OF TEXAS
2026
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ShesGotInfluence.com
THE 2026 TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
The Honorable Sheila Jackson Lee Community Achievement Award
Posthumous Honoree Deshonda P. Charles, Esq. CEO, D. Charles & Associates, PLLC, 2023 Top 30 Influential Woman & SGI Advisory Member
Constable Kathryn “Kat” Brown Precinct 4 Bexar County
Juliana Garaizar Venture Capitalist & General Partner Portfolia
Samica Knight
News Anchor KTRK Television - ABC 13
Mayor Charlotte Moses City of Port Arthur
Niki Conner
Director, Fair & Responsible Banking Charles Schwab Bank
Lilia Gibson
Managing Partner Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP
Perla J. Lane
Executive Director of Facilities, Planning & Construction Aldine ISD
Essence Nixon
Director of Healthcare Transformation & Emerging Markets
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
Daria Russell
Executive Vice President, Legal & General Counsel Mattress Firm, Inc.
Phyllis Saathoff
Executive Director & CEO Port Freeport
Lauren E. Waddell
Founder & Managing Attorney Waddell Law Firm, P.C.
Dr. Liza Alonzo
AVP, Presidential Affairs & Constituent Relations University of Houston-Downtown
Honorable Molly Cook State Senator District 15 Texas Senate
Samantha Goldstein
Dr. De’Monica Cooper Amerson
Executive Director, School Improvement & Support Spring ISD Office of Transformation
Sara Lujan Donatto
AVC/AVP Government and Community Relations University of Houston System
Alma González
Emily Anderson, P.E., P.Eng., P.M.P
Paola Barbieri
Vice President & Senior Client Advisor
Attorney Attorney General’s Office
Soudabeh Eskandari
Erika Fisher, DNP
Halff Associates, Inc.
Senior Director of Ambulatory Services
Texas Children’s Hospital
CEO Fronza & Francis, LLC
Dr. Karen J. Gray Gomez
Gina Goosby-Harris
Director Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
Dr. Lisa Graham-Garza
The GoldHam Group
Owner Mamacita’s & El Jardin Restaurants
Gillian Levi, M.Ed.
Dr. Rhonda D. Mason
Dr. Alexia McClerkin, DC, APRN, FNP-BC
Dr. (H.C.) Jacqueline Miller, MBA, BBA
Renee Jefferson Patterson
Trustee, District II Houston City College
Sana Sabharwal
Interior Design Principal Stantec
Renee Watson Director
Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department Bexar County
Superintendent Alvin ISD
Melanie Perez
Co-Owner & Administrative Director
Leo & Mel’s Gardening Services, LLC
Myriam Saldívar
Trustee-Vice Chair Lone Star College System
Chelsea Wauson
Senior VP Labor Relations West Gulf Maritime Association (WGMA)
Esther Francis
Director of Construction Harris Health
Co-Owner & Managing Partner
CEO Odigo Services, LLC dba Odigo Learning
Kathleen Brown
Deputy Superintendent of Operations Fort Bend ISD
Author & Founder Autism Rescue Angels
Physician & Medical Director Centene Corporation
Dr. Michelle Howze Moore
Owner The Sports and Wellness Doc
President & CEO Optimal In Home Care, Inc.
Founder, CEO & Clinical Director Distinctive Physical Therapy and Wellness Center
Courtney Isaak Pichon
Billyssia Pierce
Q. Olivia Rivers
CEO Good Reason Houston
Dr. JaQuoia “JQ” Sylvester Program Delivery Lead Humana
Raye L. White
Global Project Manager Shell USA
Founder & CEO Bee Fit Foods
Cherina Thomas COO & Co-Owner
Fillette Green Shipping Services (USA) Corp.
Dr. Tjwana Wilson
CEO Wilson Family Caring Center, Inc.
CEO The Bridge Over Troubled Waters
Dr. Marlen J. Trujillo
CEO Spring Branch Community Health Center
TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
MESSAGE FROM THE
PRESIDENT & CEO, MR. D-MARS
F
or more than a decade, the Top 30 Influential Women of Texas Awards Gala has celebrated women whose leadership, determination and commitment to service have transformed businesses, strengthened communities and inspired others to pursue excellence. Tonight, we proudly continue that tradition by recognizing 30 remarkable women whose influence reaches
far beyond their professions and into the lives of countless individuals across our great state. Leadership is not defined by a title or position—it is demonstrated through character, vision and the willingness to serve others. The women we honor this evening represent a diverse range of industries, backgrounds and experiences, yet they share a common purpose: using their talents to create opportunities, solve challenges and leave their communities stronger than they found them. We believe that recognition has the power to inspire. When we celebrate leaders who lead with integrity, resilience and compassion, we encourage others to dream bigger, work harder and embrace the responsibility of lifting others along the way. These women remind us that success is most meaningful when it creates pathways for future generations to follow.
Each honoree has overcome obstacles, embraced new opportunities and remained steadfast in her pursuit of excellence. Whether serving in business, education, healthcare, law, government, construction, transportation, nonprofit leadership, media or entrepreneurship, they exemplify what it means to lead with purpose and make a lasting difference. As we celebrate the 13th Annual Top 30 Influential Women of Texas Awards Gala, I encourage each of you to reflect on the impact one person can have through courage, service and unwavering dedication. May the accomplishments of this year's honorees inspire all of us to continue building stronger businesses, stronger communities and a brighter future for Texas. Congratulations to each of our distinguished honorees. Thank you for your leadership, your perseverance and your commitment to making a positive impact. Your legacy is already shaping tomorrow, and we are honored to celebrate your remarkable achievements. May God continue to bless you as you inspire others through your example and your service. Sincerely,
MR. D-MARS President & CEO Vaskey Media Group, Inc. Parent Company of Top 30 Women, She's Got Influence, d-mars.com, and Subcontractors USA-Texas
I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples. — Mother Teresa —
1 OF TEXAS
2026
TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
MESSAGE FROM CHIEF OF STAFF
KIMBERLY FLOYD
I
t is both an honor and a privilege to welcome you to the 13th Annual Top 30 Influential Women of Texas Awards Gala, where we celebrate extraordinary women whose leadership, vision and service continue to transform communities across our great state. For thirteen years, this signature event has recognized women whose influence extends far beyond their professions. It has become a celebration of excellence, resilience and service, honoring leaders who are shaping industries, strengthening communities and inspiring future generations to pursue lives of purpose and impact. Tonight, we recognize more than professional accomplishments— we celebrate women whose influence extends far beyond the titles they hold. Each honoree has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence while uplifting others, creating opportunities and leaving a lasting impact in business, education, healthcare, government, entrepreneurship, nonprofit leadership and countless other industries. True influence is measured not only by personal success, but by the lives we inspire, the barriers we break and the legacy we leave behind. The women we honor this evening exemplify servant leadership, resilience and purpose. They understand that leadership is not simply about reaching the top, it is about extending a hand to help others rise along the way. As we celebrate the remarkable achievements of this year's honorees, let us also recognize the responsibility we all share to mentor, encourage and invest in the next generation of women leaders. Every act of courage, every opportunity created and every life impacted contributes to a stronger, more inclusive future for Texas. To our 2026 Top 30 Influential Women of Texas honorees, thank you for your vision, your perseverance and your commitment to making a difference. Your leadership inspires progress, your service strengthens our communities and your accomplishments remind us that one person's influence can create a ripple effect that changes countless lives. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition. May you continue to lead with integrity, inspire with purpose and leave an enduring legacy for generations to come. With sincere admiration and appreciation,
KIMBERLY FLOYD Chief of Staff & Managing Editor Vaskey Media Group, Inc. Parent Company of Top 30 Women, She's Got Influence, d-mars.com, and Subcontractors USA-Texas.
What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.
— Dr. Jane Goodall — 2 OF TEXAS
2026 2023
TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
HONORARY CO-CHAIRS
2017 TOP 30 HONOREE Dr. Delesa Franklin Department Chairperson and Asst. Prof. for the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, Online Learning
Houston Christian University
2025 TOP 30 HONOREE
2025 TOP 30 HONOREE
Suparna Chhibber, MD, FAAFP
Shareen Larmond
President Houston Family & Geriatric Medicine
President West Gulf Maritime Association
MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES
S 2014 TOP 30 HONOREE Shern-Min Chow Award-winning Journalist & Author
Shern-Min Chow is a veteran AP and Emmy Award-winning journalist. She has spent more than three decades in television news in Texas and has traveled from Asia to North America covering world events. Throughout her career, she has filed nearly 10,000 news reports and most recently anchored the midday and 4 p.m. newscasts. She recently transitioned from daily news to launch her new venture, Smart Media Content, and promote her debut novel, If Not You..., inspired by the remarkable life of an MD Anderson
Please follow me on
STAFF Carneal Addison George Gustin Emma Aguiñaga Chivon Jones Eugenie Doualla Shahzad Shahab
Shern-MinChow
Cancer Center scientist. The novel is available on Amazon. Over the years, she has made close to 1,000 community appearances. She currently serves on the advisory boards of the Asia Society Texas and the Chinese Community Center. A history graduate of Yale University, Shern-Min speaks conversational Mandarin and the Shanghai dialect of Chinese. She has also studied Spanish, French and German. Shern-Min and her college sweetheart have two adult sons.
Shernmin
PHOTOGRAPHER Grady Carter
PHONE 713.373.5577
MAILING ADDRESS
EMAIL operations@top30women.com
7322 Southwest Fwy, Suite 800 Houston, TX 77074
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OF TEXAS
2026
TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
2026 ADVISORY BOARD
Lina Sabouni Co-Founder AUTOARCH Architects
Shelly deZevallos, EdD President West Houston Airport
Chartenya Cleveland Director of Underwriter Solutions The Hanover Insurance Group
Sineria OrdóÑez Senior Manager, Diverse Markets Charles Schwab Bank
Ada Ortega Director of Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages
Angela Lee Principal Designer & Showroom Owner Evolution by Design, Inc.
Melinda Balezentis Vice President, National Account Executive CIGNA Healthcare
LaShandra Boddy Board of Directors Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
Monica Williams, PhD Houston Campus President Texas Woman’s University
Sonya Stevenson First Lady / Executive Director The Fort Bend Church
Dr. Marla Fielder, RPH Health & Wellness Leader Kroger – Southwest Division (TX, LA)
Dr. Chakilla Robinson White Chief Learning & Fulfillment Officer DaVita
Dr. Cosha Joseph, LPC-S, NCC CEO Safe Place Counseling & Consulting LLC
Dr. Delesa Franklin
Department Chairperson and Asst. Prof. for the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, Online Learning Houston Christian University
For more information, please call or email 713.373.5577 | operations@ shesgotinfluence.com
4 OF TEXAS
2026
TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
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5 OF TEXAS
2026
TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
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2026
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6 OF TEXAS
2026
TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
TABLE OF CONTENTS THE HONORABLE SHEILA JACKSON LEE COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Deshonda P. Charles, Esq.........................................CEO, D. Charles & Associates, PLLC, 2023 Top 30 Influential Woman, SGI Advisory Board Member..20
HONOREES: Dr. Liza Alonzo............................................................AVP, Presidential Affairs & Constituent Relations, University of Houston-Downtown..................22 Dr. De'Monica Cooper Amerson.............................Exec. Director School Improvement & Support, Spring ISD Office of Transformation..................24 Emily Anderson, P.E., P.Eng., P.M.P.......................Vice President & Senior Client Advisor, Halff Associates, Inc.............................................................26 Paola Barbieri.............................................................Attorney, Attorney General’s Office..........................................................................................................27 Kathleen Brown..........................................................Deputy Superintendent of Operations, Fort Bend Independent School District.............................30 Constable Kathryn “Kat” Brown............................Precinct 4, Bexar County..............................................................................................................................32 Niki Conner..................................................................Director, Fair & Responsible Banking, Charles Schwab Bank...............................................................34 Honorable Molly Cook...............................................State Senator District 15, Texas Senate....................................................................................................36 Sara Lujan Donatto...................................................AVC/AVP Government and Community Relations, University of Houston System........................38 Soudabeh Eskandari..................................................Director of Construction, Harris Health....................................................................................................39 Erika Fisher, DNP.......................................................Senior Director of Ambulatory Services, Texas Children's Hospital..................................................40 Esther Francis.............................................................CEO, Fronza & Francis, LLC..........................................................................................................................42 Juliana Garaizar.........................................................Venture Capitalist & General Partner, Portfolia......................................................................................43 Lilia Gibson..................................................................Managing Partner, Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP........................................................... 44 Samantha Goldstein..................................................Co-Owner & Managing Partner, The GoldHam Group............................................................................46 Alma González............................................................Owner, Mamacita’s & El Jardin Restaurants........................................................................................... 48 Gina Goosby-Harris...................................................Director, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.........................................................................................50 Dr. Lisa Graham-Garza.............................................Author & Founder, Autism Rescue Angels................................................................................................52 Dr. Karen J. Gray Gomez..........................................Physician & Medical Director, Centene Corporation..............................................................................54 Samica Knight.............................................................News Anchor, KTRK Television - ABC 13...................................................................................................56 Perla J. Lane...............................................................Executive Director of Facilities, Planning & Construction, Aldine ISD...............................................57 Gillian Levi, M.Ed........................................................CEO, Odigo Services, LLC dba Odigo Learning........................................................................................58 Dr. Rhonda D. Mason.................................................Superintendent, Alvin ISD............................................................................................................................60 Dr. Alexia McClerkin, DC, APRN, FNP-BC.............Owner, The Sports and Wellness Doc.........................................................................................................62 Dr. (H.C.) Jacqueline Miller, MBA, BBA.................President & CEO, Optimal In Home Care, Inc...........................................................................................64 Dr. Michelle Howze Moore........................................Founder, CEO & Clinical Director, Distinctive Physical Therapy and Wellness Center...................66 Mayor Charlotte Moses............................................City of Port Arthur.........................................................................................................................................68 Essence Nixon.............................................................Director of Healthcare Transformation & Emerging Markets GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)...................69 Renee Jefferson Patterson.....................................Trustee, District II, Houston City College.................................................................................................70 Melanie Perez.............................................................Co-Owner & Administrative Director, Leo & Mel's Gardening Services, LLC................................... 72 Courtney Isaak Pichon..............................................CEO, Good Reason Houston......................................................................................................................... 74 Billyssia Pierce...........................................................Founder & CEO, Bee Fit Foods..................................................................................................................... 76 Q. Olivia Rivers...........................................................CEO, The Bridge Over Troubled Waters.....................................................................................................78 Daria Russell...............................................................Executive Vice President, Legal & General Counsel, Mattress Firm, Inc.......................................... 79 Phyllis Saathoff..........................................................Executive Director & CEO, Port Freeport.................................................................................................80 Sana Sabharwal..........................................................Interior Design Principal, Stantec..............................................................................................................82 Myriam Saldívar.........................................................Trustee-Vice Chair, Lone Star College System........................................................................................83 Dr. JaQuoia "JQ" Sylvester.....................................Program Delivery Lead, Humana............................................................................................................... 84 Cherina Thomas.........................................................COO & Co-Owner, Fillette Green Shipping Services (USA) Corp.........................................................85 Dr. Marlen J. Trujillo..................................................CEO, Spring Branch Community Health Center.......................................................................................86 Lauren E. Waddell......................................................Founder & Managing Attorney, Waddell Law Firm, P.C......................................................................... 88 Renee Watson.............................................................Director, Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department Bexar County....................................90 Chelsea Wauson.........................................................Senior Vice President Labor Relations, West Gulf Maritime Association (WGMA).........................92 Raye L. White..............................................................Global Project Manager, Shell USA.............................................................................................................94 Dr. Tjwana Wilson.......................................................CEO, Wilson Family Caring Center, Inc.......................................................................................................96
7 OF TEXAS
2026
TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
2013 TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF HOUSTON ICON HONOREES Dr. Patricia Brock – Founder & Chairman Emeritus, Medical Bridges Donna Cole – President & CEO, Cole Chemical & Distributing, Inc. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee – 18th Congressional District of Texas
HONOREES Nargis Ahmed – Director, Muslim Democratic Caucus of Texas
Susan Repka – Executive Director, Women Contractors Association
Maria Moncada Alaoui – General Manager, Momentum BMW West
Dr. Jonita Wallace Reynolds – Chief Executive Officer, Gulf Coast Community Services Association (GCCSA)
State Rep Carol Alvarado – Texas House District 145 Rhonda C. Arnold – Director of Community Relations, Houston Airport System
Kandice Rose – Founder, Pretty Girls with Cancer
Lisa Ashley – Director, Corporate Communications, Port of Houston Authority
Jamilah Shami – Project Manager, Farouk Systems, Inc.
