Business Journal 133

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

Entrepreneur | Business | Education and Career | Finance | Real Estate | Technology | Insurance

September 2018

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Inspire, Inform & Educate

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133rd Edition

Bee Busy Wellness Center: See a Need, Fill a Need FROM L-R: Norman and Debrisha FROM L-R: Marshall P. IsomMitchell and Marshall D. Isom Johnson

32-33

INSIDE

16

Dr. Grenita Lathan

For HISD’s Interim Superintendent, a Culture of Strong Leadership is the Foundation for Achievements

19-30 2018 Top 30 Influential Women of Houston Awards

OUR PROFESSIONAL STAFF PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING SERVICES Family Medicine Pediatric Care Women’s Health OB/GYN Weight Management Men’s Health Dental Pharmacy Services X-Ray Preventative Care

Athletic & DOT Physicals Immunizations/Vaccinations Health Screenings Mental Health Care PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) to HIV PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis) HIV Treatment STI Screening and Treatment Health Education Enrollment in Qualified Health Plans Ultrasound

713.771.2292 • mybbwc.org/index.html MAIN CLINIC LOCATION 8785 W. Bellfort • Houston, TX 77031 SATELLITE LOCATION 9896 Bissonnet • Suite 625 • Houston, TX 77036 MON/WED 8:30 am - 6 pm • TUES/THUR 8:30 am - 7:30 pm • FRI 8:30 am – 1 pm SAT 8:30 am - 2:30 pm We accept walk-ins and same day appointments.

September 2018 | 3

PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE d-mars.com is proud to share the success stories of African American businesses and civic and community leaders. We know that success does not always come easy and it is not always measured in money. How have you helped your fellow entrepreneur? Have you supported your locally-owned African American business? Have you donated to a nonprofit that is working in our underserved communities?

Questions to think about and actions to take.

This month’s issue highlights Bee Busy Wellness Center, a federally qualified health care center focused on primary family care in an underserved

“The best way to not feel

hopeless is to get up and do something. Don’t wait for good things to happen to you. If you go out and make some good things happen, you will fill the world with hope, you will fill yourself with hope” — Barack Obama

community.

Bee Busy Wellness Center has built its business on serving the needs of the community and has successfully brought accessible health care to those who need it. They now have a fully equipped Medical Mobile Unit that allows them to go out into the community and serve people right where they are. Bee Busy is continuing to find needs and fill them, and they aren’t stopping anytime soon.

As always, thank you for your continued support of d-mars.com. When you support us, you are supporting more than just our company; you are supporting the communities in which we live and work. Working together, we can succeed in making positive things happen.

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BEHIND THE JOURNAL PUBLISHER & CEO Keith J. Davis, Sr. COO & MANAGING EDITOR Kimberly Floyd EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Tiffany Brown ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Tiffany Black PHOTOGRAPHY L.C. Poullard Grady Carter ART DIRECTOR Angel Rosa Graphic Designer Kendra Wiseman Project Coordinators Lindsey Ford Carly Hammack DISTRIBUTION Rockie Hayden CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Stacy M. Brown (NNPA) Marcus Hiles (PR) Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner

City of Houston

HISD

CONTENTS

DBE

ADVERTISING | MARKETING MEDIA | COMMUNICATION

8 In the Business Community 8 HUB 2018 Construction Fair

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16 Education 16 For HISD’s Interim Superintendent, a Culture of Strong Leadership is the Foundation for Achievement 31 Jay Z, Beyoncé Awarding $1M in Scholarships to ‘Exceptional’ High School Students 32-33 Cover Story 32- Busy Bee Wellness Center, See a Need, Fill a Need 24 Political 24 Your Vote is Your Voice 40 Black American Political Victories Sweep Nation

VBE

OUR SERVICES

04 Business 04 Internet Travel Solutions Releases TripBank Product Update 04 Vacation Deprivation PTO 06 General Motors Doing Even More for African-Americans

12 Health 12 Houston Health Department Highlights September As Food Safety Month 15 Warning Signs of Health

HUB

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19 Community 19-30 Top 30 Influential Women of Houston 37 old folks saying 37 Did You Know?

38 A Year Later, Red Cross Still in Texas Helping Hurricane Harvey Survivors 38 Americans are Flocking to Texas 39 Ramona J Smith

• Business Journal • Health & Wellness Journal • Community Journal • Black Pages Online Business Directory • Top 50 Black Health, Medical & Wellness Professionals • Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs • Top 30 Influential Women of Houston • Top 25 Prime & Subcontractors for Diversity • Business Connection • Business Development • Business Consulting • Graphic Design • Photography • Printing • Web Design • Online & Email Marketing • Public Relations • Social Media • Advertising • Writing • Promotional Marketing

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4 | September 2018 BUSINESS

BUSINESS

Internet Travel Solutions Releases TripBank Product Update By d-mars.com News Provider

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nternet Travel Solutions (ITS), a leading travel technology company, announces the upgrade of its ticket savings product TripBank.

TripBank's most powerful feature allows travel managers to recoup unused tickets and bank them for future use.

Business travelers frequently book trips

• • • • • •

Recycle unused tickets automatically Conduct lost ticket search Search no-shows in real time Monitor banked tickets for reissue Bank voided and cancelled tickets Identify name-change opportunities

TripBank has a memory so you don't have to, making it the smartest investment

Vacation Deprivation PTO By d-mars.com News Provider

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last minute and change or cancel reservations, incurring significant and unnecessary costs to their companies. When a traveler fails to show up for a flight and forgets to cancel, TripBank automatically checks the travelers' flights to verify if their tickets are used, and if not, it saves the unused tickets for future use. Any accompanying hotel will be cancelled to prevent no-show penalties. TripBank automatically applies previously banked tickets to new reservations. It is proven to save travel managers up to 22% whether booked online or through an agent. The software further manages tickets that are cancelled, lost and found, and those set to expire soon. Travel managers can then issue name changes to reuse the ticket credit with other travelers as needed.

"TripBank shows me the number of tickets that have cancelled, no-showed, been utilized or might be expiring soon.

Best of all, we know our ticket credits are being used and our money is not wasted," said Justine S., Travel Manager. "This helps tremendously in keeping our travel budget in check."

KEY PRODUCT FEATURES OF TRIPBANK INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING; • Prevent personal travel fraud • Email ticket expiration reminders

for your company. With TripBank, you can count on maximizing travel spend while preventing employees from gaming the system. It is cash in your company's wallet with an ROI of solid gold.

For more information on ITS' technology, products and services, visit http:// www.its.com/products/tripba nk.html.

About Internet Travel Solutions Internet Travel Solutions, LLC (ITS) was officially formed in 2005 as a result of several opportunities to leverage technology built for existing and new clients in the consumer, corporate, convention, private aviation, cargo, charter, passenger airline, crew hotel accommodation, hotel aggregation and hotel event meeting space. With respect to our airline services, our goal is to continue leveraging and building on these technologies and our fulfillment infrastructure to offer robust operations and distribution solutions (including SMB booking solutions) that drive efficiencies, cost savings and an improved customer (both internal and external) experience. In addition, several airlines have customized and private branded solutions around ITS' IROP, Crew, Corporate Direct, Event, and Candidate technology services.

(ITS)

mericans need a vacation. More than half of working Americans, 52 percent, didn't use all of their PTO last year, collectively leaving 705 million vacation days on the table. That means employers got 705 million of your hard-earned workdays for free. For the love of Jimmy Buffett, people, why are you essentially volunteering at work on your PTO days when you could plant yourself on the beach with an adult beverage instead?

