Top 50 Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs - 2017

d-mars.com ®

TOP 50 BLACK

PROFESSIONALS & ENTREPRENEURS

VOLUME 1

5TH EDITION

Constable Gary Majors Roderick K. Brown Fort Bend County, Precinct 2 UPS - Red River District Community Hero Community Hero

Karen Carter Richards Houston Forward Times Community Hero

Fred Hoyer Bayway Lincoln Community Hero

Tiffany L. Hamilton, MBA City of Port Arthur, District 2 Community Hero

Brian Courtney Wilson Singer/Songwriter Community Hero

Judge Joel Clouser, Sr. Ft. Bend County, Precinct 2 Community Hero

Angela Cormier Sheldon Independent School District Community Hero

Judge Robert Johnson Harris County 177th Criminal Court Community Hero

Clarence Miller NW Harris County M.U.D. No. 24 Community Hero

Constable Christopher L. Bates Jefferson County, Precinct 2 Trailblazer

Pastor Erick W. Hoskin, Sr. The Word of God Christian Fellowship Church Community Hero

2017

Thomas Jones, Jr. McConnell & Jones LLP Super Trailblazer

Sheriff Zena Stephens Jefferson County Super Trailblazer

Comm. Everette “Bo” Alfred Jefferson County, Precinct 4 Trailblazer

Eileen J. Morris – Janette L. Cosely The Ensemble Theatre Community Heroes

Marilyn Jones Unlimited Visions Aftercare, Inc. Community Hero

Marlon D. Mitchell Houston Business Development, Inc. Community Hero

Jeffrey Boney Texas Business Alliance Community Hero

Dr. Austin A. Lane Texas Southern University Super Trailblazer

Jamie Dewayne Smith Jefferson County Trailblazer

Commissioner Linda Spears Port Arthur Health & Human Services Community Hero

John “Doc” Mayes, M.S., ATC, LAT C.A.E.O.S. Project Trailblazer

Dr. Sophia Davis-Fields Cyril White Reverend Kalan Gardner, Sr. Forever Families To God Be The Glory Sports NAACP Community Hero Community Hero Chapter of Port Arthur, Texas Community Hero

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Dr. Jimmy L. Adams, Jr. Houston Community College Super P&E

Janette Hammond CenterPoint Energy Super P&E

Marguerite Williams Wells Fargo Super P&E

Tyrone C. Moncriffe Law Office of Tyrone Moncriffe & Associates Super P&E

Dr. Shirley Rose-Gilliam Phillis Wheatley High School Super P&E

LaTayne Bruce Nationwide Insurance Super P&E

Desiree Burnley Tutti Frutti – Sugar Land Super P&E

Terry Kidd, Ph.D Houston Community College Top P&E

Kevin Murray Law Office of Kevin Murray Top P&E

Steven Hadley Construction Diversity Group, LLC Top P&E

Damion Hughes AmeriFirst Home Loans, LLC Top P&E

Jackie Lee Taylor Construction Management Top P&E

Congratulations 2017 Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs

David L. Edwards United National Insurance Agency Super P&E

Brandy Jackson The Brandy Jackson Agency Top P&E

Tony Thomas Hyundai of Silsbee Top P&E

Shanedria M. Wagner, M.Ed. Comuniquemos, Inc. Super P&E

Bobby Bryant DOSS Top P&E

Deidre Mathis Wanderlust Houston Top P&E

Kelvin Beatty Guess Group, Inc. Top P&E

Alonza Edison Brokers Grass Houston Top P&E

Anthony Colbert Spectrum Financial Group Top P&E

Dallas Jones ELITE Change, Inc. Top P&E

Dominique Calhoun Texas Southern University Top P&E

Crawford “Mickey” McGill Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Top P&E

Victor Walker Law Office of Victor D. Walker, P.C. Top P&E

Eric Finley Finley Enterprises Top P&E

Ken Nettles American Airlines Top P&E

Dionne Randle The Randle Team Top P&E

Joseph Sylvan Office Design Concepts, LLC Top P&E

Jared Lofton LOFTON Realty & LOVE Moving Co. Top P&E

Lanease Fuller and Barbara Hudson Hudson and Fuller Partnership

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Myrtle Jackson Not Jus’ Donuts Top P&E

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d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs

Message From the President & CEO President Barack Obama said it best, “…I am going to press on.” This quote from President Obama could not be more fitting for this d-mars.com awards event which is a tradition to celebrate Black History Month. Pressing on and moving forward is what we as African-Americans have done for years, and today is no different. In life, if you want to be successful, moving forward through difficulties is the name of the game. There are no rewards for those who stop when times get tough. Though d-mars.com highlights the accomplishments of African-Americans throughout the year, the Top 50 Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs is an extension of our highlighting African-Americans in various areas of business.

It is not an easy journey to the top, and though tonight’s honorees did have their share of obstacles, they did not give up or make excuses. They pressed on, and now they are receiving great rewards. These honorees are where they are today because they continued to move forward. To be able to recognize the Top 50 Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs is a privilege and an honor for the d-mars.com family. We will always be known as the media company that is a vital platform for African-Americans to receive that deserving spotlight.

Not only are these honorees respected in their fields, but also in the communities that they serve. They know that if it wasn’t for the communities that raised them, they would not have that strong foundation that has made them stellar in their careers.

MR. D-MARS “The future rewards those who press on. I don’t have time to feel sorry for myself. I don’t have time to complain. I’m going to press on.”

– President Barack Obama

To all of the honorees, we thank you for representing greatness. We thank you for not only being great in your professions, but for also being great in paying it forward in the community and to the next generation.

You have given us a reason to aim higher. You have shown us that there are no excuses, and if you want something in life, you can have it with hard work and perseverance. I want to encourage you that although you have made great accomplishments, continue to strive for more. This is just the beginning, and there is so much more that I know you will achieve. You make us proud. Continue to make history. Tonight is about you. Congratulations, and you all are deserving.

Sincerely, MR. D-MARS President & CEO d-mars.com TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2017

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d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs

Message from Chief Operating Officer Each professional and entrepreneur we celebrate in this directory understands their role as a dream builder. A dream builder is not some omnipotent entity; the ability to build dreams lies within us all.

Our community is full of corporate executives, entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders – those who understand success does not happen overnight.

It is a continuous progression, which involves sacrifice and determination to endure the valleys along the journey.

Ms. Kimberly Floyd

“Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of us.”

Dream builders understand that a valley is not a failure or the end, but a lesson to build upon for the next endeavor. We only have to delve deeper and possess the fortitude to persevere to reach greatness. We salute our professionals and entrepreneurs for their strength and courageousness in being real-life dream builders.

Ms. Kimberly Floyd Chief Operating Officer

– Wilma Rudolph

STAFF: Partner & Co-Founder Booker T. “Pops D-MARS” Davis, Jr. Vice President, Marketing – Anita Bates Vice President, Communications – Saki Indakwa Accounting Manager - Eugenie Doualla Editor - Dawn Paul Web & Graphic Director – Andrea Hennekes

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Sr. Graphic Designer – Angel Rosa Designer - Ferland Antwine Social Media Coordinator Charlette Washington Project Coordinator – Taelor Smith Distribution Manager - Rockie Hayden PHOTOGRAPHERS: Grady Carter Louis “LC” Poullard

Contact d-mars.com 7322 Southwest Freeway, Suite 805 Houston, Texas 77074 Phone: 713-272-9511 Fax: 713-272-6364 Email Us: contact@d-mars.com Web: www.d-mars.com Social Media Facebook: www.facebook.com/dmarsmarketing Twitter: @dmars_com Instagram: @dmars_com

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d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs

TITLE

TSU

CONCRETE & CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY

Law Office of Victor Walker

PRESENTING TEXAS

HUB Program

www.brokersgrasshouston.com Call Us 281.499.7545

PLATINUM

ACCURATE INC.

SECURITY

Hyundai of Silsbee

LaneStaffing Big Business Solutions. Small Business Flexibility

Hudson and Fuller Law

Judge Robert Johnson

Judge Joel Clouser, Sr.

Law Office of Tyrone Moncriffe TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2017

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d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs

TABLE OF CONTENTS SUPER TRAILBLAZERS Thomas Jones, Jr....................................McConnell & Jones LLP............................................................................................................. 6 Dr. Austin A. Lane...................................Texas Southern University....................................................................................................... 10 Sheriff Zena Stephens...........................Jefferson County Sherriff’s Office........................................................................................... 14

TRAILBLAZERS Commissioner Everette “Bo” Alfred......Jefferson County, Precinct 4.................................................................................................... 17 Constable Christopher L. Bates............Jefferson County, Precinct 2.................................................................................................... 18 Jamie Dewayne Smith............................Jefferson County...................................................................................................................... 19 John “Doc” Mayes, M.S., ATC, LAT.........C.A.E.O.S. Project Foundation, Inc.......................................................................................... 20

COMMUNITY HEROES Jeffrey L. Boney......................................Texas Business Alliance........................................................................................................... 25 Roderick K. Brown.................................UPS Red River District.............................................................................................................. 26 Karen Carter Richards...........................Forward Times Publishing Company, Inc................................................................................ 28 Judge Joel C. Clouser, Sr…………………..Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2.............................................................................................. 30 Angela Cormier.......................................School Board Trustee, Position 1, SISD.................................................................................. 32 Janette L. Cosley & Eileen J. Morris......The Ensemble Theatre............................................................................................................. 34 Dr. Sophia L. Davis-Fields, L.C.P.A.A.....Forever Families, Inc................................................................................................................ 36 Reverend Kalan Gardner, Sr..................NAACP Chapter of Port Arthur, Texas...................................................................................... 38 Pastor Erick W. Hoskin, Sr ....................The Word of God Christian Fellowship.................................................................................... 40 Fred Hoyer..............................................Bayway Lincoln......................................................................................................................... 42 Judge Robert Johnson...........................Harris County, 177th Criminal District Court.......................................................................... 44 Marilyn Jones.........................................Unlimited Visions Aftercare, Inc.............................................................................................. 46 Constable Gary Majors..........................Fort Bend County, Precinct 2.................................................................................................. 47 Clarence Miller.......................................Northwest Harris County Mud #24......................................................................................... 50 Marlon D. Mitchell..................................Houston Business Development, Inc...................................................................................... 52 Commissioner Linda Turner Spears......Port Arthur Health and Human Services Department........................................................... 54 Cyril White...............................................To God be the Glory Sports..................................................................................................... 56 Brian Courtney Wilson...........................Gospel Recording Artist........................................................................................................... 58

PARTNERSHIPS Lanease Fuller & Barbara Hudson….....Fuller & Hudson, Attorneys and Counselors.......................................................................... 62

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d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs

SUPER PROFESSIONALS & ENTREPRENEURS Jimmy L. Adams, Jr., Ed.D......................Houston Community College................................................................................................... 66 LaTayne Bruce, MBA..............................Nationwide Insurance.............................................................................................................. 68 Desiree Burnley......................................Tutti Frutti – Sugar Land.......................................................................................................... 70 David L. Edwards....................................United National Insurance Agency.......................................................................................... 72 Janette Hammond..................................CenterPoint Energy.................................................................................................................. 74 Tyrone C. Moncriffe................................Law Office of Tyrone Moncriffe & Associates......................................................................... 76 Dr. Shirley Rose-Gilliam..........................Wheatley High School.............................................................................................................. 78 Shanedria M. Wagner, M.Ed..................Comuniquemos, Inc................................................................................................................. 80 Marguerite Williams...............................Wells Fargo Bank..................................................................................................................... 82

TOP PROFESSIONALS & ENTREPRENEURS Kelvin Beatty..........................................Guess Group, Inc...................................................................................................................... 87 Bobby Bryant..........................................DOSS......................................................................................................................................... 88 Dominique D. Calhoun, J.D....................Texas Southern University....................................................................................................... 90 Anthony Colbert......................................Spectrum Financial Group....................................................................................................... 92 Alonza Edison.........................................Brokers Grass Houston............................................................................................................ 94 Eric Finley...............................................Finley Enterprises..................................................................................................................... 96 Steven Hadley, AC, PMP.........................Construction Diversity Group, LLC.......................................................................................... 98 Damion C. Hughes.................................Amerifirst Home Loans, LLC..................................................................................................100 Brandy Jackson......................................The Brandy Jackson Agency, Allstate Insurance..................................................................102 Myrtle Zachary Jackson.........................Not Jus’ Donuts Bakery.........................................................................................................104 Dallas S. Jones.......................................ELITE Change, Inc..................................................................................................................106 Dr. Terry T. Kidd......................................Houston Community College................................................................................................. 107 Jackie Lee...............................................Taylor Construction Management.........................................................................................108 Jared L. Lofton, MBA..............................LOFTON Enterprises, LOFTON Realty & LOVE Moving Co....................................................110 Deidre Mathis.........................................Wanderlust Houston..............................................................................................................111 Crawford “Mickey” McGill......................Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc........................................................................................112 Kevin Murray, Esq..................................Kevin Murray LLC...................................................................................................................114 Ken Nettles………………………………………The Day of Staffing and American Airlines...........................................................................116 Dionne Randle........................................The Randle Team, RE/MAX Fine Properties......................................................................... 117 Joseph Martin Sylvan.............................Office Design Concepts, LLC.................................................................................................118 Tony Thomas aka “Tony T”.....................Hyundai of Silsbee.................................................................................................................120 Victor D. Walker, Esq………………………..Law Office of Victor D. Walker, P.C.........................................................................................122

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d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs

Thomas Jones, Jr., CPA 2017 SUPER TRAILBLAZER

He also serves as chairman of the Florida A&M University Foundation Board, as well as the advisory board for the Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce. He is also a past chairman of the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Thomas received his BS degree in accounting from Florida A&M University, and is a Senior Fellow of the American Leadership Forum (Class XVll) and a graduate of Leadership Houston (Class VII). He is a proud and active member of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Inc and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the Across the Track Political Action Committee.

He and his wife of 39 years, K’netha, have two adult children, Nathan and Jessica, and are members of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church.

Thomas Jones, Jr. CPA and Partner McConnell & Jones LLP 3040 Post Oak Blvd., Suite 1600 Houston, Texas 77056 713-968-1600 tjones@mjlm.com www.mcconnelljones.com

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homas Jones is a partner with the certified public accounting firm, McConnell & Jones LLP, where he leads the firm’s tax and small business solutions department. With offices nationwide and a consistent listing as one the top 20 accounting firms in Houston, the firm provides audit and assurance, risk advisory, tax and accounting, and business consulting services.

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As a founding director and shareholder of the Spirit of Texas Bank, Thomas chairs the bank’s audit committee and sits on the executive and senior loan committees. Thomas is also a partner in Huntjon LLC, a real estate development company focusing on the construction and management of low-income, senior multifamily properties financed through the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.

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d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs

MJ

MC & J  CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

Founded on Integrity and backed by experience, the CPAs of McConnell & Jones deliver practical solutions for your financial compliance needs.

• Audit and Assurance • Tax and Accounting • Risk Advisory • Business Process Improvement

Unique. Adaptive. Focused.

McConnell & Jones LLP 4828 Loop Central Drive, Suite 1000 | Houston, TX 77081 TEL: 713.968.1600 FAX: 713.968.1601

www.mcconnelljones.com

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d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs

A N D E R S O N & S M I T H P. C .

CONGRATULATIONS Thomas Jones, Jr. Well-Deserved!

TELEVISION - MUSIC - RADIO - FILM ENTERTAINMENT COMPANIES - RECORD LABELS - ACTORS - ARTISTS COMEDIANS - CELEBRITIES

One Arena Place

7322 Southwest Frwy., Suite 2010 Houston, Texas 77074

713.621.5522 713.995.1499 Facsimile

Attorney & Counselor at Law

Attorney Ricky Anderson

Attorney Ricky Anderson

w w w . a t t o r n e y r i c k y a n d e r s o n . c o m r i c k y @ a t t o r n e y r i c k y a n d e r s o n . c o m 8

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d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs

Supporting great causes: a commitment that’s as much a part of UPS as our brown trucks.

UPS is proud to support Top Professionals and Entrepreneurs of Texas. ups.com © 2016 United Parcel Service of America, Inc. UPS, the UPS logo, and the color brown are trademarks of United Parcel Service of America, Inc. All rights reserved.

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d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs

Dr. Austin A. Lane 2017 SUPER TRAILBLAZER

rollment in the school’s history. He developed strategies to enhance the academic and student service reputation of the college. Prior to joining Tyler, he served as the dean of students at The University of Texas at Arlington and was instrumental in planning and overseeing several student success initiatives that were designed to increase enrollment and retention.

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s the 12th President of Texas Southern University (TSU), Dr. Austin Lane assumed leadership of TSU on June 6, 2016. He is committed to focusing on student recruitment and maintaining strong enrollment and retention policies at TSU. TSU offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs and concentrations – bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and professional degrees – organized into 10 colleges and schools on a 150-acre campus nestled in the heart of Houston’s historic Third Ward. The University’s enrollment has a population of 8,000 undergraduate and graduate-school academic candidates. The University has become one of the most diverse and respected institutions in Texas. TSU has positioned itself as a proactive leader in educating underserved students and many who are the first in their family to attend college.

Dr. Lane’s academic passion includes student academic productivity and growth, and he is dedicated to producing TSU graduates who will be prepared for the global marketplace. His major priority includes keeping TSU strong and independent, and maintaining its stature as a premier HBCU. 10

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A native of New Jersey, Dr. Lane graduated from Hackensack High School and attended Odessa Junior College in West Texas on a basketball scholarship. He holds a B.A. in psychology from Langston University (the only HBCU in Oklahoma), M.A. in human relations from The University of Oklahoma, and Ed.D. in higher education administration from The University of Alabama.

Prior to joining TSU, Dr. Lane served as the Executive Vice Chancellor of Lone Star College where he lead the college’s Academic Affairs, Student Services, Workforce Education,Corporate College, Honors College, International Programs, Strategic Planning and Assessment, and University Centers in The Woodlands and University Park, among a host of responsibilities. He also served as the third president of Lone Star College-Montgomery for six years, leading an institution that experienced the fastest growth in Texas and the nation.

Before joining Lone Star College-Montgomery, Dr. Lane served as vice president for student affairs at Tyler Junior College and was responsible for directing a college-wide strategic enrollment management team that posted the largest en-

Dr. Lane was an adjunct professor in the higher education program at Sam Houston State University and served on the Masters in Higher Education advisory board for the College of Education at SHSU and doctoral advisory board for Southern Methodist University’s College of Education. He was as an adjunct professor in the College of Education at The University of Texas at Arlington, in the Behavioral and Social Sciences department at Tarrant County College-Southeast Campus and in the higher education program at Sam Houston State University.

He serves as an on-site reviewer for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). He has conducted extensive research on traditional-age, lowincome, African-American and Hispanic students in Texas that focuses on access to higher education, affordability, needbased vs. merit-based aid, college persistence, and student success.