Karen Becerra – Chief Operations Officer/Principal, The Principle Partnering Group, LLC
Melinda Spaulding – Anchor, Fox 26 KRIV-TV Dr. Angela Sturm – Facial Plastic Surgeon, Facial Plastic Surgery Associates
Dr. Heather Brown – Owner & Orthodontist, Dr. Heather Brown Orthodontics
Dr. Ka-Ron Y. Wade, BS, RN, BSN, DDS – Cosmetic and Neuromuscular Dentist, Cosmetic Dental Texas
Madeline Burillo, Ed.D. – Associate Vice Chancellor, Houston Community College Helen Callier – President, Bradlink, LLC Emelda Douglas – SVP and Chief Development Officer, Neighborhood Centers, Inc. Wilma J. Evans – President, North Houston Frontiers Club & Managing Partner, DeMand Staffing & Consulting, LLC Christina Robinson Grochett – Chief Strategist for Innovation and Research, Lone Star College
Cynthia Wenz – President & CEO, The Source for Women Nicole C. West – President, NCA Investigations Dr. Anjanette Wyatt – Pharmacy Manager, President & CEO, Clinical Care Pharmacy, LLC Judge Mimi Yam – United States Immigration Court
Dr. Irishea Hilliard – COO & Pastor, New Light Christian Center Church Carla Lane – President & CEO, Lane Staffing Shara McClure – Vice President Network Management, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas Catherine Mitchell – COO, Amerigroup Marlene Petry, RN, MSN – SVP, GP Industrial Contractors, Inc. Eva Pickens - Associate Vice President, University Advancement Communications & Marketing, Texas Southern University Vanessa Reed – Assistant Vice President, South Texas CRA Manager Corporate Public Affairs & Community Reinvestment, Comerica Bank *Companies and titles in 2013
8 OF TEXAS
2026
TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
2014 TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF HOUSTON ICON HONOREES State Senator Sylvia Garcia - Texas Senate Karen E. Jackson – Founder/CEO, Sisters Network, Inc.
HONOREES Dr. Lacey Brooks – Audiologist/Regional Manager Houston, Hearing Aid Express Latoya Bullard-Franklin – Chief Executive Officer, The Bulsard Group
Dr. Docia Rudley – E xecutive Director for Academic Assessment, Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law Neeta Sane – Board Chair/Trustee District VII, Houston Community College
Marian Cabanilla, MBA – Vice President Marketing, UnitedHealthcare
Thelma Scott – Founder & CEO, Barbara Jordan Endeavors
Shern-Min Chow – Anchor, KHOU 11
Dr. Alison Scott Cuillier – Owner/Dentist, Lasting Impressions Dental Group
Sonia Clayton – President & CEO, Virtual Intelligence Providers, LLC
Sonya M. Sloan, M.D. – Orthopedic Surgeon
Pamela Ellis – Chief Executive Officer, Smahrt Solutions
Laurie Vignaud – Senior Vice President, Capital One Bank
Sonia Guimbellot – Director/Secretary, World Chamber of Commerce, Texas
Barbara Walker-Green – Financial Advisor, Advanced Wealth & Retirement, LLC
Joanie Y. Hare, M.D. – Physician, Houston Perinatal Associates
Reva Witherspoon – Vice President, Marketing, Amerigroup
Nikki Elizabeth Hart – President & Owner, inMotion Marketing Group
Mia K. Wright – Co-Pastor, The Fountain of Praise
Miranda Horn – Vice President, Industrial Welding Academy
Carlecia D. Wright – Director, City of Houston Office of Business Opportunity
Judge Maria T. Jackson – 339th District Court
Dr. Betty Young – Educator
Justina Mann – Chief Procurement Officer, Houston Airport Systems CleRenda McGrady – TV Host, Thryv360 Sharon Murphy – Founding Partner, McConnell Jones Lanier and Murphy Kim Ogg – Attorney, Ogg Law Firm Carrie Poole – Chief Executive Officer, Professional Career Training Institute Ronda M. Prince – Chief Operations Officer, Rap-A-Lot Records Maria Rios - President & CEO, Nation Waste, Inc.
*Companies and titles in 2014
9 OF TEXAS
2026
TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
2015 TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF HOUSTON SPECIAL GUEST The Honorable Ivy R. Taylor - Mayor of San Antonio ICON HONOREES Dr. Selina M. Ahmed - Texas Southern University
Petria McKelvey - Precision Medical Billing, Inc.
Dr. Judith Craven - The United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast
Katie Walthall Mehnert - Pink Petro
Deavra A. Daughtry - Texas Women’s Empowerment Foundation International
Dr. Felecia M. Nave - Prairie View A&M University
State Representative Jessica Farrar - Texas House District 148
Krista L. Olson, M.D. - Baylor Facial Plastic Surgery Center
Melanie Johnson, Ed.D. - The Health Museum: John P. McGovern Museum of Health and Medical Science
Erma Palmer - Autos R Us Collision Center
Susan A. McEldoon - KHOU-TV Wanda Thornton Mott, M.D. - Houston Women’s Obstetrical and Gynecological Associates Stephanie D. Nellons-Paige - USA Funds Page Parkes - Page Parkes Center of Modeling & Acting HONOREES Devon Anderson - Harris County District Attorney’s Office Dell H. Braunsdorf - M.D. - Amerigroup Camille Cash - M.D. - Camille G. Cash, M.D., Aesthetic Plastic Surgery April Day - Women’s Business Enterprise Alliance Dr. Marla Fielder, R.Ph. - The Kroger Co. - Southwest Division
Crystal Perkins - My Legacy Foundation Letitia D. Quiñones - Quiñones & Associates, P.L.L.C. Dr. Kamala Raghavan - Texas Southern University Liliana L. Rambo - Houston Airport System Nannette Ray, MBA - Medical Information Records, LLC Mary Redmond - Redmond Management-McDonald’s Theresa Roemer - Theresa Roemer, LLC Lina Sabouni - AUTOARCH Architects, LLC Rhonda Skillern-Jones - Houston Independent School District Joyce Tyler-Williams - Frost Bank Jennifer Yen, M.D. - UH Medical School, Baylor College of Medicine & Author
Samille Frazier-Savoie, LPCS, LCDC, NCC - The BES Group, Inc.
UNITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD:
Kim Gagne - Steve Harvey
LaShonda Pierce and NaKeitha Ross - I.C.O.N. Women’s Organization
Marian Harper - Houston Astros Tammy Harris - Soul Grooves®Fitness Vernita Harris - IMPACT Strategies Consultants, LLC Winell Herron - H-E-B Heather Holland - TransCanada Connie Kwan-Wong - CKW LUXE Magazine Raquelle Lewis - Tx-DOT - Houston District
*Companies and titles in 2015 10 OF TEXAS
2026
TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
2016 TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF HOUSTON THE HONORABLE SHEILA JACKSON LEE COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Roxann Thomas Chargois - Director, The Western Area of The Links, Incorporated ICON HONOREES Yolanda Adams - Grammy Award-Winning Gospel Artist Suzan Deison - C EO/President/Founder, Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce
Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz - Board Secretary & District IV Trustee, Houston Community College Sameera Faridi - Director & Designer, Poshak Fashion & Style
Zina Garrison - C EO, Zina Garrison Foundation & Former 4th-Ranked Tennis Player in the World
Victoria A. Guster-Hines - McDonald’s Vice President, Operations and Franchising Houston Region
Nathelyne A. Kennedy, P.E. - President, Nathelyne A. Kennedy & Associates
Ana Hernandez - State Representative, District 143
Dr. Laura Murillo - President & Chief Executive Officer, Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Loren Lane - First Lady, Texas Southern University & Key Account Manager, EMD Serono
Sallie Sargent - President & CEO, Houston Super Bowl Host Committee
Nancy J. Li - President, Easton Resource Development, Inc. Rania Mankarious, MA, JD - Executive Director, Crime Stoppers Houston
HONOREES
Dr. Saundra Montgomery - Life Coach/Author/Leadership Consultant & First Lady, Abundant Life Cathedral Church
Farida Abjani - Co-Founder/CEO, Shining Nightingale, Inc.
Gigi Myung - President & CEO, GLM Energy, Inc.
Wanda Adams - Board of Education First Vice-President & District IX Trustee, Houston Independent School District
Toni Pierre - Business Change Manager-NAIP, Amerigroup Community Care
Sehba Ali - Chief Executive Officer and Superintendent, KIPP Houston Public Schools
Sonia Rivera - National President, National Hispanic Professional Organization & Owner/Consultant, Genesis Consulting, Inc.
Jackye Alton - President, Almeda Travel
Ingrid M. Robinson - President, Houston Minority Supplier Development Council
Erin Asprec - Regional President, Memorial Hermann Health System
Kim Roxie - Creative Director, LAMIK Beauty
Dr. Kimberly Beatty - V ice Chancellor of Instructional Services, Chief Academic Officer, Houston Community College
Graciela Saenz - Founder & Attorney at Law, Saenz Burkhardt P.L.L.C.
Mary Benton - Director of Communications and Strategic Projects, Harris County Precinct One
Tene Thomas - CPA Partner, Tax Practice, McConnell & Jones LLP
Sonya Stevenson - Executive Director, The Fort Bend Church
Marianna Brasel - General Manager, Porsche of West Houston
Joi-Lin Venison, Esq. - CEO/Co-Founder, Super Weave Xpress
Carlotta Outley Brown, M.Ed. - Principal, Lora B. Peck Elementary School – Houston Independent School District
Teana V. Watson - Principal Attorney, T.V. Watson Law, PLLC. Spring Williams-Cox - Director of Operations Southeast Texas, UPS
Victoria Ai Linh Bryant, PharmD - President, World Chamber of Commerce Texas & Founder, Ambassadors Caregivers
Kimberly J. Williams, JD - Deputy Chief Procurement Officer, Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County
Frances Castaneda-Dyess - President, Houston East End Chamber of Commerce Denise Castillo-Rhodes - E xecutive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Texas Medical Center Marina Coryat - S enior Manager, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas Southeast Texas Region Katya Dow - Legal Program Director, Juvenile and Capital Advocacy Project & Adjunct Law Professor, University of Houston Law Center Debbie Drury - President, Market Doctors Amanda K. Edwards - Attorney & Houston City Council Member At-Large Position 4 *Companies and titles in 2016
11 OF TEXAS
2026
TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
2017 TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF HOUSTON THE HONORABLE SHEILA JACKSON LEE COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Dorinda Walker - Vice President, Multicultural Marketing – Prudential ICON HONOREES Cynthia Cisneros - Vice President of Community Affairs, ABC 13/KTRK-TV
Antoinette M. Jackson - Partner, Jones Walker LLP
Vanessa D. Gilmore - United States District Judge, Southern District of Texas
Courtney Johnson Rose - Principal Broker, George E. Johnson Properties
Shauna Johnson Clark - Head of Employment and Labor - United States, Norton Rose Fulbright
Ige Johnson - Broker, Re/Max & Owner, GLO Beauty Bar
Deborah Duncan - Television Host/Personality, Great Day Houston/KHOU-TV
Torsha Johnson - First Lady & Author, Higher Dimension Church
Carrin F. Patman - Board Chair, Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO)
Carla Kuaiwa, BS, MA, MBA - Owner/Managing Director, Cross OD Consulting, LLC
Ann Stern - President & CEO, Houston Endowment
Monica Lewis - Founder/CEO & Certified Etiquette Consultant, Monica Lewis School of Etiquette
State Rep. Senfronia Thompson - District 141, Texas House of Representatives Dawn Ullrich - President & CEO, Houston First Corporation
Paula McHam - Account Executive and Community Involvement Lead, Cigna South Texas/Louisiana
HONOREES
Regina Mellinger - President & CEO, Primary Services LP
Juuhi Ahuja - President, Founder & CEO, Wise Men Consultants Margaret Allen, DDS - Owner, Amazing Smiles, PLLC Johnte’ Archer, JD - CEO/Founder, J. Archer Insurance Group and SHE IS A CEO Foundation Karina Barbieri - Vice President, Mediplus Panama, S.A. & Philanthropist
Cydonii Miles - Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel & Assistant Secretary, American Capital Ltd. Mary Moreland - Director of Strategic Planning - Latin America, Quanta Services, Inc.
