD) and the Houston Spaceport. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of mentorship, and the boundless potential of women in leadership.

Beyond her professional achievements, Woodward is a wife and mother of three. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

KELLY WOODWARD Chief Operating Officer

Houston Airports

www.fly2houston.com

IG: @BushAirport and @HobbyAirport

FB: HoustonAirports

X: @AirportsHouston

Fueling the Future of Aviation and Aerospace

Through mentorships, hands-on experiences, and strategic partnerships with colleges and universities, Houston Airports ignites passion in aviation and aerospace.

Our airports connect people globally, but it's our commitment to education and support that opens a world of opportunities for the next generation of aviators and space pioneers.

Learn more about what's happening at Houston Airports at fly2houston.com.

LISA WRIGHT

PRESIDENT, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, COMMUNITY HEALTH CHOICE, INC.

Lisa Wright is the president and chief executive officer of Community Health Choice, Inc., (Community), a managed care organization that offers a mix of state-run and commercial plans to a cross-section of the population in the largest metropolitan area in Texas.

At Community, she oversees a portfolio of Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Medicare D-SNP, and Health Insurance Marketplace products.

Appointed at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms. Wright led Community and its members through one of the most trying times in health care. An advocate for equitable access to quality care in underserved communities, Ms. Wright’s progressive leadership and forward-thinking insights have informed healthcare policies and decision-making for government programs throughout the state of Texas.

Under her leadership, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) for the first time selected Community as one of the managed care organizations to administer the Medicaid-managed care program STAR+PLUS. This marks a significant step forward in Community’s mission: improving the health and well-being of all Texans, particularly the underserved, by opening doors to health care and healthrelated services.

Ms. Wright’s accomplishments were recently recognized by “Modern Healthcare,” which named her as one of 2022’s Top Diversity Leaders in Healthcare.

Ms. Wright is also committed to social responsibility. She serves on the board of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Houston, works with foster and adopted children, and mentors emerging leaders. As a proud graduate of Boys and Girls Clubs, Ms. Wright knows the crucial importance

of cultural role models, as well as the power of providing children with safe places to learn, grow, and thrive. Furthermore, she expanded Community’s robust, corporate, social-responsibility program, which includes philanthropic donations and volunteer work in partnership with over 130 community-based organizations addressing social determinants of health.

Prior to becoming the CEO of Community, Ms. Wright served as the North Region President of Medicare for WellCare, where she directed and led the execution of Medicare business strategies and operational plans for seven states. Prior to WellCare, she held several positions at UnitedHealthcare, most recently leading the Dual Special Needs Plan (DSNP), Medicare-Medicaid Plan (MMP), and nursing facilities (NF) lines of business in Texas. Among her achievements are being responsible for developing and implementing the strategic direction that led to double-digit growth, an increased STARS performance, risk-adjustment optimization, and operational excellence, as well as improved member, provider, and employee satisfaction. Before working at UnitedHealthcare, Ms. Wright worked for Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield in the Medicaid division.

In addition to completing the Executive Development Program at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Ms. Wright was invited to participate in management and executive development programs at Centene/WellCare and UnitedHealthcare. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Kentucky and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Maryland.

LISA WRIGHT President and CEO

Community Health Choice, Inc.

4888 Loop Central Dr., Suite 600 Houston, TX 77081

O: 713-295-2410

www.communityhealthchoice.org

IG: @communityhealthchoicetx

COMMUNITY HEALTH CHOICE HONORS HOUSTON’S LEADING LADIES

Elfrin Patten, CEO