His community work includes Amegy Bank Advisory Board, Montgomery County Women’s Center Board of Directors, Rotary Club of The Woodlands and the Texas Diversity Council Board of Directors.

Dr. Lane and his wife, Loren, have three children, ages 19, 15, and 9. His fatherand late mother-in-law both attended TSU.

Dr. Austin A. Lane President Texas Southern University 3100 Cleburne Street Houston, Texas 77004 713-313-1179 austin.lane@tsu.edu www.tsu.edu

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d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs

TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY

CONGRATULATIONS 2017 SUPER TRAILBLAZER!

Austin A. Lane, President

TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY

University Advancement 2017

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d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs

A N D E R S O N & S M I T H P. C .

CONGRATULATIONS Dr. Austin A. Lane Well-Deserved!

TELEVISION - MUSIC - RADIO - FILM ENTERTAINMENT COMPANIES - RECORD LABELS - ACTORS - ARTISTS COMEDIANS - CELEBRITIES

One Arena Place

7322 Southwest Frwy., Suite 2010 Houston, Texas 77074

713.621.5522 713.995.1499 Facsimile

Attorney & Counselor at Law

Attorney Ricky Anderson

Attorney Ricky Anderson

w w w . a t t o r n e y r i c k y a n d e r s o n . c o m r i c k y @ a t t o r n e y r i c k y a n d e r s o n . c o m 12

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d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs

To enroll at TSU visit www.tsu.edu/admissions; Join the alumni association at

www.tsu.edu/alumni; For information about TSU’s online degree programs, visit www.tsu.edu/onlinelearning; Support Texas Southern University at www.tsu.edu/giving.

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d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs

Sheriff Zena Stephens 2017 SUPER TRAILBLAZER

sponded during several high-profile emergencies including several hurricanes and the tragic Jefferson County Court House shooting in 2012. Sheriff Stephens has interviewed both suspects and witnesses related to crimes as extreme as shootings, homicides, and sexual assaults. She has worked in Internal Affairs investigating inmate grievances and citizen’s complaints.

Sheriff Stephens earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and has a Master Peace Officer Certification. She is a graduate of the Law Enforcement Institute of Texas Police Chiefs training. Sheriff Stephens has also had training in professional standards and ethics, interviewing and interrogation; and she is also a hostage negotiator and a law enforcement instructor.

Sheriff Stephens has earned several community awards in Jefferson County, which include: • 2006 Remarkable Women Award from Theodore John’s Library • 2008 Changing the World One Cause at A Time Award from the Pioneering Women • 2011 Women of the Year Award recipient from the Beaumont Branch of the National Association of University Women Sheriff Stephens has experienced a lot of “firsts” in her career.

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heriff Zena Stephens is the newly elected Sheriff of Jefferson County. Her law enforcement career began at the Beaumont Police Department where she started “on the streets” of Beaumont in 1989. In 1996 she left Beaumont Police department and went to work for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office where she spent 11 of 17 years as the Deputy Chief, before leaving to accept a position as the Chief of Police at Prairie View A&M University.

Sheriff Stephens is a dynamic leader who is passionate about changing the face of law enforcement by building relationships 14

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in the community. She has 27 years of experience including extensive experience in managing law enforcement agencies.

She has verifiable success in providing leadership in the daily operations of patrol, criminal investigations, warrants, courthouse security, and crime scenes.

She is very involved with crime scenes.

Sheriff Stephens has established a professional culture in her agencies by leading her employees by example and encouraging them to get training so they continue to improve. As a manager, she has developed and implemented policies and procedures to ensure good order and discipline within her agency. She re-

• First Female Chief at Prairie View A&M University • First Female Major and Deputy Chief in Jefferson County • Jefferson County’s First Black and First Female Sheriff • First Black Female Sheriff in Texas

Zena Stephens Sheriff Jefferson County 11245 Cole Drive Beaumont, Texas 77705 409-835-8662 zstephens@co.jefferson.tx.us co.jefferson.tx.us

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d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs

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Commissioner Everette “Bo” Alfred 2017 TRAILBLAZER

ommissioner Everette “Bo” Alfred was born on October 2, 1958, in Beaumont, Texas.

He attended Beaumont Charlton-Pollard High School and graduated in 1976. He attended undergraduate school at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, where he received Bachelor of Science degrees in Industrial Engineering (1980), and Criminal Justice (1989).

He attended William P. Hobby School of Public Service at Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas, where he graduated from the Certified Public Management Program in 1997.

As Director of Criminal Justice and “Emergency 9-1-1” Services for Deep East Texas Council of Government from 1988 to 2001, he was afforded the opportunity to work with all levels of government. In his leadership role, he worked with city, county, state and federal officials for a 12 county region. He oversaw an annual budget of $3.5 million dollars and was responsible for the direct supervision of approximately 40 employees.

United States Congressman Charles Wilson appointed him to the Rural Crime Task Force, where he participated in implementing the “Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994.” This task force had a significant impact on the “Violence Against Women Legislation,” missioner on July 1, 2002, to fill the unwhich was one of the highest priorities of expired term of the retired Commissioner the Department of Justice.

Ed Moore, where many state administraIn September of 1996 he was elected tive responsibilities rest with the court, as President of the Texas Association of well as a growing number of permissive Criminal Justice Planners for the State of authorities.

Texas, becoming the first African-AmeriThe following are responsibilities and can to hold this position. powers: Establish public ferries where On May 3, 1997, he was elected to the required. Layout and establish, change, Port of Beaumont Navigation District and discontinue public roads. Build of Jefferson County, Texas, Port Com- bridges and keep them in repair. Exermissioner of Ward 3 to a six-year term, cise general control over all roads, highwhere he worked on the Deepening and ways, ferries, and bridges. Provide for the Widening Impact Study of the Ship Chan- support of paupers. Provide for burial of nel Project. paupers. Acquire property necessary to On April 9, 2002, he was elected County obtain a surface water supply or to transCommissioner of Precinct 4, Jefferson port and deliver surface water. A major County, Texas. He was installed as Com- area of responsibility for the County Com-

missioners Court is construction and maintenance of roads and bridges in the county that are not part of the state highway system.

He is married to the former Naomi Cormier. They have four children, Ebony, Margaret, Joshua, and Tyrone.

Everette “Bo” Alfred Commissioner Precinct # 4 1149 Pearl Street, 4th Floor Beaumont, Texas 77701 409-835-8443 ealfred@co.jefferson.tx.us www.co.jefferson.tx.us TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2017

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Constable Christopher L. Bates

2017 TRAILBLAZER

tice Scholarship for seniors attending Port Arthur High School. This scholarship has been awarded to a deserving senior since 2015. Partnering with the Texas Department of Transportation, he has adopted a 2 mile stretch of highway in the City of Port Arthur. Constable Bates hosts the annual “Christmas With the Constable Toy Drive” that benefits the Salvation Army.

Constable Bates is also an active member of the New Pilgrim Baptist Church in Beaumont, serving as the Minister of Music. Since 2002, he has been a member of the gospel recording singing group, The Young Men-N-Christ since 2002. He is also the current Sergeant-at-Arms for the Port Arthur Chapter of the NAACP and a proud member of the Gamma Tau Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, where he holds the position of President.

Currently attending Texas Southern University, Constable Bates is set to graduate with a Master’s degree in Public Administration in May. He is the oldest of 6 siblings, and is the proud father of 2 beautiful daughters.

Christopher L. Bates Constable

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hristopher L. Bates was born and raised in Port Arthur, Texas. After graduating from Memorial High School, in 2008 he earned both his Law Enforcement Certification from the Lamar Institute of Technology and his Bachelor’s degree from Lamar University.

In May 2012, Constable Bates won the Democratic Primary by 51% in a fourperson race, avoiding a runoff election.

He was sworn in as Jefferson County Constable Precinct 2 in January 2013 at the age of 27, making him the youngest elected official in the history of Jefferson County. Constable Bates is currently 18

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Jefferson County, Precinct 2 525 Lakeshore Drive Port Arthur, Texas 77640 409-983-8335 co.jefferson.tx.us

the youngest constable out of 770 in the State of Texas. He is the second youngest constable in Texas history, and the first African-American constable ever elected in his precinct.

Constable Bates has been blessed to receive several honors, including: • Southeast Texas MLK Support Group Man of the Year • The Port Arthur News Best Politician and Law Enforcement Officer of the Year • The Southeast Texas Prestigious 40 Under 40 He created the Constable Criminal Jus-

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Jamie Dewayne Smith

2017 TRAILBLAZER

amie Dewayne Smith was born August 16, 1969 in Beaumont, Texas to Faye Francis and the late Johnnie Smith. He is the product of an outstanding public education graduating from West Brook High School in Beaumont in 1987. After graduation, he attended Texas A&M, leaving after two years to join the United States Army. He served from 1990 – 1994.

Following his service, Smith went back to school earning an Associate degree in Applied Science from St. Philips College in San Antonio. He returned to Beaumont and earned a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems from Lamar University while working full-time for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department. He also earned a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Lamar University. Smith began his teaching career at BISD’s MLK Middle School, where he was promoted to mathematics department head after only three years.

Smith joined the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office as the Office Manager in 2005.

During his 9 years at the Clerk’s Office his duties included payroll, personnel, accounting, community outreach, and working in the elections department. It was during his time that Smith realized he had a heart for public service. In 2007 Smith ran for Beaumont City Council Ward IV and won the election.

During his tenure on the council, Smith initiated several programs to revitalize the community through youth and senior programs. He is most proud to have brought in well over $100,000,000 for infrastructure, housing, and new businesses in his Ward. Smith restarted the Juneteenth celebration that now is the largest attended free event in Beaumont.

sons, Julian, Justin, and Jordan and they are the proud grandparents of Zoe and Julian, Jr.

In 2014, Smith decided to run for Jefferson County District Clerk, where through a hard fought campaign, he was blessed to become the first African-American elected to that position in Jefferson County and one of only three serving in Texas. He is married to his beautiful wife of 14 years, Melanie Fontenot Smith. They have three

Smith is an active a member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, Young Men Business League, NAACP, Family Services, 100 Black Men of Greater Beaumont, American Legion, and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He serves on the Beaumont Public School Foundation Board. He has been honored with Delta Sigma Theta’s

MLK Humanitarian Award, Omega Psi Phi Man of the Year, and NAACP Community Service Award.

Jamie Dewayne Smith District Clerk Jefferson County 1085 Pearl Street, Room #203 Beaumont, Texas 77701 409-835-8580 jsmith@co.jefferson.tx.us co.jefferson.tx.us TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2017

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John “Doc” Mayes, M.S., ATC, LAT 2017 TRAILBLAZER

member on the state and national level as a professional in the field of Athletic Training/Sports Medicine by serving on various committees such as Southwest Athletic Trainers’ Association Ethnic Diversity Committee, National Athletic Trainers’ Association- (NATA)-Ethnic Diversity National Liaison, (NATA)– Research and Educational Foundation, SWATA-NCAA College and University Safe Guard Committee and is recognized as a founding member of the Texas State Athletic Trainers’ Association. As the (NATA)-Ethnic Diversity Liaison, Mayes developed a host of initiatives for the National Athletic Trainers’ Association on Ethnic Diversity and was instrumental in the establishment of Ethnic Diversity Advisory Committees in all ten districts of the NATA across the country.

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ohn “Doc” Mayes has been in education and the field of Athletic Training/Sports Medicine for 37 years. Upon receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Psychology with an emphasis in Athletic Training/Sports Medicine, Mayes began his professional career as a teacher and athletic trainer for the North Forest Independent School District in 1981.

Mayes moved to the collegiate level in 1989 where he served as an instructor in the College of Education, NCAA Drug Coordinator and Director for Athletic Training/Sports Medicine Specialty Program at Prairie A&M University for 22 years. Mayes has been an active 20

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In 2008, Mayes established the John A. Mayes National Scholarship Endowment, in association with the (National Research and Educational Foundation) in Dallas, Texas. The John A. Mayes Scholarship Endowment is designed to enhance and promote educational opportunities for ethnically diverse students pursuing an entry level Master’s Degree in Athletic Training/Sports Medicine. Active in the Houston area, Mayes worked as training camp and game day staff during the Houston Oilers (Tennessee Titans) final seven seasons. Mayes has received awards, resolutions and proclamations from several government entities such as Harris County Commissioners’ Court, the City of Houston Mayor’s Office, Texas House of Representatives, U.S. Congress, State of Missouri House of Representatives, the City of Saint Louis and a State of Texas Governor’s Commendation from the Honorable Governor of Texas, Rick Perry.

Recently, the City of Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner issued a Proclamation declaring January 11, 2016, the “John A. Mayes Day” in the City of Houston, Texas.

Equally important, Mayes received the 2016 National Athletic Trainers’ Association Life Saver Award, 2016 Greater Houston Athletic Trainers Society Award,

2016 (SWATA) Excellence in Athletic Training Award/Sports Medicine Award, (TSATA) Founding Member Award, (SWATA) 2013 Humanitarian Award, (NATA) National Service Award, 2012 “Legends and Leaders Excellence in Achievement Award” and has been recognized in The Journal of Blacks Higher Education, NATA News Journal, Waller Times, AMA Health Care Career News, Houston Chronicle, Dallas Morning Times and the Department of Defense Stars and Stripes.

Mayes holds a Master’s degree from Prairie View A&M University and is recognized as one of their distinguished alum. He is the Founder/CEO of the International C.A.E.O.S. Project Foundation Inc. (Creating Access to Educational Opportunities through Sports), which was established in 2009. Since 2010, the C.A.E.O.S. Project has facilitated College/University Fairs and Sports Performance Camps for the U.S. Department of Defense Schools (DODS) to assist student athletes with obtaining athletic scholarships to college/universities here stateside.

The C.A.E.O.S. Project Foundation has facilitated venues across the Asian Pacific, which include: Deagu, South Korea, and Mainland Japan (Tokyo, Sasebo, Yokoto, Iwakuni, and Hiroshima) also Okinawa, Japan. Recently, the C.A.E.O.S Project has expanded its venue endeavors to London, England. Mayes and the C.A.E.O.S Foundation are committed to promoting higher education through sports participation as a means to access financial assistance to enhance the lives of students in an effort to make a meaningful change in their socio-economic status in society.

His motto is “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.”

John “Doc” Mayes, M.S., ATC, LAT Founder & CEO C.A.E.O.S. Project Foundation, Inc. 281-250-2091 info@caeosfoundation.org www.caeosfoundation.org

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At H-E-B, each and every Partner is responsible for upholding our commitment to diversity.

Our daily actions value both the differences and similarities that make our Customers, Communities and Partners so unique.

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For more information on diversity at H-E-B, visit heb.com Š2015 H-E-B 15-3807

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effrey L. Boney is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Texas Business Alliance, a nonprofit organization with a mission to equip minority- and women-owned businesses to be qualified suppliers, ready to compete for public, private and international opportunities through progressive development and specialized training. After 11 years, Jeffrey resigned from Washington Mutual Bank at the height of his career to follow his passion to be more of service to small business owners, women in business and youth to work hand-in-hand with them to forge a successful journey. Just prior to launching the Texas Business Alliance, Jeffrey served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Houston Black Chamber, formerly known as the Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce (HCCC). He is also one of the founders of The Black Dollar Project, a business initiative created to activate economic empowerment between Black businesses and Black consumers in order to promote financial security, wealth building and positive growth.

Jeffrey has successfully developed curriculum and launched three major programs, the Youth Entrepreneurship Academy™ (YEA), Business Enterprise Academy™ (BEA) and the One Woman™ National Business Conference. YEA is a FREE small business and leadership development incubator program that equips high school and college students with the tools and resources to pursue an entrepreneurial alternative. Jeffrey is also Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of BoneFide Development Group, a certified, minority–owned infrastructure management firm that has served the Texas region since 1997, addressing the critical financial and operational infrastructure needs of small businesses, nonprofits, public-, private- and government-sector entities and individuals to help them operate more efficiently and effectively.

Jeffrey is a graduate of Texas Southern University, where he earned a Bachelor’s

Jeffrey L. Boney

2017 COMMUNITY HERO

degree in Business Management. He has served as an Adjunct Professor, in the school of Business Administration at Houston Community College, and in addition to his many endeavors, Jeffrey serves as Associate Editor, and is an award-winning journalist for the historic Houston Forward Times newspaper.

Jeffrey is a frequent contributor on CNN Headline News, being regularly featured on the “Nancy Grace Show” and “Primetime Justice with Ashleigh Banfield,” to name a few. For years, Jeffrey has hosted a national daily radio talk show called “Real Talk with Jeffrey L. Boney,” and is a dynamic, international speaker, experienced entrepreneur, and business development strategist.

Jeffrey has received numerous awards and recognition for his civic and community involvement and his leadership skills. He is a graduate of Project Blueprint, a United Way leadership program, who recently awarded him the Dorothy F. Caram Commitment to Leadership Award on behalf of the United Way. Staying connected to the community, Jeffrey serves in the following capacities: Vice ChairMissouri City Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program; member of the 100 Black Men of America Metropolitan Houston Chapter; member of the Board of Directors for the Better Business Bureau (BBB), PeopleFund and the Julius and Lenora Carter Scholarship and Youth Foundation; Chairman-Houston Independent School District African American advisory board; advisory board member for the Port of Houston Authority; Texas Southern University Enactus advisory board member; Harris County Sheriff’s Office Small Business advisory council member; past advisory board member for the U.S. Small Business Administration; past member of the Board of Directors and Class XXVII graduate of Leadership Houston, an organization that annually trains an elite group of active business and civic leaders to effect positive change in Houston; past board member for The Forge for Families; and is an active volunteer with several community organizations.

Jeffrey is currently a candidate for Missouri City Council – District B. Jeffrey L. Boney Founder & CEO Texas Business Alliance P.O. Box 2239 Missouri City, Texas 77489 281-777-6567 jboney1@texasbusinessalliance.org www.jeffreylboney.com www.boneyfordistrictb.com www.bonefidedevelopment.com

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Roderick K. Brown 2017 COMMUNITY HERO

For his diversity/community involvement, he has received several awards including: • Community Partner Award from Magic Johnson Foundation • Volunteer Champion Award from UPS Corporate Foundation • Distinguished Corporate Award from University of Houston Black Alumni Association • Hero Award Recipient from Change Happens Organization • DiversityFIRST Award from Texas Diversity Council Brown serves as the Board Vice President of the Big Love Cancer Care organization, a nonprofit, volunteer-based organization committed to providing basic necessities and personalized care to kids with cancer and their families.

Prior to joining UPS, Brown spent 13 years in Silicon Valley (San Jose, CA) as a business marketing manager, sports marketing manager, and marketing program manager with Hewlett-Packard (HP).

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oderick K. Brown, UPS District Community Relations and Comprehensive Health & Safety Manager, is responsible for facilitating sponsorships, community investments, and safety and compliance for 32 UPS facilities from Bryan, TX, to the Mexican border.

