Top 50 P&E 2022

d-mars.com ®

TOP 50 BLACK INSPIRE, INFORM & EDUCATE

VOLUME 1

Chris Hollins, Esq. Hollins Law Group, PLLC Trailblazer

PROFESSIONALS & ENTREPRENEURS

Council Member Tarsha Jackson Houston City Council, District B Community Hero

Dr. John R. Adolph Antioch Missionary Baptist Church Community Hero

Constable Kathryn Brown Bexar County, Precinct 4 Community Hero

10TH EDITION

Pastor Roland Hendricks Greater Mount Zion Church Community Hero

RoseMary Tucker Blessties USA & HOODIES4HEALING Foundation Community Hero

Shannon Buggs City of Houston Mayor’s Office of Complete Communities Trailblazer

Commissioner Kendric D. Jones Waller County, Precinct 3 Trailblazer

2022

Chante T. Lloyd Tava Lifestyle Community Hero

Bryce Deadmon 2X Olympic Medalist Trailblazer

Isaac Johnson TDECU Super Trailblazer

Carmen P. Turner Tax Assessor-Collector Fort Bend County Trailblazer

Daniel Moreaux Moreaux Transportation Services, Inc. Trailblazer

Sherry Green Cigna Super P&E

Brian K. Hall Shell Oil Company Super P&E

S. Lee Merritt, Esq. Merritt Law Firm Super Trailblazer

Ricky Anderson, Esq. Attorney and Counselor at Law LEGACY

Bianca Jackson and Delaina Curry-Allen Recruiting Source International, LLC Partnership

Dr. Loren J. Blanchard University of Houston-Downtown Top Educator

Dr. Bryan T. Taulton Coldspring-Oakhurst CISD Top Educator

Gary Guidry G-Squared Events and the Black Promoters Collective Super Trailblazer

Commissioner Grady Prestage Fort Bend County, Precinct 2 Super Trailblazer

Cathy and Carl Landry Reserve Salon and Spa Family Affair

Dr. Roosevelt Nivens Lamar CISD Top Educator

Maurice Bridges VIA Metropolitan Transit Super P&E

Bridgette Smith-Lawson, Esq. Fort Bend County Trailblazer

Christian D. Menefee, Esq. Harris County Attorney’s Office Trailblazer

Kenneth L. Haynes UPS Red River District Super P&E

#1 Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas Directory

Kevin A. Murray, Esq. Attorney Super P&E

Carla Cooper United Nations World Food Programme Super P&E

John Mitchell Phat Body Sports Training Super P&E

DeMonica Cooper Amerson Spring ISD Super P&E

Clarence White, III BancorpSouth Bank Super P&E

Tashell Williams Euphoric Essence Salon Super P&E

Marcus Edwards aka Lil Keke Rapper & SLF Made Super P&E

Danielle Keys Bess Licensed Texas Real Estate Professional Super P&E

Ashworth Barnes 713 Motoring Super P&E

Felicia Drake Grooves Super P&E

Darrance Tezino CenterPoint Energy Top P&E

Rikki V. Smith Wilson Smithwood Medical Institute, LLC Top P&E

Dr. Christopher Chance Oaks Point Pediatric Dentistry Top P&E

Sandi Eli Operation Get Fit, LLC Top P&E

Dr. Robert L. Howard Jr. NASA Johnson Space Center Top P&E

Candace Blue The Houston Luxury Living Team Top P&E

Kehlin Farooq Exotic Pop Top P&E

Glenda Demas Pearls of Change Wellness, LLC Top P&E

Don Bowie Taste Bar + Kitchen Top P&E

Talia B. Washington Prairie View A&M University Top P&E

Bill M. Brown Austin Commercial, LP. Super P&E

Congratulations

2022 Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs

Rodney Jones, Esq. Rodney Jones Law Group PC Top P&E

Dr. Angela Jones, LPC, CST-C Get Centered Counseling and Consultants, LLC & The Limbic Plan®, LLC Top P&E

Keith J. Davis Jr. Jerrold Construction Inc. Top P&E

Max Bozeman II The Greasy Spoon Top P&E

Tracina Morris Real Estate Top P&E

Dr. Alexia McClerkin, DC, RN Sports & Wellness Doc Top P&E

Albert Johnson III Albert “AJ” Johnson Insurance & Financial Services Top P&E

Pernell Davis Harris County Top P&E

Dianne Curvey The Banieh Law Firm Top P&E

Dr. Nissi Hamilton Nissi’s Network Inc. Top P&E

Rashad Cave City of Houston Top P&E

Odus Evbagharu Harris County Democratic Party Top P&E

Clariona Randolph-Massey Don McGill Auto Group Top P&E

Diamond Elizabeth Small Diamond Elizabeth Handbags Up & Coming P&E

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way.

-Booker T. Washington

Message From the President & CEO There are people who carry the burden of only seeing what is in front of them or what is the norm, never seeing beyond what has been accomplished. Where some choose not to dream big, this year’s d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs are making an exemplary difference in their professions, proving you can grab ahold of everything that is purposed for you. This event goes beyond just celebrating a degree and title but looking at the history that has been made and will continue to be made. Whether our honorees are doctors, lawyers, politicians, entertainers, educators or community leaders, each honoree is deserving, not only for what they are doing in their careers and professions, but in the area of service. I continue to be in awe of our honorees year after year, as they have overcome obstacles and pushed through to be leaders, keeping their character and standing on purpose and truth. This d-mars.com event is most necessary as a long-standing tradition for Black History Month, celebrating African Americans in our community making their mark across the state.

they are not only leaving a model for the next generation, but the generation after the next generation and others that come well after. It is always our privilege and honor to recognize the Top 50 Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs.

Where mainstream media can highlight the negatives of our community and culture, d-mars.com combats that stereotype with our publication and this award event.

Faced with some challenges and hardships, our honorees remained resilient with hope and diligence. Being in business for over 20 years, I continue to learn from each group of honorees, and this year is no different. Extraordinary successes have become theirs all because of a work ethic and spirit that is undeniable. Each honoree has a testimony that where you are is not where you have to stay. Yes, they dealt with naysayers, but they decided to step over the status quo to make a difference and paved a path that has helped them to achieve and allows others to see the strength within themselves. And

Sincerely, Keith “MR. D-MARS” Davis, Sr. President and CEO Vaskey Media Group, Inc. Parent Company of d-mars.com Subcontractors USA Top30Women.com

I want to thank each of this year’s honorees for allowing us to celebrate you. Though you possess humility, thank you for stepping from behind the scenes and allowing us to shine the spotlight on you. Thank you for representing Black excellence and for raising the bar. We applaud you and are motivated by you. And we know you are nowhere near done. God, I’m sure, still has great works He wants to perform through you.

Continue to make history. Continue to make a difference.

Continue to make us proud.

Sincerely,

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

1

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Message from the Chief of Staff During Black History, our d-mars.com media platform and team host the highly- anticipated, annual Top 50 Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs of Texas Awards, celebrating the work and talent of deserving honorees. This event gives us such great pride as we shine the spotlight on African Americans across our state, who not only achieve greatness, but pay it forward to the communities in which they live and work. Our honorees don't wait for opportunities to come, but they create them, making their mark in their respective fields and professions. We applaud this year’s honorees for representing Black excellence by portraying qualities and abilities that make our community proud.

These honorees are great achievers, leaving an impressive legacy that creates opportunities for others to succeed.

As you read through the bios of this year’s recipients, be impressed, yes, but also be inspired, and motivated to do more and be more for your career, family, and community. Each honoree is richly deserving of this recognition, being an example of persistence and patience. Our honorees are outstanding representatives of drive and success. They are corporate executives, entrepreneurs, spiritual leaders, nonprofit leaders, political figures, entertainers, and other various professionals, making for a diverse group. And though this group is accomplished, they are never complacent, continuing to evolve and elevate.

Every year I am proud to recognize our Top 50 Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs for their selfless spirit, courage, strength, fearlessness, and tenacity. These honorees possess characteristics that we all can follow to make a positive difference in the world.

Sincerely,

Ms. Kimberly Floyd Chief of Staff

“Winning is great, sure, but if you are really going to do something in life, the secret is learning how to lose. Nobody goes undefeated all the time.

If you can pick up after a crushing defeat, and go on to win again, you are going to be a champion someday.”

d-mars.com

—Wilma Rudolph

STAFF: Accounting Manager - Eugenie Doualla

Digital Marketing Manager - Erick Fontejon

Executive Assistant - Tiffany Brown Project Coordinator - Bria Casteel Photographer - Grady Carter Art Director - Angel Rosa

Contact d-mars.com 7322 Southwest Freeway, Suite 800 Houston, Texas 77074 Phone: 713-373-5577 Fax: 713-750-9472 Email Us: contact@d-mars.com Web: www.d-mars.com

Social Media www.facebook.com/dmarsmarketing

2

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

Twitter: @dmars_com

Instagram: @dmars_com

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

of Texas

TITLE

TEXAS

VASKEY MEDIA GROUP

PRESENTING I

L WELDING ACAD STRIA EMY NDU

“Integrity with Attitude” 713-672-WELD (9353)

PLATINUM JERROLD C O N S T R U C T I O N

Ken Ross

ACCURATE INC.

SECURITY

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

3

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

February 24, 2022

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

4

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

CITY OF PRAIRIE VIEW D R. B R IA N RO W LA N D MAY O R

44500 U.S. BUSINESS 290 P.O. BOX 817 PRAIRIE VIEW, TX 7746

www.prairieviewtexas.gov

“PRODUCTIVE, UNITED, INDOMITABLE”

February 24, 2022 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

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

5

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

February 24, 2022 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 2022 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

6

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WASHINGTON, D. C. 20515

AL GREEN 9TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT HOUSTON, TEXAS

February 24, 2022

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 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

7

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

February 24, 2022

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

8

Central Houston Office 5302 Almeda Road Suite A Houston, TX 77004 713-665-8322

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

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

February 24, 2022

d-mars.com 2022 Top 50 Black Professional and Entrepreneurs Awards Congratulations to the award recipients of the 2022 d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals 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 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

9

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

February 24, 2022

Dear Friends,

As State Representative for House District 146, it is my privilege to welcome all attending the Top 50 Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs Awards. I also extend my appreciation to the d-mars.com organization for hosting this spectacular annual event.

The 10th Annual Top 50 Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs Awards Ceremony recognizes and celebrates leaders who have demonstrated outstanding excellence in their respective fields of expertise. The honorees reflect a diverse group of accomplished professionals and role models in a variety of industries. I salute each of the honorees for the contributions they have made towards the growth, betterment and success of the Houston community, and the great state of Texas.

Warm Regards,

10

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

P.O. Box 2910 Austin, Texas 78768-2910 (512) 463-0554 6112 Wheatley Street Houston, Texas 77091

JARVIS JOHNSON DISTRICT 139

February 24, 2022

Dear Honorees, On behalf of District 139, I want to congratulate you as a diverse and distinguished group of leaders being recognized in the 2022 Class of the d-mars.com Top 50 Professionals and Entrepreneurs of Texas. d-mars.com is a well-respected publication that inspires, informs, and educates, and the fact that you are being honored means you are held in high regard not only in your professional life, but by your work in the community.

This occasion is one of the most anticipated in Houston, as it continues to keep the standard of the professionals that are honored and celebrated. You are examples for others to follow, and I applaud all of your achievements and for being leaders that not only Houston is proud of, but that District 139 is proud of.

I did not always have it easy growing up, but I know that with hard work anything is possible.

You are excellent examples of how you can be whatever you want to be. Your journey may not have been easy, but you didn’t give up. I commend you for this and for being history makers, opening doors for the next generation of leaders.

I join MR. D-MARS and the d-mars.com family in congratulating you on your hard work in your professions and for having a genuine heart for the community. Congratulations again.

Sincerely, Jarvis Johnson State Representative, District 139

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

11

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Tiffany D. Thomas Houston City Council Member, District F February 24, 2022 Dear Friends, As a member of the Houston City Council, it is my great pleasure to welcome all attendees and congratulate the honorees of the 10th Annual Top 50 Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs of Texas Awards.

It is a privilege and my pleasure to recognize the success of the 2022 Top 50 honorees. They are leaders in their respective fields who share a commitment to business growth, professional excellence, and service to the community.

I extend my sincere congratulations and best wishes to all the Top 50 Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs of Texas honorees and thank d-mars.com for honoring the champions across our great state.

Sincerely,

Tiffany D. Thomas Houston City Council Member City of Houston, District F

Housing & Community Affairs, Chair | Budget & Fiscal Affairs | Ethics, Elections & Council Governance Regulations & Neighborhoods Affairs | Public Safety & Homeland Security

900 Bagby, 1st Floor · Houston, Texas 77002 · (832) 393-3002 · districtf@houstontx.gov 12

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

EDWARD POLLARD HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL MEMBER, DISTRICT J February 24, 2022

Dear Friends: On behalf of District J, the most diverse area of the most diverse city in America, I am proud to extend my sincere greetings to you on this most auspicious occasion.

For this celebration of high achievement, I am honored to join d-mars.com in highlighting the Top 50 Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs of Texas for your tremendous dedication and commitment to our city and for your professional excellence.

Each of you are pioneers and continue to break glass ceilings for those who come behind you. I respect and admire each of you for your efforts, and stand beside you in support of all you do.

Thank you d-mars.com for you continuous diligence m ensunng that the best of our city gets the recognition they deserve.

Best regards.

Council Member Edward Pollard

Budget & Fiscal Affairs, Vice Chairl Economic Development I Ethics, Elections & Council Governance Childhood & Youth I Public Safety & Homeland Security

900 Bagby, 1st Floor • Houston, Texas 77002 • (832) 393-3015 • districtj@houstontx.gov

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

13

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

PURELY ELECTRIC PERFORMANCE THE FIRST-EVER BMW i4

BMW's next-generation sporty electric vehicle is about to change the way you drive. Powerful acceleration. Perfected balance. Spacious seating for five. And fully electric. Meet the First-Ever BMW i4 – a sporty, electric vehicle that will leave you breathless.

Catapult from zero to autobahn speeds in seconds with the incredible power and instant torque of twin BMW M eDrive engines. With the first models arriving in Spring of 2022, you can be among the first to take one for a spin.

With a deposit today, you can pre-order your 2022 BMW i4 from BMW of West Houston and reserve your place in line for one of the first models available in your area.

BMW of West Houston

The Ultimate Buying Experience in Houston

20822 Katy Frw, Katy, TX 77449 832.772.9000 | bmwwest.com

14

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

15

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TABLE OF CONTENTS LEGACY Ricky Anderson, Esq..............................................................Attorney Ricky Anderson PLLC............................................................................................22-23

SUPER TRAILBLAZERS S. Lee Merritt, Esq.................................................................Merritt Law Firm............................................................................................................................24 Gary Guidry.............................................................................G Squared Events & The Black Promoters Collective........................................................... 26 Isaac Johnson........................................................................TDECU............................................................................................................................................ 30 Commissioner Grady Prestage...........................................Fort Bend County, Precinct 2..................................................................................................... 32

TRAILBLAZERS Chris Hollins, Esq.,.................................................................Hollins Law Group, PLLC............................................................................................................ 34 Shannon Buggs.....................................................................City of Houston Mayor’s Office of Complete Communities.................................................. 36 Commissioner Kendric D. Jones.........................................Waller County, Precinct 3........................................................................................................... 38 Carmen P. Turner...................................................................Tax Assessor-Collector Fort Bend County................................................................................ 40 Bryce Deadmon.....................................................................2X Olympic Medalist................................................................................................................... 42 Bridgette Smith-Lawson, Esq..............................................Fort Bend County ........................................................................................................................ 44 Christian D. Menefee, Esq...................................................Harris County Attorney’s Office.................................................................................................. 46 Daniel Moreaux......................................................................Moreaux Transportation Services, Inc..................................................................................... 48

COMMUNITY HEROES Council Member Tarsha Jackson.......................................Houston City Council, District B................................................................................................. 50 Dr. John Adolph......................................................................Antioch Missionary Baptist Church.......................................................................................... 52 Constable Kathryn Brown....................................................Bexar County, Precinct 4............................................................................................................ 53 Pastor Roland Hendricks.....................................................Greater Mount Zion Church....................................................................................................... 56 RoseMary Tucker...................................................................Blessties USA & HOODIES4HEALING Foundation................................................................ 58 Chante T. Lloyd.......................................................................Tava Lifestyle................................................................................................................................ 60

PARTNERSHIP Bianca Jackson and Delaina Curry-Allen..........................Recruiting Source International, LLC....................................................................................... 62

FAMILY AFFAIR Cathy and Carl Landry..........................................................Reserve Salon and Spa.............................................................................................................. 64

TOP EDUCATORS Dr. Loren J. Blanchard...........................................................University of Houston-Downtown.............................................................................................. 66 Dr. Bryan Taulton ...................................................................Coldspring -Oakhurst CISD........................................................................................................ 68 Dr. Roosevelt Nivens.............................................................Lamar CISD................................................................................................................................... 69

SUPER PROFESSIONALS AND ENTREPRENEURS Sherry Green..........................................................................Cigna.............................................................................................................................................. 70 Brian K. Hall............................................................................Shell Oil Company........................................................................................................................ 72 16

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Maurice Bridges.....................................................................VIA Metropolitan Transit..............................................................................................................74 Kenneth L. Haynes................................................................UPS Red River District..................................................................................................................76 Kevin A. Murray, Esq..............................................................Attorney At Law............................................................................................................................. 78 Carla Cooper...........................................................................United Nations World Food Programme................................................................................. 80 John Mitchell...........................................................................Phat Body Sports Training.......................................................................................................... 82 DeMonica Cooper Amerson................................................Spring ISD..................................................................................................................................... 84 Clarence White, III..................................................................BancorpSouth Bank.................................................................................................................... 86 Tashell Williams......................................................................Euphoric Essence Salon............................................................................................................ 88 Bill M. Brown...........................................................................Austin Commercial, LP................................................................................................................ 90 Marcus Edwards aka Lil Keke.............................................Rap Artist & SLF Made............................................................................................................... 92 Danielle Keys Bess................................................................Licensed Texas Real Estate Professional................................................................................ 94 Ashworth Barnes...................................................................713 Motoring................................................................................................................................ 96 Felicia Drake...........................................................................Grooves.......................................................................................................................................... 98

TOP PROFESSIONALS AND ENTREPRENEURS Darrance Tezino.....................................................................CenterPoint Energy...................................................................................................................... 99 Rikki V. Smith Wilson ............................................................Smithwood Medical Institute, LLC..........................................................................................100 Dr. Christopher Chance........................................................Oaks Point Pediatric Dentistry.................................................................................................102 Sandi Eli...................................................................................Operation Get Fit, LLC...............................................................................................................104 Dr. Robert L. Howard, Jr........................................................NASA Johnson Space Center..................................................................................................106 Candace Blue.........................................................................The Houston Luxury Living Team............................................................................................108 Kehlin Farooq.........................................................................Exotic Pop....................................................................................................................................110 Glenda Demas.......................................................................Pearls of Change Wellness, LLC.............................................................................................112 Don Bowie...............................................................................Taste Bar + Kitchen...................................................................................................................114 Talia B. Washington...............................................................Prairie View A&M University.....................................................................................................116 Rodney Jones, Esq................................................................Rodney Jones Law Group, PC..................................................................................................118 Dr. Angela Jones, LPC, CST-C..................................Get Centered Counseling & Consultants, LLC & The Limbic Plan®, LLC........120 Keith J. Davis, Jr......................................................................Jerrold Construction, Inc. .........................................................................................................122 Tracina Morris.........................................................................Real Estate Agent......................................................................................................................124 Albert Johnson, III..................................................................Albert “AJ” Johnson Insurance & Financial Services..........................................................126 Dianne Curvey, Esq...............................................................The Banieh Law Firm................................................................................................................128 Rashad Cave..........................................................................City of Houston ..........................................................................................................................130 Clariona Randolph-Massey..................................................Don McGill Automotive Group.................................................................................................132 Max Bozeman, II....................................................................The Greasy Spoon.....................................................................................................................134 Dr. Alexia McClerkin, DC, RN................................................Sports and Wellness Doc.........................................................................................................136 Pernell Davis...........................................................................Harris County..............................................................................................................................138 Dr. Nissi Hamilton..................................................................Nissi’s Network, Inc. .................................................................................................................140 Odus E. Evbagharu................................................................Harris County Democratic Party.............................................................................................142

UP & COMING PROFESSIONALS AND ENTREPRENEURS Diamond Elizabeth Small, MHA..........................................Diamond Elizabeth Handbags................................................................................................144

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

17

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

18

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

19

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

Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) houstoncomto.org • 713.487.5344

Houston Black Real Estate Association (HBREA) admin@hbreahouston.org hbreahouston.org 713.551.2092 • 713.583.8438 e-fax

Emerging 100 Houston (E 100) info@emerging100houston.com emerging100htx.com

info@ghbcc.com ghbcc.com • 713.660.8299

Houston Lawyers Association

Houston Medical Forum (HMF)

(HLA) houstonlawyersassociation.org • 202.854.9281

info@houstonmedicalforum.com

Houston Area Alliance of Black School Educators (HAABSE) info@haabse.org haabse.org • 713.529.3305

20

Greater Houston Black Chamber (GHBC)

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

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 3262 Westheimer Rd Ste 420 • Houston, TX 77098

National Association of Black Geoscientists

National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA) nfbpahoustontx.org

(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.enpnetwork.com P.O.Box 842033 • Houston, TX 77284-2033

(NBNPA)

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 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

21

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Ricky Anderson, Esq. 2022 LEGACY

A

ttorney Ricky Anderson, is a 1979 graduate of Benton Harbor High School, attended Prairie View A&M University, receiving a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1983, and his Juris Doctor Degree, from Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law in 1992, and was admitted to the State Bar of Texas, in 1992.

Attorney Ricky Anderson has been the Managing Partner of the Law Firm of Anderson & Smith P.C., since 1994, with their office in Houston, Texas, as well as, an Adjunct Professor at Thurgood Marshall School of Law since 1998, where he Lectures Entertainment Law, Music Industry Contracts, and Trial Preparation.

