d-mars.com 19992019
FREE
YEARS
®
BUSINESS JOURNAL
Entrepreneur | Business | Education and Career | Finance | Real Estate | Technology | Insurance
September 2019
|
Inspire, Inform & Educate
|
145th Edition
“The Yolanda Finds Adams Morning Show” New Home at Texas Southern University’s KTSU 90.9 FM
22-23
INSIDE
04 Mayor Turner’s Open Letter To Houston: Hurricane Harvey
11 2019 Top 30 Influential Women of Houston Awards
05 To Be Led or To Lead!
AVAILABLE
NOW
One thing I am proud of is, for 20 years, I have kept my core beliefs,” Davis said. “I know that by holding on to those values, we have changed lives and helped people grow in business and in their personal lives. It is all thanks to the people who supported us, people who saw we were good for the community. — Keith “MR. D-MARS” Davis, Sr.
ORDER ONLINE NOW WWW.KEITHJDAVISSR.COM (713) 373.5577 Keith J Davis Sr.
@KeithJDavisSr
September 2019 | 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.
"Whenever you pour into the lives of young people, the reward is so much greater than expected." — Yolanda Adams
MR. D-MARS CERTIFIED:
HMSDC
Port of Houston
BEHIND THE JOURNAL
METRO
City of Houston
COO & MANAGING EDITOR Kimberly Floyd
04 Career 04 Record low unemployment creates opportunities for Americans with disabilities
STAFF WRITER Carly Hammack ART DIRECTOR Angel Rosa GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kendra Wiseman PROJECT COORDINATOR Lindsey Ford DISTRIBUTION Rockie Hayden PHOTOGRAPHY L.C. Poullard Grady Carter CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Noel Pinnock Lauren Poteat Mayor Sylvester Turner
04 Community 04 Mayor Turner’s Open Letter To Houston: Hurricane Harvey 06 To Be Led or to Lead! 1 1 2019 Top 30 Influential Women of Houston
04
08 Education 08 5 Ways Parents Can Help kids Be Themselves 32 Know Your HIV Status 22-23 Cover Story 14,23 "The Yolanda Adams Morning Show" Finds New Home at Texas Southern University’s KTSU 90.9 FM 26 Food & Recipes 26 Staying on track: 3 ways to kickstart a healthy fall
HUB
VBE
DBE
OUR SERVICES
04 Business 04 How Investment Public Transportation Boosts The Economy
ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla
HISD
CONTENTS
PUBLISHER & CEO Keith J. Davis, Sr.
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Tiffany Brown
This month’s issue highlights “The Yolanda Adams Morning Show” and its new home on Texas Southern University’s KTSU 90.9 FM. This show, hosted by Grammy Awardwinning artist Yolanda Adams and comedian Marcus D. Wiley, features segments powered by neo soul, R&B, and inspirational music, crafted to get your mornings started. TSU students will have the opportunity to gain hands on experience with the morning show and its hosts. Both hosts are TSU Alumni and are looking forward to the chance to give back to their alma mater.
22-23
18 Health 18 Sickle Cell Strong Sickle Cell Disease Advocate Marie Ojiambo 19 5 Easy Ways To Be A More Active Dad 20 How A Small Device Can Offer More Breast Cancer Treatment Options For Women 21 City of Houston Health Diabetes Tips
ADVERTISING | MARKETING MEDIA | COMMUNICATION • 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
34 Technology 34 3 Emerging Smart Home Trends of 2019 38 Travel 38 3 Smart Steps To Protect Your Vacation Home When You're Away
D-MARS.COM INFO MAIN OFFICE 7322 Southwest Fwy., Suite 800, Houston, TX 77074 Phone: (713) 373.5577
Fax: (713) 750.9472
Email Us: contact@d-mars.com
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
Visit Us Online www.d-mars.com d-mars.com
dmars_com
dmarsmarketing
dmars_com
4 | September 2019 BUSINESS
HOW INVESTMENT IN
PUBLIC
TRANSPORTATION BOOSTS THE ECONOMY By d-mars.com News Provider
C
ities large and small rely on public transportation to help workers get to their jobs. And the more efficient the commute, the higher their productivity. Not only do many employees choose where to live and work in relation to ease of transportation, but companies also assess a city's public transportation system when deciding to expand or relocate. Case in point: Atlanta's public transportation system was an important factor for State Farm Insurance deciding to build new offices in the area. Online retail giant Amazon also sought cities with accessible public transit when determining its second headquarters. When the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) analyzed the impact of public transportation investment, it found that $232 billion spent over 10 years would stimulate a 4-to-1 return of $928 billion in economic activity over the next 20 years. How would public transit investment boost the economy?
Short-term benefits Any local economy would benefit from a large-scale transportation project in terms of thousands of construction
jobs, equipment manufacturing jobs, jobs associated with parts and materials suppliers, plus workers spending at nearby businesses during the construction period. In addition, as APTA president and CEO Paul Skoutelas explained in his recent testimony before Congress, largescale projects have a ripple effect beyond the project's location. For example, a project in California "may be receiving vehicles, parts or materials from suppliers in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia or Wisconsin," Skoutelas said. The economic boost due to construction alone can last for months or years.
Long-term benefits The growing number of workers in the U.S. needs an increasing capacity to get to work every day, and the less time spent on the commute, the more time is spent actually working. Research findings in the 2014 APTA publication, "Economic Impact of Public Transportation Investment," describe the increased economic productivity due to investment in urban transportation, especially when those investments are maintained over many years, as estimated in a 20-year scenario: "The impact by the end of the 20-year period would represent a ratio of more than $3.7 billion per year of additional GDP per $1 billion invested annually.
This includes $2 billion due to the productivity effect of cost savings in the economy and $1.7 billion supported by a pattern of public transportation investment spending." What does that mean in terms of jobs? The study estimates an investment of $1 billion in public transportation would result in approximately 50,731 jobs.