The reasons range from fear to affordability. People are afraid they'll get behind on their work, or return to a mountain of to-dos when they get back. Some think nobody can do the job in their absence, and others are afraid the office would buzz along a little too happily without them. In some workplaces, the boss sets the tone. If he or she never takes PTO or checks in constantly while on vacation, it sends a not-so-subtle message. For some, money is a factor, saying vacations put a strain on their budget.

It all adds up to a vacation deprivation crisis, and at Landshark Lager, they wanted to do something about it. Landshark Lager partnered with Project: Time Off to raise awareness about the fact that Americans aren't using the PTO days they've earned. They sent a letter to the CEOs of Florida-based companies, asking them to give their employees an extra day off over Labor Day Weekend. It was intended to start the conversation about the U.S. becoming a no-vacation nation, and create a movement away from work martyrdom and toward relaxation and renewal.

Summer is winding down, but it's not over yet, and you don't have to live in Florida to enjoy it. Here are some ways you can get around your objections to taking PTO and relax, refresh and revive. * Just take one day. You don't have to take an entire week off. Starting small and giving yourself a long weekend can do a lot to recharge your batteries, and

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it won't put you behind the eight ball at work when you get back. * Start a PTO savings account. If money is the reason you haven't been using your PTO, sock $25 away each week. You likely won't even miss it, and in a year's time, you'll have a PTO stash that you can use to take a vacation. * Plan ahead. Give your manager ample notice by scheduling your PTO well ahead of time, especially if you're angling for days off around a popular holiday.

You'll beat your co-workers to the punch. * Daydream about your ideal PTO. Are you looking for adventure, travel, a weekend at the beach or a lazy staycation? * Use it before you lose it. Ignorance is not bliss; stay organized so you know how much PTO you have. Not all days off roll over to the next year, so knowing your workplace policies is vital to you getting those hard-earned days that you deserve. * Make plans with friends and family.

Rent a house on the beach with close friends for a long weekend, or get away with family. Making it a group effort encourages everyone to use their PTO. * Create a pro-PTO culture at work.

Talk about your vacations and encourage co-workers to do the same. Share your vaca photos, and encourage people to completely unplug when they're taking time off. You can change an anti-PTO culture, one beach selfie at a time.

There is still plenty of time before the end of the year to use your PTO. Don't let your hard-earned days languish on the table. Grab a beer, a paperback and a lawn chair and enjoy the last days of summer at the beach. For more information about getting your beach on, visit the Landshark Lager Facebook page or send them a message on their Instagram page.

(BPT)

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6 | September 2018 BUSINESS

GENERAL MOTORS Doing Even More for African Americans

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Contributor

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hen speaking about General Motors' top-notched diversity efforts, it's easy to see why Telva McGruder revealed a smile that lit up the room.

The president of the General Motors African Ancestry Network (GMAAN) and director of facility engineering and manufacturing operations, McGruder sat on a transportation brain trust panel at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Annual Legislative Conference on Thursday, Sept. 13, where she told a highlyengaged audience that the automotive giant is committed to zero crashes, zero emissions, and zero congestion.

“When I first heard that, I was like ‘Oh my God, that's awesome,'” McGruder said during a panel discussion titled, “Workforce Development & Emerging Technologies.”

Sponsored by U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.), the panel included former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Rodney Slater; MWAA CEO Jack Potter; LYFT senior public policy manager Rena Davis; WMATA director Nalini Mani; Purple Line Transit Partners CEO Fred Craig; and HNTB Mid-Atlantic President Diana Mendes.

After the session, McGruder told NNPA Newswire that General Motors is at a point where they now have African American Ancestry employees at higher levels in “effectively all of our business functions.”

“They are being enabled to make significant contributions and add value,” McGruder said.

“If I look at where we were even 10 years ago, we have people in place but they weren't necessarily in positions where they were changing the game and when I look at it today what I absolutely see is we have the blueprint … and when we think about making the pivot, we are making a tremendous pivot in manufacturing at General Motors and they're leading it,” she said.

McGruder continued: “Also, when I consider other functions like product engineering and product development, we are grooming African American ancestry employees in different areas of product development so they can start sharing what they know in other areas.”

Additionally, with propulsion systems such as electric vehicles, GM has leaders in executive roles that are also moving throughout the system and the entire organization who are growing.

“Up and coming African American ancestry are looked at in a different way,” she said.

“We are pushing hard to have our executive leaders bring people with them.

We are having really specific and focused

discussions on how we can share our values with those who look like us and with those who don't look like us.”

Further, Mary Barra, General Motors Chairman and CEO, has laid out the corporate vision for the company of a future with zero crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion.

“This vision aligns with our corporate mission to earn customers for life by building brands that inspire passion and loyalty through not only breakthrough technologies, but also by serving and improving the communities in which we live and work around the world,” McGruder said.

“As such, General Motors is investing in strategic partnerships and communities that it believes will help make this possible.”

General Motors' success and commitment hasn't gone unnoticed.

At its annual convention in Norfolk, VA., last June, the NNPA honored General Motors with the 2018 National Meritorious Leadership Award.

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., the president and CEO of the NNPA, said the NNPA enthusiastically presented the award to the automaker because of its commitment to the African American community, its work with the NNPA to identify, nurture, mentor and provide academic fellowships to the next generation of Black journalism scholars across the nation through the Discover the Unexpected program.

Dr. Chavis noted that General Motors is the single-largest advertiser with the NNPA and one of the largest financial supporters of the trade group.

On Thursday, Chavis reiterated his enthusiasm for GM. “The NNPA reaffirms its strong partnership with General Motors,” Dr. Chavis said.

“The fact of the matter is, when it comes to issues of diversity and inclusion, General Motors is practicing what it preaches.

Therefore, the future engagement between GM and the NNPA is emerging in the right direction at the right time,” he said.

McGruder expressed mutual admiration for the Black Press.

“The relationship with NNPA is very important for a lot of reasons. The company itself, General Motors, absolutely values all media particularly when we look at African American ancestry media,” McGruder said. “[However], the NNPA can tell the story in a way that other media cannot. You tell different stories that others do not, and we value our partnership … we know that NNPA can do things no one else can do in sharing our story,” she said.

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8 | September 2018

In the Business Community…

To View More Photos, Visit Our Website www.d-mars.com and Click on ‘Photo Gallery.’

University of Houston HUB 2018 Construction Fair

The 2018 Historically Underutilized Business Construction Fair held on Wednesday, September 12, 2018 from 9AM to 11AM, was hosted by the University of Houston HUB Department.

The purpose of the conference was to connect UH Prime Contractors with subcontractors to discuss upcoming and current bid opportunities.

The goal of the UH HUB Conference to raise long-term

connections was accomplished. The sessions included subcontractor readiness guidelines that expressed the importance of bid opportunities, and the appropriate criteria to solidify subcontractor bids. The HUB vendors included special trade services, construction services and architectural/engineer services. The university prime contractors promote economic opportunities and growth for HUB vendors.

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12 | September 2018 HEALTH

HOUSTON HEALTH DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHTS SEPTEMBER AS FOOD SAFETY MONTH By d-mars.com News Provider

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hen dining out, Houstonians expect their food to be safely prepared in a clean environment.

That’s why the Houston Health Department (HHD) routinely inspects more than 14,500 food establishments for compliance with regulations designed to protect the health and well-being of customers.

This September, in the spirit of National Food Safety Month, HHD Consumer Health Services highlights five ways to help prevent food poisoning while dining out.

1. Look for a valid permit. Any place that prepares food on-site for individual portion service is required to have a City of Houston Food Dealer’s Permit. This includes restaurants, food trucks, mobile vendors and cafeterias.

The permit is required to be posted where customers can see it and should contain the Houston Health Department logo, the name of the establishment and an expiration date.