Lea Bogle - CEO, Premier Wireless
Anhlan Phuc Nguyen, DBA, PMP - Director of Development and Marketing, Institute for Civic Education in Vietnam
Carol B. Brace MS, LSSBB, CTL, CIL, SCOR, PMP - Lecturer/Business Development Specialist, UH-Downtown
Delesa O’Dell-Thomas - Principal, Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy
Dr. LaQuita Carter - Assistant Superintendent of Performance Management, Spring Independent School District
Debra C. Stewart - Director of Supplier Diversity & Diversity Outreach, Shell Oil Company Kimberly Gee Stith - Vice President and General Counsel - Employment & Benefits, Waste Management
Twila Carter - Executive Director, Astros Foundation Dr. Jacqueline Horton-Cobbin - President and CEO, Cobbin & Associates Consulting, LLC. Tamar Davis - Grammy-Nominated Artist and Edu-Tainment Advocate, Syren Music Group, LLC. Cheryl L. Duncan, BSN, RN, CVRN - Founder, Ashley Jadine Foundation Diane Englet - Senior Director, Corporate Community Relations, CenterPoint Energy Diedra Fontaine - Executive Director, Office of Development, Prairie View A&M University Karina Gonzalez - Principal Dancer, Houston Ballet LaTreace Harrison - RN, MS, CMCN, Director of HealthCare Management Services, Amerigroup Texas
NicoleStreeter,MPH,MA-VP/Chief Governance Officer, Harris Health System Board of Trustees Kristin Tassin - President, Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees & Co-Founder, Father’s Joy Kelley Taylor - Chief Executive Officer, Taylor Construction Management State Representative Shawn Thierry - District 146, Texas House of Representatives Barbara Vilutis - Executive Vice President, Amegy Bank of Texas Dr. Cynthia Wilson - Chief of Staff, Houston Independent School District Mary L. Young - Executive Director/Chief of Police, Department of Public Safety - Texas Southern University
Karen Hill, MD - Senior Vice President & Chief Medical Officer, Community Health Choice Carneta Hunte-Larkin, BSW,MSHEA,MBA - Founder and CEO, I Love My Children, Inc.
*Companies and titles in 2017 12 OF TEXAS
2026
TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
2018 TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF HOUSTON THE HONORABLE SHEILA JACKSON LEE COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Dr. Betty N. Adams - Professor and Dean, College of Nursing, Prairie View A&M University ICON HONOREES Dr. Alma A. Allen - State Representative, Texas House of Representatives, District 131 Anna M. Babin - President and CEO, United Way of Greater Houston Cheryl D. Creuzot - President and Chief Executive Officer, Wealth Development Strategies, LLC Karen McKemie - Senior Regional Vice President of Operations, Sonic Automotive
Grayle Tully James - Trustee, Fort Bend Independent School District Constance Jones - Vice President of Operations, Houston Minority Supplier Development Council Eva L. Loredo - Board Trustee, District VIII, Houston Community College Jalene Mack, Esq. - Entertainment Attorney, Actress, Producer, Author, Playwright & Founder, Mack Performing Arts Collective
Merele Yarborough - Philanthropist and Community Service Advocate
Maria Emee Mendoza-Nisnisan - CEO, Acacia Medical Research Institute LLC and Medical Practice Administrator: Royal Oaks Medical Home and Wellness Clinics
Judge Clarease Yates - Judge and Founder, Indestructible Beginnings
Roslyn Bazzelle Mitchell - Senior Counsel, Weycer, Kaplan, Pulaski & Zuber, PC
Donna Sims Wilson - President, Smith Graham Investment Advisors
HONOREES Ann Harris Bennett - Tax Assessor - Collector and Voter Registrar, Harris County, Texas Gita P. Bolt - Vice President and General Counsel, Houston Housing Authority Vera Bumpers - Chief of Police, METRO Police Department Karla Cisneros - Council Member, District H Helen Conte - Senior Vice President/Group Manager – Business Banking, Comerica Bank Barbara Harris Curtis - Founder and President, RARE Pearls, Inc. Dannette K. Davis - Principal, Kay Davis Associates LLC Tiffany Massie Davis, MSN, RN - CEO, E-PIC Training Center, Inc Gaynell Floyd Drexler - Corporate Attorney and Community Advocate Melissa Edwards - Executive Director, Central South Texas, American Diabetes Association
Desrye M. Morgan - M anaging Director, Wells Fargo Securities and Vice Chairwoman, Houston First Corp. Marie Myers - Global Controller, HP Inc. Amber Newman - Chief Executive Officer, Boys & Girls Club of Brazoria County Dr. Dieu-Thoa Khoa Nguyen - Founder & CEO, DT Pharmacy/DT Collagen and President, VAPhA LaToshia Norwood - Managing Partner, L’Renee & Associates Farrah Sabouni Oranje - Principal, AUTOARCH Architects Stacey M. Parker-Blake - Director of Behavioral Health Services, Amerigroup Texas Tiko Reynolds-Hausman - President and CEO, TKO Biz Solutions Michelle Riley-Brown - Executive Vice President, Texas Children’s Hospital Maribel Rodriguez - CEO, Sunshine Personnel Solutions, LLC Sadie Rucker - President, Horizon International Group Cindi Salas - Director, Purchasing and Logistics, CenterPoint Energy
Brenda Erickson - Director, Corporate Supply Chain, ConocoPhillips and Board Chair, Women’s Business Enterprise Alliance
Shawn Emerson Simmons, PhD - Environmental and Permitting Manager, ExxonMobil Chemical Company
Tammy Faber - Vice President of Operations, Fort Bend Services, Inc.
Hazel Smith - Owner/Operator, McDonald’s
Staci Taylor Fullmighter - Officer of Student Assessment, Houston Independent School District
Heidi McDonald Smith - Chief of Staff, Texas Southern University
Mary Griffin - Grammy-Nominated Artist and Owner, Mahogany Entertainment, LLC
Joycelyn Williams - Vice President of Sales, Williams6Enterprises
Arquella Hargrove - CEO, Epic Collaborative Advisors Debra Gatison Hatter, Esq. - Member, Clark Hill Strasburger
Maya P. Thornton - Director, Supplier Diversity, University of Houston HUB Nancy Yuill, PhD, RN - President, Chamberlain University, College of Nursing – Pearland
Marvalette Hunter - Chief of Staff, City of Houston
*Companies and titles in 2018
13 OF TEXAS
2026
TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
2019 TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF HOUSTON THE HONORABLE SHEILA JACKSON LEE COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Yolanda Ford - Mayor, City of Missouri City ICON HONOREES Brenda W. Bazan - President and CEO, Houston First Corporation Hon. Dr. Teta V. Banks - National Chair, United Nations Association of the USA The Honorable Lizzie Fletcher - Congresswoman, Texas’ 7th Congressional District Judy Foston-Stanford - President, Foston International Communications Inc.
Addie Heyliger - B usiness Engagement Manager, CenterPoint Energy, Vice President, Fort Bend ISD Trustee Tami Hunter - Advisor, Compliance, Global Supply Chain & Supplier Diversity Advocate ConocoPhillips
Joyce L. Jacquet - Licensed Therapist and Counselor
Kelly A. Irving - Associate Director Patient Care Services/Chief Nurse Executive, Michael E. DeBakey, VAMC
Myrtle L. Jones - CPA - Senior Vice President of Tax, Halliburton Company
Olivera Jankovska - Global Citizenship Fellow, UNICEF USA
Melanie Lawson - Anchor/Reporter, KTRK-TV/ABC 13
Dr. Grenita F. Lathan - Interim Superintendent, Houston Independent School District
Kim Padgett - President, The Padgett Group
Angela Lee - CEO, Evolution by Design
Lisa Trapani Shumate - Associate Vice President and General Manager, Houston Public Media
LaMonica Love - Attorney & Business Consultant, The Love Law Group & Consulting Services, PLLC
Vanessa E. Wyche - Deputy Director, NASA Johnson Space Center
Christine Mack - Regional Head of Procurement, Americas, BP Shawntell L. McWilliams - CEO, SM Global Consulting, LLC & Infinity Cleaning Solutions
HONOREES
Paula M. Mendoza - CEO, Possible Missions, Inc. & Pos Mis, Inc.
Leanne Dobard Alvarez - President & CEO, The UPS Store at Shadow Creek – Pearland
Jamila S. Mensah - Partner, Norton Rose Fulbright US, LLP Chau Nguyen, LMSW - Chief Public Strategies Officer, Houston Area Women’s Center
Tracey L. Anthony - Vice President & Chief Compliance Officer, Crane Worldwide Logistics
Eureka Patton - Owner, Massage Envy – Aliana
Colleen D. Banks - Financial Professional, Wealth Development Strategies, LLC
Eileen Perillo - Vice President Finance, Shell Energy Resources Company
Juliet Breeze - MD - CEO and Founder, Next Level Urgent Care
Marilyn A. Rose - Accounting Administrator, Harris County Sheriff’s Office & Regent, Texas Southern University
Michelle Bythewood - President, Salata Salad Kitchen
Gabriella Rowe - CEO, Station Houston
Dr. Courtney Jacocks Chance - Co-owner/ General Dentist, Oaks Point Pediatric Dentistry
Sherrie Sams - Founder and Executive Director, AFC Youth
Jane E. Cheeks - IPMA-SCP - Director, City of Houston Connie L. Cochran - Assistant Vice President of Alumni Relations & Special Events, Texas Southern University Audrey Marie Cosby - First Lady, Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church Rachel Andress Davis - P harmD, RPh - Licensed Pharmacist, OptumRx, a division of United Health Group Leona E. Filis - Founder/Managing Attorney, The Filis Law Firm, P.C. Michelle Garrison - Chief Financial Officer, GetixHealth, LLC
Mya Smith-Edmonds - Owner/Operator, McDonald’s Bridgette Smith-Lawson - M anaging Attorney - Regions 5&6, The Department of Family and Protective Service - Office of General Counsel Carolyn Watson - Vice President of Corporate Responsibility, JPMorgan Chase Dr. Tamara L. Williams - President, Chamberlain University – Houston Campus Jennifer St. Julian Wooden - Director, Humble Civic Center/Charles Bender Performing Arts Center Dr. Janet Wormack - Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration, Houston Community College
Dr. Melissa N. Gonzalez - President, Houston Community College – Southeast Mia Gradney - Emmy Award-Winning Journalist and Anchor, KHOU11
*Companies and titles in 2019 14 OF TEXAS
2026
TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
2021 TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF HOUSTON THE HONORABLE SHEILA JACKSON LEE COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Dr. Janice M. Beal - President , Beal Counseling Associates / Beal Behavioral Health HONOREES
Amber Mostyn - Co-Founder, Mostyn Law
Saba Abashawl - Chief External Affairs Officer, Houston Airports
Denise Navarro - President and CEO, Logical Innovations, Inc.
Talia Alfred - Director of Operations, The Alfred Firm
Andrea Nguyen - Director of Community Relations, Executive Director of Education Foundation, Pasadena ISD
Dr. Patricia K. Allen - Trustee District IV, President, HISD Marna Graham Arvie, CPA - Franchise Owner, Mobility Plus Pearland Dr. Vanessa T. Barrow - Founder & Owner, Sole Aesthetic Dr. Ira K. Blake - President, University of Houston-Clear Lake Cindy Clifford - Founder & Owner, The Clifford Group
Tamla Oates-Forney - S enior Vice President, Chief People Officer, Waste Management Rani Puranik - Co-Owner and Global CFO, Worldwide Oilfield Machine Linda M. Rhodes - E xecutive Director, Women’s Fund Health Education & Resiliency
Glenda Demas, MA, LPC, ACTP - Lead Practitioner and Owner, Pearls of Change Wellness, LLC.
Karen Carter Richards - Forward Times Publishing Company, Inc.
Shelly Lesikar deZevallos, Ed.D. - President, West Houston Airport Raynese Edwards - CEO/Chief Strategy Consultant, OutsideIn Consulting
Erica Davis Rouse - Trustee, San Jacinto College District Board, Co-Founder of ReachOne713
Melinda Faust - Managing Director, Detring Energy Advisors
Tasha Royal - Founder, The Royal Agency
Dr. Charlene Flash - President and CEO, Avenue 360 Health & Wellness
Dr. Reem Sabouni - REI Physician, Director of Infertility and Oocyte Cryopreservation, Houston Fertility Institute
Dr. Reagan Flowers - Houston Community College, Board of Trustees Lauren Haller Fontaine - Senior Director & Legal Counsel – Operations, Pattern Energy Eureka Gilkey - Executive Director, Project Row Houses Cynthia Ginyard - Chairwoman, Fort Bend County Democratic Party Dr. Cherry Ross Gooden - Retired, Texas Southern University Veronica Chapa Gorczynski - President, East End District DeAnna Green - CEO and Founder, The Nydan Group, LLC. Teneshia Hudspeth - County Clerk, Office of Teneshia Hudspeth, Harris County Clerk Jenifer Jarriel - President and CEO, DePelchin Children’s Center
Dr. Shirley Rose-Gilliam - Secretary, Fort Bend ISD, Board of Trustees
Dr. Roberta Grace Scott - Director Social Emotional Learning & Student Discipline, HISD Tracy T. Smith - CEO, Taylor Smith Consulting, LLC Lenora Sorola-Pohlman - Broker Consultant, Navarro Insurance Group Helen Stagg - Chief Executive Officer, Change Happens Tiffany D. Thomas - Councilwoman, District F, Houston City Council Molly Waits - Chief Marketing, Air Service Development and Communications Officer, Houston Airports Janice Weaver - Director of Community Relations, City of Houston Mayor’s Office
Tennille Johnson - Co-Founder, Co-Owner & CEO, Scrubs to the Rescue Jamie Jordan - Family Law Attorney and Owner Community Service Advocate, Jamie Jordan, PLLC Vivian R. King - First Assistant/Chief of Staff, Harris County DA’s office Linda Leto Head - Senior Associate Vice Chancellor, Lone Star College Cassie A. Levy - CEO, Emmit Moss Trust Melanie Miles, Esq. - Board Certified Family Law Attorney and Real Estate Professional, The Law Office of Melanie Miles, P.C.