22

Some of Attorney Ricky Anderson’s honors, memberships, and community involvement includes: • National Bar Association Entertainment, Sports & Arts Law Section of the Year Award 2014 • National Bar Association's Chair, Entertainment Sports and Arts Law Section 2010 to Present • National Bar Association's Board Member of the Year 2015 • National Bar Association’s Vice Chair, Entertainment, Sports and Arts Law Section, 2008 – 2010 • State Bar of Texas - Houston Bar Association - Entertainment Attorney of the Year 2014, State Bar of Texas - African American Lawyers Association

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

- Outstanding Achievement Award 2015 • National Bar Association - Life Member • Black Entertainment & Sports Lawyers Association (BESLA) Life Member • Advisor to the Grammy's Board of Governors Texas Chapter 2010 – 2011 • Grammy/The Recording Academy, Texas Board of Governors 2007 - 2010, 2011 – 2018 • Grammy/The Recording Academy Officer – Secretary – 2018-2020 • Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Century of Excellence Award (1911-2011) Entertainment Attorney • Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Life Member • Delta Sigma Tau – Legal Fraternity Inc. • Trustee, Prairie View A&M University Foundation (2013-Present) • Thurgood Marshall School of Law Sports and Entertainment Appreciation Award 2010, 2013, 2014 and 2019 • Thurgood Marshall School of Law Alumni Association Board Member 2012-Present • d-mars Top 50 Black Attorneys Title Sponsor Award 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 • Texas Bar Foundation - Life Fellow • American Bar Foundation – Sustaining Fellow • Houston Lawyers Association Community Service Award 2015 • The North Houston Frontier Club – Greater Houston Frontier Club, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drum Major Award 2017 • The Trayvon Martin Foundation – Unsung Hero – Leadership Service Award 2019 • Houston Community College – Recognition of Excellence and Meritorious Service Award 2016 • d-mars.com 2012 Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs – Living Legend Award

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Attorney Ricky Anderson’s Special Awards – President of the United States of America “Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award” from the Honorable President Barack Obama, United States House of Representatives Congressional Recognition from Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Impact Arts & Entertainment Trailblazer Award 2019, United States House of Representatives Congressional Recognition from Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drum Major Award 2017, “United States Congress” Congressional Capital Honor Flag Award from Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, 23rd Annual MLK Grand Parade Grand Marshall, Texas State Representative Ron Reynolds “Grand Marshall Honoree Award, 2017 MLK Grand Parade – City of Houston, Certificate of Recognition from Houston City Councilman Michael Kubosh”, Honoree of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Grand Marshall Award 2017.

is the Former Chairman and CEO of the Black Broadcasting Network Inc., is the former CEO and President of CBS Records, Inc., A Texas Corporation and the majority shareholder in Big City Enterprises, and Qudel Promotions, Inc., producing national concerts such as the "Kings of Comedy", "Jazzfest", "the Boys are Back", and "the Hip Hop Comedy Reunion Tour". He is also the Executive Producer of The Nationally Syndicated Music Video Television Show, "Big City", and such Independent Feature Films as "Renegade", "Beach Party Weekend", "A Freakin Documentary with Shemar Moore", and "Beach Party".

Ricky Anderson, Esq. Attorney Ricky Anderson PLLC 4265 San Felipe Street, Suite 1100 Houston, Texas 77027 (713) 929-6463 Ricky@AttorneyRickyAnderson.com www.AttorneyRickyAnderson.com

The Law Firm of Anderson & Smith P.C. has a celebrity client roster that includes: • Emmy Awarding Winning Actor, Comedian, and Author Steve Harvey • Academy Award Winner and Golden Globe Winner, Comedian-Actor Mo’Nique • Actor Isaiah Washington • Judge Greg Mathis • Four (4) Time Grammy Award Recipient, Gospel Great Yolanda Adams • Grammy Award Winner Tye Tribbett • Grammy Award Winner Bishop Hezekiah Walker • Emmy Award Winning Producer Rushion McDonald • Four (4) Time Grammy Award Winning Gospel Duo Tina Campbell, and Erica Campbell p/k/a "Mary Mary" • Comedian –Actor Rickey Smiley • Civil Rights Attorney Benjamin Crump In addition to the network television, movies, feature films, Pay-per-view, and HBO deals that Attorney Ricky Anderson develops, he TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

23

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

S. Lee Merritt, Esq. SUPER TRAILBLAZER

practice that represents victims all over the country. Merritt holds licenses in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the State of New Jersey, federally in Eastern District of Pennsylvania and US District Court of the Northern District of Texas.

Merritt is a cum laude graduate of Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia.

He attended law school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at Temple University’s James Beasley School of Law and is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He began his legal career with the Cochran Firm Philadelphia before going into private practice. Texas clients Botham Jean and Atatiana Jefferson, were both murdered by police officers within miles of each other in their homes in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. These tragic events sparked a national conversation about officer use of force and accountability. Working alongside partners in the activist and legal community, the team was able to secure rare indictments in both cases.

Merritt serves as family attorney for Ahmaud Arbery’s landmark case. In the late 2021 historic victory, the three murderers of Ahmaud were found guilty.

With federal hate crime charges still pending, the road to Justice for Ahmaud’s family continues.

S

. Lee Merritt, Esq., commonly known as “the people’s lawyer,” is emerging as an influential new voice in the fight for social justice. A civil rights activist and attorney, Merritt runs a high-profile practice focusing on victims of police brutality, hate crimes and corporate discrimination.

As an activist, he has championed police reform and community empowerment.

His office has led the way in reform in Texas, a state notorious for its failure to prosecute police officers, advocating for the first murder indictments of officers in the state in over 40 years.

24

Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey in the Summer of 2017, Merritt helped to launch the American Black Cross, a disaster relief organization geared to serve the most vulnerable sectors of society. In 2017 Merritt was recognized as one of the top 10 most influential African Americans in the country ages 18 to 45 by The Root. The National Black Caucus of State Legislators awarded Merritt the prestigious “Nation Builder” award, adding him to an elite list of recipients including President Barack Obama, Shirley Chisholm, and Vernon Jordan.

Merritt Law Firm is a federally based

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

Lee also continues to fight for justice here in Texas and has entered the race to become the next Attorney General.

Please visit merritt4texas.com for more information.

S. Lee Merritt, Esq. Federal Civil Rights Attorney State License PA & NJ Merritt Law Firm 123 South Broad Street Suite 2250 Philadelphia, PA 19109 Dallas Office: 1910 Pacific Avenue Suite 8000 Dallas, TX 75201 1-888-647-3041 leemerrittesq.com

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

25

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Gary Guidry 2022 SUPER TRAILBLAZER

incredible production value in an event that they deserve has been my focus and is of paramount importance to me. Once you serve the demand and the public’s desire, your reward is the success that will definitely come with it.”

Guidry has led G-Squared Events as Chief Executive Officer since 2012. His leadership as a live events producer and promoter has helped transform G-Squared Events into one of the top urban entertainment brands in the world. Part of Guidry’s strategy in growing G-Squared Events has focused on delivering high-quality, live entertainment experiences for urban patrons. This includes the success of The Millennium Tour 2019, which delivered over $25 Million in gross box office sales and over 350,000 in global tickets sold. Guidry is listed as No. 30 on Pollstar’s World Top 100 Promoters (2019 and 2020 listing).

T

rendsetter, innovator, and visionary are just a few words that describe the overall drive, business acumen, professional intensity, and depth of promoter, producer, and businessman Gary Guidry.

Basically, business is in his blood. That’s why making the transition from corporate accountant to CEO of G-Squared Events was easy for Gary. The NAACP Trailblazer Award winner currently produces some of the highest quality tours in the country.

Ranging from national theatrical, concert, and comedy tours, Guidry has been known for working with some of the industry's greatest talents. Guidry's events have produced over 2,500,000 patrons and counting.

26

Guidry has worked with some of the music industry’s most successful talent, such as New Edition, Maxwell, Charlie Wilson, Frankie Beverly, Gerald Levert, Kem, B2K, Brian McKnight, Keith Sweat, India Arie, Lalah Hathaway, Tank, Anthony Hamilton, Teddy Riley, Avant, Ginuwine, Brandy, Tyrese, Kelly Price, and the list goes on. He has also worked with many actors and comedians like Steve Harvey, Vivica A. Fox, Boris Kodjoe, Robin Givens, Leon, Allen Payne, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Billy Dee Williams, Guidry, who was a child music prodigy, Katt Williams, Rickey Smiley, Cedric the decided to reach beyond his love of music Entertainer, Monique, Lavelle Crawford, and embark on his love of business. Although and Arnez J to name a few.

Gary was known to throw a few parties during his college days and put on numerous Today, Guidry is producing the New Edition events, he envisioned more. Guidry fell in and Maxwell tours and also venturing into love with producing and promoting events film and television all while continuing and went on to produce 29 national tours to bring the nation some of the best entertainment. Look for more to come... that reached millions of fans.

“Any smart businessman basically finds a niche or demand and serves that demand. That’s the basic law of business. With that in mind, every day, I go after that and have that mindset,” says Guidry. “Giving our audiences what they long for, the type of events they want to see, the people they long to get up close and personal with, along with the

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

Gary Guidry CEO “G-Squared Events” and the “Black Promoters Collective” 25700 Interstate 45, Suite #4043 The Woodlands, TX 77386 info@gsquaredevents.com http://www.gsquaredevents.com/

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

27

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

28

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

29

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Isaac Johnson 2022 SUPER TRAILBLAZER

includes leadership roles at USAA, Wells Fargo, and Trustmark National Bank.

A Brigadier General for the US Army Reserves 351st Civil Affairs Command, Johnson is a decorated leader earning the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the Merit Cheonsu Medal from the President of the Republic of Korea’s Order of National Security. The third generation to serve his country in the U.S. Army, Johnson enlisted in the Army Reserve in 1986.

Upon graduating from the ARMY ROTC program and earning a Bachelor of Business Administration from Mississippi State University in 1992, Johnson was commissioned to a second lieutenant. He went on to receive a Master of Business Administration from Jackson State University, a Juris Doctorate from Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law, and a Master of Strategic Studies at U.S. Army War College.

Additional accomplishments include the completion of executive programs at Cornell University and The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Isaac Johnson President and Chief Executive Officer TDECU — Your Credit Union 1001 FM 2004 | Lake Jackson, Texas 77566 ijohnson@tdecu.org 979.235.1304 www.tdecu.org

I

saac Johnson is a true trailblazer. As TDECU’s President and CEO, Johnson leads a team of nearly 900 employees who provide financial solutions and education to more than 350,000 member-owners. He is the first Black person to lead the credit union since its establishment in 1955. In addition to his pivotal role in driving growth and strategy for Houston’s largest credit union at over

30

$4 billion in assets, Johnson is personally invested in the credit union’s purpose of helping people navigate their financial journeys.

Leading up to his appointment as President and CEO in 2021, Johnson held the position of SVP, Chief Administrative, and Legal and Diversity Officer. Johnson’s impressive resume prior to joining TDECU

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

31

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Commissioner Grady Prestage 2022 SUPER TRAILBLAZER

Board of Regents for the Lamar University System, the Texas County and District Retirement System, and is a Senior Fellow of the American Leadership Forum.

While in office, Commissioner Prestage has initiated the development of the Fort Bend County Toll Road Authority, the Fort Bend County Parks and Recreation Department, and modernized the County Health Department. During his tenure in office, the Commissioner has been involved in the development of numerous county facilities including parks, community centers, libraries, annex buildings, and major mobility projects.

He is also responsible for building three publicly owned and privately operated Boys and Girls Clubs.

Commissioner Prestage represents Fort Bend County Precinct 2, which includes portions of Houston, Missouri City, Stafford, Arcola, Thompsons, Fairchild, Sugar Land, Rosenberg and Needville.

Commissioner Prestage is married to Fheryl Johnson Prestage and has one son, Dustin and one daughter, Erin.

Grady Prestage Commissioner Precinct 2 Fort Bend County 303 Texas Parkway, Suite 213 Missouri City, TX 77489 Grady.Prestage@fortbendcountytx.gov 281-403-8000 www.fortbendcountytx.gov

G

rady Prestage has established an impressive record of public service in Fort Bend County. His taking office as the Precinct 2 County Commissioner in 1990 marked the first time that an African American has served on the Fort Bend County Commissioners Court since the 1880’s Reconstruction period.

Commissioner Prestage received his Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 1980 and is a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Texas. Prior to taking office he worked as

32

a Civil Engineer for a variety of oil and gas companies, consulting engineering firms and later as a partner in a marketing consulting and real estate development firm.

Commissioner Prestage is the President of the Texas Organization of Black County Commissioners, a former member of the Board of Directors of (NACO) the National Association of Counties, (TAC) the Texas Association of Counties, (NOBCO); the National Organization of Black County Officials, the Alliance for I-69 Texas, Central Houston Student Housing Inc., the Houston Area Water Corporation, the City of Houston Planning Commission, the

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

INNOVATION. COMMUNITY. DESIGN. AUTOARCH is a comprehensive, woman-owned architecture and planning firm that has been designing and delivering excellence for 30 years.

713.952.3366 6200 Savoy Dr #100, Houston, Texas 77036 www.autoarch.net

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

33

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Chris Hollins, Esq. 2022 TRAILBLAZER

security–and assisted multinational companies in improving results for the people they serve.

Chris holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with Phi Beta Kappa honors from Morehouse College. Chris also completed a joint program with Yale Law School and Harvard Business School, earning both his Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration degrees.

Chris is admitted to the State Bar of Texas and Federal Courts for the Southern District of Texas. He is currently in private practice as the Principal Attorney at Hollins Law Group PLLC. Chris and his wife Morgan live in Houston’s Third Ward with their daughter Vivian and their son George. The Hollins family attends Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church.

Chris Hollins, Esq. Principal Attorney Hollins Law Group PLLC METRO Board of Directors 6944 Cypress Creek Pkwy., #200 Houston, Texas 77069 (346) 980-4600 www.hollinslawgroup.com

C

hris Hollins has shown what local government can achieve when new ideas and accountable leadership are met with real purpose.

Chris led the 2020 elections effort in Harris County as County Clerk and gained national acclaim for protecting and expanding voting rights for 2.5 million Houston-area voters during the most important election in our lifetime. His innovations–which included drive-thru voting, 24-hour voting, online mail ballot tracking, and tripling the number of early voting centers–led to eye-popping record voter turnout despite the ongoing global pandemic.

Chris developed a commitment to public service through the selfless example of his parents and their devotion for improving the lives of others. His father, George, served for 34 years in the Houston Police Department, and his

34

mother, Christie, managed a career as an administrative assistant while raising Chris, his two sisters, and more than 20 young foster children. Chris has served as a mentor to youth for over 20 years and has been a Big Brother for over a decade.

Today, Chris serves as a volunteer member of the METRO Board of Directors, where he is helping to oversee METRO's $1.3 billion budget, shaping its $7 billion expansion plan, and leading its full transition to renewable fuels by 2030.

He is active in his church and civic club, and he serves on the boards of Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston and the East Downtown TIRZ (Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone).

Chris has worked at some of the world’s most distinguished professional service firms. As a management consultant with McKinsey & Company, he pioneered strategies for large government agencies–in public safety, defense, and

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

35

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Shannon Buggs 2022 TRAILBLAZER

financial services and banking for her hometown newspaper, the Houston Chronicle. Ms. Buggs was the executive director of Culture Source, Inc. (formerly CultureWorks Greater Houston), a fiscal sponsorship and management consulting nonprofit. She also launched and nurtured Meta-Four Houston, a nonprofit youth development collective that uses writing and performing original poetry as tools to encourage self-expression and advance literacy among Houston’s youth ages 13 – 19. Meta-Four is now an active program of Writers in the Schools, the literary arts nonprofit that she served on the board of for six years.

S

hannon Buggs is the founding director of the City of Houston Mayor’s Office of Complete Communities. In this role, Ms. Buggs develops strong collaborative relationships with neighborhood residents, City of Houston departments, other government agencies and officials, private donors, and non-profit organizations to fulfill the Complete Communities vision. In 2017, Mayor Sylvester Turner launched the Complete Communities initiative to demonstrate how public, private, and non-profit partners can revive neighborhoods with the guidance of their residents. Every Houstonian should know their neighborhood matters and

36

A Houston native, Ms. Buggs is a longtime supporter of the city’s nonprofit sector and has held volunteer leadership positions with the Harvey Arts Recovery Fund, Houston Arts Alliance, Junior League of Houston, and Girls, Inc. She is a Diamond Life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and a financial member of the Houston Alumnae Chapter. Ms. Buggs is also active in the Houston Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. and is a senior fellow of the American Leadership Forum Gulf Coast Chapter. Her commitment to the arts and public service has been recognized with numerous accolades including being named an Outstanding Young Houstonian and Outstanding Young Texan by the local and state chapters of the Junior Chamber Complete Communities is the City’s of Commerce. equity initiative designed to build one complete city from recovery to resilience. An alumna and former trustee of Episcopal By championing the voices of residents High School in Bellaire, Ms. Buggs earned that have been ignored for far too long, a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Complete Communities strives to offer and American Literature from Harvard every Houston resident access to the University, a Master of Science degree in foundational quality of life resources journalism from Northwestern University, and a certificate in financial planning needed to thrive. from the University of Houston. She is the Before joining Mayor Turner’s executive proud mother of two outstanding young leadership team, Ms. Buggs worked people, her daughter Avery, and her son as director of community and public O’Neal. relations at The Woman's Hospital of Texas and as director of communication Shannon Buggs for the University of Houston’s College Director, City of Houston of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences. Also, Mayor’s Office of Complete Communities for more than a decade, she wrote a (832) 393-1085 personal finance column and covered shannon.buggs@houstontx.gov

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

37

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Kendric D. Jones 2022 TRAILBLAZER

remained committed to the City of Prairie View by running for re-election in 2019.

Kendric is a fierce champion of progress and transparency in Waller County where he serves as County Commissioner for Precinct 3. He is the youngest County Commissioner ever to be elected in Texas.

He believes the role of government is meant to be of the people, by the people, and for the people. Kendric, therefore, considers service to his community as not only his responsibility, but his calling in life. Kendric considers himself a diligent worker and effective problem solver. He is known for having an ear for the people and emulating the change he desires to see in the world. Throughout his stellar public service career, Kendric’s advocacy has helped ensure students, middleclass families, and seniors enjoy the best quality of life possible.

In addition to acting as County Commissioner, Kendric also volunteers for several community organizations, including Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Southeast Texas Housing Association, Houston Livestock & Rodeo, and the College of Agriculture Advisory Board at PVAMU to name a few.

He is also the co-author of a book with his beautiful mom titled, “Quotes, Phrases, and Sayings That Speak to The: MIND, BODY & SOUL.” The goal is to speak purpose into the reader, encouraging growth in all phases of life that make us whole as a people.

K

endric D. Jones was born and raised in the inner city of Houston, Texas, by a single mother. He is a proud graduate of Lamar High School and Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) where he obtained a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Economics. During his tenure, he served as Student Body President and City Councilman for Prairie View, Texas.

Kendric understands the sacrifice and

38

hard work required by Texans to pave a better life for their families because he experienced it firsthand. During his time at PVAMU, Kendric exhibited a powerful voice on campus and spoke out on key issues such as student housing, public safety, and community morale.

Kendric was elected to Prairie View City Council in 2017. He continued to work in a legislative research capacity while also serving on the City Council for 3 years. He

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

Kendric D. Jones County Commissioner for Precinct 3 Waller County 836 Austin Street Hempstead, Texas 77445 (979) 826-7700

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

39

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Carmen Turner 2022 TRAILBLAZER

Carmen Turner has twenty years of municipal, county, and state government experience and being a business owner for over thirty-five years; fifteen of those years included residential and commercial real estate experience.

Carmen's professional expertise will allow her to educate the residents of Fort Bend County and ensure their awareness of county resources by furnishing the community with the tools needed to meet tax obligations adequately.

Carmen's top priority is transparency and efficiency through direction and leadership for an effective administration and operations. Carmen looks forward to the journey ahead while providing services, employing applicable managerial personnel, budgeting, and accounting procedures to ensure efficient and effective utilization of Fort Bend County's resources.

Carmen Turner is honored to serve as Fort Bend County's Tax Assessor-Collector.

"The key to my success is walking by faith; if you succeed, I succeed."

The Tax Assessor-Collector provides friendly, efficient, and professional tax collection services for taxpayers of Fort Bend County and tax research and information referral. As an agent for the state, the Tax Assessor-Collector also collects automobile/truck and trailer taxes, vehicle registration fees, and beer/ wine & liquor fees.

C

armen P. Turner is the First African American Tax AssessorCollector in Fort Bend County.

She services a county of over 850,000 residents, ranking as one of the top ten counties in Texas.

Carmen Turner was born in Bryan, Texas, the oldest of five siblings and the proud mother of one son. While working fulltime, Turner received her Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a Minor in Psychology from the University of Houston - Downtown and

40

The tax office team provides taxpayers with superior customer service by phone, fax, internet, or in person. Our focus is a Master of Public Administration from on the future growth of Fort Bend County while maintaining excellent customer Texas Southern University. service and customer-friendly offices.

Carmen is the co-founder of the Smith & Turner Foundation, a nonprofit organization fully committed to restorative Carmen Turner, MPA justice and prison reform. She helps Tax Assessor-Collector Fort Bend County formerly incarcerated individuals secure 301 Jackson Street their Commercial Driver's Licenses Richmond, Texas 77469 through the Foundation. Additionally, (281) 342-3411 Carmen's commitment to her community www.fortbendcountytx.gov has spanned over three decades, emphasizing supporting the youth and senior citizens.

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

41

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Bryce Deadmon 2022 TRAILBLAZER

Currently, he is living in the greater DFW area, training professionally as a track and field athlete for Nike and working toward the upcoming track and field season where he hopes to be competing at this summers’ World Championships.

Always looking toward the future, he plans to use his platform to help create a nonprofit in the South Houston area that is centered on sports. In conjunction with that, he plans to utilize his master’s degree to help businesses evolve through the creation of new products using specific and popular brands.

Some of Bryce’s hobbies include reading, cooking, shopping, and meeting new people. One of the top things on his bucket list is to take a solo trip around the world.

Bryce is a proud member of the Nu Delta Delta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated.

Bryce Deadmon 2x Olympic Medalist 2021 Tokyo Summer Olympics Nike Athlete Twitter @Brose_royce Instagram @Brose_royce

B

ryce Deadmon was raised in Missouri City, Texas, and is the son of Eric and Nekita Deadmon. He attended Elkins High School for his first two years of high school and went on to finish and graduate from Ridge Point High School. He attended Texas A&M University where he received his bachelor's degree in Sports Management in 2019 and his MS degree in Marketing in 2021.

While at Texas A&M, Bryce was very active, exemplifying a true example of leadership. He served on the Board of Executives for the NAACP Texas A&M Chapter. He also served as the Political Action Chairman. He mobilized and implemented voter registration programs on campus and educated members and students about politics within the nation, state, and local community. He served

42

as a team leader on the Texas A&M Track and Field team for three years, where he, along with 12 other teammates were responsible for not only enforcing team rules but serving as a powerful voice for the 100+ members on the team.

In addition to this, he competed on the Texas A&M Track and Field team from 2015-2021, earning 5 All American Honors and a spot on the Southeastern Conference Honor Roll twice. To cap off his time at Texas A&M, Bryce spoke at his 2021 commencement ceremony and made history as the first person from the MS Marketing program to do so.

After graduating from Texas A&M with his masters, he went on to compete at the 2021 Tokyo Summer Olympics where he received a bronze medal in the 4x400m mixed relay and a gold medal in the 4x400m relay.

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

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 TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10

TH

ANNIVERSARY

43

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Bridgette Smith-Lawson, Esq. 2022 TRAILBLAZER

and much more. Some of the highlights division of attorneys and legal assistants from her first year in office include but are providing legal services for the agency within the Gulf Coast Area. As a member not limited to the following: of the Texas Health and Human Services • Created FIRST ever Fort Bend County Executive Leadership Academy she cross boarding home policy to ensure the trained on other State agencies including safety, protection, and dignity of aged Emergency Management. and disabled citizens in Fort Bend

In August of 2019, Mrs. Smith-Lawson was recognized as one of the Top 30 • Assisted in creating the FIRST ever Most Influential Women of Houston. body worn camera policy for all Fort Most notably, in October 2019, she won Bend County law enforcement agencies a landmark immigration appeal against • Successfully settled with Janssen the US Department of Homeland Security Pharmaceuticals for damages sustained resulting in a nationwide immigration by the county in connection with the policy change for the benefit of immigrant opioid epidemic – cash settlement and children. Before joining the Department, opportunity for county to fund opioid she was in private practice and practiced deterrent programs from a $28 million in the areas of criminal law, family law, fund personal injury including pharmaceutical litigation, civil litigation, probate, • Operation Lavender – Member of the joint taskforce with the District Attorney’s bankruptcy (7,11,&13), and guardianship matters. office, Fort Bend County Sherriff and other law enforcement agencies to Mrs. Smith-Lawson graduated cum laude attack human trafficking in Fort Bend from Thurgood Marshall School of Law in County May 2003 and was licensed in November • Created FIRST ever County Regulations 2003. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Houston in banning illicit massage parlors that 2000 with a major in Political Science promote criminal activity and a minor in English. Mrs. Smith• Settlement reached with the US Lawson is also licensed in the U.S. District Department of Justice for language Court, Southern District of Texas and in access impediments stemming from Immigration Court. She has been married 2017 to ensure Fort Bend supports 22 years and is a mother of two daughters its diverse community with language ages 15 and 12 years old. In her spare access and implementing the FIRST time she enjoys running, cooking, and ever language access program for equal spending time with her family. access to justice in court operations County

B

ridgette Smith-Lawson is a 19 year public servant and a 19 year licensed attorney. In November 2020, Bridgette was elected in Fort Bend County as the County Attorney, making her the FIRST black female county attorney in Texas AND Fort Bend history.