“These permits validate an establishment is inspected by our sanitarians to ensure it meets the requirements to safety prepare and serve food,” said Renee Beckham, HHD Chief Sanitarian.

2. Check inspection results. Food service establishments are inspected at least twice annually based on criteria established in the Texas Food Establishment Rules. Inspections may occur more frequently based on an establishment’s risk level, violations and complaints.

HHD performs approximately 37,250 food service

inspections annually. Inspection results are posted online and can be found at houstonhealth.org.

“Violations vary depending on severity,” Beckham said. “Some violations can be corrected on-site, others require follow-up inspections and others could result in the immediate closure of an establishment while the issue is addressed.”

3. Check for cleanliness. The first indication of a restaurant’s overall cleanliness is the exterior. Look around to see if the building and grounds are well maintained.

Once inside make sure the tables, utensils and dishware are clean. Servers should be well-groomed and wearing clean uniforms. Restroom cleanliness also offers insight into a restaurant’s overall sanitation.

“Depending on the type of food establishment, you can get a pretty good feel of its overall cleanliness as soon as you walk in,” Beckham said. “Filthy floors, dirty tables and even odors are sometimes a hint that the kitchen may be in the same condition.”

4. Be cautious with raw or undercooked food. Raw meat, poultry, eggs and seafood may carry bacteria that can cause illness, especially with those who have medical conditions. Proper thorough cooking kills potentially harmful bacteria. If your food is undercooked, send it back.

5. Be careful with leftovers. Taking food to go is perfectly safe if you’re careful. Remember to refrigerate within one hour to two hours. Leftovers should be eaten within three to four days.

COMPLAINTS HHD investigates food safety and foodborne illness

complaints related to food service establishments.

Please be prepared to offer a thorough explanation of the concern, including the name of the establishment and the time you visited. It’s important to also provide your contact information so a sanitarian can follow-up as needed.

If you think you’ve become ill from eating at a restaurant in Houston, it’s important to quickly report it to HHD. Prompt reporting offer the best chance at determining the source.

When you file a foodborne illness complaint, be prepared to offer information about your symptoms, what and where you recently ate and if you’ve seen a doctor.

Complaints may be reported HHD Consumer Health Services by submitting a complaint online at houstonhealth.org, emailing chs@houstontx.gov, or calling 832393-5100 during business hours.

Visit houstonhealth.org, facebook.com/houstonhealth and twitter.com/houstonhealth for additional food safety information throughout September, National Food Safety Month Source: Houston Health Department

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14 | September 2018 ENTREPRENEUR

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September 2018  |  15 HEALTH

It's just a cough: WARNING SIGNS of bigger issues as you age treatments, to scheduling a primary care appointment or virtual doctor's visit, to stopping by an urgent care center or emergency room."

By d-mars.com News Provider

D

ry skin. Tingling feet. An aching shoulder. A lingering cough. Blurry vision.

Our bodies often send out signals when something needs attention. And as we age, it can be hard to know which changes in our bodies are normal signs of the aging process and which could be cause for greater concern.

Most of us don't want to sprint to the doctor at every runny nose or aching joint. But at the same time, we don't want to find ourselves wishing we had, when something more concerning is uncovered.

It can be tricky to find that middle ground, but nobody knows your body better than you do, so listen to it and pay attention to any changes - big or small - to help you determine your best course of action.

WHAT TO ASK YOURSELF When you notice a new symptom, ask yourself: Have you ever experienced this symptom before? How intense is it? How long does it last? Did it happen just once, is it periodic or is it consistently present? The answers can help you determine what to discuss with your doctor or when to seek more immediate medical care.

"If you aren't quite sure what to do next, services like United Healthcare's NurseLine1 provide 24/7 phone access to a registered nurse to talk through your symptoms," said Dr. Rhonda Randall, chief medical officer of United Healthcare Retiree Solutions. "You can then discuss options ranging from self-care and over-the-counter

WHAT TO WATCH FOR It's important to become familiar with symptoms associated with the gradual aging process that, when appearing in older adults, also can be indicators of more significant conditions.

Some symptoms can signal possible medical emergencies or urgent

concerns, such as: * Heart attack: Symptoms vary by gender and can include pain in the jaw, neck or back, nausea and feeling light-headed or the more commonly known shortness of breath, a tight feeling or intense pressure in the chest and pain in the arm. * Stroke: Numbness or drooping in the face, trouble seeing out of one or both eyes, slurred speech, dizziness and lack of coordination can all be stroke-related symptoms.

* Flu and pneumonia: Symptoms can include cough, fever, chills, trouble breathing.

Other symptoms may indicate a yet-undiagnosed chronic condition, including: * Diabetes: Symptoms that can appear slowly and over a long period of time include: dry skin, increased thirst, the need to urinate often, tingling in your hands and feet, blurry vision, and feeling tired and run down. * Macular degeneration: Blurry vision, loss of central vision, trouble reading in low light, and straight lines appearing wavy are markers of macular degeneration. * Osteoporosis: Back pain, rounded shoulders, stooped or hunched-over posture and loss of height could be indication of bone loss or fractures due to osteoporosis. * Dementia and Alzheimer's disease: In addition to the more commonly known symptoms like forgetfulness or losing/misplacing items, other early signs of these conditions include taking longer to complete everyday activities and mood or personality changes.

WHY TO SEEK TREATMENT Detecting and addressing symptoms early on often can prevent or minimize certain conditions, through immediate treatment or lifestyle changes. However, people sometimes downplay the symptoms or want to avoid the perceived hassle and cost of medical treatment.

Almost 10 percent of Medicare beneficiaries said in a 2013 survey that they did not seek medical care for a medical condition, with the two most frequent reasons being they did not think the problem was serious or it might be too expensive.

(BPT)

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16 | September 2018 COMMUNITY

For HISD’s Interim Superintendent, a Culture of Strong Leadership is the By d-mars.com News Provider

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eading one of the largest school districts in the nation – one that encompasses over 300 square miles and 214,000 students – is a huge task, and Houston Independent School District Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan is utilizing a leadership standard that encourages a free exchange of ideas.

Lathan, a 26-year veteran educator, previously served as the district’s chief academic officer before being named interim superintendent of HISD in March.

Before joining the seventh-largest school district in the country, she was superintendent of Peoria Public Schools in Peoria, Illinois, and served in various other school administrative roles across the country. But she said her education career truly

began in 1991 as a teacher at Morehead High School in the small city of Eden, N.C.

A PASSION FOR UNDERSERVED SCHOOLS

“I always wanted to be a teacher or a social worker,” Dr. Lathan said. “I decided on teaching, got my degree and started my career as a high school teacher. I did everything from sponsoring cheerleading and pom squad to leading different clubs. You name it, I did it.”

While teaching, Dr. Lathan quickly realized she wanted to be a principal and began working her way toward that goal. She developed a passion for underserved schools and helping students overcome the odds. She previously served as an Alternative School Principal and a principal of an IR elementary school which was able to “met standard”.

At HISD, Dr. Lathan has worked to implement several new programs throughout the district and reestablish the way principals and other leaders work.

Her leadership style exhibits an attitude of open discussion and fairness.

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS IS KEY

One way she is working to build relationships is by having monthly principal meetings that are engaging instead of a lecture on do’s and don’ts.

“Our job is to support our principals, our teachers and students, and it starts with us as leaders,” Dr. Lathan said. “When a principal leaves a professional development session, we want them to have learned something that they can go back to their campus and implement immediately.”

Dr. Lathan said she believes continually supporting the principals and teachers of HISD and providing a platform for honest discussion is the key to improving this district.

