From a boat refugee fleeing a war-torn country to an award-winning journalist and now a celebrated educator and nonprofit executive, Andrea Nguyen came from a humble beginning before becoming a formative and effective leader in the world of education foundations. Andrea was a child on a small boat of 15 Vietnamese refugees that escaped Communist…
Raised in Slidell, Louisiana, a suburb of New Orleans, Melinda Faust was the 4th of 5 children born to George and Marilyn Faust. Melinda moved to Houston, Texas, in 1998 to begin her career in oil & gas. Melinda began her career in the oil and gas industry with a small offshore independent contractor. She…
Jamie Jordan is a practicing family law attorney and community service advocate in the Greater Houston area. A native North Dakotan, she was born and raised in a small farming community and earned her bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration and Nursing from Minnesota State University Moorhead. Jamie worked as a nurse on a medical/surgical unit…
In Dr. Reagan Flowers’ current role as Chief Knowledge Officer for Education Consulting Services, she provides education innovation, diversity and inclusion, and workforce development advisory services to clients, including national foundations, educational institutions, and Fortune 500 companies. In addition to her professional work, she is also active on the frontlines of education and workforce development…
Molly Waits leads Houston Airports’ Marketing, Air Service Development and Communications, MAC, division. She’s a passionate aviation professional with 22 years in the industry, including 16 years with Houston Airports. With a track record of proven success, Waits brings a collaborative and cohesive management approach to her role in leading the division. Waits is responsible…
As Deputy Director of the Houston Airport System, Saba manages the External Affairs division for Global Industry Relations, Government Affairs and Community Engagement. She leads a variety of Business Development initiatives that together, provide a vital support for new and expanded air service in Houston. Saba actively participates in efforts to retain, expand and relocate…
Christian, humanitarian, and commitment to helping others are all metaphors used when describing Janice Weaver. She is known for her tireless good works in the community. With a vast amount of corporate and community outreach experience, she currently serves as the Director of Community Relations for the City of Houston and Mayor Sylvester Turner. Previously,…
Since December 2018, Tamla Oates-Forney has served as Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer of Waste Management Inc. (NYSE: WM). She drives an innovative, people-first strategy focused on making the company of nearly 50,000 employees an employer of choice and a great place to work. Reporting directly to the CEO, Mrs. Oates-Forney uses her…
Veronica Chapa Gorczynski is the President of the East End District, a geographic area serving approximately 16 square miles east of downtown Houston. The District’s services include public safety programs, an award-winning graffiti abatement program, maintenance of major thoroughfares, and disposal of illegally dumped trash. The District’s grant-funded capital program focuses on connecting neighborhoods and…
Raynese Edwards is the CEO and Chief Strategy Consultant for OutsideIn Consulting, LLC, an award-winning Public Engagement and Community outreach company. A Houstonian, by way of Joliet, Illinois, she has lived in the Houston area for more than 25 years. Raynese leverages her 30-year career to make communications seamless for the businesses she serves. From…