UPS grants and sponsorships focus on four core pillars: Community Safety, Diversity, Volunteerism, and Environment.

Brown looks for opportunities for UPS to partner with local organizations and businesses to build stronger communities.

What can BROWN do for you? He managed several volunteer projects in 2016, where 80,000+ volunteer hours were captured supporting organizations in the 26

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He has been married for 15 years to wife, Tanya and has a son, Deven (20) and daughter, Kaia (13). Roderick earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix and has multiple certifications in Technology, Houston and surrounding areas, to sup- Health & Safety, and Medical. port UPS 20 Million Community Service Hours by 2020 initiative.

Brown started his career with UPS as a sales support representative in Houston in 2004. After his promotion into management, he accepted various assignments including special projects managing business strategies with The UPS Store. He also increased business opportunities with local universities, negotiated sports sponsorship contracts with teams in Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and New Orleans, as well as fostered relationships and growth opportunities in downtown Houston. Brown’s efforts in creating partnerships twice earned him the President’s Club Honors.

Roderick K. Brown Community Relations and Human Resources Manager UPS Red River District 713-446-0717 roderickbrown@ups.com www.ups.com

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UPS is Proud to support the 5th Annual Top Professionals and Entrepreneurs of Texas Awards

UPS is impacting the communities we serve and making a difference.

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Karen Carter Richards 2017 COMMUNITY HERO

Karen’s awards and recognition for her outstanding contributions include: • Texas Executive Women Award • Women on the Move Class of 2016 • Tri-County Black Chamber of Commerce Living Legend ICON Award • Top 25 Women of Houston Award • International Financial Leadership Summit Award • National Council of Negro Women’s Mary McLeod Bethune Impact Service Award She currently serves as 1st Vice Chair for the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), an organization consisting of over 200 African-American newspapers across the country. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Southeast Management District.

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aren Carter Richards serves as CEO and publisher for the Forward Times Publishing Company, Inc., a multimedia company that publishes the weekly Houston Forward Times; the largest black-owned and independently published newspaper in the Southern Region.

Karen is the daughter of the late Julius P. Carter and Lenora Carter, the original founders and publishers of the historic publication, which has served the community since 1960. Karen has continued the iconic legacy of her parents and after 30 years of working in the family business in various administrative and managerial positions, she has taken over the helm and transitioned the business into one of the leading multimedia companies in the country. Karen has creatively expanded the mission of the Forward Times and has continued her family’s publishing legacy to ensure that 28

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it remains the strongest information vehicle and most trusted voice for AfricanAmericans in the city of Houston and throughout the southern region.

Following the untimely death of her mother in 2010, Karen launched The Julius and Lenora Carter Scholarship & Youth Foundation, which supports students by granting scholarships and internships to those who aspire a career in journalism, communications, broadcasting, photography, printing, or digital communications. The foundation has provided over $30,000 in much needed scholarships to Houston area students and youth groups.

Because of her dedication to the community, Karen became the Founder and Creator of the Houston Forward Times Visionary Pastor’s Awards. Karen is also one of the founders of the Black Dollar Project, an initiative to help spur economic development and create jobs in the Black community.

Karen is an inaugural member of the International Women’s Forum (I.W.F.) – Houston Chapter. The International Women’s Forum is a singularly unique organization comprised of more than 6,000 dynamic women leaders in thirtythree countries and seventy-four forums around the world. She recently served as the chairperson of “Go Red Girlfriend” an African-American Awareness Initiative for the American Heart Association. Karen recently served on the transition team for Mayor Sylvester Turner as a member of the Economic Opportunity Committee.

Karen has been a member of the Holman Street Baptist Church for over 33 years, where Rev. Manson B. Johnson, II, is the Pastor.

Karen is the proud mother of three children: Jesse, Chelsea, and Nykayla.

Karen Carter Richards CEO & Publisher Forward Times Publishing Company, Inc., 4411 Almeda Houston, Texas 77004 713.526.4727 forwardtimes@forwardtimes.com www.forwardtimes.com

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Judge Joel C. Clouser, Sr. 2017 COMMUNITY HERO

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udge Joel C. Clouser, Sr., is now serving his 25th year as Justice of the Peace in Precinct Two of Fort Bend County, Texas. He is a graduate of Texas Southern University.

He and his wife, Gloria, have lived and raised their children in the Fort Bend community since 1980, where he has been actively involved in civic and community affairs.

He established and has directed the Justice Court 2/YMCA Teen Court since 1993, and is especially proud that it has won first place honors in several mock trial competitions throughout the State.

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family counseling through Depelchin’s “STAR” program, anger management counseling through the Sprit Wellness program, and drug counseling through the Fort Bend Regional Council. He also gives top priority to mental health emergency apprehension and detention requests.

He has served on the board of directors of the Fort Bend Family YMCA and the World Youth Foundation. He served on the Fort Bend Independent School District’s Safe and Drug Free Schools Advisory Board. He has also served on the Fort Bend County Bail Bond Board, the Clear Creek Watershed Flood Control District Board as voter Precinct Chairman, President of the Chasewood Civic Club, President of the Missouri City NAACP, and

Chaplain of the A. Philip Randolph Institute Tidelands Chapter. He has served on the Advisory Board of the Holocaust Museum in Houston.

Judge Clouser is very proud to have served as Justice of the Peace for going on 25 years, and he views this office as a real opportunity to help people when they are at a point of need.

Judge Joel C. Clouser, Sr. Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 303 Texas Parkway (FM 2234), Room 107 Missouri City, Texas 77489-1133 281-403-8080 www.fortbendcountytx.gov

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Angela Cormier 2017 COMMUNITY HERO

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ngela Cormier was born and raised in Virginia and moved to Houston, Texas, over 13 years ago.

She obtained a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Management and a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. Angela started her career in Financial Aid at Norfolk State University as a work-study student and found a passion to help others. She is now the Director of Financial Aid at Tulsa Welding School & Technology Center located in Houston, Texas.

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ran and won the recent 2016 election for Sheldon Independent School District School Board Trustee, Position 1. Dedicated to education, Angela has won numerous awards including #1 in Customer Service Award and 2014 Champions Club Award. Her goal is to continue to strive to make education the best it can be.

Through her business and profession, she likes to encourage and motivate others around her to do their best in life and take advantage of every opportunity to learn, continue to learn, and grow. She often tells her staff, “Solutions solve problems, but ‘I can’t,’ solves nothing.”

Angela is also an entrepreneur. She owns Visual Business Solutions, a consulting company that writes business plans and provides strategic plans for business growth. She also owns Elegance of Charm, an accessories boutique selling ladies accessories and clothing.

Angela Cormier School Board Trustee Position 1 Sheldon Independent School District 11411 CE King Parkway Houston, Texas 77044

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Janette L. Cosley and Eileen J. Morris

2017 COMMUNITY HERO

ministry. As Artistic Director of The Ensemble Theatre, she has produced over 84 productions, eight world premieres and 59 regional premieres. She received the 2016 Houston Press Theatre Award for Best Director for Fences. Her Ensemble Theatre directing credits include Sassy Mamas, Detroit ’67, Fences, What I Learned In Paris, Women in the Pit, By The Way Meet Vera Stark, The Old Settler, Race, and The Nacirema Society to name a few.

Eileen J. Morris Artistic Director

The Ensemble Theatre 3535 Main Street Houston, Texas 77002 713-807-4311 jcosley@ensemblehouston.com ejmorris@ensemblehouston.com www.ensemblehouston.com

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n 2003 Janette L. Cosley became the Executive Director of The Ensemble Theatre. She oversees the theatre’s $2 million budget, and she is responsible for theatre operations including finance, accounting, fund development, administration, human resources, marketing, public relations, ticket sales, and production.

The Ensemble Theatre is the largest African-American professional theatre company in the southwest region of the U.S. that owns and operates its facility and produces in-house.

Janette is the recipient of a 2016 Pinnacle – Endurance Award from the Greater Houston Black Chamber. She is a member of Class XXVIII of the American Leadership Forum, Houston/Gulf Coast Chapter and she currently serves on the board of Fifth Ward Enrichment Program, Inc. She has served on the High School for The Performing and Visual Arts Friends Advisory Board since 2009. The Super Lady Live Movement named her as an 34

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Janette L. Cosley Executive Director

honoree in 2015. Janette served on Houston’s Miller Theatre Advisory Board from 2006 until 2015. She received The Black Achievers Trailblazer Award in 2012.

Houston Woman Magazine listed her among the 50 Most Influential Women of 2011. The Houston League of Business and Professional Women honored her as a Trailblazer in 2011. She was selected as one of Rolling Out Magazine’s Top 25 Women in 2008. During her 10 years with the United Negro College Fund, she was awarded the President’s Award.

She is a recipient of a Youth Community Service Award from Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. and she received a Business Arts Achievement Award in 2008 from Tri-County Black Chamber of Commerce.

The Houston Association of Black Journalists presented her a Service Award as past treasurer of the association.

Janette earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Keuka College in New York.

Eileen J. Morris is a director, actress and educator in which her art reflects her

In Houston, her directing credits include The Alley Theatre Education Department and recently the world premiere of What Wings They Were: The Story of Emeline for the Houston Grand Opera Education Department. She was honored at the Houston Community College-Central Campus 2016 Unstoppable Leaders Gala, featured in the Women In Theatre Magazine (December 2011 Issue) and honored at the 2011 National Black Theatre Festival with the Larry Leon Hamlin Producer Award.

She is a new board member of the national organization, Theatre Communications Group (TCG), a board member, secretary and Cultural Arts Committee Chair of the Midtown Management District, served on the Mayor’s Quality of Life Transitional Team Committee and is a board member of the national organization, The Black Theatre Network. Eileen holds the distinct privilege of being the only woman in the country to have directed eight plays of the August Wilson 10 play cycle.

In 2015 The Ensemble Theatre received a community service Arts Award from the National Black MBA Association, Inc. – Houston Chapter. The Ensemble was awarded Best Season Houston Theatre Awards in 2013 by the Houston Press.

In 2011, The Ensemble Theatre received the distinguished President’s Award from the NAACP in honor of 35 years of service to the Houston community. The Houston Press named The Ensemble “Best Theatre Company” in its 2007 Best of Houston edition and the Houston Chronicle named The Ensemble “Showcase for African American Actors” in its Ultimate Houston publication.

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Dr. Sophia L. Davis-Fields, L.C.P.A.A.

2017 COMMUNITY HERO

cializes in bringing beneficial programs to those who are in the greatest need, consistently underserved.

Dr. Davis-Fields received her Bachelor’s of Business Management Degree from LeTourneau University. In 2006, she received her Master of Business Administration Degree at LeTourneau University. In 2009, she received her Doctor of Arts in Theology Degree from Cornerstone University.

Dr. Davis-Fields have made major accomplishments that have been recognized and rewarded by many organizations: • 1992-2002 Numerous awards from VA Medical Center • 1997 YMCA Young African American Achievers of Houston • 2007-2008 FUUSA Building Blocks Technical Assistance and Capacity Building Program • 2009-Present Black Heritage Society Dr. Martin Luther King Committee • 2010 Licensed Child Placing Agency Administrator through State of Texas • 2011 YMCA Super Achiever Award

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r. Sophia Davis-Fields is a native Houstonian, raised in Kashmere Gardens on the northeast side of Houston.

Upon finishing her studies, Dr. Fields worked for The Michael E. DeBakey Medical Center (formerly VA Medical Center) for 10 years where she used her entrepreneurial skills to provide educational, cultural and recreational activities for economically disadvantaged youths. Outside of her work life, her home was a therapeutic foster group home for over 12 years through the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. As a result, she has been through the adoption process three times and has seven children and adopted a total of six children.

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ing her home to over 100 foster children and six adoptive children. However, after enduring the adoption process first hand, Dr. Davis-Fields felt compelled to pass on what she had learned to others, in hopes of untangling the red tape that typically surrounds adoption. This inspired the birth of Forever Families, Inc., a 501c3 entity that encompasses a suite of programs serving both children and adults with intellectual developmental disabilities. As CEO and Founder of Forever Families, Inc., Dr. Davis-Fields offers programs that include foster care, adoption, training through TDFPS and Home and Community-Based Services (HCS) and the Texas Home Living program (TxHmL), supervised living, and day habilitation through the Department of Aging and Disabilities Services. Forever Families spe-

• 2012 Ivy League Education and Charities Foundation Award from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. • 2016 Fort Bend Leadership Forum Dr. Davis-Fields attends Word of Restoration International Church in Rosharon, Texas. Most of all, Dr. Davis-Fields enjoys spending time with her husband Lonnie Fields, seven children and grandchildren.

Dr. Sophia Davis-Fields, LCPAA CEO & Founder Forever Families, Inc. 12125 Highway 6, Suite A Fresno, Texas 77545 713-661-2626 sdavisfields@foreverfamiliesinc.org www.forfam.org

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Reverend Kalan Gardner, Sr. 2017 COMMUNITY HERO

ed to be the Senior Pastor at First Sixth Street Missionary Baptist Church, in Port Arthur, Texas, making him the youngest pastor in the Golden Triangle.

In addition to his work in the ministry, Reverend Gardner serves as the President of the Port Arthur Chapter of the NAACP. After two years of service in this leadership position, he continues to work hard to expand the chapter’s membership and community involvement. One of Reverend Gardner’s most recent accomplishments is being voted “Best Pastor” by the Port Arthur News. He is a proud member of the Sigma Rhomeo Fraternity.

In the near future, Reverend Gardner plans to earn his Bachelor’s in Theology and continue to utilize all of his avenues and resources to help promote progress, oneness, and success throughout the Golden Triangle.

Reverend Gardner takes family very seriously, and is the oldest of three. He has two younger brothers, Shawn White and Jimmel Davis. One of his greatest joys is being a father to his only son, Kalan Gardner, Jr., who is 9 years old.

Reverend Kalan Gardner, Sr. President

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everend Kalan Gardner, Sr. credits God, his wonderful mother, Deborah Davis and grandparents, Joe and Patricia Gardner for helping him to become the man he is today. After graduating from Memorial High School, Reverend Gardner began his educational advancement by attending Lamar University. During this time, his ministry began in the area of music. He always had the gift for music since a young age, but it was through his extensive training at Lamar, that he started perfecting his musical gift.

Reverend Gardner has 13 years of experience in the music arena, having served as Minister of Music at four churches: Shiloh Baptist Church, New Bethel Baptist Church, New Day Church, and Chris38

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tian Faith Baptist Church. During his freshman year at Lamar, he accepted and announced his call to the gospel ministry and preached his first sermon on December 28, 2003. It was then that Reverend Gardner transferred from Lamar University to start studying and preparing for his calling in the ministry. He has received theological training at Trinity Bible College, Grace School of Theology, and the College of Biblical Studies. Reverend Gardner earned his Certificate of Theology from the United Theological Seminary.

NAACP Chapter of Port Arthur, Texas P.O. Box 1363 Port Arthur, Texas 77640 Kalan.gardner@yahoo.com

In August 2012, Reverend Gardner was blessed with his first official pastoral position by New Hope Baptist Church in Port Arthur, Texas, where he served as the Youth Pastor for four wonderful years. In February 2016, Gardner received an unexpected opportunity when he was elect-

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iffany Hamilton is a native of the Great City of Port Arthur, Texas where she is a servant leader of the community.

Hamilton is a graduate of the historic Abraham Lincoln High School and member of the Thomas Boulevard Church of Christ in Port Arthur.

Tiffany L. Hamilton, MBA 2017 COMMUNITY HERO

partnership with the Port Arthur Public Library Children’s Department to offer programming that connects STEM with the arts and literary, and:

• Smoke-Free Port Arthur Coalition founded January 2016. With the Coalitions support, Hamilton successfully sponsored the 2016 Smoke-Free Air For approximately fifteen years Hamilton’s Ordinance to empower a healthier experiences have offered opportunities to community. collaborate in business and social multicultural environments that empower her Hamilton’s service organization community. As the owner of TLHamilton memberships include: Enterprises, LLC, a consulting and product distribution firm, Hamilton works as a mar- • Foundation of Southeast Texas, keting consultant and business developer. Board Member In addition to her professional service, she is dedicated to public service and championing initiatives that promote accountability of leadership, education, environmental safety, business and human development, and public health and safety.

• NAACP Port Arthur Branch, Youth Council Sponsor

• National League of Cities: Human Development Federal Advocacy Committee

• National League of Cities: National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials, She is embarking upon her second term of Public Safety Committee Member public service as a Port Arthur City Council Member and aspires to one day serve as • National League of Cities: Women In Municipal Government a member of the United States Congress.

• Order of Eastern Star Masonic Fraternity Hamilton’s educational experiences include a Bachelor of Science in Business • Port Arthur Historical Society Administration & Marketing received from • Southeast Texas Regional Planning Xavier University of Louisiana, a Master Commission, Board Member of Business Administration specializing • Southeast Texas Young Professionals in International Business received from Organization American InterContinental University, and currently receives continuous education in • Science Technology Engineering & Math (STEM) Innovation Networks Leadership, Management, Human Development and Public Service from National • Texas Municipal League League of Cities University.

• Texas Leadership Council, Smoke-Free Hamilton founded the service organiza- Texas tion, Bridging the Gap Connecting Com- • Young Elected Officials of the National munities (BGCC). BGCC’s purpose is to League of Cities create and implement programming for a cleaner, healthier, safer, and more edu- Hamilton’s honors and awards include: cated community.

• Black Professional Women of Southeast Texas The BGCC initiatives include: • Top 50 Black Professionals & • The Helping Hands, a community clean up organization founded May 2015 to offer a helping hand in keeping Port Arthur clean • Building Bridges, an art and literacy initiative founded June 2015 as a

Entrepreneurs of Greater Houston

• Top 40 Under 40 Professional of Southeast Texas • Southeast Texas Profile Honoree, “Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things”

• “I Am She Award” Recipient, Honoring Influential Young Women • Nubian Queen Magazine Honoree, Community Leader Profile • American InterContinental University Scholar • International Honor Society in Business, Delta Mu Delta • Published writer within Lex Claudia Magazine Her foundation of strong core family values continues to strengthen her on this journey of life. As a native of Southeast Texas, she understands the culture of our environment and owns her responsibility to bridge the gap and connect communities. For fun and relaxation, she enjoys adventurous outdoor activities, dancing, cooking, and experiencing new environments.

Hamilton is honored to serve her community, and if it’s God’s will, she will continue to serve for years to come.

Tiffany L. Hamilton, MBA Council Member City of Port Arthur Texas District 2 444 4th Street, 4th Floor Port Arthur, Texas 77640 Tiffany.Hamilton@portarthurtx.gov www.portarthur.net TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2017

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Pastor Erick W. Hoskin, Sr. 2017 COMMUNITY HERO

of men, women and children have been significantly impacted.