“I want [my team] to be able to say, ‘Dr. Lathan, I disagree with you. I have a solution for my community, my students, my parents,’” she said. “Bring a solution to the table. If your idea is better than mine, we’ll go with your idea, and if it’s going to make a difference in the lives of children, I’ll go for it.”

Dr. Lathan has also brought forth several new programs to address the needs of students and parents.

The district recently launched Parent University, a program used to empower and educate parents by helping them learn to navigate the educational school system. Part of Dr. Lathan’s strategic vision is to engage the district’s stakeholders and making them active partners in HISD’s schools.

“I am a passionate believer of the power of the community in our children’s success,” Dr. Lathan said. “If you can educate parents on what services and supports they are entitled to, then they will know how to advocate and fight for their students.”

The district also is working to expand pre-K programs at HISD elementary schools. The initiative started with adding eight pre-K classes at Woodson Elementary School, and there are plans to add more to schools

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September 2018 | 17 COMMUNITY

Foundation for Achievement

Dr. Lathan visited a variety of schools on the first day of classes on Monday, Aug. 27, 2018, including Wesley Elementary School, where she took a moment to read to students. The campus received a “Met Standard” rating for 2017-2018. “This school is no longer considered an Improvement Required (IR) campus. However, they will continue to receive Achieve 180 supports this year – additional staffing, additional resources, and tutorials for students,” Dr. Lathan said.

in order to boost capacity to take on more students.

“If we can provide children with access to a pre-K education across this entire district, starting with 3and 4-year-old students, then we are going to be able

and on end-of-course assessments in English I and Algebra I. Six HISD schools, including Worthing High School, Woodson PK-8, Henry Middle, and Blackshear, Mading, and Wesley elementary schools, all shed their Improvement Required (IR) status, and others are on the cusp of joining them.

Over the course of three years, the number of schools labeled IR was reduced from 58 to 7. An additional 17 schools

planning.

“While the goal is to have zero IR schools, I’m proud of the progress we are making,” Dr. Lathan said. “We are providing additional academic support to our students, as well as social and emotional services, through to the district’s Achieve 180 initiative.

Through all the efforts and improvements Dr. Lathan has accomplished and initiated for HISD, she says her

are “Not Rated” due to meeting the criteria for the Hurricane Harvey provision from the state. Fifteen of those 17 campuses will remain in IR status from the prior year, requiring them to comply with state and federal improvement

central focus has been and always will remain the same: She will continue to put children first.

to change their lives early on and in turn change their parents’ lives,” Dr. Lathan said.

NEW PROGRAMS ADDRESS NEEDS, BOOST ACHIEVEMENT

Statistics from HISD show that the programs implemented through her leadership have been able to reverse a decade-long downward trajectory in state testing scores.

Students made notable academic gains on the statemandated STAAR test, outpacing districts throughout Texas in third- through eighth-grade reading and math,

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18 | September 2018

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September 2018 | 19

"CONGRATULATIONS

to the 2018 Top 30 Influential Women of Houston." --Keith J. Davis, Sr. President & CEO, d-mars.com

H

ouston is home to some extraordinary women, and many of them were in attendance at the Sixth Annual Top 30 Influential Women Awards, hosted by d-mars.com. The two-day event included a VIP Reception, in which the honorees and icons were able to meet and mingle at The Houstonian Hotel. The second night was an evening of elegance as the honorees and icons were recognized at the Top 30 Influential Women Awards Gala, also at The Houstonian Hotel.

This year’s award gala continued the tradition of the Honorable Sheila Jackson Lee Community Achievement Award by honoring its 2018 recipient, Dr. Betty Adams, for her outstanding achievement and community impact. “d-mars.com is honored to recognize and celebrate these passionate, inspirational women in one of the largest and most diverse cities in the nation,”

President Mr. D-MARS said. “Thank for you for shining your light in Houston and leaving your mark on our community.”

The gala included its annual special tribute song to all the women being honored, chosen by Mr. Keith “D-MARS” Davis called “One Woman: A Song for UN Women.”

From careers in medicine and music, to politics and finance, this diverse group of honorees is the epitome of empowerment.

“These women embody the spirit of community and serve as examples of the necessity of support,” COO Kimberly Floyd said. “I am proud to live among these influential women in the great city of Houston. Their accomplishments have gone above and beyond expectations.”

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20 | September 2018

Top 30 Influential Women of Houston - ICON Honorees

State Representative Dr. Alma A. Allen

Anna M. Babin

Cheryl D. Creuzot

Donna Sims Wilson

Merele Yarborough

Judge Clarease Yates

Karen McKemie

Thank you all for the most incredible last two evenings. It is difficult to express how humbling and inspirational these last two evenings were for me. To see the passion, professionalism and power of so many current and past honorees was beyond anything I have been a part of in my past. The amount of effort it must take to organize, prepare and execute this function is mind boggling – it was flawless and executed with such style and grace. I am so humbled and thankful to be a part of the class of 2018. I am so energized to work harder and smarter to make even more of a difference for women in my company and community.

In the Automotive retail business, we always say our passion is to put people’s dreams in their driveways. You have made the dreams come true for so many women – and that is the dream of someone knowing and valuing what we do – and that it matters. Thank you for last night, for your organization and for your commitment to women.

— Karen McKemie, Top 30 Honoree

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

September 2018 | 21

Top 30 Influential Women of Houston

- THE HONORABLE SHELIA JACKSON LEE Community Achievement Award

DR. BETTY N. ADAMS "All of us are mentors. You're mentors right here and now. And one of the things I've always done throughout my life, I have always found that person, that group of people that I was going to reach my hand out and help bring them along with me." – Michelle Obama

Top 30 Influential Women of Houston Honorary Co-Chairs NEETA SANE • STEPHANIE NELLONS-PAIGE

Trustee, HCC District VII

Managing Director, Workforce and Business Opportunity, Texas Central

"To all the little girls who are watching, never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world to pursue and achieve your own dreams." —Hillary Clinton

Recognized among the 2018 Top 30 Influential Women of Houston has been the most phenomenal recognition I have received. In addition, as the selected Honoree for the Honorable Sheila Jackson Lee Community Achievement Award commemorated the lovely creator and event by d-mars.com, a blessing for all times.

—– Dr. Betty N. Adams, Top 30 Honoree

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

22 | September 2018

HONOREES

Ann Harris Bennett

Gita P. Bolt

Vera Bumpers

Karla Cisneros

Helen Conte

Barbara Harris Curtis

Dannette K. Davis

Tiffany Massie Davis, MSN, RN

Gaynell Floyd Drexler

Melissa Edwards

Brenda Erickson

Tammy Faber

I just wanted to say thank you for all you do for the Top 30 Women honorees. The events on Thursday and Friday far exceeded anything that I had imagined. I felt honored, loved and appreciated. The event was first class and I will remember every moment for the rest of my life. It was an honor to get to be in the room with such amazing women and leaders of our city and nation. I have made new friendships that I think will last a lifetime. On top of it all I was able to meet our wonderful Mayor and Congresswoman Lee. Two great Champions for the Houston area.

—– Tammy L. Faber, Top 30 Honoree

Staci Taylor Fullmighter

Mary Griffin

Arquella Hargrove

Debra Gatison Hatter, Esq

Marvalette Hunter

Grayle Tully James

Constance Jones

Eva L. Loredo

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

September 2018 | 23

HONOREES

Jalene Mack, Esq

Maria Emee Mendoza-Nisnisan

Roslyn Bazzelle Mitchell

Desrye M. Morgan

Marie Myers

Amber Newman

Dr. Dieu-Thoa Khoa Nguyen

LaToshia Norwood

Farrah Sabouni Oranje

Stacey M. Parker-Blake

Tiko Reynolds-Hausman

Michelle Riley-Brown

I can’t thank you enough for what you do. Thank you for selecting me to be a part of your event.