As the County Attorney, she manages an office of attorneys and support staff that is directly responsible for providing legal advice and representation to the County Commissioners, department heads, and every aspect of county government including law enforcement – Sheriff’s Office and Constables.

In addition, the office represents the State in child welfare cases.

During her first year in office, County Attorney Lawson and her team navigated Fort Bend County through uncharted legal issues including the pandemic, mask mandate litigation, redistricting

44

• Created the FIRST ever Regulatory division of the County Attorney’s Office to investigate and assist the county with compliance with federal, state, and local laws • Navigated the legal agreements and final arrangements for the removal of the Jaybird Monument, a racist monument erected in 1896 Prior to her election, Mrs. Smith-Lawson was the Managing Attorney with the Office of General Counsel – Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Regions 5 & 6 consisting of up to 23 counties in Southeast Texas where she managed a

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

Bridgette Smith-Lawson, Esq. County Attorney Fort Bend County 301 Jackson Street Richmond, Texas 77469 (281) 342-3411 www.fortbendcountytx.gov

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

45

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Christian D. Menefee, Esq. 2022 TRAILBLAZER

involuntary commitment for the mentally ill.

Christian also has a long history of spending his nights and weekends working to better his community. Christian served on Houston’s Independent Police Oversight Board, which is charged with evaluating all Houston Police Department (HPD) internal affairs investigations involving excessive force or the use of a firearm. In this role, Christian wrote and championed a new HPD regulation requiring that when an officer uses his firearm against a civilian, the officer must provide emergency first aid until a medic arrives. Christian also served on the boards of the Houston Young Lawyers Association (HYLA), the State Bar of Texas’s Minority Counsel Program, and a nonprofit aimed at providing job readiness programs to ex-offenders. In his role at HYLA, he ran a program that took students at underserved public high schools on a field trip to the Harris County Civil Courthouse, at which judges and lawyers encouraged the students by reminding them that they were capable of being lawyers one day. For his involvement in that program, Christian received the President’s Award from the Parents for Public Schools of Houston in 2018.

Christian is a graduate of Leadership Houston (Class XXXVI) and the United Way Project Blueprint board leadershiptraining program (Class XXXV).

A

s the Harris County Attorney, Christian D. Menefee is the chief civil lawyer for the largest county in Texas. He manages an office of 250+ attorneys and staff who represent the county, its 60 elected officials, and its 18,000+ employees in all civil matters and lawsuits.

Elected at 32 years old, he is the youngest person and the first African American to serve as Harris County Attorney.

Prior to taking office, Christian practiced at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, focusing on complex commercial litigation and bankruptcy matters in federal court, and

46

representing clients in matters involving the US Department of Justice, the US Securities and Exchange Commission, and other government agencies. Christian began his legal career at Norton Rose Fulbright, where he focused on business litigation in federal and state courts and corporate investigations.

In private practice, Christian also focused heavily on pro bono work, including advising the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, advising immigrants and their families at Bush Intercontinental Airport during the “Muslim ban,” and working with Texas Appleseed on expanding alternatives to

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

The son of two veterans, Christian attended public schools in Harris County and was the first in his family to attend college. He is a graduate of The University of Texas at San Antonio, and Washington University St. Louis School of Law. Christian and his wife Kaitlyn have a son, Gabriel, and two rescue dogs, Howie and Kennedy.

Christian D. Menefee, Esq. Harris County Attorney’s Office 1019 Congress, 15th Floor Houston, Texas 77002 www.cao.harriscountytx.gov

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 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

47

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Daniel Moreaux 2022 TRAILBLAZER

Whether it’s a truckload via a dry van or some form of a dump truck, we are committed to providing the right assets and support that best aligns us with our customers’ goals and needs. MTSI knows it takes solid relationships to build and maintain a business and thankfully this has been in the fabric of this company from its inception.

Under Daniel’s leadership, MTSI stays close to the customers' pressure points and strategically helps them create solutions in their supply chain while striving to continue carving out a growing company for the entire team. They call it “maintaining internal upward mobility” and continually push very hard to maintain momentum in their business and mindset.

God’s been very good to MTSI along with many people & customers - we refuse to complain.

D

aniel Moreaux, owner of Moreaux Transportation Services, Inc. (MTSI), is a passionate representative of MTSI with a strong demonstrated history of working in the transportation/trucking industry.

He's a southeast TX native, and having been raised in Orange, TX, graduated from WOSHS and studied Business Management at Lamar University in Beaumont, TX. He's a local family guy who appreciates the opportunity to serve the Gulf Coast regions and appreciates the customer base that gave his family a start in the industry in the 70s. Having grown up in a trucking family and having seen

48

Daniel truly gives double honor to his wife and friend, Macy L. Moreaux, for supporting the vision of MTSI and their overall life goal of raising 4 beautiful children (Noah, Bella, Brody, and Zoey).

He loves being with his family - traveling with the kiddos, ATVing, boating-various watersports, skiing, playing music, hunting, working on the land, and just sitting and talking things/ideas out.

Together they maintain the saying “There’s really no self-made men, women, families, or organizations - someone along the way helped you.” the hard work it takes to be successful, he works hard daily to maintain the solid ethics that afforded him and MTSI the opportunity to be where they are today.

Concerning the future of MTSI, he has made it his personal mission to continue building profitable relationships, systems and solutions that embody service above self-resulting in a better, and lasting company built on simply - hard work and Christian values.

MTSI is a strong service oriented trucking company that currently serves the industrial construction and petrochemical sectors for various forms of their transportation/logistics needs.

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

For Daniel, it’s his parents, Otis J. Moreaux Sr. and Cheryl A. Moreaux who laid the foundation of confidence, ethics, and commitment to supporting this family and company across the preverbal finish line. They’ve been the rocks and pillars that any family and/or organization would die to have in their midst to stand or lean upon.

Daniel Moreaux Owner Moreaux Transportation Services, Inc. (409) 882-0749 moreauxdaniel@yahoo.com www.moreauxtransport.com

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

49

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Tarsha Jackson 2022 COMMUNITY HERO

of color. As Harris County Director for TOP, Tarsha launched TOP’s first criminal justice campaign after the death of Sandra Bland, which TOP now runs in the three counties it serves - Harris, Dallas and Bexar. Tarsha’s advocacy has expanded over the years to work on issues like ending ICE and police collaboration in immigration enforcement, fighting for affordable housing and equitable recovery after Hurricanes Ike and Harvey, and economic justice for Houston’s oftenforgotten communities.

As council member, Tarsha is focusing on tackling long-standing problems in her district, including flooding, illegal dumping, poor infrastructure, lack of economic development and poverty.

She’s also the co-founder and co-director of the Urban Community Network, a nonprofit that helps families of at-risk and system-involved youth find the help they need to thrive.

T

arsha Jackson was born and raised in Houston. She spent her formative years in Acres Homes, Greenspoint and North Forest. She raised her children here, went to school here, and has been fighting for the people of District B since the early 2000s.

While raising two young boys and working as a mortgage lender, Tarsha’s life changed when her oldest specialneeds son Marquieth was arrested at his elementary school for a classroom disruption. Just ten years old at the time of his arrest, Marquieth was sentenced to three and a half years in jail for an offense that should’ve been resolved with detention.

Tarsha and her family lived the painful

50

injustices of a system that criminalizes children instead of helping and supporting them. She became a parent-advocate and community leader, organizing other parents to fight for - and win - juvenile detention reform. In 2004, she cofounded Texas Families of Incarcerated Youth with two other mothers. And in 2007, Tarsha’s testimony and advocacy helped win passage of Texas Senate Bill 103, which bans the criminal justice system from jailing children for minor misdemeanors, preventing the injustice that happened to her son from happening to others.

In 2013, Tarsha joined the Harris County office of the Texas Organizing Project (TOP), Texas’ leading organization for building political power in communities

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

Tarsha’s organizing and advocacy work has been recognized locally and nationally. She is the recipient of the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Natalie S. Bimel Award, the Soros Justice Fellowship, the Texas Observer’s Tyrant’s Foe Award, the American Leadership Criminal Justice Fellowship, and the Bill of Rights Defense Commission Patriot Award for her yearslong campaign to raise families’ voices in advancing juvenile justice reform.

In 2017, Tarsha served on the transition team of Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg. She is currently completing her BA in Political Science at Texas Southern University, and lives in Fifth Ward.

Tarsha Jackson Council Member, District B Houston City Council Co-Founder Texas Families of Incarcerated Youth Co-Founder and Co-Director Urban Community Network City Hall Annex 900 Bagby, First Floor Houston, Texas 77002 (832) 393-3291 districtb@houstontx.gov

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

51

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Dr. John Adolph 2022 COMMUNITY HERO

D

r. John Adolph was born April 9, 1966 in Houston, Texas, to the late Seymour V., Sr. and Barbara Jean Jackson Adolph.

He attended public schools in Houston that include East Houston Elementary School, Kirby Middle School, and M. B. Smiley Senior High School. He went on to further his academic pursuits at Texas Southern University on full scholarship in 1984 and received a BBA Degree in December 1989.

Dr. Adolph accepted his call to preach and do the work of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in May of 1991. After being licensed to preach, he was compelled by the Holy Spirit to give his soul to the study of God's Word, so he entered the Interdenominational Theological Center, Morehouse School of Religion in Atlanta, Georgia, where he would earn his Masters of Divinity Degree with honors. While in Atlanta two amazing things took place that would change his life forever. First, he was ordained by his earthly father and then Pastor, the Reverend Seymour V. Adolph, Sr. at New Hope Baptist Church, Houston TX., in May of 1994. And secondly, he met and married the love of his life, Dorrie Eileen, and they are the proud parents of two children, Sumone and Jonathan.

Upon graduation from Morehouse School of Religion, Pastor Adolph was called to become the Under Shepherd of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Beaumont, Texas. He accepted this Pastoral call in May of 1996 and has continued to lead the flock for over twenty years. In pursuit to further his education and his desire to learn more about the teachings of Jesus Christ, he entered the Houston Graduate School of Theology and graduated with his Doctorate of Ministry Degree in June 1999.

the Holy Spirit caused him to build. With God leading the way, Dr. Adolph was blessed to acquire well over 75 acres of land and moved Antioch from its location on Washington Blvd. to 3920 W. Cardinal Dr. in 2011.

The new location is a communal citadel of hope that consist of a 1500 seat worship center, an administration complex, a housing development that has constructed 60 new homes and added 4 new streets to the city's infrastructure, along with two 148 unit townhome projects, Grace Lakes and the Place of Grace for persons 55 years of age and older. All of these multi-million dollar communal kingdom developments were accomplished through the church CDC, Jehovah Jireh Village of which he serves as the President.

Pastor Adolph arrived in the Beaumont area with a vision to build the Kingdom of God on earth. With a sincere desire to reach the lost and disciple the saved in his heart, the congregation of 57 members started to grow and is today a community of faith that numbers over 5,100 in weekly worship services each Pastor Adolph is well known for his week. This growth that was produced by 52

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

teaching and preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His national and international ministry includes a weekly broadcast on The NOW Network, Live Stream global multimedia network, a weekly prayer call that hosts well over 10,000 people every Wednesday morning and has published numerous articles and books.

Most importantly, Dr. Adolph is a saved, born-again believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, who is committed to doing all that he can, while he can, for the Lord that saved, healed, and called him.

Dr. John Adolph Pastor Antioch Missionary Baptist Church ​​3920 W. Cardinal Dr. Beaumont, Texas 77705 (409) 842-3146 www.antiochbmt.org

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

C

Constable Kathryn Brown

2022 COMMUNITY HERO

onstable Kathryn Brown is native of California, the proud mother of two adult sons, and three grandchildren that she loves dearly. Their existence keeps her inspired, motivated, and supportive in her decision to seek public office. Constable Brown is also blessed to be a survivor of stage 1 Ovarian and stage 2 of Breast Cancer. Her medical struggles and cancer journey empowered her to embrace her internal strength, modesty, and humanitarian nature. Having two stints with cancer promoted Constable Brown to advocate for cancer awareness and to support various community engagement projects.

Prior to becoming the Bexar County Constable of Precinct 4, Constable Brown engaged into the real estate industry as a realtor and the proud owner of a small ice cream shop in Olmos Park. She also served with the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), where she achieved the rank of sergeant and completed 19 years of service. While serving at the BCSO, she was actively engaged in elevating her career development and occupied various internal law enforcement positions.

She completed over 3000 TCOLE law enforcement and Junior College training hours which enabled her to excel in her criminal justice sector. Some of her BCSO training accomplishments include, receiving her Peace Officer Instructor, Mental Health Officer and Field Training certifications. During Constable Brown’s tenure with the Sheriff’s Office, she achieved various levels of success and became the first to serve in various roles that stemmed from her role as an Administrative Sergeant. Constable Brown became the first African American female Deputy to serve on the Honor Guard and the Mounted Patrol units.

Her proudest accomplishment was her role as the first ever, in the history of the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, to create and run an official recruitment division.

Constable Brown completed her service with an honorable discharge and with an outstanding personnel record.

Brown's thought process, regarding her newly elected role. She is humbly excited, proud, and honored to serve as your first African American female, Precinct 4, Bexar County Constable.

Constable Kathryn Brown Constable of Precinct 4 Bexar County 2711 South East Loop 410 San Antonio, Texas 78222

Enthusiasm at best describes Constable TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

53

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

54

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

55

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Pastor Roland Hendricks 2022 COMMUNITY HERO

Greater Mount Zion’s Ministries Include GMZ Education and Development Center 501(c)(3), which provides: • A Food Distribution Center • Volunteer Income Tax Assistance • Computer Training • Financial Literacy • The largest summer STEM Camp in Southern Brazoria County Pastor Hendricks previously served on the following boards: Salvation Army of Brazoria County, Community in Schools of Brazoria County, SHSU President Circle, and SHSU College of Business Advisory Board.

He currently serves on the following boards: • Chairman - GMZ Education and Development Center • Board Member - Sam’s Feathers Youth Foundation • Regent - Brazosport College • Treasurer, Audit Chair, Succession Planning/Executive Compensation Chair at TDECU

P

astor Roland Hendricks is the son of Thomas and Sadie Hendricks. He graduated from Wharton County Junior College with an AA in Business and Sam Houston State University with a BBA in Accounting. He attended the University of Toronto Rotman School of Management Executive Program and became a Certified Board Member. He is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies from Grace School of Theology.

Pastor Hendricks worked for Dow for 35 years in Freeport, Texas, and Midland, Michigan. He held several staff, manager, and controller positions. During his Dow career he traveled throughout the United States, Europe, and Brazil.

Pastor Hendricks is the CEO for RKH Consulting, LLC. In this role he mentors and coaches finance professionals.

56

Pastor Hendricks is a lifetime member of the SHSU Alumni Association and National He also mentors high school students, Association of Black Accountants. college students, and young adults to He has received several honors assist them in setting goals for an exciting and awards including, the National career.

Association of Black Accountants Industry Pastor Hendricks grew up in the Award, SHSU College of Business Hall Jerusalem Baptist Church in Brazoria, of Honor, MLK Drum Major Award, Boys Texas, under the leadership of the late and Girls Club of Brazoria County Impact Rev. E. S. Fields where he served in Award, NAACP of Brazoria County Citizen various leadership positions. In 1994, of the Year Award, Sweeny District Willing he became a member of the Victorious Workers Man of the Year, and Brazosport Believers Ministries COGIC in Saginaw, College Living Legend Award.

Michigan, under the leadership of the Pastor Hendricks is married to Jean late Bishop Marvin C. Pryor where he Hendricks; they have two children, Ashlyn served in various leadership positions. and Nicholas.​ He accepted his call to ministry in 1999 and became an elder in 2001.

In February 2005, he became the 8th pastor of the Greater Mount Zion Church in Brazoria, Texas. The church grew from 46 members to over 350 members.

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

Pastor Roland Hendricks Greater Mount Zion Church 6437 FM 521 Road Brazoria, Texas 77422 ​(979) 798 8362 info@gmzchurch.org www.gmzchurch.org

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

57

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

RoseMary Tucker 2022 COMMUNITY HERO

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.”

D

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 seven 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 attended school at St. Phillips College

58

In 2019, Tucker founded HOODIES4HEALING, a 501(c)(3) 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. 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.

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 time before transitioning into a career climate occurring in the United States, in real estate, which she stayed in for Tucker aims to lift people’s spirits almost 20 years. through her tees. Her advice to other While Tucker’s top motivation for all she women entrepreneurs is, “Utilize the 4Ps, does is God, she also works hard for being patient, prayerful, positive, and and finds inspiration in her four amazing professional at all times. And never give children, Darion, Dyanna, Adrian, and up on yourself, because no one else will Adian. support you like you can.”

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 the message, “BEAUTIFUL. UNIQUE.

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

RoseMary Tucker Founder and Owner Blessties USA HOODIES4HEALING Foundation hoodies4healing.com @blesstiesusa

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

59

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Chante T. Lloyd 2022 COMMUNITY HERO

Community College where she studied Psychology. Trying to find her way in the world, she pursued careers in child care, the airline industry, public service, and catering. With all of her education, talents, and work experiences, she knew she had a greater calling. She found her single purpose in life when she began a career in multi-level marketing.

Chante T. Lloyd is a native of the worldrenowned 3rd Ward, Houston, Texas, where she was raised by her single mother, Veronica Trimmer, with the help of her grandmother, aunts, and uncles. Her family village taught her at an early age to work hard and always give back. She learned education and entrepreneurship was so important to be successful in life. She attended Prairie View University A&M and Houston 60

storms, particularly the financial storms in their lives. Moving at a steady pace, they extended the company into Canada and the Caribbeans in November 2019, and now it has almost 40K independent distributorships company wide.

Chante knows how important it is to build generational wealth to pass on to their children, Sierra, Alexander, and Myles Lloyd, and her brother, Gregory Anthony, who are each making major contributions in business, arts & entertainment. She is always reminding them to “Think and grow rich,” not just financially, but spiritually. Chante not only knows how to make money, she knows the importance of giving back. As the Co-Founder and Treasurer of the Lloyd Family Foundation and Tava Cares, she is able to provide monetary donations and resources to children, college students, cancer survivors, and their families. She truly enjoys giving back to the community through her tireless commitment to bettering the quality of life of others.

Chante has spent the last 13 years building multi-million-dollar empires as an impactful distributor for several major global multi-level marketing companies.

Pulling herself up by her bootstraps with the partnership of her husband, Kenny E. Lloyd, together they became esteemed business leaders with rock star status in Ardyss International and Total Life Changes, where they have achieved tremendous financial success. Chante knew a thing or two to help thousands do the same. She has been more than generous enough with her time to duplicate that success by closely working with and helping at least 18 families worldwide become multi-million-dollar When Chante is not busy being a business earners in the industry of direct sales. influencer, she loves entertaining Her mantra is, “Treat others as you would and traveling the world with family want to be treated.” She learned from and friends. She also loves the art of other great leaders how to reach personal cooking, something she learned from her health and financial goals through multi- grandmother, aka, “Big Mama.” If you level marketing. She knows it’s her calling ask her what calms her in a sea of chaos, to share her gifts and talents with others. she would be quick to smile and say, her So committed to her calling, Chante, nephew Zyir and her four fur babies, Big, along with her husband and business Champ, Rich, and Pucci. partner, Kenny, launched their own multilevel marketing company, Tava Lifestyle, Chante T. Lloyd a direct sales health and wellness CEO company, headquartered in Houston, Tava Lifestyle Texas. Together, they make a dynamic 7322 SW FRWY STE 420 HOUSTON , TX 77074 leadership duo who exudes Black chantel@tavalifestyle.com excellence. The direct selling business (713) 360-6462 is a $300+ billion dollar industry. There www.tavalifestyle.com are over 10,000 direct sales companies globally with over $40+ billion paid out in yearly commissions around the world. In just 6 months after starting, Tava debuted in BusinessforHome.org at number 33 out of the top 500 fastest growing of these international direct sales businesses. Kenny and Chante designed and built Tava to be a vessel that people can leverage during their personal

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

61

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Bianca Jackson and Delaina Curry-Allen 2022 PARTNERSHIP

was ranked #1 on the LSU 100 fastest growing businesses for 2016-2017. Mrs. Jackson was recently recognized as an Entrepreneur of the Year by Enterprising Women Magazine.

D

elaina Curry-Allen is the Founder and CEO, with Bianca McWilliams Jackson as the Chief Operating Officer of Recruiting Source International, LLC. Recruiting Source International is a Full Service Workforce Solutions Firm that specializes in “Right Fit” placements. For 15+ years, clients have trusted Recruiting Source International to recruit worldclass talent. RSI partners with companies identifying top-notch talent to achieve unimaginable success.

Mrs. Allen has 20+ years of diverse human resources and management experience that spans start-ups to established organizations.

Her extensive handson experience leading HR initiatives includes policy design, compensation, performance management, talent acquisition, HRIS implementations, HR workflow development, training and development, and benefits administration. Mrs. Allen has proven experience managing corporate and nonprofit Human Resource Departments.

She develops and maintains excellent rapport with all levels of staff and management from public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Recruiting Source International (RSI) was ranked #1 on

62

the LSU 100 fastest growing businesses for 2016-2017. Mrs. Allen was recently recognized as an Entrepreneur of the Year by Enterprising Women Magazine.

Mrs. Allen also founded YMDQ, Inc.(Youth Mothers Don’t Quit), a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that focuses on educating teen moms on parenting, maintaining a positive outlook, obtaining high school diplomas and college degrees, and to ultimately become responsible citizens and mothers. YMDQ, Inc. is solely interested in creating an environment for teen moms that is informative, nurturing, resourceful and uplifting. In her personal life, Mrs. Allen and her husband enjoy sports and family outings with their 4 children. She currently serves schools in Houston and surrounding areas to help girls become productive citizens. She also serves on the Board of Advisors for Enterprising Women Magazine.

Mrs. Jackson provides leadership for the operations and infrastructure of the company. She is responsible for all operations worldwide. Under their leadership, Recruiting Source International (RSI) has grown from 3 to a little under 100 employees in less than 18 months. She is the recipient of the LSU 100 Tiger award for 2016-2017.

