d-mars.com ®
TOP 50 BLACK
PROFESSIONALS & ENTREPRENEURS
VOLUME 1
RoseMary Tucker Blessties USA Community Hero
9TH EDITION
Christopher Williams Lucille’s Hospitality Group Community Hero
Bo Porter MLB Super Trailblazer
Mya SmithEdmonds McDonald’s Super Trailblazer
Ige Johnson RE/MAX Generation Super Trailblazer
Bishop James W.E. Dixon, II The Community of Faith Super Trailblazer
Tennille Johnson, Keosha Austin, Natishia Holly Scrubs To The Rescue Partnerships
Jerry D. Sowells Sowells Consulting Engineers, LLC Super P&E
2021
Angeanette Dowles Thibodeaux Acres Homes Super Neighborhood Community Hero
Cory Crawford Burns Original BBQ Community Hero
Addie Heyliger Fort Bend ISD Trustee Community Hero
Lynn Clouser Missouri City City Council Community Hero
Edward Pollard, Esq. Sheriff Eric Fagan Pollard Legal Group, Fort Bend County, Texas LLC Trailblazer Trailblazer
Congressman Al Green Ninth District of Texas Houston Office Living Legend
Thelma Scott SAFE Diversity Communities Living Legend
Laurie Vignaud Unity National Bank Living Legend
Harry L. Smith McDonald’s Hearthstone Homes Living Legend
Dr. Thomas Randle Rodney E. Watson, Dr. Roberta Grace Dr. Charles Dupre Lamar CISD Ph.D. Scott Fort Bend ISD Top Educator Spring Independent Houston Independent Top Educator School District School District Top Educator Top Educator
Willie James Dennis aka “Willie D” American Rapper and Entrepreneur Super P&E
Troy B. Smith Troy B. Smith Professional Services Community Hero
Donna Franklin KTSU 90.9FM Super P&E
Kevin Murray, Esq. Attorney Super P&E
Derrick Dixon Wreckshop Records Super P&E
Brian Middleton District Attorney Fort Bend County Trailblazer
Dr. Robert Bostic Stafford Municipal School District Top Educator
Zelma Lee aka “DJ Supastar” Super P&E
Dr. Brian Rowland Mayor Prairie View, Texas Trailblazer
Niki Smith-Scott Monica Freeman Quality Barber College Partnerships
Kris “KG Smooth” Green Media Personality Super P&E
Shawn D. Green ConocoPhillips Super P&E
#1 Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas Directory
Adrian Collins Director of Operations Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation (NRG Park) Super P&E
Abenaa Bailey Lobbyist State of Texas Top P&E
Toni Johnson The Root Boutique Super P&E
Johnny Alfred III, Esq. The Alfred Firm Top P&E
Rodney Reed UPS Super P&E
Dr. Simone A. Ellis Smile Design Studios Top P&E
Jay Bradley Founder Equinox Realty Group Super P&E
Willie T. Burroughs San Antonio Independent School District Top P&E
Cristina Johnson, MS Cigna U.S. Business Marketing Top P&E
Qiana Manns, Esq. Manns Law Offices, PLLC Top P&E
Tami Vienn Allen, MS, LPC Allen Counseling Group PLLC Top P&E
Victor P. Allotey The Empire State Group Top P&E
Dr. Crystal Davison Author Top P&E
Congratulations 2021 Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs
Trey Harris CDM7 Top P&E
Suzanne Senegal Houston Hospital Sitters Top P&E
Qiana James Friendly Faces Senior Care Top P&E
Wilton Munnings Dallas Independent School District Construction Services Top P&E
DiAnne S. Davis, MD North Dallas Dermatology Associates Top P&E
Kimberly Barrow, MSN, APRN, NP-C Kimberly Cares Top P&E
Wynter Patterson Television Personality Top P&E
Daylyn L. Turner JK Chevrolet Subaru Top P&E
Shekira C. Dennis Political Strategist Top P&E
Garland Bennett Keller Williams® Realty Top P&E
Billy Knight Don McGill Toyota of Katy Top P&E
Kameika Smith aka “Sky Houston” Media Personality Top P&E
Christopher Senegal Invictus Development Group Top P&E
Reginald Grissom, Jr. aka “Reggie Jamz” Top P&E
Noel Collier Noel Collier Group Top P&E
Charleston J. Wilson Exotic Pop Top P&E
Martha Berry IMarE Boutique Top P&E
Lorenda Thompson Level’d Up Ink Top P&E
Cenaca Cyprian Quality Lending Group, LLC UP & COMING
Giselle Hauser Güzel Cakes UP & COMING
Billyssia Pierce Bee Fit Foods Top P&E
Robbie Turner Turner Chevrolet Top P&E
Dr. Richard E. Harris, II Great Health and Wellness Top P&E
d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas
"Anyone who claims to be a leader must speak like a leader. That means speaking with integrity and truth.” —Vice President Kamala Harris
Message From the President & CEO Vice President Kamala Harris’ words on leadership ring true, that "Anyone who claims to be a leader must speak like a leader. That means speaking with integrity and truth.” This quote from Madame Vice President is more than appropriate for this year’s d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs celebratory event, honoring some of the most influential African Americans who are not only making a great difference as business leaders, but also through their tireless service. This awe-inspiring group emulates Black excellence and Vice President’s sentiments. They speak as leaders, leading in their professions through hard work, holding on to integrity, and staying true to their values and purpose. This d-mars.com long-standing tradition during Black History Month continues to celebrate members of our community making their mark throughout the city and Texas. This past year has definitely been a challenging one, but with resilience, adapting, and moving forward, our honorees have and continue to push through for success in the midst of a pandemic. Not giving up during trials and tests separate the leaders from the rest. They have reaped substantial successes and rewards because of their work ethic, leading by example, and using their businesses to elevate others around them. This stellar group truly understands the mindset of paying it forward, as they are leaving a model for the next generation to follow. To be recognized as one of our Top 50 Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs is a privilege and an honor for the honoree and for the d-mars.com family. We take
pride in always being known as the media company that is a vital platform for African Americans to receive that deserving spotlight. We thank all of this year’s honorees for carrying and passing the torch, representing Black excellence at the highest level. You raise the bar and continue to break glass ceilings. Though being successful is to be celebrated, serving through your professions is to be honored most. Words cannot express how proud I am to honor you. Bask in tonight’s celebration, as you are so deserving. This is not a recognition where you should feel like you have arrived, but a moment encouraging you to push further and know that we expect more from you. So continue to make history. And continue to make us proud. All of you are absolutely deserving. Sincerely, Keith “MR. D-MARS” Davis, Sr. President and CEO Vaskey Media Group, Inc. Parent Company of d-mars.com Subcontractors USA Top30Women.com TexasBlackLawyers.law
TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2021
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d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas
Message from Chief Operating Officer As Black History Month is an annual observance, our d-mars. com media platform hosts the highly-anticipated, yearly tradition of the d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs Awards. We take pride in this event honoring African Americans who continue to achieve greatness, not waiting for opportunities, but creating them. Madam C.J. Walker said, “I had to make my own living and my own opportunity. But I made it! Don’t sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them.” This year’s honorees are great achievers who not only created opportunities for themselves, but also for others to succeed. This diverse and outstanding group of talented individuals is full of corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit leaders who understand that “microwave success” is not a reality, but true and lasting success takes faithfulness to follow the process that leads to prosperity. This continuous progression involves selflessness, sacrifice, and fortitude to brave the valleys along the path. Reading through this year’s bios of our impressive honorees, we should all be motivated to do more, not only in business, but also for the communities in which we live. In the heart of each deserving honoree is persistence and the patience. Each honoree has an awareness that challenges are not a sign to desist, but a lesson preparing you for the next level that is leading you to your destiny. I am proud, as I am every year, to recognize our Top 50 Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs for their strength, courage, and tenaciousness to create their own opportunities. Each individual recognized is the embodiment of Black excellence, being a beacon of light that paves the way for others to follow. Sincerely,
“I had to make my own living and my own opportunity. But I made it! Don’t sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them.”
Ms. Kimberly Floyd
— Madam C.J. Walker
Chief Operating Officer Vaskey Media Group, Inc.
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d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas
of Texas
TITLE
TEXAS
VASKEY MEDIA GROUP
PRESENTING
PLATINUM
ACCURATE INC.
SECURITY
TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2021
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d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas
CITY OF HOUSTON
Sylvester Turner Mayor P.O. Box 1562 Houston, Texas 77251-1562 Telephone – Dial 311 www.houstontx.gov
March 11, 2021
Greetings, As mayor of the city of Houston, I welcome you to the Top 50 Professionals and Entrepreneurs of Texas Awards, hosted by d-mars.com. The Top 50 Professionals and Entrepreneurs of Texas Awards recognizes Black professionals and honors them for their business acumen and hard work. The honorees are entrepreneurs and professionals who continually give of their time and talent. Houston is a city filled with opportunity! We are committed to creating a competitive and diverse business environment by promoting the growth and success of local and small businesses through a wide range of services. The services include startup business assistance, certification for established businesses seeking contract opportunities with the City and additional resources available through the Office of Business Opportunity. I commend the Top 50 Professionals and Entrepreneurs of Texas Awards and d-mars.com on this special occasion. Please accept my best wishes for a wonderful and successful evening!
Sincerely,
Sylvester Turner Mayor
Council Members: Brenda Stardig Jerry Davis Ellen R. Cohen Dwight A. Boykins Dave Martin Steve Le Greg Travis Karla Cisneros Robert Gallegos Mike Laster Martha Castex-Tatum Mike Knox David W. Robinson Michael Kubosh Amanda K. Edwards Jack Christie Controller: Chris B. Brown
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d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas
CITY OF PRAIRIE VIEW 44500 U.S. BUSINESS 290 P.O. BOX 817 PRAIRIE VIEW, TX 7746
D R . B R IA N RO W LA N D MAY O R
www.prairieviewtexas.gov
“PRODUCTIVE, UNITED, INDOMITABLE”
March 11, 2021 Friends:
It is an honor and a pleasure to welcome you to the Top 50 Professionals and Entrepreneurs of Texas Awards, hosted by d-mars.com. As the Mayor of Prairie View, I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this occasion.
Thank you d-mars.com for recognizing and encouraging great leadership by acknowledging Black professionals whose vision, courage and dedication have made them a catalyst in the community. Top 50 Professionals and Entrepreneurs of Texas Awards honors visionary leaders who operate in excellence; educating and inspiring those around them to break barriers and provoke change.
I salute d-mars.com for honoring those who empower others by setting examples and creating clear visions. By recognizing leaders who exhibit the resilience and strength to lead others, d-mars.com encourages positive behaviors and creates new leaders.
I salute the honorees for their dedication to radiate positivity and influence cultural change. My best wishes to all participating in this exceptional event. Sincerely, Dr. Brian Rowland
Mayor
Council Members:
Jonathan Randle
Nathan Alexander III
Wendy Williams
TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2021 Xante Wallace
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d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas
March 11, 2021 Dear Friends: On behalf of the constituents of the Eighteenth (18th) Congressional District and the United States House of Representatives, please allow me to convey my warmest greetings to you on this most important occasion. In the spirit of peace and prosperity, I take great pride in joining d-mars.com in honoring the Top 50 Professionals and Entrepreneurs of Texas for their commitment and dedication to their community professional excellence and business growth. The 2021 Top 50 Professionals and Entrepreneurs of Texas have broken barriers in their respective fields and left an indelible mark on the face of Texas. The honorees continually give of their time and talent for the betterment of our city. Let me congratulate all of this year’s honorees. Thank you d-mars.com for your thoughtful and praiseworthy efforts. I extend best wishes on this momentous occasion.
Sincerely,
Sheila Jackson Lee Member of Congress
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d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WASHINGTON, D. C. 20515
AL GREEN 9TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT HOUSTON, TEXAS
March 11, 2021
Dear Friends: I am pleased to extend greetings to the attendees of the Top 50 Professionals and Entrepreneurs of Texas Awards. On behalf of the constituents of the Ninth Congressional District of Texas, I salute all organizers, leaders and participants for their dedication to making this a memorable event. With great enthusiasm, I applaud cl-mars.com for their dedication to promoting leadership and strengthening c01mnunities across the Texas area. are. I also commend them as they recognize and celebrate the success and accomplishments of the inspirational and influential leaders across the city of Houston. I look forward to continuing to work with the cl-mars.com on future endeavors and serving you well as a Member of Congress. Best wishes to all for an exciting and enjoyable event.
Sincerely,
Al Green Member of Congress
NOT PRINTED AT GOVERNMENT EXPENSE
TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2021
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d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas
BORRIS L. MILES
STATE SENATOR
DISTRICT 13
COMMITTEES: Criminal Justice, Health and Human Services, Natural Resources and Economic Development and Nominations
March 11, 2021
Greetings, I would like to welcome all attending the d-mars.com Top 50 Professionals and Entrepreneurs of Texas Awards. The Top 50 Professionals and Entrepreneurs of Texas Awards recognizes and celebrates the diverse group of business professionals and entrepreneurs in Texas who encompass tenacity, discipline and diligence. I commend the honorees on their accomplishments in their profession and in the community. I also extend best wishes to all attending this event to honor the Top 50 Professionals and Entrepreneurs of Texas.
Keep the Faith, Keep the Fight,
Senator Borris L. Miles District 13 Capitol Office 3.S3 P.O. Box 12068 Austin, TX 78711 512-463-0113
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TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2021
Central Houston Office 5302 Almeda Road Suite A Houston, TX 77004 713-665-8322
Northeast Office 3300 Lyons Avenue Suite 301 Houston, TX 77020 713-223-0387
Fort Bend Office 2440 Texas Parkway Suite 110 Missouri City, TX 77489 281-261-2360
d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas Texas House of Representatives
RON REYNOLDS State Representative-District 27-Fort Bend County
March 11, 2021
d-mars.com 2021 Top 50 Black Professional and Entrepreneurs Awards Congratulations to the award recipients of the 2021 d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professional and Entrepreneurs. Your hard work, dedication and successes are deserving of recognition. I admire your integrity and commitment to excellence. Celebrating the Top 50 Black Professional and Entrepreneurs during Black History Month could not be more appropriate. This evening will be one to remember with d-mars.com recognizing and celebrating your magnanimous achievements in the industry and your invaluable contributions to the community. I want to wish you an enjoyable and memorable evening. I extend my sincere congratulations and best wishes to all of the award recipients for your continued success. Yours In Service,
TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2021
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d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas
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One thing I am proud of is that for 20 years I have kept my core beliefs,” Davis said. “I know that by holding on to those values, we have changed lives and helped people grow in business and in their personal lives. It is all thanks to the people who supported us and saw we were doing good in the community. — Keith “MR. D-MARS” Davis, Sr.
ORDER ONLINE NOW WWW.KEITHJDAVISSR.COM (713) 373.5577 Keith J Davis Sr. 10
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TABLE OF CONTENTS LIVING LEGENDS
Congressman Al Green............................................Ninth District of Texas Houston Office.................................................................. 18 Thelma Scott............................................................SAFE Diversity Communities................................................................................. 20 Harry L. Smith........................................................... McDonald’s and Hearthstone Homes.................................................................. 22 Laurie Vignaud.........................................................Unity National Bank............................................................................................... 24
SUPER TRAILBLAZERS
Bo Porter...................................................................MLB........................................................................................................................ 28 Mya Smith-Edmonds................................................McDonald’s and The Smith Foundation............................................................... 30 Bishop James W.E. Dixon, II....................................The Community of Faith........................................................................................ 32 Ige Johnson..............................................................RE/MAX Generation, Glo Beauty Bar & Suites, Dynasty Partners..................... 34
TRAILBLAZERS
Edward Pollard, Esq.................................................Pollard Legal Group, LLC....................................................................................... 36 Sheriff Eric Fagan.....................................................Fort Bend County, Texas........................................................................................ 38 Brian Middleton........................................................District Attorney Fort Bend County....................................................................... 39 Dr. Brian Rowland....................................................Mayor Prairie View, Texas...................................................................................... 40
TOP EDUCATORS
Dr. Thomas Randle...................................................Lamar Consolidated Independent School District............................................... 42 Rodney E. Watson, Ph.D.......................................... Spring Independent School District...................................................................... 43 Dr. Roberta Grace Scott........................................... Houston Independent School District.................................................................. 44 Dr. Charles Dupre .................................................... Fort Bend Independent School District................................................................ 46 Dr. Robert Bostic...................................................... Stafford Municipal School District........................................................................ 48
COMMUNITY HEROES
Troy B. Smith.............................................................Troy B. Smith Professional Services..................................................................... 52 RoseMary Tucker......................................................Blessties USA......................................................................................................... 54 Angeanette Dowles Thibodeaux.............................. Acres Homes Super Neighborhood...................................................................... 58 Christopher Williams................................................Lucille’s Hospitality Group..................................................................................... 59 Lynn Clouser.............................................................City Councilwoman At-Large, Position 2............................................................... 60 Addie Heyliger...........................................................Fort Bend ISD Trustee........................................................................................... 61 Cory Crawford...........................................................Burns Original BBQ................................................................................................ 62
PARTNERSHIPS
Tennille Johnson, Keosha Austin and Natishia Holly......Scrubs To The Rescue................................................................................................................ 64 Niki Smith-Scott and Monica Freeman...................Quality Barber College........................................................................................... 66
SUPER PROFESSIONALS AND ENTREPRENEURS
Jerry D. Sowells........................................................Sowells Consulting Engineers, LLC....................................................................... 68 Toni Johnson.............................................................The Root Boutique................................................................................................. 70 Derrick Dixon............................................................Wreckshop Records............................................................................................... 71 Shawn D. Green.......................................................ConocoPhillips....................................................................................................... 72 12
TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2021
d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas
Zelma Lee.................................................................aka “DJ Supastar”.................................................................................................. 74 Willie James Dennis aka “Willie D”......................... Entrepreneur.......................................................................................................... 75 Kevin Murray, Esq.................................................... Murray Law............................................................................................................. 76 Rodney Reed............................................................ UPS......................................................................................................................... 78 Jay Bradley................................................................Equinox Realty Group............................................................................................ 80 Adrian Collins............................................................Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation................................................. 81 Donna Franklin......................................................... Choice 90.9 KTSU Radio....................................................................................... 82 Kris “KG Smooth” Green.........................................Magic 102.1........................................................................................................... 83
TOP PROFESSIONALS AND ENTREPRENEURS
Johnny Alfred III, Esq................................................The Alfred Firm....................................................................................................... 83 Tami Vienn Allen, MS, LPC.......................................Allen Counseling Group PLLC................................................................................ 86 Victor P. Allotey......................................................... The Empire State Group........................................................................................ 88 Abenaa Bailey...........................................................Lobbyist - State of Texas........................................................................................ 90 Noel Collier .............................................................. Noel Collier Group.................................................................................................. 92 Willie T. Burroughs...................................................San Antonio Independent School District............................................................ 94 Dr. Simone A. Ellis.................................................... Smile Design Studios............................................................................................ 96 Dr. Crystal Davison...................................................Author..................................................................................................................... 98 Trey Harris.................................................................CDM7....................................................................................................................100 Dr. Richard E. Harris, II.............................................Great Health and Wellness.................................................................................102 Cristina Johnson, MS............................................... Cigna U.S. Business Marketing...........................................................................104 DiAnne S. Davis, MD................................................ North Dallas Dermatology Associates................................................................105 Qiana James ............................................................ Friendly Faces Senior Care.................................................................................106 Qiana Manns, Esq....................................................Manns Law Offices, PLLC....................................................................................108 Wilton Munnings......................................................Dallas Independent School District....................................................................110 Billyssia Pierce.........................................................Bee Fit Foods.......................................................................................................112 Suzanne Senegal.....................................................Houston Hospital Sitters.....................................................................................114 Robbie Turner...........................................................Turner Chevrolet...................................................................................................116 Martha E. Berry ....................................................... IMarE Boutique....................................................................................................118 Daylyn L. Turner........................................................JK Chevrolet Subaru............................................................................................120 Garland Bennett ......................................................Keller Williams® Realty.......................................................................................122 Kimberly Barrow, MSN, APRN, NP-C ......................Kimberly Cares.....................................................................................................124 Billy Knight................................................................ Don McGill Toyota of Katy...................................................................................126 Wynter Patterson......................................................I Am a Pearl, Inc...................................................................................................127 Christopher Senegal................................................ Invictus Development Group...............................................................................128 Kameika Smith aka “Sky Houston”........................@Sky_Houston.....................................................................................................129 Shekira C. Dennis.....................................................Political Strategist................................................................................................130 Charleston J. Wilson.................................................Exotic Pop.............................................................................................................131 Reginald J. Grissom, Jr. aka “Reggie Jamz”...........Recording Artist...................................................................................................132 Lorenda Thompson.................................................. Level’d Up Ink.......................................................................................................133
UP & COMING PROFESSIONALS AND ENTREPRENEURS
Giselle Hauser..........................................................Güzel Cakes.........................................................................................................134 Cenaca Cyprian........................................................Quality Lending Group, LLC.................................................................................136 TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2021
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d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas
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d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas BLACK ORGANIZATIONS DIRECTORY 100 Black Men of Metropolitan Houston, Inc
(100 BM)
Houston Area Urban League Young Professionals (HAULYP)
info@100blackmenhou.org 100blackmenhou.org • 1.877.429.8614
info@haulyp.org
P.O. Box 604 • Bellaire, TX 77402
haulyp.org • 225.803.0632
American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE)
Houston Association of Black Journalists (HABJ)
info@aabe.org
habj.org
aabe.org • 713.660.8299
Houston Black Real Estate Association (HBREA)
Conference of Minority Transportation Officials
admin@hbreahouston.org
(COMTO)
hbreahouston.org
houstoncomto.org • 713.487.5344
713.551.2092 • 713.583.8438 e-fax
Emerging 100 Houston (E 100) info@emerging100houston.com emerging100htx.com
Houston Lawyers Association (HLA) houstonlawyersassociation.org • 202.854.9281
Houston Area Alliance of Black School Educators (HAABSE) info@haabse.org haabse.org • 713.529.3305
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TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2021
Greater Houston Black Chamber (GHBC) info@ghbcc.com ghbcc.com • 713.660.8299
Houston Medical Forum (HMF) info@houstonmedicalforum.com houstonmedicalforum.com • 832.478.7677
Mary Susan Moore Medical Society (MSMMS) marysusanmoore@hotmail.com marysusanmooremedicalsociety.org
d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas BLACK ORGANIZATIONS DIRECTORY National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) president@nabahouston.org www.nabahouston.com • 630.240.5500
nfbpahoustontx.org
3262 Westheimer Rd Ste 420 • Houston, TX 77098
National Association of Black Geoscientists
National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA)
(NABG)
National Sales Network (NSN)
nabgg_us@hotmail.com
president@nsnhouston.org
nabg-us.org
nsnhouston.org • 225.278.6204
723 Main Street, Suite 1006, Houston, TX 77002
National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE)
National Society of Black Engineers
nahsehq@nahse.org
pr@nsbehouton.org
www.nahse.org • 832.85-NAHSE
nsbehouston.org • 760.580.1517
Houston Professionals (NSBE)
Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP)
National Black Information Technology Leadership Organization (NBITLO)
obap.org
info@nbilto.org
800.538.6227 • 386.255.3357
nbitlo.org • 832.224.5801
National Black MBA Association Houston Chapter (NBMBAA)
Texas Black Expo texasblackexpo.com • 832.200.0540
president@houstonblackmba.net
12401 S Post Oak • Suite 218 • Houston, TX 77045
houstonblackmba.org • 713.899.8657
National Black Nurse Practitioner Association
(NBNPA)
Natarsha L. Clark, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, President/Co-Founder nbnpa.enpnetwork.com P.O.Box 842033 • Houston, TX 77284-2033
Texas Southern University National Alumni Association info@tsu-alumni.com www.tsunaa.com
Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce
NAACP HOUSTON
4828 Loop Central Dr #1000,
2002 Wheeler Ave,
Houston, TX 77081
Houston, TX 77004
713.660.8299
713.526.3389
TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2021
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d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas
Congressman Al Green 2021 LIVING LEGEND
undergraduate degree, he enrolled in the Thurgood Marshall School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor in 1973. After graduating from law school, Congressman Al Green co-founded and co-managed the law firm of Green, Wilson, Dewberry, and Fitch. Also during this time, Congressman Al Green served as president of the Houston Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) for approximately 10 years. Under his leadership, the organization grew to unprecedented heights, increasing membership from a few hundred to many thousands and the staff from one to more than ten.