*Companies and titles in 2021
15 OF TEXAS
2026
TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
2022 TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF HOUSTON THE HONORABLE SHEILA JACKSON LEE COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Lucrecia Smith - Seniors Executive Assistant to CEO, American Red Cross HONOREES Sallie Alcorn - Houston City Council Member, At-Large Position 5
Paula Harris - Senior Vice President of Community Affairs, Houston Astros
Sofia Adrogué, P. C - Attorney and Partner, Diamond McCarthy LLP
Dorita Hatchett - Founder, Owner & Lead Consultant, D.L. Hatchett & Associates, LLC
Anita Bates - Chief Operating Officer, She’s Happy Hair
Dr. Cashuna Huddleston - Licensed Psychologist and Owner, New Way Psychological Services, PLLC
Antrece L. Baggett, Ed.D - I nterim College Operations Officer, Houston Community College - Southeast College
Dr. Cynthia Lenton-Gary - Chair, Houston Community College Board of Trustees
Candace Blue - Brokerage Owner and Team Leader, NextHome Elite Advisors
Ashlee Martin - Attorney and Partner, Gerger Hennessy & Martin, LLP
Susanne Brady-Lusk - V ice President and General Manager, Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages
Pamela McKay - Vice President and General Manager, Radio One Houston
Maxine N. Buckles - Chief Equity Officer, PortHouston Marilyn Burgess - Harris County District Clerk Patricia Cantu - Assistant Chief of Police, Houston Police Department Michelle Carbone - Senior Vice President of Operations and Chief of Staff, BMC Software Martha Castex-Tatum - Houston Vice Mayor Pro Tem, Council Member District K Lynn Clouser - Missouri City, City Council At-Large, Position #2 Laquita J. Cyprian - Chief Banking Officer, Agility Bank Regina G. Deadrick - Assistant Vice President, Aon Martina Lemond Dixon - Chief Executive Officer, C3 Building Solutions Candace Ford - Founder, Project Beautiful Me
MaryJane Mudd - Executive Director, East Harris County Manufacturers Association Dr. Jennifer Murdock - Oculofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Rhonda Roychelle Newhouse - Board of Trustees, Spring Independent School District Kisha M. Porch - Head of Retail Banking, Small Business and Online Products, J.P. Morgan Chase Bhakti Salunkhe Puranik - Executive Director, Puranik Foundation LaShaunda P. René - Vice President, TruFund Financial Services - Texas Market Karen Scott - Owner, Founder & CEO, KNS Industrial Supply Cindy Siegel - Chairman, Harris County Republican Party Adrian Stephens - President, Galena Park ISD School Board Juliet K. Stipeche - Director of Human Services, Houston-Galveston Area Council
Ana Paula Do Nascimento - Consulate General, Republic of Angola
Adriana Tamez, Ed.D - Board of Trustees, Houston Community College District III and CEO, Tejano Center
Sherrita Monique Dorsey - US Advocacy & Patient Engagement Lead, GlaxoSmithKline
Carla Tharp - Vice President of Corporate Development, Apache Corporation
Dr. Simone A. Ellis - Owner and Entrepreneur, Smile Design Studios
Dr. Tragil Wade-Johnson - Speaker, Author, Life Coach Life Coach, and Philanthropist
DeMonica D. Gladney - Senior Counsel, Exxon Mobil Corporation
Merinda Watkins-Martin - Entrepreneur and Owner, Lemond Kitchen
Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney - Superintendent of Schools, Aldine Independent School District
Dr. Christie Whitbeck - Superintendent, Fort Bend Independent School District
Wendy Granato - President and General Manager, ABC13 KTRK-TV
Carolanda Bremond Woodgett - Associate Vice President and General Counsel ad interim, UTMB
Latris Hamilton - Chief Nursing Officer, Universal Health Services
*Companies and titles in 2022 16 OF TEXAS
2026
TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
2023 TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF HOUSTON THE HONORABLE SHEILA JACKSON LEE COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Karen Levingston-Franklin - CEO & Chairman, The World Youth Foundation HONOREES Claudia Aguirre - President & Chief Operating Officer, BakerRipley
Quianta Moore, MD, JD - Executive Director, The Hackett Center for Mental Health
Toni Beck - Vice President, External Affairs, Comcast Texas
Sineria Ordóñez - VP, External Affairs, National Hispanic Business Development Manager, Comerica Bank
Jennifer Blaine, Ed.D - Superintendent, Spring Branch Independent School District Raquel Boujourne - CEO, Indi Construction Partners, LLC Dr. Darlene Breaux - CEO & Principal Consultant, Insight Ed. Consulting Charity Carter - Founder and Executive Director, Edison Arts Foundation Amber Casanave - CEO, CAS + COMPANY Deshonda P. Charles, Esq - CEO, D. Charles & Associates, PLLC Chita Craft - Meteorologist, KHOU 11 Danielle A. Davis - VP, Southwest Head of Diverse Businesses, Commercial Bank, JP Morgan Chase & Co Kelly S. Dempsey, MD - Doctor, The Breast Center of Southwest Surgical Associates Diana Pérez Gomez - Shareholder, Chamberlain Hrdlicka Tracie Greene - Founding President/CEO, Culture Arts Initiative, Inc. Daniella Guzman - News Anchor, KPRC 2 TV Yasmin Huebinger - Houston Market President, Capital One LeBrina Jackson - Owner/Founder, Escape Spa Leela James - Award Winning Recording Artist Nia Johnson-Jones, MD - Doctor, Nia Aesthetics MD Christina A. Jones - VP HR US Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Shell USA Inc Ruthie Lee-Esene - Director of Human Resouces, Butler-Cohen-Design + Build Wendy Lewis Armstrong - Vice President, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Melissa Macheska-Duarte, Ed.D - Superintendent, Texas City Independent School District Lilyanne McClean - Senior Vice President, Global Public Policy and Government Affairs, FuelCell Energy Carmen McZeal - Co-Founder for Remarkable Kids Pediatrics Therapy & Edge Sports Counselings
Ada Ortega - Dir of Public Affairs, Comm & Sustainability, Arca Continental/Coca-Cola SW Beverages Paula Patterson - Superintendent, Crosby Independent School District Dr. Kerrie Patterson-Brown - Chief Executive Officer / Founder, Legacy the School of Sport Sciences Dr. Letitia Plummer - Maxwello Dental, Owner / City Council Member At-Large 4, City of Houston Tracey Prince, EMPA - Sr. Director, Government Relations, Houston First Corporation Dr. Tonie Reincke - Founder / Medical Director, Reincke Vein Center Conchita Reyes - Small Business Owner / Fractional CFO, CR Financials Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora - Superintendent of Schools, Tomball Independent School District Lauren M. Sparks - Founder & CEO, Agility Bank Dr. Pretta Vandible Stallworth - District 9 Trustee, Houston Community College Dr. Neema Stephens - National Medical Director for Health Equity, Cigna Healthcare Lacey Tezino - Founder & CEO, Passport Journeys Adrienne C. Trimble - Vice President, Chief Diversity and Culture Officer Sysco Corporation, Sysco Rashi Vats - News Anchor, FOX 26 Jacqueline Ward - System Chief Nurse Executive and Sr. Vice President, Texas Children’s Hospital Mandy Westerman - Regional Vice President of Behavioral Health, Universal Health Services Chasity Moniek Williams - Senior Director, Media & Entertainment Advisory, Microsoft
*Companies and titles in 2023
17 OF TEXAS
2026
TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
2024 TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF HOUSTON THE HONORABLE SHEILA JACKSON LEE COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Jackie Anderson - President, Houston Federation of Teachers HONOREES Carolyn Benton Aiman - President & Chief Operating Officer, BakerRipley Melinda S. Balezentis, MHA, Ph.D - Vice President, National Account Executive, Cigna Healthcare DeJuena Chizer - E xecutive Senior Associate Athletic Director, University of Houston
Belinda Mays - Author, Speaker, Woman in Tech, Lockheed Martin Enterprise Operations Dr. Sheri L. Miller-Hoskin - Chief Executive Officer, TranscEnDence Educational Partners, LLC. Lisa Modica - Vice President, Global Labor & Employment Law, Halliburton Company
Chartenya Cleveland - Director of Underwriting Solutions, The Hanover Insurance Group
Sheroo Mukhtiar - Chief Executive Officer, SERJobs
Khori Dastoor - General Director, CEO, Houston Grand Opera
Rosie Nguyen – Reporter, ABC13 Houston
Robyn Doughtie - Director of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer, Fort Bend County
Dr. Angela Okotie -Eboh, DNP, APRN – Chief Executive Officer, NP Care Services Group
Renee’ Downey - A rea Director of Sales and Operations, Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages
Eveitt Payne – Senior Vice President, Retail Area Manager, Third Coast Bank
Tejuana L. Edmond - Vice President, Plastic Additives Americas, BASF Chelsea Edwards - Talk Show Host, Media Professional, Fox 26 Dr. Margaret Ford Fisher - Chancellor, Houston Community College Kathy C. Flanagan, MD - Physician/Board Certified Psychiatrist, Kathy C. Flanagan, MD Tabitha Garcia - Vice President, Partner, Page Parkes Corporation Monica R. Glover - Senior Manager, Government Relations, Port Houston Amanda Hammel - S enior Vice President, Chief Information Officer, Memorial Hermann Health System Brandi Harleaux - CEO, South Post Oak Recycling Center Dr. Dionne M. Hill, LPC-S - Practice Manager, Southwest Adult Clinic, The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD Claudia Ortega Hogue - Partner, SSP Engineering & Consulting Shae Keefe Jacobs - Senior Counsel, Husch Blackwell LLP Argentina M. James - Founder, President, CEO, HillDay Staci LaToison - Founder & CEO, Dream Big Ventures Liza Lawrence - CEO and Founder, Perfect Connection Thanh Le - Chairwoman, Vietnamese Culture and Science Association Tomikia P. LeGrande, Ed.D - President, Prairie View A&M University Apriél Powell Martin - Attorney, UnitedHealthcare Kristin L. Massey - Vice President, Bayou City Event Center Lora L. Mayes, BSN RN - Founder, CEO, Beacon Home Health Agency, LLC
Wendy Preciado – Founder and CEO, CM & D National Construction LLC Ana Maria Brodbeck Schick – Executive Director, CFP Foundation Tracee Seals, MBA CFRE – Foundation Director, Disrupt Gives Rhonda Scott Smith – Deputy Director/Chief Financial Officer, Houston Police Department Jackie St. Germain, LCSW, MBA – Director of Business Development and Marketing, UTHealth Behavioral Sciences Campus Ashley J. Steinberg, MD FACS – Plastic Surgeon, Trouvaille Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery Dee Dee Stephens – G eneral Counsel and Corporate Secretary, LiquidPower Specialty Products Inc. Sarah Syed – Organizing Manager, Woori Juntos ReShonda Tate – N ational Bestselling Author/Producer/Managing Editor, Defender Network Mary M. Vitek – Chief Executive Officer, Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council Laura Moton Whitley – Market President, TDECU Dr. Alveda Williams – Chief Inclusion Officer, Dow Kristin Williams - Chief Executive Officer, Kingwood Pines Hospital Monica G. Williams, Ph.D. - Houston Campus President, Texas Woman's University Kelly Woodward - Chief Operating Officer, Houston Airports Lisa Wright - President, Chief Executive Officer, Community Health Choice, Inc. *Companies and titles in 2024
18 OF TEXAS
2026
TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
2025 TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF HOUSTON THE HONORABLE SHEILA JACKSON LEE COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Kathy Taylor – National Recording Artist HONOREES LaShandra “Shaun” Boddy - Chairman, Black Heritage Committee of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
Qiana Joi James - Founder & CEO, Friendly Faces Healthcare, LLC
Lesley Briones - Commissioner, Harris County Precinct 4
Dr. Cosha Joseph, LPC-S, NCC - Founder & CEO, Safe Place Counseling & Consulting, LLC
Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock - Board Chair, Houston METRO
Nicole Lander, R.D. - Chief Impact Officer, Houston Food Bank
Jacqueline Brock, DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, CCHP - E xecutive Vice President & Chief Nurse Executive, Harris Health
Daniella D. Landers - President, Houston Bar Association
Sonya Brown-Marshall - City Council At-Large Position 1 & Mayor Pro-Tem, Missouri City, Tx
Judy Le - President, TakeRoot, LLC
Phuong Cardoza - Group Director & CEO, West Oaks Hospital Celina L. Carter - Senior Vice President & General Counsel, BWC Terminals Daphane Carter - Executive Director, Genesys Works Houston Suparna Chhibber, MD, FAAFP - President, Houston Family & Geriatric Medicine Susan Christian – Sr. Director, Campus and Community Engagement and Conference Services, Rice University Dr. Jacque Colbert - Founder & President, Sipping PositiviTEA Erica Rico Contreras - Morning Show Host, Radio One/93Q Keasia Murray Daniels - Owner & Principal Consultant, VantagePoint Business Solutions Dr. Tabitha S. Davis - C ampus Principal, Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy - Houston ISD
Shareen Larmond - President, West Gulf Maritime Association Libi Lebel - Founder & Artistic Director, Texas Medical Center Orchestra Marian K. LeDoux, MBA, RN - VP of Operations, Accurate Security, Inc Aileen Mayberry - CEO, Heart of Houston Community Development Center Kerry McCracken - Executive Director, The Children’s Assessment Center Yasmene McDaniel - CEO, HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast Dr. Jacqueline Jones McKinney, MSCP - Founder & CEO, Therapeutic Alliance and Treatment Center, LLC Mayra Moreno - News Anchor, ABC 13 Eyewitness News Elvia Rivera-Reyes - Founder & General Director, La Fontaine Reception Hall Dr Te’Lila Robinson - Doctor of Chiropractic & President, Full Circle Chiropractic & Wellness Center Runsi Sen - Founder, President & CEO, Ovarcome
Irma Diaz-Gonzalez - CEO, Employment & Training Centers, Inc
Katherine W. Smith - President & CEO, Neuhaus Education Center
Holly Dool - Founder & President, CAMO Rescue
Chief Marion Spann - Fire Marshal, Houston Fire Department
Kandi Eastman - Mid-Day Radio Personality, Radio One, Inc. Susan Edionwe, MD, FACS, DipABLM - Founder & CEO, Blue Ribbon ENT
Courtney Taylor - Senior Vice President Community Development, Veritex Community Bank
Adaeze Egesi, MD, MBA, FAAD - Owner & Board-Certified Dermatologist, Humble Dermatology
Agnes Usoro-Umoh, MD - Medical Director & Owner, River Oaks Galleria Medspa Dr. Chakilla Robinson White - Chief Learning and Fulfillment Officer, DaVita
Laura Urquiza Gump - President, Houston Kroger
Dr. Marisa Williams - CEO & Co-Founder, A Hug Away
Jennine Hovell-Cox - Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Houston Housing Authority
Dr. Nicole Wilson - CEO, On The Go Medical Supply, LLC
Cylenthia Hoyrd - Director, COH - Office of Business Opportunity
*Companies and titles in 2025
19 OF TEXAS
2026
TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
DESHONDA P. CHARLES, ESQ. 2024 NAREB National Convention W.I.R.E. Conference, bringing insight and authority to discussions about business, legacy and collaboration. In 2025, she was named Supplier of the Year (Class I) by the Houston Minority Supplier Development Council. She was also a multi-year honoree of Houston’s Top 50 Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs. A graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program, Attorney Charles was a respected professional speaker and educator who regularly presented on topics such as estate planning, business succession, entrepreneurship and collaborative business strategies. Beyond the courtroom, classroom and stage, Attorney Charles had a deep commitment to uplifting her community. In 2007, she founded Camp AATTIA, a youth summer enrichment program in Houston that inspires and empowers young minds through STEM education and creativity. She also served as a mentor to solo entrepreneurs and emerging professionals. Attorney Charles was a past president of the Houston Lawyers Association, a member of the Texas Bar College and an alumna of the United Way Project Blueprint program. Through every role she held, she led with vision, service and integrity. Above all, she believed in the power of planning, purpose and community to transform lives and businesses — a belief that guided her daily work and inspired those she served.