Recruiting Source International (RSI)

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

Mrs. Jackson has close to 20 years of experience in Operations and 10 years in Executive Level Management. Prior to joining the staffing industry in 2011, Mrs. Jackson served as Operations Manager for one of Honeywell’s Chemical Plants with assets totaling $225MM. Mrs. Jackson has always had a technical career path which started as a Chemical Engineer whose career was split between Occidental (Fortune 500) and Honeywell (Fortune 100) prior to joining RSI. She had the distinction of being a Lead Plant Engineer for the construction and startup of 2 out of 3 Honeywell expansion projects in Geismar, La., which cost roughly $600MM. The on-time, under budget, and safe manner of operations led to Mrs. Jackson and her teammates being recipients of the Honeywell Quest for Excellence Award given by the CEO. She was also featured in the Honeywell Annual Report distributed to the 130,000 Honeywell employees.

Mrs. Jackson is committed to a life of service and is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and Jack and Jill of America, Inc. She is a founding member of the Katy Richmond Area Service League which sponsors STEAM activities for elementary aged children. She also serves on the Board of Advisors for Enterprising Women Magazine. Mrs. Jackson and her husband enjoy traveling and making memories with their 4 children.

Delaina Curry-Allen Founder and CEO Recruiting Source International, LLC Bianca McWilliams Jackson Chief Operating Officer Recruiting Source International, LLC Corporate Headquarters 21210 Kingsland Blvd., Suite 2000 Katy, Texas 77450 (281) 277-1411 info@recruiting-source.com www.recruiting-source.com

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

63

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Cathy and Carl Landry 2022 FAMILY AFFAIR

work in a salon. While employed, Cathy learned the ins and outs of running a successful business, leading her to work for herself.

She began to pray and share her dreams of salon suite ownership with her husband, Carl. Being in agreement, both loving entrepreneurship wanted to offer that same level of independence to other thriving stylists. After moving to Houston, TX, in 2019 from New Orleans, the Landrys opened two Reserve Salon and Spa locations in Tomball and Cypress, Texas.

With the pandemic and Winter Storm Uri, the start was not a smooth road, but with strategic marketing, prayer, and persistence, Reserve Salon and Spa is a successful salon. This is the place where any stylist can jump-start or further their career in an upscale atmosphere to provide first-class service to their clientele.

The Landrys love the beauty business!

Reserve Salon and Spa is a diverse salon that prides itself on making everyone feel welcome in a warm, friendly, and clean environment.

Cathy and Carl Landry Owners Reserve Salon and Spa Creekside (Park Village) 26400 Kuykendahl Road, Ste C145, Tomball, Texas 77357 Creekside@reservesalonandspa.com Towne Lake (Boardwalk) 9945 Barker Cypress Road, Ste 200, Cypress, Texas 77433 Townelake@reservesalonandspa.com www.reservesalonandspa.com

C

arl and Cathy Landry are the proud owners of Reserve Salon and Spa. Cathy’s dream of being a hairstylist and salon owner started in high school, where she would braid hair to earn additional income. After graduation, Cathy wanted to further her knowledge in cosmetology and really learn the business.

64

She attended Vanguard Paul Mitchell School of Cosmetology in New Orleans, LA, where she was constantly praised for constant and consistent bookings and keeping clientele happy. Because of her work ethic, she was offered a job before taking her state boards. She knew that this was her calling. After passing the required state boards, she went on to

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Comerica means Community.

At Comerica Bank, we see every local business as an opportunity to build our community. That’s why we go beyond traditional banking, providing strategic financial partnership and guidance, with the products and support that businesses need to grow.

We’ve been serving our community for nearly 150 years, helping entrepreneurs and nonprofit organizations succeed. Because we know that when the community grows, we all grow together.

®

RAISE YOUR EXPECTATIONS

®

MEMBER FDIC. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY LENDER. CB-138245-03 12/18

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

65

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Dr. Loren J. Blanchard 2022 TOP EDUCATOR

led CSU's Graduation Initiative 2025, an ambitious effort to increase graduation rates for all students while eliminating equity gaps and preparing more students to meet California's projected workforce needs by 2030.

Before arriving at CSU, Blanchard served as Provost & Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs at Xavier University in New Orleans, Louisiana. As the chief academic officer for the only historically Black and Catholic university in the United States, he led the campus in achieving several strategic milestones, including successful accreditation re-affirmations

by SACS-COC, the Accreditation Council for Pharmaceutical Education, and the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education. Blanchard helped launch new academic baccalaureate programs in Public Health Sciences and Communication Studies and played a pivotal role in Xavier University, receiving a $6 million infusion of private and federal grants to strengthen high school pipeline programs and student retention programs.

D

r. Loren J. Blanchard joined the University of HoustonDowntown as its seventh president on March 15, 2021.

Blanchard oversees the institution's historic downtown campus and UHD Northwest and off-site centers at Lone Star College campuses in CyFair and Kingwood.

As a passionate advocate for equity in higher education, Blanchard spearheads a safe and healthy return to campus campaign during the COVID-19 pandemic. He is also spending time during his early tenure as President at UHD engaged in listening sessions. What is learned through these sessions will be

66

President Blanchard's other leadership roles have included Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic and Multicultural Affairs at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center – New Orleans and the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Vice President for Accreditation, Leadership & Accountability within the University of used to establish strategic priorities for Louisiana System.

UHD that will further anchor the campus as a premier urban higher education A first-generation college graduate, enterprise and an engine of impact for Blanchard holds a bachelor's degree in Speech Pathology Education from Xavier the city of Houston.

University, a master's degree in Education President Blanchard previously served as from McNeese State University, and a Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the & Student Affairs at California State University of Georgia.

University (CSU), the largest and most diverse higher education system in the Dr. Loren J. Blanchard United States. At CSU, he developed and President administered academic and student University of Houston-Downtown affairs policies for the 23-campus One Main Street system. He guided and supported CSU Houston, TX 77002 campus administrators on curricula, 713-221-8000 www.uhd.edu program design, and student services matters. President Blanchard additionally

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

67

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Dr. Bryan T. Taulton 2022 TOP EDUCATOR

experience in public education and has served as a teacher, assistant principal, junior high principal, high school principal, and assistant superintendent before serving as the superintendent of Goodrich ISD. Dr. Taulton also teaches graduate courses at Houston Baptist University in the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, specializing in School Law, School Business Management and Finance, Instructional Leadership & Evaluation, and Interpersonal Communication and Public Relations.

Dr. Taulton is the proud father of two daughters, Brylee and Channing, and enjoys professional writing, traveling, listening to jazz music, and watching sports in his spare time.

B

efore being chosen to lead COCISD, Dr. Bryan Taulton served as the superintendent of Goodrich ISD, bringing to the district a laser focus on heightening student achievement, strengthening school-community relations and engagement, maintaining open lines of communication with all school community members, and renovating and modernizing district facilities to preserve its rich history and reinforce its infrastructure for the future.

As a data and results-driven instructional leader with in-depth knowledge of school reform strategies, Dr. Taulton wholeheartedly believes that the most important work in any education organization must be centered around what happens in the classroom, as time is the most valuable resource and obtaining a high-quality education is the great equalizer for humanity. Campuses must have dynamic principals who are sound instructional leaders and students must have access to the best teachers, every day, to ensure they acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive

68

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10

TH

in subsequent grades, courses, and postsecondary settings.

Born and raised in Houston, Texas, at a very young age, Bryan developed an unwavering desire for educational merit, which has been a driving force in his professional practice and success as an educator. As a servant leader, his educational leadership philosophy and daily objective centers upon being overtly immersed in doing whatever it takes to help both students and teachers excel in the classroom.

Dr. Taulton is a product of the Houston Independent School District. Upon graduation from Jack Yates Senior High School in 2001, he attended Texas Southern University where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology in 2005. A few years after earning his bachelor’s degree and beginning his career as an educator, he furthered his education by earning a Master of Education Degree in Education Administration from Concordia University-Texas in 2009. In 2014, he attained a Doctorate Degree in Professional Educational Leadership from the University of Houston at just 31 years of age.

Dr. Taulton has 15 years of professional

ANNIVERSARY

As a true life-long learner who is extremely passionate about enriching and shaping the lives of students through education, Dr. Taulton is committed to having a profound impact on the COCISD school community by fulfilling his mission to lay the foundation and lead the charge to educate and inspire students to achieve academic excellence, having them understand that acquiring a proper education opens the door to endless possibilities. As an ambitious executive school leader who leads with a sense of urgency, Dr. Taulton looks forward to working in partnership with the COCISD School Board, parents & guardians/ families, faculty & staff, local business owners, and all other community members to advocate for, invest in, and make decisions that are always in the best interest of and centered around the needs of students. Let us work together to fulfill the vision and mission of the Coldspring-Oakhurst Consolidated Independent School District.

Dr. Bryan T. Taulton Superintendent Coldspring-Oakhurst CISD 936-653-1114 btaulton@cocisd.org www.cocisd.org

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

D

Dr. Roosevelt Nivens 2022 TOP EDUCATOR

r. Roosevelt Nivens, an outstanding, dynamic leader with a reputation for transforming educational organizations into highperforming institutions, joined Lamar CISD as the Superintendent of Schools in 2021.

Prior to joining Lamar CISD, Dr. Nivens served as the Superintendent of Schools for Community ISD, a district encompassing four communities located in a fast-growth area in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

Through his leadership in Community ISD, student safety, high academic achievement and student social-emotional wellbeing were the priorities. Under his administration, the district earned an A-rating in 2018-2019, achieved a 20% increase in the number of Advanced Placement students receiving a three or higher on the AP exam, and strengthened student participation in dual credit classes with 98% earning college and high school credit, and 10% of the graduating class earning an associate degree upon high school graduation. Understanding that each student’s path to success is different, he also expanded Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs and CTE professional certifications, which students can use in the workforce upon graduation.

The son of two educators, his public education career is centered around advocating and supporting the very best educational opportunities for all students. He began his 24-year career as a teacher in Dallas ISD and has served as an assistant principal, principal, and Assistant Superintendent of Achievement and Organizational Management in Lancaster ISD. Prior to his public education career, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, and his Master of Education and Doctor of Education from Texas A&M-Commerce.

Dr. Nivens has also trained at the Harvard Executive Leadership Institute, the Harrison Williams Collins Executive Leadership Institute, and the Thompson Executive Leadership Institute. He

was named the 2019 Region 10 Superintendent of the Year and the 2019 National Superintendent of the Year for NABSE He is married to Karla Nivens and they have two children, Naomi and Roosevelt III. Naomi is in college majoring in Entrepreneurship with a specialization in leadership. Roosevelt III is a high school student in Lamar CISD. Dr. Nivens believes in the power of relationships and works to establish a good rapport with students, parents, community members, and business leaders by being highly visible in the school district and actively involved in the

community. He enjoys working with the school board, parents, staff, students, and the Lamar CISD community on a shared vision of providing the very best educational experiences for all students.

Dr. Roosevelt Nivens Superintendent of Schools Lamar CISD 3911 Avenue I Rosenberg, TX 77471 (832)223-0000 superintendent@lcisd.org www.lcisd.org

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

69

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Sherry Green 2022 SUPER P&E

S

herry Green is a native Houstonian and a graduate of Evan E. Worthing Sr. High School (Go Colts) in the Sunnyside area. Sherry has held various roles during her 44 years in the healthcare industry in Houston. She recently celebrated her 20th anniversary at Cigna where her client focus, organizational skills, and attention to details has supported her career growth, partnering with key clients in the region to deliver customized communication plans, wellness solutions, and developing client specific strategies in support of growth opportunities.

Dedicated to the City of Houston since 2011 as Senior Engagement Consultant, Sherry facilitates the communication of Cigna’s resources and processes to help

70

City employees maximize the use of their health benefits and collaborates with the City team to engage employees in the wellness programs offered by the City of Houston.

books for “Operation Paperback” which sends books to our troops overseas. She volunteers at the Houston Food Bank and makes toiletry bags for homeless shelters and disabled veterans.

Sherry has been happily married to Reginald (Reggie) Green for 46 years with whom she renewed her vows in 2015.

She is the proud mother of two daughters and one son and a devoted “Granae” to her 9 grandchildren. Sherry looks forward to retirement so she can spend more time Sherry has been the President of the reading, traveling, and casino gambling.

R.E.A.D. Book Club in her neighborhood since 2011. In addition to encouraging Sherry Green local authors, the group engages in Senior Engagement Consultant Cigna community projects such as purchasing www.cigna.com computers and back-to-school supplies for local schools. Sherry also collects Sherry was awarded the Cigna Service Excellence Award in 2014 and was the only recipient to be honored with the Cigna General Manager’s Award in 2015.

Sherry holds a Health and Life Insurance license and is a Certified Wellness Program Coordinator (C.W.P.C.).

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

71

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Brian K. Hall 2022 SUPER P&E

is helping suppliers to FIND THEIR FIT in the energy supply chain.

Brian’s external commitment to the U.S. business community includes serving in the following capacity: • Board Member –Immediate Past Chair; National Hispanic Corporate Council (NHCCHQ.org) • Global Services Committee & Corporate Ambassador; Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC.org) • Chair, Corporate Advisory Committee; Houston’s Women’s Business Enterprise Alliance (WBEA-texas.org) • Board Member; National Association of Veteran Owned Businesses (NaVOBA.org) • Procurement Corporate Advisory Board Committee; US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC.com) • College of Business Advisory Board (COBA); Sam Houston State University (coba_dei@shsu.edu) Brian’s personal commitment to community through philanthropy and volunteerism includes past board and committee roles with Theta Chi Fraternity, The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, Board Member of the Sam Houston State Alumni Association, as well as Founder and President of Friday Harbour.org, a Houston based nonprofit organization providing thousands of free hotel nights per year for cancer patients/families seeking treatment in the Texas Medical Center.

B

rian K. Hall is the Advisor; Supplier Diversity & Advocacy, Small Business Liaison Officer for the Shell Oil Company. He received his B.A. in Marketing and Computer Science at Sam Houston State University as well as post-graduate work at Texas A&M and Rice University.

Brian started his career in energy with Diamond Shamrock (now Valero) in 1989 and recently completed his 25th year with

72

Shell Oil Company in Houston. Throughout his career, he has delivered commercial impact across many of Shell’s business units including Retail Marketing, Shell Chemicals and Shell Pipeline. However, Brian describes his current Diversity & Inclusion work as the “role of a lifetime” as he helps to lead Shell’s supply-chain transformation by focusing on developing the pipeline of small and/or diverseowned business enterprises. His passion

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

Brian K. Hall Advisor Supplier Diversity & Advocacy Small Business Liaison Officer Shell Oil Company

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

73

d-mars.comd-mars.com Top 50 Black TopProfessionals 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs & Entrepreneurs of Texas of Texas

Maurice Bridges 2022 SUPER P&E

500 companies. The primary goal was to assist agencies and organizations in improving their annual spend with Disadvantaged and Small Business Enterprises.

His background includes extensive experience implementing supplier diversity initiatives with state transportation agencies, investor-owned utilities and Insurance & financial services companies. In FY 2021, 19% of all federal contracts at VIA were awarded to Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) firms and 39% of all combined federal and local contracts were awarded to Small Business Enterprises (SBE) firms.

Bridges is a member of Class XVIII of the Masters Leadership Program (MLP) of Greater San Antonio. He serves on the board of the South-Central Texas Regional Certification Agency. He also serves on the Board of Advisors at the Maestro Entrepreneur Center and Texas Diversity Council San Antonio Advisory Board.

Bridges received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from North Carolina Central University in Durham NC. Bridges furthered his studies at the Kenan-Flagler Business School Executive Education Institute and the Director Diversity Institute Boot Camp at The University of Chapel Hill School of Law in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

M

aurice Bridges serves as Director of Business/ Supplier Diversity & Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Liaison Officer (DBELO) at VIA Metropolitan Transit in San Antonio, Texas. The Agency’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program policy ensures that certified firms have the maximum opportunity to participate on all US-DOT Assisted federally funded contracts. As such, he is responsible for providing guidance and counsel to the Executive Management Team and the Board of Trustees regarding the Disadvantaged

74

and Small Business Enterprise Program. He is responsible for helping to ensure that local firms have the maximum opportunity to compete for all contracts. This includes Architecture, Engineering Services, Construction, Facilities/Maintenance and Goods and Services.

Before joining VIA, he served as President of Bridges Consulting Group, a professional service consulting firm. As such, he led a team of highly skilled, management consultants who executed work plans for large, complex, government agencies and multifaceted fortune

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

Bridges lives a healthier lifestyle and understands the importance of physical, social, mental, and spiritual self-care. He manages stress and anxiety by practicing Yoga and meditations. He enjoys running, exercising, reading, and bike riding.

Bridges volunteers frequently with other employees through VIA Cares at the Food Bank of San Antonio, Salvation Army, and other civic groups throughout the City of San Antonio.

Maurice Bridges Director, Business /Supplier Diversity DBE Liaison Officer VIA Metropolitan Transit Office of Diversity and Federal Compliance 800 W. Myrtle San Antonio, TX 78212 Maurice.bridges@viainfo.net (210) 362-2071 viainfo.net

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

75

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Kenneth L. Haynes 2022 SUPER P&E

to advancement in his career. His final relocation brought him back to where his career started 34 years ago, Houston, TX. In addition to UPS, Kenneth served our country via the Army National Guard for 17 years. He entered service as a Private First Class in 1987 and was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in 2004.

He served in the Texas, North Carolina, and Georgia National Guards concurrently while employed at UPS. Kenneth firmly believes in working hard, but his passion is with the fraternal organizations he joined while attending Lamar University in Beaumont, TX. Kenneth is an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. He is a Charter member of the LawrencevilleDuluth (GA) Alumni Chapter (LDAC) where he currently sits on the Board and serves as the treasurer for The LDAC Foundation, the philanthropic extension of LDAC. He also sits on the Board of the Southeastern Education Leadership Foundation (S.E.L.F) as the treasurer. S.E.L.F is the philanthropic arm of the Southeastern Province of Kappa Alpha Psi. Since moving back to the Houston area, Kenneth has joined the Pearland Manvel Fresno Alumni Chapter and is currently Chairman of the Senior Kappa Committee and Co-Chair of the Community Affairs Committee.

K

enneth L. Haynes is a 34year employee of UPS in the Red River District which encompasses the states of Texas and Oklahoma. He is a Staff Level Director in the Buildings and Systems Engineering (BaSE) department responsible for the Gulf Coast, Valley, South, and East regions of Texas as well as the state of Oklahoma.

In this role, Kenneth is responsible for maintaining safe facilities and environmental, hazardous material, and regulated goods compliance. In addition,

76

Kenneth earned an Associate Degree in Computer Aided Drafting from Lamar University, a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology from University of Houston-Downtown, and a Master he coordinates the deployment and of Management from the University of development of new technology solutions Phoenix. that provide efficient processes as well as All of this would not be possible without manages asset protection, maintenance the loving support of his wife of 31 years, of all facilities, and the reliability of the Lawana Johnson Haynes and their 2 loving kids, Wesley Lamar Haynes and equipment.

Kenneth began his UPS career in 1988 Bria Nicole Thomas. as a part time employee in the Stafford, TX, Facility. Since then, he has received several promotions which included relocating three times for UPS. His career has afforded him to crisscross the lower 50 states and Puerto Rico in various positions and roles which led

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

Kenneth L. Haynes Staff Level Director Buildings and Systems Engineering (BaSE) Department UPS Red River District

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

77

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Kevin A. Murray, Esq. 2022 SUPER P&E

K

evin A. 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, petrochemical and refinery accidents.

Working on construction projects all over Houston, he derives his passion and experience for real estate from

78

his experiences as a former owner of a mortgage company and former fee attorney for a title company. He recently completed a gorgeous townhome development in Houston’s historic Rice Military area.

• Houston Trial Lawyers Association

Murray is also a television and film executive producer. Recently he was the executive producer of three feature films, River Runs Red (starring Taye Diggs, George Lopez and John Cusack), Hell On The Border (starring David Gyasi, Frank Grillo and Ron Pearlman) and A Day To Die (starring Bruce Willis, Leon, Kevin Dillion, Johnny Messner and Frank Grillo). River Runs Red was released in November 2018, Hell on the Border was released in December 2019 and A Day To Die is due to be released in March 2022. Currently, he has several television projects in various stages of production.

• Texas Association of Builders

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

Murray is admitted to practice law in the United States Supreme Court, United States Tax Court, The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, The United States District Court for the Southern, Northern, Eastern and Western Districts of Texas and all Texas State Courts.

Murray 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 • Texas Trial Lawyers Association • Houston Lawyers Association

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

• Houston Bar Association (Entertainment and Sports Law Section) • 100 Black Men • National Association of Home Builders • Greater Houston Builders Association • Producers Guild of America • Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. 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.

Through his many philanthropic endeavors Murray supports the following organizations: Career Gear (Board Member), World Affairs Council (Council Cabinet Member), Central Care Community Health Center (Chairman of the Board 2016-2018), Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (Man of the Year Nominee), National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Cronhn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, Texas Children’s Hospital, Greater Houston Women Chamber of Commerce, United Negro College Fund, Sisters Network Inc., Perfect Connection (Autism Awareness), Fort Bend Chapter of The Links, Inc., The Ensemble Theatre, Children at Risk, Pratham USA, Wheeler Avenue Inner City Visions, Movie and a Meal, Yellowstone Academy, Fashion Fitness Swim (Co-Founder), American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.’s Education and Charities Foundation of Houston.

Kevin A. Murray, Esq. Attorney Television and Film Producer (713) 355-5500 www.murrlaw.com

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

79

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Carla Cooper 2022 SUPER P&E

At a global multinational in the Middle East and Africa regions, she built a DEI department from scratch and made it one of the most impactful departments in just two years.

She did it by being a trailblazer and creating initiatives on how to hire, promote and retain black people and other minorities. It was a tough task in a company where most executives grew up in a world where racial bias was common or didn’t affect them.

To change the minds, attitudes, and behaviors of executives, so they would start hiring more people who didn’t look like them or grew up in vastly different backgrounds or had little knowledge of persons living with disabilities was challenging.

C

arla Cooper has spent nearly 30 years working in Human Resources and Diversity & Inclusion for some of the world’s most well-known companies.

It’s more than just a job for her; it’s a calling.

That’s because Carla, her younger brother and parents made a harrowing one-month trek mostly on foot from wartorn Maputo, Mozambique to Cape Town, South Africa when she was a child.

They arrived, as refugees, when apartheid still existed in South Africa, which made life difficult because her family was classified as non-white (people of color). Seeing the injustice, experiencing discrimination, and living in apartheid shaped Carla’s life.

It’s the reason she’s devoted her professional life to working in Human Resources, Diversity & Inclusion.

Carla studied at UNISA specializing in Human Resources, but learned most of her skills living and working as an

80

She educated them about the importance of giving people from diverse backgrounds opportunities because it would ultimately make the company stronger, and she used success stories to drive home her points. intersectional woman in an evolving If that didn’t work, Carla overwhelmed them with data and research that showed world. her initiatives were working and making a She began her career working in Human difference in the company.

Resources, where she dedicated herself to understanding South Africa’s Broad- Carla succeeded because she persuaded Based Black Economic Empowerment, executives to focus on their own humanity Affirmative Action and Employment Equity instead of just doing the right thing. laws, so she could effect change.

Part of doing that was by telling them She did that by persuading those in stories that put a face on the points she charge of leading organizations to follow made instead of overwhelming them with the laws of the land and integrate black graphs and data points. people into the workplace, support black businesses and give back to poor black people who had suffered injustices such as having their land repossessed during apartheid.

Her success in HR led to her work in Diversity & Inclusion in the Middle East and Africa regions, where she has spent 15 years creating programs and initiatives that led to jobs for folks who never would’ve received them without her work. Carla’s work led to more inclusive practices such as hiring, promoting, and retaining more women, persons with disabilities and those from underrepresented races and ethnic groups.