O
n January 3, 2021, Congressman Al Green took the oath of office to serve the people of Texas’ 9th Congressional District and began his ninth term in the United States House of Representatives. As a veteran civil rights advocate, he has fought for those in society whose voices, too often, are not heard. Congressman Al Green currently serves on the Financial Services Committee as well as the Committee on Homeland Security. On the Financial Services Committee, he serves on three subcommittees: Diversity and Inclusion; Housing, Community Development, and Insurance; as well as Oversight and Investigations, where he holds the
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In 1977, Congressman Al Green was appointed Justice of the Peace in Harris County, Texas, where he served for 26 years before retiring in 2004. As a testament to his exceptional community involvement, professional achievement, and superior leadership, Congressman Green has received numerous awards and accolades. He holds memberships in several community organizations, including Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), position of Chair. On the Committee and Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity. on Homeland Security, he serves As evidence of how truly blessed on two subcommittees: Emergency Congressman Al Green is, when asked, Preparedness, Response, & Recovery “How are you?” he often responds, and Border Security, Facilitation, & “Better than I deserve.” Operations. Within the Democratic Party he holds the position of Assistant Whip. He is a member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) as well as the Congressional Black Congressman Al Green Ninth District of Texas Caucus (CBC). Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Congressman Green’s family taught him the importance of positive preparation through education and righteous resistance to overcome persistent injustice. He attended Florida A&M University, Howard University, and the Tuskegee Institute. Without receiving an
Houston Office 3003 South Loop West, Suite 460 Houston, TX 77054 713-383-9234 algreen.house.gov
d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas
TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2021
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d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas
Thelma Scott 2021 LIVING LEGEND
T
helma Scott, affectionately known as “Mama Scott,” is the founder and CEO of the Barbara Jordan Endeavors Corporation (BJEC), an organization discovering students with “unique abilities” throughout school districts in Houston and the Gulf Coast. She is a dedicated and passionate advocate for people with disabilities. Scott’s first appointment as an advocate for people with disabilities was in 2004 by the Honorable Mayor Lee P. Brown to the Mayor Committee for People with Disabilities and she was reappointed in 2006 by the Honorable Mayor Bill White, which was the voice to create the Mayor Youth Advocate Award, awarded to a youth with a disability each year. Always the activist, in 1997, Mama Scott headed the project for the renaming of a street in Diboll in honor of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In May 2012, Mama Scott and BJEC were nominated for the Washington D.C. White House Champion of Change STEM Award for People with Disabilities Winning Futures Across America! The Honorable Mayor Annise D. Parker presented Mama Scott with the Mayor’s Community Disability Advocate of the Year Award in 2012. Mama Scott is a recipient of the d-mars. com 2014 Top Woman Award. Mama Scott currently serves on The Governor’s RCT Advisory Council in Austin and serves on various committees, including the Planning and Review
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Committee and Advocacy and Education Committee. She serves on the Spring ISD Business and Community Advisory Committee, the Texas RehabAction Network Advocate Advisory Committee and travels to Washington D.C. to advocate for bills that affect people with disabilities. She serves on the Mayor’s Office K-12 Advisory Committee and Marketing Advisory Committee. Mama Scott has served on the Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce Education Committee for 10 years. She now serves on the Gulf Coast Diversity Council Advisory Committee and the Black Data Processing Association Advisory Committee.
North Harris Lone Star College studying marketing and became a news article success story at North Harris College as a 52-year-old woman with a disability receiving a 4.0 GPA.
Most importantly, Mama Scott has overcome her own health scares and endured the most devastating incident to ever happen to her: the death of her beloved husband, partner, and best friend for 41 years, Otis Scott, Sr., in 2008. He was the person who influenced her most in life and all that she is today is because her husband loved her unconditionally, never letting her fail in anything as a woman with a unique ability. Rosemary McGowen, the sister of the late Barbara Jordan, has also been an inspiration in her life as a close friend, and she continues to be the number one supporter for the BJEC program.
•First African American woman to be appointed by the Governor’s Office to the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) (2008-2015)
Other Accomplishments Include: •Texas Diversity First Leadership Award, the first African-American woman to receive this award as a founder and CEO of a nonprofit organization •Wealthy Sisters Net (WSN) Community Outreach Advocate of the Year Award 2015
•Texas Rehabilitation Association (TRA) Justin Dart (American with Disability Act) Mama Scott is unstoppable when it Advocate of the Year Award 2015 (**She comes to reaping the benefits of her is the only person in Texas honored with labor. She has received numerous awards this award.**) at national, state, and local levels, having •Texas GFSC Self-Advocate of the Year been featured on numerous television Award 2015 (**She is the only person in stations and in several publications. Texas honored with this award.**) Recently, Mama Scott was appointed as associate producer for the film, “Pound •2015 appointed to the Spring of Flesh” by Street Corner Films. She was Education Foundation Board also featured in the film, “Temp to Fire'' •Founded her own consulting company, with Davito Family Films. ADE Consulting
Mama Scott is the proud mother of five beautiful children and nine wonderful grandchildren. She began her career in law enforcement, working for the Diboll Police Dept. for 10 1/2 years as a communication officer supervisor. She attended Kilgore College, Stephen F. Austin State University, Lamar University, and Angelina College in Law Enforcement. Mama Scott also attended
Mama Scott is branded as a “giver” and always quotes Barbara Jordan, “It is clear to me. We as human beings must be willing to accept people who are different from ourselves.” Mama Scott’s magnetic personality and unbridled determination has allowed her to impact more lives than can be counted. She fervently believes that a disability is the opportunity to demonstrate extraordinary unique abilities. Thelma Scott Founder/CEO SAFE Diversity Communities 15331 Kuykendahl Rd. # 1201 Houston, Texas 77090 scotttm@att.net 346-298-8819 www.safediversity.org
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Harry L. Smith 2021 LIVING LEGEND
In 1991, he became a restaurant owner/ operator in the Houston region; until he sold his 7 restaurants to move to Elkhart, Indiana, purchasing 5 restaurants on September 14, 2001.
also provides Christmas toys for children in underprivileged communities, food for those in need, funding for little league teams, also having financed a multiservice center serving families in lowHarry has been recognized with many income areas. awards throughout his restaurant career, If you ask Harry what he is most proud of, he including: will answer with the birth of his 8 children: ● Rookie Owner/Operator of the Year Myasha Smith
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arry L. Smith is a restaurant owner/operator of 17 restaurants in the Central Division/Indianapolis region. Harry is an OPNAD national marketing representative on behalf of the National NBMOA, OPNAD by-law/process team member, past national value council representative, past Central Division place team lead, past DLC member, past NLC place team (member of LTRS sub-team), chaired a team that developed a white paper that led to better opportunities for operators, past NIO co-op president, past NIO coop ad committee chair, past Indianapolis region RLC chair, past Indianapolis region profit team lead, past 2-term OPNAD representative for the Indianapolis region, past Houston co-op president and past BMOA president Houston Chapter, and he has held several other positions during his restaurant career. Harry began his career in the restaurant business on November 1, 1971, at the age of 16 as a crew member in Dallas, Texas. In 1973, Harry moved to Houston, Texas, to attend Texas Southern University where he continued his career. He went through the ranks as a swing manager, assistant restaurant manager, restaurant manager, supervisor, and director of operations. He became a restaurant manager at the age of 19 and was recognized 6 straight years as “Outstanding Restaurant Manager” by the Houston region and managed the first million dollar restaurant of this brand in Houston.
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● Houston Business Journal’s Entrepreneur of the Year
• McDonald’s Owner/ Operator Indianapolis Region
● Indianapolis Street Fighter Award (2004, 2005, 2007-2009)
• Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting/Certified Public Accountant
● Sales Milestone Award (2004, 2006, 2008-2013)
• Honors Graduate University of Houston/ Magna Cum Laude Lauren Smith
● Outstanding Operation Award (2005, 2009-2013)
• Graduate University of Houston/ Bachelor of Science
● NBMOA Warrior Award
April Smith
● Indianapolis Region 2009 & 2012 People Award ● Ronald Award Winner (2013)
• Attended Texas Southern University/ Graduated from The Art Institute Angel Smith • Graduate Prairie View University/Bachelor
● Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee’s of Science Degree in Physical Therapy Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award Harry Smith III ● State Representative Ron Reynolds’ Community Service Award
• Graduate Texas Southern University/ Bachelor of Science
● Houston Humanitarian Award
Mary Smith
● CORE Magazine’s 100 Most Influential Blacks Today
• Graduate Emory University/ Bachelor of Anthropology • Johns Hopkins University/Master of Public
These awards are just to name a few. In Health and Doctorate of Medicine addition, he is also a lifetime member of Martha Smith the NAACP. Harry started custom home building in Houston in 1994, later founding Hearthstone Homes in 1998. Harry builds homes ranging from $300,000 to over $3 million, achieving great success in the real estate business.
• Graduate Purdue University/ Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Destiny Smith • Graduate Michigan State University/ Bachelor of Arts Degree in Human Capital
Harry has only 1 hobby, and anyone who Harry is the founder of the Smith knows Harry, knows that it is the Dallas Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Cowboys! organization that was established in Harry L. Smith 2016 to reach, uplift, support, enhance Owner/Operator the lives, and empower all people to McDonald’s reach their full potential. This foundation Founder & Owner has awarded over $100,000 in Hearthstone Homes scholarships to 27 deserving students, www.hearthstonehomes.net provided school supplies, and equipment Founder for music programs in underprivileged The Smith Foundation, Inc. communities. In addition, the organization www.SmithFoundationInc.com
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Laurie Vignaud 2021 LIVING LEGEND
and senior vice president of Community Development Banking for their South Central Region. In these roles, she was responsible for the development, monitoring, management, and promotion of community development programs and Community Reinvestment Act initiatives for Capital One in Louisiana and Texas. She has been instrumental in bringing millions of dollars in grant financing to Capital One that were used to support affordable housing programs. Also, she has created and led some of Capital One’s most creative affordable housing and small business initiatives in the regions. Laurie is active in the community and serves on the board of the National Bankers Association, Greater Houston Partnership, Texas Southern University Business School Advisory Board, the Houston Area Urban League, Earl Carl Institute, and the Ensemble Theatre. Recently, Mayor Sylvester Turner appointed her to serve on the Board of the Houston Land Bank. She is also a member of the Missouri City Chapter of The Links, Incorporated.
Laurie Vignaud President & CEO Unity National Bank www.unitybanktexas.com
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ffective January 1, 2020, Laurie Vignaud became the first woman president and CEO of Unity National Bank leading a team of 35 associates in Houston, Texas, and Atlanta, Georgia. With more than 35 years in leadership roles in banking and community development initiatives, Laurie has demonstrated a strong track record in initiating and leading change, driving
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results, and innovating amid a rapidly evolving banking landscape. Laurie’s financial and business acumen, integrity, passion for community banking, and commitment to strong talent management are important qualities that have brought her great respect and promotion in this industry. Laurie previously served as the president of Capital One Bank’s (“Capital One”) Community Development Corporation
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Contributions of African American Heroes A Legacy of Strong Leadership and Support
Dr. Charles Drew An African American physician started the American Red Cross blood banking. The Charles Drew Institute in Biomedical Services is named for Dr. Drew.
Honoring the Father of Blood Banking During Black History Month www.redcross.org
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Bo Porter
2021 SUPER TRAILBLAZER analyst for the World Series Champions Washington Nationals. He was recently hired by the MLB Commissioner’s Office as the director of coaching development and has worked for MLB Network as a baseball analyst. Bo is a nationally acclaimed keynote speaker, known as “The Coach of Champions.” He’s the founder and chairman of the Board for Bo Porter Charities, founding president of Future All-Stars Sports Development Academy, CEO of Bo Porter Enterprise, founder and CEO of CORE Multimedia Group, and the author of two books, REal Life EMPOWERED and The END GAME.
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o Porter is living proof that if given a bridge of opportunity, anyone can reach the peak of his or her potential. He possesses fortitude, a burning desire to attain ambitious goals, and the work ethic it takes to reach and sustain success. An accomplished professional athlete, Major League Baseball (MLB) executive, entrepreneur, business developer, and philanthropist, Bo knows how to empower himself and others to obtain the highest levels of personal and professional achievement. Born and raised in the heart of innercity Newark, New Jersey, Bo faced many obstacles and long odds of overcoming his environment and the circumstances surrounding his upbringing. His first bridge of opportunity came in the form of a kind gesture from a neighborhood friend. This one gesture opened the first of many doors that would propel Bo
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Bo has received proclamations and keys to cities from the mayors of Newark, NJ, and Houston, TX, with February 7th deemed Bo Porter Day in Houston and December 13th recognized as Bo Porter Day in Newark. On May 5, 2015, the mayor of Newark, New Jersey, Ras Baraka renamed Green Acres Park the Marquis “Bo” Porter Sports Complex. The mayor said, “The renaming of this park is a tribute to Bo’s lifetime accomplishments and commitment to our great city.” Bo was inducted into the Newark Athletic Hall of Fame in 2001. He was inducted into the Weequahic High School Alumni through a series of accomplishments Association Hall of Fame in 2018. that continue to this day. Bo is a visionary who creates an Bo was drafted by the Cubs in 1993 environment that centers around positive and earned his communications degree movements and transformational growth. from the University of Iowa in 1994. He Bo is an entrepreneur at heart, a change played in the Major Leagues for the Cubs, agent for all that is good, and a true Oakland A’s, and Texas Rangers. He also champion. He lives in Missouri City, Texas, coached for the Miami Marlins, Arizona with his son Bryce. Diamondbacks, Washington Nationals, and Atlanta Braves. At the age of 40, the Houston Astros hired Bo as manager, making him the youngest manager in MLB at the time. He completed the trifecta of the MLB hierarchy when he was named special assistant general manager of the Atlanta Braves. He was later promoted to director of the Major League Baseball Players Association Players Trust & Player Development. Bo transitioned into broadcast media when he was hired by the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (MASN) as the pre and post-game
Bo Porter Director of Coaching Development MLB Founder and Chairman Bo Porter Charities
Founding President Future All-Stars Sports Development Academy CEO Bo Porter Enterprise Founder and CEO CORE Multimedia Group
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Mya Smith-Edmonds 2021 SUPER TRAILBLAZER
Magazine, Multiple Streams Magazine, Indy Metro Magazine, Style Magazine, and others. Smith-Edmonds was awarded Woman of the Year by PBMA, in which she received recognition from United States Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee, Sylvia Garcia, Mayor of the City of Houston, Sylvester Turner, and Councilwoman Amanda K. Edwards. Her most recent honor is recognition in CORE Magazine as a CORE 100 Most Influential Blacks Today in 2021.
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ya Smith-Edmonds, a native of Houston, Texas, is the first female AfricanAmerican next generation McDonald’s owner/ operator, owning seven McDonald’s restaurants in Central Indiana. She serves as a board member for the Greater Indiana Operators, president and secretary of the Central Indiana Black McDonald’s Operators Association and has earned the Trailblazer Award for the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO Indianapolis), was a recipient of the Galore Distinction Award, a recipient of the Opulence Award, Faith Award, featured in the d-mars. com publication for being awarded as one of their Top 30 Influential Women of Houston, featured in and on the cover of PURPOSE Magazine, featured in SHEEN
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the nonprofit organization, the Smith Foundation, Inc. This organization’s mission is to send children to college, provide food for those in need, provide Christmas toys, and supply school supplies for underprivileged students and communities. Smith-Edmonds is also a real estate investor and author. She is co-author of the books:
● “When Married Women Speak!” Smith-Edmonds was awarded a ● “Prayers For The Boss Babes proclamation declaring an official day to Volume 2” be named after her; the “Myasha “Mya” ● “Lessons from COVID-19 2020 26 Smith-Edmonds Day” by the Mayor of the Stories One Pandemic” (An Amazon’s #1 City of Houston, Sylvester Turner. Best Seller) At 13, Smith-Edmonds began working Smith-Edmonds is grateful and inspired at her father’s McDonald’s, where to continue to be a blessing to others she developed her strong work ethic, and the Kingdom of God. She is a public accountability, discipline, and focus. speaker and has a genuine heart and Smith-Edmonds graduated Magna Cum special love for children. She enjoys Laude from the University of Houston coordinating community give-a-ways with with a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting local businesses and avidly supporting and minor in African-American Studies. empowerment youth programs like She went on to become a certified public Ladies of Great Purpose and the Positive accountant at Deloitte & Touche, one of Black Male Association’s Reaching Youth the largest accounting firms in the world. Everywhere RYE Program. During her career development years, What she loves most is serving God and Smith-Edmonds earned various awards being a wife to her amazing husband, as a program director with KCOH Emmanuelle Edmonds. radio station and numerous more as an independent business owner with Ameriplan USA. Committed to helping Mya Smith-Edmonds Owner/Operator others build their businesses utilizing McDonald’s biblical principles, Smith-Edmonds www.MyaSpeaks.com was awarded the honor of becoming Co-Founder the youngest national sales director The Smith Foundation, Inc. and earned the privilege of speaking www.SmithFoundationInc.com on several panels during the annual Ameriplan national conventions. In 2008, Smith-Edmonds embarked on her ultimate dream; following in her father’s footsteps and becoming a successful McDonald’s owner. During her required 2-5-year program, which she completed with highest honors on every level, she became a general manager and was awarded the Ray Kroc Award, an achievement earned by the top 1% performers in the McDonald’s system. Smith-Edmonds is the co-founder of
d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas
2021 Top 50 Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs of Texas from The Smith Foundation
Mya Smith-Edmonds is the Co-Founder of the Smith Foundation, Inc., a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that was established to reach, uplift, support, enhance the lives, and empower all people to reach their full potential. Our purpose is to organize and maximize the power of simply “People Helping People,” to support communities in need and create a platform for people to experience the joy of serving. FOR SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION OR TO VOLUNTEER, GO TO
WWW.SMITHFOUNDATIONINC.COM SmithFoundationOnline@gmail.com
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Bishop James W.E. Dixon, II 2021 SUPER TRAILBLAZER
is Kingdom-inspired. As an advocate for compassionate confrontation, he promotes offering a hand up to the poor, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, uplifting the oppressed, and serving the least. He has developed numerous Kingdom initiatives with social impact, some of which include: Coats of Compassion, H-Town Cares, and the Light It Up Crusade which ministers the love of Jesus behind prison walls. Bishop Dixon worked to establish the first No Trafficking Zone in the U.S. at NRG Stadium because he believes “the difference we make is the difference that matters.” He is also co-founder of Loving Kids and founder and CEO of Good Gang USA, a free S.T.E.A.M. program with a social impact component designed for youth to develop within them strong minds with social and civic consciousness.
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ishop Dr. James W.E. Dixon, II is an international, inspiring, and informative visionary leader who has built a life of empowerment predicated upon the tenet of “greater by grace through faith.” Through utilizing biblical principles, he has empowered leaders in ministry, business, education, and civic and political arenas to maximize their God-given potential. As the senior pastor of The Community Of Faith for more than 40 years, Bishop Dixon’s ministry philosophy is guided by Matthew 5:13-16, Matthew 25:31-46, and other great passages that promote
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the ministry of Jesus and the role of the church in the earth. Bishop Dixon’s ministry demonstrates the verity that the church must do more outside of its own four walls. Bishop Dixon also serves as the Presiding Prelate of the Kingdom Builders Global Fellowship (KBGF). The mission of this fellowship of pastors and churches is to see the Kingdom of God established and executed in the lives of people, in churches, and in communities throughout the nation and world, all for God’s glory. Bishop Dixon’s message of faith is the Gospel of the Kingdom. His ministry is Kingdom-focused, and his mission
As an innovative social impact leader, Bishop Dixon has been a proponent for racial reconciliation and maximizing diversity through his organization One Family One Future. He further promotes an agenda of social justice and community impact by serving as a member of Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner’s newly created Police Reform Task Force and by appearing as a guest instructor for the Houston Police Academy, encouraging community policing and minority recruitment. Bishop Dixon works tirelessly in various capacities with the Harris County Sports and Convention Corporation, National and Houston Branch of the NAACP (currently the new President of Houston Branch NAACP), National Action Network, the Anti– Defamation League, and numerous other organizations in an effort to forge a world of economic and racial equity and to prepare a legacy for his children, Mariah, Victoria, and James III. Bishop Dixon believes service to others is the greatest demonstration of our faith and testament of God’s love. Bishop James W.E. Dixon, II Senior Pastor The Community of Faith www.thecommunityoffaith.org
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Ige Johnson 2021 SUPER TRAILBLAZER
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ge Johnson is a celebrated RE/MAX Broker/Owner of The Year for 2020, RE/MAX Hall of Famer 2020, RE/ MAX Rookie Office of the Year 2016 and a Houston Top 100 REALTOR with 16+ years of experience in the real estate industry. Ige was proudly honored as one of the Top 30 Influential Women of Houston in 2017, an honor that is dear to her heart. Ige delivers her unmatched skills, dedication, and industry knowledge to her clients, team, and colleagues every day. She is fueled by her drive to serve the real estate market as a high-level producer and industry influencer, and she always ensures that she never stops learning. Ige’s passion for fidelity within the real estate industry is demonstrated daily through her commitment to professional accountability and integrity. She has fostered strong industry relationships to ensure that transactions flow smoothly and worked on providing e-friendly services so that she and her team can deliver a fast, connected, high-quality service to her clients. Ige has dedicated her career to serving
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clients for life. As a result, most of her clients come to her by referral from friends, family, and happy past clients. They refer to her without reservation because they know they can trust her to give her honest opinion, even if it means “no sale.” They know they can trust Ige to protect her clients with a “win-win” or “no deal” way of negotiating and to work tirelessly to solve any problems that may arise before, during, and after the sale.
career goals. When she is not working, she enjoys traveling the world, connecting with new people, and experiencing all cultures.
Guided by her relentless focus as an entrepreneur, Ige's pursuits include other interests and holdings including Dynasty Partners, Glo Beauty Bar & Suites and the The Crown Kollection. Ige is empowered by the ability to achieve business success while influencing the economy and creating opportunities for others to excel and become best-in-class industry professionals.
281.846.8796 www.igejohnson.com
Her recent awards include: ● 2020 RE/MAX Broker Owner of the Year ● 2020 RE/MAX Hall of Fame ● 2020 Top 20 Who’s Who in Houston Real Estate
● 2019 HBREA Top 20 Black Ige takes her business seriously and Real Estate Professionals has worked on several designations and certifications to enhance her real ● 2018 - 2020 RE/MAX of Texas Top 500 Agent/Team estate services: ● 2018 - 2020 RE/MAX of ● ABR (Accredited Buyer’s Texas Platinum Club Representative) ● 2017 Top 30 Influential Women ● ALHS (Accredited Luxury of Houston Home Specialist) ● 2017 HAR 20 Under 40 REALTOR ● CNE (Certified Negotiation Expert) ● 2016 RE/MAX Rookie Franchise ● SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) Office of the Year in the State of Texas ● TRLP (Texas Realtors ● 2016 “Woman of Power” Leadership Program) ● 2016 Top 100 Realtors She also provides coaching services to share her wealth of knowledge about ● 2015 Top 50 Professionals and Entrepreneur real estate, entrepreneurship, and other important life skills. Ige’s coaching ● 2010- 2016 Top Producer program is designed to help people be the best they can be. Ige has an outgoing personality and a bright light that allows her to liberate others. She adores children, and her love for them Ige Johnson led her to pursue a career in elementary CEO education before moving on to marketing RE/MAX Generation, Glo Beauty Bar and mortgage consulting, and later into & Dynasty Partners 8650 North Sam Houston Pkwy. E. real estate and entrepreneurship. Humble, TX 77396
Ige believes in living a balanced lifestyle and encourages everyone to do the same. For her, having a life worth living means spending time with family and friends while working passionately on all
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Edward Pollard, Esq. 2021 TRAILBLAZER
Facebook, Instagram, and other social sites where there were very few other law firms advertising. The decision to target social media paid off, and in just a few short years, Pollard Legal Group has become a multi-million dollar firm. His practice primarily focuses on auto accidents and premises liability. Edward is extremely passionate about the well-being of others and brings that passion directly to the cases he handles for his clients. He believes that each client should feel like a priority, and he makes himself available and accessible to his clients throughout the entire case. Edward understands that the only time someone calls him regarding a legal matter is because they are in need of help. As such, he diligently works to understand their needs and provides the vigorous representation and attention they deserve. He relentlessly works to get every client as much compensation as he can for their loss, most recently, assisting in obtaining a $1,000,000.00 dollar settlement for his clients against a wellknown rideshare company. Edward is a native Houstonian and proud product of all HISD schools. He received his undergraduate degree in political science, graduating with honors from Morehouse College. In 2012, he earned his Juris Doctorate from Thurgood Marshall School of Law, graduating with honors. In 2018, Edward attained his Certificate in Negotiation Mastery from Harvard Business School. In his free time, he enjoys sports, movies, and spending time with his wife Vanessa and two children Nadia and EJ.
