Kerrie Patterson-Brown, Ed.D. is a visionary and trailblazer in the field of education and athletics. A former collegiate athlete, she played basketball for Texas A&M University, where she not only excelled on the court but also demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities that would serve as the foundation for her future endeavors. After completing her college education,…
Melissa Duarte has served communities and students for the past 32 years through her career in education. She began as a middle school teacher. During her tenure she has taught elementary, middle school, high school, college, and university level students. She has been a curriculum coordinator, executive director, assistant superintendent, deputy superintendent and currently superintendent…
Tracey Prince’s reach and accomplishments are widespread, encompassing education, business, telecommunications, politics, and public service. As Sr. Director of Government Relations for Houston First Corporation, the City of Houston’s official marketing organization, she has been a key player in promoting Houston worldwide, attracting businesses, and helping to make Houston one of the nation’s best cities…
Like many Houstonians, Dr. Letitia Plummer was raised in a multicultural household, an enriching experience that has deeply shaped her life and career. Born to an African American father and a Yemeni-Indian mother, she grew up in an environment founded on strong principles of opposing injustice and actively speaking out against it. Her upbringing has…
Mrs. Paula Patterson is a public education innovator and advocate, who is passionately living out her mission to grow all students. Mrs. Patterson is the Superintendent of Schools for Crosby Independent School District, a mid-sized district in East Harris County, just outside of Houston. Superintendent Patterson has returned to her hometown for the third time…
Sineria Ordóñez, MSPM comes from a big family, being one of seven siblings and was raised by a single mother. With limited resources after immigrating to the United States and with the will to pave new roads, Sineria and her family made Texas their home. Her mother, without knowing it, had planted seeds of entrepreneurship…
Quianta Moore MD, JD, is the Executive Director of The Hackett Center for Mental Health and the Executive Vice President of Health Equity at Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute. Under Dr. Moore’s leadership, The Hackett Center is focused on creating transformative change for mental and relational health by co-creating evidence-based, community-informed policies, programs, and practices…
Lilyanne McClean has recently been named the new Senior Vice President of Global Public Policy and Government Affairs at Fuel Cell Energy. She has over 30 years of business, policy and communications experience and an established reputation as a “game changer,” capable of implementing complex strategies and driving stakeholder support. Prior to joining Fuel Cell…
Holds over 17 years of experience in the Human Resources field, specializing in overseeing entire HR operations departments, supporting C-Suite professionals, and internal HR communications. She directs and provides leadership in HR strategy, best practices, policy, and training. Her expertise is in fostering strong HR platforms, building solid employee relations, and facilitating mediation and negotiation…
Dr. Nia Johnson-Jones is a native of the Washington, DC area. She completed her undergraduate studies at Xavier University of Louisiana with a BS in Biology finishing with highest honors (Summa Cum Laude). She earned her medical degree at Temple University College of medicine in Philadelphia where she graduated in the top 25% of her…