I am grateful for the opportunity that you provided.

I include Kim on this email because she plays a key role in your company and she is always so kind and great to work with. Your event was top notch. Thank you for all you do for the community. Thank you both from the bottom of my heart!

I just would like to thank you all for the wonderful events you hosted for all of us the Top 30 Influential Women of Houston.

I really admire your commitment in honoring women, empowering them to empower other women.

May the Almighty God bless you more for all the great things that you do. You have given me added strength and inspiration to do more.

—–Amber Newman, Top 30 Honoree

—–Maria Emee Mendoza-Nisnisan, Top 30 Honoree

Maribel Rodriguez

Sadie Rucker

Cindi Salas

Shawn Emerson Simmons, PhD

Hazel Smith

Heidi McDonald Smith

Maya P. Thornton

Joycelyn Williams

Nancy Yuill, PhD, RN

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

24 | September 2018

2018 Top 30 Influenti

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September 2018  |  25

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VIP RECEPTION

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Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

September 2018 | 31 EDUCATION

Jay Z, Beyoncé Awarding $1M in Scholarships to ‘Exceptional’ High School Students Beyoncé performing on The O2 in London. Photo by idrewuk (originally posted to Flickr as Hello hubbie!) [CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Contributor

P

opular music’s most powerful couple continue to make power moves.

Hip-hop superstar Jay Z and his wife, Beyoncé, have announced a new scholarship program that will award 10 scholarships worth $100,000 each to “exceptional” high school seniors who demonstrate financial needs.

The award will serve as a dedicated university-based fund for each selected student throughout the duration of the student’s enrollment, according to a news release.

“This back to school season, students in the On The Run II Tour markets, who are preparing for college, will be chosen by Boys and Girls Club of America,” according to a joint press release from Beyoncé’s “BeyGOOD Initiative” and Jay Z’s “The Shawn Carter Foundation.”

“Qualified students must demonstrate academic excellence and show financial needs that would make it hard for them to enter college or university for the academic year 2018-2019,” the release noted.

The markets will include Atlanta, Orlando, Miami, Arlington, Texas; New Orleans, Houston, Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Diego, Santa Clara, and Seattle.

The power couple have had a long history of helping students with The Shawn Carter Foundation spearheading college tours to historically black colleges and universities and providing scholarships to college bound students throughout the country.

Through her BeyGOOD initiative, Beyoncé created the Formation Scholars Award, a merit program to help

female students start or further their college education, and this year they announced the Homecoming Scholars Award, a second merit program, opened to qualified students, regardless of gender, to enter or continue their studies at one of eight HBCUs. In May, Jordan Davis decided to apply for the BeyGood scholarship but said doubted he would receive the award.

About a month later though, he got the news. The Plano native was one of the eight finalists who had won the inaugural scholarship sponsored by Beyoncé and Google.

“I was so ecstatic,” Davis told the Houston Chronicle.

“It was a dream come true. It almost felt like Beyoncé had chosen me.”

Homecoming Scholars was inspired by Beyoncé’s performance at the 2018 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Beyoncé, the first black woman in the festival’s 19-year history to be its headline performer, referenced HBCUs throughout her performance that incorporated a 100-piece all-black marching band and song selection.

“The show, with its homage to excellence in education, was a celebration of the homecoming weekend experience, the highest display of college pride,” according to a news release.

“The energy-filled production put the spotlight on art and culture, mixing the ancient and the modern, which resonated masterfully through the marching band, performance art, choir, and dance. It was the impetus to mark her second scholarship program.”

As a part of the scholarship application, students were required to submit a 1,000-word essay about “one African or African-American thought leader in their field who has inspired them to achieve their goals.”

Davis wrote about David Satcher who served as U.S.

Surgeon General in both the Bill Clinton and George W. Bush administrations. Satcher, who was director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from 1993-1998 before being appointed as surgeon general by Clinton, is an “inspiring” figure to look up to, Davis said.

Davis, 20, is a senior healthcare administration major at Texas Southern.

He said the scholarship will make it possible for him to pursue a career in healthcare administration. One day, he hopes to work for a home health agency, clinic or hospital as an administrator who helps underserved communities.

“I always cared about helping the community and contributing,” he said. “I like to work with people.”

In addition to maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or higher, he volunteers for Habitat for Humanity and is a member of TSU Honors College Enrichment, the Urban Gardening program, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, and is also a counselor for Young Life Christian Fellowship.

Davis said he is grateful because the scholarship relieved him of a heavy financial burden, especially because he plans to pursue a master’s degree in organizational leadership and development.

“This scholarship took off the pressure to get loans or additional funds,” Davis said.

“A master’s degree is not cheap and this makes the gap smaller.”

Jay Z and Beyoncé’s OTRII Tour reportedly has grossed more than $150 million.

“And, they’re giving back in a large way,” superfan Nolan Crenshaw said.

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

32 | September 2018 COMMUNITY

BEE BUSY By d-mars.com News Provider

eeing a need and filling a need is the foundation of Bee Busy Wellness Center. They have built their business on serving the needs of the community and have successfully brought accessible health care to those who need it.

Bee Busy was started in 2009 as a free service clinic that provided primary care to individuals diagnosed with HIV. Though they initially only served infected individuals, they eventually began treating those patients’ family members and friends, leading to the business they are today: a federally qualified health care center focused on primary family care in an underserved community.

The term “primary care” refers to everything from getting a regular checkup to receiving care for things such as asthma, allergies, diabetes, hypertension, COPD, CHF, and obesity to name a few. They also focus on diseases that are fundamentally attractive to various communities, communities that are prone to more diseases.

“The community didn’t have access to services that were needed,” Norman Mitchell, Co-founder and CEO of Bee Busy, said. “We conducted a community needs assessment and found that these services were lacking in the community.”

As a member of the community, Mitchell saw there were needs not being met and quality health services, they knew this was an ideal location to open the have recently received National Accreditation by the Joint wellness center. They are able to serve peoCommission, an organization that ple who did not have access to health care before, including the large refugee population is commissioned by the federal in the community. government to establish various “We looked at a lot of different areas in quality standards. For an organiPicture from left to right: Felicia Diaz, Latrisala Bankston, Norman Mitchell, Marianne Dublado, Southwest Houston,” Mitchell said. “But we zation to be accredited by the Debrisha Johnson and Willetta Hickson Joint Commission, they not only settled upon this one by Divine intervention as well as Divine providence. We saw this as meet the standards but exceed a perfect location.” them.

Another unique quality of Bee Busy Wellness “For Bee Busy Wellness Center ready to address the next disaster. With funding from Center is that they offer extended business hours to ensure Direct Relief, Bee Busy Wellness Center now has a fully to achieve this status, it says we are providing the highest that everyone who needs primary care is able to make it equipped Medical Mobile Unit that allows them to actually quality of care, as deemed by the federal government,” in. Most health care facilities will close early during the go out into the community and serve people right where Mitchell said. “We aren’t just saying ‘here take two of these week, making it difficult for patients with jobs to come in. they are. The Mobile Unit will also be deployed during and call me in the morning’, we are really looking to ensure “People work,” Mitchell said. “So we try to ensure that emergencies to reach those most impacted. that every patient has the greatest access and care.”