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ttorney Edward Pollard, 36, is truly making his mark in Houston, Texas. Not only is he a Houston City Council Member, as well as the co-founder of the nonprofit organization Suits for Success, but he also is the owner of Pollard Legal Group, LLC, one of the fastest growing and thriving personal injury law firms in the city. In 2018, Edward opened Pollard Legal Group after impressively growing
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his clientele through social media and online platforms. Several years ago he noticed that most law firms only marketed through traditional avenues of advertising such as radio, television, billboards, and newspapers. However, he also realized that his millennial-age peer group and the Generation Z that followed, were more immersed in social media than anything else. Therefore, Edward decided to fill that void by marketing on
Edward Pollard, Esq. Owner Pollard Legal Group, LLC 713-320-0103 epollard@pollardlegalgroup.com www.pollardlegalgroup.com Houston City Council Member, District J (832) 393-3015 districtj@houstontx.gov Suits for Success info@suitsforsucceshouston.org www.suitsforsuccesshouston.org
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Sheriff Eric Fagan 2021 TRAILBLAZER
Emeritus because of his leadership and ability to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the citizens they serve. Among the many divisions Sheriff Fagan was assigned to during his career was the Internal Affairs Division in the Alternative Dispute Resolution section where he served as a mediator/facilitator, and he personally mediated over 200 cases with a 100 percent rate of agreement between the parties. Sheriff Fagan served on Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner’s protection detail, giving Fagan the opportunity to work with world leaders, government officials from different municipalities, and plan for catastrophic events that occurred in the City of Houston. Sheriff Fagan is certified by The Texas Department of Public Safety in Dignitary Protection. This training taught him how to protect domestic and foreign dignitaries and how to be on alert for possible terroristic and domestic threats. During Super Bowl LI he worked with the NFL security team, the FBI, Homeland Security, METRO, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, and other law enforcement municipalities around the City of Houston in planning for and protecting over one million citizens and visitors who attended the festivities. Sheriff Fagan is honored to serve all the citizens of Fort Bend County. Sheriff Eric Fagan Fort Bend County, Texas www.fortbendcountytx.gov
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heriff Eric Fagan, a 30 year Fort Bend County resident, was elected on November 3, 2020, as the Sheriff of Fort Bend County. On January 1, 2021, Fagan became the 43rd Sheriff of Fort Bend County, Texas, and the first African American to serve in the position since Reconstruction, 151 years ago. Sheriff Fagan earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice, where
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he graduated number one in his class. He also earned a Master of Science degree in Juvenile Forensic Psychology, both degrees from Prairie View A&M University. During Sheriff Fagan’s stellar 31-year career with the Houston Police Department, he was a three-time winner of the prestigious Officer of the Year Award. Sheriff Fagan served as President of the Afro American Police Officer’s League where he was named President
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Brian Middleton 2021 TRAILBLAZER
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rian Middleton was elected as the district attorney for Fort Bend County on November 6, 2018. He is the first African American elected as district attorney for Fort Bend County. Mr. Middleton was born in Houston, Texas. He is married to Coretta Middleton. Mr. Middleton and Coretta have three daughters. Their oldest daughter, Brianna, is a senior at the University of Texas at Austin. Mr. Middleton’s father and sister are also attorneys. His father has practiced labor law for over 47 years. Mr. Middleton is a 1990 graduate of Lamar High School in Houston, Texas. Mr. Middleton received a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from the University of Houston in 1994. Mr. Middleton graduated from Thurgood Marshall School of Law with honors in 1997 and was licensed to practice law the same year.
While in law school, Mr. Middleton was employed as a legal intern at the First Court of Appeals, the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, and the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas under the supervision of Judge Calvin Botley.
Law Firm in 2003 and practiced in the areas of criminal law, civil litigation, bankruptcy, and appeals.
Mr. Middleton was employed as a municipal prosecutor for the City of Meadows Place, City of Wallis, and the City of Jersey Village. Mr. Middleton was Upon graduation from law school, Mr. also employed as a judge for the City of Middleton began his legal career at Jacinto City and as an adjunct professor the Office of the Attorney General of at Thurgood Marshall School of Law. Texas, Habeas Corpus Division where he represented the Director of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in Federal Brian Middleton District Attorney Court regarding lawsuits filed by Texas Fort Bend County inmates. Thereafter, Mr. Middleton was employed as a briefing attorney for Judge Mailing Address: Morris Overstreet at the Texas Court 301 Jackson St., Room 101 of Criminal of Appeals, as an assistant Richmond, TX 77469 district attorney at the Fort Bend County Physical Address: District Attorney’s Office, and as an 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Suite 21004 associate attorney for the Barrett, Burke, Richmond, TX 77469 Wilson, Castle, Daffin, & Frappier Law Office 281.341.4460 Firm Mr. Middleton established the Middleton
brian.middleton@fortbendcountytx.gov www.fortbendcountytx.gov
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Dr. Brian Rowland 2021 TRAILBLAZER
the Lawyers’ Committee on Civil Rights ● YMCA of Greater Houston Minority Achiever’s Award ● Texas Association of African American Chamber of Commerce Award He is determined to achieve professional and personal growth as he strives to impact the future of Texas and this country. Dr. Rowland works with numerous community affiliations throughout the State of Texas and nationally, such as: ● Texas State Conference for NAACP Branches (Membership Chair and CoChair of Economic Development) ● The Texas State Association of African American Chamber of Commerce (Fmr. Vice Chair and Secretary) ● Texas Association of Black City Council Members (Vice President) ● Boy Scouts of America Troop 1906 (Assistant Scoutmaster) ● Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. - Epsilon Tau Lambda (President Emeritus) ● Prairie View Chamber of Commerce (President Emeritus) ● Prairie View Volunteer Fire Department (Board Member)
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r. Brian Rowland is the 11th Mayor of Prairie View, Texas. He has served as a city councilman for 10 years. He is the managing principal for Visionary Leadership, LLC. Visionary Leadership is a consulting company specializing in business development and organizational leadership; providing organizational training on cultural competency, equity and inclusion, and leadership development strategies. Dr. Rowland is a registered representative with Voya Financial Advisors, Inc. and Rowland Financial, and he has been in the financial services industry for 14 years.
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Dr. Rowland received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Tarleton State University, as well a Masters of Community Development (M.CD), a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Dr. Rowland brings more than 20 years and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in of experience in community organizing, Educational Leadership from Prairie View social justice advocacy, and leadership A&M University. solutions in the public, private, and Dr. Rowland is known in his community as nonprofit sectors. He has a state, a trailblazer who has dedicated time and regional, and national reputation for resources to improving the welfare of the outstanding leadership and community citizens in his community. His experienced involvement. He was an instrumental leadership and collaborative approach force in the successful restoration of the continue to provide positive solutions to Prairie View A&M students’ right to vote, the community over the last 18 years. He a nationally recognized court case. leads with the mantra, “We are one PV.” Dr. Rowland has received local and national recognition/awards for his work on social justice and advocacy including: ● Young Champions of Justice Award from
Dr. Brian Rowland Mayor Prairie View, Texas www.prairieviewtexas.gov
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Dr. Thomas Randle 2021 TOP EDUCATOR
the Texas Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development. He served on the Texas Education Commissioner’s Cabinet of Superintendents, the Policy Committee on Public Education Information and as an advisor for the Texas Education Agency’s Recommended High School Plan. In 2008, the Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives appointed Dr. Randle to the Select Committee on Public School Accountability. He’s twice been named the Region 4 Superintendent of the Year (2001 & 2017) and a finalist for Texas Superintendent of the Year. Other honors include the 2004 Texas Educational Support Staff Administrator of the Year and Texas A&M’s 2012 John R. Hoyle Award for Educational Leadership. In 2017, the Texas Alliance of Black School Educators named a statewide award in his honor. He received an Oklahoma Regent of Higher Education Fellowship and served on a focus group for the Council of Chief State School Officers in Washington, D.C. In 2019, Dr. Randle graduated from The Holdsworth Center’s Inaugural Leadership Development Program.
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r. Thomas Randle became Lamar CISD’s Superintendent of Schools in 2001. Under his leadership, Lamar CISD is known around the state for academic excellence. During his tenure, the District has twice been recognized by Texas School Business magazine for its best practices, earned the H-E-B Excellence in Education Award for Best Large District and had four campuses named National Blue Ribbon Schools. Since Dr. Randle’s arrival in Lamar CISD, the District has added dozens of facilities—with plans for more on the way. Student enrollment has increased
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Dr. Randle earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Texas A&M University and a Doctorate from Oklahoma State University. He has more from 16,000 to over 36,000 and staff than 40 years of experience in education, has gone from 2,200 to nearly 6,000— including 26 years as a superintendent of making Lamar CISD the second-largest schools. employer in Fort Bend County. Ultimately, Dr. Randle is still a teacher Dr. Randle also has a strong record of at heart. He has served as an adjunct industry leadership, including service professor at UH Clear Lake, Lamar with the Texas Association of School University and Texas A&M University. Boards Risk Management Fund, the UIL Legislative Committee, Texas FFA Association, Texas Association of School Administrators, Texas Association of Dr. Thomas Randle Supervision and Curriculum Development, Superintendent of Schools Texas Academic Decathlon, Texas Lamar CISD Alliance of Black School Educators and terandle@lcisd.org www.lcisd.org Texas Business and Education Coalition. He’s a Past President of the Texas Association of School Administrators and
d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas
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r. Rodney E. Watson has led the Spring Independent School District since July 2014. The district serves more than 33,000 students in a diverse community approximately 20 miles north of downtown Houston, in an urban area of Harris County, Texas. Along with its 26 elementary schools, seven comprehensive middle schools and three comprehensive high schools, Spring ISD offers families two middle schools of choice, a nationally recognized early college academy and an award-winning high school career academy. Located near the heart of one of the largest, most culturally diverse and most vibrant metropolitan areas in the country, Spring ISD’s mission is to prepare students to contribute, compete, and lead in a global society as well as in their own communities. Through classroom instruction, extracurriculars, enrichment activities, internships and robust CTE pathways, volunteering and other forms of civic engagement, the district’s students are encouraged to become lifelong learners, critical thinkers, and responsible citizens of good character. Watson arrived as superintendent from Houston ISD, where he served as Chief Human Resources Officer for the largest district in Texas and seventh largest in the nation. Upon his arrival in Spring ISD, he partnered with stakeholders and community members across the district to develop a shared vision for the future. An ambitious five-year strategic plan, EVERY CHILD 2020, launched in May 2015 with an emphasis on studentcentered decision making, rigor and accountability, and leveraging the power of teamwork and common purpose at every level of the organization.
Rodney E. Watson, Ph.D. 2021 TOP EDUCATOR
taking and scoring well on AP exams, a boost in elementary reading proficiency, and the launch of several new middle and high school specialty programs. Watson’s leadership has helped inspire a large increase in parent and community volunteer hours, as well as the passage of a $330 million bond that brought new school buildings, improved technology and infrastructure, and allowed for the establishment of dedicated ninth-grade centers at each of Spring ISD’s three comprehensive high schools. In the spring of 2020, Watson formed an Innovation and Equity team to support the district’s belief in the importance of ensuring equitable outcomes for all students. A steering committee of both internal and external stakeholders was charged with developing a proactive plan to close achievement gaps while improving support structures that meet the needs of every student within the community. As superintendent, Watson has been a strong advocate for the district’s education foundation and its work, partnering with the organization and lending his support to its initiatives, including the annual “Tee Up For Education” charity golf tournament and the group’s Grant Express, which funds innovative teaching and learning opportunities through targeted grants given directly to district teachers and campuses.
When Hurricane Harvey devastated the Houston area in 2017, many district families and students were affected by extensive flooding in their neighborhoods. Before the rains had even stopped, Watson and his district leadership team had joined forces with foundation board members and a small army of volunteers to bring much-needed relief and support to Spring ISD families in crisis. This kind of dedicated partnership in support of the That work has led to numerous successes common good of all families has been a for Spring ISD, including National hallmark of his tenure as superintendent. School Foundation Association (NSFA) Beyond the district, Watson's service to Superintendent of the Year, the expansion other organizations has included work with of full-day prekindergarten to every The Education Trust, the Bill and Melinda elementary campus, enhanced early Gates Foundation, the NAACP, the National childhood and dual-language offerings, Association of Black School Administrators, improvements in high school students the Asia Society’s Global Cities Educational
Network, and the American Counseling Association. He has also served as an adjunct professor of education at the University of Missouri–Kansas City and the University of Texas at Austin. He currently serves as Board Chair for Northwest Assistance Ministries, board member and Executive Pastor at Wellspring Church International Ministries, and formerly served as the Board Chair for Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce. Watson received his bachelor’s degree in psychology and music education, his master’s degree in counseling psychology and special education, and his Ph.D., from the University of Missouri–Kansas City, in Urban Leadership and Policy Analysis and Curriculum and Instruction. He and his wife Shanel have enjoyed 25 blessed years of marriage, and together they have four beautiful children, Chandler, Simone, Elise, and RJ.
Rodney E. Watson, Ph.D. Superintendent Spring Independent School District www.springisd.org
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Dr. Roberta Grace Scott 2021 TOP EDUCATOR
LLC, which focuses on providing team building, leadership coaching, strategic planning, workshops, and mentoring support. Most recently, she has launched a brand, #NoMoreLimits, and authored and co-authored three books. She has received numerous awards, 20 million in grants, and shares her expertise with others by teaching seminars, public speaking events, and serving on a range of educational committees. Dr. Scott serves as a board member for The Way Home (TWH) Continuum of Care (CoC) Steering Committee. The Coalition for the Homeless is the Lead Agency to the CoC, and the Coalition works hand-inhand to ensure homelessness in Harris, Montgomery, and Fort Bend counties is rare, brief, and nonrecurring. Dr. Scott is recognized for her accomplishments and serves as a voice for the Sandy Hook Promise Foundation to build a nationwide movement of parents, schools, and community organizations engaged and empowered to deliver violence prevention programs and mobilize for the passage of sensible state and national policies.
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r. Roberta Grace Scott is a distinguished passionate educator with 17 years of education expertise in administration and teaching. She has successfully educated and encouraged students to succeed despite their obstacles. Dr. Scott currently serves as the Director of Social/ Emotional Learning & Student Discipline department in Houston Independent School District. The opportunity for her to lead this work in efforts to dismantle the school to prison pipeline and build better lives for students affected by mental illness is gratifying. She has experience working with districts across the nation,
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She is a member of the National and Texas Alliance of Black School Educators, Houston Livestock Rodeo Lamb and Goat Committee, and Ladies of Golf. She also contributes and adds value to a host of other committees that support the community and all children. She enjoys life with her daughter Tiarra, where she supports Multi-Tiered Systems a young entrepreneur and leader to decrease suspensions and increase and granddaughter Tinsley. She finds academic performance at K-16. pleasure in spending time with her family, Dr. Scott also currently serves as an friends, and traveling, which help her stay adjunct professor with Texas Southern balanced while living life to the fullest. University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Texas Southern Dr. Roberta Grace Scott University; a master’s in counseling and Houston Independent School District doctoral degree in educational leadership Director of Social/Emotional Learning both from Prairie View A&M University. & Student Discipline Department Through her ability to coach and develop Founder of No Limit Educators, LLC others, she’s been able to move school Nolimiteducators@nolimiteducators.org systems forward, push educators past 832-779-2193 their limits, and provide experiences to www.nolimiteducators.org/ treasure for a lifetime. She is the founder of No Limit Educators,
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Dr. Charles E. Dupre 2021 TOP EDUCATOR
public school districts and administrators, serving in leadership roles in the Texas Association of School Administrators. With a passion for serving children and young adults, Dupre has invested countless hours in shaping the future of others, through his role as superintendent, mentor, Sunday school teacher, camp counselor, and friend. Dr. Dupre and his wife, Seeju, are the parents of two sons and have a grandson.
Dr. Charles Dupre Superintendent of Schools Fort Bend ISD superintendent@fortbendisd.com
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r. Charles Dupre began his tenure as Superintendent of Fort Bend ISD in 2013. The District is the state’s eighth-largest school district. For more than 61 years, Fort Bend ISD has grown to serve more than 77,000 students at 81 campuses. It is also one of the most diverse in the nation, as families speak more than 90 languages and dialects. Under Dr. Dupre’s leadership, Fort Bend ISD has developed a strong foundation for success, with a focus on educating the whole child. The District has seen notable growth in student achievement and has
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increased opportunities for all students, including traditionally underrepresented groups. In 2018, Fort Bend ISD was awarded the 2018 H-E-B Excellence in Education Award as the best school district in the large district category, and Dr. Dupre was named the Region 4 Superintendent of the Year and finalist for Texas Superintendent of the Year in 2019. Dr. Dupre’s influence and expertise has been instrumental during times of great uncertainty, including the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey and the current pandemic. During these unprecedented times, he has served as a voice for all
d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas
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Dr. Robert Bostic 2021 TOP EDUCATOR
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uperintendent Dr. Robert Bostic of the Stafford Municipal School District, has been dedicated to children and education for nearly 30 years. He has served as a teacher, supervisor, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent. Dr. Bostic is active in community, civic, and professional organizations. He is currently a member of the Texas Association of School Administrators, Texas Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Texas Association of Suburban/Mid-Urban Schools, Texas Association of Mid-Sized Schools, Texas Alliance of Black School Educators, Mexican-American School Boards Association, Texas Caucus of Black School Board Members, Texas Computer Education Association, the Fort Bend Chamber Education Division, ACHIEVE Fort Bend County, and the Fort Bend Economic Development Council. Dr. Bostic also works regionally as one of the twenty appointees by the Texas Commissioner of Education to the Texas Education Agency Rural and Small Schools Task Force as well as nationally as the K-12 Co-Chair Advisory Representative for the Microsoft Corporation in Redmond, WA. In the Stafford Municipal School District, Dr. Bostic has been pleased to serve in leading the district to receive more than $300,000.00 from The George
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Foundation to found and implement a PK-12 robotics program that is highly successful. Dr. Bostic also generated a pivotal partnership with Smart Financial Credit Union to bring the only working banking institution to operate inside of a high school campus in Fort Bend County that pays student interns to be tellers and promote district-wide financial literacy. Dr. Bostic was highly instrumental in working with SMSD board members and state representatives to bring HB 601 to be pre-filed in the 85th Legislature. Under his leadership, SMSD has achieved multiple state academic distinctions. Dr. Bostic proudly leads with the philosophy that 100% of the district’s students will graduate college or career ready without remediation. As a lifelong technologist, he has led with a philosophy of “STEM to Earn,” which teaches students to think like employers not just as an employee. Before coming to SMSD, Dr. Bostic served as the Assistant Superintendent for Academic Programs at Denton ISD in Denton, TX. At DISD, Dr. Bostic made using “technology as a tool” a top priority to help teachers and administrators streamline their work with teaching and learning in the district and throughout Texas. As a past elementary and intermediate school principal for fifteen years in Carrollton Farmers Branch ISD, Richardson ISD, and Oklahoma City Public Schools, he brings knowledge
from the campus level to central administration. Dr. Bostic also founded and instituted the largely successful Technology Integration Academy that is held each summer in Denton, TX, to this day. He founded and spearheaded the i-Bot competitive robotics league for elementary and middle school students, authored the districts application for the National Tech Savvy School Districts for 2009 and 2010 where under his direction, Denton ISD placed in the top ten in the nation for two consecutive years. He was the recipient of the Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA) Administrator of the Year in 2008 and was also honored as top finalist for Technology Administrator of the Year in 2011. As a campus administrator, Dr. Bostic was successful in leading diverse campuses in Oklahoma City, Richardson, and Carrollton-Farmers Branch with student populations that had majority minority populations. Each of the campuses received ratings at the Recognized level or Exemplary level under his leadership. At his last campus he was a Texas Business Education Coalition Honor Roll Campus recipient. This annual award is considered to be the most prestigious award for sustained, academic excellence in Texas. According to TBEC, of the more than 8,000 Texas public schools, less than 4% make the Honor Roll. Dr. Bostic earned his Bachelor’s degree from Langston University and his Masters of Education degree from the University of Central Oklahoma. He earned his Superintendent’s Certificate and Doctorate in Education degree at the University of North Texas. Dr. Bostic enjoys professional sports tournaments, fishing, boating, and family time. He is happily married to his wife of 29 years, Ellen, and together they have two children, Paige, 26 years old, and Ethan, 19 years old. He is also the proud owner of a dapple dachshund, Roxy.
Dr. Robert Bostic Superintendent Stafford Municipal School District www.staffordmsd.org
d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas THIS FALL, STAFFORD MSD WILL OPEN THE STAFFORD STEM MAGNET ACADEMY THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN THE COUNTY! Stafford MSD Superintendent Dr. Robert Bostic shares his philosophy on the importance of S.T.E.M. Education.
S.T.E.M to Learn and S.T.E.M to Earn While working as an elementary principal in north Dallas, Texas in the early 2000’s and working as a Instructional Technology Director in Denton, Texas, I discovered that the children and teachers that I had the pleasure of leading were not familiar with the acronym S.T.E.M. While I’m sure S.T.E.M was already in the mindset of some prominent researchers and technologists, it still had not trickled down to the reality of many public schools where I worked. With staffing numbers of around 30 teachers on my elementary campus to a much larger school district with more than 3000 teachers, the results were the same in the early 2000’s. What is S.T.E.M? When surveyed, educators from all of my sample sets nodded their heads in agreement with blank stares of understanding but very few truly knew or had knowledge or an idea of what the acronym S.T.E.M meant. It’s 2021 and I’d still bet that if you did a quick survey of teachers on what the acronym S.T.E.M stands for that more than half of them would not be able to give the correct answer. In early 2004 I can still remember my excitement in bringing the idea of using the RCX Lego robotics kit and competing in FIRST Lego League to my teachers. The idea flopped. I mean it really fell flat. I tried my best to use my skill as a former teacher, orator, administrator and leader and head cheerleader to my staff to try to motivate teachers to sponsor an afterschool club for kids that just solely focused on robotics using Legos and their computer brick called the RCX. No way, no how, they were not going to volunteer to do this weird unknown work all to motivate S.T.E.M. What is STEM? “The STEM acronym was introduced in 2001 by scientific administrators at the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF).” (Hallinen, n.d.) According to Hallinen, STEM used to be named SMET which stood for the same thing but in a different order. Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. So you may ask yourself why was there such a big push for STEM and who cares anyway? Why STEM? Why now? A study done by the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering and Institute of Medicine pointed out in their study titled Rising Above The Gathering Storm: Energizing and Employing America for a Brighter Future, that 60% of surveyed scientists said America was in a decline in the areas of innovation
in STEM and 40% said that we were stalled. (Institute of Medicine 2007, 2007) Thomas Friedman pointed out in his book, “ if you are an American, you better be good at the touchy-feely service stuff, because anything that can be digitized can be outsourced to either the smartest or the cheapest producer, or both.” (Friedman, 2006) My argument is that the clock is ticking and time is passing and I refuse to let students and staff that I know be left behind on the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics battleground.
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Just the Facts The Division of Occupational Employment Statistics and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported, “There were nearly 8.6 million STEM jobs in May 2015, representing 6.2 percent of U.S. employment.” (Fayer, 2017) The same report also stated that most of the largest STEM occupations were related to computers. While this report did not focus purely on computers, it pointed out that more than six years ago we would be heading toward a large swath of careers that required at least some background or immersion in STEM occupations or STEM related fields. As superintendent, as a district administrator, as a principal, as a teacher, as a parent this is not a reality in many of the public schools and classrooms that I work in.