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

Carla’s work is emotional because of her childhood. She understands how DEI can have a generational effect on employees, their families, and communities.

When Carla isn’t working, she enjoys hiking and watching television shows about restoring old homes.

She resides in Texas with her husband, Carlton, and their three daughters.

Carla Cooper Head of Global Diversity & Inclusion United Nations World Food Programme Via Cesare Giulio Viola 68, Parco dei Medici, Rome, Italy carla.cooper@wfp.org

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

81

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

John Mitchell 2022 SUPER P&E

attributes to the miraculous anointing of God transforming him into the Man of God that he is today, who has never lost his method, mission, and message. Strongly believing in the Scripture, "Your gift will make room for you" and identifying with the lyrics to the song by Patti LaBelle, "When You've Been Blessed,” he has committed his life to helping others become their best. Whether it be in fitness, finances, facts of life, or in faith, John is dedicated to the betterment of people.

Since PHAT BODY SPORTS TRAINING has been placed in the heart of John, he has increased and shared with others his entrepreneurial accomplishments that include:

J

ohn Mitchell is a native Houstonian and a product of Houston Public Schools, Texas Southern University, and Baylor College of Sports Medicine.

For the past 23 years, he has been an award-winning athlete and the owner and CEO of PHAT BODY SPORTS TRAINING (formerly American Lady's Spa and Men's Gym and Phat Body Gym). With determination, his facility is one of the best and most highly sought after exercise facilities in Houston and the State of Texas.

Since its inception, which began as one facility, it continued to become the 1st Black-owned gym franchise in Houston in 2006, with locations in the North, South, East and West sections of the city.

After a few years, the facility continued to thrive with clients such as TV anchors, beauty pageant queens, professional wrestlers, athletes, radio disc jockeys, politicians, social activists, and other notables. The name was eventually changed to PHAT (People Having All 82

• Author Of His First Book, "God Is Bigger Than Your Strongest Weakness" • Founder Of M.u.s.c.l.e.s. (Men Utilizing Spiritual Counsel With Leadership Empowerment Strategies) • Phat Boy Movers • Mitchell Collection Clothing Line • That Stuff Nutrition Smoothies And Healthy Station (Co-Partnership) That) Body. The name signifies that we are a people who have the ability to help • Extraordinary Expo (Extraordinary Way To Expose Greatness) others. Being the visionary that Mitchell is, he continues to maintain the vision of As an entrepreneur for over 23 years, what Phat Body Sports Training CAN and John understands how hard it can be to WILL continue to be. build a business from the ground up. He Within these facilities, powerlifting teams is a tactician and believes in purposeful were formed and comprised of men planning and solid strategies and women who religiously trained to designed to give desired results. compete in competitions in Houston and John is an active member of Sugar Creek the surrounding areas. Many first place Baptist Church, resides in Rosenberg, trophies, plaques, and ribbons are now Texas, and is the proud father of 3 sons, displayed on the shelves and walls of the Christopher, Blair, and Xavier. facility to further validate the fact that we take pride in and are serious about what John Mitchell we do.

Many of the clients previously trained in the past are now personal trainers themselves, with many opening their own facilities in different parts of the city and state, thus transforming personal desires from concept to reality.

Numerous accolades and television and radio infomercials have been bestowed upon PHAT BODY SPORTS TRAINING and the name John Mitchell, which he

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

Owner Phat Body Sports Training 10315 West Airport, Suite 7 Houston, Texas 77477 phatbody46@gmail.com www.johnalecmitchell.com

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

83

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

DeMonica Cooper Amerson 2022 SUPER P&E

name, “Motivational Conversations.” This book speaks of the simple message of hope and love through communication with Jesus Christ. She most recently partnered up with the Preach the Word Network out of Atlanta, Georgia, to host her new television talk show entitled, Motivational Conversations. She appeared on The Steve Harvey Talk Show and in the Essence Magazine 2011 issue. DeMonica is also the author of "The Millionaire Child Coach” and co-author of “I’M SPEAKING, Rewritten Rules of Encouragement to Affirm Women DISRUPTORS.” She acquired her life coach certification in 2018 and has since coached several children under her brand, Millionaire Child Coach. Her drive and passion for life comes from knowing that she has helped youth and young adults learn to embrace self-love, believe beyond what they see, and to know they were created for greatness on the journey to discovering their unique self!

DeMonica is married to her college sweetheart George Amerson, and they have two beautiful daughters. Her family serves the community through their youngest daughter's organization, Hailey’s Helping Hands and with Jack and Jill of America, the Woodlands Chapter.

D

eMonica Cooper Amerson is an educator, author, certified life coach, and motivational speaker from Houston, Texas.

From the day she learned to speak, she did it often and with lots of enthusiasm!

DeMonica attended Prairie View A&M University where she majored in Interdisciplinary Studies (elementary education) and minored in English.

In 2000 she teamed up with a group of dynamic ladies, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and began to volunteer in her community. For the past 19 years, DeMonica has been a dedicated educator and administrator in Spring ISD. After becoming employed with the Spring ISD in 2003 and seeing the challenges

84

that young people faced due to her own life experiences, she received a vision for Imagine Me Enterprises, an organization focused on mentoring and coaching young people to achieve their dreams and goals. With a strong desire for building and promoting self-love, self-esteem and selfawareness, DeMonica works around the Texas, Louisiana, and D.C. area, speaking at seminars and conferences catering to the younger generations. Her vision was not only to speak to young people, but it also led her to write her first novel, “Left but Not Alone: Finding True Love Within.” She then created “Motivational Conversations” a weekly inspirational conference call in 2010 that was heard around the world. The call led to a literary project entitled and inspired by the same

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

DeMonica Cooper Amerson Educator, Author, Motivational Speaker Spring ISD 12470 Walters Rd. Houston, TX 77014 512-387-0103

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

85

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Clarence White III 2022 SUPER P&E

seeking to expand his circle of influence, and managing a team of local banking professionals.

Clarence is most proud of being a father of two teenage sons, and four daughters he helped to rear in love. He is also a licensed Methodist minister and serves a congregation in Galveston, Texas.

His latest accomplishment is the completion of a memoir tentatively titled: Heartbreak, The Last Heart I Broke Was My Own. He describes his first full length book as “an extended apology letter to my eldest son explaining how I came to be an absentee father for most of his upbringing.” Fortunately, the relationship has been repaired, and he and his sons have a close bond.

Outside of ministry, parenting, working, and writing, Clarence enjoys working out most mornings at a local CrossFit type gym in Third Ward, Feast With Beasts.

Clarence White III Market President Houston North and Northwest Corridors BancorpSouth Bank

C

larence White III is a local community banker who has invested 27 years into the banking industry. He currently serves as the Market President for the north and northwest corridors of the Houston area for BancorpSouth Bank, a division of Cadence Bank. Clarence was recruited to Houston, Texas, to begin a career in banking with the then First Interstate Bank of Texas in their

86

commercial credit analyst program. This honor came after earning two bachelor degrees at the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) in Tallahassee, Florida.

He has spent the last 15 years focusing on clients with commercial real estate portfolios; specifically, those involved in new construction and major renovation developments. Clarence enjoys developing existing relationships,

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

87

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Tashell Williams 2022 SUPER P&E

In her efforts to provide total wellness to her clients, Tashell has become a certified wellness coach. She partners with other wellness professionals to educate all women on how to balance the 7 aspects of wellness. She founded her online Vegan & Organic Hair Care Line Cadence Taylor Organic Beauty in 2020 as the answer to "clean" beauty. She is the hair expert that is changing the hair care industry with educating on proper nutrition intake and providing a toxin-free solution to hair care. During the pandemic, Euphoric Essence closed its in-person services, but continues to provide hair care solutions through virtual consultations, classes, and educational courses. In 2022, Tashell published her 1st book, “One Lung to Live,” which is the story that inspires and changes lives! Tashell is the epitome of, "Where Wellness Meets Beauty!"

T

ashell Williams is a holistic hairstylist, salon owner, certified wellness coach, product curator, educator, and author. She is also a trailblazer, being the 1st African American to attend Second Baptist High School in Houston, Texas, in 1993. At an early age Tashell knew that she wanted to own a salon. On the path to salon ownership, she discovered her talent as a hairstylist. She has been a licensed hair expert taking pride and implementing perfection into her work for over 20 years. Tashell will create a tailored hair regime based on your hair goals, hair health, and lifestyle to ensure that your hair is in its healthiest state and styled to excellency. Her clients describe her as the “total package!”

In 2000, she dealt with health challenges and nearly lost her life after she had one of her lungs removed, however that did not stop her from fulfilling her dream of

88

being a salon owner and continuing to be a stylist. In 2008, her dream became a reality, and Euphoric Essence Salon was born. After hearing so many compelling stories behind the chair and desiring to share her testimony more intentionally, Tashell founded 22 Collectives Apparel, a t-shirt brand that encourages storytelling.

In her quest to make some changes to enhance her health, in 2016 she decided to adopt a wellness lifestyle that has spread to her business. Tashell now specializes in chemical free textured hair and uses organic, toxin free, eco-friendly hair products to ensure optimal health of her clients' hair and body. Euphoric Essence Salon is the ONLY wellness hair salon in Houston, Texas, and has been named the 2019, 2020, and 2021 Salon of the Year in Sugar Land, Texas.

And Euphoric Essence Salon has been inducted into the Sugar Land Business Hall of Fame.

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

Tashell Williams, CWC Beauty & Wellness Entrepreneur Founder & Owner Euphoric Essence Salon 22 Collectives Apparel Cadence Taylor Organic Beauty Products LLC (832) 212-2823 thetashellwilliams@gmail.com http://www.tashellwilliams.com/ IG @thetashellwilliams

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

89

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Bill M. Brown 2022 SUPER P&E

B

ill M. Brown is Civil Engineer with over 28 years of experience in the commercial construction market. Mr. Brown’s portfolio consists of landmark projects ranging from interiors and renovations, to projects of large and exceptional scope. He has worked for, and managed, construction for several Fortune 500 Companies and Engineering News Records Top 50 General Contractors and Construction Management Firms. Two of the firms are Top 10 General Contractors and Construction Management Firms in the World. Construction experience includes roles ranging from Construction Intern, Estimating and Preconstruction, Project Engineer, Assistant Project Manager, Project Manager, Senior Management, Diversity Manager, and Business Development. He has successfully completed projects in Higher Education, Multifamily, Healthcare, Aviation, Industrial, Nuclear, Heavy Civil, Government, Hospitality (Hotels), Financial Institutions, and Office Buildings. Project budgets range in size from $500,000.00 renovations to $800,000,000.00 Master Plans, the largest being part of a $2.4 Billion Nuclear Project.

Over the years, Bill has established himself as an activist in the construction industry through his membership in several organizations and initiatives.

He has been, or is currently active, in the Associated Builders & Contractors, Associated General Contractors of America, Houston Area Construction Career Collaborative, St. Louis, MO Laborer’s Union Local Training Program,

90

National Society of Black Engineers, and OSHA Volunteer Protection Program.

Bill has been an advocate for diversity and inclusion for Disadvantaged, Small, Minority, and Women-Owned Businesses (MWBE) by his active participation with the Local and State MWSDVBE initiatives and by partnering with the Diversity Management and Executive Leadership at each organization and project he has been assigned.

• Skanska Usa Building Diversity And Inclusion Champion Award - 2017

Bill’s philosophy is to deliver projects that are safe, have the highest degree of quality, and are delivered on time, while maintaining client satisfaction and budget.

This philosophy fosters an environment of Life Safety, Great Customer Experience, and Excellent Communication. Bill has handled numerous accounts with such clients as SSM Healthcare (St. Louis, MO), U.S. Department of Energy (Aiken, SC), MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston), Memorial Hermann (Houston) Healthcare, University of Houston (Houston), and Skanska Commercial Development (Houston).

• Greater Houston Business Procurement Forum Award Of Merit For Diversity And Inclusion – 2020

Bill is married to the backbone of his life, Angela Brown, and has a son DJ Brown who is 25 years of age. Angela is a graduate of Stephen F. Austin University with a degree in Business and Advertising with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Prairie View A&M University working as a Senior Human Resources Manager in the energy industry. DJ is a graduate of Northern Illinois University in the College of Business. DJ currently resides in Chicago, IL, working as a Sales Manager in the software industry. DJ was also a Division 1 College Football Athlete at Northern Illinois University.

Bill’s hobbies include mentoring and providing opportunities for young men and women in the community. He enjoys sports, travel, reading, communitybased organizations and participation.

He is also an enthusiast of automobile customization and classic cars.

Bill has received numerous awards and recognition for his dedication to the construction industry:

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

• Construction Contractors College Association Champion Award For Diversity And Inclusion - 2017 • Community Work Cdc – Homestead, Tx Northeast Houston Amazing Support Award 2019 • Austin Commercial Green Audit Award – University Of Houston Quadrangle Replacement Project – 2019

• American Subcontractors Association Top 5 Project Manager Of The Year Award – 2020 & 2021 • American Subcontractors Association Excellence In Construction – Gc Project Manager Of The Year - 2021 • National Diversity Counsel – Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Champion Award -2021 • Austin Commercial Green Audit Award – University Of Houston John M. O’quinn Law Center Project – 2021 • Associated Builders & Contractors – Board Member Of The Year Award – 2021 • American Subcontractors Association Excellence In Construction –Abc Idol –August 2021 • Associated Builders & Contractors Beam Club Presidential Award – 2021 • Greater Houston Business Procurement Forum R.a. Wiltz Minority Business Advocate Of The Year – 2021 • Associated Builders & Contractors – Nation Beamer Of The Year Award 2022 • Houston Minority Business Development Agency, Salute To Minorities In Construction Construction Trailblazer Of The Year Award 2022 Bill M. Brown Senior Project Manager Austin Commercial, LP. 4888 Loop Central, Loop Central One Suite #310 Houston, Tx. 77081 wbrown@austin-ind.com 832-493-1015 www.austin-ind.com

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

91

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Marcus Edwards aka Lil Keke 2022 SUPER P&E

“Captain of the Screwed Up Click” has made history in many ways. Outside of music, he has a love and passion for coaching the youth. His efforts with the youth led him to be personally recognized

by President Barack Obama in 2018.

Former Houston Mayor, Annise Parker proclaimed July 13th as Lil Keke's 713 Day in 2015. The honor was followed up by current Houston Mayor, Sylvester Turner in 2019. 713 Day is a staple for Houston, as it is Houston's first area code.

Keke is also the CEO of SLF Made which is a clothing merchandise line that celebrates Houston Culture. His talents have led him to be the executive producer of various films that will be released in 2022. Keke recently released his highly anticipated project, LGND (Legend). The project features talent such as Slim Thug, ZRo, Sauce Walka, Juicy J, DJ Chose, and more. Fans can expect more music from Keke, tours, and one of the biggest 713 Days ever.

Lil’ Keke Rap Artist & Entertainer Entrepreneur & CEO SLF Made press@lemonlimelightmedia.com

R

apper Lil’ Keke is an enduring figure in Houston’s legendary Screwed Up Click (SUC). For nearly 25 years, he’s “pimped the pen” with his inventive phrases and freestyle flow. Lil’ Keke sharpened his freestyle skills while rapping to tapes as he rode around Houston’s southside. He is known for working with Houston icon DJ Screw— the mastermind behind the “chopped

92

and screwed” sound-- alongside Fat Pat and other members of the Screwed Up Click. Lil' Keke gained national attention with his track "Southside" from his 1997 release "Don't Mess Wit Texas". With over 25 projects under his belt, he is known for being a creative force in the music industry.

He is more than just a rapper, but he is also a mogul. Born Marcus Edwards in Houston, Texas, the self-proclaimed

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

93

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Danielle Keys Bess, MBA 2022 SUPER P&E

Through real estate, she has served as the project manager and/or sales consultant for affordable housing developments that placed over 100 families in newly constructed single-family properties, with a 0% foreclosure rating. She also assisted in the disaster recovery efforts that focused on the rebuilding and/or remodeling the homes of many Senior citizens throughout Houston. She was also an active part of a plethora of community development projects, funded from both the private and public sector, that removed blight and created beautification concepts in spaces that were historically underserved.

D

anielle has over 20 years of experience in community activism, government relations and campaign logistics. She executes and enhances the strategic goals of her clients while meeting their civic needs. She has a proven track record of exceptional outcomes in deadline-driven operations, excellence in public/government affairs, strategic marketing communication, conflict resolution, fundraising, project management and community outreach initiatives. Her reach extends to local, county, state and federal levels of government with prominent organizations and clientele such as, Obama for America (Houston), Sheila Jackson Lee for Congress Campaign (14 years), Annise Parker for Mayor, and Ron Kirk for Senate Campaign, to name a few. She holds a

94

Danielle is moving from grassroots to the front lines in a fight to preserve the historical legacy of District 147! Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s words resonate with her when he said, "injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." As one of Houston's most diverse districts, she seeks to represent its people of all backgrounds, race, age, gender, and socio-economic status. She will advocate for the needs of District 147's community in Austin, resulting in collaborative solutions for the community that she loves, as this District is not only where she lives; it is also where she works, where she worships and where she is serving on Bachelors in Communications from the a daily basis.

University of Texas at Arlington with Cum In her spare time, she enjoys the activities Laude honors, and an Executive MBA of golfing, swing-out dancing, traveling, from Texas Woman's University. fishing, and spending time with family A native Houstonian and the daughter to and friends. parents raised in the segregated south, a U.S. Navy Veteran and a Women-Owned Small Business Owner/Entrepreneur, the characteristics of strength, service, leadership and hard work were instilled in her at a young age. The spiritual foundation they taught their children and their sacrifice for family is the centerpiece of her core values for service that reigns supreme in her life choices.

In her professional career, she has served as a licensed Texas Real Estate Professional for the past 15 years at Womack Development & Investment Realtors.

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

She is the devoted wife to Corey Bess, a Sr. Marketing Professional in the energy sector, an active member in their church, and a dedicated member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Danielle Keys Bess, MBA Licensed Texas Real Estate Professional Candidate for Texas Representative District 147 Danielle Keys Bess Campaign P.O. Box 8367 Houston, TX 77288 info@bessforhouston.com ​​www.bessforhouston.com

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Join our team!

PROGRAM LEADERS

The Program Leader position is a fast paced job for high energy individuals who love working with children.

4005 Technology Drive, Suite #2130 Angleton, Texas 77515 www.bgcbc.com Email : info@bgcbrazoria.org - Phone : 979-373-9668

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

95

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Ashworth Barnes 2022 SUPER P&E

He continued his education in college at the University of Minnesota studying criminal justice and minoring in English.

After football dreams dwindled with a broken hand in his senior season, Ashworth and a group of 3 friends from high school started selling wheels and automotive accessories out of a garage in Hiram Clarke, and the legend of 713 Motoring began. Ashworth experienced the growing pains of trying to learn how to translate a hobby into a real business.

Certain struggles arose and differences on the direction of the growing business founded by friends became complicated.

Conflicts of interest became difficult to maintain the long-term childhood friendship that eventually caused guys to go their separate ways.

A

shworth Barnes is a custom automotive entrepreneur from Houston, Texas. His company, 713 Motoring, was recognized

by Complex Magazine in 2013 as one of the best custom car shops in America. When he isn’t conceptually creating or customizing the baddest cars in the country, Ashworth enjoys travel, live sporting events, and live music. Ashworth is active in the community and attending church gives him the inspiration he needs to create colorfully. During his 20 year career in the automotive industry, he has reached several accolades. Ashworth has won car shows, graced magazine covers, and coordinated holiday food drives for the less fortunate. November 25th is known as 713 Motoring Day in the City of Houston for the charity efforts In conjunction with Bread of Life, Inc. Over the years, Ashworth has maintained professional relationships with several actors, professional athletes, and

96

entertainers. He was raised on the Southside of Houston, Texas, by a single mother with the help of grandparents and a host of relatives. For Ashworth, staying out a trouble wasn’t always the easiest task. Punishment often included writing sentences and copying pages directly from the dictionary. These drills, even though a redundant form of reprimand, increased Ashworth’s vocabulary and English skills at an early age. Ashworth’s 6th grade English teacher encouraged him to enter the spelling bee competition.

Ashworth excelled in these competitions and won at the local, district, and citywide levels. Ashworth went on to be a standout student athlete at Madison High School in Houston, Texas, and was awarded a full athletic scholarship by several universities. Ashworth’s total combined offers were the most in the district that school year. Ashworth was voted Most Popular Male by his fellow students in his senior class.

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

In December 2013, Ashworth reconnected with an old 713 client from 2007, A.K. Manesh. He shared visions on the recreation of the new 713 retail model with A.K., and the two began to plan a relaunch of a new lifestyle brand merging the elements of creativity and design the two shared. Ashworth began to shift his focus more on the collision side of the automotive spectrum, while A.K. remained entrenched in real estate.

The two partnered and collaborated on a separate lifestyle brand that houses both of the individual companies and shared interests as well. In January 2018, a new flagship retail store was launched.

Ashworth has continued to focus on customer relations and building projects.

Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni granted Ashworth 60 acres alongside a new projected Akon city near Jinja, the source of the Nile River.

The land's intended use is for a trade school for Ugandan students to get acclimated with automotive trade work.

The school will be named after Ashworth as the Ashworth Barnes Trade Academy.

Ashworth Barnes Owner 713 Motoring 9296 Westheimer Houston Texas 77063 AshworthBarnes@yahoo.com 713-309-9000 AshworthBarnes.com

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Ashworth Barnes Ad

www.trezartandwinebar.com 920 Studemont St. Suite #150 Houston TX 77007 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

@trezartandwinebar

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

97

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Felicia Drake 2022 SUPER P&E

owned operation to serve the community.

Grooves is sometimes the meeting place for city leaders and residents to get to know each other and work together.

The event center is also a highly soughtout venue for concerts and special events, hosting numerous celebrity and high-profile recording artists.

But the work doesn't stop there; Felicia's most significant achievement and top role is being a devoted mother to her talented and towering 6'2" son, Andre, also a business owner. Together they live in the heart of Houston, in the Texas Medical Center.

Felicia has a business degree from the University of Houston, corporate tenure with Chase Bank, and over 20 years of travel and entrepreneurship running Salon Zone magazine and Drake Marketing Agency. She now applies those superb marketing skills to run Grooves as a staple in Houston's event and nightlife community for more than the last decade.

Felicia is the epitome of a woman who means business and accredits her success to the help of her mom, affectionately known as “Miss V” and Uncle Jerry.

Felicia Drake Owner Grooves 2300 Pierce Street Houston, Texas 77003 www.houstongrooves.com

C

an a nightclub be a safe haven for the community? It can and has under the leadership of businesswoman and community advocate Felicia Drake. Felicia is the savvy and modest owner of Houston's trendy nightclub and restaurant, Grooves, located in East Downtown Houston on the southern cusp of the Historic Third Ward.

When the previous owner, NBA Hall of

98

Famer Clyde Drexler, stepped down, Felicia stepped up, transforming Grooves into an all-inclusive event center that now serves over 3,000 patrons every weekend while keeping the door open to those pushing for positive change in the community.

Felicia has always stood out as a woman of distinction in the Houston area. She is passionate about social justice and uses her multi-million dollar, family-

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Darrance Tezino

2022 TOP P&E

D

arrance Tezino is the Director of Technology Services at CenterPoint Energy. Darrance is a multi-skilled technology leader with over 18 years of experience providing competent and confident supervision and technical expertise. He has extensive knowledge designing and supporting white glove Executive/C-Suite service models, complex system engineering, hardware and software deployment, network support, RTO technical support and Distributed Antenna System design/build.

