Argentina M. James

Argentina M. James is the visionary founder, president and CEO of HillDay Public Relations, an award-winning firm renowned for its expertise in strategic public relations and supplier diversity. With over 34 years in the public relations industry, Ms. James has guided HillDay from its inception in 2010 to a leadership position in managing large-scale public infrastructure projects and sophisticated corporate communication strategies. The firm serves distinguished clients, including the City of Houston, City of San Antonio, TxDOT, METRO, HNTB, and prominent construction companies such as Hensel Phelps, McCarthy, Manhattan, and Turner Construction.

An alumna of Texas Southern University, Ms. James earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Speech Communications. Her educational background has been essential in shaping her nuanced approach to public involvement, enabling her to lead community engagement and marketing initiatives that resonate with diverse populations effectively.

Before establishing HillDay, Ms. James was the Vice President of Public Affairs at the Port of Houston Authority, where she directed successful initiatives generating over $2 billion in economic development. Under her stewardship, HillDay has excelled in public involvement, communications, and compliance for significant infrastructure, transportation, and construction projects. Currently, the firm engages in delivering comprehensive public engagement, supplier diversity, and contract compliance services for projects totaling $17.5 billion. Her strategic leadership in public engagement has consistently secured necessary regulatory and environmental approvals.

Ms. James’ commitment extends beyond her professional achievements to deep involvement in community and industry organizations. She serves as a member-at-large for the COMTO Houston Chapter, secretary of the NAACP Houston Branch, and is an active member of the Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy, National Association of Minority Contractors, and Women in Transportation’s Houston Chapter. Additionally, she is affiliated with the Public Relations Society of America’s Houston Chapter, Missouri City (Texas) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, and is a life member of both Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and the Texas Southern University Alumni Association Houston Chapter.

Her community service includes significant leadership and fundraising efforts that have raised $75 million for various local charities. Alongside her husband, Roger S. Harris, she co-chaired the highly successful NAACP Centennial Freedom Fund Awards Dinner, significantly enhancing both funds raised and event attendance, embodying her motto, “Lift as you climb.”

Ms. James values her family life, skillfully balancing her demanding career with her role as a devoted wife and mother to her children, Argentina Taylor James and Colen J. James, and stepmother to Mia and Megan Harris. Her dedication to her family underscores her belief in the profound role of support systems in achieving both professional success and personal satisfaction.