D
eshonda P. Charles, Esq., was an award-winning attorney, seasoned entrepreneur and respected community leader with more than 23 years of legal experience. As the founder and CEO of D. Charles Law Firm PLLC, she led a boutique Houstonbased practice focused on estate planning, probate litigation, business succession planning and civil litigation. In 2026, she proudly celebrated 15 years at the helm of her law firm, which had become a trusted resource for families, business owners and professionals seeking clarity, protection and legacy.
Licensed to practice in Texas, Louisiana, New York and Connecticut, Attorney Charlesbuilt a reputation for delivering strategic, client-focused legal solutions. She was especially known for her skill in navigating complex probate disputes, guiding clients through estate planning strategies and helping business owners protect their companies and transfer wealth across generations.
Attorney Charles practiced law in Houston, where she lived with her husband, Joseph Smith.
POSTHUMOUS HONOREE DESHONDA P. CHARLES, ESQ.
Her leadership and influence earned na- CEO, D. Charles & Associates, PLLC tional recognition. She served as a fea- 2023 Top 30 Influential Woman tured panelist at the 2023 National Mi- She’s Got Influence Advisory Board Member nority Supplier Development Council’s Annual Conference & Exchange and the
20 OF TEXAS
2026
TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
THE HONORABLE
Sheila Jackson Lee COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
In grateful recognition of your leadership, service and commitment to the community. Your legacy will never be forgotten. - MR. D-MARS 21 OF TEXAS
2026
TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
DR. LIZA ALONZO
ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT, PRESIDENTIAL AFFAIRS & CONSTITUENT RELATIONS, UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON-DOWNTOWN Dr. Alonzo is equally committed to serving the Houston community. She is a longtime volunteer with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Go Tejano Committee, where she serves as a Division Chairman and serves on the HLSR Board of Directors. She is also a member of the Junior League of Houston, serving as a certified Child Advocate and participating in the Life Book program for children in foster care. Since 2018, she has served on the Tellepsen Family Downtown YMCA Board and remains active in the Clear Lake High School PTA as Vice President of Programs as well as the Cross-Country Booster Club as secretary. Her leadership and service have earned numerous honors, including the League of Women Voters of Houston's Helen Hunter Award and Rising Star recognition, Congressional Recognition for Civic Engagement from the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, the 2023 Distinguished Latina Award from the Pan American Round Table Houston, the 2023 Mariachi Festival Influential Latina Award, UHD's 2024 Golden Gator Alumni Award, and recognition as a 2025 Woman on the Move by Texas Executive Women. She is also an alumna of the Governor's Executive Development Program at the University of Texas LBJ School of Public Affairs and United Way Project Blueprint. Dr. Alonzo lives in the Clear Lake area with her husband, Albert, their sons, Liam and Luke, and their two rescue dogs, Lola and Ollie.
D
r. Liza Alonzo is a native Houstonian who grew up in southeast Houston and attended HISD schools. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD), where she co-founded the Xi Chapter of Gamma Alpha Omega Sorority, Inc., the university's first Hispanic sorority, which continues to thrive today. She later earned a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration and Supervision from the University of Houston and a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration from Texas Tech University.
With more than 20 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Alonzo has built a distinguished career at UHD and now serves as Assistant Vice President of Presidential Affairs and Constituent Relations. In this role, she leads the operations of the President's Office, advances presidential strategic initiatives, and strengthens relationships with community partners, government officials, alumni, university friends, and stakeholders. Her work helps elevate the university's visibility, deepen community connections, and support initiatives that advance student success and institutional impact.
DR. LIZA ALONZO Assistant Vice President, Presidential Affairs & Constituent Relations University of Houston-Downtown 1 Main Street, Suite S-990 Houston, TX 77002 O: (713) 221-8682 alonzol@uhd.edu www.uhd.edu IG: LizaAlonzo FB: Liza.Alonzo.5
22 OF TEXAS
2026
TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
Congratulations 2026 Top 30 Influential Women of Texas Honorees
Sara Lujan Donatto AVC/AVP Government and Community Relations University of Houston System
Lilia Gibson Managing Partner Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP
Dr. Liza Alonzo Assistant Vice President, Presidential Affairs & Constituent Relations University of Houston-Downtown
Sponsored by: Lenora Sorola-Pohlman 2021 Honoree
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2026
TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
DR. DE'MONICA COOPER AMERSON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT & SUPPORT, SPRING ISD OFFICE OF TRANSFORMATION
also a Certified Trainer, equipping campus and district leaders with the tools to implement effective systems of academic and behavioral support. As a campus principal, Dr. Amerson successfully led school turnaround efforts that resulted in improved accountability ratings, increased staff engagement, strengthened school culture, and enhanced instructional outcomes through strategic planning, and collaborative leadership practices. Her ability to cultivate high-performing teams and create systems for continuous improvement has earned her recognition as an innovative and results-driven educational leader.
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r. De'Monica Cooper Amerson is an accomplished educational executive, school improvement leader, and leadership coach with more than 24 years of progressive experience transforming schools, developing leaders, and driving districtwide improvement initiatives. Throughout her career, she has served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, Director of Professional Learning, and Executive Director of School Improvement and Support, building a reputation for strategic leadership, organizational excellence, and sustainable school transformation. As the Executive Director of School Improvement and Support for Spring Independent School District, Dr. Amerson leads comprehensive school improvement efforts by partnering with principals and district leaders to strengthen instructional systems, improve student achievement, and ensure continuous improvement through data-driven decision-making. Her expertise includes principal supervision, executive coaching, accountability systems, campus improvement planning, organizational change management, leader-
In addition to her work in public education, Dr. Amerson is an accomplished author and nationally sought-after keynote speaker. She’s delivered engaging presentations on leadership for Prairie View A&M University, on school improvement for Joliette Public School in Chicago, organizational excellence, instructional leadership, women's empowerment, faith-based leadership, and personal growth in several districts around the state. Her authentic leadership style, practical strategies, and ability to inspire action have made her a ship development, and strategic planning. trusted voice among educators, adminisA passionate developer of people, Dr. Am- trators, community leaders, and organizaerson is widely recognized as a facilitator, tions across the country. leadership coach, and mentor to aspir- Dr. Amerson's professional excellence has ing and experienced educational leaders. been recognized through numerous honShe has designed and facilitated execu- ors, including the Presidential Volunteer tive leadership institutes, administrator Service Award, the DMARS Top 50 Black academies, districtwide learning experi- Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas, ences, and mentoring programs that have the Women Doing It BIG Award, Spring ISD equipped hundreds of teachers, instruc- Principal of the Month, and multiple proctional leaders, assistant principals, princi- lamations recognizing her leadership and pals, and district administrators with the community impact. knowledge and skills needed to lead highperforming schools. Her coaching philosophy emphasizes servant leadership, strategic thinking, instructional excellence, and building leadership capacity at every level of an organization. During her tenure as Director of Professional Learning, Dr. Amerson spearheaded the development of a comprehensive districtwide professional learning framework, directed a professional development budget exceeding $1.2 million, launched an administrator leadership series, and led a district mentorship program supporting more than 500 educators. She is
DR. DE'MONICA COOPER AMERSON Executive Director, School Improvement & Support Spring ISD Office of Transformation 16717 Ella Blvd Houston, TX 77090 O: 281.891.6324 dcooper@springisd.org www.springisd.org
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TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
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25 OF TEXAS
2026
TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
EMILY C. ANDERSON, P.E., P.ENG., P.M.P. VICE PRESIDENT & SENIOR CLIENT ADVISOR, HALFF ASSOCIATES, INC.
Mayor of Houston proclaimed May 20 as “Emily Anderson Day” in honor of her contributions to the city. She is a graduate of Leadership Houston Class XXXVII and is currently a Fellow with the American Leadership Forum Class LXVII. She was named a 2024 Role Model by the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce and previously honored as one of Northeast Ohio’s Top 25 Under 35 Movers and Shakers. Anderson also participated in the prestigious American Marshall Memorial Fellowship, journeying to Europe with the German Marshall Fund in 2008. Her global leadership extends further through her service as a former Regional Director for Western Australia within the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) International Australia Section and through her continued engagement in initiatives such as Engineers Without Borders that strengthen international collaboration in engineering and public infrastructure.
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hroughout her distinguished twenty‑five‑year career, Emily Anderson, P.E., P.Eng., P.M.P., has spearheaded transformative infrastructure initiatives across the United States and internationally, including work in Iraq, the West Bank, Libya, Australia, and Canada. A seasoned strategic leader, she currently serves as Vice President and Senior Client Advisor at Halff Associates, Inc. in Houston, Texas, where she guides multi-million-dollar capital programs and advances resilient infrastructure solutions for communities across the region. Her international leadership includes serving as Engineering Manager for the Jacobs Infrastructure Practice in Alberta, Canada, where she directed the Water Engineering Group, and contributing to multi‑billion‑dollar programs with AECOM in Perth, Western Australia, and Tripoli, Libya. Anderson began her career as a Christine Mirzayan Science and Technology Policy Graduate Fellow with the National Academies in Washington, D.C., followed by eight years with Montgomery Watson Harza (MWH) in Cleveland, Ohio,
A passionate advocate for STEAM education, refugee empowerment, and global access to clean water, Anderson has served on more than a dozen nonprofit and professional boards. She is widely recognized for championing equity, mentorship, and opportunities for women and minorities in engineering, embodying principled leaderwhere she built the technical foundation ship and a deep commitment to building a that continues to define her excellence. more just, sustainable, and resilient world Anderson is the first Black President in that reflects her belief in service, commuthe history of the American Council of En- nity, and long‑term impact. gineering Companies (ACEC) Houston, one Anderson holds a Bachelor of Science deof the region’s most influential business gree in Environmental Engineering from associations representing hundreds of en- Northwestern University and a Master of gineering firms responsible for designing Science degree in Civil Engineering from Houston’s critical infrastructure. During the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. her 2025–2026 presidency, she strength- She is a licensed Professional Engineer in ened infrastructure advocacy, fostered the USA (P.E.) and Canada (P.Eng.) and a collaboration, and elevated the collective Project Management Professional (P.M.P.). voice of engineering firms across the region. She currently serves as Immediate Past President and Chair of the ACEC Houston Government Affairs Committee (GAC). She also serves as a Director for the Harris‑Galveston Subsidence District, appointed by the Mayor of Houston, where EMILY C. ANDERSON, P.E., P.ENG., she helps guide long‑term regional water P.M.P. sustainability, regulatory policy, and risk Vice President & Senior Client Advisor governance for a rapidly growing metro- Halff Associates, Inc. politan area that depends on resilient waO: 713.380.4364 ter management. eanderson@halff.com Her leadership and service have earned www.halff.com significant recognition. In 2025, the
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2026
TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
PAOLA BARBIERI
ATTORNEY, ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICE
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orn in Venezuela, Paola Barbieri’s early life was shaped by an international upbringing that spanned three countries and two continents. As a child, she moved with her family to Massachusetts while her father pursued graduate studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Her family later relocated to the Netherlands, where she developed a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and global experiences that continue to influence both her legal career and her commitment to public service. Barbieri earned her bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas at Austin before obtaining her Juris Doctor from the University of Houston Law Center. She began her legal career in private practice, representing clients in personal injury matters before answering the call to public service. Today, she serves as an attorney with the Office of the Texas Attorney General, where she applies her legal expertise in service to the people of Texas. Throughout her career, she has earned a reputation for professionalism, integrity and a steadfast commitment to justice. A dedicated leader within Houston’s legal community, Barbieri serves on the Board of Directors of the Houston Young Lawyers Association and co-chairs the HBA x HYLA Wellness Committee, a collaborative initiative between the Houston Bar Association and Houston Young Lawyers Association. Through this leadership role, she helps advance programs that promote attorney wellness and professional development while fostering a stronger and more connected legal profession. Service has always been central to Barbieri’s mission. She has provided pro bono legal representation through Houston Volunteer Lawyers, Catholic Charities, and Advocates for Immigrant Survivors, helping individuals and families overcome barriers to justice. Her commitment to giving back also extends beyond the courtroom through volunteer work with Friends for Life, the Children's Assessment Center, the Houston Young Lawyers Foundation Adopt-an-Angel program, and the Houston Food Bank.
and continues training at Houston Ballet, embracing the discipline and artistry that have long enriched her life. Her passion for the arts also led her to serve on the Young Patrons Benefit Committee for the New York City Ballet's Fall Fashion Gala.
supported her journey and looks forward to continuing to make a meaningful impact through both her profession and her service.