STEM to Earn “The supply of STEM workers is not keeping pace with the rapidly evolving needs of the public and private sector, resulting in a deficit often referred to as a STEM skills shortage.” (Congress, 2020) STEM to Earn is a philosophy that we are training today’s students (young, middle or older) to become earners in the STEM economy as workers for companies that use Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics as their driver to success. Or we can look at STEM to Earn as a philosophy that we are training today’s students (young, middle or older) to become entrepreneurs, military personnel, creators or innovators that use Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics as their driver to build their craft. In any event, the combined philosophy is built on an infinite mindset that we are training every man, woman and child to be drivers of their own destiny in a world that is so driven by the scorecard of technology, power, money and innovation. (Robert Bostic, 2020)
STEM to Learn Now that we established a brief history on STEM and the sense of urgency on not being left behind, I turn to the school board members, district and campus administrators and educators and want to introduce STEM to Learn. STEM to Learn is an intentional philosophy that educators, parents and community leaders immerse their students and staff in STEM activities, project-based learning activities and competitions that prompt and encourage students to want to learn more about STEM activities, STEM philosophy, and STEM jobs inside and outside of the classroom. Ultimately STEM to Learn is a precept before STEM to Earn. (Robert Bostic, 2020) There are many examples of STEM to Learn in action. These examples include but are not limited to: • Having students participate in Lego Robotics in FIRST Lego League is an example of STEM to Learn. • Having students learn SWIFT Coding is an example of STEM to Learn. • Having students learn Minecraft is an example of STEM to Learn. • Having students learn Gaming is an example of STEM to Learn.
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Having students learn Drone manipulation is an example of STEM to Learn. Having students learn how AI – Artificial Intelligence affects their daily lives is an example of STEM to Learn. Incentivizing or helping to reimburse teachers for getting higher education degrees in computer science, coding, health, engineering, and mathematics is an example of STEM to Learn.
Bibliography • Congress, U. S. (2020, September 17). Rural STEM Education Act. Retrieved from https://www. c o n g r e s s . g o v / b i l l / 11 6 t h - c o n g r e s s / h o u s e - b i l l / 4 9 7 9 / text#HA938B922DF41469584319B28C93A9C51 • Fayer, L. W. (2017). STEM Occupations: Past, Present, And Future. Washington DC: Division of Occupational Employment Statistics. • Friedman, T. L. (2006). The World is Flat. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux. • Hallinen, J. (n.d.). STEM education curriculum. Retrieved February 18, 2021 • Institute of Medicine 2007. (2007). Rising Above the Gathering Storm: Energizing and Employing America for a Brighter Economic Future. Washington DC: The National Academies Press. • Robert Bostic, E. (2020, July 16). STEM to Learn and STEM to Earn. (E. Robert Bostic, Performer) Region IV Annual Technology Conference: Digital Innovations, Houston.
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Troy B. Smith 2021 COMMUNITY HERO
Funeral Directors and Morticians Association • Member of the National 100 Black Men in Funeral Service • Vice President of Epsilon Nu Delta (Psi Chapter) Fraternity • Serves on the Advisory Board of the Coastal Funeral Directors & Morticians Association, Inc. • Member of the Houston Metropolitan Funeral Directors Association • Member of the Independent Funeral Directors Association of Texas, Inc. • Member of the Texas Funeral Directors Association • Member of the National Funeral Directors & Morticians Association (NFD&MA) • Member of the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA)
“A Trusted Name When Caring Counts.”
Smith is the twelfth of thirteen children born to Christian parents. He daily lives by the foundation they instilled in him. That is why you find him consistently thanking GOD and giving HIM the praise at the Trinity Missionary Baptist Church in Houston under the leadership of Pastor C. W. Gaines, where he serves on the Executive Board and Financial Committee.
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roy B. Smith is the founder, president and CEO of Troy B. Smith Professional Services, a full-service funeral provider located in Houston’s Historic Sunnyside Community. For the past 36 years, Smith has been serving families during the most critical time of their lives, the death of a loved one. He listens to you and your wishes to help plan a celebration consistent with your desires but often exceeding your expectations. He takes the time to plan every detail to help relieve the burden on your family during your time of loss. This is not just your average neighborhood funeral home. Smith has bypassed the traditional labeling of his establishment and branded his business as an entity that provides
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He is also the co-founder of PUSHOPE (Professional Undertakers Serving Humbly Helping Other People Everyday) a nonprofit organization that has sowed seeds of success into the lives of youth, senior citizens, churches and positive producing premium professional services. They community organizations throughout Texas. include arrangements in the comfort of your own home, funeral pre-planning, Smith is a giver by heart. He’s received contemporary and traditional cremation many outstanding awards and accolades, services and domestic and foreign too numerous to name for his countless shipping. With dignity and integrity, Smith contributions to youth, senior, religious, provides these cost-efficient products civic and community organizations and services without compromising the and programs. He is truly a man of quality of care he is known to provide. good character and moral values who His favor quote, “If I Can Help Somebody, is an exemplary servant-leader of this community. Then My Living Shall Not Be in Vain.” Smith graduated from Commonwealth College of Funeral Service and is a member of several organizations listed below. • Ambassador for the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice • Member of the British Institute of Embalmers • Asst. Treasurer of The Houston
Troy B. Smith, FDIC, CFSP, MBIE, D.H.L. President and Owner Troy B. Smith Professional Services 9013 Scott Street Houston, Texas 77051 713.734.TROY www.TROYBSMITH.com
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RoseMary Tucker 2021 COMMUNITY HERO
the message, “BEAUTIFUL. UNIQUE. LIMITLESS. LOVING. INTELLIGENT. EDUCATED. DETERMINED.” Tucker’s athletic clothing line for men and women is called SWOLLE Athletic Wear. SWOLLE is an acronym for, “strength, wisdom, overcomer, loyal, loving, and empowering.”
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isplaying her unwavering faith in God, partnered with her incredible sense of style and fashion has been the key to RoseMary Tucker’s success as a black, female entrepreneur. Tucker is the founder and owner of Blessties USA, a Christian apparel and accessories boutique in Cypress, Texas. Tucker opened Blessties USA in 2015 and has been spreading her love for Jesus Christ by designing spiritual t-shirts and hoodies. Each design she creates has a story of encouragement, love, and positive thinking. You can find a wide range of fashion items in Tucker’s store from tees to jumpsuits to a wide array of face masks and much more! After being successfully open for six years, Tucker has showcased other black, women-owned brands that are in alignment with her mission of spreading love and positivity. While browsing through Blessties USA you can also purchase items from other brands. Tucker is definitely one who believes in the power of connecting and collaborating with others. Prior to starting Blessties USA, Tucker
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attended school at St. Phillips College in San Antonio where she obtained a degree in nursing. After deciding she wanted to pursue a different career path, she relocated to Houston in 1995 and began working for Down Low Promotions. Here she was able to work with some of the biggest stars including Patti LaBelle, Cedric the Entertainer, Bernie Mac, D.L. Hughley, and several others. Tucker eventually went on to start her own promotion company called Tucker Entertainment.
In 2019, Tucker founded HOODIES4HEALING, a 501c3 organization that is dedicated to selling hoodies and other Christian apparel to help others. HOODIES4HEALING was spawned from her daughter, Dyanna, who developed a cyst in her brain that needed immediate surgery. Tucker raised over $60k by selling hoodies and afterwards made a promise to God that after her daughter’s successful surgery, she would spend her time continuously helping others in need. From the HOODIES4HEALING foundation she has built a brand that is selfless in service, paying it forward incessantly. On any given Sunday, you will find Tucker feeding the homeless in downtown Houston. Blessties USA and the HOODIES4HEALING foundation hosted a blanket drive for the homeless in January 2021, and in December 2020, gave away 200 hoodies to the homeless.
Tucker is currently raising funds to help the homeless with her new HOODIES4HOMELESS initiative, selling hoodies through www.hoodies4healing. com, where the proceeds of every hoodie After leaving the promotions business, sold will be used to serve the homeless. Tucker worked for d-mars.com for some Due to the current political and racial climate time before transitioning into a career occurring in the United States, Tucker aims in real estate, which she stayed in for to lift people’s spirits through her tees. Her almost 20 years. advice to other women entrepreneurs is, While Tucker’s top motivation for all she does “Utilize the 4Ps, being patient, prayerful, is God, she also works hard for and finds positive, and professional at all times. And inspiration in her four amazing children, never give up on yourself, because no one else will support you like you can.” Darion, Dyanna, Adrian, and Adian. In addition to Blessties USA, Tucker also owns and operates several other clothing lines. One of those is called “I Am Bullied,” which is a line she started for her son who was being bullied at school. This is an anti-bullying line that promotes the idea of replacing hate and hurt with
RoseMary Tucker Founder and Owner Blessties USA HOODIES4HEALING Foundation 281-GOD-BLES hoodies4healing.com @blesstiesusa
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d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas
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Angeanette Dowles Thibodeaux 2021 COMMUNITY HERO
a double concentration on state and local government and human resource management. Angeanette later acquired a position within the Ouachita Parish Government Center through a grant under the Department of Labor, where the Workforce Investment Act was executed.
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ngeanette “Angie” Thibodeaux, is a native of Louisiana and considers it a distinct honor to be a product of a hard-working blue-collar family. Growing up in the rural south of Mer Rouge, Angeanette knows and understands the meaning of “It takes a village”. She learned at a very early age that having a sense of pride, understanding your community, and reaching out to help your fellow neighbor was more than just the right thing to do, but also the only way the community survives. She attended both Grambling State University and Louisiana Tech University, departing with the accomplished goal of obtaining a bachelor of science degree in business and a master's degree in public administration with
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champion of the GOTV initiative, and is currently working on senior housing assistance to prevent the loss of homes through tax sales. Her most recent and proud venture is working on the launch of an organization called the D.E.C. of Women, with not only a domestic reach but also an international reach ranging as It would be years later that her next far as Dubai and Nigeria. career path was the breaking point that Angeanette currently serves as president defined her true passion. Compelled by of the Acres Homes Super Neighborhood the foreclosure epidemic, Angeanette Council, a residence of over 20,000 relocated to Minneapolis gaining the constituents, 100 churches, and 2 school attention of Sharon Sayles Belton, the districts. She was elected as AHSN Council former mayor of Minneapolis, who was president in 2018. In 2020, Angeanette the first African American and the first was called to lead field operations of woman to hold this position. Supporting nearly 1,000 canvassers, poll workers, the mayor's goals in foreclosure relief, phone bankers, and volunteers in the Angeanette began to work with the Home largest and most nationally recognized Ownership Preservation Enterprise Georgia Senate race in history. Her (HOPE) where a team of GMAC-RFC work with NACA, Stacey Abrams’ Fair professionals worked diligently to Fight Organization, and UNITE HERE reduce the risk of foreclosure and labor union placed a spotlight on her provide thousands of homeowners with community advocacy efforts that have foreclosure assistance. With this taste of now led to various offers and proposals passion to impact the lives of others and on community redevelopment and keep families in their homes, Angeanette neighborhood revitalization efforts in moved to an even larger channel at Bank Georgia, Texas, and Louisiana to name a of America followed by Neighborhood few. Angeanette looks forward to utilizing Assistance Corporation of America her Champion School of Real Estate (NACA). education on structuring a contract to From 2011 to the present, Angeanette develop over 200 acres of land, not to sell has served a vital role in neighborhood homes but to redefine our communities. revitalization and community development. She has championed the attack on foreclosure in over 40 metropolitan areas while at the same time bringing forth awareness and change in how our local government officials and community leaders guide their respective constituents. Angeanette played a key role in bringing access to the local communities for mortgage assistance, thereby resulting in foreclosure prevention. She worked with NACA and its operations to manage and reduce foreclosures in nearly 50 major cities across the country. But it doesn’t stop with housing. Angeanette also worked on several committees to reduce the auto loan debt, served on panel discussions to execute Student Loan Forgiveness programs, is a national
Angeanette is the proud mother of 2 sons, 8-year-old Major and Malcom, who is resting in Heaven. She is a member of Green House International Church and several organizations, committees, and task-forces ranging from the NAACP, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., the NC Women’s Council, and the NRA to name a few. A proud Houstonian with an array of accolades, her most rewarding accomplishment comes through empowering and elevating others for growth and advancement.
Angeanette Dowles Thibodeaux Council President Acres Homes Super Neighborhood Community Leader and Activist
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Christopher Williams 2021 COMMUNITY HERO
hris Williams was always destined to be a chef; he simply didn’t know it yet. Drawn to study food from a young age, he attended Le Cordon Bleu in Austin, Texas, and soon began traveling around the world, working in eateries from Lithuania to England to the U.S., and all points in between. His insatiable hunger to learn everything about world cuisine unexpectedly led him back to his own family tree. Chef Williams heard bits and pieces about his great-grandmother, Lucille Bishop Smith, but it wasn’t until he began developing his own restaurant concept that he discovered a family history steeped in mouthwatering Southern cuisine. Smith was a culinary pioneer in her own right, achieving everything from establishing her own food corporation and penning her own cookbook turned collector’s item to landing her famous chili biscuits on American Airlines flights and serving the likes of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, President Lyndon Johnson, Martin Luther King Jr., and heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis. In August 2012, Chef Williams opened Lucille’s in a 1923 Mission-style home in the Museum District. Pairing his greatgrandmother’s ingenuity and Southern flair with flavors from his travels, he treats diners to well-refined Southern cuisine enhanced by international flavors and techniques. Nearly a decade in the making, the namesake restaurant has since morphed into Lucille’s Hospitality Group — a culmination of concepts that channel his great-grandmother’s historic legacy. Classically trained in French, Mediterranean, West Indian, and East African cuisine, Chef Williams fittingly served as the lone culinary cultural ambassador for the USA for three years, advancing food diplomacy in destinations like Slovenia, Croatia, and Ukraine. Chef Williams is also a member of the Southern FoodWays Alliance, an organization that documents, studies, and explores the diverse food cultures of the changing American South. Williams' most recent endeavor — his non-profit
Lucille’s 1913 — mimics the ethos of his restaurant group and its namesake, functioning as a conscious community collective that is building a vertically integrated ecosystem to combat food insecurity and waste; create training and employment opportunities in traditionally under-resourced neighborhoods; and empower communities to discover a selfsustainable livelihood through food. To date, Chef Williams and the Lucille’s 1913
team have provided more than 190,000 meals to Houstonians in need since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Christopher Williams Founder and Owner Lucille’s Hospitality Group www.lucilleshospitalitygroup.com
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Lynn Clouser 2021 COMMUNITY HERO
George Foundation Executive Non-Profit Leadership Class for the 2020-2021 year. Lynn received her bachelor’s degree in Mass Media Arts from Hampton University and has been active in her community since she was young. With more than 25 years of sales and marketing experience, she was recently named the Clinical Liaison for Modern Vascular Houston, a pioneering medical company focusing on peripheral artery disease whose minimally invasive procedures focus on amputation prevention. Lynn is no stranger to challenges. As the mother of two children, her oldest was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at an early age. Lynn turned her pain into purpose and now helps other families understand the diagnoses, navigate the journey with valuable resources, and currently sits on the Board of Directors for Hope For Three Autism Advocates, a local 501 c (3) organization that serves children and families living with the disorder with financial assistance and various resources. In addition to being an autism advocate, Lynn also lends her time and talents to the community organizations she holds near and dear to her heart such as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Jack and Jill of America, Inc., The Fort Bend Church’s Spectrum Ministry, Fort Bend Women’s Center, and Farmers Market Partners Sienna where she is currently an Advisory Board Member.
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ynn Clouser started serving at an early age. She has spent most of her life in Missouri City where she now serves as the recently elected City Councilwoman At-Large, Position 2. The Mayor has appointed Lynn as Chair of the Livable Community Committee and she will also serve as a member of the Economic Development Committee, High Performance Organization Committee, and a member of the Community Development Advisory Board. Her emphasis on inclusion highlights the theme that everyone matters regardless
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of age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and ability, especially in the most diverse city in Fort Bend County. Lynn was fortunate to grow up within a legacy of leadership, watching her father Judge Joel Clouser serve the Fort Bend community, and she often tagged along with him as he worked tirelessly for the community. It was an honor for her father to swear her in as the first African American female to hold the AtLarge Position #2 on the city council. Lynn is fortunate to be a member of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce
Lynn enjoys working out, volunteering, spending time with her children Marshall and Lauryn, event planning, public speaking, acting, and helping small businesses thrive with marketing strategies. She is extremely passionate about small businesses and is establishing the first-ever Small Business Advisory Committee in Missouri City to provide support with resources to help our local businesses sustain and grow. Lynn Clouser Missouri City City Councilwoman At-Large, Position 2 lynn.clouser@yahoo.com
d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas
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Addie Heyliger 2021 COMMUNITY HERO
ddie Heyliger is an accomplished technology professional with over two decades of interfacing with senior business executives and technical teams. She provides leadership to a technology organization in the areas of business engagement, project management, and portfolio value and delivery. While Addie has excelled professionally and won many awards in her career, her passion is service. Addie brings over 25 years of community service to the Fort Bend/Houston Area. Addie started her work preparing and delivering meals for families while their loved ones were ill. She was able to fulfill one of her lifelong passions by advocating for children in the foster care system, promoting and supporting children's placement from foster care to adoption. She led by example, adopting two children of her own and encouraging adoption to families in her community. Her work with various organizations has led to other successful adoption placements. In addition to her advocacy regarding adoption, she also advocates for children with mental illness. Addie closely works with local law enforcement and medical professionals to render proper services for youth. Most notably, she was elected in 2015 and re-elected in 2018 as trustee of the Fort Bend Independent School District board. Addie currently serves as president of the FBISD board. With Addie’s assistance, FBISD increased the academic ratings for schools that required academic improvement. Additional accomplishments include the creation of an Early Literacy Center, offering Early College High School and Pathways in Technology programs, universal course selection for all high school students, started special education improvement programs for more inclusion of special needs children, developed a board leadership academy, and most importantly, has driven high academic accountability for all the students in the district.
Addie believes that the foundation of a child’s education is their ability to read. She initiated “Addie’s Read-A-Thon” to support one of the underperforming schools in the district, where over 70 volunteers from the community and professional organizations volunteer their time. Due to the success of this program, the read-a-thon was quickly adopted and is now an annual event. Addie is a certified technology professional, having earned her undergraduate degree in computer science from North Carolina A&T State University and her master’s in business administration from Texas Women’s University. She is a certified project management professional.
Sorority, Inc., The Links Incorporated, and Jack and Jill of America, Inc. She is an active member of The Fort Bend Church. She also serves as the president of the National Congress of Black Women – Houston Metropolitan Chapter. She is the proud mother of two handsome young men, Milton and Alex Heyliger.
Addie Heyliger President Fort Bend ISD Trustee IT Portfolio and Release Manager 4222 Oak Forest Dr. Missouri City, TX 77459 www.advocateaddie.com 832-244-5861
She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2021
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Cory Crawford 2021 COMMUNITY HERO
World brand. While still in college, he met rapper Slim Thug and his BossLife team through mutual friends. The group forged a bond over their business savvy, and they shared common goals of wanting to empower their community. The members went on to create BossLife World, an entity that comprises BossLife Construction, a nonprofit organization called the BossLife Foundation, a clothing line, and a line of craft beer. Today, BossLife World has created jobs and provided scholarships and training to high school students. The group has also built and remodeled 11 affordable homes for families in Acres Homes dealing with hardships, and they continue to be a proud pillar of economic development to the city of Houston. They have successfully hosted a scholarship gala for six years, named the BossLife Ball, which has featured Tillman Fertitta, Lisa Raye, Mayor Sylvester Turner, Floyd Mayweather, and other notable public figures. The organization also builds and remodels homes for families facing adversity, and in September 2018 they gave away a home to a family affected by Hurricane Harvey. Additionally, the members host an annual toy drive for the community. In his day-to-day role, Cory is responsible for developing ideas and visuals that effectively communicate the company’s message of ownership and being your own boss.
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usinessman Cory Crawford is the owner of Burns Original BBQ and co-founder of the lifestyle brand, BossLife World. His strategic mind matched with his passion for business and the community have allowed Cory to be highly successful in multiple endeavors. Hailing from the historic Fifth Ward neighborhood in Houston, Texas, Cory always had a desire to be successful and he knew early on that he wanted to be a business owner. Growing up he worked at his family’s business, Burns Original BBQ located in the Acres Homes area on the Northwest side of town. After finishing at
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Northside High School, he became the first person in his family to graduate from college, earning his business degree from Sam Houston State University in 2004. Once he returned to Houston after college, Cory revived his grandfather’s business and became the owner of Burns BBQ. The hard work of Cory and his family have transformed the restaurant into a well-known establishment with an international presence thanks to segments on the Food Network and Travel Channel, with the late Anthony Bourdain. Along with running Burns BBQ, Cory is one of four co-founders of the BossLife
Looking to the future, Cory is steadfast about accomplishing his goals, both personally and professionally, while continuing to uplift those around him. As a dedicated husband and father of two boys, his mission is to create a legacy that empowers his family for generations to come. After retiring from his businesses at the age of 45, Cory plans to create his own bank where he can implement tools for financial literacy within his community.
Cory Crawford Owner Burns Original BBQ 8307 De Priest St. Houston, TX 77088 corycrawford22@yahoo.com www.burnsoriginalbbq.com
d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas
"GREAT BBQ LIVES ON"
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Tennille Johnson, Keosha Austin & Natishia Holly 2021 PARTNERSHIPS
T. Washington High School. Her career in healthcare began in 2001, and she has held many leadership roles in medical information management. A natural gift and ability connecting with people, she continues to foster this talent for advancement in her personal and professional life. She is a member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, where she is active in ministry work. Natishia’s combination of experience and spirit of service enable her to successfully manage Scrubs To The Rescue’s resources and customer service department.
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n 2019, like-minded women came together with a passion to fundamentally change the trajectory of the medical apparel retail market by leveraging a more nontraditional shopping model that would anchor on providing added value, convenience, and a great customer experience. It all started with a discussion of their hopes and dreams one rainy day in the hospital cafeteria where they worked. Who knew that a discussion of their dreams would turn into a successful company, Scrubs To The Rescue. Their varied backgrounds and skill sets help to make their team dynamic work well. Born in the windy city of Chicago, Tennille Johnson came to Houston to attend Texas Southern University in 1995. She graduated with her Doctor of Pharmacy and has worked as a pharmacist for over 16 years. She prides herself on being a lifelong learner and community activist. She is a proud and active member of the esteemed Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
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Scrubs To The Rescue is run by these influential female leaders with over 20 years of combined experience in the healthcare industry. They use their own skills as healthcare professionals to bring expert knowledge, innovation, technology, and the most desired products and services to meet the needs of busy healthcare professionals, like doctors, nurses, and other medical support staff. Studies show that when you look good, you feel good and are more productive at work. The business ultimately helps medical professionals and all professionals requiring scrubs to look and feel their best while at work in their demanding careers. They want to be a part of empowering these professionals with chic and quality attire, adding value to an industry that takes pride in serving others.
Fort Bend Alumni Chapter. Tennille also has been a part of numerous community and professional organizations including the Houston Area Urban League and the Texas Pharmacy Association. As the CEO of Scrubs To The Rescue, she has a Scrubs To The Rescue is widely recognized vision and desire to give back to her own and was the proud recipient of the Houston community of healthcare professionals. Area Urban League Small Business A medical professional, natural born University 2019 Pitch Competition. As leader, and lover of fashion, Tennille pillars of the community, they see it as wants Scrubs To The Rescue to be known their duty to serve, having donated over worldwide for providing trendy, fashion 200 scrub sets to the homeless. With a forward medical uniforms. mindset of success and service, they Keosha Austin hails from Arkansas look forward to being a partner in more and relocated to Houston in 2015. She community initiatives, also expanding the attended Arkansas State University. company’s brand and product line. Keosha has held many leadership roles in product procurement and supply chain management. As Scrubs To The Rescue’s uniform fashion expert, she provides guidance on all of their product line selections. Natishia Holly grew up on the Northside of Houston, Texas. She attended Booker
Tennille Johnson Keosha Austin Natishia Holly Scrubs To The Rescue 713-640-5717 contact@scrubstotherescue.com www.scrubstotherescue.com
d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas
SERVICES WE OFFER:
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WE FOCUS ON THE WORKWEAR, SO YOU CAN FOCUS ON THE WORK.