The cost of neglecting public transportation The country's aging infrastructure, plus the need for new transit options in growing urban areas, directly affects the local and national economy. Dorval R. Carter Jr., president of Chicago Transit Authority, oversees a legacy rail system that's over 100 years old, and faces the challenge of fixing or replacing aging infrastructure. "Parts of our rail system date back to the late 1800s," Carter observed. Time lost to commuters when breakdowns or repairs occur adds up to lost productivity. What is the cost of failing to invest in public transportation? According to "The Economic Cost of Failing to Modernize Public Transportation," a report by APTA, it costs the U.S. economy $340 billion in lost revenue over a six-year period. This translates to a loss of $180 billion in cumulative Gross National Product and $109 billion in household income.
An urgent national need APTA is asking Congress to increase funding for public transportation to at least $232 billion, setting priorities for crucial repairs and upgrades, plus new public transit options. And access to public transportation affects suburban and rural communities as well as cities. "In Iowa, public transit infrastructure is essential to both urban and rural communities," stated Elizabeth Presutti, general manager of Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority. "Transit is critical to employment and economic growth. We need the federal government to provide a reliable source of funding to meet the needs of the future." At a time when public transportation ridership is exceeding population growth, it seems more critical than ever to meet this need. Source: BPT
COMMUNITY
MAYOR TURNER’S OPEN LETTER TO HOUSTON: HURRICANE HARVEY By Sylvester Turner Houston Mayor
W
ith the second anniversary of Hurricane Harvey behind us, I’m thankful for our city’s many blessings. I’m also making sure the city continues the slow, steady work of helping people recover from the floods and improving flood protection for neighborhoods. Prominent national news media declared that Houston bounced back from Harvey faster than anyone would have expected. We should all be proud of that truth, which came about with the grace, grit, heroism and giving spirit of the people. But I also think of a 90-year-old, widowed Houstonian who lives alone in her flood-damaged home. She is one of thousands of residents with whom the city Housing and Community Development Department is working to repair flood-damaged dwellings with money – the taxpayers’ money -- from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department. Before HUD will reimburse the city for repairs, however, the city must follow 30 steps to determine eligibility and 40 steps for approval for that elderly woman and everyone else applying for assistance. In other words, this is a painstaking process, and it can be frustrating – even while the rules were
created to make sure public funds go to the right people and aren’t wasted. Yet the city has moved faster with qualified applicants than other local governments in Texas and communities hit by storms in other states. North Carolina residents whose homes were damaged by a hurricane in 2016 are still waiting for federal grants to start flowing, according to news reports. The City aims to use HUD money to help about 5,000 local homeowners. I ask people who have applied to be patient and I urge others to apply. Call 832-393-0550 or go to recovery.houstontx.gov to get started. While the city boosts the recovery, we are working hard to use other federal funds to build projects that
will protect many neighborhoods from the next big flood. The total price tag is much more than the city could ever afford, and we emptied the city’s emergency fund right after Harvey to deal with immediate challenges. Six months after Harvey, Congress set aside $4.38 billion for grants to Texas for flood mitigation projects. But it wasn’t until late August of this year that HUD finally unveiled the guidelines for the use of funds. Thank goodness the City has already received initial approval for funding for two of our priority flood control projects: a massive floodwater detention facility at the former Inwood Golf Course; and construction of discharge\ gates at Lake Houston to enable drawdown of lake levels in advance of a flood. We hope to get approval for more soon. Overall, it takes time – too much time – for the federal government to carry out its disaster relief role following tragedies that hit regions of our nation. With the public’s patience, my staff and I will continue the recovery, and build resiliency, with steady determination. We will also maintain our laser focus on advocating at the federal and state level to change how disaster funds are distributed so that the next time we will have a more timely, predictable and streamlined process that will not take almost two years to work.
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
September 2019 | 5 COMMUNITY
To Be Led or to
LEAD! By Noel Pinnock Contributing Writer
L
eadership without followership is merely taking a walk. There has been great deal of discussion and focus on leadership in the workplace as well as in our homes. It seems as if everyone wants to be a leader of some sort. Most organizations develop programs that emphasizes leadership and management skills, and employees are commonly evaluated on their ability to lead others. Clearly, the ability to lead others and manage the daily operations are critical attributes to ensure the organization or family doesn’t simply survives but thrives. We no longer live in America but in a global society as technology continues to close the continental divide that once kept the competition local. We are always in search of that individual that exudes both confidence and humility only to find that there is no perfect leader but there are those that seek to improve upon this ever-shifting challenge. The truth is, people change every day. The desires of yesterday often conflict with the realities of the day. And if you have this burden audacity that subscribes to this notion that once a leader always leader, then we need sit down and reassess this ideology because if you don’t have any followership then you are not practicing leadership. But what about followership? One thing is for sure in every business: Everyone has a boss. Even the chief answers to someone, be it the mayor, the county administrator, or a board of directors. Every level of the organization reports to someone. There was a time when I struggled to even utter the word “follower,” as if it somehow was taboo in our culture. I guess it’s the take-care-of-business mindset we’re programmed with in formal education and training that stays with us as we progress through our careers. Think about it. How much training or education is offered in following others? I think that is because following really isn’t that cool. But, a lack of follower skills is causing us some headaches. Imagine trying to lead with a dance partner who is constantly trying to lead you. It looks more like a wrestling match than a dance. We’re essentially running blind when it comes to a conscious approach to follow the leader. At first glance, the concept of followership elicits images of bowing before the boss and having to be careful you don’t bump into the boss if he were to make a sudden stop. To the contrary, effective followers are just the opposite. They challenge the boss when necessary and eloquently share their opinions as not to be disrespectful or controversial but at the end of the day followership