He often says that in addition to being one of God’s chosen, he most enjoys being a father. Family first has been a core value that Pastor E carries with him always. A core value he stresses to the leadership within the church. “We cannot manage God’s House if we have failed to take care of our own.”

In addition to his B.A. in Administration, Pastor E believes in continued education and growth. This belief led him to obtain both a Theological Studies Degree (2013), as well as a Masters of Biblical Studies (2015) from Grace School of Theology. As an active member of the Cy-Fair Chamber of Commerce, he is very involved in the local Cypress Community. Pastor E serves as a member of the Community Leadership Coalition (CLC) with the Cypress Fairbanks Independent School District. He also served on the CFISD Long Term Planning Committee.

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astor Erick W. Hoskin, Sr. aka “Pastor E” is the Pastor and Founder of the Word of God Christian Fellowship Church in Cypress, Texas. “The Word Church of Cypress,” as it is known, has grown from 11 members in Pastor Hoskin’s home to over 800 members and two Sunday services.

He hails from Natchez, Mississippi, and is a graduate of Natchez Adams High School. He furthered his education at Alcorn State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. This made his parents, Dr. Willie (Superintendent of the Natchez Public School System) and Lillie Hoskin (principal) very proud.

Pastor E has long possessed an interest in empowering and inspiring people.

His gift of exhortation was visible at an 40

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It is his focus to continue to fulfill his assignment and increase his impact. That group of 11 that has now grown to 800 under his leadership are now currently undertaking a multi-million dollar project: an 11,000 square foot worship facility being built on 7 acres of land which will soon early age as he assisted in starting, The be home to The Word Church of Cypress.

Brothers in Christ Youth Ministry at King Though his achievements seem plenty, Solomon Baptist Church in Natchez, Pastor E assures all that the work is far Mississippi. Although not fully aware of from over.

God’s plan for his life, he would unself- Pastor E has been married to the lovely ishly share his gift with the middle school Stacia Sanders, a professor of nursing in and high school students of the Natchez Houston, Texas, for over 20 years. They Adams School District, as well as with have been blessed with four beautiful the local AJFC facilities in Mississippi. children.

That passion to inspire did not stop once he arrived in Texas. He immediately went to work preaching and speaking at vari- Erick W. Hoskin, Sr. Pastor & Founder ous churches, schools and conferences throughout Houston before birthing The The Word of God Christian Fellowship Church 17920 Huffmeister Rd., #310 Word Church of Cypress.

Pastor E is also the founder of the E.W.H. Ministries, which affords him the opportunity to host empowerment conferences throughout the states of Texas, Mississippi, and Louisiana. God has truly touched the E.W.H. Ministries and thus, the lives

Cypress, Texas 77429 info@ewhministries.com www.wogcf.org 281-213-3839

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Fred Hoyer 2017 COMMUNITY HERO

Fred Hoyer Vice President Bayway Lincoln 12333 Gulf Freeway Houston Texas 77034 866-310-7093 fred@baywaylincoln.com www.baywaylincoln.com

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ver the past 30 years Fred Hoyer has blazed a trail of success in the automotive sales industry through hard work, persistence and dedication. Fred started his career at Jay Marks Mazda, where he became the #1 salesman for Mazda in a four state region covering Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Mississippi. From there he went to Bayway Lincoln, a new dealership Houston founded

by Darryl and Linda Wischnewsky. He then prevailed and became the top salesman in the region for 10 years straight for Lincoln automotive. He was also top 10 in sales nationwide for Lincoln Automotive. Fred has been a great salesman at Bayway Lincoln for 20 years and counting.

During Fred’s time at Bayway Lincoln, he has been promoted to Vice President of the dealership. Bayway Lincoln has ex42

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panded to five locations in the Houston metropolitan area, which Fred also oversees as Vice President. He is responsible for marketing sales and community relations for all of the stores in Bayway Auto Group. He has held this position for nine years and looks forward to many more.

Hoyer is one of few African-American men in the Houston area to rise to an executive rank in the automobile sales industry. This is a hard-earned accomplishment for Fred, but at the same time it is secondary to his goal of giving back to the community.

Fred’s goal of giving back to the community is shared by both Darryl and Linda Wishcnewsky. Bayway donates thousands of dollars to the community each year.

Fred holds the responsibility of deciding how and when Bayway Auto Group’s finds will be distributed. Groups that Bayway Auto Group has given back to throughout

the years include: Texas Children’s Hospital, Men of Style for Sickle Cell Research, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Texas Southern University, University of Houston, Top Ladies of Distinction, Top Teens, as well as numerous churches and other organizations.

Fred has been honored by a few of these organizations for his hard work and dedication to giving back to the community.

Fred also has a family of his own that he loves spending time with. He is a proud father of three children: LaTonya Hoyer, Stephen Hoyer, and Jennifer Hoyer. He has shared his lifetime and achievements with his wife, Natalie Espree.

Along with his achievements, he is a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and is a Vietnam-era veteran.

Fred’s motto is “Work hard, work smart, and you will achieve.”

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Judge Robert Johnson 2017 COMMUNITY HERO

to the Harris County 177th Criminal District Court “Justice and Fairness for All.” Judge Johnson earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston. He earned his law degree with honors from Texas Southern University - Thurgood Marshall School of Law. Before practicing criminal defense law, he gained great insight and knowledge with the Fort Bend County DA’s Office, and has experience on the prosecutorial and defense side.

Judge Johnson is a person of integrity, he is on time, and he is a professional. Also, most importantly, he has a reputation for being fair. He has never been disciplined by the State Bar of Texas. The integrity and character in his private practice has translated onto the bench in the 177th Criminal District Court. Judge Johnson makes his rulings based upon the law, allowing him to remain fair and impartial at all times.

Judge Robert Johnson 177th Criminal District Court in Harris County Harris County Criminal Justice Center 1201 Franklin, 19th Floor Houston, Texas 77002 832-927-4250 www.justex.net

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Houston before being elected as Judge of the 177th Criminal District Court. For the past 13 years as a defense attorney, he has worked diligently, having provided his clients the best legal representation.

Now Judge Johnson is fighting for justice on the bench.

Judge Johnson is no stranger to the criminal courts, having been one of the most successful criminal defense lawyers in

A Houstonian, having lived in the city for 40 years, and having the extensive legal experience, he is well aware of the needs of the Harris County Criminal Courts are in need of. In this position, he is bringing

udge Robert Johnson was recently elected as Judge of the 177th Criminal District Court of Harris County, Texas. He is committed to following the law and protecting our communities. He prides himself on having a courtroom where punishment and justice is distributed equally, and no person is above the law.

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Marilyn Jones 2017 COMMUNITY HERO

Ms. Jones opened the UVA Recovery and Wellness Center to provide the community with a safe, drug-free environment in which people can engage in social and personal development activities.

Over its 20-year service to the community, Ms. Jones has transformed UVA into a multi-million dollar, recognized agency licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services and accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) to provide highly effective and evidence-based care in an outpatient and residential environment to meet the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of adults, adolescents, and their families struggling with substance use disorders (SUD).

As a person in long-term recovery, Ms. Jones transformed her struggle with addiction into a calling to help the Houston, Baytown, and Pasadena communities eradicate substance use disorders.

Through UVA, Ms. Jones and her team of 75 highly-trained professionals strive daily to help participants maintain a better quality of life on their journey of recovery.

Ms. Jones’ transformational leadership style has impacted not only on her employees, participants, and the community, but also the State. She was awarded by legislature with a Texas State flag and Governor Rick Perry recognized her as a “Yellow Rose of Texas.”

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n 1996, with $200, a vision, and the support of her father, Lonnie Jones; Marilyn Jones incorporated Unlimited Visions Aftercare, Inc. (UVA), a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization in Houston, Texas. One year later, the 1st client walked into UVA and her vision became a reality.

UVA first began as a provider for outpatient adult substance abuse treatment.

In 1998, UVA expanded its services to include youth, criminal justice, and CPS participants and opened a new location in Baytown. In 2008, Ms. Jones opened 46

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Today, Ms. Jones continues to serve as Chief Executive Officer. Her vision continues to influence many and serve thoua residential 52-bed facility in Pasade- sands. She is proof that a vision for a busina, TX, to assist youth ages 13-17 with ness can become reality with spirituality, both recovery and educational services determination, and passion. through the University of Texas High Marilyn Jones School.

Soon, UVA became a $5 million nonprofit, serving hundreds of participants in three locations each year offering mobile services in local school districts and community centers. Because of their quality work and excellent service, UVA became the first agency to receive funding from the State to offer recovery support services for both youth and adults. In 2016,

Chief Executive Officer

Unlimited Visions Aftercare, Inc. 1126 Hub Street Houston, Texas 77023 713-921-2276 marilyn@unlimitedvisions.org www.unlimitedvisions.org

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Constable Gary Majors 2017 COMMUNITY HERO

ary Majors was appointed Constable to succeed Ruben Davis as the Fort Bend County Precinct 2 Constable on October 25, 2016.

Constable Majors began his career with the Precinct 2 Constable Office in 1994 as a Deputy Constable. He graduated from the Houston Community College Law Enforcement Academy in 1994, Class 94C, becoming a Texas Peace Officer Certified by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE). Early in his career, he served in the Warrant Division for two years and was later promoted to Sergeant after being recognized for outstanding performance of his assigned duties. As a Patrol Sergeant, he was responsible for the departments patrol officers, gang resistance program, and the field training for new deputies assigned to patrol. In 1996, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and was assigned as Commander of Education and Training for the department. He specialized in civil process (civil law), earning his Civil Process Proficiency Certification from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE).

Throughout his career, Constable Majors has vigorously pursued specialized law enforcement training in order to enhance his knowledge, skills, and ability as a law enforcement professional. He also received his license to instruct Law Enforcement Ethics and Cultural Diversity in Law Enforcement. In addition, he has earned his Master Peace Officer License (MPO) awarded by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. He is also a Certified Concealed Handgun Instructor, Mental Health Officer, and Texas Peace Officer Instructor. He also holds instructor certifications in Non-lethal Use of Force, ASP Baton, OC Pepper Mace, and has a number of recognitions with the American Red Cross (First Aid, CPR, and AED).

Constable Majors is on a number of boards and committees, some of which include: • Member, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE)

Gary Majors Constable Fort Bend County Precinct 2 303 Texas Parkway, #124 Missouri City, Texas 77459 281-403-8010 www.fortbendcountytx.gov

• Member, Barbara Jordan Endeavors (Kids with Unique Disabilities) • Member, International Association of Chief of Police • Member, Justice of the Peace Constable Association • Member, Cleat combined Law Enforcement Association of Texas • Member, NAACP • Member, Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas, Every Ready Lodge #506

Constable Majors is married to Dawn Majors, and together they have one daughter, Gabrielle. They have resided in Fort Bend County Precinct 2 since 1996 and have been members of the Windsor Village United Methodist Church since 2004. Constable Majors is a respected member of his community, and has been honored by nonprofits, community groups, and his peers. Constable Majors takes a comprehensive multi-agency approach to law enforcement and crime prevention that will include all stakeholders in the community.

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Clarence Miller 2017 COMMUNITY HERO

sistances. With Miller’s leadership, M.U.D. No. 24 was able to pay off over $3 million worth of bonds, resulting in a saving of over $1 million in interest to the district.

In 2012, due to the growth of the district and a need for a full time manager, Miller was hired as General Manager and still retains his Director’s position today. As General Manager, he manages District operations to provide customers with a safe and reliable water supply; provides professional and technical staff support, and assistance to the Board; coordinates all District activities with Federal, State, County, local and private agencies. He also works with the attorneys, Tax Assessor, bookkeeper and other consultants.

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riginally a native of Huntsville, Texas, at the age of 18 Clarence Miller relocated to Houston Texas to seek better opportunities with fifty dollars in his pocket and a bus ticket. He began working for the United State Post Service and retired with 29 years of service. While working for the Post Service, he requested to be assigned to other positions, such as the Women Advisory Board and the Career Awareness Conference, to get experience and exposure. Miller also served as a Director for the Houston Postal Credit Union.

He retired in 2001 and started his own business, C’s Pressure Washing, where he has had Texas Southern University as a client for over 10 years. In addition, he received his real estate license, loan officer license and insurance license. He believed that nothing should be left on the table so he would help others buy the property, get the loan, insure and pressure wash the property before they moved in.

In 2004 he became one of the first elected Directors/Secretary of Northwest Har50

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ris County Municipal Utility District No. 24 in its 22-year history. He was nominated to represent his district in litigation with the mediator against a contractor who built a defective $2.5 million wastewater plant. The district won over $112,000 dollars and the contractor made all repairs.

In 2007 he was elected the first African American president of Northwest Harris County M.U.D. No. 24 and established new policies, procedures, and guidelines that other districts use as a model today.

With the support of the board, he was able to bring in new more efficient and knowledgeable consultants, resulting in saving and making the district millions of dollars in additional revenue.

Due to the significant increase in revenue and budget savings, the Northwest Harris County M.U.D. No. 24 was able to build a new event building for the community of Ashcreek debt-free costing over $1,500,000. This building can be used for not only district and resident events, but in case of a catastrophe or disaster, the building can be used to serve the community in helping the sick, disabled, and wounded with medical and other as-

With the approval of a new president, vice president, secretary, and director of M.U.D. No. 24, Miller was able to establish a senior citizens program in 2013 which feeds over 80 senior citizens for free on the first Tuesday of each month.

Miller feels very privileged to serve on a board such as Northwest Harris County Municipal Utility District No. 24, because it is very community oriented.

He has received many awards and citations including being featured in Who’s Who in Black Houston for three consecutive years, receiving recognition three times from Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee, former State Representative Mayor Sylvester Turner State Representative, and Harris County Judge Ed Emmett, and having a flag flown over the U.S Capital in honor of the district he serves. He is also a Board Member of one of the oldest black social clubs in Texas, Eldorado Social Club.

Clarence Miller General Manager/Director Northwest Harris County Mud #24 14446 Hollister St. Houston, Texas 77066 281-580-7995 millerclarence@sbcglobal.net www.nwhcmud24.com

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Marlon D. Mitchell 2017 COMMUNITY HERO

resulting in over 3,500 jobs being created for low-moderate income citizens.

HBDi continues to expand so it can continue to be an asset to helping small business owners and entrepreneurs succeed, while helping Houston in the area of economics. Part of HBDi’s expansion includes their redevelopment vision. This redevelopment plan will be a force for neighborhood improvement. Making this plan into a reality will make HBDi a place where economic development services, healthcare, and community organizations will converge to become a hub of excellence and connection from Southeast Houston to the greater economic vitality of the Houston region.

Mitchell has recently been named the 2016 Financial Services Champion of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for Region VI of the SBA, which includes the Central Region’s five states – Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. HBDi continues to be recognized for being a great contributor to the growth of small businesses in our community.

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arlon D. Mitchell is President and CEO of Houston Business Development, Inc. (HBDi). He and the HBDi board are committed in their efforts to nurture and develop small businesses and strengthen inner-city communities by providing much needed capital and development services. HBDi has been serving small businesses and contributing to Houston’s economic growth for nearly three decades. This nonprofit 501(c) (3) community-based development corporation was established in 1986.

Since that time, HBDi has been a vital component in stimulating economic growth, supporting the expansion of small businesses, helping to combat community deterioration, and fostering 52

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employment opportunities for low to moderate-income citizens in the Houston metropolitan area, the surrounding counties, and the state of Texas.

HBDi is headquartered in Houston’s southeast quadrant, in the Palm Center – Business Technology Center. HBDi accomplishes its mission through providing affordable, flexible small business loans, and an array of business support services designed to enhance the growth of small businesses. HBDi is a non-bank, community lending organization that serves as a catalyst in providing aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners with debt capital and access to an array of resources to start and/or expand their businesses. Since inception, the corporation has participated in funding over $90 million in small business loans in Houston,

This nonprofit corporation remains steady in its service as a catalyst in stimulating economic growth and revitalizing communities throughout the city of Houston.

There are issues that small business face growing their business that the larger companies do not, from having access to affordable office space and support services. HBDi understands what small businesses need in order to succeed and to compete in the business world. HBDi has a heart for the Houston small business community and the betterment of Houston. HBDi is the one-stop shop for small businesses.

Marlon D. Mitchell President Houston Business Development, Inc. 5330 Griggs Road Houston, Texas 77021 713-845-2400 www.hbdi.org

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Commissioner Linda Turner Spears 2017 COMMUNITY HERO

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ommissioner Linda Turner Spears is the first female President of the Port of Port Arthur Navigation District in Port Arthur. She is a bold and determined individual who was taught by her father, the late Herman Turner, to remain humble, trust in the Lord and He will bless you to soar to great success.

She thanks God for every opportunity.

Born and raised in Port Arthur, Texas, she graduated with honors from Thomas Jefferson High School in Port Arthur.

She holds a BA degree in Education, a Master’s degree in Administration, and a Biblical Studies Endorsement in Family Life Ministry. Commissioner Spears is a retired educator with the Port Arthur ISD, Spring ISD, and has served as District Coordinator for State Representative Joe Deshotel. This combined experience of 34 years of service has helped her be the history maker she is today.

She is the current Secretary of the Port of Port Arthur Navigation District’s Board, 54

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Chairperson of the Educational Committee, and President of Camp Sea Port, Inc. Camp Sea Port is nationally recognized by the American Association Port Authorities. Graduates of Camp Sea Port are enrolled in maritime transportation management & security, science engineering, nursing, welding, homeland security, and galley chief at Texas Southern University, Texas A&M at Galveston, Stephen F. Austin University, Lamar University, San Jacinto College, LIT at Lamar, and Lamar State College.

Commissioner Spears has served on the Finance Committee, Plant Industrial Group Committee, and the Bond Election Committee for the Port. She has also served as Vice President of the Economic Development Board, member of Pleasure Island Commission, member of Martin Luther King, Jr. Support Group of Southeast Texas, Chairperson for the Mayor’s Education Committee, member of the Education Committee for the Greater Port Arthur Chamber, and member of the Na-

tional NAACP. Commissioner Spears is a Licensed Evangelist and Foundress of Way Maker Senior Saints Ministry, which provides weekly church services to senior citizens, and sick and shut-ins in nursing homes and day care centers in her community.

Commissioner Spears is married to Minister of Music Joseph Spears. They are the proud parents of four adult children, 16 grandchildren, and 3 great granddaughters.

Linda Spears Commissioner Port Arthur Health and Human Services Department 4200 Jimmy Johnson Blvd.

Port Arthur, Texas 77642 409-962-2001

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isasters.

You can keep your family safe with 2 simple steps.

02’00”

124428B 10/15

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Cyril White

2017 COMMUNITY HERO

in China, and other added value services to come from over 15 years of doing business in China. His brand has manufactured, licensed and distributed custom lines of shoe products in China since 2004, and advised other companies on similar ventures.

