Nicole Lander is a bold strategist and compassionate changemaker whose work is reshaping how communities confront hunger. As Chief Impact Officer at the Houston Food Bank, she brings over 20 years of experience in food systems, public health, and nonprofit leadership to one of the largest food banks in the nation. A registered dietitian by…
Committed to transforming lives through mental healthcare, innovation, and community empowerment, Dr. Cosha Joseph is a highly accomplished entrepreneur, licensed professional counselor, and visionary leader. Originally from Zachary, La, Dr. Joseph has turned personal adversity into a platform for meaningful change, becoming a recognized trailblazer in both mental health and entrepreneurship. As the founder and…
A dynamic healthcare executive and accomplished entrepreneur, Qiana James is known known for building impactful relationships across a wide range of industries. With a strong foundation in leadership, mentoring, and professional development, Qiana is a driven visionary and full of energy — traits that define both her personal and professional journey. She holds a Bba…
Cylenthia Hoyrd is a visionary leader whose career spans over three decades of unwavering dedication to championing underserved communities. Hoyrd’s impactful journey began in Chicago, where she advocated tirelessly for the disenfranchised. Her early work as a Program Monitor for the Illinois Department of Public Health laid the groundwork for nonprofits to deliver vital public…
Jennine Hovell-Cox is a seasoned attorney and executive leader with over two decades of legal experience in real estate, bankruptcy, and corporate governance. She currently serves as the Senior Vice President and General Counsel of the Houston Housing Authority (Hha). In her role at Hha, Hovell-Cox focuses on transparency, accountability, and a commitment to serving…
Laura Urquiza Gump serves as President of Kroger Houston — a division of The Kroger Co. (Nyse: Kr) — where she leads 106 stores across Houston, East Texas, and Southwest Louisiana. In this role, she is responsible for setting the division’s strategic direction, driving market growth, and overseeing a team of more than 14,000 associates…
Adaeze Egesi, Md, Mba, Faad was born and raised in Houston, Tx by her immigrant Nigerian parents. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She then attended the internationally recognized Baylor College of Medicine for her medical education, where she graduated at the top of…
Susan O. Edionwe, MD, FACS, DipABLM is a board-certified Otolaryngologist and fellowship-trained Advanced Rhinologist and Skull Base Surgeon, proudly serving the Sugar Land and Houston communities. Her clinical expertise spans allergy care, sinus surgery, and complex skull base procedures—delivered with compassion, innovation, and precision. She is the founder of Blue Ribbon ENT, Allergy & Sinus…
An accomplished media personality, Kandi Eastman enjoyed success as a station manager and news director at Boston’s 104.9 (WRBB-FM). Before gracing the studios of the city’s top-rated college station, she held on-air positions at 1090 (WILD-AM) in Boston, 97.5 (WQOK-FM) in Raleigh, NC, and 102.9 (WOWI-FM) in Norfolk, VA. Eastman left the east coast and…
Holly Dool is the Founder and President of CAMO Rescue, a specialized dog rescue organization that offers dogs a safe haven and housing. With an annual budget of $1.2 million, the organization rescues approximately 1,200 dogs a year from the streets and high-kill shelters. Dool said she never intended to work in rescue, but sometimes…