His most recent passion is in helping leaders to manage their remote teams in the most effective and productive ways. Darrance was instrumental in the establishment of core process improvement geared to end user experience alongside O&M reductions to best support the business during the COVID-19 Crisis.

Within his current role, Darrance has responsibilities for day-to-day management of Executive Support and Events teams, management of end user experience improvement, technology support for CNP Executives, conference room/ hybrid meeting success, phone system optimization, asset management, wireless connectivity, field support, Audio Visual systems, and Information Technology EOP improvement. Darrance serves as CenterPoint Energy’s key Director and overall coordinator for developing and implementing technologies for collaboration tools alongside working with vendors and internal IT to coordinate and obtain resources and support.

Within strategic alignment, Darrance is responsible for incorporating current and emerging technologies in short and long-range plans to include technology integration, redesign or modification of 40 influencers under 40 in June 2019 systems.

– Commercial Integrators Magazine, Darrance currently holds a seat on the the business handbook for technology Total Tech advisory Board influencing professionals.

Before CenterPoint, technology standards across all Darrance held leadership positions at enterprise areas, Darrance speaks MCA Communications and Halliburton, regularly on technology trends, optimized as well as served as President of his own support concepts and managed service AV company. Darrance balances all of this models in conferences and panels. ambition while being a devoted family Darrance was named as one of the Top man with three growing children.

Darrance Tezino Director of Technology Services CenterPoint Energy

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

99

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Rikki V. Smith Wilson 2022 TOP P&E

Thomas & Texas Woman's University with her Masters in Business Administration and Healthcare Administration. Rikki also is a Texas Educator with a Generalist EC-8 certification. During her third year of teaching she became the leader of her grade level cluster. She has thoroughly enjoyed the connection, interaction, and the impact that she has been able to have on her students.

In addition to her education, Rikki plays an active role within Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Houston Area Urban League Young Professionals, Texas Exes, Andrew Smith Jr. Foundation, Momentum Pac, and Lakewood Dance Ministry/Church.

Her passion and commitment for policy, politics, and being a part of the movement has been evident as she has participated in helping MPAC actively engage our peers on what is happening in our city’s government.

After becoming a newlywed to Mr. Dwight Wilson in 2019 and enjoying married life, Rikki continues to be very involved within the community as she mentors young girls all while still being very active with the charitable 501(c)(3),The Andrew Smith Jr. Foundation. Started with her family in honor of her late brother, the foundation provides scholarships to high school students.

R

ikki V. Smith Wilson is the Executive Director of Smithwood Medical Institute, LLC is a medical career college that provides an excellent educational experience for those seeking to attain certifications and training for healthcare careers. SMI offers online and in-person classes for morning or evening courses, affordable payment plans, small classes to receive hands-on training, and career guidance/job placement assistance through their career services team who works with many area hospitals, clinics, labs, nursing homes/ long term care facilities, home health, hospice, and many other medical/

100

health care facilities just to name a few.

In addition, SMI provides CPR training, and they are a testing facility for all of their certification exams. They focus on hands-on training while supplying their adult learners with everything needed in the classroom, while also assisting their students in moving forward towards a better career.As a native of Bay City, Texas, Rikki is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin where she achieved her Bachelor of Science in Advertising while double minoring in Corporate Communications and Business from the Red McCombs School of Business.

In order to further her education, she graduated from the University of St.

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

After graduating from UT, Rikki was hired by the Houston Chronicle as an Advertising Executive who managed local and national advertising campaign dollars. She was blessed to be named as the Ambassador recipient by the Galleria Chamber, awarded the Quality Performance Publisher’s Club award, “The Most Creative Approach” in representation of the Houston Chronicle ad division.

Rikki V. Smith Wilson Executive Director Smithwood Medical Institute, LLC 7100 Regency Square Blvd. #210 (713) 975-0971 www.smithwoodmedical.com

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

101

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Dr. Christopher Chance 2022 TOP P&E

D

r. Christopher Chance is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist, and is the co-owner of Oaks Point Pediatric Dentistry, located in the neighborhood of Garden Oaks/Oak Forest, with his wife Dr. Courtney Jacocks Chance. Dr. Chance believes that a village raises a child, and their dentist is a very important member of that village. His purpose is to help prepare and navigate children through the promotion of healthy and productive lifestyles. He understands that a visit to the dentist can be seemingly scary, but his expertise and passion is providing consistent, positive experiences to each child and their families in an enjoyable and informative manner. Thus, transforming potential fear into confidence that can be transferred to other aspects of their lives.

Dr. Chance graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Biotechnology. He then attended the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry, and received his Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree in 2014.

Furthermore, Dr. Chance completed his pediatric dental residency in 2016 at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine at Case Medical Center/ Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital where he received additional specialized training in treating patients from infancy to adulthood, including individuals with special needs.

The spark for pursuing dentistry began, for Dr. Chance, while volunteering at a dental clinic simply to fulfill community service requirements in order to graduate high school. This particular clinic treated children in underserved areas, and what he thought would be a supposedly mundane graduation requirement turned into a desire to make a positive difference in the oral health of children in the community. Dr. Chance is blessed to have mentors that continue to help him cultivate his dental career, and takes pride in doing the same for many other soon-to-be pediatric dentists around the country. For Dr. Chance, this spark was not created just for him, it is to be used to

102

help light a path for future Black pediatric dentists who will be impactful members of our children’s villages.

In his spare time, Dr. Chance enjoys traveling, spending time with friends, loving on his family, and playing golf. Dr. Christopher Chance is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

Dr. Christopher Chance Board Certified Pediatric Dentist Co-Owner Oaks Point Pediatric Dentistry 1727 W 34th St., Suite 400 Houston, Texas 77018 (832) 553-4433 www.oakspointpediatricdentistry.com

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

103

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Sandi Eli 2022 TOP P&E

Sandi’s efforts have been recognized numerous times, with honors that include: •2013 recognized by City Council Member Larry V. Green for valuable entrepreneurial contributions to the Houston community •2012 honored as a Top 50 Black Health, Medical & Wellness Professional by d-mars.com •2011 honored by the Texas Women’s Empowerment Foundation Since launching her career, she has gone on to meet people from all walks of life.

Her diverse experience has given her a unique ability to connect with people and set them on the path to long-term prosperity.

A

n Oklahoma native, Sandi Eli attended Langston University, an HBCU, where she was a university cheerleader and student body fitness instructor.

Sandi graduated from The University of Central Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Science Degree.

Sports and physical activity make her feel good, and she enjoys teaching it to others.

When she became a certified personal trainer in 2006, she realized that she could do so much more than just help someone look good and feel good but that physical activity and feeding the body well is powerful.

She not only helps people lose weight, but also helps reverse chronic disease, increase bone density, increase mobility, reduce depression and anxiety, and improve a person’s quality of life. Exercise has helped save her life a couple of times, and she wants the same for others.

Since founding Operation Get Fit, LLC in 2007, Sandi has played an integral role in the Houston community. Whether she is educating youth groups on healthy

104

Sandi says, “If you have never had good health and fitness, we want to help you get it. If you have it now, we want to help you keep it, and if you had it and lost it, we want to help you get it back. When we accomplish our mission to help people live healthier lives, then those people can eating, implementing worksite fitness go on to achieve their life’s mission.” classes for businesses of all sizes, or Ultimately, what truly makes Sandi stand collaborating with city officials to develop out is her ability to always see the best wellness programming for city employees in people. She knows that with enough that encourages healthy living, she has hard work and dedication, physical and been steadfast in pursuing her goal of mental well-being is within everyone’s creating a happier and healthier modern grasp. Sandi looks forward to continuing world. Sandi’s work has made a tangible to share her passion with like-minded difference in countless lives, and her individuals for years to come. story is still just beginning. As driven as ever, Sandi is intent on sharing her She is the proud mother of one busy wisdom with anyone who is interested in 12-year-old daughter and adores her other baby, a blue heeler dog. living their best possible life.

Operation Get Fit provides virtual and on-site health and wellness training to a wide variety of organizations. She has partnered with the City of Houston, the Mayor’s Office of Special Events, the Houston Independent School District, the Houston Zoo, YWCA, and Cigna, among many others.

By encouraging daily movement, proper nutrition, and positive thinking, Sandi has helped each of these groups to foster greater health and productive workplaces with far-reaching benefits for all parties involved.

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

Sandi Eli Founder and Owner Certified Fitness Instructor Operation Get Fit, LLC info@operationgetfit.com Facebook @operationgetfitusa

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

FITNESS & WELLNESS COMPANY www.operationgetfit.com

Operation Get Fit, LLC (OGF) is a fitness and wellness company that specializes in:

Virtual, Onsite, and Hybrid Fitness Programs Corporate Wellness Services Health and Wellness Special Events Corporate Fitness Center Management Sandi R. Eli

CEO/ Managing Member

Since 2007, OGF has been teaching the importance of good nutrition, exercise, and daily physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle. Our team of professional instructors provides safe and effectively designed workouts for all fitness levels.

OGF is a Minority/Women-owned Business Enterprises and Women-Owned Small Business certified company.

CIGNA City of Houston Mayor’s Office of Special Events Houston Zoo Houston Independent School District YWCA KIPP Houston Email us at: info@operationgetfit.com

Follow us on: operationgetfitusa

OGF has partnered with many organizations to provide professional Wellness services. Among these are:

operationgetfitusa

operationgetfit

@operationgetfit

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

105

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Dr. Robert L. Howard Jr. 2022 TOP P&E

D

r. Robert Howard is the Habitability Domain Lead in the Habitability and Human Factors Branch and Co-Lead of the Center for Design and Space Architecture at NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX. He has served on design and test teams for several NASA spacecraft teams including the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle, Orion Capsule Parachute Assembly Team, Altair Lunar Lander, Deep Space Habitat, Waypoint Spacecraft, Exploration Augmentation Module, Asteroid Retrieval Utilization Mission, Habitable Airlock, Small Pressurized Rover, Multi-Mission Space Exploration Vehicle, Gateway, Human Landing System, Foundation Surface Habitat, and Mars Transit Habitat, as well as Phobos and Deimos mission study teams. Currently, Dr. Howard is a member of the Lunar Architecture Team and the Mars Architecture Team, architecture and human factors lead for the outfitting and habitability testing of the 20 Foot Vacuum Chamber for the Exploration Atmospheres study, and the CHAPEA human factors lead. He has also led design studies for the Common

106

Habitat, JUMP Lander, Deep Space Opportunity Medal, NASA Superior Science Vessel, and Venus Investigative Accomplishment Award, numerous NASA Group Achievement Awards, the Benjamin Flyer.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in General Banneker Legacy Award, The Network Science from Morehouse College, Journal’s 40 Under 40 Achievement Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering Award, and more. He has authored or from Georgia Tech, Master of Science co-authored more than ninety human in Industrial Engineering with a focus in spaceflight technical papers, which he has Human Factors from North Carolina A&T presented at scientific and engineering State University, and Ph.D. in Aerospace conferences across the country.

Engineering with a focus in Spacecraft Engineering from the University of Tennessee Space Institute. His Master’s Thesis was, “An Expert Systems Approach to Spacecraft Cabin Design” and his Doctoral Dissertation was, “Formation of a Cislunar Human Transportation Architecture Through the Use of Analytic, Heuristic, and Parametric Algorithms.”

He also received a Certificate in Human Systems Integration from the Naval Postgraduate School and completed the Space Systems Engineering Development Program at Johnson Space Center.

He has received numerous awards from NASA and community organizations, including the NASA Exceptional Service Medal, NASA Equal Employment

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

Dr. Howard was born in Xenia, Ohio, but grew up primarily in Greensboro, North Carolina. He also lived briefly in Tallahassee, Florida, and Camp Springs, Maryland. In his spare time, he writes science fiction novels, including the Nubian Star Nation franchise, of which Books One and Two are currently available on Amazon.

Dr. Robert L. Howard, Jr. Habitability Domain Lead NASA Johnson Space Center 2101 NASA Parkway, Mail Code SF3, Houston, TX, 77058 robert.l.howard@nasa.gov 281-244-1007 https://www.nasa.gov/feature/habitability-design

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

107

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Candace Blue 2022 TOP P&E

• The Young Millionaire Series Speaker Service Award • The Houston Lawyer Association Mission Ally Award • NextHome Presidents Circle • Accredited Luxury Home Specialist Candace has represented numerous buyers and sellers in Texas including firsttime home buyers, veterans, foreclosures, short sales, just to name a few. She has strong relationships with many service providers who are proud partners of The Houston Luxury Living’s Team concierge department. These relationships are key elements of Candace’s referral formula which assists in achieving her goals and allow her to convert transactions into relationships.

Candace’s 18 year background in Human Resources blends well with mentoring agents to provide value to their career.

She currently serves on: • HAR Fort Bend Political Affairs Advisory Leadership

C

andace Blue is a Houston native with a keen eye for detail and knowledge of the city. Her complete resourcefulness translates into big advantages for her clients across Houston and surrounding areas. As co-owner of NextHome Elite Advisors, and the Team Leader of Houston Luxury Living, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her team.

Candace also believes in educating her clients in buying, selling and leasing both residential as well as commercial real estate in the nation’s 3rd largest city.

Candace is known for being energetic, creative, and a good communicator with strong negotiation skills. Candace is very reliable and will cater to your real estate needs to ensure your complete satisfaction. Her clients have appreciated her dedication and strong determination to exceed their expectations. She truly enjoys achieving her client’s real estate goals!

108

• HAR Governmental Affairs and Advocacy Candace knows that real estate transactions can be very stressful, which is why she is someone you can trust to handle all of the details for you. She is known for being a great listener and will gain a solid understanding of your goals and objectives.

Since joining NextHome, Candace has earned The President’s Circle award as an independent agent as well as leading The Luxury Living Team for closing sales volume to exceed $30 million. She has also been invited to be a guest speaker on talk shows, podcasts, schools and conferences, while also being spotlighted in various publications.

Her additional accomplishments include: • The NextHome Pinnacle Office Award • NextHome Premier Team Award • President's Circle Team Award Winner • HBREA Top 20

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

• Is a major investor of Texas Real Estate Political Action Committee Candace is married to Attorney R. J. Blue, her husband of 18 years. She is the mother of two daughters, Paige and Gabrielle, with a Maltese-Terrier rescue dog named Ace. In her spare time, Candace enjoys spending time with her family, swimming, traveling, hiking and volunteering. She is a member of National Charity League, Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and Spouses of Houston Barristers.

Candace Blue Brokerage Owner & Team Leader NextHome Elite Advisors The Houston Luxury Living Team 77 Sugar Creek Center Blvd., Suite 600 Sugar Land, Texas 77478 (832) 545-8444 Candace@HoustonLuxuryLiving.com www.houstonluxuryliving.com

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

109

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Kehlin Farooq 2022 TOP P&E

M

otivational speaker and businessman Kehlin Farooq is a native Houstonian born March 9, 1973, to parents he is forever thankful to, Imam Eugene Farooq and Dr. Daa’iyah Farooq. He is one of six siblings landing as the middle child. He is a proud graduate of Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas, with a bachelor’s degree in Television Journalism and a master’s degree in Television Broadcasting.

His higher education certifications have allowed him opportunities as a senior producer at Black Entertainment Television (BET) from 1999-2005. Kehlin quickly received acclaim for a special television series titled “AIDS In Africa” he co-produced during his travels to South Africa’s Mozambique to cover the AIDS epidemic in that region of the country.

He later moved back to Houston to become a professor at his alma mater, Texas Southern University as well as Intercontinental University, teaching courses in Speech Communications.

As his personal business endeavors expanded outside of television production and his professorship, he became a fulltime business owner where he delved into the dry cleaning business, laundry business, the beauty supply business, and presently, co-owner of Exotic Pop Beverages.

He attributes his choices in business as good opportunities that are permissible by (the creator) and in the spirit of honest work. He attributes his business progress and flourishing success to being focused more on a spiritual investment. His future endeavors are to help create a viable market of upright multi-million dollar business opportunities that opens doors for all God-fearing men and women to succeed in business, allowing them to be self-sufficient.

Kehlin Farooq Co-Owner Exotic Pop www.exoticpop.com

110

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

111

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Glenda Demas 2022 TOP P&E

Intervention, and Behavioral Health and Anger Management. Having been in private practice for six years and has serviced over 1500 individuals within her offices located in Texas and Georgia Glenda has plans of expanding to Louisiana, Florida, and California within the next three years. Glenda's passion for Mental Health Advocacy resulted in being recognized as one of the top five Mental Health Clinicians in the state of Texas by Cigna in 2020.

Glenda is currently one of two Nationally Certified Emergency Responder Clinicians in Texas. In 2020, she founded MyND Your Mental Foundation a non-profit organization established to promote education, advocacy, and provide research for mental health, especially among children, and adolescents. During the onset of Covid-19, Glenda stood on the front lines as a resource by offering weekly webinars covering Systemic Racism, Creating Mental Balance, and Navigating through Trauma through her foundation. Glenda was chosen as the Mental Health Clinician to represent Texas by the Boris L. Henson Foundation founded by Taraji P. Henson "Let’s Talk" free virtual therapy campaign.

In 2021, Glenda formed Pearls of Change Realty Group with plans to provide future affordable housing for Veterans with identifiable and diagnosed mental health conditions.

In 2021, Glenda was recognized as one of 30 Influential Women of Houston.

G

lenda Demas, a native Houstonian, graduate of Prairie View A&M with a M.S.in Counseling Education.

As seen on the Isiah Factor Uncensored as a Mental Health Expert.

Glenda is currently enrolled at North Central University in pursuit of her PhD in Health Psychology. Glenda Demas currently serves as a Board of Director for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Greater Houston, and is currently in Year four of her Appointment.

112

Glenda Demas is a member of American Counseling Association, American Mental Health Association, Houston Licensed Professional Counselors Association, Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Inc. In 2018, Glenda began servicing the community as a Mental Health Clinician with Pearls of Change Wellness LLC. She is an Advanced Clinical Trauma Practitioner specializing in Anxiety, Trauma and Stress-Related Disorders, Conflict Resolution, Crisis

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

Glenda's overall goal is to expand her current experience, through education and research. In addition, she will continue to aid individuals from various socioeconomic backgrounds in understanding the importance of removing the stigma surrounding the topic of mental health.

Glenda Demas Advanced Clinical Trauma Practitioner Pearls of Change Wellness, LLC 2717 Commercial Center Blvd., Suite E200 Katy, Texas 77494 (832) 291-8363 www.pearlsofchange.com

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

113

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Don Bowie 2022 TOP P&E

entrepreneurial realm. Bowie quickly became known as the taste engineer as he perfected the ability to morph cutting edge culinary concepts into edible masterpieces.

During this time Bowie used his skills and savvy business acumen to assist a private investment group in creating, implementing and executing a new vision for several struggling restaurants that they owned. This resulted in a new concept for the investors by delivering a streamlined menu, better processes and staff training. With very few resources, Bowie proved to be a valuable asset and proceeded to attract with his new menu an enclave of notable celebrities to their establishments including Jermaine Dupri, T.I., Jazzy Pha, Shaquille O’Neal, Polow Da Don, Raheem Devaughn, Gucci Mane, athletes, media personalities, and more.

H

ard work, dedication, and intelligent effort. These words have marked the fanciful career of one Don Bowie.

Bowie is a chef, taste engineer, and visionary and has continuously used adversity and opportunity as a launch pad to jumpstart his career choices.

Born and raised in Houston, Texas, an early injury put a temporary halt to his collegiate career in Atlanta, Georgia, but Bowie maintained a sense of unwavering determination that brought him to the University of Houston, where he majored in Marketing and Entrepreneurship.

While still in school, Bowie joined his father at Bowie’s Country Kitchen as coowner and marketing manager. During this time, as Bowie’s career aspirations began to morph into the culinary business, he became an understudy to restaurateur Rasheed Rafaey, owner of Red Cat Jazz Cafe and Tasca Kitchen and Wine in downtown Houston. Still a full time student, consultant, and business owner, Bowie delved into his newfound restaurateur understudy position with his trademarked gift and decided to pursue his passion of entrepreneurship full time.

114

These successes and accomplishments helped to further expand Bowie's business portfolio and influence. Over the past few years his projects and endeavors have included NoBar Kitchen and Bar (Brooklyn, NY) with actor Anthony Mackie, Sweetie Pies (Houston), Featured Chef for BMW, USA, and the Executive Chef for Flower Child Houston, which is one of the fastest growing concepts in the nation developed by Sam Fox, proprietor of Fox Restaurant Concepts.

During this time, Bowie became a partner and operating manager at the Red Cat Jazz Cafe and spent the next two years restructuring and rebuilding the business helping to bring the cafe to great success.

Bowie’s charisma and ability to take a vision and bring it to fruition has proven to be his greatest skill set. His ability to connect with anyone that he comes in contact with has helped to bring awareness to any project that he aligns In early 2019, Bowie opened up his himself with. own venture, Taste Bar + Kitchen, a In 2010, Bowie received nearly 400k votes crafted cocktail bar and restaurant that from fans for Oprah’s OWN Network – Your serves elevated chicken and waffles and Own Show competition. Additionally, Bowie comfort food. Taste is one of Houston's was a top 15 finalist for the Food Network’s top restaurant destinations, and Bowie is Next Food Network Star online competition. already working on expanding the concept After much success in the kitchen, Bowie to Atlanta, New York, and Los Angeles. decided to take his newfound culinary Bowie also has 2 new projects, Rare HTX skills to the next level and in 2011, Restaurant and Lounge, a steak focused st Bowie decided to begin culinary school concept set to open 1 Qtr 2022, along at Le Cordon Bleu in Atlanta, Georgia. with Sugar Frk, a dessert bar concept nd Upon entry into the culinary program, he opening 2 Qtr in Midtown. quickly accepted an offer to become an understudy for Bravo’s Top Chef Season Don Bowie 7 contestant, Chef Tracey Bloom. Tracey’s Chef & Owner fast paced style, coupled with Bowie’s Taste Bar + Kitchen 3015 Bagby Street schooling and ingenuity catapulted Houston, Texas 77006 him into the next phase of culinary and www.tastebarkitchen.com

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

115

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Talia B. Washington 2022 TOP P&E

in won local and state government contracts for minority and women-owned businesses in four counties. Her biggest goal is to expand the program throughout the state of Texas.

Mrs. Washington is a member of the Greater Houston Partnership Houston Regional Economic Development Alliance (HREDA) Committee, a member of the Greater Houston Black Chamber (GHBC) Economic Development Committee, and Volunteer Outreach for World Youth Foundation.

In the civil unrest during the pandemic, she saw a need that was unmet by organizations. She founded Divas Do Golf, which focuses on teaching women and girls of color to lean in and show up in an area where deals are being made. She does this by providing virtual and handson training workshops, coaching, and team-building sessions on not only how to play golf, but how to do business on the golf course through etiquette, financial literacy, and leadership training.

T

alia B. Washington is an entrepreneurial and driven community economic development professional with 15 years of experience in various levels of government, nonprofit, and higher education. Mrs. Washington currently serves as the Small Business Program Specialist for the Community Economic Development Unit of the Cooperative Extension Program at Prairie View A&M University. She is passionate about economic development policies that help minority and women-owned

116

Talia holds a master's degree in Economic Development and Entrepreneurship from the University of Houston-Victoria and a bachelor's degree in Communications from Texas Southern University. She is certified as a USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) 504 Loan Packager and Money Smart Trainer. Talia is a modern-day renaissance woman who believes that with purpose, passion, vision, and action anyone can make it happen.