doesn’t prevent or preclude one from being a leader in his or her own right. I never subscribed to the notion that people who report to me are lower in stature because they too contribute to the organizational successes and without them our reach, on the collectively, would be marginal at best. John Quincy Adams once wrote, “if your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” We have to remember there are only two types of people on the planet, those who add value or don’t and it doesn’t matter if you are in leadership or followership positions. The challenge for leading leaders arises particularly in managing high-talent organizations — organizations with heavy concentrations of persons whose education, skills, wealth, and influence are substantially above the average. Managers of professional service firms face the task of leading leaders every day as they seek to manage lawyers, management consultants, physicians, investment bankers, research analysts, accountants, and portfolio managers, to name just a few, whose talents are the firm’s principal assets and who as partners may also be its owners. Heads of academic institutions, research organizations, and think tanks confront a similar task in leading professors, scientists, and scholars. Unfortunately, there are challenges of leaders leading leaders because we have generational chasms that continue to erode the intent of both individuals and organizations alike. Not only must leaders leading leaders must learn to manage an increasingly educated and specialized workforce, but they must also effectively lead leaders who have been chosen precisely because of their achievements, reputations, connections, wealth, or special expertise. The key thing is not to be intimidated by the leader who you are leading. If you allow intimidation to erode your relationship then you will be unproductive in your pursuits to create an environment that allows for alignment, agility, and engagement. I had a manager who just couldn’t not let go the steering wheel although the manager gave me the keys to drive the business. I wasn’t sure if it were cautious optimism or buyer’s remorse but one thing for sure is that we differed on more matters than anything else and it created unnecessary stress and skepticism. When our son was learning how to drive, and it was very difficult for me, at first, to let him go out on the treacherous roads by himself until I realized that screaming at him in the passenger seat was literally driving him nuts, pun intended. I had to LET GO and LET HIM learn and fail forward and pray that God will keep him safe
while he leveraged the knowledge he gained from the didactical instruction and real-road practice. The sad part about this experience is that when he was learning how to ride his bike, I just pushed and let him go but when it came to driving a car, car being analogous to increased responsibilities and higher role in the organization, I buckled. It’s an attitude, a belief, a way of being. Don’t lead scared, letting fear drive your behavior, but tap into your inner self and lead with confidence and assurance. Before you know it, people will look at you and say, “Now that’s a leader leading leaders, not one who is led by the silent bigotry of low expectations!” #getatit!
If you have buckled in your current role of a leader leading leaders, then checkout SIX WAYS to help you build trust and allow your eagles to soar: • Develop you – Competence breeds confidence, no two ways about it. If you want to be more secure in your leadership abilities, then you need to keep learning and growing. Read books, take classes, get a mentor, and learn from others. • Be vulnerable – Huh? Isn’t that counterintuitive? No! Leaders that display vulnerability show they don’t have anything to hide. Posers are those who lead with a false sense of confidence, trying to hide their weaknesses from others. Badass leaders are acutely aware of their strengths and weaknesses and aren’t afraid to admit when they don’t know something. • Build trust – You have to earn people’s trust before they will follow you and give their all. Leaders leading leaders focus on building trust by being good at what they do, acting with integrity, caring for others, and following through on their commitments. • Build people – Leaders leading leaders don’t feel the need to build themselves up by tearing down others. Secure enough in their self-worth, badass leaders take pride in the accomplishments of their team members and do everything they can to set them up for success. • Bring results – Leaders leading leaders don’t make excuses, they make things happen. They remove obstacles for their people, find the tools and resources they need, and provide the right amounts of direction and support they need to achieve their goals. • Challenge the status quo – Doing what’s right is not always the popular choice, but leaders leading leaders aren’t afraid to go against the grain when it’s the right thing to do. The know that that can’t base their self-worth on the applause of others, and they aren’t afraid to ruffle a few feathers on occasion.
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
6  |  September 2019 CAREER
Record low unemployment creates opportunities for Americans with disabilities By d-mars.com News Provider
W
ith unemployment rates at a nearly 50-year low, many businesses are struggling to find workers. This tight job market is opening doors for people with disabilities, as many companies are turning their attention to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Though more Americans with disabilities are working, their unemployment rate is still more than twice that of the overall workforce. An estimated 81% of adults (18+) with developmental disabilities do not have a paid job in the community. Some companies view hiring people with disabilities as "the right thing to do," but not as a strategy that will benefit business. A recent study by the National Organization on Disability found that only 13% of U.S. companies have reached the Department of Labor target of a 7% disability representation among their staff. Often companies don't know where to find this untapped resource of talent. Programs like Best Buddies Jobs can help. They match skilled and qualified individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) with businesses seeking enthusiastic and dedicated employees. Job coaches look beyond the typical positions that individuals with IDD might hold, to match job seekers based on their individual talents and interests. The program develops partnerships with employers, assists with the hiring process and provides ongoing support to the employee and employer. "We started the program to help improve the quality of life for individuals with IDD, and what we found is that the employers also benefit by getting an extremely dedicated, well-prepared staff member, improved company morale,
and a better bottom line," explains Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Founder, Chairman & CEO of Best Buddies International. "The Jobs program is really a win for all of society since we end up creating employees who can support themselves and contribute to the economy, removing the need for government assistance or parental support."
Dudley Williams III personifies the highly successful program participant. After graduating from Threshold, a Lesley University postsecondary program that prepares young adults who have diverse learning challenges for the world of work and independent living, Williams joined Best Buddies Jobs to work toward his professional goals. "I worked part-time jobs at first ranging from a hotel, to schools, and the Boston Minority Business Development Agency Center as an office assistant," said Williams. "My ultimate goal was to find a full-time job." Williams is currently employed full-time as a marketing
coordinator at John Hancock in Boston and has become a tireless advocate for employment for people with IDD. "My life has changed dramatically. I'm more confident in myself as a person and more independent at work. I've made new friendships as well." Rob Friedman, former assistant vice president of sponsorship and event marketing at John Hancock, says, "I think a program like Best Buddies Jobs is a terrific asset to John Hancock. It teaches our employees about diversity and working with different populations and certainly having someone like Dudley on staff has taught so many employees here so many great things." As companies increase diversity and inclusion, they are discovering employee morale and fiscal performance also improve. Harvard Business Review reports that diverse companies are 70% more likely to capture a new market. Research from renowned global human resources analyst Josh Bersin shows that more inclusive companies have a 2.3 times higher cash flow per employee over a three-year period and are 1.7 times more likely to be innovative leaders in their market. Jobs programs for people with disabilities can provide a cost-effective solution to address the tight job market brought on by low unemployment rates and reduce recruitment and training costs associated with repeatedly filling high turnover positions. Hiring people with disabilities is a win for both employees and employers. If you are interested in participating as an employer or applying to the Best Buddies Jobs program, please visit bestbuddies.org/jobs for more information.
