“Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.” – Oprah Winfrey Icon Honorees: Dr. Alma A. Allen – State Representative, Texas House District 131 Anna M. Babin – President and CEO, United Way of Greater Houston Cheryl D. Creuzot – President and Chief Executive Officer, Wealth Development Strategies, LLC…
In 1990, Clarease Rankin Yates was the first African-American woman to be appointed to the United States Immigration. Yates is the founder/director of Let the Fashions Begin-Men of Style. This 501(c) (3) corporation has raised funds for Sickle Cell Research for the past 19 years. The funds raised from this event have been instrumental in…
For more than 30 years Merele Yarborough’s passion has been her community service involvement. Her personal proverb is “the strength of one’s commitment gives birth to the realization of another’s dream,” and it has been her catalyst. Through her charitable efforts she has helped raise millions of dollars for community needs and scholarships Yarborough is…
Donna Sims Wilson is the president of Smith Graham & Co. Investment Advisors, L.P., a $6 billion investment management firm in its 28th year of operation. Wilson is responsible for business development, marketing and client relations. She also works in conjunction with the chairman and CEO on new product development and short and long-term strategies…
McKemie joined Sonic Automotive in 2008. She has held several senior management roles including Divisional Vice President which included the operational and financial oversight of Sonic’s 104 dealerships. She is currently the Senior Regional Vice President for Sonic’s Texas region which is comprised of 20 dealerships and Sonic’s most profitable region. McKemie initially joined Sonic…
Cheryl D. Creuzot is a 35-year industry veteran, wife, mother and current president and chief executive officer of Wealth Development Strategies, LLC. Wealth Development Strategies, one of Houston’s oldest comprehensive financial planning firms, offers contemporary personalized solutions for individuals and business professionals who wish to protect, grow and efficiently distribute their wealth. Creuzot serves as…
Anna M. Babin was named President and CEO of United Way of Greater Houston in August 2005. As chief executive of the nation’s third largest United Way, Babin blends sound business acumen with a deep understanding of community needs. Working closely with corporate and community advisors, she led the organization through the development of three…
Prior to being elected to the Texas House of Representatives, State Representative Dr. Alma A. Allen served on the State Board of Education for over 10 years. She currently serves as vice chair of the House Committee on Corrections C and is a member of the House Committee on Public Education and the Committee on…
The Honorable Shelia Jackson Lee Community Achievement Award Recipient Dr. Betty N. Adams is professor and dean of Prairie View A&M University College of Nursing. In her leadership of 18 years, Dr. Adams has led in the expansion of programs at the baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral levels. She also tripled enrollment and graduates, appointed a…
Dr. Nancy C. Yuill is the president of Chamberlain University College of Nursing Pearland campus, bringing more than 40 years of academic and leadership experience to the position. In her current role, Yuill oversees curriculum implementation, delivery of student services, growth and development of regional clinical partnerships and management of day-to-day campus operations. Prior to…