His company designed and built the To God be the Glory Center, a $3 million, 22,400 square foot multipurpose center in 2008, located in Houston, Texas near Hobby Airport. The state of the art facility designed for sports training is also a church, conference center, training venue, and emergency evacuation shelter. It has been the host to several sports events, community affairs, and church services.

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yril White is the Founder and Managing Director of To God be the Glory (TGBTG) Sports, a Texas based corporation that works with aspiring athletes in the USA, China, India, and other parts of the world. He has combined his passion for sports and knowledge of foreign culture to create a company that has established a track record of effective results and international goodwill. His company was featured in the Wall Street Journal and the New Yorker Magazine for their unique achievements in the international sports world.

He graduated from Lamar High School (HISD) in 1992 and earned a full basketball scholarship to Texas Lutheran University, and completed his B.A. of Communications from the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas.

White got his start in college coaching on the Women’s Basketball staff at Angelina College, and one year later, was hired as a Student Assistant Coach at Rice University. The next year, White opened the TGBTG Sports Company, which consisted of high-level sports training camps, and college/professional exposure events to 56

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target markets. TGBTG Sports secured contracts with the WNBA Comets for four years providing male scout teams, over 60 NCAA athletic programs for exhibition games, and entered the international sports market when White began going overseas to play professional basketball.

From 1998-2004, White played professional basketball in Panama (1998 & 2000), China (1999-2003), and Nicaragua (2004), allowing the TGBTG brand to expand into these international markets. White hired two Mandarin tutors in 2005 to work with him one on one for 10 months to learn how to speak Mandarin to provide better service to clients.

In 2010, White was hired by former NBA Star Stephon Marbury as a project development consultant for “Starbury China” brand, a brand that has now become one of the biggest brands in China sports market. Two years later in Beijing, White worked to create the Stephon Marbury Basketball Academy through special partnerships in China, bringing dozens of foreign coaches to China to train young athletes, and setting up other foreign exchange programs. TGBTG has worked with several athletes at all levels to help them achieve their individual goals and maximum success.

White says, “I’m in business to serve, to help people reach their goals according to the resources available to me.” The company has offices in Houston, Texas, Shanghai, and Beijing, China.

White is married to his wife, Jaishelle, and they have two children, daughter, Cyra, and son, Jackson. They are members of White maximized the opportunity for TGHouston First Baptist Church.

BTG by securing a 10-year contract in China for TGBTG to bring professional level teams for tours in over 50 cities in China.

White and his associates have brought Cyril White hundreds of athletes to China pro sports, Founder and have created over $150 million in Managing Director overseas contracts value for TGBTG athletes and clients during that time. TGBTG To God be the Glory Sports has the ability to set up manufacturing 701 N. Post Oak Lane Suite 325 deals for new products, arrange distribu- Houston, Texas 77024 tion in cites in China, arrange new prod- cnw@tgbtg.com uct design, advise on business practices www.tgbtg.com

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TO GOD BE THE GLORY SPORTS TGBTG Sports is a Texas based corporation that specializes in international program development in the areas of sports, sports training, and sports innovation.

TGBTG works with Youth preparing the go to college in the USA Professional Athletes around the world looking for exposure and job placement Patent Holders of Sports Training Products seeking advice Inventors of Sports Training Products that need manufacturing arrangements, Celebrity Athletes needing assistance with business in China and India For More information call us at:

www.tgbtg.com

* high Quality sports merchandise * innovative sports training products * international exposure & career opportunities

1-844 -5SPORTZ

701 N. Post Oak Suite 325 * Houston, TX. * 77024 * USA No 2899 Jinhai Road 6th Floor, * Fengxian District * Shanghai, 201416 * China TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2017

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Brian Courtney Wilson 2017 COMMUNITY HERO

United Methodist Church in Houston. The smash, self-titled single, “Worth Fighting For” has been called a modern day anthem as it overflows with spirit and emotion. Accompanied by a fresh, colorful mix of contemporary R&B, gospel, rock, folk and spoken word, Wilson’s melodic tenor passionately expresses joy, love, self-doubt, grace, empowerment, victory and—above all—inspiration.

The spare yet fervent track also unwittingly laid the foundation for Wilson’s Motown Gospel debut. The message and feel of “Worth Fighting For” clearly connected to listeners as it was the most heard song in 2015 on Gospel Radio and spent 36 weeks in the Top 5 on the Gospel Radio charts.

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ll it takes is one listen to Brian Courtney Wilson. Then you’re wondrously hooked.

Since arriving on the scene in 2009, Wilson has managed to release 3 solo albums and share his talents as a member of Fred Hammond’s United Tenors. Throughout those projects, Wilson’s singular tenor and communityminded ministry has won the humble artist a growing host of fans and critical acclaim. As a Stellar Award winner (United Tenors), a Dove Award winner (Worth Fighting For), ASCAP “Power In Praise” Award winner, as well as a 2016 Grammy Award & Billboard Music Award nominee (Worth Fighting For), the Motown Gospel artist brings the full measure of his singing and songwriting talents to every project and performance.

Wilson’s realness, as well as his natural musical talents, has continued to endear him to fans. Born and raised near Chicago in Bellwood, Illinois, Wilson grew up watching and later singing in his local 58

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In 2015, the title single peaked at Number 1 on the Billboard Gospel Songs and Mediabase Gospel chart. Later that year Wilson was nominated for two Dove Awards: Contemporary Gospel/Urban Song of the Year and Traditional Gospel Album of the Year. He won the latter category, marking his first Dove Award win.

Wilson also earned his first Grammy® church’s adult male choir. Several years Award nomination for the single, “Worth after graduating from University of Illi- Fighting For” in the Best Gospel Perfornois, Wilson relocated to Houston where mance/Song category. he worked for Johnson & Johnson while The soulful crooner continued his rise singing and writing songs for Windsor Vilperforming on several national TV shows lage United Methodist Church’s Sunday including The 47th Annual Dove Awards, services. He was discovered when some BET’s Bobby Jones Gospel, BET Celof his songs were later played on local ebration of Gospel, The BMI Trailblazradio stations. ers Awards, The 31st Annual Stellar Wilson’s first album, Just Love (2009) Awards and more. He continues to tour is filled with radio favorites such as “Al- and has performed at Bishop TD Jakes ready Here”, “Awesome God”, the self Megafest, the Help 2.0 tour and in 2016 titled “Just Love” and the song that still starred in the Los Angeles-based stage holds the record for number of weeks on play, “I’m Only Human,” which received the Gospel Singles Chart with 92, “All rave reviews.

I Need”. His second album, So Proud Now Brian Courtney Wilson is ready to start (2012) builds upon Brian’s signature futhe next chapter in his burgeoning career. sion of gospel, adult R&B and soul music with stand out tracks “He Still Cares”, “Obey Anyway”, “One Day At A Time” & Brian Courtney Wilson Gospel Recording Artist the autobiographical, “So Proud”.

Brian’s latest project and first live recording, Worth Fighting For (2015), is produced by the critically acclaimed Aaron Lindsey and was recorded at St. John’s

Stellar Award Winner Dove Award Winner www.briancourtneywilson.com

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Lanease Fuller, Esq. and Barbara Hudson, Esq. 2017 PARTNERSHIPS

Lanease Fuller, Esq. Barbara Hudson, Esq. Co-Founders & Co-Owners Fuller & Hudson 4615 SW Freeway, Suite 820 Houston, Texas 77027 844-8-LADYLAW carcrashladylawyers.com

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ttorneys Lanease Fuller and Barbara Hudson have combined their beauty and brains to launch CARCRASHLADYLAWYERS. COM aka Fuller & Hudson, with offices in Houston and Dallas. This personal injury firm gives a softer, yet aggressive representation.

They pay particular attention to detail. These super and sassy Southern lady lawyers have a great work ethic and problem solving approach that allows them to help clients when it comes to personal injury cases.

This dynamic duo has over 50 years of combined experience successfully handling legal matters.

Attorney Fuller grew up in Memphis, Tennessee. Her credentials include a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a Master of Science in Guidance and Counseling Psychology from Jackson State University, and a Juris Doctorate in Law from South Texas College of Law. Attorney Fuller has been practicing law for over 20 years. She is committed to hard 62

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work and problem solving. Her practice areas are: Criminal Law, Family Law, and Personal Injury Law. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Jack and Jill of America, Inc., the Houston Bar Association, the National Bar Association, the National Association of Professional Women, Elite Ladies of Expression, Jackson State Alumni Association, and South Texas College of Law Alumni Association.

Attorney Fuller is very proud of her two children, Micheal and Kennedi. She volunteers with the Prison Ministry at her church and enjoys reading and traveling.

Attorney Hudson is a native of Savannah, Georgia, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Grambling University. She attended Texas Southern University – Thurgood Marshall School of Law, earning a Juris Doctorate in Law. Attorney Hudson has been practicing law for over 20 years, and she has been the distinguished recipient of The National Black Lawyers Top 100 for the 2 consecutive years. She also has received recognition from The Positive Black Men for

2017. Attorney Hudson has previously been featured in Houston Black Business and was recognized by d-mars.com in 2012 as a Top Lawyer. She has earned the name, “Lady Justice” in the community, and hosts a local television show called ”IT’S YOUR RIGHT” on the Urban Houston Network.

She practices with the principles of honesty, integrity, and loyalty. She is an active member of the Windsor Village Church and has one son, Johnnie.

Attorneys Fuller and Hudson have extensive jury trial, bench trial, and administrative hearing experience. They have defended white collar, homicide, and other serious felony cases. Carcrashladylawyers.com has also been involved in the settlement of multi-million dollar personal injury cases.

As members of The National Black Lawyers, these African-American lawyers exemplify superior qualifications of leadership, reputation, influence, and performance in their area of legal practice.

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Jimmy L. Adams, Jr., Ed.D.

2017 SUPER P&E

University, a M.B.A. from Houston Baptist University, and a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Art from the University of Montevallo, Ala. He is a 2016 recipient of the League for Innovation John & Susanne Roueche Excellence Award in recognition for his outstanding contributions to teaching, leadership, and learning. Dr. Adams earned the Educational Leadership Doctoral Research Award from Sam Houston State University and was selected as a Barbara L. Jackson Scholar. Dr. Adams is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. In addition to his academic endeavors, Dr. Adams is known to students, close friends, and colleagues as a dynamic poet. His poem topics have covered relationships, music, abuse, suicide, and his life growing up in the South. He introduced a poetry recital event honoring Black History Month to the Houston Community College campus in 2016 and plans to continue the event in the coming years.

Jimmy L. Adams, Jr., Ed.D. Dean Houston Community College Media Arts & Technology Center of Excellence 3100 Main Street Houston, Texas 77002 713-718-2093 jimmy.adams@hccs.edu www.hccs.edu

D (HCCS).

r. Jimmy L. Adams, Jr. serves as Dean of the Media Arts & Technology Center of Excellence for the Houston Community College System

Dr. Adams has over 30 years of experience in higher education, administration, business management, and visual communications. Prior to serving in his current role at HCCS, Dr. Adams served as Dean of Business, Agriculture, & Kinesiology at Blinn College, Dean of Workforce Development for Lamar Institute of Tech66

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nology, Director of Workforce Services for Tarrant County College, Assistant Vice President of Continuing Education for Prairie View A&M University, and served as a dean, department chair and full-time faculty member for the Lone Star College System. Dr. Adams has owned and operated a graphic design firm and worked in various corporate administrative roles in marketing, advertising, and sales for several Fortune 500 companies in the Houston area.

Dr. Adams has an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Sam Houston State

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d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs

Congratulations

DR. JIMMY ADAMS

&

DEAN, CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR MEDIA ARTS & TECHNOLOGY

DR. TERRY KIDD DEAN, DIVISION OF EXTENDED LEARNING

TOP 50 PROFESSIONALS

& ENTREPRENEURS OF 2017

hccs.edu TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2017

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LaTayne Bruce, MBA 2017 SUPER P&E

the account of one of the most horrendous episodes she remembers experiencing as a single parent. This revealing and compelling book gives readers her reality on her journey from a struggling single parent to an executive at a Fortune 500 company fulfilling her dreams. The book includes eight principles she lives by that will benefit any all individuals, no matter where they are in life.

LaTayne is also about service and volunteerism, and her community involvement includes: • Vice Chairman of External Affairs for Houston Works • Vice Chairman of the Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce • Member of the National Association of Professional Women • Member of the Texas Black Expo Board of Directors • Past Chairman of the Texas Black Expo Board of Directors • Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated

L

aTayne Bruce is a native of Freeport, Illinois and is a senior corporate account executive with Nationwide Insurance. In this role, she is responsible for creating and strengthening relationships between member-based organizations and Nationwide Insurance.

LaTayne joined Nationwide Insurance in 2001, and she is an award-winning executive who has been in the insurance industry for more than 20 years.

During her Nationwide tenure, LaTayne has mastered the art of being an expert speaker, hosting motivational and leadership seminars on sales techniques, relationship building, personal reinvention, and volunteerism. LaTayne combines her contagious sense of humor, boundless energy, and keen business acumen, 68

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speaking at corporate events, professional events, and colleges and universities.

As a highly sought-after public speaker, she connects with her audiences who include business leaders, executives, and civic groups. Through her unique approach, she speaks with truth and wisdom, not sugarcoating the challenges people may face on their road to success, but helping others define what success means to them.

As a single mother, LaTayne has had her share of struggles, but overcame them when she made a conscious effort to provide a better life for herself and her children by going back to college.

LaTayne has turned her struggles into success as the author of “From Single Parent to 6 Figures: Staying Connected on the Journey.” This book begins with

LaTayne earned both her Bachelor’s in Business Management and Master’s in Business Administration from LeTourneau University. She has two married children, Johnnie Simpson, Jr. and Jessica SimpsonJenkins, who also reside in Houston, Texas.

LaTayne Bruce, MBA Senior Corporate Account Executive Nationwide Insurance 8619 Lone Maple Drive

Houston, Texas 77083 832-752-6795 LaTayneBruce@gmail.com www.nationwide.com www.sixfigure-mom.com

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Desiree Burnley

2017 SUPER P&E

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s a trained chemist, Desiree Burnley has figured out the right formula to a balanced and productive life. She is the owner of Tutti Frutti frozen yogurt shop. In addition to this, she is in her 23rd year working in leadership positions within the oil and gas industry.

In 2003 she moved to Washington, D.C., to work for American Petroleum Industry (API). While at API, she worked with federal regulatory agencies such as the FCC, SEC and CFTC, overseeing various API committees to help modernize accounting and trading rules within the oil and gas industry. Desiree also collaborated with other industry organizations to help write quality standards.

She is currently the Chair of the API Subcommittee SC20J task group, that has 70

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drafted the Qualification of Distributors of Metallic Materials for Use in the Petroleum and Natural Gas Industries. In 2007 she started Westbourne Environmental Services, L.L.C., providing clients with solutions to environmental and quality management system needs. Desiree often describes her career as, “…interesting and rewarding.”

Because Desiree has a passion to close the gender gap for women working in the field of science, she founded Girls Enjoying Life Science, Inc. (GELS). GELS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the mission to motivate and provide academic support for girls between the ages of 13-19. The purpose is to encourage them to further their education and pursue careers in the fields of science, technology, and engineering. Desiree believes that by allowing girls to learn science through fun,

hands-on activities, she can expose them to women who hold interesting careers in these fields. By bringing in these professionals, she believes these young ladies will consider a career in science-related fields.

Desiree Burnley Owner Tutti Frutti – Sugar Land 1513 Hwy 6, Suite 110 Sugar Land, Texas 77478 832-987-4424 burnledd@sbcglobal.net www.tfyogurt.com

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David L. Edwards 2017 SUPER P&E

both commercial and personal lines in Texas. UNIA has consistently been a premiere financial and insurance services agency throughout the Greater Houston area, as well as Texas for over 31 years.

UNIA continues to provide services to many individuals, businesses, and nonprofit organizations, including churches throughout the State of Texas.

To work in areas other than insurance, Mr. Edwards also founded and is principle manager of Access Development and Consulting, LLC. As a continuation of his commitment to community service and education, he also is the Founder of the Texas Prostate Cancer Coalition, which offers much needed information about early detection and prevention of prostate cancer within minority communities.

One of his passionate commitments has been his tireless service for over 18 years as a founding Board Member of the Midtown Redevelopment Authority (MRA), where he previously served as Vice Chairman, while focusing on urban redevelopment and revitalization in the Midtown community.

In 2003, former Mayor Lee P. Brown proclaimed David L. Edwards Day in the City of Houston, honoring him for his outstanding commitment of public service to the Houston community, as well as his achievements and accomplishments.

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aving come from a lineage of family members who have a community spirit and who are pioneers with an entrepreneurial spirit as well, David L. Edwards has successfully carried on the Edwards legacy. He has remained committed as a successful business owner, focusing on the financial services industry. Mr. Edwards also continues to give back to the community by initiating and being involved with several community outreach programs and organizations.

Mr. Edwards is a native Houstonian, hav72

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David L. Edwards Founder & Owner

ing been a proud product of the Houston public school system. He is a business accounting graduate of the University of Houston, and he has excelled in his career as a Systems Financial Planner. Following his career in corporate America, Mr. Edwards continued in his family’s footsteps and became an entrepreneur, specializing and providing financial services.

United National Insurance Agency 2201 Caroline Street Houston, Texas 77002 713-655-0335/844-595-3313 davidledwards123@gmail.com dedwards@united-insurance.com www.UNIAInsurance.com

In 1981, he became the Founder and CEO of the United National Insurance Agency (UNIA), which is one of the first African-American independently owned, full-service insurance agencies providing

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Janette Hammond 2017 SUPER P&E

Janette Hammond Program Manager, Corporate Community Relations CenterPoint Energy 1111 Louisiana St., CNP-T 3331A Houston, Texas 77002 713-207-3501 janette.hammond@centerpointenergy.com

J

anette Hammond began her career as an employee of HL&P under Houston Industries in 1985 as a receptionist in Information Systems.

She transferred to the Marketing Department in 1991 as an Administrative Technologist. While in Marketing, her responsibilities were working with the Good Cents Homes, the A/C rebate program and inspections. Janette transferred to Community Relations in 1996 as a Community Relations Representative with the responsibility of overseeing the Senior Weatherization Program. She was later promoted to a Program Manager where she gained more responsibility in overseeing programs such as, Take Your Child to Work Day, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Career and Education Program and working with various nonprofit organizations.

Janette is currently a Program Manager, overseeing programs in Diversity Outreach such as UNCF Walk for Education, Spring Break Job Shadowing Day, Back to 74

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School Supply Distribution, and Motown and More “Dancin’ in the Street.” She provides support and leadership to various nonprofits organizations in the Houston community such as, Change Happens, Houston Area Urban League, Julia C. Hester House, North Houston Frontiers Inc., Shape Community Center, Brazosport Chamber of Commerce, Fifth Ward Enrichment and Phyllis Wheatley Foundation. She also oversees the Career and Education presentations for Education Outreach. She serves on several committees with these organizations. Janette also mentors a first grader through Houston ISD’s TutorMate.