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
Source: BPT
September 2019 | 7
TH E S O U N D O F A S M O K E A L A R M I N A H O M E F I R E
TH E S O U N D W ITH O UT O N E
Week 1: Save Early for Disaster Costs Did you know: most homeowners’ and renters’ insurance do not cover flood damage. Learn more about flood insurance at www.FloodSmart. gov and review which important documents you should have for an emergency and how to be financially prepared for a disaster at https://www.ready.gov/financial-preparedness.
TH E D E A D L I E ST S O U N D I S TH E S O U N D YO U D O N’T H E A R. Help install over 100,000 free smoke alarms nationwide April 27–May 12. Just one day of your life can change someone else’s forever. Volunteer at SoundTheAlarm.org
197601-54 3/19
Week 2: Make a Plan to Prepare for Disasters We are entering the peak of the 2019 Atlantic Hurricane Season! Be Prepared: make an emergency plan today and practice it. The City of Houston Disaster Preparedness Guide (DPG) is updated annually and provides information about emergency planning to Houston residents. The Guide is available in six languages for download:
Good Credit, No Credit, Bad Credit - Low cost Financing Available
English Spanish Vietnamese Chinese Arabic French
Week 3: Teach Youth to Prepare for Disasters Teach children what to do in an emergency if they are at or away from home. Help your kids know how to communicate during an emergency, build their own preparedness kit, and become Disaster Masters with tips from www.ready.gov/kids.
Week 4: Get Involved in Your Community’s Preparedness Your neighbors can be a great source of help immediately after a disaster. Get to know your neighbors, particularly those too elderly or too ill to independently plan or prepare themselves for a disaster. By knowing your neighbors ahead of time, your community will work better as a team when disasters strike. For more information about helping your neighborhood get ready for hurricane season, visit
www.houstonoem.org/preparedness-are-you-ready
General Dentistry
Teeth Whitening
Cosmetic Dentistry
implants
Complete and Partial Dentures
Endodontics
Crowns and Bridges
Orthodontics
Porcelain Veneers
2009 PINNACLE AWARD WINNER VETERAN OWNED 713.654.7756 2101 Crawford • Suite 103 • Houston, TX 77002
cosmeticdentaltexas.com
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
8 | September 2019 EDUCATION
learning experience - go to your favorite store and let your children choose some of their clothing, within guidelines you set ahead of time (such as needing a certain number of shirts or pants for school days). Again, if the options are overwhelming, limit them, but still allow a choice. Ask, "Which one of these three shirts do you like best?" Shopping for kid-focused clothing brands like OshKosh B'gosh means you know that whatever they choose will be a perfect balance of quality, value, fashion and kid-friendly style.
By d-mars.com News Provider
A
s a parent, it's so exciting to see your children grow and develop their own unique personalities and interests. While children are young and exploring the world around them, parents are always looking for ways to encourage their children's growth, and to support them in finding activities that inspire kids and help them express their individual differences. What are the most positive ways to influence kids? By letting them be themselves and cheering them on, all the way.
1. Let kids choose their activities These days the choices for classes and activities can be overwhelming, so pick a reasonable number of choices for your children, but make sure they represent a variety of interests, from the arts, science and math, sports and more - and let them choose what interests them the most. If you need to narrow down their choices, take your kids to a library or bookstore, explain where to find what types of books, and see what they gravitate toward. What kinds of books intrigue them? This will keep the choices to a manageable level. Then allow your children to sample from the pursuits that interest them, and see what sticks.
Racist tweets, outrageous claims, divisive rhetoric.
2. Encourage kids to follow their interests wherever they go Once your kids express is antaking interestainpage something, TONY BUZBEE out of encourage the pursuit, even if it's something you didn't expect. Donald Trump’s playbook – and it’s all noise. Your children may choose an interest that doesn't easily Buzbee is one of Trump’s Texas lend itself to after-school clubs orbiggest classes in your area. So supporters, hosting Trump at his home and Help how can you help them? Encourage their curiosity. giving more than $500,000 to his PACs.
5. Support kids in their efforts to help others them find kid-friendly books and websites on the subjects they like. Do an internet search for local resources, or ask friends to help you find a trustworthy adult they can shadow to learn about a related career or hobby. Learn about the topic yourself, so you can help your children explore it further.
3. Help kids express themselves through their room decor Next time their bedroom needs a refresh, let children help pick out the color and design scheme - within reason. Allowing children to choose pictures to display or to arrange a shelf of treasures and knickknacks also lets them express their interests and personal style. The upside? They may be more likely to keep a room clean if they helped to decorate it!