As a 2026 Top 30 Influential Women of Texas honoree, Barbieri is recognized not only for her professional accomplishments and leadership within the legal profession, PAOLA BARBIERI but also for her unwavering commitment Before pursuing law, Barbieri dedicated Attorney to service, mentorship, and community. years to the study of classical piano and Attorney General’s Office She remains grateful for the mentors, ballet. She returned to ballet as an adult family, friends, and colleagues who have 27 OF TEXAS
2026
TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
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28 OF TEXAS
2026
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ShesGotInfluence.com 29 OF TEXAS
2026
TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
KATHLEEN BROWN
DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT OF OPERATIONS, FORT BEND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT University–Commerce. Grateful for the educators, mentors, and leaders who invested in her throughout her journey, she is committed to paying that investment forward by mentoring others and creating pathways for future generations of leaders. For Brown, family is her first ministry, and her two daughters, Kennedy and Kiersten, are her pride and joy. Her role as a mother shapes the way she leads and reinforces her commitment to creating systems, environments, and opportunities that reflect the same care, support, and excellence she would want for her own children. She approaches every decision with the belief that every student deserves to experience a school system where they are valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. A devoted wife and proud mother, Brown is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, reflecting her lifelong commitment to scholarship, service, and leadership. Outside of her professional responsibilities, she enjoys cooking, shopping, spending time with family and friends, and serving her community.
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very interaction matters. That belief has guided Kathleen Brown throughout her distinguished career as an educational leader dedicated to empowering students, developing leaders, and strengthening communities. A transformational leader, Brown is known for building systems, cultivating talent, and fostering environments where people can learn, grow, and thrive. As Deputy Superintendent of Operations for Fort Bend ISD, one of Texas' largest and most diverse school districts, Brown provides executive leadership for the district's operational enterprise, strategically aligning people, resources, and systems to support exceptional teaching and learning. She believes operational excellence is the foundation of educational excellence, creating conditions for students to succeed and employees to flourish.
Inspired by Jackie Robinson's belief that “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives,” Brown leads with purpose, humility, and the conviction that every interaction matters. She believes the greatest measure of leadership is not the title one holds, but the lives one influences, the leaders one develops, and the opportunities one creates for others to succeed. Her enduring legacy is With more than 26 years of experience in reflected in the students she has champieducation, Brown has served as a teacher, oned, the educators she has empowered, assistant principal, principal, human re- and the future leaders she has inspired to sources executive, and district leader. A serve with excellence, integrity, and heart. former District Teacher of the Year and Spirit of a Champion Award recipient, she has built a career distinguished by visionary leadership, an unwavering commitment to student success, and a passion for developing future leaders. She is recognized for cultivating collaborative cul- KATHLEEN BROWN tures, strengthening organizations, and Deputy Superintendent of Operations creating opportunities where both stu- Fort Bend Independent School District dents and staff are empowered to reach 16431 Lexington Blvd their highest potential. Sugar Land, TX. 77479 A Louisiana native who has proudly called O: 281.634.0009 Texas home for the past 27 years, Brown Kathleen.brown@fortbendisd.gov earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary www.fortbendisd.gov Education from Southern University and A&M College and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Texas A&M
30 OF TEXAS
2026
TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
DR. SUPARNA CHHIBBER HOUSTON FAMILY AND GERIATRIC MEDICINE
With more than two decades of experience in clinical care, medical education, and advocacy, Dr. Suparna Chhibber leads a personalized, wellness-focused primary care practice she founded to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care focused on prevention, longevity, healthy aging, and even reversing chronic disease. Board-certifi ed in family medicine, palliative care, and lifestyle medicine, Dr. Chhibber goes beyond treating illness to actively preventing it — building individualized plans around nutrition, physical activity, stress reduction, sleep optimization, weight management, and food-as-medicine. Patients benefi t from minimal wait times, same- or next-day appointments, and unhurried visits that allow for an in-depth review of their health over time. As a certified Culinary Health Education Fundamentals (CHEF) Coach, she brings hands-on cooking guidance and health coaching into her whole-person approach. Step inside, and the difference is immediate: a warm, state-ofthe-art office with a caring team, plus holistic offerings like group yoga sessions, webinars and “shop-with-doc” grocery store tours.
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TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
CONSTABLE KATHRYN “KAT” BROWN PRECINCT 4, BEXAR COUNTY sive Field Training Program that continues to prepare the next generation of law enforcement professionals. Under her administration, Precinct 4 employed the largest number of female peace officers ever assembled within a Bexar County Constable's Office, demonstrating her commitment to developing leaders, expanding opportunities, and building diverse, highly trained teams. She established a food pantry in partnership with the San Antonio Food Bank, organized annual Christmas toy giveaways, partnered with Lasagna Love to provide meals for families in need, championed youth initiatives, honored veterans through patriotic events, and strengthened relationships through meaningful outreach and collaboration. Constable Brown is also a children’s book author whose work features Biggie, her agency’s Station Dog. Biggie was donated through K9s For Warriors to Bexar County Constable Precinct 4, making the office the first law enforcement agency in Texas to receive a Station Dog through the program. Outside of law enforcement, she has also been a licensed Realtor, owned a travel franchise, and operated a boutique ice cream shop in Olmos Park.
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onstable Kathryn “Kat” Brown is a dedicated public servant, seasoned law enforcement executive, and community advocate serving her second term as the elected Constable of Bexar County Precinct 4. With 24 years of continuous service to Bexar County, she has built a reputation for visionary leadership, operational excellence, and an unwavering commitment to serving others with integrity, accountability, and compassion. A California native, Constable Brown is the proud mother of two accomplished adult sons and grandmother of three. She is also a survivor of Stage I ovarian cancer and Stage II breast cancer. Those experiences strengthened her faith, resilience, and compassion, inspiring her to advocate for cancer awareness and meaningful community engagement. Before making history with her elec-
Now serving her second term, Constable Brown continues to lead with innovation, transparency, and purpose while investing in people, strengthening public safety, and leaving every organization better than she tion in 2020 as the first African Amerifound it. can woman elected Constable in Bexar County, and only the fourth in Texas, she served 19 distinguished years with the Bexar County Sheriff's Office, rising to the rank of Sergeant. During her career, she completed more than 3,000 hours of professional training and earned certificaCONSTABLE KATHRYN “KAT” tions as a Peace Officer Instructor, Mental Health Officer, and Field Training Officer, BROWN while serving on the Special Emergency Precinct 4 Response Team, Honor Guard, Mounted Bexar County Patrol, the Training Academy, and admin- 8794 Rocket Lane #2 Converse, TX 78109 istrative leadership. O: 210.335.4950 Constable Brown established the Sherconstablekathrynbrown@gmail.com iff's Office's first recruitment division, kathrynbrown@bexar.org created Bexar County's free TCOLE Resource Center, expanded partnerships IG: ConstableKatBrown onstableKatBrown & with Military Police and Security Forces, FB: C ConstableKathrynBrown strengthened departmental accountability, implemented a progressive disciplinary LI: ConstableKathrynBrown framework, and developed a comprehen- TT: ConstableKatBrown
32 OF TEXAS
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TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
Kathryn Brown C ONS TABLE
Bexar County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office The Precinct 4 Constable’s Office is committed to upholding the law, serving the courts, and supporting the citizens of Bexar County through professionalism, compassion, and accountability.
Service With Integrity. Protecting Our Community. OUR ROLES AS CONSTABLES
ACTIVE IN OUR COMMUNITY
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Bexar County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office 8794 East Loop 1604 North, Suite 2 Converse, Texas 78109 210-335-4951
33 OF TEXAS
2026
TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
NIKI CONNER, CRCM
DIRECTOR, FAIR & RESPONSIBLE BANKING, CHARLES SCHWAB BANK “alphabet soup” of regulatory knowledge with a calm leadership style, persistence, and a genuine focus on doing what is fair and responsible for clients. She earned her MBA from Dallas Baptist University and holds the Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM) designation from the American Bankers Association - credentials that reflect both her professional discipline and her commitment to lifelong learning. Beyond her technical expertise, Conner is known as a leader who creates space for others to learn, contribute, and succeed. She leads with resilience, excellence, influence, and a spirit of service. She demonstrates that strong leadership is not only measured by what is accomplished, but by how people are supported along the way. By combining subject matter expertise with humility and approachability, Conner helps create an environment where people feel empowered to raise concerns, share ideas, and pursue better outcomes with clarity, confidence, shared accountability, and a strong sense of purpose. In her free time, Conner enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, supporting her favorite NCAA college basketball teams, and traveling across the globe. These interests reflect the same curiosity, energy, and appreciation for connection that she brings to her professional life. Whether she is exploring a new destination, cheering on a team, or investing time in the people who matter most, Conner brings a sense of enthusiasm and intentionality to the moments that ground and inspire her.
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iki Conner is a respected compliance leader whose career reflects the power of purposedriven 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. Her role places her at the center of important initiatives involving fair lending, fair servicing, complaint management, and regulatory governance - areas that require both technical depth and sound judgment.
With more than 20 years of regulatory compliance management experience in the financial services industry, Conner brings a steady, knowledgeable, and solutions-focused approach to her work. She has held various leadership roles with several large and midsize financial institutions, building a career grounded in accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Across these roles, she has developed a reputation for navigating complex regulatory environments with focus and professionalism, helping teams identify risk, strengthen controls, and respond thoughtfully to change. Conner’s colleagues recognize her for combining an
NIKI CONNER, CRCM Director, Fair & Responsible Banking Charles Schwab Bank 3000 Schwab Way Westlake, TX 76262 O: 817. 287.9418 niki.conner@schwab.com www.schwab.com
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TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
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35 OF TEXAS
2026
TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
HONORABLE MOLLY COOK STATE SENATOR DISTRICT 15, TEXAS SENATE
Texans across Harris County. In the 89th Legislative Session, she advanced a legislative package guided by her “Nurse First” legislative agenda, which focuses on improving the health, safety, and quality of life for working and middle-class Texans. 7 bills she authored and sponsored were passed into law. She also brought home strong budget wins for Senate District 15, including fifty-four million dollars for the Cypress Ditch Regional Flood Mitigation Project led by the City of Bellaire. As a registered nurse, Senator Cook applied her frontline healthcare experience serving on the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services, the Senate Committee on Administration, and the Senate Committee on Local Government to work for her constituents and all Texans. This was Senator Cook’s first legislative session representing Senate District 15; she was present for 100 percent of roll calls and maintained a 100 percent voting record for the 4,488 record votes taken. Active within the district year-round, her office hosts frequent town halls, subjectmatter teach-ins, and legislative training sessions. She is grateful to every constituent who guides the work of the Senate District 15 office and looks forward to fighting for policies that prioritize the bread-andbutter issues facing working Texans this upcoming session. Senator Cook is a harpist, multi-modal transportation enthusiast, and certified yoga instructor. She is the proud custodian of her senior rescue chihuahua, Oso.
HONORABLE MOLLY COOK State Senator District 15 Texas Senate
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enator 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, Senator Cook advocated for the
health and safety of her neighbors, and she is honored to continue that work from the Texas Senate. Senator Cook’s community advocacy helped pass a citizen-driven amendment to the City of Houston charter, and she has been recognized by the Houston Chronicle as one of Houston’s transportation leaders.
1100 Congress Avenue Austin, TX 78701 O: 512-463-0115 molly.cook@senate.texas.gov www.senate.texas.gov/member.php?d=15 IG: MollyforTexas
Now, as Texas State Senator for District 15, Senator Cook represents almost a million
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2026
TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
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37 OF TEXAS
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TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
SARA LUJAN DONATTO
AV CHANCELLOR/AVP FOR LOCAL RELATIONS, STRATEGIC INITIATIVES, GOVERNMENT & COMMUNITY RELATIONS, UH SYSTEM founded the Community Relations Alliance (CRA) in 2022, bringing together faculty and staff engaged in community outreach to share best practices, strengthen collaboration, and advance institutional impact. Known for navigating operational complexity while cultivating meaningful community relationships, Donatto has led numerous university-wide initiatives that advance the missions of both the department and the University. Committed to continuous growth, Donatto is a graduate of Leadership Houston (Class XLI) and the Governor’s Executive Development Program at the University of Texas LBJ School. Her leadership has been recognized with numerous honors, including Texas Executive Women’s 2024 Woman on the Move, the 2025 Female Executive Award from the East End Chamber of Commerce, and recognition by Houston Woman Magazine as one of Houston’s 50 Most Influential Women of 2025. She serves on the Board of Directors for the East End Chamber of Commerce and several other Houston-area organizations and remains active in the Junior League of Houston, Child Advocates, and mentoring emerging leaders.
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ara 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, she has played a key role in the department’s significant growth and evolution.
Donatto earned both her BBA and Executive MBA from Sam Houston State University and proudly considers herself an honorary UH System alumna after more than a decade of dedicated service. She and her husband, Adam, are the proud parents of two sons, Alec and Amir, and their beloved boxer, Juan Carlos. alongside the Executive Steering Committee, she led the University of Houston’s successful effort to earn the prestigious Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement, recognizing the University’s deep commitment to community partnerships.