Other aspects that make Bee Busy Wellness Center our evening extended hours and our weekend extended “We had a vision, a desire, a need,” he said. “The funds hours are available for those individuals who work and were donated to us by Direct Relief, an international or- unique in its industry is the dedication to serve specific aren’t able to take off.” ganization that provides assistance during disasters. So entities through things like providing mental health serBee Busy is open Monday through Saturday, with various we now have access to our own medical unit and are able vices, taking pediatric care to the schools and hosting extended hours throughout the week. They also accept to go to the people who need us most.” exercise classes for patients. walk-ins and same-day appointments, increasing the Valuing the importance of addressing mental health and Their goal is to go out into the community at least once availability of primary care. removing the stigma around it, Bee Busy has an on-site a week to provide care where it is necessary.

“Our availability gives those that are the most vulnerable licensed social worker who provides counseling to patients.

“Let me put it to you this way,” Mitchell said. “A mother the best access,” Mitchell said.

They have a referral plan set up for those that require with two kids who lives on the other side of the belt way Holding to their promise of availability, Bee Busy Wellness with no access to transportation, how do they come in to further treatment, and they are in the process of bringCenter was aggressively involved in the recovery efforts receive primary care? When you have areas that don’t have ing their own psychiatrist in to the office once at week.

Debrisha Johnson, Family Nurse Practitioner and Director of Hurricane Harvey. Since the disaster, the health center access to primary care, that is what our mobile unit is for.” has been involved in preparedness to ensure they are of Clinical Services, heads their clinical programs and their As a result of Bee Busy’s exceptional work and high

S

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

September 2018 | 33 COMMUNITY

WELLNESS CENTER SEE A NEED,FILL A NEED

pediatric outreach efforts. “We take the time to educate our patients about their health,” Johnson said. “Health Education is fundamental to empowering patients to take the lead in improving their health”.

One successful program they have is the school initiatives for healthy kids they lead at HISD elementary school.

Johnson goes into the schools to speak about being physically active and making the right food choices.

“We know that childhood obesity is an epidemic,” Johnson said. “And we are encouraging kids, early on, to make the right nutritional choices and encouraging them to be physically active, especially in this era of video games.”

One other popular initiative is their Healthy Happy Hour where they provide Zumba classes in an effort to get people active and moving. This class takes place every Friday in Marion Park.

Bee Busy’s outstanding efforts to provide the best service and reach the most people is evident. Whether it’s seeing their minority staff, comprised of strong, African American and Hispanic females or the number of awards and certifications displayed on the walls, the values of

Willetta Hickson and Debrisha Johnson

this business are prominent. Hard work pays off, and they are setting an example for everyone around them. Bee Busy is continuing to find needs and fill them, and they aren’t stopping anytime soon.

Debrisha Johnson

BEE BUSY WELLNESS CENTER

is a Federally Qualified Health Center located in Houston’s Southwest community. Bee Busy has two locations to serve you. The health center just received National Accreditation from The Joint Commissions and is certified as a Primary Care Medical Home. All of Bee Busy’s clinical staff are board certified primary care providers.

Busy Bee accepts most major insurances and offers all services on a sliding fee scale.

No one is turned away for inability to pay.

mybbwc.org/index.html

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

34 | September 2018 POLITICAL

Your Vote Is Your Voice

By Sylvester Turner Mayor of Houston

A

long with the contests for senator, governor and other elected offices, the Nov. 6 ballot will include two crucial items for all voters who live in the city of Houston. Please don’t forget them when you vote, either in the early voting period that starts Oct. 22 or on Election Day.

Proposition A is about ReBuild Houston, the program that has provided more than $800 million in

city drainage improvements throughout the city and paid off $1.1 billion in debt. Essentially, voters will be asked whether to keep in place a “lock box” that allows revenue from a city drainage fee to be spent only for drainage and street improvements, which help control flooding.

I have promised to spend the funds as intended, regardless of the results of the election. But rejection of

Proposition A would mean future mayors would be able to use the funds on projects unrelated to drainage, streets and flood control.

Proposition B is about whether Houston firefighters’ pay should be the same as police officers’ pay without the additional requirements on education and work schedules under which police officers do their jobs.

A firefighters’ union petition drive put this issue on the ballot.

Approval of Proposition B would require the city to give firefighters pay increases of at least 25 percent along with matches for any future raises awarded to police officers. The initial raise would cost the city $98 million each year. This is more than the city can afford.

The city is operating under a revenue cap. To fund the salary hikes, the city may be forced to lay off employees and cut services. Most of the city budget is spent on pay and operations for the fire and police departments, so many of the cuts would have to come from those departments. The city would have fewer firefighters and would have to reduce service hours at libraries and parks, among other things.

The firefighters rejected a 4 percent raise offered by our previous mayor and a 9.5 percent raise over 3 years that I offered. I have not withdrawn my offer and it remains on the table.

In the Nov. 6 election, voters may make a single selection that casts a vote for all candidates in a political party.

But the “straight ticket” option will not cast any votes on Propositions A or B. They should be marked separately.

I am conducting town hall meetings in every council district to discuss the propositions with our constituents.

I hope residents will attend, learn and ask questions.

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

September 2018 | 35

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Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

September 2018 | 37 COMMUNITY

OLD FOLKS SAYING A WATCHED POT NEVER BOILS

why he wasn’t given the chance to play professionally, like they were. He knew that he was a Meaning Time passes slowly when you are hard-worker and was extremely committed to the game, but that wasn’t enough. waiting for something to happen For the first year in college Jonathon worked EXAMPLE Jonathon is a high school bas- extremely hard physically and invested more ketball star that was just signed to a Division I time in learning about the game of basketball.

University. His entire life he has trained to be a For the entire year he would eat, sleep and think skilled player in the game of basketball and has basketball with the hopes of getting his shot at a career in the NBA. With draft season approaching dreams of becoming an NBA player.

Jonathon knew without a doubt he had proved During his final year of high school many of his his point and was ready for a new journey in friends and teammates were drafted to the NBA, a professional league. He told his family and and overseas, while he prepared for his first friends to tune in because he knew this time year of college. Jonathon did not understand his name would be called, but sadly it wasn’t.

Jonathon was disappointed and his impatience grew stronger to be a part of the NBA. His coach and mentor at the time knew that Jonathon could make it but he needed to invest some time in other activities such as school, and hobbies aside from basketball to be successful at the game. The coach supported his dreams and told Jonathon, that a watched pot never boils.

If you have an Old Folks Saying you’d like to submit for consideration in our d-mars. com Business Journal, please email them to editor@d-mars.com. Be sure to include your name, the Old Folks Saying and the meaning.

Did You Know?

Aretha Franklin - March 25, 1942 - August 16, 2018 • She Was the First Woman Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

• She Performed at the Inaugurations of Three Presidents • She turned down a performance for the Queen because she didn’t want to get on a plane • She won 18 Grammy Awards and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame • The recipient of the U.S.A.’s highest civilian honor, The Presidential Medal Of Freedom Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin died on August 16, 2018. She was 76. (Source: Wikimedia Commons) Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

38 | September 2018 COMMUNITY

A Year Later, Red Cross Still in Texas Helping Hurricane Harvey Survivors By d-mars.com News Provider

O

ne year after Hurricane Harvey devastated parts of Texas and Louisiana, the American Red Cross is still helping people affected by the powerful storm which caused billions of dollars in damage and changed lives forever.

Through the extraordinary support of the American public, the Red Cross raised $522.7 million to help Harvey survivors.

Now, a year later, the Red Cross has already spent or made commitments to spend 77 percent of these funds on emergency relief and recovery assistance – or approximately $403.1 million. The remaining funds will be used to support individuals and families needing additional help, as well as to provide longer-term recovery services in affected communities. And, 91 cents of every dollar received for Hurricane Harvey will be spent on our services to people affected

by Hurricane Harvey.