She plays an intricate part in brand awareness for the company with her involvement with the nonprofit organizations. This allows her to network with community leaders and attend several evening and weekend events which she helps to coordinate.

Through her outreach efforts, CenterPoint Energy has been recognized with

awards from various nonprofits such as the Houston Area Urban League, (Quentin Mease Award) and Change Happens, (Corporate Community Service Award).

Personal awards received are MWBE Team Supporter and Motown Community involvement Award. She received the 2016 UNCF Champion Award.

She received a certificate in Corporate Community Involvement from Boston College in December, 2006 and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Radio Television & Film (Mass Communications) from Sam Houston State University in May 1984.

When not working on CenterPoint Energy events, Janette enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She is an active member of her church where she loves singing in the choir and volunteering with their youth department.

Her volunteering includes Girl and Boy Scouts, PTO, Elkins Elite Booster Club Vice President and VIPS. She is currently a mentor and former board member of the Girls Rites of Passage.

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d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs

Providing

Tre Line Mechanic Houston, Texas

with Safe, Reliable Energy Because you are at the center of everything we do.

Every day, the men and women of CenterPoint Energy help communities stay up and running by keeping the electric supply operating safely and efficiently.

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For more information, log on to CenterPointEnergy.com.

Over a Century of Trusted Service ©2017 CenterPoint Energy 174167

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Tyrone C. Moncriffe 2017 SUPER P&E

• Certified Specialist Capital Murder – 1st Chair Harris County Lecturer / Faculty: • Huntsville, Texas Seminar – Trial Advocacy • Death Penalty – Demonstrative Evidence – 2002 • Center for American and International Law – 2004 - 2013 • State Bar of Texas – Speaker – 2008, 2012 & 2013 • Voir Dire Seminar – 2009 & 2011 • Rusty Duncan Seminar – 2009, 2010 & 2011 Final Arguments TCDLA • Indigent Defense – Voir Dire • Advance Criminal Lawyers Lectures – Persuasion of a Story – 2008, 2011 & 2012 • University of Houston – Power of the Story – 2000 - 2013 • Criminal Defense Lawyers Project • Louisiana Defense Lawyers Assoc. – Power of the Story – 2009 • Travis County Criminal Lawyers Association - Austin, Texas – Storytelling – 2009 Tyrone C. Moncriffe Attorney At Law

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yrone C. Moncirffe is Board Certified in Criminal Law. He is certified first chair in Death Penalty cases in Harris County, Texas. Moncriffe is Board Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. He is a faculty member of the Criminal Law Institute. He graduated from Texas Southern University Magna Cum Laude and Thurgood Marshall School of Law in 1982.

He has been in private practice since 1983 and handles criminal cases. He is 76

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Law Office of Tyrone Moncriffe & Associates 1314 Texas Ave., Ste. 1112 Houston, TX 77002 713.224.6628 www.attytyronemoncriffe.com

an active faculty member of the Trial Advocacy Institute in which he assists with training members in various trial tactics such as Voir Dire, direct/cross examination and the psychology of stories as they relate to trials.

• Voted Top Lawyer for the People in H Texas Magazine - 2005 • One of the Best Lawyers in Houston in H Texas Magazine – 2008 – 2013 • Selected as Texas Super Lawyer – 2006 – 2017 • NACDL – Storytelling and the Art of Persuasion – 2010 & 2011 • Voted One of the Best Speaker by the National Criminal Defense Lawyers Association – 2010 & 2011 • Voted Top 100 Trial Lawyers by The National Trial Lawyers Association – 2012 Criminal Law

Moncirffe is an active member of many His parents Richard and Lois Moncriffe professional associations and a past Di- always told him to “never give up on your rector of Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers dreams.”

Association. He is a Board member of the National Criminal Lawyers Association.

NATIONAL BOARD OF TRIAL ADVOCACY • Criminal Law Specialist – 1998

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Dr. Shirley Rose-Gilliam 2017 SUPER P&E

vision and dream in her, she shares that same passion for bringing students up to their fullest potential to achieve greatness. Dr. Rose-Gilliam is a long-time Houston area resident and a 27-year veteran educator and administrator with a proven track record for turning around struggling schools and knows the uphill battles that some schools face when not in more affluent areas. For 25 years she serviced Fort Bend Independent School District, where she spent 10 years as a high school teacher and another 15 years as a campus administrator. While in Fort Bend, she was tapped by the superintendent to lead the turnaround effort at Thurgood Marshall High School, a campus that successfully emerged from an academically unacceptable rating during her tenure. She also served as principal at George Bush High School and Christa McAuliffe Middle School, both in Fort Bend ISD. Dr. Rose-Gilliam knows that some African-American and Hispanic children may come from tough backgrounds, but that has nothing to do with their ability to learn and achieve. She feels it is her duty, along with other teachers and educators, to serve them and be consistent in showing them how to learn, instill a positive dream in their hearts and lead them towards success.

D

r.

Shirley Rose-Gilliam understands the meaning of growing up in tough, challenged and disadvantaged settings with very few opportunities.

Her experiences as a child have been both a catalyst for changing her situation and today motivates her to answer the special “calling” to make a difference in the lives of youth. That calling has brought her to Phillis Wheatley High School, in HISD, where she takes over reigns as principal at a school that has struggled with principal turnover and 78

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Dr. Rose-Gilliam holds a Bachelor of Science from University of Houston, a Master of Education from University of HoustonVictoria, and a Doctorate of Education from Texas A&M University. Her motto, “Believe in the Possibilities!” has followed her from campus to campus and now disimage issues in recent years. Dr. Rose- trict to district. Her purpose in life is to be Gilliam believes that God instilled in her a blessing to others. to be a servant-leader and that she was lead to Wheatley High School to make a Dr. Shirley Rose-Gilliam Principal difference in the lives of students and make things better. She has a history Wheatley High School of turning problem schools around and 4801 Providence Street working to improve and restore a positive Houston, Texas 77020 713-671-3900 tone in the school and communities www.houstonisd.org/wheatley surrounding her schools.

Pulling from her personal experience of having one school and one teacher making a difference in her life by instilling a

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Shanedria M. Wagner, M.Ed. 2017 SUPER P&E

In 1998, Mrs. Wagner began offering language courses and educational seminars through her business, Comuniquemos, Inc. She teaches her clients a wide range of linguistic skills including reading, writing, speaking, and problem solving skills, all while keeping the fun in learning. Over the years, Mrs. Wagner has provided services to many public schools, private schools, and professional organizations.

Her experiences and life lessons led her to write her first motivational book in 2014 titled “The BALLER Handbook,” where she shares many stories, life strategies, and poetry.

As a national consultant, Mrs. Wagner has devoted the past eighteen years to tailoring presentations to meet the needs of her diverse client list. She presents a variety of workshops ranging from techniques for second language acquisition to innovative strategies for reading, math, grammar, and writing instruction. Her audiences have comprised of children, administrators, school board members, parents, politicians, and instructors in twenty-five states. She has been hired as a presenter, translator, lecturer, panelist, keynoter, test-writer, and motivational speaker.

Shanedria M. Wagner, M.Ed. Owner

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graduate of Texas A&M University, Shanedria M. Wagner earned a Bachelor’s degree in French and a second degree in Speech Communication. She went on to earn her Master’s degree in Bilingual Education from the University of Houston. Her studies also include superior-level French courses at the University of Caen in Normandy, France. She is a linguist who speaks, reads, and writes in French and in Spanish.

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Comuniquemos, Inc. 832-594-9439 shanwag@shanwag.com www.shanwag.info www.spanishetc.com www.shanwag.com

While teaching in the Alief and Houston Independent School Districts, she served as a foreign language/speech communication teacher at the secondary level and as an elementary bilingual instructor. A highlight of her career was teaching at her alma mater, Mac Arthur Elementary School. Mrs. Wagner has also taught ESL courses and citizenship classes.

Her enormously effective teaching techniques and compassion for her pupils have earned her three Teacher-of-theYear Awards.

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Marguerite Williams 2017 SUPER P&E

zation during a significant transition.

ESCH’s service delivery driven by its mission of helping nonprofits excel resulted in training delivered to over 100 organizations and completion of over 100 projects for 75+ of Houston’s nonprofits.

Prior board service includes: Career and Recovery Resources and Initiatives for Children (now Collaborative for Children).

Marguerite is a sustaining member of The Junior League of Houston. Seminary trained, she has served in children’s, discipleship and women’s ministry for over twenty years.

Marguerite is motivated by her faith to make a positive difference in the lives of others. She finds it rewarding to help others achieve their goals. Marguerite’s experience as diversity consultant exposed her to mentoring as a career development tool. It has been her privilege to assist colleagues with career transition through coaching, introductions, and referrals.

Marguerite earned BBA and MBA degrees from the University of Houston-Downtown and LeTourneau University, respectively.

She is a formal commercial bank credit training program graduate.

A

s a relationship manager, Marguerite serves organizations, including churches, commercial/industrial, healthcare, and service companies. As a firm believer of revenue growth and job creation in the community, Marguerite works diligently to assist local businesses with growth and expansion.

Marguerite is considered a trusted advisor. She proactively partners with clients, helping her fully understand their businesses and enabling her to provide world class service and solutions. She is an economic development advocate and 82

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Marguerite is a leadership program graduate of Project Blueprint, Leadership Houston, The Center for Houston’s Future and Wells Fargo Bank’s UCLA Black/ African American Leaders Program.

Leadership Awards include: YMCA’s Minority Achiever and American Women in Computing-Top Women in Technology Leadership. Marguerite is married to Dr. has had the opportunity to present to the Troy Williams, Sr., Pastor and Toasters Greater Houston Black Chamber, Hou- Houston Entrepreneur. ston Area Urban League, Houston Community College, Presentation Power, and Marguerite Williams Senior Business Relationship Manager Walker’s Legacy.

Active in the community, Marguerite seeks to impact social services. Marguerite serves on the boards of American Red Cross - Houston Chapter and Executive Service Corps of Houston (ESCH) as Trustee Emeritus. ESCH is a capacity building nonprofit with 75 consultants that include retired corporate executives with management expertise. As ESCH’s board chair, Marguerite led the organi-

Vice President

Wells Fargo Bank 3660 Hampton Drive Missouri City, Texas 77459 281-208-6228 marguerite.williams@wellsfargo.com

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Kelvin Beatty 2017 TOP P&E

K

elvin Beatty was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. After attending Washtenaw Community College to pursue an Associate degree, he went immediately to work in the automotive industry.

In the automotive field, Kelvin worked his way up by starting his automotive career as a mechanic. He would then go on to various positions including Service Advisor, Mechanical Claims Adjuster, Service Manager, and Store Manager. He has worked for some of the largest automotive companies including Buick, Chevrolet, and Midas, where he held professional progressive leadership positions.

Though Kelvin was successful in the automotive industry, real estate is his passion. He started his real estate career with Century 21, moving on with Keller Williams and Coldwell Banker.

Kelvin has now transitioned into commercial real estate and works for the Guess Group, Inc. Kelvin’s memberships include: • National Association of Real Estate Brokers • Houston Black Real Estate Association • Texas Association of Realtors • National Association of Realtors • Vice Chair of the Houston Black Real Estate Lunch and Learn Committee Through his commercial real estate career, Kelvin plans to continue to take his professional and entrepreneur efforts to the next level.

Kelvin worships at The Community of Faith Church under Bishop James

W.E. Dixon, II. It is through his church that Kelvin is active in the community, working in their Community in Action and Prison ministries. Kelvin is married to Dr. Kimberly Beatty and they have 3 sons and 5 grandsons.

Kelvin Beatty Realtor Guess Group, Inc. 713-240-9130 kelvin@guessgroup.net

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Bobby Bryant 2017 TOP P&E

fail. As an IBM Watson Ecosystem Partner, Bryant’s objective is to evolve the way the world searches for and services every home in America.

DOSS is accurate, easy, and instant.

DOSS pulls data from the most reliable sources around the country. Bryant understands that getting information shouldn’t be difficult. Like Amazon’s Echo (Alexa) or Apple’s Siri, but exclusively for the real estate industry, simply use your voice to ask any question about any property and get answers 24/7.

The mission of DOSS is to interconnect the home servicing and real estate industry into a single superior search portal that gives consumers the best user experience, help REALTORS® and service providers consolidate their support services, reduce their cost, make more money, and spend less time doing it.

Bryant was a Mortgage Banker/Broker of his own Mortgage Company and was a Mortgage Branch Manager for Countrywide and Bank of America. He also owned a Texas proprietary real estate school, the Spencer School of Real Estate that licensed both loan officers and REALTORS® in Texas.

Bryant has covered all of the bases with DOSS. If you need a plumber, electrician, or any other type of home service, you can simply ask DOSS. Like Uber, but for home repair, DOSS has service providers that can be at a customer’s home in minutes estate specific for buyers and sellers. He to provide a fair quote. Bryant has made has sold thousands of books to educate this program user friendly and with no consumers on the best practices when hassles, allowing the customer to select the best professional and receive quality purchasing real estate. service and competitive pricing.

A trained professional speaker through Houston’s Pro-Track, Bryant was a member of the National Speakers Association Bryant has two beautiful kids, (NSA). He has spoken at numerous real Jade (19-years-old) and Trey Bryant estate events, seminars, and trainings to (22-years-old). help REALTORS® strengthen their skillset to increase productivity and their bot- Bobby Bryant tom line. Out of 1.2 million REALTORS® CEO & Founder in the country, Bryant was one of 70 real DOSS estate experts personally interviewed 713-320-8784 and noted in the D.A.N.G.E.R. REPORT www.AskDoss.com that was commissioned by the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

He co-authored an Amazon best-seller with Brian Tracey called “The Ultimate Success Guide” and received a prestigious Best-Sellers Quill Award from the National Academy of Best-Selling Authors. In addition, Bryant currently has two more books actively on Amazon that are real

Bryant is the Founder and CEO of DOSS, a technology company. A voice-activated digital real estate personal assistant, DOSS is an artificial intelligence tool that empowers users to ask any question about property in the country to get accurate, easy, and instant answers without

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riginally from Mobile, Alabama, Bobby Bryant has lived in Houston since 2001.

He has two (2) Master’s degrees in Education and has taught in the public school systems of both Alabama and Texas as a Vocational Coordinator for children with special needs.

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Dominique D. Calhoun, J.D. 2017 TOP P&E

western State University (“MSU”) located in Wichita Falls, Texas, where he earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration.

As a student, Calhoun was actively engaged in leadership roles at both institutions. At MSU, Calhoun was honored to have been elected as President of the Student Government Association. As a law student, Calhoun was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott as the Student Regent for Texas Southern University, elected as the President of the Student Bar Association for Thurgood Marshall School of Law, named National Chairman of the Law Student Division of the National Bar Association, and selected as an Associate Editor of the Thurgood Marshall Law Review. In addition, he graduated with honors--magna cum laude—in his law school class.

Over his professional career, Calhoun has served as a thought leader in student affairs, founder of a construction company, and excelled as a development officer for a nonprofit organization.

Dominique D. Calhoun, J.D. Director of Government and Community Relations

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ominique D. Calhoun serves as the Director of Government and Community Relations for Texas Southern University.

As an executive at the institution, Calhoun develops and implements the university’s local, state, and national legislative and advocacy efforts, while working to strengthen the universities relationships with various elected officials, chambers of commerce, and nonprofit entities.

Prior to joining TSU, Calhoun served as a staff member for Senator Borris L. Miles and Mayor Sylvester Turner—during his tenure as a member of the House of Representatives.

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Dedicated to improving the lives of all Texans and citizens throughout the country, Calhoun has contributed his legal knowledge as a board member to assist a number of nonprofit entities, including Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., 4B Sales Tax Corporation of Wichita Falls, My Brother’s Keeper, Constitutional Rights Center of Texas, Emerging 100 Black Men of Houston Metropolitan, American Bar Association, and Houston Young Lawyers Association. In recognition of his past contributions, he was named to the inaugural class of Wichita Falls’s 20 Under 40.

Texas Southern University 3100 Cleburne Street Houston, Texas 77004 713-313-7640 dominique.calhoun@tsu.edu www.tsu.edu/government-relations

Calhoun is a graduate of Thurgood Marshall School of Law located in Houston, Texas, and a two-time graduate of Mid-

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Anthony Colbert 2017 TOP P&E

sion is to empower and fully equip individuals with the tools they need to start and maintain a business. The company uses their expertise to encourage clients to make decisions that expedite their longterm goals. “Spectrum” represents not only the array of clientele with different backgrounds, but it also symbolizes the extent of services provided to others. The company has expanded from tax strategy for business owners to consulting, business development and much more.

Anthony became founder and CEO of Kingston Realty Group in 2011. Alongside his usual business endeavors, he has over a decade of experience in making dreams a reality for prospective home and business owners. He has been motivated to not only service individuals but anticipate their needs as well. Anthony possesses the astonishing ability to make the dreams of individuals attainable while using the collection of expertise amongst himself and his team to support their decisions.

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nthony Colbert is the CEO of Spectrum Financial Group.

He was born in Houston and raised alongside his younger brother by his father, Anthony Colbert, Sr., C.P.A, who wore responsibility like a tailored garment. Anthony Jr. watched his dad persevere through many circumstances to build the brand that still thrives today. Spectrum Financial Group has been in business since 1988.

A proud Texas Southern University graduate, Anthony started his personal journey in entrepreneurship when he and his business partner, Charles Thigpen, 92

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started a cellphone distribution company in 1999. The company helped organizations bridge gaps in communication to enhance their services wherever needed.

His experience in creating a successful business built a foundation for him to advocate to business owners as well as up and coming entrepreneurs. It was in 2003 that himself and his business partner Charles made the decision to involve themselves with expanding the legacy his father started. As of 2015, he became CEO with the passing of his father, Anthony Colbert, Sr. Spectrum Financial Group’s current mis-

Anthony believes in being practical, diligent, and competent. He is a member and past President of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. Following the steps of his father, Anthony became a part of the Alpha Phi Alpha in hopes to push the mission to develop more leaders and provide service and advocacy to the community. Spectrum Financial Group hosts a toy drive annually to provide smiles to hundreds of kids per year. Anthony is also a part of Xeleed, an education and economic development foundation in which he helps award students with scholarships and gifts that promote success.

As he empowers others to achieve their dreams, it’s Anthony Colbert’s ambition to spread the reminder to lift others up as we aim for new heights.

Anthony Colbert President & Owner Spectrum Financial Group 6420 Richmond Ave., Suite 210 Houston, Texas 77057 713-954-9522

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Alonza Edison 2017 TOP P&E

Alonza realizes that she is in a male dominated industry. However, she continues to persevere and establish herself as a leading certified minority contractor in the State of Texas. Alonza possesses qualities that help her stand out from the competition. Brokers Grass Houston is one of the most experienced and respected grass/sod companies in the State of Texas.