When she is not busy, she is spending businesses scale through government time with her husband, traveling, playing contracting. golf, and chauffeuring their four active In this capacity, she has the honor to kids all over the city. You can find her on work on innovative programming and Facebook and Instagram @divasdogolf. workshops for rural and urban Texas counties through her signature programs Talia B. Washington the Art of the Startup and the B.I.D. Small Business Program Specialist II Academy. In the revamp of the B.I.D. Community Economic Development Unit Cooperative Extension Program Academy, a 9-week program which Prairie View A&M University helps small businesses understand 700 University Dr. Prairie View, TX 77446 government subcontracting through the tbwashington@pvamu.edu state of Texas Historically Underutilized 936-261-5119 Business (HUB) certification. The https://www.pvamu.edu/cahs/cep/ program has generated over $2.5 million

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

117

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Rodney Jones, Esq. 2022 TOP P&E

from his father, educator, and community activist Rodney L. Jones, and mother, accomplished attorney Angelus JonesGoode.

Jones didn’t become a lawyer just to win cases. He became a lawyer to bless people and make a change for those who cannot do it for themselves – to provide a voice for the silenced, advocate for the defenseless, and fight for justice. For Jones, it’s more than just business. It’s personal.

His legal experience, reputation, and passion for the community also has carved out a niche for him as a leader in housing and development. Since 2014, Jones has run his own Fidelity Title Branch in the heart of the city. In 2020, he founded and owns RJ Development Group, a company geared towards building high-quality, affordable housing in our communities.

Since 2016, Jones has proudly served the community as the Chair of the Sunnyside Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone 26.

Jones is a devoted hands-on father of two beautiful children, remaining diligent in imparting strong faith and dependable character into his family and those he is blessed to represent.

A

ttorney Rodney Jones fights for people. His clients are more than merely files on his desk, and his firm gives each case the attention it deserves.

The subtle difference in his personal approach and attention to detail has helped catapult Jones from a Thurgood Marshall School of Law graduate to one of Houston’s most sought after attorneys.

legal services. A specialist when it comes to thinking outside the box to resolve legal matters, Jones’ practice areas include business and entertainment transactions, personal injury, and family adoptions. In addition, his firm also represents families and children in the foster care system, having deemed him as preeminent in handling adoptions in the State of Texas.

“Our clients trust us,” Jones says.

“They’re confident in coming to us first with all of their legal needs. That level of patronage is invaluable, and I don’t take it for granted.”

“I’ve been blessed to say the least,” Jones says. “I attribute much of my success to being able to provide personalized services at reasonable rates and being conveniently located throughout Houston.”

A savvy businessman with an entrepreneurial spirit, Jones has relied on hard work and integrity to establish his firm’s reputation. Jones’ firm continues to grow exponentially, offering a wide array of 118

Jones’ passion for strengthening communities starts at home. A native Houstonian, Jones was blessed to grow up having an amazing example to follow

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

Rodney Jones, Esq. Founder Rodney Jones Law Group PC 6464 Savoy Drive, Suite 800 Houston, Texas 77036 832-37RJLAW (75529) calls@rjoneslawgroup.com rjoneslawgroup.com

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

119

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Dr. Angela Jones, LPC, CST-C 2022 TOP P&E

and many local Houston churches and schools to discuss mental health and sexual issues.

Dr. Jones currently has a segment every Wednesday on Fox 26 entitled “Angela After Dark” on Isiah Factor Uncensored, where she speaks about sexual and relational matters for over two years and running. In addition, she was on the Geto Boyz Reloaded podcast in 2021 where she spoke with rap legends Scarface and Willie D about her specialization. She was a co-host KTSU IMPACT Houston Live for a year on 90.9 FM where she and her cohosts used this platform to discuss hot topics that were relevant to the listeners and community.

D

r. Angela L. Jones is a licensed professional counselor and public speaker. She currently serves as the lead therapist and founder of Get Centered Counseling & Consultants, LLC and CEO of The Limbic Plan®, LLC. With over 14 years of working in the mental health industry, Dr. Jones has been able to provide mental health care services on a clinical and administrative level in order to improve care at one of the largest mental health organizations in the state of Texas.

In her private practice, she provides therapy to adult clientele with a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and sexual concerns such as sexual dysfunctions, behaviors and addictions.

In addition, she is frequently invited to conferences and universities to deliver lectures on various aspects of sexual and mental health.

Dr. Jones created a weekly planner in 2021 entitled The Limbic Plan® that

120

Dr. Jones is a member of American Counseling Association, Texas Counseling Association, Houston Counseling Association, Houston Association for Marriage & Family Therapy, Chi Sigma Iota Honor Society, and proudly serves as a board member for Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast. She is currently a Certified Sex Therapy Candidate at the Texas Sex Therapy Institute. Dr. Jones has obtained scholarships and honors that include, but are not limited to: CEO to Watch, Emerging Scholars Honors Program, International Study Abroad Scholarship, Counselor Education Special Scholarship, Houston Game Changer, and Who’s Who Amongst American Students.

aims to help people stay organized and provide tools and coping skills to help people who may be suffering with mental health issues. This planner is one of the first to incorporate so many mental health elements while providing the consumer a streamlined way to obtain their personal goals all while remaining organized.

Dr. Jones currently lives in Houston, Prior to her private practice and Texas, with her husband, Dallas Jones; revolutionary planner, Dr. Jones her daughter, Zoe Jones; her son, Dallas was able to deliver therapeutic and Etienne Jones; and her dog, Ivy Jones. psychoeducational services to inmates detained in The Harris County Jail, Bellaire Dr. Angela Jones, LPC, CST-C Behavioral Hospital, and within The Lead Therapist & Counselor Harris Center. Dr. Jones has presented Get Centered Counseling & Consultants, LLC CEO at Texas Counseling Association, School The Limbic Plan®, LLC Counselors Conference, Region 4 1325 Campbell Road General Curriculum Institute, Southwest Houston TX 77055 Educational Research Association, (713) 365-9015 and American College Counseling (346) 808-0450 ajones@heritagebehavioral.com Association National Convention. In www.angelajonesphd.com addition, she has been invited to speak IG @drangelajones at the Metamorphosis Conference, Houston Black Leadership Institute, THRIVE: Responsive Education Solutions,

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

121

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Keith J. Davis Jr. 2022 TOP P&E

experienced leader in this industry, with safety as their priority. Under Davis’ leadership, they consistently deliver on time with integrity and effective communication. Serving Houston and the surrounding areas, Jerrold Construction is a recognized, in demand, and fully insured construction company. Some of their client projects include Target Hunger, Trinity Preparatory Academy, The Park at San Vicente Apartment Homes, and multiple residential projects.

Jerrold Co. is one of the most trusted real estate investment firms in Houston, Texas.

Their team can help you sell your home, buy a home, or plan your next renovation project. As an experienced real estate professional, he approaches each client's needs with excellence and integrity, giving the client a positive experience and outcome. His team of real estate experts are just as dedicated as he is in meeting client goals. Davis is passionate about growing this diversified investment firm, focused on real estate opportunities and exceeding customer expectations.

Davis resides in the Houston area with Kailyn, his daughter. He desires for Jerrold Construction and Jerrold & Co. to leave a great legacy that his daughter and those who come behind him can follow.

K

eith J. Davis Jr. doesn’t move in fear, but works with excellence, achieving success in the construction and real estate arenas. Davis is founder and president of Jerrold Construction Inc. and Jerrold Co. Real Estate & Construction (Jerrold & Co.).

Davis’ companies continue to deliver with superiority, serving clients, and building for the future. With a commitment to high standards and leading highly talented teams, both companies stand firmly on a commitment to superior quality and results.

Before founding Jerrold Construction and Jerrold & Co., Davis earned his B.S. in Construction Management from

122

the University of Houston, also having impressive and extensive experience leading construction projects for Turner Construction, Jordan Foster Construction, and Meritage Homes, among others. “I knew before starting my construction and real estate businesses, I needed to gain the ins and outs of these industries, how to be an effective leader, and how to manage projects. After graduating from UH and working for construction and real estate companies, I not only received the foundational elements to achieve in this business, but also the skillset to understand the process of real estate and construction from start to finish,” says Davis.

Jerrold Construction is a proven and

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

Keith J. Davis Jr. Founder and President Jerrold Construction Inc. Jerrold & Co. 5868 Westheimer Rd., #202 Houston, Texas 77057 (832) 670-0690 (832) 377-0812 info@jerroldconstruction.com info@jerroldandco.com www.jerroldconstruction.com www.jerroldandco.com

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

123

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Tracina Morris 2022 TOP P&E

W

hether you’re looking to invest in a new property or open a tax office, Tracina Morris is ready to work with you. Since age 25, Tracina has been an entrepreneur. While building a brand may have looked easy from the outside, starting a business at such a young age with no resources and very little funding quickly forced her to realize that early-stage entrepreneurship was anything but transparent. In 2007 she bought her first tax franchise, which molded her into the tax mogul that she is today. She has now acquired her own tax brand and tax Software that is used by other tax offices all over the city of Houston. Tracina is no stranger to hard work and is often labeled the hardest working woman in Houston. She epitomizes integrity, loving energy, hard work, and realness in every detail of her encounters with people.

While still thriving and operating a successful tax company, in 2013 Tracina

124

opened Chase Driving Academy, a driver’s education school in South Houston named after her only son. She and her staff helped over 500 teenagers get their Texas driver’s license and prepare for the busy streets. In 2017, Tracina closed her driving school to pursue her passion for real estate. After being awarded Rookie of the Year her first year in real estate, she took the streets by storm. Tracina, now labeled, “Your Favorite Realtor” has helped hundreds of families with the purchase and sale of their home. Tracina is fully dedicated to any client’s needs and making their experience seamless in every part of the transaction; from the first point of contact to close. She also assists many businesses with commercial properties. In September 2021, Tracina wrote and published her first book, “Simple Credit” to assist her clients and anyone interested in repairing their credit. After a successful book launch and the support of the Houston community, Tracina has sold over 400 books year to date.

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

She is also the Vice President of Rock N’ Hood Foundation. As the VP, Tracina partnered with a community leader and barber in south Houston 4 yrs. ago to provide free haircuts, uniforms, tennis shoes, and school supplies to all of the kids in need. This community back to school event caught the ears of local news stations and schools and has now exploded into one of the most talked about community events. Each year Tracina and her team bring a bigger and better experience.

Tracina knows this is just the beginning for her. She isn’t just passionate about helping families find their next home, but she is passionate about people. When Tracina isn’t in the office or volunteering, you’ll often find her vacationing or enjoying time with her friends and family.

Tracina Morris Real Estate Agent tracina.m@hotmail.com

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

125

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Albert Johnson III 2022 TOP P&E

planning for life’s events or preparing for the unexpected, his knowledge and experience provides him with the ability to build strong relationships and provide superior service.

His agency offers a variety of insurance and financial products, including but not limited to: Life Insurance, Retirement planning, College Savings, Auto, Home and Commercial insurance. They service clients across the entire state of Texas.

AJ resides with his wife Jenise in Rosharon, Texas, with their 19-year-old twin boys, 18-year-old daughter and 7-year-old son.

His passion is sports and he loves watching their children compete in various activities, and helping to improve the youth sports experience for children and parents. AJ also serves on the Board of Trustees for Alvin Independent School District.

Albert Johnson III Owner Albert "AJ" Johnson Insurance & Financial Services 2225 County Rd. 90, Ste. 111 Pearland, Texas 77584 (281) 412-6690 info@ajinsuresme.com www.ajinsuresme.com

A

lbert Johnson III is a native of Missouri City, Texas, and graduate of Willowridge High School.

He is the proud owner of Albert "AJ" Johnson Insurance & Financial Services, delivering the experience you deserve.

His professional career has taken him throughout the country and abroad including Canada and Germany. He graduated from Southern Methodist

126

University with a business degree in Management Information Systems. He went on to play 8 years of professional football in the NFL, NFL Europe, and the Canadian Football League.

His personality and passion for helping people and developing relationships has allowed him to transition from professional sports to being a successful Insurance & Financial Services Agent.

He has shown that whether you’re

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

127

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Dianne Curvey, Esq. 2022 TOP P&E

C

ommon law and business divorce, custody battles, paternity, pre- and post-marital agreements, and other issues under the family law umbrella can be difficult to navigate, also causing emotional distress. But one doesn’t have to walk this arduous road alone. Family law attorney Damiane "Dianne" Curvey, founding attorney of The Banieh Law Firm, has over 16 years of proven and acclaimed experience in the courtroom, serving clients in Harris County and the surrounding areas and other cities around the State of Texas. Successfully litigating for a diverse clientele whose issues range from child support to guardianship, protective orders, and even name changes, attorney Curvey fights relentlessly, but with integrity and compassion, genuinely caring for clients like family.

“The motto of The Banieh Law Firm is ‘From the cradle to the grave,’ helping clients navigate the ups and downs of life while going through their family law case,” said attorney Curvey. “We focus

128

Democratic Club Memberships: • Harris County Democratic Party – Sustaining Member • Area 5 Democrats • Bay Area Democratic Movement • Bay Area New Democrats • Bayou Blue Democrats • Bellaire Braeswood Democrats • Cypress Tomball Democrats • Democratic Club of the Woodlands • The Greater Heights Democratic Club • Harris County Young Democrats • Humble Area Democrats • Katy Area Democrats • Kingwood Area Democrats • Meyerland Area Democratic Club • ROAD Women (River Oaks Democratic Women) • Southwest Democrats • Spring Branch Democrats • Texas Democratic Women of Harris County Metro more on preserving the client’s peace of • West Houston Democrats mind than looking like big shots in the courtroom. While yes, our goal is to fight Attorney Curvey leads The Banieh Law for the client to receive all of what they Firm with purpose, also desiring to extend need and some of what they want in their her family law expertise to the bench, dispute, preserving the client’s mental running for Judge of the 280th Judicial well-being during the process is more District Court of Harris County, Texas. important to us than showing just how With results and commitment in the badly we can defeat the other side.” family law arena, she plans to bring that same excellence as a judge, ruling with fairness, balancedness, and competence, Bar Admissions: if elected.

• Texas Bar, November, 2005 • United States District Court for the Dianne Curvey, Esq. Southern District of Texas, May, 2006 Founding Attorney Memberships: • State Bar of Texas Family Law Section • Houston Bar Association, Family Law Section • Houston Democratic Lawyers Association • State Bar Pro Bono College State Bar College • Harris County Drug Court Volunteer Attorney

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

The Banieh Law Firm Candidate, 280th Judicial District Court Harris County www.curveyforjudge.com www.baniehlawfirm.com

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

129

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Rashad Cave 2022 TOP P&E

community; he became Guide Right of his chapter and lead numerous volunteer initiatives throughout the Baton Rouge area.

Rashad Cave finished at Southern University A&M with an undergrad Degree in Business Marketing and a Master’s in Social Science with a concentration in Political Science.

Upon returning home to Houston, Rashad utilized his leadership skills, became an accomplished regional sales manager in the retail industry, and embarked upon his new journey as a community influencer and leader.

Since 2012, Rashad has embedded his footprint in and around District D. He proactively is working with youth to instill hope and pride within their community.

Revitalizing low-income neighborhoods and resolving community issues are his passion. Rashad’s journey has by far not been an easy one, but quite fulfilling.

Rashad truly intends to serve all people with a confident voice filled with integrity, respect and pride for all of District D. Rashad Cave Community Leader Houston City Council Liaison Facebook: RashadCave Instagram: @CaveForHouston Email: RashadCave@gmail.com

F

ather, Community Leader, Speaker, Businessman, Entrepreneur are words that describe Rashad Cave. He was born and raised in Crestmont Park by two loving parents Charles and Susan Cave. At a young age, he was entrenched in civil engagements due to his parent’s investment of time and career within their community. Due to their example of community service;

130

Rashad Cave stayed in his community and finished the Aviation Science Magnet Program at Sterling High School.

With the ambition of wanting to learn more and expand his horizon Rashad Cave departed to Baton Rouge, L. There he attended Southern University A&M. While achieving in his academics, Rashad Cave joined the Alpha Sigma chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Incorporated. Because of his love for the organization and the

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

131

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Clariona Randolph-Massey 2022 TOP P&E

Clariona also owns an online women's boutique called Blume’ Fashions. In full transparency, she is realistic about the challenges of entrepreneurship, especially when you have the comfort of a well-paying career that you invest in everyday. In order to achieve her goals as an entrepreneur, she attended the Art Institute of Pittsburgh for Fashion Design & Retail Management. Three years and thousands of dollars in student loans later, she came to the realization that she really did not need this certification to pursue her passion in fashion.

In 2015, she started Pass on de Fashion Nola. Fast forward to her faith move to Texas, there were many hurdles and roadblocks that impeded her ability to connect with the brand of PODF. She was growing in every aspect of her life, but she knew owning her own boutique and eventually designing for and styling others was the goal. The discouragement was enough to quit, yet faith, determination and hard work instilled within Clariona a new vision for her business. In 2021, she rebranded her entire business and began Blume’! This made so much sense because that's exactly what she had been doing the past few years, flourishing.

C

lariona Randolph-Massey has learned to flourish, thrive, and become more self aware, which she feels is the best thing to happen for her.

Professionally, her time is spent balancing her corporate career along with her fashion boutique.

She is the Director of Public Relations and Media for an amazing automotive group, Don McGill Toyota and Toyota of Katy.

Here she plans and initiates all cause related efforts of the McGill brand in our communities. She has achieved so many great things since moving into this position,

132

after selling cars for a few years. Her greatest accomplishment has been the relationship she built with the Katy and Spring Branch Independent School Districts. This has allowed her to create a work-based learning environment for special needs kids and young adults. Through this program, they are able to come to the dealerships and experience the entire day-to-day operations in each department. In addition, it provides opportunities of employment at either of their locations. She is extremely proud that through the program, they have hired one young man. Her position here has been so purposeful and heart filling. She is eternally grateful!

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

Blume’ Fashions caters to the everyday trendy woman who Clariona refers to as a “Blume Babe.” Her customers, no matter the age, are at the peak of selfawareness, know what she wants, feels vibrant, and expresses herself through the clothing she wears over her curves!

If you need a vehicle, Clariona is your woman. If you know of a need in the Katy or Spring Branch community, she’s your woman. Or if you want to shop for beautiful pieces of clothing and talk fashion, she’s your woman!

Clariona Randolph-Massey Director of Public Relations and Media Don McGill Toyota and Toyota of Katy Owner Blume’ Fashions www.toyotaofkaty.com www.blumefashions.com

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

133

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Max Bozeman II 2022 TOP P&E

Grub Park and also a new Greasy Spoon location in Pearland, TX. Having been awarded the Best New Restaurant in 2020 by Black Restaurant Week, The Greasy Spoon has quickly become one of Houston’s premier soulfood destinations.

Bozeman’s greatest achievement is being a single father to three amazing children.

He has two girls and one boy- Mahari, 8, Marli, 6, and Max Christon, 23 months.

The biggest highlight of fatherhood, according to Bozeman, is being able to have an impact on his children as their hero. Bozeman has not only been an impact to his children but to the Houston community as well, being recognized by the Houston Business Journal as one of the Top 40 Under 40, and he is also honored to be one of the Top 50 Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs of Texas by d-mars.com.

M

ax Bozeman II is a native of Houston’s northside. As the owner of The Greasy Spoon Soulfood Bistro, he is currently living out his entrepreneurial purpose and passion.

From starting companies to selling them, being a venture capitalist and investor, Bozeman is consumed (and somewhat addicted) to the world of business and entrepreneurship. A product of Acres Home and Studewood, he graduated from Westfield High School and attended Texas Southern University for about three years before opening his first company.

The milestone would eventually cause him to put his academic pursuits on hold, but it wouldn’t stop his dreams from

134

“I’m blessed to live a life of freedom, to be able to be a part of every moment that matters, and create memories that will last a lifetime,” he says. Success has not come without some struggles, as Max battled cancer in the midst of entrepreneurial achievements.

While it was a tough battle, it was one that he ultimately won with God’s healing power.

He celebrated his healing in a major way by being a part of the Season 16 premiere episode on the Cooking Channel’s Food Paradise. unfolding in the years to come.

Bozeman’s greatest inspiration is his uncle, James Dixon II. He is also heavily inspired by his mother, who he’s seen overcome a number of challenges.

Something that Bozeman lives by is “Don’t be a dreamer, be a striver. Strivers achieve what dreamers believe.”

Since his childhood years, Bozeman has always wanted to be an entrepreneur.

From ages four to 13, his desire to be a millionaire would soon blossom to wanting to reach billionaire status, a goal he still plans to obtain. “All I knew Follow The Greasy Spoon on Instagram was that I wanted to help people and be @thegreasyspoonhtx. To keep up with a blessing to my family and community, Bozeman, follow him on IG @maxgetsitin. so I knew I had to have a lot of money to accomplish my philanthropic goals,” he Max Bozeman II says.

CEO Bozeman’s latest venture is in the restaurant and hospitality industry, where he opened The Greasy Spoon Soulfood Bistro in 2020. Bozeman has since opened a TGS Food truck at Houston’s

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

The Greasy Spoon 10009 Broadway Street, Houston Texas Info@thegreasyspoonhtx.com www.thegreasyspoonhtx.com

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

135

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Dr. Alexia McClerkin, DC, RN 2022 TOP P&E

integrative practice in the heart of Houston’s Medical Center area. The Sports & Wellness Doc offers a wide range of comprehensive services to meet the needs of athletes, adults, seniors, pediatric, and pre & postnatal patients.

Dr. McClerkin’s team of professional caregivers specialize in providing personalized chiropractic therapy.

In Houston, chiropractors are plentiful so it may seem difficult to choose the one who is right for you. However, when you take the time to meet with Dr. McClerkin, the decision soon becomes simple. She has it all—specialized training and experience; an attentive, caring personality; and a knack for finding the root of the issue instead of treating solely the issue.

As a woman, a wife, and a mother of 2, she understands your concerns. She wants to meet you, learn about your goals, share her ideas, and help you make the choices that are right for you.

When Dr. McClerkin isn’t working she enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 sons. On any given Saturday you can catch her on a local running trail.

Dr. Alexia McClerkin Owner Sports & Wellness Doc 2636 S Loop W, Suite 105 Houston, Texas 77054 (832) 844-1754 Instagram @sportsandwellnessdoc sportsandwellnessdoc.com

O

ne of the top chiropractors in Houston, Texas, Dr. Alexia McClerkin prides herself in making her patients feel better with her goal-oriented approach to care. “There is nothing like having a patient come in and tell me they were able to achieve goals they didn’t think were even possible prior to visiting our office,” she says.

Born in Detroit, Dr. McClerkin always

136

knew she wanted to be a physician. Dr. McClerkin attended Michigan State University before moving to Houston.

She went on to earn her Doctorate in Chiropractic Medicine; shortly after graduating she pursued her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Nursing with an emphasis on Family Medicine.

Dr. McClerkin owns The Wellness Doc brands, with a successful growing

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

137

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Pernell Davis 2022 TOP P&E

tornadoes, oil spills, wildfires, and pandemics. Before joining Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioners Office he was a sergeant with local law enforcement and in-charge of managing the department of emergency management.

He brings a wealth of experience that has assisted Harris County Precinct 2 with engaging community stakeholders during any crisis that may occur. His experience at the local and state levels continue to help improve our response and consolidate services for the community.

Pernell’s approach is shaped by his personal as well as professional experience. In 2004, he was charged with preparing for Hurricane Katrina, a category 5 storm, which destroyed his home and livelihood. But it didn’t stop him from keeping his oath to office and serving the community with the sheriff office.