4. Allow kids to pick their own clothing styles There's no better way to help children express their own personal style than allowing them choices about what they wear. Within an acceptable budget - which can also be a
The internet is full of stories about kids who love to help others, from a lemonade stand raising funds for a good cause to kids doing good deeds to help out a neighbor or friend. Kids love to make a difference, and you can support their efforts as well as acting as a role model by making a difference, too. Since 2014, parents have helped the OshKosh Jeanius Campaign raise $2.1 million to help kids and classrooms, via DonorsChoose.org and Delivering Good. Through Sept. 19, you can buy an extra pair of jeans in-store or make a cash donation in-store or online, and OshKosh B'gosh will match each pair of denim with an article of clothing, and will match all cash donations up to $50,000. You can feel good knowing that 100% of the contributions received will benefit children and communities that OshKosh B'gosh serves. Encouraging your kids to be kind, be confident and most importantly, to be themselves can be the most rewarding part of parenting. Visit Oshkosh.com for great deals on kids' clothing, and more information about the B'gosh Jeanius Campaign. Source: BPT
LEADERS don’t make noise;
BUILDERS
they make a difference.
MISSED OUT ON INDEPENDENCE HEIGHTS? HERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU!
HOT AND UPCOMING AREA
POL. ADV. SYLVESTER TURNER CAMPAIGN
That’s why Sylvester Turner works every day to bring Democrats and Republicans together to get the job done. Mayor Turner led us through Hurricane Harvey, won billions of dollars for recovery, fixed 273,000 potholes, and cut violent crime by 10%. Now he’s delivering big flood protection projects, bringing thousands of new jobs to Houston, and increasing police patrols to keep our families safe.
“COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE”
1 OR 2 STORY PLANS AVAILABLE FINANCING AVAILABLE INSTANT EQUITY AT CLOSING DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE FOR QUALIFIED BUYERS
ON TUESDAY, NOV. 5, VOTE
SYLVESTER TURNER FOR MAYOR EARLY VOTING BEGINS MONDAY, OCT. 21. Get involved at www.SylvesterTurner.com
STARTING AT $190K
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT
4414 OLD YALE ST. HOUSTON, TEXAS 77018
@JGHOLLINSBUILDERS
FAX: 713-697-8377 @JGHOLLINSBUILDERS
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
September 2019  |  9
The Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program at the University of Houston was established to identify and encourage HUBs to participate in the competitive bid process with the objective of increasing the number of contracts and subcontracts awarded to Texas HUB Vendors.
The University of Houston HUB Program is committed to expanding business opportunities available in order to promote the successful development of growing businesses, to have a positive impact on improving our local economy and to give back to our community.
For more information about how to do business with the University of Houston, bid opportunities, or to learn about events, workshops and seminars, visit: www.uh.edu/hub
WWW.UH.EDU/HUB Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
10  |  September 2019
Empowering Women Through Positive Influence Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
September 2019 | 11
2019 By d-mars.com News Provider
H
ouston is home to some extraordinary women, and many of them were in attendance at the Seventh 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 2019 recipient, Mayor of Missouri City Yolanda Ford, for her outstanding achievement and community impact. There were also 10 Icons and 37 Honorees being recognized at this year’s event. “For 20 years, d-mars.com has continued its mission to inspire,
inform and educate the community, and this year’s group of honorees truly embodies that same mission,” President Mr. D-MARS said. “Their goal to inspire others is evident in their extensive and impressive resumes. By recognizing these women and their achievements, we are able to show young women in this city and across the world that being successful is possible for anyone.” 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 journalism, to politics and finance, this diverse group of honorees is the epitome of empowerment. “Words cannot express how proud I am to live among these influential women in the great city of Houston.” COO Kimberly Floyd said. “They embody the spirit of community and serve as shining examples of what women can accomplish when they support each other. They took calculated risks, believed in their abilities and embraced change.”
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
12 | September 2019
To be recognized among such a great and impressive group of women was indeed an honor. At this time in our history, with so many crises involving the rights and conditions of women around the world, I am indeed proud to be in a nation and a city and an organization that celebrates the achievement of women, as well as their power and their ability to empower others. Houston is a microcosm of what is possible in our macrocosm we call the world. Thank you D-Mars for leading the way." -- The Honorable Dr. Teta V. Banks
Brenda W. Bazan
The Honorable Lizzie Fletcher
Judy Foston-Stanford
Melanie Lawson
The Honorable Dr. Teta V. Banks
Myrtle L. Jones, CPA
Kim Padgett Joyce L. Jacquet
I am very honored and impressed by the women selected for this respected award. There are some outstanding women here in the city of Houston making a difference and I am blessed to be amongst this group. Behind every great leader is a great staff and you all made it possible for women of every color and industry to be celebrated and that is a reflection of how phenomenal the d-mars.com company is.” -- Joyce L. Jacquet
Lisa Trapani Shumate
2019
Vanessa E. Wyche
HON REES
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
September 2019 | 13
The Honorable Community
SHELIA JACKSON LEE Achievement Award
City of Missouri City, Mayor Yolanda Ford
2019
CO-CHAIRS Dr. Christina Robinson | Council Member Amanda Edwards | Judge Maria T. Jackson
Top 30 Influential Women of Houston, thank you for having the vision and executing on it to make our community so strong! What a powerful and beautiful thing it is when women support each other.” -- Council Member Amanda Edwards
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
14 | September 2019
Leanne Dobard Alvarez
Tracey L. Anthony
Colleen D. Banks
Juliet Breeze, MD
Audrey Marie Cosby
Rachel Andress Davis, PharmD, RPh
Leona E. Filis
Michelle Garrison
Just wanted to say thank you one more time for the honor of this prestigious award and for taking such great care of us all throughout the process and on the evening of the gala. I am just so blessed that I got to meet you all personally and all I can say is that you are a wonderful team, an inspiring group of individuals who empower others and make the world a better place.” Tami Hunter
Kelly A. Irving
Shawntell L. McWilliams
Paula M. Mendoza
Sherrie Sams
Mya Smith-Edmonds
-- Olivera Jankovska
Jamila S. Mensah
Bridgette Smith-Lawson
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
Olivera Jankovska
Chau Nguyen, LMSW
Carolyn Watson
H
September 2019 | 15 EDUCATION
Michelle Bythewood
Dr. Melissa N. Gonzalez
Dr. Courtney Jacocks Chance
Jane E. Cheeks, IPMA-SCP
Connie L. Cochran
I'm always the last who wants to be honored. I'm the one usually helping toast others. I'm still taking in the moment and just how special the gala was for myself and my loved ones. It's even more gratifying to know there are supportive men like Mr. Davis elevating Houston's best and brightest women. I am most appreciative of his vision. Now as an official member of the Class of 2019 I am happy to serve as an advocate for the prestigious group.” Mia Gradney
-- Mia Gradney
Addie Heyliger
Dr. Grenita F. Lathan
Angela Lee
LaMonica Love
Christine Mack
Eureka Patton
Eileen Perillo
Marilyn A. Rose
Gabriella Rowe
HONOREES
Dr. Tamara L. Williams
Jennifer St. Julian Wooden
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
Dr. Janet Wormack
16  |  September 2019
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
September 2019  |  17
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
18  |  September 2019
201
GAL
For more photos, please visit https://top30women.smugmug.com/ Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
September 2019  |  19
19
LA
For more photos, please visit https://top30women.smugmug.com/ Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
20 | September 2019
2019
VIP RECEPTION Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
September 2019 | 21
TITLE SPONSORS
PRESENTING SPONSORS
PLATINUM SPONSORS I
L WELDING ACAD STRIA EMY NDU
“Integrity with Attitude” 713-672-WELD
HOUSTON AIRPORT S STEM
(9353)
Aliana
TM
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
22 | September 2019 COMMUNITY
“The Yolanda Adams Morning Show”
Finds New Home at Texas Southern University’s KTSU 90.9 FM “Bringing seasoned hosts like Yolanda and Marcus D. back to TSU and to our community radio station, KTSU 90.9 FM, will most definitely make a positive impact on our community,” said KTSU General Manager Ernest Walker.