Brokers Grass Houston provides quality landscape installation and complete maintenance management services.

The company believes in customer satisfaction and the quality of service is accomplished by a hard working dispatch team, sales team, and management team all working together to satisfy the customer. ETS Trucking also gives Alonza and her team the opportunity to provide other companies with dependable, timely freight delivery or pick up. Whether the customer is looking for sod for a patch area or an entire lawn, Brokers Grass Houston has several types of sod grass available for the customer to choose from.

The services include: design and lawn maintenance, drain systems, sodding, reseeding, planting, irrigation and edging services. The main purpose is to provide all of their customers with premium sod, exquisite customer service and ultimately, a beautiful sustainable lawn.

As one of the few Black women in the grass/sod business, Alonza is determined to succeed by providing a quality product, experience, and outstanding service with the motto, “Look No Farther.�

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lonza Edison is a native Houstonian and one of the few Black women in the grass/ sod industry. She started her business in 2014, but spent all of her life following in the footsteps of her father Mr. Robert Edison. Mr. Edison spent over 40 years in the grass/sod business and taught Alonza everything she needed to know. He later moved 94

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the business from Houston to Carrollton, Texas. In 2014 Alonza launched Edison Grass DBA Brokers Grass Houston. The goal is to service every homeowner with aspirations of complimenting their home with beautiful sod, as well as landscapers and contractors needing sod, whether it is a piece for patchwork or pallets for a field.

The company has grown into servicing both residential and commercial.

Alonza Edison Owner Brokers Grass Houston 15205 Main Street Houston, Texas 77035 281-499-7545 brokersgrasshouston@yahoo.com www.brokersgrasshouston.com

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Eric Finley 2017 TOP P&E

access control, home theater systems, home automation, and audio systems.

Residential clients contact Finley Enterprises for an experienced custom audio/ video consultant to design technology solutions, making it easier to enjoy music and video in their home. Commercial clients depend on Finley’s audio/video expertise to simplify control of their boardrooms, conference, and training rooms.

When places of worship want to improve the quality of their services, they contact Finley to design and install acoustic, video, and sound solutions. Clients may also request digital signage, which allows content to be conveniently and frequently refreshed through user interfaces such as: touch screens, detection of movement, and image capture. Finley Enterprises can custom design, install, and support virtually any digital signage solution specifically tailored for any business or organization.

Finley Enterprises believes that its clients are the foundation of the business, and that the company’s major asset is the ability to serve those clients well.

When Finley isn’t working, he is enjoying his three children: Bria (Baylor Bear), Eris, and Eric.

Eric Finley Founder & Owner Finley Enterprises 7322 SW Frwy., Suite 1100 Houston, Texas 77074 713-524-1151/832-655-6837 finleyenterprisesada@gmail.com www.finleyenterprise.com

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ric Finley is an industry expert with more than 18 years of successful experience in applying the industry’s most advanced audio/visual technologies and security products. Finley translates this expertise into value for his clients by providing custom-integrated systems.

Finley began his career in Loss Prevention 96

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Security Management at Target Stores as an intern while pursuing a Criminal Justice degree at Texas Southern University.

In 1999, Finley founded Finley Enterprises, a premier source of custom design & installation of integrated audio/video & security products. Today, Finley Enterprises offers services such as: data & voice cabling, networking & phone systems, surveillance cameras, alarm systems,

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Steven Hadley, AC, PMP 2017 TOP P&E

Science in Construction Management in 2012. As a UH Alumnus, Steven continues to give back by mentoring CM students, and guest lecturing in construction courses.

During his course of study at UH, Steven was recruited by Koasati Construction Management as an Assistant Project Manager. After demonstrating a knack for managing projects with poise and expertise beyond his years, and strength in leadership, Steven was quickly promoted to position of the Director of Program Management. While in this position, Steven was offered an opportunity to start his own construction firm, Construction Diversity Group, LLC (CDG).

CDG is a minority-owned self-performing general contracting firm based in Houston, TX. CDG has a reputation of outstanding customer service, and high quality self-performing work. Since it’s creation in late 2015, CDG has grown to 56 full-time employees and successfully completed over $12M in completed contracts.

Steven is certified as an Associate Constructor by the American Institute of Constructors, and is certified as a Project Management Professional from the Project Management Institute. He is also the President of the Emerging 100 Black Men of Metropolitan Houston.

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riginally from Miami, Florida, Steven now calls Kingwood, Texas, home. He spent his early adult years serving our country in the U.S. Air Force. It was while he was serving that he met his wife of 11 years, Jessica, and discovered his passion for construction management.

Steven spent his time in the Air Force as a member of the Honor Guard, and the Civil Engineering career field. As a member of the Honor Guard Steven conducted over 400 military funeral 98

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services to honor fallen service members, distinguished himself as the Airman of the Quarter on 3 occasions, and Airman of Year. After his years of service, Steven pursued a degree in Construction Management at the University of Houston. As a UH student, he was a member of the Association of Builders and Contractors (ABC), the Association of General Contractors (AGC), and served as the Vice President of the Construction Management Honor Society (Sigma Lambda Chi). Steven continues to support the ABC after he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of

Steven is currently enrolled in a Real Estate Development certification program and in the future, plans to earn his Executive MBA from Rice University.

Steven and Jessica have two daughters.

As a family they enjoy playing golf, live theater, and attending the many family events Kingwood has to offer.

Steven Hadley, AC, PMP President Construction Diversity Group, LLC 15311 West Vantage Pkwy.

Suite 305 Houston, Texas 77032 281-677-4646 shadley@cdgroup.us www.constructiondiversitygroup.com

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Damion C. Hughes 2017 TOP P&E

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amion C. Hughes serves as the President of AmeriFirst Home Loans, LLC. In this role, he is responsible for the company’s leadership, strategy, and business management. Mr. Hughes has extensive knowledge of the mortgage process and is an expert in the field of mortgage banking.

Mr. Hughes has over 16 years of mortgage banking experience. With experience comes insight, and the understanding that every client is different and every situation unique. This acumen, along with his unwavering commitment to providing the highest level of financial advice, has positioned AmeriFirst Home Loans, LLC as a premier full-service mortgage company.

To date, Mr. Hughes has been responsible for over $250,000,000.00 in loan originations. Prior to his leadership position with Amerifirst, he served in management with Wells Fargo Home Mortgage and served on the faculty of Houston Baptist University’s Mathematics Department.

He is a member of the National Association of Mortgage Professionals, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, and a board member of the Greater Houston Association of Mortgage Professionals. Mr. Hughes earned his Master of Science in Mathematics from Prairie View A&M University and his Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Kentucky State University.

He also holds a mortgage license through the Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending.

When Mr. Hughes is not working, he enjoys exercising and traveling.

Damion C. Hughes President AmeriFirst Home Loans, LLC 5847 San Felipe, 17th Floor Houston, Texas 77057 713-821-1665 dhughes@amerifirsthomeloans.com www.amerifirsthomeloans.com

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Brandy Jackson 2017 TOP P&E

goals, winning several awards, including “The Circle of Champions,” one of the highest agency awards with Allstate.

Brandy has also been recognized as being one of the few African-American women who own their own Allstate Insurance Agency.

Brandy understands the responsibilities and challenges of business ownership and adds special expertise and capabilities to serve existing clients and engage new clients professionally and accurately.

Currently, Brandy holds the Texas Property & Casualty, Texas Life & Health and Retirement Services Insurance Licenses.

As a creative critical thinker committed to customer service, her primary goal is to provide clients with accessible expertise and an honest, thoughtful, problem-solving approach to insurance. Being able to offer customers options for a wide variety of coverage and services is what Brandy likes most about her profession. She helps people every step of the way when making the decision of purchasing insurance. Her business motto is “No hype.

No fluff. Straight forward and honest to build satisfied customers.”

Brandy enjoys being a part of the community and building local relationships. She promises to give her customers 100% commitment. Brandy is committed to providing her customers with the highest level of personal service, not only for today...but for a lifetime.

Brandy Jackson Agent & Owner

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randy Jackson is considered one of the most well-respected insurance agents in Houston and the surrounding areas. As an exclusive agent and owner of The Brandy Jackson Agency with Allstate Insurance, Brandy is committed to helping Houston residents assess their immediate and long-term needs and choose options that will help them achieve their goals.

Brandy is a Texas native, born in Hou102

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ston, where she attended Texas Southern University. She is also a graduate of the University of Phoenix. Brandy has over 5 years of experience in the insurance industry and more than 15 years of indirect experience. Her agency is one of the most rapidly growing and successful full service agencies in her market.

The Brandy Jackson Agency Allstate Insurance 1414 S Loop W, Suite #140 Houston, Texas 77054-3826 713-467-3482 brandy.jackson@allstate.com https://agents.allstate.com/brandy-jackson-houston-tx.html

The Brandy Jackson Agency opened its doors in 2016 and has already received recognition. Brandy has exceeded her

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The Brandy Jackson Agency

Home - Auto - Life - Retirement

1414 s loop west Suite 140 Houston,Texas 77054 Office 713-467-3482

Brandy Jackson Agency owner

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Myrtle Zachary Jackson 2017 TOP P&E

come instant regulars. Not Jus’ Donuts Bakery has a large customer base from all over Houston and the surrounding areas. Myrtle continues to work diligently so Not Jus’ Donuts Bakery becomes a household name.

The Not Jus’ Donuts Bakery honors include but are not limited to: • 2017 Houston’s KHOU Best Bakery • 2017 Houston’s Best Wedding Cake Baker • 2015 Family Business Achievement Award • 2015 Houston’ Best Bakery Ranked 3rd • 2014 Houston’s Best Bakery Ranked 4th • 2012 Houston’s Best Bakery Ranked 5th • 2011 KPRC Houston’s Best Bakery Ranked 2nd • 2010 Houston’s 6th Best Bakery • Featured on “Great Day Houston” with Deborah Duncan in 2014 and 2015 • Featured on Fox News • Featured on Channel 13 vFeatured on TLC’s “Buddy’s Bakery Rescue” in 2014

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yrtle Zachary Jackson started Not Jus’ Donuts Bakery along with her daughters in 2000 as a single unit retail bakery located in the historic Third Ward area on Dowling Street. Myrtle was and still is committed to providing high quality baked goods for all occasions including wedding cakes and the like. Coming from a family of great bakers and cooks, baking was in her DNA. Myrtle developed a passion for creating heavenly desserts.

Many of her desserts are made from old 104

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family recipes that have been passed down, with some being over 160 years old. Not Jus’ Donuts Bakery is Myrtle’s way of sharing with the world the sweet goodness she encountered growing up.

Myrtle and her girls have operated Not Jus’ Donuts Bakery successfully for over 16 years. Though owning a business has its share of challenges, this mother and daughter team keeps hedging forward.

Not Jus’ Donuts Bakery has become the cornerstone of the community, creating a neighborhood atmosphere where customers feel comfortable and have be-

Myrtle Zachary Jackson Owner Not Jus’ Donuts Bakery 2020 Dowling Street Houston, Texas 77003 713-951-9211 www.notjusdonuts.net

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Dallas S. Jones 2017 TOP P&E

the public affairs efforts for the company throughout a 12 state Western Region.

Mr. Jones has been the recipient of numerous awards. In 2010, the NAACP at the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Summit named Mr. Jones as one of the 40 Power Leaders Under 40 in the country. In 2011, Houston Business Journal named Mr. Jones as one of the 40 Young Business Leaders Under 40 in Houston. Adding to his accomplishments, Mr. Jones was named 2012 Child Advocate of the Year by the Houston Area Association for the Education of Young Children (HAAEYC).

Mr. Jones, an alumnus of Sam Houston State University, has traveled the country as a national speaker and trainer. He is also a well-known commentator on television and radio; regularly appearing on Houston’s ABC and FOX affiliate channels.

His works have been published in a number of publications across the country around the areas of African-American Engagement, Economic Development, and Education Reform.

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allas S. Jones is the President and CEO of ELITE Change, Inc. Since 2006, ELITE Change has grown to be a nationally and internationally recognized firm in the areas of Public Affairs, Strategic Communications, and Business Development. The organization boasts clients on the international, national, state and local levels with offices in Houston, Washington D.C., Dallas, Jackson, and Baton Rouge. In 2014, ELITE Change, Inc. was recognized with the prestigious Pinnacle Award from the Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce.

Prior to forming ELITE Change, Mr. Jones worked on every level of government including Special Assistant to U. S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, and for 106

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Texas State Representative Garnet Coleman as a policy analyst and later District Director. He also served as District Director for Texas State Senator Rodney Ellis.

After leaving the public sector, Mr. Jones joined the national staff of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), where he served as a Regional Youth Field Director for the Southwestern Region covering the states of Texas, New Mexico, Arkansas, and Louisiana. Mr. Jones later served as National Youth Outreach Director for the NAACP National Voter Fund, focusing on increasing the registration and turn out of African-Americans throughout the United States during the 2008 Presidential Election. In the corporate sector, he was named Deputy Director of Public Affairs for AT&T, where he was responsible for

Mr. Jones is very active in the community where he serves as First Vice President of the Houston Chapter - NAACP, ViceChair of the Fourth Ward Redevelopment Authority, and is a Commissioner of the Houston Land Assemblage and Redevelopment Authority. He is a member of the American Association of Political Consultants, Malachi Masonic Lodge #6 AF&AM, The 100 Black Men of Metropolitan Houston, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. He is a graduate of Leadership Houston Class XXX and the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University Global Emerging Leaders Program. He resides in Houston, TX, with his wife, Angela and daughter, ZoĂŤ.

Dallas S. Jones President & CEO ELITE Change, Inc. Principal Office 315 W. Alabama, Suite 103 Houston, Texas 77006 832-426-4776

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Dr. Terry T. Kidd

2017 TOP P&E

erving as the Dean of the School of Continuing and Professional Education at Houston Community College, Dr. Terry T. Kidd is devoted to making a difference. He is a native of Houston, TX and has over 15 years of experience in education, both public and higher education. Dr. Kidd began his career in municipal government with the City of Houston Health and Human Services Department, Bureau of Information Systems. He soon transitioned to public schools in the Houston Independent School District, where he held positions as Teacher, Coordinator of Campus Programs, Technology Project Supervisor, and district level Curriculum Specialist.

During his career at Houston Community College, Dr. Kidd has held positions such as Professor of Computer Information Systems, Grant Project Manager, System Coordinator of Curriculum & Assessment for Workforce, Associate Dean of Workforce Development, and Dean of the Division of Extended Learning.

Dr. Kidd has an extensive background in program development, grant writing, workforce development, training and organizational development, data analytics, curriculum management, research and college teaching. He has worked with and chaired district wide committees for workforce development, strategic planning, intellectual property, faculty development, accreditation, and research. Under his leadership, Dr. Kidd has developed new business, industry and community partnerships; facilitated the development and implementation of new workforce programs that respond to the needs of industry including programs in Maritime Logistics, Computer Forensics, Corrosion Technology, ComTech Broadband Technology with Comcast, Line Worker with Centerpoint Energy, Mobile Crane and Rigging with International Bureau of Crane Operators; wrote and secured more than $10 million in state and federal funding to support workforce training goals. Dr. Kidd also expanded Apprenticeship programs into new areas including

drafting design engineering, manufacturing, port logistics, pharmacy tech with CVS and Computer Systems Administration with Chase.

Dr. Kidd’s community and professional affiliations are many. He is a member of Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce, the East End Chamber of Commerce, Emancipation Economic Development Council (EEDC), National Association of Workforce Development Professionals, National Council of Continuing Education and Training, the NAACP, the Houston Area Urban League, and the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated. Dr. Kidd was chosen as one of the honorees for the 2016 Houston Business Journal 40 Under 40 and is a recipient of the 2016 Outstanding Alumni Award from Texas A&M University.

Dr. Kidd has published over 15 research papers in scholarly journals and seven books related to technology management, social informatics, online learning,

and adult learning in the digital age.

Dr. Kidd holds bachelors and master’s degrees in Information Systems Technology from the University of Houston and a Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Education with specializations in Social Science Research Methods and Educational and Information Technology from the Texas A&M University. Dr. Kidd holds national certifications in change management, workforce development and is a State of Texas credentialed mediator.

Dr. Terry Kidd Dean Houston Community College School of Continuing and Professional Studies 3601 Fannin Street, Suite 115 Houston, Texas 77002 713-718-7500 terry.kidd@hccs.edu www.hccs.edu TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2017

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Jackie Lee

2017 TOP P&E

Since joining the team in October 2016, Jackie has developed relationships and demonstrated strategic networking acumen. During the short period of time Jackie has been with the company, the brand of Taylor Construction Management in the Dallas market has evolved drastically because of her tenacity, diligence and dedication to keeping the company notable on a global scale.

Jackie is a graduate of the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.

She has received numerous awards and acknowledgements throughout her career. Jackie shares her experience, skills and expertise as an industry leader by being a Mentor at Girls Incorporated of Metropolitan Dallas. Because of her caring attitude, she chooses to share her knowledge and experience to inspire young girls to be strong, smart and courageous.

Jackie believes that success depends primarily on the individual’s ability to make it happen.

Through managing the regional operations of global company, mentoring young ladies, and being involved in other professional activities, Jackie manages to find spare time where she enjoys reading, exercising, and taking immeasurable delight in spending time with her husband, niece and nephew.

Jackie Lee Regional Operations Manager

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riginally from Holly Grove, Arkansas, Jackie Lee has been a force in finance in the North Texas area, but recently repurposed her talents to work in a new industry. Having served more than 20 years in the finance (auto, mortgage) industry and with 10 plus years of management experience, Jackie decided to step out of her comfort zone to take on the role as the North Texas Regional Manager with Taylor 108

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Construction Management (TCM).

As the Regional Operations Manager, she oversees the growth and operations associated with TCM in the North Texas Market, including recruiting quality candidates, customer engagement, business development and strategic growth plan. Taylor Construction Management is a Houston-based business which oversees the budget, planning, construction and execution of high-profile community buildings such as schools and hospitals.

Taylor Construction Management North Texas Market 3102 Maple Avenue, Suite 400 Dallas Texas 75201 214-643-6061 jlee@tcm-llc.com www.tcm-llc.com

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d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs

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Jared L. Lofton, MBA 2017 TOP P&E

build wealth through real estate. He looks upon the growth economic situation in Houston as “bar none and if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere.”

His success in developing a business has led Lofton into a real estate practice with a specialization in Bellaire, Sugar Land, and Pearland. He also sells all types of residential properties in varying price ranges in any area throughout Greater Houston that suits his clients’ residential needs.

Lofton promotes his listings in advertising programs available through Lofton Realty and online. He informs listing clients that selling homes is his business and marketing them is his forte. In addition to marketing properties in advertisements, Lofton conducts public and realtor open houses, and attends networking events.

