Merinda Watkins-Martin is a Houston native who was born and raised in Acres Homes. She is a graduate of Rice University. Merinda has been actively involved in the community for decades. She began volunteering during her time at Rice when she founded and managed a tutoring program, Knowledge Club, for Osborne Elementary and Wesley Elementary….
Dr. Tragil Wade-Johnson is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, inspirational speaker, life coach, and author with a passion to improve the quality of life through educating, empowering, encouraging, and enlightening as many people as possible. Tragil’s career as a leader in philanthropy started over 15 years ago, serving as the Executive Director of Wade’s World Foundation. She…
Carla Tharp serves as vice president of corporate development for Apache Corporation, an oil and gas exploration and production company with a longstanding presence in Houston. For nearly three decades, Carla has dedicated herself to an industry vital to the growth and prosperity of our city, working in energy valuations and transactions as a successful…
As a child, growing up in Houston’s Denver Harbor and Fifth Ward and witnessing the poverty and struggles of so many, Adriana Tamez was perplexed and often pondered: How can I help, what can I do, to make this situation better? The answers came as her siblings and she stood in the shadows of their…
Juliet K. Stipeche was born and raised in the East End of Houston, Texas, and is the daughter of immigrant parents from Argentina and Mexico. In 1992, Juliet graduated valedictorian of the High School for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice and earned a scholarship to Rice University, graduating with a B.A., magna cum laude, in…
Cindy Siegel is a Certified Public Accountant with almost 39 years of experience. She has owned a public accounting firm for 31 years that provides accounting and tax services for small businesses and individuals. Cindy currently is the Chairman of the Harris County Republican Party and has been an active grassroots activist for many years. She…
Karen Scott, an accomplished female entrepreneur, and proud veteran continues to break glass ceilings in this male-dominated construction industry as the owner, founder, and CEO of KNS Industrial Supply (KNS). Founded in California in 2016, KNS is a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and Woman/Minority Business Enterprise (WMBE) with a new location in Houston,…
LaShaunda P. René (LPR), Vice President, Texas Market for TruFund Financial Services a National, Nonprofit, Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), certified by the US Treasury. LaShaunda leads market operations and strategy, including brand ambassadorship, partnership and funder cultivation, resource, business, and program development, in addition to market expansion in the Texas Region. LaShaunda enjoys being…
Bhakti Salunkhe Puranik thrives at developing innovative ideas, programs, and services that engage students within the local and global community. As Executive Director of the Puranik Foundation, she oversees operations, program development, and partnerships with a creative vision to inspire the next generation to lead, serve, and connect. Founded over 22 years ago by Bhakti’s…
Kisha is the Head of Chase Consumer Retail Banking and Small Business Customer Service and All Online Support leading an organization of over 5,000 employees around the world who are focused on delivering an excellent experience to our 50 million plus Chase customers. Prior to this role, Kisha served as Regional Director Banking managing 14…