Deshonda P. Charles, Esq., was an award-winning attorney, seasoned entrepreneur and respected community leader with more than 23 years of legal experience. As the founder and CEO…

Dr. Liza Alonzo is a native Houstonian who grew up in southeast Houston and attended HISD schools. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from the…

Dr. De’Monica Cooper Amerson is an accomplished educational executive, school improvement leader, and leadership coach with more than 24 years of progressive experience transforming schools, developing leaders,…

Throughout her distinguished twenty‑five‑year career, Emily C. Anderson, P.E., P.Eng., P.M.P., has spearheaded transformative infrastructure initiatives across the United States and internationally, including work in Iraq, the…

Born in Venezuela, Paola Barbieri’s early life was shaped by an international upbringing that spanned three countries and two continents. As a child, she moved with her…

Every interaction matters. That belief has guided Kathleen Brown throughout her distinguished career as an educational leader dedicated to empowering students, developing leaders, and strengthening communities. A…

Constable Kathryn “Kat” Brown is a dedicated public servant, seasoned law enforcement executive, and community advocate serving her second term as the elected Constable of Bexar County…

Niki Conner is a respected compliance leader whose career reflects the power of purpose driven leadership, regulatory expertise, and a deep commitment to fair and responsible banking…

Senator Molly Cook is a sixth-generation Texan, born and raised in the Houston area. She is a registered nurse and grassroots organizer. She earned her nursing degree…

Sara Lujan Donatto serves as the Assistant Vice Chancellor and Assistant Vice President for Local Relations and Strategic Initiatives at the University of Houston System, where she…

Soudabeh Eskandari is an accomplished healthcare construction executive with more than 24 years of experience leading complex capital projects that improve healthcare delivery and strengthen communities. As…

Erika Fisher, DNP, is a nationally recognized healthcare executive recognized for operational excellence, transformational leadership, and a steadfast commitment to advancing women’s and children’s health. With more…

Esther Francis is an accomplished aviation and infrastructure executive with more than 30 years of experience leading complex capital programs, construction management initiatives, and organizational governance efforts…

Juliana Garaizar is an internationally recognized venture capital leader, entrepreneur and innovation strategist dedicated to advancing technologies that drive economic growth, sustainability and global impact. Based in…

Lilia Gibson, Managing Partner for Linebarger’s Houston area offices and member of the firm’s Management Committee, is a distinguished attorney with over 25 years of legal representation…

Samantha Goldstein, Co-Owner & Managing Partner at The GoldHam Group, has over two decades of experience guiding CEOs and senior leaders at Fortune 500 companies, including Interstate…

Alma González was born in Monterrey, Mexico, and is recognized as one of the pioneers in the development and establishment of Mexican restaurants in Houston, Texas. With…

Gina Goosby-Harris graduated from S.P. Waltrip High School, attended the University of Houston–Downtown, where she studied Business Administration, and earned a certification in Payroll Administration through Texas…

Dr. Lisa Graham-Garza has brought more than 25 years of achievement in healthcare, community development, philanthropy, and leadership across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. A graduate…

Dr. Karen Gray Gomez is an accomplished physician executive, healthcare leader, and passionate community advocate whose career has been defined by compassionate service, visionary leadership, and an…

Samica Knight is an Emmy-nominated journalist and trusted television news anchor whose career has been defined by a passion for storytelling, investigative reporting and serving the communities…

Perla J. Lane is the Executive Director of Facilities, Planning, and Construction Department for Aldine Independent School District in Houston, Texas. She is a seasoned, highly motivated,…

Gillian Levi, M.Ed. is the Founder and CEO of Odigo Services LLC, dba Odigo Learning, a construction company and contractor training, consulting, and workforce development firm dedicated…

Dr. Rhonda D. Mason is an accomplished educational leader with more than 25 years of experience in public education and a deep commitment to students, families, and…

Dr. Alexia McClerkin, DC, APRN, FNP-BC is a visionary healthcare leader, entrepreneur, and community advocate who has dedicated her career to transforming lives through innovation, compassionate care,…

Jacqueline Miller attended Prairie View A&M University and earned her bachelor’s degree in finance/ banking and MBA in Business Administration. Nominated for the Joe Biden Presidential Lifetime…

Dr. Michelle Howze Moore is a board-certified Pelvic Health Physical Therapist, entrepreneur, and community leader dedicated to advancing women’s health and wellness. She is the Founder and…

Mayor Charlotte Moses is a visionary leader, dedicated public servant, minister, entrepreneur, and community advocate whose life has been defined by a commitment to serving others with…

Essence Nixon is redefining what modern leadership looks like— connecting healthcare innovation, entrepreneurship, and global impact to create opportunities that transform lives. For more than two decades,…

Renee Jefferson Patterson is a visionary entrepreneur, esteemed community leader, and distinguished advocate for transformative design and social impact. Born and raised in the historic Acres Homes…

Melanie Perez is an entrepreneur, business leader, mentor, and community advocate whose journey is defined by resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to serving others. As the…

Courtney Isaak Pichon is the CEO of Good Reason Houston, a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring every child, in every neighborhood, excels in a world-class public school and…

Billyssia Pierce is the Founder and CEO of Bee Fit Foods, one of Houston’s largest healthy meal prep companies, serving thousands of customers each year through retail…

Named one of the Houston Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40, Q. Olivia Rivers is an award winning nonprofit executive, international speaker, leadership consultant, and advocate dedicated…

Daria Russell currently serves as Executive Vice President, Legal and General Counsel of Mattress Firm, Inc. A trusted member of the company’s executive leadership team, she oversees…

Phyllis Saathoff has dedicated more than three decades to advancing Texas’ maritime industry through thoughtful leadership, sound financial management and commitment to creating long-term value for the…

Sana Sabharwal is a Principal at Stantec, one of the world’s leading architecture, engineering, and design firms, where she leads the Interior Design Studio in Houston, and…

Myriam Saldívar is an accomplished public servant, executive leader, and community strategist whose career has been defined by a steadfast commitment to public service, civic engagement, and…

Dr. JaQuoia “JQ” Sylvester is a visionary leader, executive coach, educator, published author, and Doctor of Social Work dedicated to empowering individuals, strengthening organizations, and advancing equitable…

Cherina Thomas is the Chief Operating Officer and Co-Owner of Fillette Green Shipping Services (USA) Corp., believed to be the nation’s only African American-owned full-service vessel agency…

Dr. Marlen J. Trujillo is a nationally recognized public health leader, healthcare executive and community advocate dedicated to expanding access to quality healthcare and reducing health disparities…

Lauren E. Waddell is the founder and managing attorney of Waddell Law Firm, P.C., a Houston-based boutique family law firm dedicated to helping clients navigate some of…

Renee Watson – Responsibilities include coordinating, facilitating, implementing and monitoring the County’s Small, Local and Veterans Business Enterprise (SLOVBE) Program, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Liaison and Title…

Chelsea Wauson has been working in labor relations for almost twenty years, representing management as the Senior Vice President of Labor Relations for the West Gulf Maritime…

Raye L. White is a Houston leader, entrepreneur, and community advocate whose impact spans corporate leadership, nonprofit service, and women’s empowerment. A Louisiana native, she has called…

Aleader in home and community based care, Dr. Tjwana Wilson is the founder and chief executive officer of Wilson Family Caring Center Inc., one of Texas’ fastest…