P

ernell Davis' life has been immersed in community service.

He is dedicated, accomplished, results-driven, and assertive.

These are just a few of the titles that Pernell holds. With 16-year career driving strategies to facilitate alignment with institutional and corporate visions and goals, Pernell has developed a record for addressing and implementing strategic plans for organizations. His efforts have allowed him to foster trusting relationships with the community and teams to achieve objectives and surpass expectations.

Whether he is leading teams or delivering tailored support to key stakeholders, Pernell is passionate about bringing innovation from outside and implementing company strategies to

138

Pernell’s efforts have allowed him to foster trusting relationships with the community to achieve objectives and surpass expectations. Pernell has attended the University of Houston where he received a bachelor’s in political science and Sam Houston State University where he received his master’s in public administration. meet long-term business objectives.

Pernell is a firm believer in civic duty and continues to ensure that we work together to produce results that will create an equitable and a safer community. He understands the importance of fostering relations with all stakeholders to include local business, faith-based community, nonprofits, county, state, and federal emergency management partners.

Pernell’s key areas of expertise: Public Safety, Project Management, Strategic Planning & Design, Department Operations, Public Engagement, Emerging Issues, Customer Service, Budgeting/ Cost Controls Performance Metrics & KPIs, Contract Compliance, Standardization, Documentation & Reporting, Team Pernell Davis has raised community Leadership & Development, Change awareness and increased preparedness Management, Business Development, in our community.

Human Resources, Community Relations, Communications & Media Relations, and Pernell Davis Legislative Relations.

Pernell recently prepared Harris County Precinct 2 community for its biggest winter storm during the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. In his many years of emergency management, Pernell has responded to hurricanes, floods,

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

Sr. Director Harris County 1001 Preston St., #924 Houston, TX 77002 pernell.davis@pct2.hctx.net pernelldavis@gmail.com 713-274-2337 (o) |832-882-2909 (c)

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

139

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Dr. Nissi Hamilton 2022 TOP P&E

new faculty member and professor at Elevate Academy, where she teaches and instructs other survivors of human trafficking in an educational setting. Her most recent achievement is setting her first city ordinance in Dallas, Texas, to close sexually oriented businesses from 2am to 6am to reduce crime in the city, and she prevailed greatly as she became the Chair of the Task Force on January 26, 2022.

“My primary goal is to train potential victims of human trafficking and other learners how to see warning signs. I teach preventative methods in how to recognize different pimps; which allows learners to gain street experience to reduce slavery,” Dr. Hamilton says.

D

r. Nissi Hamilton is an awardwinning expert in the field of human trafficking, a field she comes to with five years of pain experience as a survivor of human and labor trafficking. With her multicultural background, Dr. Hamilton is committed to encouraging diversity and inclusion—making a difference in the decriminalization of human trafficking, poverty, and homelessness with minors.

Dr. Hamilton is a global humanitarian, veteran, wife, mother of seven, and comedian. She led the nation's first political campaign against human trafficking as she debuted her story by running for office in Houston, Texas.

Her social enterprise has allowed her to work with billionaire attorney Tony Buzbee, The Real TV Show host, Jeanie Mai with the up-and-coming movie Stopping Traffick 2, and Dateline NBC To Catch A Predator host, Chris Hansen.

Dr. Hamilton also founded the nonprofit, Nissi’s Network Inc. and the for-profit corporation, A Survivor's Voice of Victory.

Dr. Hamilton owns and operates her own food pantry, where she serves 2000+ residents a month. To date, A Survivor’s

140

Voice of Victory has given away over ONE MILLION DOLLARS in food and hurricane relief supplies to residents in 3rd Ward, Sunnyside, and Southpark in District D. Dr. Hamilton has cultivated a strong relationship with Crime Stoppers of Houston and the Houston Police Department.

The unprecedented relationship has allowed her to teach and train, not just in her community, but also with business professionals. Dr. Hamilton has trained over 57,000 community activists, business professionals, law enforcement agencies, and other nonprofits to recognize, understand, and report human trafficking.

Dr. Hamilton is the Human Trafficking Director for Hermann Park Rotary Club 5890, the Event Chair for Child Proof America, and she is the Education Chair for Houston Rescue and Restore Coalition in partnership with United Against Human Trafficking. She often lends her personal expertise and perspectives on high profile cases like Deshaun Watson and Bill Cosby case. She is a TEDx speaker and has worked with Oprah.

She was awarded the 2021 International Women’s Month Award. She is also a

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

The City of Houston acknowledges Dr. Hamilton as the "Poster Child" for survivorship in Houston after she survived human trafficking as a child and as an adult. C. Anthony Maroulis, a Missouri City Council Member, declared Dr. Hamilton’s freedom from slavery with her own day in Missouri City on January 21, 2020. Dr. Hamilton was also awarded another day in Missouri City on September 7, 2021, acknowledging her expert testimony at the State Capitol that got 3 out of the 4 bills passed that she fought for.

Dr. Hamilton has a Bachelor of Science in Technical Management, an MBA in Accounting, an MBA in Human Resources Management, a Police Certification from University of Houston Downtown, and she holds an Honorary Doctorate in Humanitarianism for her global work in human trafficking.

Dr. Hamilton wants to have human trafficking labeled as a disability so that the girls who are trafficked have access to the health and human resource services that they need.

Dr. Nissi Hamilton Global Humanitarian Nissi’s Network Inc. A Survivor's Voice of Victory nissi.hamilton@yahoo.com www.nissihamilton.com

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

141

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Odus E. Evbagharu 2022 TOP P&E

of 2017 and later became the Candidate Coordinator for HCDP’s 2018 coordinated campaign. The coordinated campaign made history by electing 17 Black women to the judicial bench known as Black Girl Magic, flipped every judicial seat to be Democratic, gave commissioner’s court a 3-2 Democratic advantage, and switched two state house seats from red to blue.

Odus has been serving as the Chief of Staff for Texas State Representative Jon E. Rosenthal since 2019. This is special to him because House District 135 is the area Odus grew up in since he was ten years old. He is a dual-citizen of the United Kingdom and United States.

When he is not in the capitol building, Odus is engaged as a board member of numerous advocacy groups such as being an active member of the Texas Freedom Network (TFN) Board of Directors, an organization that has been on the frontlines for decades fighting for progressive change. He sits on the Planned Parenthood Young Leaders Steering (PPYL) Committee, ensuring vital healthcare is accessible to everyone and is the Executive Vice President of the Texas Young Democrats, engaging with young Democrats across the state to get them energized and building a pipeline of future Texas leaders.

Odus was a 2020 New Leaders Council fellow and is a proud member of Leadership Houston Class of XXXIX. He is a sports fanatic, political junkie, podcast enthusiast, and Houston Cougars super fan.

O

dus E. Evbagharu is the youngest (28) and first African-American elected Chair of the Harris County Democratic Party. A position allowing him to lead one of the two major political parties in the third largest county in the country.

Always politically aware, thanks to his dad, Odus was enamored with politics in 2008 when a big-eared, half-Kenyan man

142

who looked like him, spoke about change, hope, and achieving the impossible.

Ever since, he has been hooked. Odus had the opportunity to volunteer on the Barack Obama campaign in 2012 and did the same on the 2016 Hilary Clinton campaign.

He began his career as an intern with the Harris County Democratic Party (HCDP) in 2017, he was then promoted to Communications Director in October

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

Odus E. Evbagharu Democratic Party Chair Harris County Chief of Staff Texas State Representative, Jon E. Rosenthal www.odusevbagharu.com

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

143

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Diamond Elizabeth Small, MHA 2022 UP & COMING P&E

program. This service is geared towards solving health issues for children in the Greater Houston and surrounding areas by providing free vision exams and quality corrective eyewear to school children 6-18 years old with unresolved vision needs. This opportunity motivated Diamond to advance her career and join a new organization as an epidemiologist in the public health segment. Knowing that her community suffered with chronic health conditions led her to continue to fight in public health and become an advocate and liaison for people in her community. Diamond continues to utilize her research skills to minimize the ongoing effects discovered daily in the communities surrounding chronic illnesses and diseases.

D

iamond Elizabeth Small, MHA is a passionate, innovative, focused health care worker with an exceptional blend of research savvy, creativity, and fashion from Pearland, Texas. As an epidemiologist by day and handbag designer by night, Diamond lives the best of both worlds.

Diamond received both her Bachelor's degree (2017) and Masters of Science in Healthcare Administration degree (2019) from Texas Southern University. During her collegiate years, Diamond was heavily involved in various organizations and research initiatives. After being elected as “Miss Master of Science in Healthcare

144

Administrator” for the 2018-2019 academic year, Diamond began working with several nonprofit organizations in the Houston area and went on to create her very own professional organization for minority healthcare administrators. In addition to being elected as Miss Master of Science in Healthcare Administrator 2018-2019, Diamond volunteered with numerous nonprofit organizations in the Houston area while being of service to all mankind as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

After her collegiate achievements, Diamond began work at the Houston Health Department where she administered the “See To Succeed”

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

After a few years in various healthcare roles, Diamond decided that she wanted to pursue her true passion for creating and designing luxury handbags for women. In June 2020, she launched her very first handbag collection. Diamond Elizabeth, the brand, is a luxury business known for its uniquely designed, high quality material. Each bag is designed and planned out for each season of the year. Diamond Elizabeth has been featured in local magazines and press, like Voyage Houston and The Future is Female. As a woman who loves to inspire others, creating a luxury handbag at affordable prices for women brings her pure joy. Diamond prides herself on empowering and uplifting like-minded women in her community and she tends to do the same with each collection through beauty, style and creativity.

Aside from her daily healthcare research and creating handbags, Diamond enjoys traveling the world and attending events that cater to the people she looks to serve in life. Diamond lives by her favorite quote “live as though life was created for you” - Maya Angelou.

Diamond Elizabeth Small, MHA Epidemiologist Public Health Expert Founder & Designer Diamond Elizabeth Handbags www.diamondelizabeth.com

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

145

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

C

DM7 is a familiar name and strong contender in the construction field. This construction, development, and management organization, remains committed to safety, quality, cost, and schedule to successfully serve clients. Construction is this company’s core function and founding business practice, with their principles, values, and culture allowing them to provide quality services that accommodate client needs for the successful completion of projects. CDM7’s impressive development portfolio is built around leveraging their construction resources, relationships, and partnerships, to create sustainable places for people to meet, explore, create, share, inspire, and live. CDM7 has over 60 years of combined relevant industry know-how that clients trust to keep their businesses moving, with less overhead.

Trey Harris founded CDM7 and leads as president and CEO. Harris has gained a keen proficiency in this industry, having worked in various positions in construction before CDM7. “I worked for a large commercial construction firm prior to founding CDM7.

They made it mandatory for all employees to get 30 hours of training every year. Because of this, it provided me with a great foundation for understanding the construction business. Taking classes in business development, pre-construction, financial management, safety, and many others have, no doubt, provided me the skill set needed to strategically and effectively run a profitable construction company,” Harris said.

Under Harris’ leadership, CDM7 continues to grow, with a newly acquired license to complete work in Louisiana. This achievement allows the company

to extend its reach beyond Texas, gaining more opportunities for new bids and contracts. The certifications, memberships, and associations combined with hard work contribute to CDM7 making its impressive mark in the construction industry. But Harris knows that without a core team of talented and ardent individuals, this company’s growth and achievements would not be possible.

“Our company has an immense understanding of how to build, welcoming the challenge of taking on intricately detailed projects.

CDM7 is a fully fledged commercial construction company that fulfills each client’s construction needs, exceeding their expectations.”

—Trey Harris, President and CEO of CDM7

SUBC USA: What are some of the challenges you face in this industry, and how do you overcome those challenges to stay competitive?

CDM7: The greatest challenge in this business is finding the right opportunities that fit our business model and allow us to make fair fees. With a pandemic that has stopped traditional business practices, it has been challenging to qualify for new work, even with company credentials in order. To overcome these challenges, we focus on three ways to partner with firms that have strong ties within the industry: design-build, JV partnerships, and minority participation.

SUBC USA: Your company has over 60 years of combined experience that makes you qualified, so talk about some of the combined experience/leadership behind the company that is a component of CDM7’s strong foundation.

CDM7: Prior to founding CDM7, I held various operational roles throughout the construction industry. Rising from the ranks of office engineer to general manager and completing over 2.6 million sq. ft. of space at over $625 million dollars, it really gave me great understanding of how to successfully run a construction business.

Knowing that I wanted to grow the company at a rapid pace, I focused on finding individuals who had similar experiences at their previous companies as well. This has allowed me to trust in their knowledge of the foundational practices and procedures that are required to run a sound construction project. Skilled and committed people are the key to growth and producing exceptional work. Without great people, we would be stagnant in growth.

produce a supernatural result that our clients will love.

SUBC USA: Please tell us about your company and the $15 million dollar bonding.

CDM7: If you can bond in this business, that speaks volumes to how your company operates. In addition, if you can bond up to $15 million dollars, this means you have capital and a stellar company on your hands.

Bonding for some companies is challenging because of how they keep their books and a lack of training in financial construction management. Bonding is like a credit card, and everyone has a limit. Your success rate on each project helps to increase your limit, which in turn, provides the company with more opportunities.

SUBC USA: Talk about how your company stands on its core values to deliver on every project.

CDM7: These values are profoundly important to any business, but especially to a construction business. Every day on the jobsite, you face obstacles and challenges that can be tough to overcome; having a strong value system is important. Honor is big to me because the construction industry is filled with vultures who have demolished the construction culture with dishonesty. Innovation and technology are key because we are just on the cusp of what is to come. Staying ahead of the technology curve will be paramount in helping us control our overhead and maximize the construction schedule and processes. A clairvoyant person is one who can see the future. And in construction, you must be three steps ahead in every move you make. Partnerships and relationships hold the key to our future. As the adage says, “Show me your friends and I will show you your future!”

Q&A with Trey Harris, president and CEO of CDM7:

SUBC USA: This is a veteran-owned company. What efforts do you/ your company practice to hire veterans for your company or to help veterans receive work in this industry?

CDM7: Being that this is a veteranowned construction company, we always look to invest in the growth of individuals, especially veterans, who demonstrate an interest and passion for this field. Being afforded the opportunity to coach and mentor those who have served this country is always a plus. They especially deserve an opportunity to not only work in this business, but gain the expertise to be qualified for promotion as industry leaders.

SUBC USA: What are your efforts to mentor the next generation of minority-owners in this industry?

CDM7: Mentoring the next generation is something that I am truly honored to do, and I enjoy it as well. I’m constantly sharing my insights with minority subcontractor owners to help them understand the thoughts of top-tier general contractors (GCs). The minority contractor ecosystem was truly created for subcontractors and not for the general contractor, so there are very few minority GCs. As we go from being minority GCs to just a GC, it will be important to help the future generation of construction industry leaders who intend to follow our path.

SUBC USA: Tell us about the significance of the reference to the number 7 in the company name.

CDM7: The number seven represents completion and the supernatural power of God. We want to be a company that finishes what we start. CDM7 believes that if we do the natural, God will do the super; together, we will

SUBC USA: What are some goals for the company moving forward?

CDM7: Moving forward, it will be important for us to not simply be known as a minority company, but as a commercial general contracting company that just so happens to be owned by a minority. We want to be able to hire, train, and give opportunities to people that look like us. When contributing my time to speak with construction majors at Prairie View A&M University, I can see how important it is for individuals like myself to spend time with them and share real world stories. In life, everything has to do with exposure. If you never get exposed to things, you’ll never know how to operate in specific situations. I want to make sure that those who want to know, receive the knowledge and opportunity to make a difference in the construction industry.

SUBC USA: With OSHA citing so many construction companies for not complying with COVID-19 safety standards, what is CDM7 doing to keep its construction teams safe and productive during this time?

CDM7: We take the safety and health of our employees extremely seriously, thus resulting in the creation of an extension to our already existing safety plan, specifically outlining key pre-screening questions before our employees, and subcontractors are able to begin daily work. If anyone exhibits signs of sickness, they are immediately sent home. A limited number of employees are allowed to be in a confined space at the same time to adhere to social distancing. When applicable, meetings are held virtually to lessen face-to-face contact. Everyone must wear a face covering and wash/ disinfect their hands regularly.

CDM7 stays ahead of the curve, remaining competitive in this arena, and aspires to find ways to work with their clients, owners, and partners, adding value to any organizational structure. With vast experience and expertise, CDM7 consistently delivers a cost-effective project in a safe manner through managing their schedule and quality control. The end result is always one their clients take pride in and patrons will love.

For more information on CDM7, please call 281-831-0802 or visit www.cdmseven.com.

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

148

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

149

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

Industrial Welding Academy

Name

A Family-Owned Enterprise Preparing the NEXT GENERATION OF WELDERS 2021 XXXXXXXX

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

T

he nation's aging infrastructure requires the expertise of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers to help rebuild bridges, highways, and structures. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers is projected to grow 3% from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Recent statistics from Data USA show the number of people employed as welding, soldering, and brazing workers has been growing at a rate of 4.98%, from 580,520 people in 2018 to 609,457 people in 2019. Andre worked for several major industrial companies, and as a Certified Welding Educator (CWE), he has more than 30 years of training experience in the welding industry. Miranda possesses more than 2 decades of workforce development and management experience, being a valuable element to IWA’s foundation.

Continuing to meet the industry’s demand for welders, providing higher education in welding is the Industrial Welding Academy (IWA). Since 2007, Andre Horn, founder and CEO and Miranda Horn, vice president, have been dedicated to teaching students the in-demand trade of welding built on their motto of “Integrity With Attitude.”

IWA, for more than a decade with an acclaimed certification program, has proven itself as more than just a welding school, but a proven place for young men and women to get a second chance, being successful in their personal and professional development. Under the direction of the Horns, the curriculum, staff, and instructors are strategic, so the student body feels more like part of a family, beyond the traditional teacherstudent setting. This learning environment is distinct and effectual, perpetually producing graduates who are the future

150

Left to Right: Andre Horn, Desiree Horn, Miranda Horn, Dalton Horn

generation of leaders in the welding profession and in their communities.

“IWA changes the lives of our students by teaching them the valuable skill of welding. And we don’t take it for granted that we are in a city with one of the highest levels of employment in the welding field in the country. Yes, our students have the advantage in that instance, but we understand that the highest level of training needs to be available in order for them to secure gainful employment. IWA is about opening doors for young welders to be the best through our quality welding training environment. When our students gain the confidence career-wise, that also extends into their personal life, building self-esteem. And that is one of

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

the best things to witness.” Andre said.

T he Horn s leading this f a m i ly- ow ne d enterprise prepares not only st udent s, but also the next generation of IWA leadership with their children, Desiree and Dalton Horn showing passion and gaining first-hand experience to be successful in continuing the IWA legacy. “I am more than honored to continue the legacy my parents have created from the ground up. For them to even consider passing the torch to me really means a lot.

I get the privilege to keep this legacy alive and impact the community the same way my parents did,” said Desiree. “IWA is the perfect place to come for those needing a second chance. Regardless of your background, welder qualifications

are based on hands-on training and work ethic. Here at IWA, we focus on book knowledge and hands-on training that you will need in the field,” expressed Dalton.

But the academy’s achievements would not be possible without the IWA educators and support staff. “You can give students requirements, but do they have the tools to meet those demands? I am thankful that IWA’s instructors are providing those necessary tools for our students to succeed in their education and in the real world after they graduate from IWA,” Miranda said. IWA CWEs are credentialed by the American Welding Society (AWS), the multifaceted nonprofit organization advancing the science, technology, and

De th Le tak als leg th on ‘In ch co

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas application of welding and related disciplines all across the country. Working with welders of all levels and companies of all sizes, IWA’s certified welding instructors have more than 50 years of experience in the welding industry.

Ever growing, with a location in Houston and expanding in 2018, with a school now in Beaumont, both stateof-the-art welding schools accommodate an industry-leading student-teacher ratio of 15:1. Training spaces are designed to resemble the job settings in realistic welding conditions and environments.

Students are each assigned a welding machine and welding booth during the course. IWA providing individual booths for students allows them to

Miranda and I are proud of the achievements of IWA, but we are training our children, esiree and Dalton, to build upon he foundation that we have laid. earning the business and what it akes to run a successful school, so earning the opportunity to lead IWA is what will sustain the IWA gacy. Our family and the IWA staff and instructors are dedicated to he philosophy that one’s ability to earn a meaningful income is based n their dedication to learn marketable skills. This is based on our ntegrity With Attitude’ motto. IWA stands on that now, and with our hildren one day taking over the reins, I have no doubt this academy will ontinue to stand on that for years to come.”

—Andre Horn, founder and CEO of the Industrial Welding Academy

Name

are still here and applaud everyone for pushing through to not only continue to keep IWA a success, but to shine the light on our students who worked so hard and 2021 XXXXXXXX deserved this day.

This annual day would not have been possible without AWS, our sponsors, proctors, community partners, instructors, staff, and the high school instructors who brought their students to participate,” expressed Miranda.

Though you may not realize it, welding shapes our communities and everyday lives. And IWA is proud to be instrumental in shaping the lives of the next generation working in this career.

From construction to manufacturing, the demand for welders remains strong.

Salaries are also good, given that many jobs in this arena don’t require an extensive education, with some making a six-figure income. IWA is not just about preparing students for a job, but a career and fulfilling life, conveying the great value of integrity and discipline upon its students.

Because many of the IWA students come from at-risk areas, IWA gives them a deserving second chance to change their lives. “IWA is providing our young people an invaluable opportunity to gain higher education in the welding industry.

Miranda and I, with our children, dedicated instructors, and staff are equipping students to perform their best, because they have the credentials, discipline, experience, welding training, and confidence to excel and exceed expectations as welders,” Andre said.

Andre and Miranda have made IWA more than an academy, but a family-run operation preparing students to be productive assets in the industry and in their communities. It’s a great legacy that will remain standing for years to come, one day being run by their children, Desiree and Dalton, remaining the bridge connecting those needing a second chance to a successful career in this industry.

strengthen their skills received individually as well as collectively. IWA remains committed to providing the superior training and education that is in line with current welding industry needs.

Like many, IWA has had to pivot and adapt amid the pandemic, but the academy shows no signs of yielding, continuing to produce confident and competent welding professionals. “The government required closures during the pandemic did force us to close our doors temporarily for a couple of months, but we took that time to put new procedures into place when able to reopen for our students. We were able to adapt with CDC and state regulations in place for the health and safety of our staff and students to remain productive in IWA’s learning environment,” said Andre. He added, “And with us being in the hub Desiring to meet the steady of the oil and gas and petrochemical demand for welders, IWA has future core, there remains continuous career plans to open additional facilities opportunities for our students after they throughout the city and state. For graduate. We had no choice but to adapt more information about IWA, please to the current times. If you don’t adapt, visit www.iwatraining.com or email you get left behind, and there was no mybestwelding@iwatraining.com. choice but for us to reopen and push Sources: through. We owed that to the students, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics staff, and to the community.”

Data USA IWA proves to be a worthy driving Zippia force in educating our next generation of welders, recently holding their Annual Student Welder Certification Day, hosting aspiring welders from Houston and the surrounding areas to test for certifications at their Houston location. “This annual event was especially important, being that we all have had to overcome challenges brought about by COVID-19. Our students, instructors, and staff had to adapt as well, and we understand that. But we TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY

151

d-mars.com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas

152

TOP 50 BLACK P&E 2022 - 10TH ANNIVERSARY