Donatto oversees departmental operations across Houston, Austin, and Washington, D.C., while partnering with community relations leaders throughout the UH System to align strategies and maximize impact. She also leads the strategic vision Under Donatto’s leadership, the depart- and operations of the Judy Cook Building, ment has expanded its footprint in Hou- positioning it as a premier community enston, launched its Washington, D.C. office, gagement hub for the University. and strengthened its presence at the local, Guided by her belief that successful partstate, and national levels. Most notably, nerships are built on reciprocity, Donatto
SARA LUJAN DONATTO AV Chancellor/Assistant VP For Local Relations and Strategic Initiatives, Government and Community Relations University of Houston System 4302 University Drive Houston, TX 77204 O: 832.842.8317 selujan@uh.edu www.uhsystem.edu/offices/governmentalrelations/ LI: Sara Lujan Donatto, MBA
38 OF TEXAS
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TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
SOUDABEH ESKANDARI DIRECTOR OF CONSTRUCTION, HARRIS HEALTH
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oudabeh 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 the future of healthcare in the Houston region. Two years ago, Eskandari made the courageous decision to relocate from South Florida to Texas to lead one of the state’s largest and most impactful healthcare construction programs. Leaving behind an established career, family, and professional network, she and her family embraced the opportunity to help transform healthcare infrastructure while advancing her vision of creating environments that improve patient care and community wellbeing. Throughout her career, Eskandari has successfully delivered major healthcare projects for leading institutions, including Harris Health, the University of Miami Health System, Memorial Healthcare System, and Jackson Health System. Her unique background as an architect, owner’s representative, and executive leader allows her to bridge design, construction, and operations, ensuring projects are delivered with strategic vision, technical excellence, and operational readiness. Holding both a Master of Architecture and an Executive MBA, Eskandari is recognized not only for managing billion-dollar projects but also for inspiring collaboration, mentoring future leaders, and driving innovation in healthcare design and construction. She has been invited to speak at major industry conferences, sharing her expertise on creating resilient, futureready healthcare facilities, and her work ary leadership, professional excellence, has been featured in regional and national and an unwavering commitment to servmedia. ing communities through meaningful inOriginally from Iran, Eskandari’s journey frastructure. embodies resilience, determination, and the power of opportunity. From building a successful career in South Florida to becoming a leader in Texas’s healthcare transformation, she continues to break barriers and inspire others through vision-
SOUDABEH ESKANDARI Director of Construction Harris Health 4800 Fournace Place Bellaire, TX 77401 Soudabeh.eskandari@harrishealth.org www.harrishealth.org IG: Soudabeh_Esk FB: Sudabeh Eskandari
39 OF TEXAS
2026
TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
ERIKA FISHER, DNP
SENIOR DIRECTOR OF AMBULATORY SERVICES, TEXAS CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL zational goals. Her ability to navigate highly regulated environments, build strong cross-functional partnerships, and execute enterprise priorities has made her a trusted leader among clinicians, executives, and governing bodies alike. Prior to joining Texas Children’s, Fisher served as Vice President of Operations at Avenue 360 Health & Wellness, where she led enterprise-wide operational strategy across multiple clinical sites. Her responsibilities included operational oversight, practice optimization, digital health expansion, regulatory readiness, workforce development, and organizational growth initiatives. Earlier leadership positions at Legacy Community Health and Presbyterian Hospital further expanded her expertise in healthcare operations, performance improvement, ambulatory practice management, and patient-centered service delivery. Fisher’s leadership foundation was established during her service in the United States Air Force, where she supported mission-critical operations and logistics initiatives across domestic and international environments. The discipline, accountability, and operational rigor developed during her military service continue to inform her approach to leadership and organizational effectiveness.
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rika 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 strategic vision into measurable outcomes. Her expertise spans multi-site operations, ambulatory care, workforce engagement, regulatory readiness, quality improvement, and large-scale change management. As Senior Director of Ambulatory Services at Texas Children’s Hospital, Fisher provides executive and operational leadership for Maternal Fetal Medicine, the Fetal Center, and a broad portfolio of specialty ambula-
tory services. She oversees highly complex clinical operations that support multidisciplinary teams delivering advanced care for patients with complex maternal and fetal conditions. Her leadership focuses on optimizing operational performance, improving access to care, enhancing patient experience, and ensuring seamless coordination across clinical, administrative, and academic partners. Working closely with Baylor College of Medicine and physician leaders, she advances initiatives that strengthen quality, patient safety, clinical innovation, regulatory compliance, and long-term program sustainability. Throughout her career, Fisher has been recognized for her ability to lead large, complex operations through periods of growth and transformation. She brings a system-thinking approach to healthcare leadership, aligning people, processes, and resources to improve efficiency, strengthen team performance, and achieve organi-
A Doctor of Nursing Practice specializing in Administration and Leadership, Fisher is widely respected for her ability to unify teams, lead organizational transformation, and deliver sustainable operational excellence. Her recognition as one of the 2026 Top 30 Influential Women of Texas reflects her significant contributions to healthcare leadership and her ongoing commitment to improving outcomes for women, children, and families across Texas.
ERIKA FISHER, DNP Senior Director of Ambulatory Services Texas Children's Hospital Texas Children's Pavilion for Women 6651 Main Street Houston, TX 77030 O: 832.826.7648
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Congratulations 2026 Top 30 Influential Women of Texas
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ESTHER FRANCIS CEO, FRONZA & FRANCIS, LLC
Program at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, the $1.5 billion Airside D Expansion Program at Tampa International Airport, and the Houston Airport System’s $1.5 billion Terminal Redevelopment Program. In these roles, she has guided executive decision-making, developed program quality and compliance systems, coordinated stakeholder engagement, and ensured alignment with schedule, budget, safety, and operational objectives. Her leadership has consistently strengthened governance, streamlined procurement and contract administration processes, and enhanced confidence among owners, operators, and project partners. Known for her collaborative leadership style and commitment to excellence, Francis has built a reputation for creating high-performing teams, fostering accountability, and delivering successful outcomes on complex programs. She has successfully negotiated multimillion-dollar contracts, managed diverse stakeholder groups, and led organizations through challenging project environments while maintaining focus on quality, compliance, and client objectives. Her ability to unite project teams around shared goals has been instrumental in the successful delivery of major transportation and infrastructure investments.
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sther 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 quality assurance for some of the nation’s most significant aviation development programs. Her expertise spans project governance, contract compliance, procurement strategy, change management, quality management, risk mitigation, and program closeout.
Today, Francis continues to serve as a trusted advisor and executive leader for owners, agencies, airlines, and project teams, bringing deep industry knowledge, practical leadership, and a results-driven approach to the successful delivery of transformative infrastructure programs. A graduate of Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Science, Francis is a Certified Professional Constructor and a recognized leader in alternative project delivery methods, including Design-Build, Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR), and Program Management. Throughout her career, she has established and implemented policies, procedures, compliance frameworks, and quality systems that improve accountability, reduce risk, and strengthen project performance across large multidisciplinary teams.
ESTHER FRANCIS CEO Fronza & Francis, LLC 363 N Sam Houston Pkwy E, Suite 1100 Houston, TX 77060 O: 281.741.3118 efrancis@fronzafrancis.com www.fronzafrancis.com
Francis has played key leadership roles on several multi-billion-dollar aviation programs, including the $2.5 billion United Airlines Terminal B Transformation
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JULIANA GARAIZAR VENTURE CAPITALIST & GENERAL PARTNER, PORTFOLIA
J
uliana 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, life sciences and healthcare sectors. Garaizar is a partner of Energybackers, a general partner at Portfolia and a member of the Impact Committee at Suma Capital’s Net Zero Ventures, where she focuses on supporting companies developing solutions for a more resilient and sustainable future. Throughout her career, she has worked at the intersection of entrepreneurship, venture capital and economic development, helping founders scale innovative businesses while expanding access to investment opportunities. A recognized leader in Houston's innovation ecosystem, Garaizar previously served as chief development and investment officer at Greentown Labs, where she played a key role in establishing and launching Greentown Labs Houston, the Texas location of North America's largest climatetech startup incubator. Her leadership helped bring together entrepreneurs, investors, corporations and community partners to strengthen Houston's position as a global center for energy innovation and climate technology. Garaizar is also the co-founder of the Houston Energy and Climate Week. Garaizar has also made significant contributions to venture capital by expanding opportunities for women, LatinX, minority and underserved entrepreneurs. As a lead investor with Portfolia's Rising America Fund, Consumer Fund and Rising Tide Fund, she has championed investments that promote innovation while increasing access to capital for diverse founders. She has served in lboards and advisory roles with organizations including the Angel Capital Association, Society for Low Carbon Technologies, Business Angel Minority Association, Houston Diversity Fund, LatinX Startup Alliance, Impulse4women, Kauel Technologies and Ally Energy.
Before joining Greentown Labs, Garaizar served as director of the Texas Medical Center Venture Fund and managing director of the Houston Angel Network, where she helped connect healthcare innovators with investors, strategic partners and commercialization opportunities. Earlier in her career, she led international technology and innovation initiatives in Europe and Asia, including managing the awardwinning Sophia Business Angels network in France and serving with the Trade Commission of Spain and Citigroup's Asia Technology Office in Singapore.
and is both a Kauffman Fellow and VC Include Fellow.
Born in Bilbao, Spain, Garaizar has lived and worked across Europe, Asia and the United States, bringing a global perspective to entrepreneurship and venture investing. She earned a Master of Business Administration from London Business School and Berkeley Haas School of Business, specializing in entrepreneurship,
JULIANA GARAIZAR
Today, Garaizar continues to mentor entrepreneurs, teach innovation and champion a more inclusive venture capital ecosystem while helping position Houston as one of the world's leading centers for energy transition and technology innovation.
Venture Capitalist & General Partner Portfolia 801 Travis Houston, TX 77002 O: 832.294.9636 juliana.garaizar@portfolia.com www.portfolia.co 43
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TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
LILIA GIBSON
MANAGING PARTNER, LINEBARGER GOGGAN BLAIR & SAMPSON, LLP sentation with a deeply practical, compassionate, and taxpayers-first approach. A passionate advocate for equity and taxpayer dignity, Lilia established Taxpayer Outreach Program Services (TOPS) and launched CORE (Community Outreach, Resources, and Engagement). CORE brings free, host-partnered grassroots workshops directly into neighborhoods and community spaces, educating residents on homestead exemptions, senior and disabled tax deferrals, and court processes to safeguard homeownership and economic stability for Texas families. Beyond her professional practice, her commitment to service spans many years of board leadership and mentorship with organizations such as Boys and Girls Club of Mission, Hidalgo County Young Lawyer’s Association, the Northside Education Foundation, Judson Education Foundation, Edgewood Education Foundation, North East Education Foundation, Bexar County Family Justice Center, and various service ministries. For Lilia, being named among the 30 Most Influential Women of Texas is a humbling recognition to a life built on servant leadership. She views influence not as a personal accolade, but as a sacred blessing and a powerful platform. Guided by faith, family, and deep gratitude, she approaches every day as an opportunity to change lives for the better, using her voice and resources to empower others, connect individuals to their highest purpose, and help families across Texas achieve their dreams. “Influence is not a measure of status; it is a profound blessing and responsibility to connect others with their purpose, ignite their potential, and turn their dreams into reality.”
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ilia 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 the Lorenzo De Zavala Youth Legislative Session. These foundational moments shaped her enduring philosophy: true leadership requires both advocacy
and a willingness to roll up one’s sleeves to do the hard work required to uplift others. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas at Austin and her Juris Doctor from St. Mary’s University School of Law. Her first job in the Rio Grande Valley representing governmental entities in a general counsel capacity helped her understand the true role of public service. Across her legal tenure with Linebarger — representing cities, school districts, hospital districts, and counties in South Texas, Bexar County, and the Greater Houston region—she seeks to combine legal repre-
LILIA GIBSON Managing Partner Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP 4828 Loop Central Drive, Suite 600 Houston, TX 77081 O: 713.844.3400 Lilia.Gibson@lgbs.com www.lgbs.com
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Recovering Public Revenue Strengthening Communities
lgbs.com 45 OF TEXAS
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TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
SAMANTHA GOLDSTEIN CO-OWNER & MANAGING PARTNER, THE GOLDHAM GROUP
mond and Scott Goldstein, she has worked to model these beliefs within her own organization. Founded in 2019, The GoldHam Group is a boutique communications and government relations consultancy serving the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Together, the team brings decades of experience to clients spanning non-profit, health care, government, and business sectors. Within the firm, Goldstein anchors the organizational and internal communications practice, complementing GoldHam's public affairs and government relations work so clients can move seamlessly from what they say inside their walls to how they present themselves publicly. Before co-founding The GoldHam Group, Goldstein built a career as an internal communications and change management professional, partnering with some of the nation's largest companies to guide enterprise-wide initiatives focused on organizational transformation and employee engagement. A graduate of Tulane University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in English and Spanish, Sam holds two globally recognized change management certifications and an executive coaching designation from the Leadership Circle Profile. When not at work, she serves on the boards of the Newcomb College Alumni Association and the Dallas Historical Society.
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amantha 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 drive measurable results across organizations.
protect trust, and keep their teams steady and engaged through the disruption.
With a focus on employee culture, change management, internal communication, and leadership coaching, Goldstein has built a career on her unique ability to define strategy, build structure, and drive empathy. As an executive coach, she works one-on-one with leaders to strengthen how they show up under pressure, turning capable communicators into leaders others choose to follow. She believes that successful organizations are built Companies most often turn to Goldstein through authentic leadership, thoughtful at the moments that test an organization: communication, and meaningful human leadership transitions, restructurings, connection, and she is passionate about rapid growth, and other changes that un- environments where both employees and settle employees and stakeholders alike. stakeholders feel valued. She brings clarity to those moments, Alongside business partners Vana Hamhelping leaders communicate with candor,
Based in Dallas, Goldstein enjoys watching her two daughters, 7 and 10, compete in gymnastics, assisting with animal rescue and fostering, and keeping up to date with local politics by reading (and editing) her husband and business partner’s popular weekly email newsletter, Meetings of Interest.
SAMANTHA GOLDSTEIN Co-Owner & Managing Partner The GoldHam Group 1409 Botham Jean Blvd., #239 Dallas, TX 75215 samantha@goldhamgroup.com www.goldhamgroup.com IG: MeetingsofInterest
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Congratulat ions
2026 top 30 influential women of texas
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TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
ALMA GONZÁLEZ OWNER, MAMACITA’S & EL JARDÍN RESTAURANTS
the years, those family recipes, combined with the creativity of talented chefs and dedicated employees, have grown into a menu that has become a favorite among generations of customers. Today, Mrs. González remains actively involved in the daily operations of her restaurants, overseeing food quality, customer service, and the continued success of three Houston-area locations operating under the Mamacitas and El Jardín brands. Her vision has always been to build a lasting family legacy while creating opportunities for employees and positively impacting the communities they serve. Beyond her business achievements, Mrs. González and her companies have long been committed to giving back through charitable partnerships and community outreach. They have supported single mothers, youth, senior citizens, employees' families, and individuals affected by natural disasters, while collaborating with organizations including the Latino Learning Center, Navidad en el Barrio, American Legion, Tejano Center, Ripley House, LULAC, local fire departments, and educational institutions. Through four decades of leadership, Mrs. González has demonstrated that true success extends beyond business. Her dedication to preserving cultural traditions, creating opportunities for others, and strengthening the Houston community has established a legacy of service, resilience, and generosity that continues to inspire future generations.
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lma 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. González studied Commerce in Monterrey before moving to the United States at the age of 15. From an early age, she demonstrated exceptional skills in admin-
istration and finance, which later became the foundation of her business success. After gaining valuable experience working in Houston restaurants and managing a family-owned establishment, she and her husband, Joe, purchased their first restaurant through personal savings and loans, launching a business built on hard work, discipline, and a shared vision.
ALMA GONZÁLEZ Owner Mamacita’s & El Jardin Restaurants 515 E Nasa Rd 1 Webster, TX 77598 www.mamacitashouston.com
IG: MamacitasHouston FB: MamacitasHouston X: MamacitasTexMex A key part of Mrs. González's success has YT: MamacitasMexicanRestaurant135 been the support of her family, particu- TT: Mamacitas_Houston larly her mother, whose authentic Mexican recipes helped establish the restaurants' reputation for quality and tradition. Over
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FAMILY-OWNED AND OPERATED
Mexican food made with love and tradition!