Living the Scrub Life Call us at:
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Scrubs2therescue
8000 S. Gessner Rd. Ste #500 Houston, TX 77036 contact@scrubstotherescue.com TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2021
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Niki Smith-Scott and Monica Freeman 2021 PARTNERSHIPS
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reparing students with a curriculum that goes beyond the chair for competency and competitiveness is Quality Barber College. Co-owned by established business leaders Niki SmithScott and Monica Freeman, this college is built on a foundation of “quality” in every sense of the word, with barber courses, cosmetology crossover courses, and master instruction courses for those who want to keep their skills sharp and trending with industry standards. And with Scott and Freeman having a proven track record in entrepreneurship, there is an extension to the educational experience, affording students knowledge on business ownership, finance, and running day-to-day operations. Quality Barber College offers full-time and part-time schedules, payment plans, and discounted services to the
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public with haircuts, tapers, fades, hot lather shaves, and facials. This licensed barber institution is strategically located in the community, attracting their target student market for a valuable student and client experience. Quality is the cornerstone of this business, offering a first-rate education and tools for success in an exceptional setting. Standing on their slogan “Where quality is always in style,” this college brings high-quality training necessary to be competitive in the industry as a licensed barber. Quality Barber College is on a mission to bring high-quality training to individuals desiring a lucrative career as a licensed barber. Students can be a high school student in an at-risk area, an ex-offender deserving a second chance, or someone seeking a career change. Quality Barber College is exceptional in barber education and professional development. But what
makes this institution stand out from the rest are its tools for a student's personal development, skills just as important for a successful career. Quality Barber College’s curriculum and success rate are proof supporting a student’s ability to thrive in this field. And to broaden the college’s reach to a wider student market and increase enrollment, Scott and Freeman plan to expand, with a second school within the next 2 years.
Niki Smith-Scott Monica Freeman Co-Founders and Co-Owners Quality Barber College 12363 South Main St. Houston, TX 77035 713.900.4722 www.qualitybarbercollege.com
d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas
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d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas
Jerry D. Sowells 2021 SUPER P&E
Management & Inspection, LLC (SCMI) was established in 2010 and is a Texas Professional Engineering Firm. SCE, which has developed a core team of professional construction managers, engineers, and inspectors provides the highest quality construction management and inspection services. SCE is administratively certified and pre-certified with the Texas Department of Transportation to provide construction management and inspection for roadways. The company has earned prime contracts with the City of Houston, managing/inspecting the construction of over $1 billion in roadway and utility projects. SCE is a Texas HUB, also a certified MBE, DBE, and SBE with the City of Houston, Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Port of Houston Authority, and HISD. Their services include civil engineering, construction/project management, project controls, estimating/scheduling, and site inspection. SEC is an experienced Construction Management at Risk (CMAR) company consisting of safety managers, construction managers, engineers, and administrative professionals with over 20 years of industry expertise. This company was formed to take advantage of the vast opportunities in the public works, transportation, and commercial industries by providing professional and qualitative construction management and services with the emphasis on customer satisfaction and cutting-edge technology.
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erry Sowells is a certified construction manager with over 20 years of successful construction management leadership experience serving clients in Houston and the surrounding areas. He holds a M.S. in civil engineering and is the president of Sowells Consulting Engineers, LLC and Sowells Engineers & Constructors, LLC. His project experience includes serving as construction services manager at ESPA CORP where he was responsible for leading a team of over 20 professionals that included project managers, engineers, administrators, and civil inspectors. 68
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His leadership experience also includes: ● Assistant construction manager for the City of Houston Surface Water Transmission Program with Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam ● Project engineer for Universal Studio’s Super Hero Island of Adventure Project in Orlando, Florida, with Construct Two Construction Managers, Inc. ● Field engineer for multiple semiconductor and manufacturing design/build projects with Sverdrup Facilities (Jacobs) Sowells Consulting Engineers (SCE), formally Sowells Construction
Jerry D. Sowells President Sowells Consulting Engineers, LLC Sowells Engineers & Constructors, LLC jsowells@sowells-engr.com
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d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas
Toni Johnson 2021 SUPER P&E
2013, transcended and became The Root Boutique Hair Salon. The transition and new name came with a new location also very familiar to Toni. The Root Boutique is located in the heart of Third Ward near Houston’s Museum District. The area is a part of a mix of cultural history, art venues, great restaurants, and diverse real estate. The Root Boutique services a wide range of multicultural clientele. Services include but are not limited to hair care, custom weaves, custom hair color, and professional makeup and makeovers. Toni has always been an empathetic person to others, built from the appreciation of her own journey. So it is never out of the ordinary for Toni to hear someone’s story and set up a complete support avenue through her network for them to succeed. The Root Boutique is in turn a community advocator for young women. The boutique sponsors teenage girls for proms, giving them complete complimentary hair, makeup services, and before and after pictures of the special day. When Toni is not servicing her professional clientele, she enjoys being a mom, cooking, listening to music, sketching, and painting. Toni is definitely creative at heart, reflecting that in her classy personal and professional style. The Root Boutique can be followed on various social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Toni Johnson Owner The Root Boutique therootofyou.com @therootboutique
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oni Johnson’s creativity has made her an influencer and a trailblazer in the hair care industry. Toni’s humble beginnings started as a stylist over 20 years ago in a salon in Third Ward. As Toni mastered her craft, she transitioned to The Root of You Salon and Day Spa, an exclusive salon which was well
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known in the Houston and surrounding areas as “The Master Stylist.” Toni’s diligence, commitment, and professionalism landed her as a coowner of The Root of You in 2007, which had become known as Houston’s premier and urban upscale salon and day spa. The Root of You Salon and Day Spa, in
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Derrick Dixon 2021 SUPER P&E
t was not enough for Clark Atlanta University alum, Derrick Dixon, to receive his MBA and bring his talents to an already existing company. His dream was to start businesses that would allow him the opportunity to hire individuals who were not afforded the same opportunities as he was to pursue a higher education. Following his college graduation, Derrick became a serial entrepreneur, starting one of the most popular record labels in the South, Wreckshop Records. Wreckshop Nation is an independently owned entertainment company focused on promoting and producing digital content, products, and services for artists, while simultaneously embracing the southern hip hop culture that developed in Houston in the late 1990’s. Through Wreckshop Records, over 2.5 million record sales were made, which garnered the attention of several major recording labels, including the highprofile label Def Jam Records. After much negotiation, Derrick signed a contract with Capitol Records. At the time, it was unheard of for this type of success to be possible through an independent label. Derrick’s interaction with a major record label also helped to build his reputation with other professionals in the industry, proving that he was a capable, savvy entrepreneur who possessed a deep understanding of Houston’s hip hop scene, artists, and community. Today, Wreckshop Nation, the current name of what was formerly known as Wreckshop Records, has clout in the hip hop industry that very few labels can match. It was responsible for the success of Fat Pat and Big Moe, two iconic artists who were instrumental in raising awareness of Houston’s unique, tightlyDespite the 2020 pandemic, he knit hip hop community. launched the Hustlerholic Podcast and Adding to his already impressive business Network, a media platform dedicated resume, Derrick has opened seven bail to the financial and entrepreneurial bonds locations and a medical transport literacy of impoverished individuals and company in Texas. Also a leader in the communities. real estate business, Derrick is an avid flipper and investor in the real estate Derrick has made it his life’s mission to give back to the communities that birthed market.
him and made him the “Hustlerholic” he has become today.
Derrick Dixon Founder Wreckshop Records
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Shawn D. Green 2021 SUPER P&E
grew up in Trinity Gardens. He actively gives back to the community and is a firm believer in “To whom much is given, much will be required.” He consistently advocates for the advancement of supplier diversity programs, corporate diversity and inclusion initiatives, and mentorship and development of young aspiring professionals. He is also a corporate diversity recruiter.
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hawn Green’s professional career is one to be admired as he continues to ascend the corporate ladder in the oil and gas industry. He is well-known as an accomplished, results-driven leader with well-rounded and diverse experiences. Shawn currently serves as manager of Global Services, Systems and Technology for ConocoPhillips. He is accountable for providing overall leadership for supply chain strategy, with an emphasis on elevating the function’s use of automation and emerging technology on a global scale to support procurement of $10 billion spent annually for ConocoPhillips. His organization is also accountable for defining, implementing, and managing a global vision for system solutions to enable a world-class supply chain. Shawn has held several positions of increasing responsibility while working at ConocoPhillips. He served as director of Global Shared Services, director of Transactional Excellence Lower 48 Region, and manager of Requisition to Pay Project Implementation, Lower
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Although Shawn loves working within the energy industry, he is an accomplished entrepreneur in his own right. He is an experienced realtor and has a passion for assisting and counseling homebuyers in obtaining their dreams of first-time homeownership. He is enthusiastic about real estate investing as well. He has become known as the “Investor Realtor” and has a knack for ‘running the numbers’ to find those hidden gems. He focuses on his clients building their real estate portfolio as well as maintaining his investment portfolio. 48 Region. Shawn also accepted the opportunity to work abroad where he was promoted to supply chain manager for the Western Canada Region. He also held assignments in strategic sourcing, business development, technology commercialization, and strategic planning including supply chain director for the company’s EagleFord shale development. Before joining ConocoPhillips, Shawn took a slight change in career paths by transitioning into the alternative energy industry. He accepted an opportunity to work for a venture capital firm specializing in funding and supporting small alternative energy and healthcare companies seeking to expand but had limited access to equity markets.
Along with his corporate responsibilities, Shawn serves as Secretary on the Board of Directors for the Southwest Minority Supplier Development Council and also serves on the Petroleum Industry Data eXchange (PIDX) Board. In his spare time, Shawn is an avid tennis player and enjoys spending time with family and friends. He also volunteers for many community service organizations including Junior Achievement and United Way where he previously served as Chairman of the Board for Crossroads. He is a proud graduate of Leadership Houston, Class XXX.
Shawn attended Tulane University in New Orleans and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering and later received an MBA with concentrations in Finance and Shawn also held a variety of positions at Management. Marathon and ExxonMobil companies, serving in project procurement management Shawn D. Green positions, category management, supplier Manager relationship management, process Global Services, Systems and Technology engineering, technology, operations, ConocoPhillips business management, and strategic planning roles. Shawn is a native Houstonian and
d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas
Focused on
Excellence
ConocoPhillips is excited to be involved with every aspect of the communities where we operate. Providing minority-owned and womenowned businesses access to business opportunities is just one way we demonstrate our commitment to the community. We celebrate the differences in our cultures and backgrounds and by seeing opportunities from a diverse perspective, we share in success. If your eligible minority-owned, women-owned, veteranowned, LGBT-owned or small business is focused on excellence, visit www.supplierdiversity.conocophillips.com and fill out your supplier profile today. © ConocoPhillips Company. 2019. All rights reserved. CS 19-0129
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Zelma Lee aka “DJ Supastar” 2021 SUPER P&E
the Beat,” focuses on community issues, while also highlighting local leaders. A local and celebrity favorite with an impactful social media presence, DJ Supastar also works weekly as a host/ MC, DJ, and influencer with a number of clubs, private events, celebrity parties, and corporate partners. She continues to grace stages nationally for notable events that include the ESSENCE Festival, CIAA, Super Bowl, and the NBA All-Star Weekend. She has also graced the stage for BET’s Smirnoff’s “Master of the Mix” and was the very first female DJ to spin for the 2013 NBA ALL-STAR JAM SESSION Weekend hosted in Houston, TX. Her fondest DJ experience was the opportunity to DJ for fellow Houston native, Beyoncé and Jay-Z for a private event in 2015 during the OTR I Tour. She loves her community, especially the youth, often spending time mentoring through her Supastar Spin Academy, which offers DJ classes for all individuals who are interested in learning the art of DJing. And she is a history maker as the only female DJ to do this in the United States! Though DJ Supastar is a trailblazer in the entertainment industry, mentor, motivator, and curator, her most important honor and proudest achievement is being a mom. Zelma Lee aka “DJ Supastar” Media Personality and DJ www.deejaysupastar.com Social Media: @iamDJSupastar
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elma Lee aka “DJ Supastar” is a DJ, influencer, philanthropist, and TV and radio personality. DJ Supastar lights up everything she touches! She has been spinning since 2001, always expanding her diverse pallet for music, with the ability to play ANY room, remaining in high demand and sustaining her success. In the long-standing tradition of female DJs, DJ Supastar is proving that talent is still
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the order of the day. As an on-air personality, you can catch DJ Supastar Monday - Friday, spinning on Houston’s 93.7 The Beat (iHeartMedia) and for Emmy Award-Winning journalist Isiah Carey on The Isiah Factor Uncensored on FOX 26. Her podcast, “She’s Got the Juice,” celebrates dynamic and high performing changemakers for the culture, while her weekly on-air Sunday morning community show, “Face
d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas
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Willie James Dennis aka “Willie D”
2021 SUPER P&E
illie James Dennis aka “Willie D” is proud of his Houston, Texas, roots. Willie D is an American rapper who gained fame as a member of the pioneering rap group from Houston, Geto Boys. Despite his reputation for being a hardcore artist who pens often provocative lyrics, Willie D is known for his diligent work in the community, and many of his songs contain positive messages. He is often called on to speak at universities, high schools, and youth facilities. A gifted athlete, Willie D took up boxing at the age of 11. He was so good at boxing that in 1985, he became the Golden Gloves Champion for the State of Texas. With a Golden Glove championship under his 17-year-old belt, it looked like Willie D was well on his way to becoming a professional boxer, but fortunately for his fans, fate intervened. Like any teenager growing up in the early 80s, Willie D was captivated by the music of his generation. An avid fan of rap music, he listened intently to the music and set his sights on becoming an emcee. It wasn't long before Willie D’s reputation reached J Prince, founder of Rap-A-Lot Records. At the time Prince was looking to revamp the now legendary Geto Boys and knew that Willie D would be a key factor in the group’s success. Once Willie D was on board, Bushwick and Scarface were added to complete the group. Considered the classic line up, Willie D, Bushwick Bill, and Scarface first emerged as the Geto Boys in 1989 with their Gold record, "Grip It! On That Other Level." Willie went on to record a string of critical and commercially successful solo and group albums including the Geto Boys’ "We Can't Be Stopped" (platinum), which featured the smash single "Mind Playing Tricks on Me," co-written by Willie D.
Willie D is the founder and CEO of Reck Media, which curates podcast platforms, including his own popular Willie D Live Podcast on YouTube, which boasts 600,000 subscribers. Willie D is also the co-owner of Sanitize USA, Firm Construction Services, and an avid cryptocurrency, stock, and real estate investor.
In 2012, Willie D began writing a weekly political satire column for Vice Magazine. After his contract expired, he began working on an advice column for the Houston Press, which ranked at the top of the weekly newspaper’s columns until he Willie D is the proud father of Caen resigned after four years. Dennis, a New York-based lawyer and
Blake Dennis, who attends business school in London, whom he shares with Bridget Bonier, a mechanical engineer. Willie James Dennis aka “Willie D” American Rapper Entrepreneur
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Kevin Murray, Esq. 2021 SUPER P&E
Northern, Eastern, and Western Districts of Texas, and all Texas State Courts. Murray is affiliated with the following organizations: Thurgood Marshall School of Law (President Alumni Board), Career Gear Houston (Board Member), The World Affairs Council (Council Cabinet Member), Central Care Integrated Health Services (Chairman of the Board 2016-2017), Leadership Houston Class XXXV, National Bar Association, American Association for Justice, Houston Lawyers Association, Houston Trial Lawyers Association, Houston Bar Association (Entertainment and Sports Law Section), 100 Black Men, National Association of Home Builders, Texas Association of Builders, Greater Houston Builder’s Association, Producers Guild of America, and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
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evin Murray is an attorney, real estate developer, film producer, and philanthropist. As an attorney he practices in all areas of civil litigation with a high concentration in personal injury, real estate, and entertainment law. Calling Houston his home for over 25 years, he built a successful law practice specializing in the representation of individuals who have been seriously injured, as well as the families of individuals who have been killed due to negligence. Murray also represents individuals in the areas of auto accidents, defective drugs, defective products, workplace accidents, maritime accidents, OSHA refinery process safety management compliance, and petrochemical and refinery accidents. Working on construction projects all over Houston, he derives his passion and experience for real estate from his experiences as a former owner of a mortgage company and former fee attorney for a title company. He recently completed a gorgeous townhome
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In the past, Murray has been featured on KPRC Click2Houston and his radio show was part of the IMPACT Houston Live series on KTSU 90.9. He has also been featured in numerous newspapers and magazines. development in Houston’s historic Rice Through his many philanthropic Military area. endeavors Murray supports the following Murray is also a television and film organizations: Leukemia and Lymphoma executive producer. Recently he was the Society (Man of the Year Nominee), executive producer of two films, River National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Runs Red (starring Taye Diggs, George Cronhn’s and Colitis Foundation of Lopez, and John Cusack) and Hell On The America, Texas Children’s Hospital, Border (starring David Gyasi, Frank Grillo, Greater Houston Women Chamber of and Ron Pearlman). River Runs Red was Commerce, United Negro College Fund, released November 2018 and is available Sisters Network Inc., Perfect Connection On Demand and Hell on the Border was (Autism Awareness), Fort Bend Chapter released December 2019. Currently, he of The Links, Inc., The Ensemble Theatre, is in preproduction of a movie starring Children at Risk, Pratham USA, Wheeler Bruce Willis, George Lopez, and Frank Avenue Inner City Visions, Movie and Grillo. He also has several television a Meal, Yellowstone Academy, Fashion projects in various stages of production. Fitness Swim (Co-Founder), American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Murray received his undergraduate and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.’s degree from Rutgers University in New Education and Charities Foundation of Brunswick, New Jersey, and his law Houston. degree from Texas Southern University, Thurgood Marshall School of Law in Houston, Texas. Murray is admitted to Kevin Murray, Esq. Attorney practice law in the United States Supreme Television and Film Producer Court, United States Tax Court, The Fifth 713-355-5500 Circuit Court of Appeals, The United www.murrlaw.com States District Court for the Southern,
d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas
TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2021
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Rodney Reed 2021 SUPER P&E
has built. Reed enjoys a good challenge, and is driven by formulating strategies to improve company processes. He believes in challenging people to be their best, work with integrity in the workplace, develop a positive reputation, and uphold a positive image. These aspects have driven his work ethic and taken him far in his life and career. His path to UPS was coincidental. At the time, he had just completed his US Navy tour in the Middle East where he fought in Desert Storm. He was attending Victoria College in Victoria, Texas, when he started working part time with UPS because the hours were suitable for him to continue his studies. This is where it all began, and he has not looked back.
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odney Reed is the UPS Sweetwater package division manager in the South Operations Red River District. He has held multiple positions within UPS since his career started in 1995, having worked his way up the UPS ladder from entry level positions through hard work, sacrifice, and the support of his family.
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Over his 25 year career with UPS, he has found that using his role to help others is why he loves it so much. Reed’s roles have afforded him multiple mentoring opportunities, and he has used his experiences to inspire other young men and women and to help advise/mentor them in their respective career paths. On several occasions he is asked to participate in seminars and workshops. These workshops and seminars provide youth with helpful tools to prepare them for success in the workforce. The youth are taught things such as interviewing skills, like how to dress for an interview, how to maintain eye contact and proper posture when speaking, and how to deliver a proper handshake. Reed feels that his influence on the youth has been rewarding, as he sees they are our future. He knows that making a positive influence on our youth is an investment in our future, and this kind of influence will live on beyond his years. He is a self motivated individual and enjoys the challenge of improving statistical numbers in his assigned centers. He is relied upon to improve numbers in categories such as safety, productivity, efficiency, and employer/ employee relations. One of the greatest benefits of working at UPS has been the relationships and partnerships he
Rodney Reed Sweetwater Package Division Manager South Operations Red River District UPS
d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas
UPS’s workforce is multi-cultural, multi-dimensional, and reflective of the broad attributes of our global communities.
Congratulations to Rodney Reed for his recognition and his work in the Community... UPS Red River District
ups.com TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2021
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Adrian Collins 2021 SUPER P&E
years, Collins moved into the sports and entertainment industry following his political career. In addition to his work as an operations and logistics expert, he is a sought-after speaker with a personal story as compelling as his professional resume is long. His focus on pragmatic problem solving and his magnetic, unifying personality are recognized worldwide as he inspires people from all backgrounds to reach for their highest goals and dreams. Adrian Collins Director of Operations Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation (NRG Park) Principal Adrian K. Collins & Associates, LLC adrian@adriankcollins.com www.adriankcollins.com
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drian Collins is a sports and entertainment executive who currently serves as the director of operations at Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation (NRG Park) in Houston, Texas. He is also the principal of Adrian K. Collins & Associates LLC, a business development firm that specializes in helping small, medium, and large-sized enterprises in the energy and technology sectors create sustainable growth through successful expansion into domestic and international markets. Born in Grand Prairie, Texas, Collins endured a challenging childhood, later joining the United States Army in his late teens. In the Army, he received top security clearance to work for the United States Army Military Intelligence as an electronic warfare intercept tactical warfare specialist. Following his military service, he attended Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas, where he
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studied political science and government. After school he went on to work in Texas and U.S. politics for more than 15 years, serving as a senior staff member to Texas State Representative Scott Hochberg and Texas State Senator Rodney Ellis. He also served under the administration of President Barack Obama for nine years in roles that included director of operations for the United States Department of Energy; deputy director of advance in for the United States Environmental Protection Agency; and lead advance associate in the Executive Office of the President at the White House, where he was responsible for logistics for White House local, domestic and international travel. He also worked as advance team lead in the Obama For America campaign, which involved planning and coordinating then-candidate Obama’s American travel logistics. An expert in logistics and high-level executive support for more than 20
d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas
Jay Bradley
2021 SUPER P&E
O
n the surface, Jay Bradley is an accomplished real estate broker and philanthropist in the community. Though Jay is known for his polished demeanor, his clients describe him as upbeat and passionate in pursuing their real estate goals and dreams. That passion applies to finding a first home for young families, just as it has in securing the Houston location of the acclaimed restaurant Sweetie Pie’s for high-profile client Miss Robbie Montgomery. Jay’s clients are confident they can trust him to treat them with honesty and respect, truly listen to their wishes, and guide them to optimum results in their real estate purchase or sale process. And they know traveling with Jay on their commercial or residential real estate journey will always be a memorable experience brightened by his optimism and great sense of humor. A Houston resident for more than two decades, Jay knows the market well. His real estate expertise spans over 20 years and benefits from his background as a restaurateur and technology sales professional; both of which taught him the arts and satisfaction of communication and negotiation. Drawn to the real estate profession by his desire to help people, he has embarked on various philanthropic initiatives to renovate and revitalize the Houston community. Most recently he was featured in the Houston Chronicle for the “Buying the Block'' initiative, in which he collaborated with developers to revitalize 5th Ward. The project initially launched as a new construction build, which included building an entire townhome community. Jay played a key role in marketing and attracting the young professionals to be homeowners in the project. Not only has Jay utilized his real estate expertise for his philanthropic efforts, but he has acquired several commercial spaces to further provide economic opportunities in underserved communities.
impressive real estate career, he has led a team of 40+ plus agents. Along the way, he has amassed a comprehensive roster of professionals in just about every field. His clients and colleagues alike appreciate his ability to use his vast network of contacts to find solutions to client needs before, during, and after the real estate transaction. Most recently, Jay was elected to the 2021 Board of Directors for the Houston Realtors Association (HAR) and appointed to the Texas Association of Realtors (TAR). He plans to leverage his position to provide equality for African Americans within the real estate arena, extending his platform to create opportunities for others.
A single dad, Jay spends a significant amount of time working with youth Jay is also proof that a guy who is often programs, including the Windsor Village known for great fashion and colorful Boys Rites of Passage, and he has always hats can be a top producer. During his been involved as a volunteer and mentor at
schools and churches. He is proud to be on the approved volunteer list for the Houston Independent School District and other independent school districts in the area. Jay recently tried his hand at love on the Oprah Winfrey Network’s (OWN) hit show Ready to Love: Last Resort. While it was an amazing experience, his quest for love continues. However, in the meantime, if you are in the market for a new commercial property for your business, a new home, or currently selling a property, Jay will serve you with the utmost professionalism, heart, and expertise, all while making the process enjoyable. Jay Bradley Founder Equinox Realty Group jay@equinoxrealtygroup.com www.equinoxrealtygroup.com www.jaybrad.com TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2021
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Donna Franklin 2021 SUPER P&E
Black AM stations in the country, WCIN. From there, she migrated to Houston, where she hosted “Smooth Jazz” Saturday nights at Sunny 99.1. Then the WAVE came to town, and she started out part-time as a weekend host. And her blessings came when she was offered the position of morning show host, making history as the only single female to host a morning show in this market. After the WAVE, she was offered a position at The Choice 90.9 KTSU. This has truly been an amazing journey for Donna, having the pleasure of managing over 30 uniquely talented individuals who we hear on the airwaves daily. Leading the programming at KTSU, her goal is always to educate, inspire, empower, entertain, inform, elevate, and unite the listening audience through music, as well as information through their news and public affairs shows. Donna is living her passion, and without the support of the listening audience, she knows the station’s success would not be possible. Donna holds a BS degree from Springfield College. She received her MA from Texas Southern University. And not only is she directing programming at The Choice 90.9 KTSU, but you can also hear her captivating voice behind the mic on her jazz show, Monday through Thursday 9am-12noon. Donna remains thankful to The Choice 90.9 KTSU for being a community-driven station that allows her to live her passion.