There’s no place like home! I am excited for this opportunity and new chapter of The Yolanda Adams Morning Show.” “What I like about the show is that it fits TSU.” — Marcus D. Wiley
By d-mars.com News Provider
T
exas Southern University’s community radio station KTSU 90.9 FM is proud to announce “The Yolanda Adams Morning Show” has a new home! Beginning Monday, September 16, Grammy Award-winning artist Yolanda Adams and co-host comedian Marcus D. Wiley, both TSU alumni, will be on the airwaves from 5-9 a.m. CST Monday-Friday. The show will feature fresh segments powered by neo soul, R&B, and inspirational music that are crafted with the goal of getting your morning started. Producer Marcus “Montana” Ecby will serve as the show’s executive producer. “We are so excited to be back home and bring our morning show to the campus of Texas Southern University, our alma mater,” said Yolanda Adams. “This show is going to be fun and I can’t wait for our listeners to engage with us each and every day.” “There’s no place like home! I am excited for this opportunity and new chapter of The Yolanda Adams Morning Show,” said Wiley, “What I like about the show is that it fits TSU.” “We have a lot of exciting things in store and I look forward to sharing our mornings with our listeners.” “It’s great when our Tigers take their talents out into the world and excel in whatever profession they choose,” said President Austin Lane. “It’s even better these alums bring their talents back home to the Heart and Soul of Houston. It gives our students an opportunity to see our alumni in action, using their gifts and talents to give back to their alma mater. I am excited to tune in to the show and hear all the engaging topics and a variety of music genres.”
TSU students will also have an opportunity to receive hands-on experience with the morning show. “They’ll get a chance to ask the questions not only about radio, but about life,” said Adams. “Whenever you pour into the lives of young people the reward is so much greater than expected.” "We are so proud that a nationally syndicated radio show will originate from the campus of Texas Southern University,” said Vice President of University of Advancement Melinda Spaulding. “Having two of our alumni at the helm, who are committed to working with our students, makes even more special as we advance TSU."
“The positive and inspirational outlook these individuals have will add a special touch to the station and impact on the airways. I am excited for our listeners to experience them daily and for our station to be introduced to a broader international audience.” KTSU 90.9 FM is a major component of outreach at the university, providing the community-at-large with non-commercial schedules of public affairs programming, jazz, blues, R&B oldies, gospel, reggae, neo soul, hip hop, zydeco music and other special programs 24 hours a day.
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
Source: Texas Southern University
September 2019  |  23
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
24 | September 2019 EDUCATION
KNOW YOUR HIV STATUS By d-mars.com News Provider
T
he first step in preventing HIV transmission is to ensure that those most at risk know their status. About 1 in 7 people in the United States who have HIV don’t know they have it and roughly 60 percent of Houston/Harris County residents have never been tested for HIV, a virus that disproportionately affects LGBTQ+, African American and Hispanic communities. HIV is the human immunodeficiency virus, which can hide for long periods of time in the cells of the body and attack key parts of the immune system such as the T cells or CD4 cells. These cells are vital, as they work to fight infections and disease. However, when the cells are invaded by HIV, it uses them to make more copies of itself and then destroys them. The body then becomes unable to fight off diseases and infections anymore. This is when HIV can lead to AIDS.
