Cylenthia Hoyrd

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 health services.

Hoyrd’s leadership truly blossomed at Catholic Charities, where she directed Chicago’s largest Head Start program, providing over 1,500 children, ages five and younger, with early childhood development and vital supportive services. She pioneered a groundbreaking Women, Infants, and Children (Wic) Immunization Initiative. Her strategic focus then transformed resident services as Chief of Resident Programs for the Chicago Housing Authority, creating a one-stop Service Connector Model that dramatically improved the lives of 25,000 residents. In 2000, as Assistant Commissioner for the Mayor’s Senior Initiatives, she oversaw the development of ten award-winning Senior Satellite Centers and championed affordable housing solutions for grandparents raising grandchildren — a profound testament to her deep empathy and commitment.

In 2012, Houston welcomed Hoyrd’s expertise to the Houston Public Library. There, she spearheaded the Broadband Technology Opportunity Program, creating 90 public computer labs that became crucial digital learning hubs. Her influence continued to grow when she led the opening of cafécollege Houston in 2015. The program connected over 1,200 students to college opportunities and secured vital scholarships and grants in its first year of operation. She also served as an Adjunct Professor of Grant Writing and Community Assessment for the University of Phoenix for three years. Hoyrd has also been an owner and partner in several successful business ventures over the years, including a commercial cleaning service, an accounting firm, childcare provision, and business consulting and development where she enjoys shepherding new businesses.

By 2023, Hoyrd reached another pinnacle as the Director of the Office of Business Opportunity, overseeing Houston’s Minority, Women, and Small Business Enterprise (Mwsbe) program. With over 5,000 certified businesses under her purview, it’s the largest municipal program of its kind in Texas, directly fostering economic growth and equitable opportunity.

Hoyrd’s dedication to serving others extends beyond her professional life, showcased by her volunteer leadership. As Ceo and Founder of the LeadHer Tour, she empowers women. Her empathetic spirit shines through her role of leading her church’s Divorce Care Ministry. Hoyrd also powerfully advocates for crime survivors as the Houston Chapter Coordinator for Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice.

Adding to her impressive portfolio, she recently co-founded LipStick Leaders, an invaluable network supporting executive women. Her service to others began in college as a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

But above all her professional triumphs, Hoyrd cherishes her role as a mother to four beautiful daughters, who are undoubtedly her greatest joy.