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onna Franklin has almost 30 years in the broadcasting industry and as Program Director at The Choice 90.9 KTSU, she finds this to be one of the most rewarding positions she has had in her career. Not only does she enjoy making dreams come true for those who aspire to be in this industry, but she
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Donna Franklin Program Director Choice 90.9 KTSU Radio donna.franklin@tsu.edu 713-313-7596 www.ktsuradio.com
gets an opportunity to teach the basic principles of radio to the students at Texas Southern University. Donna was born in Chicago and moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, in her teenage years. Growing up in Chicago, listening to WVON is where her dream to become a radio announcer started. Her dream came true in Cincinnati working at one of the oldest
d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas
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Kris “KG Smooth” Green 2021 SUPER P&E
ris Green aka “KG Smooth” was born and raised in Dayton, OH, the birthplace of funk music. KG Smooth is a multi-talented host and radio personality, earning award-winning status for not only his recognizable smooth voice and acclaimed talents on the mic, but his work ethic behind the scenes in the media business. KG Smooth got his start in radio in 2000 in Cincinnati, OH, at WIZF on 101.1, The Wiz. He then climbed up the radio ladder, gracing the mic in Cleveland, OH, Columbus, GA, and Atlanta, GA. KG Smooth continues to shake up the airwaves in Houston as the ultimate host! With a mellifluous voice, charm, charisma, and humility, he has earned his mark as a staple here in the city of Houston and nationally, interviewing not only Houston local talent and celebrities, but covering national star power and notable events. You can listen to KG Smooth: ● Weeknights inside Majic After Dark ● The Quiet Storm from 9pm-1am ● Sun-Thurs on Majic 102.1 ● Sunday mornings for “The Public Affairs” podcast ● 6am on 97.9 The Box and 92.1 Radio NOW ● 9am on Majic 102.1 With national appeal, KG Smooth was a hit on the popular dating docu-series, “Ready to Love: Last Resort” on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN).
Kris “KG Smooth” Green Media Personality Magic 102.1 @kgsmooth kgsmooth@gmail.com
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Johnny Alfred III, Esq. 2021 TOP P&E
of redevelopment projects. Johnny has particular expertise in infrastructure, utility, and right-of-way issues related to single family, multifamily, mixed-use, and industrial development projects. Prior to becoming an attorney, Johnny spent several years working as a project engineer for one of the largest engineering, procurement, and construction firms in the world. In this role, he managed teams of engineers who designed and constructed liquified natural gas projects all over the globe. His engineering experience also includes the design of modular process skids for offshore drilling platforms and the programming of refinery process control systems. Johnny completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. He received his Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law Houston, where he was a decorated member of the nationally renowned Advocacy Program. During his law school advocacy career, Johnny won first place honors while earning Best Oralist and Best Brief awards in the Spurgeon Bell Moot Court Competition. He also was a semifinalist in both the National Veterans Law Moot Court Competition in Washington, D.C., and the William E. McGee National Civil Rights Moot Court Competition in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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ohnny Alfred III is a trial lawyer who focuses his practice on workplace injuries, refinery explosions, construction accidents, catastrophic personal injuries, 18 wheeler crashes, auto collisions, real property matters, and patent/intellectual property litigation. As both an attorney and an engineer, Johnny leverages his practical engineering experience and deep understanding of complex technical issues to help his clients obtain maximum results. A United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) registered patent attorney, 84
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Johnny specializes in the procurement of intellectual property rights through prosecution and the commercialization and enforcement of established rights by contracts and litigation. Johnny also dedicates a portion of his practice to issues involving real estate, land development, and municipal entitlements. He has managed hundreds of real property transactions involving public property interests and counseled and advised individuals, governmental entities, corporations, and nonprofit organizations on issues involving the development of raw land, and a variety
Johnny is licensed to practice law in Texas as well as the United States Patent and Trademark Office. He is an Advisory Board Member of the Drayer Department of Electrical Engineering at Lamar University, a Texas Bar Foundation Fellow, and a member of the Houston Trial Lawyers Association and multiple other professional organizations. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his wife and family, watching sports, and grilling. Johnny Alfred III, Esq. Trial Lawyer The Alfred Firm 2211 Norfolk Street, Suite 803 Houston, TX 77098 713-470-9714 johnny@alfredfirm.com www.alfredfirm.com
d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas
CALL TODAY!
Company Address
2211 Norfolk | Suite 803 Houston, TX 77098
BYRON ALFRED
FOUNDER | BOARD CERTIFIED TRIAL LAWYER Obtained a $44 Million jury verdict in a Refinery Wrongful Death case. #1 Work Injury Verdict in Texas for 2018 Secured Largest Settlement in Texas History for a School District Sexual Assault Case in 2019 First African-American Lead Counsel Inducted to Texas Verdicts Hall of Fame Over $100M in Verdicts and Settlements since 2015 Inducted into Multi Million Dollar Advocates Forum Super Lawyers Rising Star Since 2016
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Phone: 713 470 9714 Fax: 877 751 7453
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Email: byron@alfredfirm.com Website: alfredfirm.com
The Alfred Firm is proud to serve as Title Sponsors for the D-Mars 2021 Top 50 Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs event. We extend congratulations to Johnny Alfred III and all of the honorees.
TYPES OF CASES Refinery Injuries
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Tami Vienn Allen, MS, LPC 2021 TOP P&E
and opened her coaching, counseling, and mediation practice, The Allen Counseling Group PLLC, in Bellaire, Texas. The practice was birthed out of the need to provide quality mental wellness counseling and coaching to the African American community by professionals who look like themselves. Allen’s coaching and counseling practice focuses on individual empowerment and helping couples communicate about difficult topics that prevent them from moving forward in their relationship. Allen’s clientele consists of celebrities and professionals who desire exclusive and confidential services that insurance does not allow for. Allen also provides mediation services for marital dissolution, coparenting agreements, and general family disputes. The foundation of her business is to provide a professional, positive, and solutions-focused experience. In addition to growing her practice, Allen is in the process of writing her first book and developing her nonprofit, Initiating Change. The non-profit serves to provide mental health awareness and education to overcome the 'stigma' of seeking and receiving counseling in minority communities. Allen was sought after to consult with the hit TV shows 90-day Fiancé and Married at First Sight.
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ami Vienn Allen, affectionately known as ‘The Relationship Coach’, is a native Houstonian who started her entrepreneurial journey at 23 years old in the hair business. Allen comes from a family of entrepreneurs including her parents who inspired her to open her first salon, Elige Salon, in February of 1999, the first of three locations. Allen has had the honorable privilege of providing hair services to celebrities, media personalities, and numerous professional
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women in the community. During her 25+ years in the business, Allen also developed an online Continuing Education course for cosmetology professionals and was sought out as a leader in the industry. In preparation for her career change, Allen earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Phoenix, Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Capella University, licensure to practice Professional Counseling, and Mediation Certification in Texas. In November 2016, Allen retired from the hair profession
In her spare time, Allen can be found on the golf course with friends. Allen is president of the Houston Chapter of Diamonds on the Green, an amateur women’s golf league made up of professional women who love the game. The organization also engages in community service, sisterhood, and supporting the new generation of female golfers. Allen is the proud mother of two adult children, a son and daughter. Tami Vienn Allen, MS, LPC Allen Counseling Group PLLC 3000 Weslayan, Suite 274 Houston, TX 77027 713-597-4499 Tami@AllenCounselingGroup.com www.AllenCounselingGroup.com
d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas
713.597.4499 877.214.5758
theallencg@gmail.com www.allencounselinggroup.com
President, Lead Therapist and Mediator at Allen Counseling Group, PLLC. Licensed Professional Counselor approved by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Licensed Professional Counselors. Texas Certified Mediator - Parenting agreements and relationship dissolution.
“As your relationship coach, I will work with you to identify unhealthy communication patterns, recover from affairs, stop living like roomates, and revitalize your relationship.”
Specializing in Relationship and Self-Improvement counseling for an exclusive clientele of: - professionals - entrepreneurs - celebrities - athletes Desire Full Confidentiality while working through personal challenges. No worries about sitting in an office wondering who may “see you” because we offer Tele-Conferencing from the location of your convenience. speciali in working with couples, While I specialize I also work with individuals who want to improve their self-esteem and achieve their personal goals.
I have appointments available in the evenings and on Saturdays to fit your schedule. TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2021
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Victor Allotey 2021 TOP P&E
V
ictor Allotey is the CEO of The Empire State Group, which houses Empire State Transportation and Empire State Graphics, Nyammings Fusion Bistro, Empire State Construction, Nyammings Fusion Bistro Richmond, and Nyammings Event Space. Allotey serves as the head chef, proprietor, owner, and operator. He attended Indiana University from 1993-1998 on a full athletic football scholarship. He was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, and moved to Houston, Texas, in April of 2009. Allotey is a retired NFL veteran. He played three years for The Buffalo Bills and three years with The Kansas City Chiefs. He has owned several restaurants and nightclubs throughout and after his playing career.
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Allotey has been an entrepreneur since he was nine-years-old when he started out cutting hair and DJing back in 1984. His parents taught him the value of hard work, to take pride in what you do, and never take no for an answer. This advice motivated him in everything he did. Allotey currently owns a Fusion Bistro in West Houston called Nyammings Fusion Bistro. They serve Caribbean, Soul, and Creole cuisine. He also owns an event space right next door to his restaurant called Nyammings Event Space. Here they host a variety of events from weddings, receptions, baby showers, and quinceaneras to corporate events. He is currently working on opening a second location - Nyammings Fusion Bistro Richmond, which will open in April 2021. Allotey was given a declaration from
the City of Houston for his contributions to the city as a restaurateur. He is also in the process of starting up his own foundation called Victor’s Victors, where the motto is, “Teaching children to win academically and socially.”
Victor P. Allotey CEO The Empire State Group 1482 Wilcrest Drive Houston, Texas 77042 832-516-0910 theempirestategroup@gmail.com www.theempirestategroup.com
d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas
LET US TACKLE YOUR HUNGER!
Nyammings Fusion Bistro Richmond 1868 FM 359 Richmond, Texas 77406 281.762.1604 www.nfbrichmond.com Nyammings Fusion Bistro 1482 Wilcrest Drive Houston, Texas 77042 832.516.0910 www.nyammingsfusionbistro.com Hours of Operation Monday - Closed Friday - 11am-10pm Tuesday - 11am-9pm Saturday - 11am-11pm Wednesday - 11am-9pm Sunday - 11am-8pm Thursday - 11am-9pm
DINE IN
DELIVERY
TAKE OUT
CATERING
PRIVATE PARTIES
FORMER NFL VETERAN
VICTOR ALLOTEY’S
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Abenaa Bailey 2021 TOP P&E
leadership abilities, as well as her ability to bring out the best in those around her, have made Abenaa a trusted partner among organizations seeking to gain rapid forward momentum towards their goals, and Abenaa is proud of the opportunity to serve so many wonderful clients over the course of her career. Among her many professional accolades. Abenaa is also the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions for her outstanding work in education and ending domestic abuse against women. She received the Bring Awareness to Domestic Violence award from Couture Lifestyle Magazine. Abenaa received a Texas RESOLUTION from the former Texas House of Representatives Sylvester Turner in 2014 for her contribution to helping women get back on their feet via the Texas Women’s Society. Abenaa is an active member of the Higher Heights for America PAC, the only political action committee exclusively dedicated to electing more progressive Black women at the federal and statewide levels and as mayors in the 100 most populated U.S. cities. In 2021, Abenaa was selected as honorary advisor with The Hartford's Insurance Network Inner Circle Community.
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benaa Bailey is a lobbyist and an entrepreneur with a passion for bringing positive change to her community and the amazing people who are a part of it. Although her career began in the private education industry, Abenaa has since branched out her services to include healthcare and public administration. She is an avid volunteer in her community and is a strong advocate of public service. She successfully entered the business world by founding, A Plus Academy, a private school dedicated to educating students who suffer from learning disabilities; the founder of ECI Healthcare,
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In January of 2015, Abenaa served on the advisory board of Changing the Face of Houston, a nonprofit organization located in Houston, Texas, a city with the second highest employment growth in the country that is also known as the energy capital of a private consulting agency for the the world, according to Forbes. healthcare industry; and she is the CEO/ Abenaa holds a bachelor’s degree in founder of the Texas Women’s Society, a Business Administration and a Master’s nonprofit organization designed to help degree in Counseling from Union Institute victims of domestic violence get back on & University. She is an active member in their feet. a variety of organizations and a regular Throughout the course of her career, contributor to breast cancer awareness Abenaa has built a reputation as an projects, the Star of Hope, and the avid believer in community collaboration Houston Area Women's Center. through volunteerism. For Abenaa, the present may be what she’s giving her Abenaa Bailey Lobbyist attention to, but it is the future that she State of Texas places all her focus and hope on. Abenaa approaches every problem with an CEO and Founder open mind, a commitment to succeed, Texas Women’s Society and trust in the amazing abilities of the abenaasbailey@hotmail.com people in her community. Her peerless
d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas
TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2021
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d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas
Noel Collier 2021 TOP P&E
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oel Collier is a top-performing realtor, serving clients in Houston and the surrounding areas. She is devoted to improving the lives of others – and not just through real estate. While she works hard helping families find their dream homes, she will always remain true to her values and native roots. As a graduate of Texas Southern University, “Excellence and Achievement” is not just a motto – it is a way of life.
Collier began 2019 as a dual career real estate agent, wife, and mother to three beautiful children. Her strong faith and support of her family were imperative when she decided to pursue real estate full-time. At that time, the Noel Collier Group was born. For the past three years, Collier has surpassed her goals in terms of families helped and real estate sales. One of her strongest assets is her ability to relate to others while demanding results.
Before venturing out to pursue real estate full-time, Collier excelled in software sales at top companies such as ADP and Wolters Kluwer. In those roles, she constantly exceeded goals while at the same time mentoring young professionals. Continuing to be a regular recipient of honors and awards is a testament to her hard work and dedication.
In addition to making her mark as a phenomenal real estate agent, Collier volunteers quarterly by sponsoring nonprofit organizations that contribute to the betterment of the community and society as a whole. Her ability to connect with people comes naturally. Her Godgiven talents and passion to help others have directed her path to become one of the top professionals and entrepreneurs
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in Houston. As Collier steps into this new chapter of her life, she continuously reminds herself of her future goals. She plans to continue to expand her real estate business by way of serving more clients and growing her credit repair division.
Noel Collier Real Estate Agent Founder and Owner Noel Collier Group noel@sellwithnoel.com www.sellwithnoel.com
d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas
NOEL COLLIER
As a Texas native, I have a deep love for Houstonians and their neighborhoods. I approach both life and work with integrity, energy, and hard work. To me, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing a client fall in love with his or her new home.
Call Us Today
I have made a high level commitment to my real estate education, having been mentored and coached by several of the most highly acclaimed real estate coaches in the industry. In my spare time enjoy spending time with my beautiful family, explore the world through travel and food, enjoying the sounds of live music, as well as helpi helping cheer on our Houston Rockets.
8344 Spring Cypress Rd, Spring, TX 77379
832.995.0787
noel@sellwithnoel.com TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2021
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Willie T. Burroughs 2021 TOP P&E
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or almost 20 years, Willie T. Burroughs has been a transformational leader in the K-12 education space and is currently the Chief Operations Officer for the San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD). As COO, Willie leads the Operations Services Division of more than 1,600 employees and is responsible for the maintenance, rehabilitation, and construction of more than 10 million square feet of educational and administrative office space. Driven by his belief that equity and access is crucial for all, Willie is actively involved in various initiatives to ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion. To this end, Willie shared his personal story in the Living in My Skin documentary that explores the realities of being a black man in America; co-created We’re Here And Talking (WHAT), an organization aimed at a call to action for social justice; and serves on the Racial Equity and Inclusion (REI) Committee for SAISD.
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In 2018 – 2019, Willie was recognized and selected as a Leadership San Antonio (LSA) delegate. LSA is a premier leadership program where delegates actively engage present and future decision-makers in both the public and private sectors in order to gain a broader understanding of San Antonio’s diverse community as well as identify fit for purpose community-based solutions. Willie is also known for his community involvement in the San Antonio Area African American Community Fund (SAAACF), Renaissance with The Stars 2019 celebrity dance competition fundraiser, and he serves on the Board for SA2020 which is a nonprofit organization that drives progress toward a shared Community Vision for San Antonio. Willie’s passion for education and the way in which it provides a “level playing field” for personal and professional growth inspired him to sponsor an annual scholarship in honor of his late wife. The Tracie Washington Burroughs Shining
Star Scholarship is merit-based and is awarded to minority students in pursuit of a postsecondary education. Willie also serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater San Antonio Architecture Construction and Engineering (ACE) Mentor Program. Willie holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Industrial Engineering (BSIE), an MBA, and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army Signal Corps from Clemson University. Willie is a life member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and resides in San Antonio, TX. In his leisure time, he enjoys playing golf, running, reading, and spending time with his family. Willie T. Burroughs Chief Operations Officer San Antonio Independent School District www.saisd.net
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Dr. Simone A. Ellis 2021 TOP P&E
Assisting School at the University of Everest, Houston Campus. Additionally, Simone is a certified clinical evaluator for The Clinician’s Report and a candidate for Diplomat with the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Simone actively volunteers with the Houston Make a Wish Foundation and the American Dental Associations’ Give Kids a Smile Day. Annually, through her practice, she gives back to her community through various outreach initiatives, most notably, the free dentistry and health fair. This program targets families within the Missouri City radius and offers free dental services, eye exams, and health screenings to over 50 families. Further, Smile Design Studios offers a mentorship program called Smile Design Studio Academy, which affords high school and college students an opportunity to learn more about the field of dentistry and while actively shadowing dental professionals. Smile Design Studios also adopts a family for the holiday season and delivers food and supplies to families in need. Recently, Simone was awarded The 2018 Black Girl Excellence Medical Professional Of The Year Award through Lifted Lifestyle.
Dr. Simone A. Ellis Owner Smile Design Studios Family and Cosmetic Dentistry 9303 Highway 6 Missouri City, TX 77459 www.sdshouston.com
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r. Simone A. Ellis is the owner of Smile Design Studios, Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Missouri City, Texas, and has established herself in her community as an authority in practice management. Simone earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Xavier University of Louisiana and her Doctorate of Dental Medicine from Rutgers University School of Dentistry formerly,
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the University of Medicine and Dentistry, New Jersey. This vivacious leader is the founder and president of the Houston Minority Dental Society and is an active member of the American Dental Association (ADA), National Dental Association (NDA), American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) and the Greater Houston Dental Society (GHDS). She also sits on the Board of Educators for the Dental
d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas
Specializes in cosmetic dentistry with porcelain veneers, whitening and coming soon Botox and lip llers. www.sdshouston.com
Dr. Mikenah Joyy and Dr. Simone Ellis
Smile Design Studios, Family and Cosmetic Dentistry 9303 Hwy 6, Suite 300 Missouri City TX 77459
281-969-7388
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Dr. Crystal Davison 2021 TOP P&E
Proud professional highlights for Crystal include: ● Recruiting dedicated and experienced pharmacists from colleges to serve passionately in our communities ● Operating a mobile pharmacy trailer during Hurricane Harvey for evacuees to receive their medications, with no interruption in their therapies ● Vaccinating Houston’s very own NASA astronauts ● Heading some of the first pharmacies to lead COVID-19 testing sites in the United States ● Managing COVID-19 vaccine clinic operations in the Houston area ● Crystal has also written and published five books since 2003 that help elevate readers mentally, spiritually and emotionally She knows her writings are her true spiritual gift. She has had a great zeal for writing since elementary with award recognitions that have captivated many readers over 18 years around the world today. Her striking writings capture natural human feelings with insight of deep thoughts, raw emotions, awakenings, connections, and honest reflections of life's experiences for all ages of readers. She is a profound advocate for helping others achieve higher levels of truth, growth, and pure agape love.
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r. Crystal Davison is a native of Houston, Texas, where she currently resides. Crystal is happily married to her husband Roderick Davison and is a very proud mother. Crystal graduated in 2006 with a doctoral degree in Pharmacology (PharmD) from Texas Southern College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and is an active alumni lifetime member today. Crystal practices as a pharmacist in a large corporate retail chain of pharmacies
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Crystal enjoys mentoring the youth in the Greater Houston area, having operated the Cooper Etiquette Foundation since 2010. She is also a Christian member, serving across the United States. She currently since 2014 as social team leadership serves in a regional role as health and servant at the Second Baptist Church. wellness pharmacy practice coordinator, leading 28 pharmacys in south Houston. Dr. Crystal Davison In the past 15 years she has also served Indie Author and Pharmacist as a pharmacy manager, clinical care Davison Publishing 281-803-9879 pharmacist, and district pharmacy www.CrystalDavison.com operations manager. Having taken an oath, she has a passion and dedication to helping patients live healthy lives through recruiting, compliance, regulatory, medication therapy management, safety, customer service, and high quality of care in outcomes of patient therapies.
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Trey Harris 2021 TOP P&E
professional career led him through various operational roles throughout the construction industry. Rising from the ranks of office engineer to general manager, he has completed over 2.6 million sq. ft. of space, at over 625 million dollars, all while working with the following clients; Exxon Mobil, Hines, The Moody Foundation, Harris Health, and CyFair ISD. Mr. Harris is fully involved in the dayto-day business interactions, from preconstruction to final close out, believing true growth cannot be achieved without the interaction of team members sharing and closely relying on one another. He lives by this professional mantra and quotes it often: “We are going to be successful in this business because we stay ahead of the game, we work hard and have fun doing it, and take care of the people that give us an opportunity; it’s as simple as that!”
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rey Harris is the founder and CEO of CDM7, a construction, development, and management company committed to safety, quality, cost, and schedule. Upon graduating from Eisenhower Senior High School in Houston, TX, Mr. Harris attended the U.S. Naval Academy on a full athletic scholarship, ready to study Naval Architecture. Understanding his innate desire for building architecture, Mr. Harris left the Naval Academy to attend Prairie View A&M School of Architecture, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree, becoming the first college graduate on both sides of his family. In 2014, Mr. Harris obtained his Executive MBA from Texas A&M University-Commerce, expanding his skill set to dig deeper into the business side of the construction world.
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Many factors molded Mr. Harris into the man he is today: incredible forefathers, a love for art, playing organized sports, and most importantly, a committed love for Jesus Christ. The initial desire for building and construction began with his fathers, grandfathers, and greatgrandfather, all of whom were craftsmen. Mr. Harris had the opportunity to work with one of his grandfathers at his construction company, which laid the foundation for his current endeavors, and he had the honor of learning how his great-grandfather (and his crew of men) roofed the Spindletop Restaurant in Downtown Houston. His rich lineage is also composed of master roofers, general contractors, upholsterers, masons, tile layers, and a purchasing agent. Prior to founding CDM7, Mr. Harris’
As an active member of TIPS Cooperative, licensed general contractor in Louisiana, and holding minority certifications with the City of Houston and Texas HUB, Mr. Harris prides himself on staying abreast of current building and construction trends, sharing his knowledge with industry colleagues. With a true passion for innovation, and a desire to cultivate the next generation of minority construction leaders, Mr. Harris frequently speaks to middle and high school students about the importance of education, career selection, identifying and owning their craft, all while sharing his personal career experiences in the construction industry, in hopes to inspire and encourage. Mr. Harris has been married to his lovely wife, Lauren, for 11 years, and they have two children. When he’s not working, Mr. Harris enjoys spending time with his family, hunting, fishing, and golfing.