The final stage of HIV is characterized by a badly damaged immune system, which puts people at risk of opportunistic infections (OI’s). An AIDS diagnosis will occur if there is one or more OI, specific cancers or a severely low number of CD4 cells. HIV can be transmitted through bodily fluids (blood, semen, breast milk, etc.) in very specific ways such as sexual contact, pregnancy, blood transfusions and several more ways. There are several resources available to HIV-positive men, women and children through the AIDS Foundation Houston, Inc. AFH is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to HIV prevention education and services. They offer housing, prison programs, youth programs, prevention and education and support services. According to AFH CEO John Huckaby, the first step in ending HIV/AIDS begins with people knowing their HIV status. The AIDS Foundation Houston, Inc. offerings free, confidential HIV and syphilis testing at their office. Walk-ins are available: Monday 11-5, Tuesday 1-5, Thursday 10-2 as well as every fourth Thursday 10-9 and every third Saturday
10-2. Patients can also call to schedule an appointment. If a patient tests positive for HIV, AFH follows up with a confirmative test and immediately connects the patient to healthcare to ensure they have proper treatment and any support services they may need. If a patient tests negative, AFH provides information and resources about reducing their risk, including whether they need PrEP or not. “We have been around for 38 years with the goal of seeing the end of the HIV epidemic, and the first step in ending the HIV epidemic is for everyone to know their HIV status” Huckaby said. “Once you know your status, then you can take steps not only to protect yourself and live your healthiest life, but also protect others. We want to make it as safe, confidential and convenient as possible to provide these opportunities for people to be tested, know their status and make the best-informed decision about their care. “ For more information on HIV/AIDS or the AIDS Foundation Houston, visit their website at www.aidshelp.org. However, there are several ways to protect yourself against HIV transmission, including: • Don’t have sex. Sex is the main way that HIV is transmitted. If you aren’t having sexual contact, you are 100% protected from getting HIV in that way. • Be monogamous. Having only one sex partner reduces your risk of getting HIV. • Get tested and know your partner's status. Talking about your HIV status can be difficult or uncomfortable - but it's important to start the discussion BEFORE you have sex. • Use Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). PrEP is a one-pilla-day medical intervention that prevents transmission of the virus more than 90 percent of the time. • Use condoms consistently and correctly. Both male and female condoms will help protect you against HIV and other STIs. • The best protection for those who are sexually active is to use both PrEP and condoms simultaneously.
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
September 2019  |  25
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
26  |  September 2019 TECHNOLOGY
EMERGING
SMART HOME TRENDS 0F 2019
By d-mars.com News Provider
I
f you're building a new home, you want it to be stylish, functional, and of course, state of the art with the latest technology advancements. Smart home features are on top of the wish list for homeowners, with 81 percent of homebuyers stating they would favor purchasing a home with smart accessories already installed, according to Digitized House. By building your own home, you get the advantage of these features being integrated seamlessly into the design. Every year, smart home technology gets better and better, with new trends emerging that make homeowners' lives easier and more convenient than ever before. Here are some of the top smart home trends of 2019 that you may want to integrate into your building plans:
when a circuit breaker trips, or if a circuit is using more energy than usual. They can even set contractors as recipients of these notification and give them secure access to their app's panel view, allowing them to troubleshoot remotely. No more wondering if the stove was left on you'll be able to see instantly. More than just a simpler way to improve your home's safety, if you're concerned about your home's energy output, Leviton's smart circuit breakers provide realtime data on how each circuit is performing, as well as information on current and historical costs - so you can make smarter energy choices. Good for the environment and your utility bill. Learn more at www.leviton.com/ loadcenter.
Smart security systems
Smart comfort
Smart circuit breakers
For the most part, circuit breaker boxes in traditional homes have remained unchanged for decades. The mysterious gray box in your basement or garage is one that you tend to avoid, but smart design and technology is taking these load centers into the 21st century. Leviton's new load center with optional internet connectivity sends homeowners real-time monitoring data and customizable alerts to their smart devices. How does it work? The Leviton Load Center's smart circuit breakers communicate with a Wi-Fi or Ethernetenabled data hub to report real-time status. Using the My Leviton App, homeowners can conveniently monitor electrical usage per circuit branch or specific appliance, safely turning breakers off remotely if needed. Smart circuit breakers also report home energy consumption, including historical views by day, month or even year. The My Leviton App also allows users to receive alerts
want to use your home's heating and cooling systems best for your comfort and for the environment.
You want to stay comfortable from season to season in your home, but you also want to heat and cool it efficiently. Smart temperature controls are making this easier than ever for homeowners, allowing you to put the temperature decisions virtually on auto-pilot. Smart thermostats go beyond programmable thermostats by using technology to analyze heating and cooling usage and maximizing efficiency for when you are home versus when you are gone. Connected to an app on your phone, the technology knows through your device's physical location if you are home or away at work. It records patterns and begins to make suggestions and adjustments based on your lifestyle. These smart temperature controls allow you to make automatic adjustments remotely if necessary, so if you're headed home early, you can have the house to your ideal temperature by the time you arrive. With access to historical energy use data and temperature control charts, you'll be able to analyze your energy footprint and make informed decisions about how you
It's amazing what modern home security can do when paired with smart home technology. Not only will your home be safer, but it will be more accessible, too. For example, pair cameras with intelligent locks to let you know who is at your door even when you're away. If it's your child coming home from school, they can be safely let into the house. If it's a package delivery, you will know right away. If it's a package thief, you can be alerted and take action through two-way audio before the police arrive. Smart cameras can detect people, animals and things, making your spaces incredibly secure. Smart sensors are also a big part of the smart home security trend, bringing peace of mind to homeowners. These sensors monitor environmental changes in the home, so you're alerted to air quality changes and other concerns such as temperature fluctuations or smoke. For example, you'll know right away if high levels of carbon monoxide are detected, whether you're at home or away. Another way to keep your home safe is by making it look like you are home when you are away. Smart lighting options such as the Leviton Decora Smart with Wi-Fi Technology enables you to schedule lights to turn on and off throughout the day from any location all through the convenience of the My Leviton App. When building a home, it's important to make it a smart home. These three emerging areas are bringing the home fully into the future with more innovations still to come.
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
Source: BPT
September 2019  |  27
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
28 | September 2019
Aliana Now Open
10237 W Grand Parkway S, Ste 107 Richmond, TX 77407 (346) 762-1700 Hours: M-F 8a-10p | S 8a-6p | Su 10a-6p
Eureka Patton, Owner
welcomes you to a day of Total Body Care and a journey to living well.
You’ve always been committed to living well. Now you can make wellness an even greater part of your life with a Massage Envy Membership. Join today and start making massage, stretch and skin care a regular routine.
