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 more than 40 years of experience in the restaurant industry, she has built a legacy defined by entrepreneurship, perseverance, and a deep commitment to family and community. Mrs….
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 Batteries, 7-Eleven, McKesson, and PepsiCo-FritoLay, among others. With expertise in translating complex business challenges into clear, compelling strategies, Sam works alongside clients to build alignment, inspire confidence, and…
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 of Texas public entities. Born in Harlingen, Texas, Lilia learned early the value of leadership and hands-on service through transformative youth experiences like the Mission Service Project and…
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 Houston, she has spent her career building innovation ecosystems throughout the world, connecting entrepreneurs with capital and accelerating the commercialization of transformative technologies across the energy, climate technology,…
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 across the aviation, transportation, higher education, and public infrastructure sectors. As Chief Executive Officer and Principal-in-Charge of Fronza & Francis, LLC, she provides executive leadership, strategic oversight, and…
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 than two decades of experience across academic medicine, community health, and military service, she has built a distinguished career leading complex healthcare operations, driving organizational performance, and translating…
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 Director of Facilities Construction, she leads two of Harris Health’s most transformative initiatives—the LBJ Campus Expansion and Legacy Renovation—part of a $2.2 billion capital program that will shape…
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 leads the operational strategy and community relations efforts for the Department of Government and Community Relations. With nearly two decades of higher education experience and extensive leadership expertise,…
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 from the University of Texas at Austin and her dual nursing and public health graduate degree from Johns Hopkins University. As an emergency room nurse and grassroots organizer,…
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. As Director of Fair & Responsible Banking at Charles Schwab Bank, she helps lead work that supports fair treatment, client trust, and strong governance across key banking programs….