Trey Harris CEO CDM7 281.831.0802 www.cdmseven.com
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Dr. Richard E. Harris, II 2021 TOP P&E
the McGovern School of Medicine in Houston. Dr. Harris is a lifelong learner and completed his MBA at the University of Houston. He has a client-centric view focusing on building relationships and trust through a comprehensive lifestyle medicine system combined with genetic and root cause analysis testing. Dr. Harris currently runs an online health and wellness practice, hosts the Strive for Great Health Podcast, is a partner in an education consulting firm, and is a clinical advisor/consultant for several companies. Currently, his mission revolves around two things: ● Creating informed health consumers so people can make decisions from a place of power regarding their health; and ● Creating scalable efficiency in medicine by leveraging technology in advanced decision support systems to guide providers and patients. He is an avid reader, weightlifter, video game enthusiast, and author in his spare time. Dr. Harris also enjoys sports, traveling, philanthropy, church, and keto donuts. His favorite book is The Black Swan by Nassim Nicholas Taleb. Dr. Harris says that this book changed his outlook on life and his philosophy on risk and risk mitigation. A little known fun fact about Dr. Harris is that predating YouTube, he was in an Old Spice commercial while at the University of Texas. His favorite saying is, “Those who do not make time for wellness are forced to make time for illness.”
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r. Richard Harris is a boardcertified internal medicine physician and pharmacist. Dr. Harris was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to Richard Edward Harris Sr. and Teresa Harris. As a young man, Dr. Harris learned the virtue of hard work and dedication from his father and grandfather. His grandfather always told him to forge ahead, and those words have stuck with him throughout his life. In high
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school, his interests were in basketball and science, principally physics and biology. Dr. Harris considers himself very fortunate that he was able to attend the University of Texas at Austin. It was there that he was first introduced to the scientific method. He quickly fell in love with biology, physics, and psychology. Dr. Harris attended the University of Texas at Austin for pharmacy school then pursued medical education at
Dr. Richard E. Harris, II Great Health and Wellness www.theghwellness.com
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Cristina Johnson, MS 2021 TOP P&E
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ristina Johnson is the regional marketing manager for Cigna, South Texas and Louisiana. Cristina received her BA from the University of MissouriColumbia and her MS in Marketing and Communication from Franklin University. She began her career in St. Louis, Missouri, with Enterprise Holdings, managing various marketing programs for multiple, international business lines (Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental, Alamo Car Rental, etc.). Prior to joining Cigna in October 2018, Cristina served as a Series 6 licensed channel marketing director at Nationwide (Columbus, Ohio), supporting the sales strategy targeting a broker house with over 60,000 advisors with life and annuity products. As part of the Cigna field marketing team, Cristina is currently leading marketing strategy in South Texas and Louisiana as the regional marketing
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manager for commercial business. In this role, Cristina manages relationships with various local partners, including the City of Houston and the Houston Texans, and works with sales leadership to execute on market goals. With 14 years of marketing experience, Cristina brings a strategic lens and innovation to support the initiatives in a challenging market, while supporting expansion efforts. Cristina is an imaginative and forward-thinking marketing manager and a spirited leader with proven success at leading broad marketing efforts, associate resource groups, and community-focused projects. Cristina’s has a passion to help others both through Cigna and personally. She works as a liaison with the Cigna Foundation and civic affairs, creating and developing relationships and programs to strengthen the community and begin to eliminate disparities. Cristina has partnered with several municipal and
community organizations on behalf of Cigna to develop programs that increase health and wellness in underserved communities (City of Houston, Boys and Girls Club, Big Brother Big Sister, Angels by Nature, etc.) She also serves as a Cigna Emerge Mentor and is dedicated to helping others strengthen their personal brands and grow in their careers. One of her favorite quotes is from Mary Church Terrell, “And so, lifting as we climb, onward and upward we go, struggling and striving, and hoping that the buds and blossoms of our desires will burst into glorious fruition ere long.”
Cristina Johnson, MS Field Marketing Manager South Texas and Louisiana Cigna U.S. Business Marketing cristina.johnson@cigna.com
d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas
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DiAnne S. Davis, MD
2021 TOP P&E
iAnne S. Davis, MD is a boardcertified cosmetic dermatologist specializing in noninvasive facial rejuvenation, skin of color, hair loss, and cosmetic dermatologic surgery. Dr. Davis believes in a collaborative approach when it comes to helping her patients look and feel their best. Suffering from acne herself as an adult, Dr. Davis empathizes immensely with her patients and their overall self-esteem and quality of life when it comes to looking and feeling their best. Considering the medical and aesthetic goals her patients hope to achieve; Dr. Davis creates a comprehensive treatment plan utilizing advanced technology through the viewpoint of an artist (given her background as a classically trained ballet dancer). Dr. Davis completed her baccalaureate studies at Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, AL, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Biology. She obtained a Master’s of Science in Cell & Molecular Biology from Tulane University. She then received her medical degree from The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Washington, DC, along with the Walter F. Rosen Award for Outstanding Student in Dermatology. Dr. Davis completed her dermatology residency at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center where she was chief resident her senior year of residency training. While in residency, Dr. Davis was influential in coordinating the first Skin of Color Symposium, helping to promote awareness of the unique features of skin of color from both a medical and cosmetic dermatologic viewpoint. She has authored several journal articles and textbook chapters (both for medical and cosmetic dermatology) and presented some of her work at local and regional dermatology meetings. She is also the co-founder of Sunblock Kids, which helps to bring awareness about the importance of sun protection at an early age.
completed an ASDS-accredited fellowship program under the directorship of Dr. Mark B. Taylor at the Gateway Aesthetic Institute and Laser Center in Salt Lake City, UT. Working with over 70 lasers, Dr. Davis has expertise in laser skin resurfacing, body contouring, and laser blepharoplasties.
Dr. Davis is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), American Society for Dermatologic Surgeons (ASDS), the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS), the Women’s Dermatologic Society (WDS), Skin of Color Society, and the Texas Medical Association. Dr. Davis has served as the resident liaison for ASDS, a member of the curriculum task force for the AAD and Dr. Davis is fellowship-trained in cosmetic has received scholarships for mentorship dermatology and laser surgery. She opportunities through the ASDS.
She is the daughter of the late Fred Davis, Jr. and Sherill Davis and a proud native of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Her interests outside of medicine include hot yoga and dancing, and she was previously an NFL cheerleader for the New Orleans Saints football team. She enjoys international travel, trying new cuisines, and spending time with her family and friends. DiAnne S. Davis, MD North Dallas Dermatology Associates 8144 Walnut Hill Lane Suite 1300 Dallas, TX 75231 888-218-3960 northdallasderm.com
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Qiana James 2021 TOP P&E
for seniors; ensuring that seniors can live independent happy lives, aging with dignity and grace in the comfort of their own homes. Friendly Faces Senior Care has been granted several awards including Provider of Choice, Employer of Choice, and the 2017 Top Home Care for Houston award. Qiana is also the founder of The Doll Foundation, named after her late grandmother who was affectionately called “Mama Doll.” This foundation provides resources and education to caregivers and seniors in need of assistance. She currently serves on the board of Cap of Houston, The Perfect Connection, Cap of Pearland, and the Pearland Chamber of Commerce. Also, she is involved in several philanthropic endeavors throughout the City of Houston and surrounding areas. Qiana has a strong spiritual foundation and volunteers many hours every month in the ministry helping others to learn more about the Bible and draw closer to God. She credits her religious background for keeping her grounded and maintaining a modest mindset. She is 12 years married to her best friend, and in her spare time she enjoys traveling, fine dining, relaxing and is a self-proclaimed foodie and spa connoisseur. Qiana James Founder and Owner Friendly Faces Senior Care qiana@friendlyfaces.com www.friendlyfaces.com
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iana is a healthcare executive with an acumen for networking and has built a solid circle of business contacts from multiple industries. She has a strong nature for coaching, mentoring, and leadership. She has a very vigorous, determined, idealistic yet bubbly personality. Qiana obtained her BBA in Entrepreneurship & Management from the Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston. She is a graduate of the prestigious Cyvia and Melvyn Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship, the No. 2 Entrepreneurial Programs in the US.
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She previously worked as a Major Account Executive for Concentra, a division of Select Medical. There she was able to help employers find solutions to their employee health needs by promoting health & wellness. At Concentra, she learned the importance of the patient experience within healthcare. Having aspired to be an entrepreneur since the tender age of eight, she was finally able to make that dream a reality in 2010, when she founded Friendly Faces Senior Care. This agency provides private pay in-home caregiver services
d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas
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Qiana Manns, Esq. 2021 TOP P&E
affecting children and minorities. She is a former special education advocate and was the first judicial intern for the Juvenile Gang Court in Compton, CA. The experience gained in juvenile court taught her to aggressively represent juveniles in delinquency proceedings while fueling her desire to make a meaningful difference for our youth. From 2014 to 2017, she served as an executive board member for Harris County HBA Juvenile Law Section. Qiana is actively involved in representing clients and managing businesses that offer legal self-help solutions and mediation services. She dedicates a large part of her time to child welfare cases to fight for children in the foster care system and represent parents against allegations of child abuse/neglect by Child Protective Services. Other legal services offered include juvenile defense and handling various family law matters (divorce, custody, enforcement, and child support).
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iana Manns, attorney at law, is a child welfare law specialist, mediator, and respected family law practitioner who cares about her clients and her community. She is most proud to be the mother of five beautiful daughters whom she affectionately refers to as “The Girlz,” who inspire her to continue to advocate for families in our judicial system. As a young woman, she attended California State University Northridge,
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She was voted as one of "Houston’s Top Lawyers" in 2016 and received “Recognition of Excellence” by Lawyers of Distinction in 2018. As a lawyer, she is not only committed to demanding change in our legal system but is also involved in volunteering in the community. Her volunteer efforts consist of organizing and presenting for numerous town hall meetings, know your rights seminars, and legal advice clinics throughout the city. She created a curriculum to teach character development to students through her work with a mentoring program with HISD as a founding member of a nonprofit organization, Queendom Come Inc., established for the empowerment of girls receiving a B.A. in Sociology and and women. Criminology. Subsequently, she obtained her Juris Doctorate from Whittier Law School. In 2010 she received a mediator certification by training with the Qiana Manns, Esq. Manns Law Offices, PLLC University of Houston’s A.A White Dispute 3402 Emancipation Ave. Resolution Center. Then, in 2019 she Suite 207 earned a certification in Intimate Partner Houston, TX 77004 Violence and established Manns Law 713-589-6404 Office Atonement and Dispute Resolution Center in the historic Sunnyside area. Qiana is very passionate about issues
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Wilton Munnings 2021 TOP P&E
In addition to his professional experience, Munnings is a staunch community supporter and spends considerable time volunteering in the community and supporting students. He is a proud member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and works with their youth mentorship program teaching entrepreneurial skills and building character. Wilton Munnings Manager Dallas Independent School District Construction Services Minority/Women Business Enterprise Department 3801 Herschel Ave. Dallas, TX 75219 972-925-7222 wmunnings@dallasisd.org www.dallasisd.org
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ilton Munnings is a diversity & inclusion champion for Minority/ W o m e n - O w n e d Businesses in the K-12 school construction space. Munnings is an accomplished leader with a proven record of management in banking and as an entrepreneur in small business operations. As a diversity & inclusion champion, he has vast experience
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with contract compliance monitoring, evaluating multiple construction bid processes, owner’s representative in the construction field, business development, and capacity building. He is a graduate of Southern Methodist University, Cox School of Business, Master of Business Administration in Dallas, TX. He currently serves as a M/WBE Program Manager for Dallas ISD - Minority/Women Owned Business Enterprise.
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Billyssia Pierce 2021 TOP P&E
of meals and supplies weekly to local schools, churches, and shelters. In February 2018, Billyssia was recognized as one of the d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas, as well as in the same year being named a Pinnacle Award finalist by the Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce. She was also recognized by Texas State Representative Shawn Thierry as “Business of the Week,” and has been honored by other organizations for her business achievements and service to her community.
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illyssia Pierce, owner of Bee Fit Foods, a healthy meal prep company located in Houston, Texas, began her health and fitness journey over a decade ago when she began competing in beauty pageants. "It wasn't until I competed on a national level, training for the Miss Texas USA pageant, did I realize how important my health and fitness was to me," she recalls. After growing a love for fitness, Billyssia became a certified personal trainer, creating her brand, Bee Fit Solutions, specializing in personal and group fitness training. Always wanting to build her brand and having a desire for entrepreneurship and empire building, Billyssia realized that in order to contribute more to her clients and those around her to reach their health and fitness goals, it would first have to start with their diets. This inspired Bee Fit Foods, not your typical healthy food store. It was designed to satisfy everyone's lifestyle, allowing customers to customize their own meals, from a 100% gluten-free menu, serving everything from mouth watering steak to delicious lunch and dinner meals such as enchiladas and pastas, as well as dynamic vegan and pescatarian meals.
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In less than a year of starting, Billyssia had built such a successful business, it allowed her to open her first store front and years later she now has two locations, the flagship store on 610/Main (near NRG Stadium) and the newest location, inside of ExxonMobil headquarters in The Woodlands/Spring area, with more in the works. Billyssia and Bee Fit Foods has also just secured a major partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center and will now offer Bee Fit Foods in all their hospital locations. “Business isn't easy, but it's always worth it. You can achieve it, but it's going to take everything you've got," is what she likes to remind herself. Billyssia is also the co-founder of the Busy Bee Foundation, a nonprofit she, her mother, and sister started when she was just in high school. The Busy Bee Foundation is geared towards the advancement of our youth and communities, helping to fund young scholars as they advance to college. This foundation’s efforts do not stop there. The Busy Bee Foundation, along with Bee Fit Foods makes sure to sponsor a local business every month and most times a few businesses a month. The foundation’s service also includes donating thousands
“It is my duty to give my all to my community and to pour back into my community, lifting others up as I continue to grow,” Billyssia believes. Billyssia partners with schools, such as Legacy the School of Sport Sciences, Carson Parke, and she co-hosts health and wellness events with physicians and fitness professionals to bring health education and awareness to the African American community and at-risk areas where the knowledge is needed most. Within her platform, Billyssia has been able to support others in taking back control of their lives, helping them live without medications and achieve substantial weight loss. Her platform helps countless individuals break free from the bad habits that have controlled them for so long. Her ultimate goal is to create a platform that puts her in a position to build others up. As she climbs the ladder of success, she continues to walk in purpose, going after the greatness that was placed inside of her. There is nothing more fulfilling to her than doing something for others who cannot do anything for you in return. A good friend of hers always says, “All ships rise.” And as she continues to build upon a prosperous foundation, she remains humble and grateful for the position she has been given, helping others along the way. Billyssia Pierce Owner & CEO Bee Fit Foods 9555 Main St. Houston, TX 77025 info@beefitfoods.com 281.865.0601 www.beefitfoods.com @beefitfoods
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Suzanne Senegal 2021 TOP P&E
could meet. Not one to always stay in her lane, she will go the extra mile to help out. Senegal’s career includes contributions to Urban One, Inc., formerly Radio One, Inc., CBS Radio, KPRC Channel 2, The Houston Texans, and currently Metro Houston. She is also very proud of assisting with the 2012 launch of Comcast SportsNet, now AT&T Sports Network, the broadcast home of the Houston Rockets and Houston Astros. With each role and service to the companies she was a part of, the underlying theme was to assist and solve problems through understanding the client’s needs; understanding what kept them awake at night.
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client-centric professional, Suzanne Senegal has 26 years of marketing and sales experience in the media and medical industries. Born in the Bronx, New York, and from the age of 3 years old, raised in Beaumont, Texas, by wonderful, caring and hardworking parents; she took on their work ethics and love for the community. A graduate of the first class of Beaumont Central High School 1987 and a proud Texas Southern University School of Communications graduate, Senegal felt equipped and
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compelled to devote her life to positive impact and change. While living and working as a senior account executive in Los Angeles, California, and later Dallas, Texas, Senegal has always called Houston home base. Achieving high sales goals of millions, working with hundreds of local and national clients, advertising agencies, and being awarded the coveted President’s Club Award by CBS Radio, Senegal honed her craft of promoting clients and assisting in fulfilling their marketing needs or any other needs she
Being intentional to give back through volunteerism is also in the fabric of Senegal’s makeup. She’s volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, and remains active in her church. In 2002, while volunteering at MD Anderson, noticing many patients in need of visitors and encouragement, she would provide a kind word and assist in tending to their needs to uplift them as they were dealing with their health challenges. This experience brought back a memory of when both her parents were in the hospital, and she had to make a difficult choice of which to spend the night with and tend to the most. As an only child, this was a difficult decision. Senegal wished she had some help, and it never left her memory that when it came to caregiving in hospitals or any setting, families can always use an extra pair of hands. Thus in 2011, Houston Hospital Sitters was born. It started with just Senegal, her marketing prowess, compassion, passion, and then it expanded more and more to over 70 experienced sitters. This business was born out of pure love and concern, and those are the exact reasons families call them to serve. Suzanne Senegal Founder and Owner Houston Hospital Sitters www.myhospitalsitter.com
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1.866.SITTER.9 1.866.748.8379
www.myhospitalsitter.com info@myhospitalsitter.com houstonhospitalsitters
myhospitalsitter
houhospsitters
Thank you Texas Medical Center and All of Houston for Allowing Us to Serve for 10 Years! Experienced and compassionate private sitters Same day service often available Serving adults of all ages, pediatrics, PICU, and new moms Available at hospitals, surgery centers & rehabilitation facilities Available 24/7 or customized scheduling is also available Serving the Houston Medical Center & surrounding areas Authorized Child Protective Services vendor
We Sit With Your Loved One While You Handle Other Matters Non-Medical Services Include, But Not Limited To: Sitting bedside while talking, so your loved one wonʼt feel alone. Monitoring and observing for any changes. Providing daily reports to the family contact person.
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Robbie Turner 2021 TOP P&E
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obbie Turner was Born in Dallas, TX, raised in Beaumont TX. He got an early start into the car business at the age of 14 at his father’s first store, JK Chevrolet. His first job was picking up cigarette butts and trash off the parking lot grounds and surroundings of the dealership, making sure the service drive stayed clean and dry, washing windows, and washing cars when needed. At the age to drive, he became a car porter for the dealership, continuing his prior responsibilities, also accepting the role of moving vehicles around the lot for a great presentation for the customers to see, also taking service customers home, and picking customers up as necessary. During this time, he continued to gain great experience taking new vehicles to different dealerships and conducting dealer trades. His father instilled in him and in all of his siblings to respect all jobs in their industry, as all jobs are important and vital to an
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organization's successful operation. Robbie was taught the mindset that no job should be beneath anyone. At the age of 19, he entered another milestone within the organization in becoming a salesman, one of the youngest on the floor. It seemed to be a spotlight for him as he began to flourish to the top, eventually becoming one of the top salesmen for the dealership part-time all while attending college. This was more than just about earning money while in school, but an opportunity for him to understand how special it was to be able to do something much bigger than himself. Robbie's memberships include: ● National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) ● National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers (NAMAD) ● NextGen Program ● Houston Automobile Dealers Association (HADA) ● LMA for Houston Chevy Dealers Board Member
Robbie attended Prairie View A&M University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice in 2015, and after graduation joined the family business at Turner Chevrolet full-time. He continued to sell cars for a few years then enrolled himself into the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) program to earn his credentials to become a car dealer. In 2018, he graduated from that program and was promoted to the position of vice president of operations, where he currently oversees the daily operations of the dealership. He plans to continue to grow that store and officially become the dealer of that location one day when his father decides to retire from the business. Robbie Turner Turner Chevrolet 21001 Crosby Fwy. Crosby, TX 77532 281-962-9191 www.turnerchevroletcrosby.com
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TURNER
TURNER CHEVROLET SUPPORTS THE D-MARS.COM TOP 50 BLACK P&E OF TEXAS AWARDS Crosby, Texas
281-328-4377 #OurPeopleMakeTheDifference TurnerChevroletCrosby.com
Robbie Turner VP of Operations
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Martha E. Berry 2021 TOP P&E
help guide her throughout her journey. From Goo Goo Atkins, Tasha CobbsLeonard, Maranda Curtis, and Shana Wilson-Williams, Berry’s brand has been worn by some of the most influential and notable entertainers, singers, and moguls. The IMarE Boutique has helped to birth confidence in curvy girls across the globe. In addition to being the CEO and founder of IMarE Boutique, Martha is also the creator of IMarE Glam House, a photography studio with eight different backgrounds that creates a picture perfect experience for any occasion. Martha has a sister boutique to IMarE Boutique called the I’ceE Collection, which is inspired by her daughter, Iceland. The boutique provides cute, chic, and trendy fashions for young women. Martha credits her mother, her husband, Elliott Berry, and two daughters, Iceland and England, for their support and for encouraging her to not give up during hard times.
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ome people succumb to pressure, while others thrive in it. Entrepreneur, wife, mother, mentor, stylist, and CEO Martha E. Berry of IMarE Boutique, has proven herself to be a diamond, as obstacles and her belief in God have helped to shape her life and career. A native of Franklin, Louisiana, Martha is a woman of faith, family, and fashion. Martha started her now thriving and highprofile business from the trunk of her car after being laid off from her accounting job in 2016, with a divorce to follow. After a successful closet sale, Martha took to styling, which led to several plus-size women seeking her expertise. The journey from uncertainty to fearlessness has now
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Ask Martha what she is proud of, and she will humbly express, “I am proud of overcoming divorce and being successful. I am proud of being able to break generational curses by gifting my daughter with a boutique, and I am proud of being not just a business owner, but a business owner who gives back to others.” Keep up with Martha’s latest fashions resulted in sales three times her 2020 and new arrivals on social media: goal, all while during a pandemic. ● Boutique Instagram: @imareboutique Martha is a recipient of a Black History Achievement Award from her hometown for ● Glam House Instagram: being a stellar entrepreneur. Her mother @imareglamhouse helped to instill entrepreneurship in her by creating a praise dancing business ● Personal Instagram: @ceo_marthae when she was limited on opportunities in Franklin. From that, Martha taught several ● I’ceE Collection Instagram: @iceecollection women to praise and worship God through the gift of dance. The model takes pride in showing other up-and-coming business Martha E. Berry owners they can do anything they set their CEO minds to. IMarE Boutique Martha has created a lane for providing trendy clothing to the plus size audience and used her personal obstacles in life as learning tools and stepping stones to
info@shopimareboutique.com www.theimare.com www.shopimareboutique.com www.theimare.com www.shopiceecollection.com
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Daylyn L. Turner 2021 TOP P&E
● Beaumont Chamber of Commerce Southeast Texas Young Professionals Steering Committee Daylyn is also a 2019 graduate of the National Automotive Dealer Academy and has been the recipient of notable recognitions including the Black Business Professional of Southeast Texas Man of the Month and named a 40 Under 40 honoree by the national publication, Automotive News in 2020. Outside of his career, Daylyn enjoys his family, being a dad, exploring new sights, traveling, enjoying nature as a bicyclist, and cruising on his motorcycle while listening to some great tunes.
Daylyn L. Turner Vice President JK Chevrolet Subaru 409-723-1136 www.jksubaru.com
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aylyn L. Turner currently holds the position of vice president of operations for JK Chevrolet Subaru. Daylyn graduated from Lamar University with a business finance degree in 2007. He was able to earn a good reputation selling cars while an undergrad and returned to the auto industry after a year of gaining banking experience as a licensed banker and broker-dealer at JP Morgan Chase. Daylyn’s drive and focus soon became noticeable to others. His notability gained him a nomination for 40 Under 40 Professionals in 2013 by the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce
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Southeast Texas Young Professionals organization. His past and present service on various local community boards include: ● Jefferson County Chapter of Habitat for Humanity ● Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors ● Beaumont Main Street Board of Directors ● Lamar University’s College of Business Board of Advisors ● Lamar University’s Alumni Advisory Board
d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas
409-722-0443 JKChevrolet.com
WE SUPPORT THE D-MARS.COM TOP 50 BLACK P&E OF TEXAS AWARDS
Our People Make The Difference.