MassageEnvy.com
Offer valid for first time guests only. All session times include up to a total of 10 minutes for consultation and/or dressing, which occurs both pre and post service. Prices subject to change. Rates and services may vary by franchised location and session. Additional local taxes and fees may apply. Not all Massage Envy locations offer all services. For a specific list of services available or additional information about joining as a member, check with the specific location or see MassageEnvy. com. Each location is independently owned and operated. ©2018 Massage Envy Franchising, LLC ME4364
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
September 2019  |  29
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
30 | September 2019 TRAVEL
3 smart steps to protect your vacation home when you're away By d-mars.com News Provider
W
hether it's a cabin up north, a villa down south or a quaint cottage near family, many people in the United States own second homes. There are seasons you may spend more time at these vacation properties, but for many people, much of the year they remain empty. That's why it's important to take precautions to ensure your property and belongings stay safe even when you're not there. Not only are vacation homes a target for thieves, but empty homes are often vulnerable to the elements and the unexpected. For example, can you imagine the damage that a water leak would cause a home if it remained undiscovered for weeks ... or months? With a proactive approach you can keep your investment safe and give yourself important peace of mind. To keep your second home secure, consider these smart steps:
1) Create the appearance of a lived-in home It doesn't matter if your home is in a well-traveled section of the city or a remote part of the forest, you want it to stay secure from criminals. Vandals and robbers scout for empty homes, so one of the best ways to deter them is to make your property appear to be lived in. If they think someone is home, they're more likely to stay away. To create the appearance of a lived-in house, stop mail and newspaper deliveries immediately. Nothing screams "empty house" like a few weeks' worth of papers at the front door. Next, keep the lawn mowed and trim the landscape, so the home is well maintained plus doesn't
have overgrown shrubs where criminals can hide. Finally, alert a trusted neighbor that you'll be gone, so they can keep an eye on things. Don't know anyone nearby? Or is the property isolated? Consider hiring a property manager to check on the house periodically.
Phyn Plus has no moving parts that are susceptible to breakage or blocked by particles in the water, so it consistently monitors the home's water use 240 times per second to detect tiny changes in water pressure. If a change is detected, you are alerted through a smart app on your phone, so you can take appropriate next steps. Phyn Plus will even shut off the water when an emergency is detected. You then have the ability to monitor or turn the water back on from any remote location. Learn more at www. phyn.com/installation.
3) Implement multiple security measures
2) Consistently monitor water use Even small water leaks can cause big damage, and if you're not living in a home, that damage can multiply quickly. From leaks that cause terrible mold growth to burst pipes that flood entire floors, it's easy to see why water is a top concern for owners of second homes while away. One simple solution is the Phyn Plus: Smart water assistant + shutoff. This intelligent device is installed on the main water line after the meter by an authorized Uponor Pro Squad team plumbing expert. Once installed, it uses programmed data and learns the home's water-use habits, so it can proactively detect leaks and water problems in real time.
Of course, you want to ensure you secure all doors, windows and other points of entry. But to really keep tabs on your second home, consider investing in a security system with an app or program for easy remote monitoring. With a live-monitor feature, you can check your home at any time. Additionally, programmable lights that turn on at set times inside give the illusion of people being home, and motion lights outdoors eliminate dark corners. Finally, you might consider registering your home as vacant with the local police. Some cities offer a free service where an officer will come periodically to check your home while you're away. Keep in mind this might not be available in your area and there may be a time limit for how long you can request these checks, but it's worthwhile to call your local law enforcement and ask. Put worries aside and keep your second home safe and secure by following these simple steps. That way you can feel confident that every time you visit your vacation property, you can enjoy it to the fullest. Source: BPT
e c ien
r d e l r p ex wo our
WHAT WE DO
• Business Journal • Health & Wellness Journal • Black Pages Online Directory • Advertising • Printing • Graphic Design • Public Relations • Photography • Online & Email Marketing • Web Design • Video Production • Social Media
SIGNATURE EVENT
• Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs Awards
advertising
| marketing
| media | communications
7322 SW Fwy • Suite 800 • Houston TX 77074 • 713.373.5577 contact@d-mars.com | www.d-mars.com connect with us
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
@dmars_com
September 2019 | 31
T H E
E X P E R T
N E TW O R K
BORRIS L. MILES INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENCY
Auto • Home • Life • Health • Disability • Annuity • Commercial
Supporting Our Community A good person to know for all your insurance needs.
Gets you back where you belong
5302 Almeda • Houston, TX 77004 Office: 713-355-8331 Fax: 713-355-8318 Pager: 713-406-1088 Email: bmiles@bmilesinsurance.com
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER! Infrastructure & Community Revitalization
Economic Development & Community Opportunity
Quality of Life & Community Accessibility
• Develop flood prevention strategies with • drainage improvements and create more sustainable solutions for quality road and sidewalk repairs.
Enhance small business & minority business owner incentives, prioritize affordable housing and advocate for private and public partnerships with capital improvement projects.
• I mprove the overall quality of life for all
residents by enhancing public safety to make our neighborhoods safer; providing accessible and affordable healthcare services for marginalized communities; enhance and provide more “Second Chance” workforce development programs & initiatives; create more job training and affordable housing programs.
DR. CARLA BRAILEY is a candidate for Houston City Council DISTRICT D, for the NOVEMBER 5TH ELECTION. She serves as an ADVOCATE, PROFESSOR of Sociology at Texas Southern University, VICE CHAIR OF THE TEXAS DEMOCRATIC PARTY and a Proud Mother.
Please Join Me to Move DISTRICT D FORWARD! EARLY VOTING BEGINS
OCTOBER 21, 2019 – NOVEMBER 1, 2019
ELECTION DAY
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2019
CARLA CARES! #5 on the Ballot!
TO VOLUNTEER OR DONATE www.cbraileyfordistrictd.com
@cbrailey4Houston |
@cbraileyfordistrictd |
@cbraileyfordistrictd
Political Ad paid for by the Carla Brailey Campaign