Lenora Sorola-Pohlman is a second-generation native Houstonian, born and raised in Houston’s East End barrio. Lenora has been a licensed insurance broker since 1996, a small business owner of Sorola Insurance Services LLC, and currently works with Navarro Insurance Group. She began her career at Travelers Insurance in the late 80’s during the HMO boom. Lenora brings with her over thirty years of experience in the insurance industry. She has worked both with carriers and brokers and has performed many roles from implementation to management to sales.
Lenora began working at the City of Houston in 1980 and it was here that she realized how few women held positions of leadership. Lenora developed an interest in what has now become a life-long passion for community activism, mentorship, and the empowerment of others. Over the years, Lenora has worked diligently in the community by giving voices to the voiceless on issues affecting the Hispanic community, women, children, and families. The importance of unity and mentorship became core values for Lenora. As she became more involved in her community, she realized that it was no longer acceptable for a woman to just have a “seat” at the table, but that she must also be “heard” at the table.
Lenora serves her community, giving countless hours back to her church, local civic organizations, nonprofits, and the business community. She is currently serving as Co-Chair of Mayor Sylvester Turner’s Hispanic Advisory Board (MHAB) and has served as a MHAB board member to the past five Mayors of Houston; the Chair for the City Park TIRZ #12; as a Trustee and Vice President for the Houston Foundation, City of Houston; the President-Elect of the Women Contractors Association; a Board Member for the City of Houston’s OBO Contract Compliance Commission; a Board Member for the METRO Hispanic Advisory Board; a Board Member for the Houston Minority Supplier Development Council (HMSDC)-Governmental Affairs Committee; a Board Member for the Hispanic Officer of the Year Committee-Houston Police Department. She continues as an active member of the East End Chamber, Greater Northside Chamber and Houston West Chamber.
One of Lenora’s greatest passions is the mentorship of Latinas. She has served as a mentor to several Hispanic elected officials and continues to provide members of various organizations with the knowledge and expertise she has gained over the years. Lenora’s hope is that they too can learn to serve and to empower others. Lenora’s activism, reputation, and accomplishments along with the impact she has made in the community have been recognized with the Yolanda Black Navarro Community Legacy Award, the Comcast Hispanic Hero Award, the Houston Estrellas de Tejas Award, the Navidad En El Barrio Vida Award, Woman of the Year in Our Community by Solo Mujeres Magazine, and being named one of 50 Most Influential Women of 2016 by Houston Woman Magazine.
Lenora married John Pohlman in 1990. John was a Sergeant in the Houston Police Department and retired from the force after 49 years of service. John passed away in 2020.
Lenora Sorola-Pohlman
Broker Consultant
Navarro Insurance Group
9235 Katy Freeway, #100
Houston, Texas 77024
713-628-7500