409-723-1111 www.jksubaru.com
Daylyn Turner Vice President
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Garland Bennett 2021 TOP P&E
buying or selling a home at this time, or whether they are a returning client checking out the many homeowner resources and offerings under his real estate services. His talents allow clients to focus on their move while he manages the home sale from their initial consultation to the closing deal, and beyond. Recently voted the "Most Innovative Real Estate Company" by Inman News, Keller Williams® Realty takes a unique but effective approach to real estate, one that is built on personal touches, a professional approach, and positive results. And Garland is just as dedicated to the community as he is his profession, being recognized for his service, with March 31st proclaimed “Garland Bennett Day” by Mayor Sylvester Turner. Whether you're looking for your first home, your dream home, or investment property, Garland prides himself on providing clients with the highest quality buyer-service. His hobbies include golfing, fishing, and exercising on a consistent basis. Most importantly, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends. Garland Bennett Real Estate Agent Keller Williams® Realty garlandbennett.com
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arland Bennett is more than just a real estate mogul. With a proven track record in this arena for 18+ years, he is widely known as “The Only Mr. Real Estate LLC,” specializing in residential sales, new construction, luxury homes, relocation, foreclosures, and short sales. His full-service real estate agency under Keller Williams® Realty serves an impressive client roster
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in areas that include The Woodlands, Tomball, Katy, Spring, Humble, Cypress, Sugar Land, Pearland, Richmond, and Houston. Garland’s vast experience in real estate has never been limited, utilizing the latest technologies, market research, and business strategies to meet client expectations. His local expertise and extensive real estate know-how benefit clients, whether they are serious about
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Kimberly Barrow, MSN, APRN, NP-C 2021 TOP P&E
she decided to take action. After obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Central Florida, she went on to obtain a Master’s of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas Health and Science Center in Houston. The following year, she opened a practice using a selfdesigned model to deliver top-notch and cost-efficient care. Kimberly is credentialed through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program to treat adults and children, and she is a member of several professional and community organizations. Kimberly understands that as our nation has millions of families without adequate access to affordable health care, many have to decide between paying for basic needs or an expensive office visit. Treatable conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure worsen leading to severe complications such as strokes and heart attacks, so Kimberly Cares was designed to be a resource that provides quality and affordable health services for everyone, without regard to insurance status.
Kimberly Barrow, MSN, APRN, NP-C Family Nurse Practitioner Kimberly Cares 7015 Almeda Rd. Houston, TX 77054 www.kcaresmore.com
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imberly Cares is a family health clinic that was established by Navy veteran Kimberly Barrow after practicing as a registered nurse for nearly a decade. Most of her time was spent
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at the bedside, caring for acutely ill patients in Level 1 trauma centers and other hospitals. Many of her patients were uninsured with limited financial resources. Unsettled by the healthcare disparities and limited access to care,
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Billy Knight 2021 TOP P&E
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illy Knight, originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, moved to Houston in 2005. Since making Texas his new home, he has been determined to become successful. Quickly showing what you can accomplish with passion, hard work, and dedication, Billy began climbing the ladder in the automotive industry, earning awards and recognition for his leadership and talents. With his skills and experience not going unnoticed, he rapidly moved from director of the used and new car departments to now holding the position of finance director of Don McGill Toyota of Katy. Admired for exceeding the dealership's financial performance records and driving financial growth, Billy is a trusted finance expert. With a proven track record in this industry and an impressive style of supporting and managing staff with a results-driven approach, he continues to design highly efficient and effective processes and procedures optimizing dealership performance. With all that Billy has accomplished over the last 11 years in the automobile industry, he is not yet satisfied, always striving to exceed his previously achieved goals. Billy thrives to make those around him better, helping them improve their own lives on a professional and personal level.
Billy Knight Finance Director Don McGill Toyota of Katy knightbilly@icloud.com
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Wynter Patterson 2021 TOP P&E
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ynter Patterson is a dynamic television personality, host, speaker, entrepreneur, visionary leader, and published author. Wynter's most recent television appearance was as a fan favorite on the Oprah Winfrey Network’s (OWN) popular TV series, “Ready to Love: Last Resort.” After serving 14 years as an awardwinning executive and vice president for JPMorgan Chase Bank, she has gained a wealth of business and management knowledge, strengthening her ability to teach, lead, and connect with people on many different levels. A native of Grand Rapids, MI, Wynter was raised in Houston, TX, under a family of pastors and ministers of all levels.
She obtained a bachelor of science in business psychology from Stephen F. Austin State University and a master of business administration. She also studied expository preaching at Oxford University and received a certificate of theology from Princeton University. Her passion for convincing others that it is indeed possible to live healthy, impactful lives has catapulted her own dreams and goals to unimaginable heights. As the founder and CEO of Wynter Patterson, LLC and the nonprofit I Am a Pearl, Inc., she seeks to help people heal and understand their value through teaching and transparency. She is the owner of Wynter Tyme Publishing, which has published both of her books of the I Am a Pearl series. She completed a 10-city book tour in 2017 in the United States
and Cuba to uplift women, discussing topics such as self-love, healing, divorce, and relationships, empowering them to live their lives to the fullest potential. As a former Miss Texas pageant winner, Wynter gained first-hand insight into both the illusions and realities of natural beauty, learning that true beauty simply comes from within. It is through this mindset and spirit of determination that she has dedicated her life to ensuring that everyone she encounters will walk away with a better outlook on life, no matter their current circumstances. Wynter Patterson Television Personality Founder and CEO of Wynter Patterson, LLC Founder of I Am a Pearl, Inc.
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Christopher Senegal 2021 TOP P&E
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hristopher Senegal is a real estate investor and developer who started his journey in 2008 as a singlefamily flipper and rental property owner. In 2013 Chris started Invictus Development Group to focus on revitalizing disinvested communities. He has been featured in several major news outlets for his efforts to implement zero displacement redevelopment models that bring moderately priced single-family development back to communities that once thrived. His goal is to bring higher incomes back to these communities from the suburbs, without impacting existing residents negatively so that the neighborhoods become more attractive for businesses. Chris has an intentional focus on elevating these communities by attracting achieved individuals to move back into these areas with new construction, while
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simultaneously acquiring existing multifamily rental housing to protect long-term renters from drastic rent increases that lead to displacement. His most recent project incorporated a $1 million dollar crowdfund that brought in over 1,500 investors who all have shared ownership in a portfolio that houses long-term residents of the 5th Ward community. He holds a civil engineering degree from Southern University and A&M College, with an impressive corporate background in ground-up railroad terminal development. He also owns Commercial Rail Solutions which assists terminal operators with all aspects of development. Over the past 14 years, he has been lead on 3 major projects, one for Canadian National Railroad in Memphis, TN, and two projects in Lake Charles, LA, one for the BNSF railroad and the second for a private terminal operator, Rail Logix.
Chris brings strong community relationships and buy-in to partnerships and teams. His social media reach exceeds 100k impressions per month with 100k + followers. He has found a core audience who believes in his mission and celebrates this new blueprint for community revitalization. Chris is currently developing an Opportunity Zone Mixed-Use Real Estate development that he hopes to fund with other members of the professional and entrepreneurial community. He believes we should be investing and redeveloping collectively.
Christopher Senegal President Invictus Development Group 832-713-0431 www.invictusDG.com
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Kameika Smith aka “Sky Houston” 2021 TOP P&E
ameika Smith aka “Sky Houston” can be heard on KMJQ Majic 102.1 weekdays at 7 pm. She has been in the radio/broadcast industry for 18 years, both as an on-air talent and marketing and promotions executive for various market brands including Praise 92.1 (Houston), WFUN/Foxy 95.5, WHHL/ Hot 104.1 (St. Louis), WZAK, Newstalk radio, ZHipHop and Praise in (Cleveland), and 94.5 and 97.9 The Beat (Dallas). One of her most revered professional experiences to date would include her post as managing director at NYC’s Compound Entertainment – a DEF JAM Records imprint. Sky travels professionally to national conferences as a moderator and is a TV and voiceover talent with Pastorini and Bosni. Sky’s voice is nationally and internationally heard daily in South Africa as part of The ROCK World Outreach International’s broadcast. She also lends her voice to those who are often unheard and has been honored for her partnerships with the Houston Rockets and ADL as an International Women’s Day Leader. For her, it’s not family first, but GOD FIRST, then family, vocation, wealth building, and so on. Sky is excited about helping women gain confidence and self-esteem, as even the most accomplished women can fall short in this area. Her devotion to assisting women in healing, regaining focus, and drive is accomplished through her online platform “She’s A Masterpiece University”. She enjoys being an encourager to the encouragers and offers a boost for women through: ● Confidence Coaching & Consulting ● Self-Esteem Plan (“The Confidence Course”)
and a mother to an amazing son Kenzo Ali. She knows that nothing gets done ● On-Camera Appearances without a proper foundation and support ● Event Hosting & Panel Moderating from other women. Sky is unwavering ● Time Management Coaching & Life when it comes to prioritizing her spiritual Coaching life, staying actively involved as a ministry Beyond her career and community work, volunteer at her church – Reflections of Sky is a woman after God’s own heart Christ’s Kingdom under the leadership of Dr. Dana Carson.
Kameika Smith aka “Sky Houston” Multimedia Personality Radio One kasmith@radio-one.com 832-786-1468 @Sky_Houston
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Shekira C. Dennis 2021 TOP P&E
and vision of the agency to community stakeholders and program partners. As a focused, strategic, and resultsoriented leader, she has served as the program coordinator at the Texans Together Education Fund, where she worked to engage low propensity voters in underserved communities to participate in the civic process. Shortly thereafter, she earned a summer organizing fellowship with President Obama’s campaign in Charlotte, North Carolina. She also completed the White House Internship Program, where she worked in the Office of Presidential Personnel in the Obama Administration. She led KIPP Houston and KIPP Sunnyside campuses as an IGNITE Texas facilitator empowering young women to run for office, going on to serve as the deputy political director for the Sylvester Turner for Mayor Campaign. She is a graduate of the Houston Black Leadership Institute (HBLI) and the prestigious Women's Campaign School at Yale. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs at Texas Southern University, where she served as the 64th president of the Student Government Association. Shekira C. Dennis Political Strategist Public Engagement Expert shekira.dennis@gmail.com
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She currently serves as the managing partner of Next-Wave Strategic Consulting Group, a political consulting and public engagement firm. She is an expert in developing and managing local, state, and federal political and issuebased campaigns while leading
proficient at polling and conducting demographic research, fundraising, and strategic communications.
public engagement strategies for government agencies, nonprofits, and corporate responsibility outlets. She previously served as the community outreach director at the Harris County District Attorney's Office, tasked with communicating the structure, function,
hekira C. Dennis is a political strategist and public engagement expert with over 10+ years of proven leadership in steering community outreach programs and initiatives. She has developed and led successful campaigns for political candidates by creating compelling video, social, and personal strategies to connect with target audiences. She is
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d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas
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harleston J. Wilson is the founder of Exotic Pop, a Houston-based company, globally recognized as the “Unique Beverage Boutique” which features rare and signature flavored beverages and snacks that are sourced from around the world. From its humble beginnings, Exotic Pop has flourished into a national network of over 70 stores, in addition to its online sales, and it attracts a clientele featuring prolific entertainers and soda connoisseurs. Last year, the shop successfully closed a deal bottling its own signature line of beverages through PepsiCo. In less than nine months, Exotic Pop’s signature line of products has tripled in size, growing from originally offering four flavors, to by month’s end, offering twelve flavors. By integrating fashion, art, music, and an authentic voice into its own line of branded products, Exotic Pop has fostered a distinct and innovative culture within the snack and beverage industry. The creativity that this soda brand brings to the table has artists all over the country intrigued and interested to get their face on an Exotic Pop product. Exotic Pop DJ Screw Cotton Candy, Exotic Pop Mac Dre Bubblegum Thizzle Pop, and Exotic Pop King Comb’s Wave Juice are just a few of the flavor and artist collaborations Exotic Pop has been able to produce.
Charleston J. Wilson 2021 TOP P&E
millennials and generations to come.
Charleston is also committed to giving back to the community and providing opportunities for the community to learn about financial literacy and entrepreneurship. He has made numerous donations, sponsored several events, and volunteered for both Houston I.S.D and Alvin I.S.D. Charleston, through his company Exotic Pop, has participated in community-based events in the Greater Houston area, such as the first Annual Cactus Jack Foundation Turkey Drive and Charleston is known around the world as the Fort Bend County Expose Excellence “the go-to concierge for hip hop artists” Youth Program. according to the Houston Chronicle. Wilson was inspired to create Exotic Pop Charleston also launched Exotic Pop in 2016, after he began purchasing sodas Kids Academy, a financial literacy and exclusive to Louisiana and reselling entrepreneur workshop program, which them at a Houston barber shop for a provides hands-on opportunities for youth significant markup to compensate for the as well as the community to learn about acquisition costs of the products. Given financial literacy and entrepreneurship. the increasing demand, he established Exotic Pop Kids Academy will host its first an Instagram profile (@ExoticPop), began Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship posting photos of the goods along with Workshop on March 13, 2021, to youth prices, and offered free delivery to eager across the world. customers. The requests immediately Charleston also collaborated with the came pouring in. A serial entrepreneur Relief Gang for an annual holiday toy drive since kindergarten, Charleston gave up and donated blankets and socks to the St. his other business ventures to pursue Dominic Nursing Home. With the advent Exotic Pop full-time. His dream is to of the recent public health emergency, build a snack and beverage empire for Exotic Pop has collaborated with Houston
Council member, Edward Pollard, for a COVID-19 rental assistance program. Exotic Pop has also provided thousands of meals to the Third Ward Community, established a book donation program on behalf of youth in Acres Homes, and partnered with Houston I.S.D to provide scholarships to students interested in pursuing a degree in business and/or interested in entrepreneurship. On January 4, 2021, Charleston was recognized for his outstanding acts of goodwill within the community and innovative contributions to the beverage industry. The City of Houston’s Mayor, Sylvester Turner, declared January 4, 2021, “Exotic Pop Day.” Charleston has proven he takes pride in giving back to the community. In doing so, he stands by his motto, “By circulating the dollar more in our community and teaching financial literacy to our youth, we strive to upgrade us from a community to a family.” Charleston J. Wilson Founder and Owner Exotic Pop 1000 South Loop West. Suite 190 Houston, TX 77054 www.exoticpop.com @exoticpop TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2021
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Reginald J. Grissom, Jr. aka “Reggie Jamz” 2021 TOP P&E
months. This success has deemed him a music legend in the making. Reggie Jamz considers himself a connoisseur of music because of his vast knowledge and training in multiple musical genres. Between his timeless love for soul, blues, and classics, and his edgy appeal for R&B, pop, and hiphop, Reggie Jamz gives his audiences the best of all worlds. His musical influences include Sam Cooke, Bobby Womack, Michael Jackson, Prince, and R. Kelly. This musical phenomenon has been professionally recording for years, collaborating with many top producers, singers, rappers, and songwriters. This young music superhero has been captivating audiences all over the U.S., with “The Reggie Jamz Experience.” The force of his musical performance has caught the eye and touched the hearts of the country’s top producers and promoters, affording him opportunities to open for epic artists such as John Legend, Charlie Wilson, Ledisi, Tank, Chante Moore, and R. Kelly. Reggie Jamz continuously strives to climb higher heights in his career. The Reggie Jamz LIVE Experience tour will be coming to a city near you very soon. Reggie Jamz is currently promoting his acclaimed mixtape, “The Audition…Lovers Edition,” and he is working on his debut album. Stay tuned on www.REGGIEJAMZ.com for updates on the upcoming tour and more information of his highly anticipated album and mixtapes.
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ook up in the Sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s your R&B superhero, Reginald J. Grissom, Jr. aka “Reggie Jamz!” Houston Press Magazine describes this versatile artist as “soulful, sultry, and sensational.” Reggie Jamz exploded on the music scene in 2007 when he won the KBXX 97.9 The Box/Pepsi “Hatta’s Idol” singing competition in Houston, TX. Although this talented artist has been
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singing in the church since he was 3 years old, winning the city-wide competition in the 3rd largest city in the United States instantly launched his music career, making him the most sought after singer in Houston and surrounding areas. After receiving a single deal with Paid in Full Entertainment/Atlantic Records, his single, “Too Late,” became the #1 song on the radio for 8 straight weeks and one of the Top 25 Most Requested for 4
Reginald J. Grissom, Jr. aka “Reggie Jamz” Recording Artist www.REGGIEJAMZ.com HOLLA@REGGIEJAMZ.COM @Reggiejamz
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Lorenda Thompson 2021 TOP P&E
orenda Thompson is the founder and owner of Level’d Up Ink, the only black and female operated tattoo shop in Missouri City, TX. Level’d Up Ink has been open for 2 years and continues to thrive despite many obstacles, including the COVID- 19 pandemic. Lorenda is a recognized female tattoo artist and professional body piercer with 14 years of experience in the tattoo industry. Lorenda’s passion for art began when she was a child. When starting out, all she ever wanted was to have a job creating art without the burden of student debt or restrictions of freedom. At the age of 19, she began her career by working at various tattoo shops in the Houston area. For so long she found herself being the only female in the workplace until she was introduced to the Ladies of Ink. The Ladies of Ink is a tattoo organization that consists of minority female tattoo artists from various locations in the United States. This rare organization brings attention to the fact that women make up 2% of the male-dominated industry and an emphasis on uniting women artists. Being a member has allowed Lorenda to travel to various tattoo conventions and tattoo shops, promoting solidarity amongst women in the male-dominated industry. Throughout Lorenda’s 14 years of tattooing, she has been able to achieve what few women have been able to accomplish. Her accomplishments include: ● Owning and operating her own tattoo parlor, providing her with the opportunity to be a platform and employ artistic ● Orchestrating and organizing charitable events that provide school supplies, individuals in her community hygiene products, and food and water to ● Hosting and touring tattoo conventions the residents of the City of Houston and around the nation Missouri City ● Features on reality TV shows on Lifetime Lorenda is no stranger to hard work, TV and VH1 continuing to develop her craft and
● Providing tattoo and piercing services branch out into other industries so she for celebrity clientele can grow her business portfolio. In the ● Providing ”Art of Body” courses and midst of running a prosperous business, curriculum, educating countless graduates she continues to mentor fledgling artists who receive gainful employment in the and gives back to her community. Houston area
exceeded as a pioneer in the artistic tattoo industry, she continues to break glass ceilings, striving to hit her peak. She is proud to represent Black excellence at its best.
Lorenda Thompson Founder and Owner Level’d Up Ink 2651 Cartwright Rd. Suite # E Missouri City, TX 77459 281-969-5615
It is safe to say that though Lorenda has
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Giselle Hauser 2021 UP & COMING
for her business and took to the streets of Houston on a mission to make people fall in love at first bite. After some success, she knew she was capable of more. Using her faith as a guiding light, a new recipe was born. The flavor-packed banana pudding, "Love You More,” would take her business to the next level. This pudding would rival traditional banana pudding and add a new twist that kept dessert lovers craving more. Being new to the bakery business, she understood the importance of standing out. She took risks with texture and flavors by incorporating well-known cookies and homemade sauces that proved to be a hit! While her bakery was still growing, Ms. Hauser dedicated time to help those in need. She unselfishly gave a portion of her proceeds to a local charity and provided hot meals for the homeless on numerous occasions and continues her service in the community today. Baking with love is the main ingredient with each batch of desserts. Her ability to produce a consistent and quality product for consumers is a top priority. Ms. Hauser's continued experimentation with flavors and textures remains a foundational part of Güzel Cakes’ growth. What started as a melt-in-your-mouth cake in her apartment kitchen has transformed into a thriving bakery that serves businesses all over the Houston area. Giselle Hauser Founder and Owner Güzel Cakes www.guzelcakes.com
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iselle Hauser discovered at a young age that her love for making people happy was a gift. Little did she know that her gift of love would manifest years later in the form of delicious desserts. Who would've known that a quiet Friday night and a sweet tooth would equal a recipe for success? She began her baking journey with a
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desire to do more. She used quality ingredients, hand-whipped batter, and some willing taste testers to construct her first cake that would bear the name "It's Complicated." She knew she was onto something when her one-woman show could no longer keep up with the demands of her growing business. As her business began to grow, so did she. She obtained the necessary certifications
d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas
www.gcakelovers.com decadent desserts Don’t pass up the opportunity to try our legendary puddings and cakes, our goal is to offer the most deliciously decadent treats on earth.
houston made There's no place like H-Town. We are a true neighborhood gem, equally beloved by locals and tourists alike and we put that love back into our desserts.
Our company started off as a labor of love several years ago in Houston, Texas. We specialize in desserts that provide an indulgent experience to make you fall in love at the first bite.
8990 park west, houston tx, 77063
713.228.7775
follow us on Instagram
guzel.cakes
guzel.cakes@gmaIl.com TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2021
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d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas
Cenaca Cyprian 2021 UP & COMING
team, and under her leadership, Quality Lending Group is already on track to hit one hundred and twenty million dollars in sales by the close of this year. Though the responsibilities of marriage, motherhood, and managing a business are great, the rewards are greater, and the possibilities are endless for this mortgage “mom boss.” Quality Lending Group is making major moves in Houston and is set to open a new branch location in Jackson, MS, in the Spring of this year. It’s important to her that she not only remember where she came from, but to do what she can to empower the community she grew up in.
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ife. Mom. Boss. It's this divine order that has set the tone for the supermom, superwoman, and CEO we all know as Cenaca Cyprian. Cenaca started her journey in the mortgage industry in 2006 in her hometown of Jackson, MS. After weathering the storms, tests, trials, and the crash of 2008, she moved to Houston, TX, met the love of her life Donald Cyprian and started a family. Driven by her passion to help families with homeownership and refinancing, she ventured back into the mortgage industry as a loan officer. Though this journey has had many ups and downs, Cenaca not only managed to land on her feet, but persevered to victory. Like many, 2020
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Cenaca is a mentor to many young entrepreneurs and an inspiration to her two beautiful daughters. She and her husband pride themselves in how they are setting an example of a good work ethic for their girls to follow, instilling this mindset in them at an early age. Cenaca attributes her success to faith, fortitude, and the unwavering love of her amazing and supportive husband, who is her biggest cheerleader. The sky's the limit for Cenaca and her company. She has been divinely positioned for success and is in awe of God for all He has done for her. Coming from humble beginnings, she can’t help but to give God ALL the Glory for how He is writing her story and showing His faithfulness. started off as her most challenging year as she faced job termination, market freezes, and the public health crisis. In the midst of uncertainty, she decided to take a leap of faith and applied for her brokerage license. Unbeknownst to her, this was the first step in the direction of unprecedented success and prosperity. In August of 2020, Cenaca launched Quality Lending Group, LLC, the only African American female-led mortgage company in the Greater Houston area. This bold and brave move has not been easy. But six months later with eleven employees and eight million dollars in production, Cenaca has no regrets. She knows with God all things are possible, being grateful that 2021 is off to an amazing start. With hard work, a great
Cenaca Cyprian Owner & Loan Officer Quality Lending Group, LLC 3526 Griggs Rd. Houston, TX 77021 832-996-3161 www.qualitylendinggroup.com
d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas
TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2021
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d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas
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2211 Norfolk | Suite 803 Houston, TX 77098
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Phone: 713 470 9714 Fax: 877 751 7453
Website: alfredfirm.com
Phone: 713 470 9714
Email: byron@alfredfirm.com
Company Address
Phone & Fax
Houston, TX 77098
Fax: 877 751 7453
2211 Norfolk | Suite 803
BYRON ALFRED
FOUNDER | BOARD CERTIFIED TRIAL LAWYER
BYRON ALFRED
Obtained a $44 Million jury verdict in a Refinery FOUNDER | BOARD CERTIFIED TRIAL LAWYER Wrongful Death case. #1 Work Injury Verdict in Texas for 2018 Obtained a $44 Million jury verdict in a Refinery WrongfulLargest Death case. #1 Work Secured Settlement in Injury Texas Verdict History in for Texas for District 2018 Sexual Assault Case in 2019 a School
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Email: byron@alfredfirm.com
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Website: alfredfirm.com
The Alfred Firm is proud to serve as Title Sponsors for the D-Mars 2021 Top 50 Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs event. We extend congratulations to The Alfred Firm is proud to serve as Title Sponsors Johnny Alfred III and all of the honorees. for the D-Mars 2021 Top 50 Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs event. We extend congratulations to TYPES OF CASES Johnny Alfred III and all of the honorees.
Refinery Injuries
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Over $100M in Verdicts andSince Settlements Super Lawyers Rising Star 2016 since 2015 Inducted into Multi Million Dollar Advocates Forum
Work Injuries Refinery Injuries Oilfield Injuries Work Injuries Car Accidents Oilfield Injuries Bus Accidents Car Accidents Wrongful Death Bus Accidents
Insurance Claims Truck Injuries Dangerous Products Insurance Claims Defective Products Dangerous Products Jones Act Injuries Defective Products Maritime Injuries Jones Act Injuries
Super Lawyers Rising Star Since 2016
Wrongful Death
Maritime Injuries
Secured Largest Settlement Texas History for First African-American Lead in Counsel Inducted a School District Sexual to Texas Verdicts Hall of Assault Fame Case in 2019 First African-American Lead Counsel Inducted Over $100M in Verdicts and Settlements since 2015 to Texas Verdicts Hall of Fame Inducted into Multi Million Dollar Advocates Forum
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