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he idea of being able to control his own destiny in business led Jared L. Lofton to a career as a Texas realtor, working on the sale of Houston’s residential properties with his company, Lofton Realty.

Originally from New Orleans, Lofton obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Finance from Southern University before moving to Houston to attend Texas Southern University, where he earned a Master of Business Administration degree.

Having started as a real estate investor in New Orleans, Lofton continued to invest in the purchase of residential properties after moving to Houston. Before graduat110

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Lofton embraces community endeavors.

He is committed to his involvement in the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring programs and feels his biggest accomplishment has been the establishment of the Lofton’s Foundation, which helps single mothers raising their children without the presence of fathers. He donates a portion of commission of every one of his sales toward the foundation.

Also, he serves on the Economic Developing, he began to refer to his desire of pur- ment Committees of the MBA Association suing a career as a realtor as “my passion and the Brookhollow Baptist Church. and calling in life,” even though many of his classmates were accepting corporate Jared L. Lofton, MBA Founder & Owner positions at high-level salaries.

“Real estate is what gives me the greatest joy, helping my clients find a home or sell their home to purchase a second home,” says Lofton. “I’ve worked at Merrill Lynch, Circuit City, and Southern University, and founded Lofton’s Enterprises, but nothing I have done has been more fulfilling than my real estate business.

And I believe real estate is the greatest investment anyone can make,” he says.

LOFTON Enterprises LOFTON Realty & LOVE Moving Co. 281-773-7904 Jared@LoftonRealty.com

Lofton believes education is the key to success, and conducts home-buying seminars based on teaching how to

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d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs

Deidre Mathis 2017 TOP P&E

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eidre Mathis is well-known as a budget world traveler, author, and public speaker.

She has traveled to 36 countries, 6 continents, and she has lived abroad in 3 of those countries. Her first book, Wanderlust: For the Young, Broke Professional has been supported in countries such as the U.A.E., China, and Australia. This acclaimed book has been featured twice in BLACK ENTERPRISE, and she has received recognition in USA TODAY as a Modern Woman. Other publications that have featured this book on a local and national level include Parlour Magazine, The Houston Chronicle, and Houstonia magazine.

Deidre is no stranger to television coverage, making appearances as the “go to” for travel advice and tips. She has graced the screens of Houston Life, Great Day Houston, First Coast Living, WBTV CBS, and other shows as a budget travel expert. Women’s travel conferences and colleges and universities have welcomed Deidre as an expert keynote speaker in the area of travel.

Deidre is excited about her latest project, the grand opening of her international hostel, Wanderlust Houston. This hostel will open in Houston, TX, this summer.

This hostel opening will make her a history maker, as she will be the first AfricanAmerican female U.S. hostel owner. Wanderlust Houston, a hostel/hotel hybrid will offer both private and shared accommodations. The hostel will be a safe, clean, budget-friendly accommodation option for travelers all over the world. She recently successfully completed a crowdfunding campaign where over 80 people came together to help her secure initial funding for this business endeavor. Deidre will employee up to 5 employees, and she will work with local colleges and universities to offer internships to students studying hospitality.

She recently won 2nd place at the Texas Black Expo $10,000 Elevator Pitch Competition. This 2nd place prize money of $1,500 will help Deidre grow her business, which will be a part of helping to stimulate the economic growth in Houston.

Deidre Mathis Owner Wanderlust Houston 713-543-8878 IG @WanderlustHoustonHostel deidre@wanderlusthouston.com wanderlusthouston.com TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2017

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Crawford “Mickey” McGill 2017 TOP P&E

vate Wealth Advisor, Mickey has dedicated himself to helping others understand, manage, and maintain their finances. He works with his clients to establish a lifestyle that ensures essentials are covered, there is preparation for the unexpected, and they are able to leave a legacy.

He is currently a Vice President with Ameriprise Financial and in a team practice, McGill, DeGrange, Lillie, Chu & Associates. Additionally, he received the professional title of Business Financial Advisor from his company. Mickey has been honored to qualify for his company’s Circle of Success, FIVE STAR Wealth Manager Award, and Million Dollar Round Table for the last four years, in addition to a number of other recognitions and accolades for his work. Additionally, Mickey was happy to celebrate becoming the #1 African-American advisor in his employment channel at Ameriprise Financial this past year.

Mickey believes in giving back to his community and makes serving others a priority in his life. He acts as a mentor and class facilitator of a local Boys Rites of Passage program and serves as President of the Houston Chapter of Hampton University Alumni. He also takes time to volunteer as a financial counselor for his church and the Financial Planning Association.

When he finds free time, Mickey enjoys traveling, playing golf, attending plays, and watching movies. He spends much of his time with his wife of 10 years and their two beautiful daughters.

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rawford “Mickey” McGill was born in Columbia, Maryland, and moved to Houston in 1985.

Mickey attended Hampton University, where he received a B.S. in Business Management.

Upon finishing his undergraduate degree, Mickey returned to Houston and completed the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) Education Program at Rice University. Mickey also received his Chartered Retirement Planning 112

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Crawford “Mickey” McGill, CFP®, CRPC®, AAMS® Private Wealth Advisor

Counselor (CRPC®) and Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS®) designation from the College for Financial Planning.

Mickey started his career in finance working for a funding and financial service company for three years in Las Vegas. After making many strides during his time there, Mickey once again came back to Houston and continued his career with Ameriprise Financial. Now in his 16th year with Ameriprise Financial as a Pri-

Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. 5151 San Felipe Street, Suite 2100 Houston, Texas 77056 713-260-5855 crawford.m.mcgill@ampf.com www.ameripriseadvisors.com/crawford.m.mcgill

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Kevin Murray, Esq. 2017 TOP P&E

Murray’s diverse real estate experiences allow him to assist the following clients: property owners and property managers; developers, builders and contractors; realtors and title companies; real estate investment trusts (REITS); residential and commercial property associations; and buyers and sellers in varied transactions and disputes, ranging from multi-million dollar commercial properties to singlefamily residences.

Murray received his undergraduate degree from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey and his law degree from Texas Southern University, Thurgood Marshall School of Law, in Houston, Texas.

Murray is affiliated with the following organizations: • Central Care Integrated Health Services (Chairman, Board of Directors)

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evin Murray practices in all areas of civil litigation, with a high concentration in personal injury, employment, and real estate law. In the past, Murray created a strategic relationship with KPRC Channel 2 Houston and THELAW.TV in an effort to inform the general public regarding employment law. Murray is admitted to practice law in the United States Supreme Court, the United States Tax Court, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, the United States District Court for the Southern, Northern, Eastern, and Western Districts of Texas, and all Texas State Courts.

Murray represents individuals who have been seriously injured, as well as the families of individuals who have been killed because of someone else’s negligence. Specifically, Mr. Murray represents individuals in the areas of auto accidents, defective drugs, defective products, workplace accidents, maritime accidents, OSHA refinery process safety management compliance, petrochemical, and refinery accidents.

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• World Affairs Council (Council Cabinet Member) Murray assists corporate clients with business transactions and commercial litigation. He represents clients in matters involving Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Texas Commission on Human Rights Act, the Texas Payday Act, and Chapter 451 of the Texas Labor Code (workers’ compensation retaliation).

Murray also provides advice to clients regarding severance agreements, covenants not to compete, non-solicitation agreements, and confidentiality agreements. In addition, he represents clients before the American Arbitration Association, JAMS, and administrative agencies, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Labor, and the Texas Workforce Commission - Civil Rights Division.

Murray’s real estate expertise originates from his experiences as a former owner of a mortgage company and former fee attorney for a title company. Further,

• National Bar Association • American Association for Justice • National Employment Lawyers Association • Houston Lawyers Association • Houston Trial Lawyers Association • Houston Bar Association • Texas Young Professionals • Houston Young Professionals • 100 Black Men • Greater Houston Builders Association • Texas Association of Builders • National Association of Home Builders • Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Kevin Murray Attorney Galleria Financial Center 5075 Westheimer, Suite 980 Houston, TX 77056 713-355-5500 www.murrlaw.com

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Ken Nettles 2017 TOP P&E

Lounge Suite of owner Les Alexander and NBA Team President Tad Brown helped bring The Day of Staffing to fruition. Being thrust into a higher level of service in sports entertainment had Nettles placed in the inner circles of the likes of NBA Commissioner David Stern, TNT’s Shaq, Ernie, Kenny and Charles B; NBA Players Mike James, Tracey McGrady, Avery Johnson and James Harden; Hall of Famers like Clyde Drexler; NFL mega-athletes Adrian Peterson, Andre Johnson and JJ Watt. He has even been blessed to serve the leadership likes of Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Bishop T.D. Jakes and Oprah Winfrey at her 2014 Empowerment Conference.

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s a youth growing up in the inner city of Compton, California and later on to Los Angeles, you might believe being hospitable at your very core would be a rarity. But not from a young man named Kenneth Nettles. After attending Compton Junior College and UCLA, Nettles uses a familiar approach to establishing healthy and professional business, and personal relationships.

This aided in propelling him into leading hospitality roles and holding positions with and for CEO’s, Directors, Non Profits, Clergy and even a former President of The United States of America.

After the birth of his child Kellie Karin Nettles in 2002, Nettles moved to Dallas to start a new endeavor. He found a new passion for Sports Entertainment and in 2003 began working for Sportservice and the Texas Rangers Major League Baseball team as a Suites Department Order Taker. Within three (3) years, he became Suites Department Manager re116

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Attending Oprah’s Empowerment Conference gave clarity regarding his life’s purpose and understanding that all we do is truly for the greater good of others. This lead him to use his companies in a manner in which they were to aide in employing many of the same people he once lead and developed in The Hospitality Ministry of Higher D; by servicing the social needs and events of all types and sizes across sponsible for numerous Attendants, Run- this great nation of ours, Canada and the ners and Supervisors. Making use of the Bahamas. aforementioned healthy and intentional Nettles is now an Ambassador of Service relationships, he was blessed to take the with American Airlines, where he is curSuites Department from #14 to #1 out rently able to channel all of the education, of 40 locations in overall sales and cus- training, and life lessons into a ‘higher’ tomer satisfaction. This encouraged him level of concierge services and does so to apply the biblical principal of Habakuk on national and international flights, while 2:2, writing out a comprehensive plan for being based at Los Angeles’ LAX. his life and future.

His life has not always been what he After five years of being in Dallas, Net- wanted or planned, but Nettles has defitles moved to Houston to work with the nitely lived his life by putting others first.

Houston Rockets. It was in Houston that Nettles credits his parents, Thomas and a new level of service and hospitality Betty Nettles for teaching him early on would be introduced via Higher D (Higher that there is good in all bad situations, but Dimension Church) and Pastor Terrance “you just gotta find it.”

H. Johnson, a different kind of CEO that displayed leadership from a Christian perspective and pressed Nettles to do the same. While at Higher D, his com- Ken Nettles panies, the non-profit “You’ve Just Been Event Architect & Philanthropist Blessed,” and “The Day Of Staffing” were Houston, Texas birthed from relational needs observed. Los Angeles, California Seeing the management and staff- starplanner1@yahoo.com ing styles at Toyota Center in the Lexus www.thedayofstaffing.com

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2017

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d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs

Dionne Randle

2017 TOP P&E

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ome people practice real estate for a living; others live real estate as a lifestyle.

Dionne Randle is the latter.

With close to 20 years’ experience, Dionne has solidified her place as a top agent in Texas through hard work, dedication, and a commitment to her craft.

Not only is she highly certified—earning the ABR, LHS, and broker designations— she is highly qualified, earning the trust of her colleagues and customers through her unwavering commitment to honesty and integrity.

A well-rounded professional, she has positioned herself in areas of influence where she can have great impact on her profession. As Chairwoman for the Fort Bend PAALS (Political Affairs Advisory Leadership Program), and graduate of the Texas Real Estate Leadership Program, Dionne has built a brand where she is recognized for excellence in industry knowledge and client satisfaction.

Dionne successfully leads The Randle Team at RE/MAX Fine Properties, in Sugar Land, TX. For the past 3 years, she has earned the Platinum Award for recognition of her annual sales and the Hall of Fame Award for her success in total commissions.

Today, Dionne’s reputation proceeds her, as most of her business is referral based. Not only do past clients continue to return, they encourage their friends, families, and colleagues to put their trust in her hands as well. The reason is quite simple: she has fashioned her career around one fundamental motto: “Build relationships for a lifetime, and not just for today.”

tinuing to serve Fort Bend County and surrounding Houston markets in residential, commercial, and land sales.

The Randle Team RE/MAX Fine Properties 4500 Highway 6 South Sugar Land, Texas 77478

Armed with a killer smile and incredible know-how, Dionne looks forward to con-

Dionne Randle Broker Associate

281-265-5533 dionnerndl@aol.com www.DionneRandle.com TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2017

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d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs

Joseph Martin Sylvan 2017 TOP P&E

try. Office Design Concepts sells office furniture, design and interior construction services to businesses, colleges and universities across the State, including Texas A&M, Prairie View A&M, UTMB Galveston, Lamar, and the Lone Star Colleges. His company provides new and used office furniture, refurbished Haworth, Herman Miller, Steelcase and Knoll workstations, re-upholstery, refinishing, furniture moving, interior design and installation and repair services.

Joseph is a board member of Our Community, Inc., an organization whose mission is to prepare and help low to moderateincome families reach the dream of home ownership.

Joseph Sylvan President & Owner Office Design Concepts, LLC 6750 Brittmore Road Houston, Texas 77041 713-849-3611 joseph@odc-llc.com www.odc-llc.com

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oseph Martin Sylvan is president and owner of Office Design Concepts, LLC. His full-service firm is a one-stop shop for office furniture, interior design, and installation services and is a certified minority-owned firm and certified as a HUB with the State of Texas.

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design awards. In May 2006, he received a Master’s Degree in community development from the Prairie View A&M University School of Architecture.

Joseph has been providing project management services for 24 years and easily transitioned into his own business, Office Design Concepts, over 15 years ago. With exceptional ability to manage projects and create furniture layouts, specifications, and designs for clients, his work has taken him to cities across the coun-

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Tony Thomas aka “Tony T” 2017 TOP P&E

over to Gulf Gate Dodge as the General Sales Manager. Prior to moving to Gulf Gate Dodge, Tony worked hand in hand with the general managers of multiple dealerships. However, Gulf Gate Dodge was Tony’s biggest training camp. With almost 20 years of experience in the automotive industry, Tony’s integrity and moral character have made him a natural leader in the industry. He is just as passionate about customer service as he is about cars. His motto is “If we provide our customers with the highest level of service for all of their automotive needs, they will be our customers for life.” Tony and his super team of 42 definitely believe the customers’ needs and concerns are their number one priority, and they work diligently to make sure the car buying process is “easy.” With Tony on your side, your experience will be less stressful, and he will guide you through the process and assist you every step of the way.

When he is not helping his customers, Tony can be found spending time collecting classic cars, enjoying sporting activities, or traveling. Most recently, Tony started the Tony T. Foundation that focuses on youth in at-risk situations. His goal is to empower youth to make life choices that positively impact their future. The organization’s mission is for youth to learn there is power in a second chance, and that you can achieve success after a challenge. He believes in giving youth a sense of the future, helping them understand that they have a place in that future.

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ony Thomas aka “Tony T,” has been the President and Owner of Hyundai of Silsbee since 2015. Tony is a dedicated and committed owner who consistently goes above and beyond for his customers. Tony’s enthusiasm, high energy, easy going style, and unmistakable knowledge of the car business makes him the ideal choice for helping you with your car purchasing needs.

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Tony Thomas aka “Tony T” President & Owner

A native of Texarkana, Texas, Tony attended Texas A&M University on a football scholarship and graduated with a degree in Business Administration. After graduation, the car business captured his heart, and he soon found his passion working in the auto industry. While under the mentorship of Dale Early and James Davis, he decided at that time to make this his lifelong ambition.

Hyundai of Silsbee 1275 US 96F Business Silsbee, Texas 77656 409-209-1653 www.hyundaiofsilsbeetx.com

Tony began his career at Charlie Thomas Dealership, but later moved his career

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Victor D. Walker, Esq. 2017 TOP P&E

or supply chain members. He also represents clients in the dispute resolution process be it arbitration, adjudication, litigation, expert determination, dispute review board, labor grievance arbitration, mediation or other forms of ADR. Mr. Walker has handled many cases for high profile companies including Black & Decker/Embart Merger funding resulting in $3.6 billion, Eastman Kodak restructuring resulting in $1.2 billion, and Seawind Cruise Line LBO resulting in $20 million.

Mr. Walker’s practice has also leveraged acquisitions and buyouts with companies such as Peterson’s Outdoor Advertising Inc., and AEGIS Consumer Funding Group.

Prior to establishing the firm, Mr. Walker worked as an Investment Banker for Dain Rauscher (formerly known as Raushcer Pierce Refnes), Corporate Finance VP for SunAmerica Corporate Finance, Merrill Lynch, Citicorp Global Finance and Deloitte & Touche (formerly known as Deloitte Haskins & Sells).

Mr. Walker is a member of the Texas Bar Association, Texas Board of Certified Public Accountants, admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and holds various SEC/FINRA securities licenses.

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ictor D. Walker is a corporate lawyer and founding shareholder with the Law Office of Victor D. Walker, P.C., whose practice focuses on securities, financings, mergers and acquisitions and corporate legal representation for emerging growth companies, startups and entrepreneurs.

He is experienced in a wide variety of corporate transactions involving helping business owners with capital formation, contract negotiation/documentation, lending, factoring, franchising, real estate and day-to-day representation of corporations and other business entities.

Specifically, he focuses his “boutique” practice in the following areas: (i) Securi122

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He uses his extensive relationships in the investment community to introduce clients to sources of capital and continues ties –corporate financings; SEC registra- to put each client’s needs first when it tion statements and other 1933 Securi- comes to their investments and securities Act filings; 1934 Exchange Act filings; ties. private placement offerings and blue sky filings, private equity and venture capital Mr. Walker earned his Juris Doctorate and investments, (ii) Corporate – mergers MBA degrees from the University of Virand acquisitions; drafting and review of ginia in 1990. He focuses his efforts on corporate documents; corporate forma- closing complex and often difficult transtions, negotiations & mediations, lending actions. and corporate restructurings.

Mr. Walker also advises business owners on public and private projects concerning risk management, procurement strategy and the regulatory environment; standard construction contract forms and project documentation. For the subcontractors on projects, Mr. Walker often reviews, drafts and negotiates project documentation with prime contractors

Victor D. Walker, Esq. Attorney Founding Shareholder Law Office of Victor D. Walker, P.C. 9800 Centre Parkway, Suite 210 Houston, Texas 77036 713-724-5300 vwalker@walkersecuritieslaw.com www.walkersecuritieslaw.com

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