"Since my first visit to Texas after Hurricane Harvey, I've been inspired by both the remarkable strength of the storm's survivors determined to put their lives back together and the compassion of the thousands of Red Crossers who answered the call

for help," said Gail McGovern, president and CEO of the American Red Cross. "A year later, communities are still recovering from Harvey's destruction and the Red Cross remains on the ground, providing families and nonprofit partners with much-needed financial assistance. There is certainly more work ahead, but thanks to the generosity of our donors and the dedication of our volunteers, the Red Cross will continue to be there to lend a helping hand."

Full details are available in the Red Cross' Hurricane Harvey One-Year Update. View personal stories of how the Red Cross helped people after this devastating storm in this moving video.

EMERGENCY RELIEF As the massive storm slammed into Texas and Louisiana, thousands of Red Cross disaster workers provided a safe place to stay, food to eat and a shoulder to lean on during a very difficult time. More than 9,500 Red Cross disaster workers – over 90 percent of them volunteers – came from all over the country to help as Harvey's floodwaters ravaged neighborhood after neighborhood. During the emergency response, the Red Cross: • Provided more than 414,800 overnight shelter stays with partners in Texas

and Louisiana • Served more than 4.5 million meals and snacks with the help of our partners • Distributed more than 1.6 million relief items • Authorized payments of $400 each to more than 575,000 households, totaling more than $230 million in direct financial assistance RECOVERY EFFORTS ONGOING Today, the Red Cross is focused on programs to help people and communities recover. As part of these efforts, the Red Cross is providing financial assistance for households in need of recovery support and whose homes experienced major damage or were destroyed by Hurricane Harvey. As of August 22, the Red Cross has already approved payments of $2,000 each to more than 20,000 households, and we continue to reach more residents every day. This assistance is helping individuals and families pay for temporary housing, make essential repairs to damaged homes, replace lost appliances and furniture and much more.

In addition, the Red Cross is supporting community-based recovery through strategic grants to nonprofit partners who can help meet unmet needs. The Red Cross has awarded $61.9 million on recovery grants to some 150 community organizations working to help impacted communities put the pieces back together in the staggering wake of Hurricane Harvey. These grants will help to fund housing repair and rebuilding efforts, behavioral health services, legal advocacy, financial counseling and services for children and underserved populations. Some of the grantees include Operation HOPE, LISC (Local Initiatives Support Coalition) and Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota for Camp Noah.

Note: The Red Cross reports on a "spent and committed" figure in order to accurately reflect the full scope of our spending for services that have occurred or are currently being provided. This includes dollars disbursed or in the process of being disbursed on recovery grants.

Source: Redcross.org

Americans are Flocking to Texas' Metros for Greater Prosperity

By Marcus Hiles PR Newswire Contributor

A

ccording to a new study by Magnify Money, Americans are flocking to Texas metros more than any other state. In their latest report on America's Biggest Boomtowns, the financial source seeks to answer questions around ongoing migration of our populations in, "where Americans are gathering now to take advantage of growing prosperity and improved lifestyles to achieve the American dream."

As longtime residents of the state have felt and even those recently relocating to the Texas area, the boom has not gone unnoticed. "Now more than ever there is a popularity among new development, business expansion and out of state residents who are increasing activity across top metro areas and blooming suburbs.

The boom in Texas' top cities has been here and is here to stay," shares Marcus Hiles, Dallas based entrepreneur and 30-year veteran in the Texas property development space.

To uncover where these spikes of growth have been created throughout Texas and the country, the report starts by looking at the top 100 metros nationwide and how each has changed over a five-year period

between the years of 2011 and 2016. The fluctuations that impacted each metro's boom fell into three categories focusing in on industry, populations and employment.

Weighted collectively, the report uncovers overall increases in the areas driving each category of growth necessary for city life.

Combined, a picture of where each metro falls in America's interest for new opportunity and professional success is shaped.

One factor that drove importance to each city's standing centered around how industries and the businesses that support them had grown locally, both in existing and new companies. Captured through revenue, this factor was also measured by increases in hiring and business performance in general.

Residents and increases in populations were also evaluated to identify the trend in people coming to each city and how the area was able to sustain the growth it attracted. Using data from US Census studies, the hard numbers outlined changes in populations and housing to shape an accurate picture of expansion in new community development. The local workforce and employment opportunities in each area also helped to pinpoint where

Americans are heading to seek better opportunities. Workforce changes were also evaluated for how they translated into the average increase in earnings and unemployment rates in the area.

By considering a five-year period, the analysts were able to measure the true footprint of each metro and the growth pattern that has been established.

More than any other region, Texas was uncovered to hold one third of the top metros in the list's leading 15 cities that spanned Austin, San Antonio and Dallas.

Leading the list was the city of Austin, which has been named in recent years as a tech boom area attracting some of today's top businesses and talent from across the nation. Holding the highest score

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

overall, the city was given the only perfect score of 100 in the report for population and housing. The report notes: "Austin jumps way out ahead of all the metros we reviewed, showing the greatest fiveyear growth in population and housing."

Along with these increases, the metro led in areas of workforce, where almost all new population growth can be traced back to the local workforce resulting in a 23% drop in unemployment and a nearly 9% increase in median wages. That gives the area its second top earning score on the list, with an over 10-point lead to the second leading metro, Provo, Utah.

September 2018 | 39 COMMUNITY

Former d-mars.com Intern Ramona J. Smith, wins 2018 Toastmasters World Champion of Public Speaking By d-mars.com News Provider

W

ith a speech titled "Still Standing," Ramona J. Smith, a high school teacher from Houston, Texas, won the Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking on Saturday, Aug. 25. For the first time in the contest's history, female competitors swept the top three positions. Smith is only the fifth woman to capture the World Champion of Public Speaking title since the contest began in 1938.

Smith's winning speech resonated with a capacity crowd of nearly 2,000 from around the world, who attended the contest held at the McCormick Place convention center in Chicago, Ill. She claimed the coveted title with a motivational story of her own life, drawing on a boxing analogy to share how she overcame failures, including dropping out of college four times and a divorce.

Smith reached the championship level after several eliminating rounds that began six months ago with 30,000 participants. Smith was one of 10 finalists emerging from a semifinal round held on Aug. 23 with 106 competitors.

Smith said the key message of her six-minute speech was strength during adversity.

When you are in the ring of life, you will face some challenges.”

— Ramona J. Smith

"You are going to get hit, you will be punched, you will be bruised. Even though you fall down and stumble, all you have to do is find whatever strength lies within you or outside you from family, friends, faith, your mentors and coaches to help pull you back up. " Second-place winners were Zifang "Sherrie" Su, a teacher from Tianjin, Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

China, with her humorous speech titled "Turn Around" about salvaging personal relationships and meeting her husband in Toastmasters. An experienced speech competitor, Su said she entered this contest to "Let the world hear the voice from China and prove that Chinese speakers can be world class."

Third place went to Anita Fain Taylor, a consultant from Pembroke Pines, Fla., with her speech "It Is What It Is, It Ain't What It Ain't."

Speakers delivered five-to seven-minute speeches on wide-ranging topics, and were judged on content, organization and delivery. The three top winners —Smith, Su and Fain Taylor —led the field of 10 contestants in the annual Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking held during the organization's annual convention in Chicago, Aug. 22-25.

(BPT)

40 | September 2018 POLITICS

Black American Political Victories Sweep Nation

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Contributor

A

cross the United States in the 2018 election primaries, Black American political leaders are scoring historical victories – changing the conversation and the face of politics.

“Congratulations to gubernatorial nominee Andrew Gillum, Senator Bill Nelson and all our Democratic candidates who won their primaries tonight in Florida,” said Democratic Party Chair Tom Perez following Gillum's historic victory.

“In a historic victory, Andrew Gillum ran an inspiring campaign on his way to becoming the first African American to win a major-party nomination for governor in the Sunshine State,” Perez said.

The victory in Florida comes as African Americans have continued to stun at the polls with wins by London Breed in San Francisco, Stacey Abrams in Georgia and Gillum in Florida.

Its also a testament to an unprecedented voter registration drive spearheaded by the NNPA and NAACP which joined to start a voter registration drive aimed at signing up 5 million new Black voters.

The NNPA is a trade organization representing the 220 African American-owned newspapers across the country with a combined 22 million weekly subscribers.

“Democrats came out in record numbers to support an incredible slate of candidates who are committed to fighting for greater access to affordable health care, better public schools, and protecting the environment for Floridians,” Perez said.

The Revs. Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton both tweeted about the Gillum victory.

Sharpton said Gillum stood firm against Florida's controversial Stand Your Ground law while

Andrew Gillum celebrates a stunning, come-from-behind victory as the Democratic candidate for Florida governor.

Jackson the victory set up an epic general election in November.

"Black American voter turnout in 2018 will be the single-most determinative factor in the upcoming Midterm Elections on November 6, 2018," said NNPA President and CEO, Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, jr.

"In Florida, Maryland, Georgia, Connecticut, North Carolina, Texas, Ohio, Michigan, Missouri, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Wisconsin, a huge Black voter turnout will choose the winners of the elections for governors and members of Congress," Chavis said.

"This will be our payback national vote for all the injustices and inequalities that confront Black America. We are proud that the Black Press is helping to make this happen profoundly across the nation this year," he said.

Dorothy Leavell, NNPA's National Chairman and publisher of the Crusader newspapers in Gary and Chicago, said the

victory could signal a political sea change in November.

"The results of yesterday’s voting in Florida which made Andrew Gillum the Democratic nominee for Governor of Florida is yet another big victory for African Americans this year. As Chairman of the National Newspaper Publishers Association I applaud the voters in Florida and Mr. Gillum, Leavell said.

"It’s exciting to see Andrew Gillum becoming the latest Black politician making history in the deep south. It’s also refreshing to see a product of an HBCU school break racial barriers in Florida’s lily-white politics. Our nation has too few people of color heading major governments. I applaud Gillum for his stunning, come-from-behind victory as the Democratic candidate for Florida governor. We look forward to seeing Gillum take it all in the November election and become the first Black governor in Florida’s 173-year history," Leavell said.

Bobby Henry, publisher of NNPA member The Westside Gazette in Florida, said more work is yet to be done.

"We have one more River to cross. We are certainly proud and elated that brother Gillum has made the first step into Florida's history and now we have to insure that his which is our's also journey complete, " Henry said.

"His election as the first Black governor of Florida is one historical account however the fact that the Democratic Party has not been in control of the Florida legislator for over 20 years is another milestone," he said.

This is where the Democratic Party will have to unify and pour all that is necessary for Gillum to win this race, Henry added.

"It has yet to come. The possibility is there however we as the voters have to be a part of the making of history," Henry continued.

"The book has not been completed yet, the preface is done now the story has to be written, record and made known.

Let the story continue."

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September 2018 | 41

THE BEAUTY OF YOU! Mary Kay® products offer you so many ways to enhance your beauty and well-being. Innovative skin care! On-trend color! Pampering bath and body products and so much more!

Let’s find your favorites.

Contact me today.

Marlene Petry RN, MSN Independent Beauty Consultant www.marykay.com/marlenepetry (281) 797-4301

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42 | September 2018

TEXAS BLACK WOMEN'S EXPO Visionary and Trichologist, Dr. Leola Anifowoshe, proudly invites the general public to this year’s 2nd Annual Texas Black Women’s Expo (TBWE) and 8th Annual Nzuri Natural Hair Expo on Saturday, October 13th from 10:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the NRG Center. With the goal to empower entrepreneurial women, TBWE has merged with the increasingly popular Nzuri Natural Hair Festival and bids to take

numbers highlighting the latest trends, amazing new products and services, while we enlighten, inform and empower each other all under one roof” states Anifowoshe.

“Our mission this year is the 100,000 S.I.S.T.E.R.S Outreach; Success In Sisters Through Entrepreneurial Revitalization Strategies.”

will be an event Houston will never forget!

TBWE is sponsored by Nzuri LLC, Solutions Hair Restoration and Wellness Center, HEB, Heavenly Hart Hair Care,1526 Fashion Week, RC Fitness and Ramona Parker Public Relations Agency.

For more information on tickets and vendor booths, visit http://texasblackwomensexpo.

Anifowoshe expresses her deepest grati- com. For information on how to become a tude in having so many influential women, sponsor, visit http://texasblackwomensexespecially Torrei Hart involved in this move- po.com/Sponsor ment. As the success of her Solutions Hair Restoration and Wellness Center located in For Little Miss “Happy” Head Beauty Stafford and Nzuri hai rcare line contin- Pageant registration, visit The Hair ues to grow, Anifowoshe is excited to reveal Vitamin Store; 3727 Greenbriar Dr., her partnership with Hart as they release Stafford, TX 77477, Suite 109b or visit Heavenly Hart Products, inspired by Torrei http://texasblackwomensexpo.com/pagand Kevin Hart's daughter Heaven Leigh eants. Email Topaz Williams tanwilHart, at the event. liams77004@gmail.com or Ramona. tbwe@gmail.com Not to mention, the motivation this expo will provide to all of our baby sisters present in the building. The sixth annual Little Miss “Happy” Head Beauty Pageant will take place at 3:00 p.m. Created in 2011 for princess’ ages 2-14, Anifowoshe saw where society merely tolerates natural-haired girls. Instead, she replaced the concept of “nappy” hair with “happy” hair to celebrate black beauty.

In addition, each contestbusiness experiences to the next level, while ant will receive a princess providing a blueprint for profitable busi- pack and a trophy. nesses. TBWE will exclusively feature via the awards ceremony and or the Expo Grammy Nominated Artist Chrisette Michelle this Lastly, Anifowoshe beyear’s Education, Motivation, and Inspiration lieves education, motiva(EMI) awardees, a fashion presentation by tion and inspiration are 1426 Fashion Week, the annual Little Miss ingredients that cannot “Happy” Head Beauty Pageant, with guest be pushed aside when speakers Dr Leola Anifowoshe, Founder, building a viable busiBusiness Coach Dawniel Winningham, ness. Thus, she plans to Empowerment Mogul, Dorothy Cook and present the EMI award Motivational Speaker Lashanda Gary and to several deserving remany more! cipients to compensate for their brilliance and TBWE is designed to utilize the strength of dedication to enhancing black women owning businesses and create our communities. a direct impact on black economics. With over 30 years of brand-building experience, Ultimately, TBWE Anifowoshe is known for evolving entrepre- will offer equal opportuneurs to their greatest potential. nities for brand seekers to engage with African “The Texas Black Women’s Expo is where American consumers in Black Women will be found in incredible multiple markets. TBWE Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

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44  |  September 2018

T H E

E X P E R T

N E TW O R K

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46 | September 2018

Friday, October 12, 2018 – 6:30 pm Hilton Houston Post Oak Hotel – Grand Ballroom 2001 Post Oak Boulevard, Houston, TX

You want to be in the room for this one!

Keynote Speaker

Honorary Gala Chair

The Honorable Sylvester Turner Mayor of Houston, Texas

The Honorable David Allen Mayor of Prairie View, Texas

Silent Auction • Live Band • Dancing For tickets, or to reserve a table, go to www.pvamf.org and click on the Gala 2018 link.

Discounted hotel rooms are available at www.pvamf.org/hotel.

Prairie View A&M Foundation | www.pvamf.org | 800.707.8138 Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

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