Congratulations Alma González
CELEBRATING YOUR LEADERSHIP, PASSION AND DEDICATION.
MAMACITAS NASA 515 E. NASA PKWY WEBSTER, TX 77598 281-332-5362
MAMACITAS 290 19831 NORTHWEST FWY HOUSTON, TX 77065 281-469-3663
EL JARDIN 7849 HARRISBURG BLVD HOUSTON, TX 77012 713-921-3633
book Mamacita's Primo Event
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TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
GINA GOOSBY-HARRIS DIRECTOR, HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO
A devoted woman of faith, Goosby-Harris has been a member of Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Dr. Sheldon L. Jackson, Sr., for more than 65 years. She currently serves as President and Directress of the Youth Choir, has made history as the church’s first female appointed to the Board of Trustees, and has helped raise more than $400,000 in support of the church’s ministries and mission. Goosby-Harris has devoted more than 23 years of service and leadership to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, serving in multiple leadership roles and helping advance scholarship fundraising and educational initiatives for Texas students. Her leadership led to her election to the Board of Directors in 2023, and she also serves on the Education Contributions and Review Executive Committee. Her civic and nonprofit leadership includes serving as Assistant Treasurer for Priority Trust Credit Union, Treasurer for the Association of Retired Houston Municipal Employees (ARHME), President of the Mt. Royal Village/Royal Crest Homeowners Association, Treasurer for the Order of the Eastern Star, and Founding Member and Chaplain of National Black Women Making a Difference (NBWMAD). She has also served in leadership roles with several civic, professional, and youth-focused organizations, reflecting her lifelong commitment to leadership development and community advancement.
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ina Goosby-Harris graduated from S.P. Waltrip High School, attended the University of Houston–Downtown, where she studied Business Administration, and earned a certification in Payroll Administration through Texas Southern University. She continues to exemplify integrity, compassion, and transformational leadership through her decades of service, mentorship, and community advocacy.
Ms. Gina Goosby-Harris is a respected public servant, entrepreneur, mentor, and implemented employee training programs, community leader whose lifelong dedicaand helped improve operational efficiency tion to service has made a lasting impact across multiple departments, earning nu- throughout Houston, Texas. merous recognitions for outstanding service and performance.
In addition to her public service career, Goosby-Harris is a successful entrepreneur and owner of GG’s Unlimited-Caterer & Wedding Consultant. Through her business, she has coordinated events and provided hospitality services for families, After a distinguished 38-year career with community organizations, and her church. the City of Houston, retiring in 2015 from Her commitment to service extends bethe IT Department, Goosby-Harris earned yond business, as she personally prepared recognition for her leadership in human and delivered meals twice monthly to 35– resources, payroll administration, employ- 40 senior citizens at no cost and continee development, and organizational train- ues to provide caregiving services for an ing. She led citywide workforce initiatives, elderly neighbor.
GINA GOOSBY-HARRIS Director Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo 3 NRG Park Houston, TX 77054 IG: Ginag.Harris FB: Gina Goosby-Harris
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Congratulations
2026 TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS ENTERTAINMENT LAW FIRM ATTORNEY RICKY ANDERSON, PLLC 4265 SAN FELIPE ST. SUITE 1100 HOUSTON, TEXAS 77027
713.929.6463 ATTORNEYRICKYANDERSON.COM
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TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
DR. LISA GRAHAM-GARZA AUTHOR & FOUNDER, AUTISM RESCUE ANGELS
promoting literacy, particularly helping mothers of children with special needs become stronger advocates for their families. She is also the co-author of The Fluffy Bunny with Autism, written with her older son Ryan. The book shares the experience of having a sibling with severe autism, with proceeds benefiting Autism Rescue Angels. Dr. Graham-Garza has been an active member of numerous professional and civic organizations, including the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry, Association of Fundraising Professionals, and the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities. She has also served in leadership and volunteer roles with several nonprofit and community organizations, including F.E.A.T. and the World Autism Organization. Her commitment to service has earned numerous honors, including recognition as one of Houston Woman Magazine's 50 Most Influential Women (2020–2021), the 2024 Top 20 Impact Maker Award for Houston, and an invitation to serve as a professional speaker for the University of Houston Women's Studies Table Talks in 2022.
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r. Lisa Graham-Garza has brought more than 25 years of achievement in healthcare, community development, philanthropy, and leadership across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. A graduate of Texas A&M University, she earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the UT Dental Branch in the Texas Medical Center and practiced general dentistry throughout the Houston area. Today, Dr. Graham-Garza is dedicated to educating the next generation of healthcare providers. She serves as part-time faculty at the UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry, mentors female students pursuing careers in dentistry and medicine, and is developing a curriculum that prepares future dental professionals to provide quality care for patients with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD).
Dr. Graham-Garza resides in Katy with her husband, Dr. Rick Garza, an endodontist. Together they have two grown sons, After many years serving the Houston and a beautiful daughter-in-law Alisha, and Katy areas through private practice and three beloved grand-dogs. dental education, Dr. Graham-Garza co- Dr. Lisa Graham-Garza is committed to founded Autism Rescue Angels, a 501(c) improving access to high-quality care for (3) nonprofit organization, in 2014. The people with disabilities and older adults, organization's mission is to aid individuals reducing the stigma surrounding autism, with autism, ages 15 and older, throughout advancing mental health awareness, and adulthood. For more than a decade, she driving meaningful systems change. has served the organization on a 100% pro bono basis, driven by a passion rooted in her own family's journey after her son, Tyler, was diagnosed with autism at the age of two in 2004. Dr. Graham-Garza recently joined Beth Wolff Realtors as a residential and commercial real estate agent and donates a percentage of her earnings to Autism Rescue Angels, further supporting the organization's mission.
DR. LISA GRAHAM-GARZA Author & Founder Autism Rescue Angels lgrahamgarza@icloud.com www.autismrescueangels.org
Dr. Graham-Garza is also passionate about
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Leading. Inspiring. Thriving. As a proud sponsor of the 2026 Top 30 Influential Women of Texas Awards Gala, Cigna Healthcare® congratulates this year's amazing honorees. Through the significant contributions you make to your businesses, as well as the community, you serve as role models and inspire all of us to help others thrive.
All Cigna Healthcare products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of The Cigna Group. 995080 08/25 © 2025 Cigna Healthcare. Some content provided under license.
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KAREN GRAY GOMEZ, MD PHYSICIAN & MEDICAL DIRECTOR, CENTENE CORPORATION ognition for clinical excellence, including Physician of the Quarter at Harris Health System, the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce STEAM Role Model Award, and CKW Luxe Magazine’s Top 20 Inspiring Women Impact Maker Award. While her professional accomplishments are significant, Dr. Gray Gomez is equally recognized for her dedication to mentorship, education, and community service. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she partnered with medical and community organizations to educate the public, provide testing services, and support vulnerable families throughout Houston. She continues to champion preventive health initiatives, mentor future healthcare professionals, and inspire young people through educational and leadership programs. Her commitment to service extends across numerous civic and professional organizations. Dr. Gray Gomez is an active member of The Links, Incorporated, where she has served in several leadership roles, including Chair of the Health and Human Services Facet and organizer of large-scale community health initiatives. She also serves on the Board of Directors of The Women’s Home and is actively involved with Twelve Days of Christmas, Incorporated, Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the National Medical Association, the Texas Medical Association, and several other organizations dedicated to advancing education, healthcare, and community empowerment.
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r. Karen J. Gray Gomez is an accomplished physician executive, healthcare leader, and passionate community advocate whose career has been defined by compassionate service, visionary leadership, and an unwavering commitment to improving the health and well-being of others. A board-certified internist with more than 23 years of clinical experience and nearly a decade in managed care leadership, she currently serves as a Medical Director for Centene Corporation, where she helps ensure patients receive high-quality, evidence-based care while advancing initiatives that improve health-
care outcomes, reduce unnecessary utilization, and promote health equity. A native of Louisiana, Dr. Gray Gomez began her academic journey at Xavier University of Louisiana before earning her Doctor of Medicine degree from Meharry Medical College, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. She completed her combined residency in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Arkansas Children’s Hospital before joining Baylor College of Medicine as an Assistant Professor of Medicine. Throughout her distinguished career, she has earned rec-
Above all, Dr. Gray Gomez is devoted to faith, family, and service. She is the proud wife of Dr. Rossie Gomez and the loving mother of their daughter, Giovanna “Gigi” Gomez. Whether leading healthcare transformation, mentoring future leaders, or serving her community, Dr. Gray Gomez believes that true success is measured not only by professional achievement but by the lives uplifted along the journey.
KAREN GRAY GOMEZ, MD Physician & Medical Director Centene Corporation karengraymd@gmail.com
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Congratulat ions to Dr. Karen Gray Gomez on this well-deserved honor!
Your dedication, leadership, and inspiring vision have truly made a difference in healthcare in Houston and beyond. You are a shining example of excellence and empowerment, and your achievements serve as a beacon for future generations. Your family wishes you continued success and all the best in your inspiring journey ahead!
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TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
SAMICA KNIGHT NEWS ANCHOR, KTRK TELEVISION - ABC 13
the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Arts in broadcast journalism. She is also a graduate of the university's nationally recognized Program for Excellence in Selling, reflecting her commitment to strong communication and leadership skills. Before college, she attended Houston's High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, where she cultivated her lifelong love of music and performance. As a member of the Houston Children's Chorus, she performed at Carnegie Hall and in high school toured internationally in Shenzhen, Shanghai and Beijing, China, experiences that broadened her appreciation for culture and storytelling. Beyond the newsroom, Knight is deeply committed to serving her community. She is active in her church, volunteers with local organizations and regularly participates in educational and literacy initiatives that encourage young people to pursue their dreams. Samica’s love for news, her beloved ABC13 news station, and the Houston community has led to numerous awards and accolades, including being voted “Best TV News Personality” in the esteemed Houston Chronicle Best of the Best 2026. She was also honored by ABC News and ABC13 as the 2025 ABC13 Culture Champion. She has also been recognized for her reporting on public education and community issues and was honored by the Harris County Department of Education as part of its Media Honor Roll.
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amica Knight is an Emmy-nominated journalist and trusted television news anchor whose career has been defined by a passion for storytelling, investigative reporting and serving the communities she calls home. A native Houstonian, Knight is living a lifelong dream as an anchor for ABC13/KTRK-TV, returning to the station where she first discovered her love for broadcast journalism as a college intern. Today, she helps Houstonians start their day by delivering timely, accurate and impactful news while covering the stories that matter most to Southeast Texas. Before returning to Houston, Knight served as a general assignment reporter and fill-in anchor at WHP-TV in Harrisburg,
Knight and her family are proud to call Houston home. Whether reporting breakPennsylvania, where she earned statewide ing news, mentoring aspiring journalrecognition for her investigative report- ists or giving back through community ing. Her investigation into a Pennsylvania service, she remains committed to using company that withheld thousands of dollars journalism to inform, inspire and make a from employees for nonexistent health meaningful difference in the lives of others. insurance prompted the introduction of state legislation and earned awards from The Associated Press and the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters. Earlier in her career, she reported for KXXV-TV in Waco, Texas, covering major stories ranging from President George W. Bush at his Crawford SAMICA KNIGHT ranch to high-profile courts-martial at News Anchor Fort Hood. She also began her profes- KTRK Television - ABC 13 sional broadcasting career at KFSN-TV in 3310 Bissonnet St. Fresno, California, gaining valuable experiHouston, TX 77005 ence as a reporter. www.abc13.com Knight graduated magna cum laude from
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TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
PERLA J. LANE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF FACILITIES, PLANNING & CONSTRUCTION, ALDINE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
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erla J. Lane is the Executive Director of Facilities, Planning, and Construction Department for Aldine Independent School District in Houston, Texas. She is a seasoned, highly motivated, and detail-oriented professional with extensive experience in architecture, construction and facilities management. Lane oversees facilities operations for the fifth-largest school district in the greater Houston area, which comprises nearly 56,000 students and over 80 facilities. A graduate architect and construction manager, Lane has worked across various sectors, including aviation, commercial development, civil engineering, industrial plants, oil and gas, transportation, healthcare, government, retail, higher education, and K-12 facilities. She is currently leading Aldine ISD’s 2023 community-approved bond referendum totaling approximately $1.8 billion—the largest in the district's history—which focuses on safety and facility enhancements. Throughout her career, she has held leadership roles, including Senior Construction Manager, Senior Project Manager, Project Controls Manager, Architect Specialist, Senior Program Director, Assistant Vice President, and Director of Facilities Planning and Construction. She has overseen new and renovation construction projects that include K-12 facilities; light rail system; airport terminal concourses; ship channel drainage; and church structures. Most notably, Lane successfully directed and coordinated the Aldine ISD 2015 Bond Program valued at $798M, which consisted of technology upgrades, renovations and repairs of existing facilities, and construction of nine new schools. Additionally, Lane led the rebuild of the Aldine ISD’s Thorne Stadium into a "Destination Stadium,” designed to enhance the student-athlete experience, strengthen partnerships, and expand community engagement across the Houston area. Lane received her Bachelor of Science, in Architecture from Prairie View A&M University and Master of Science, in Construction Management from New York University at Polytechnic. She decided to pursue a career in architecture and construction management from a tender age, as she witnessed her amazing father
navigate the same career path with great success. Also, she felt this career path had the potential to address important environmental and cultural topics.
PERLA J. LANE
Lane has received numerous awards and honors during her tremendous career, and serves as a member of many professional organizations. She is most proud of her affiliation with American Institute of Architects (AIA), Women Contractor Association (WCA) and American Diabetes Association, which directly affects her family.
9999 Veterans Memorial Drive Houston, TX 77038 O: 281.985.6375 pjlane@aldineisd.org www.aldineisd.org
Executive Director of Facilities, Planning & Construction Aldine Independent School District
IG: PerlaLane9
Lane has been married for twenty-nine years and has three beautiful children.
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GILLIAN LEVI, M.ED. CEO, ODIGO SERVICES, LLC DBA ODIGO LEARNING
participation, and equip business owners with the knowledge and strategies to win more bids, grow their business, and lead with confidence. Levi’s personal journey—from educator to entrepreneur, cancer survivor to industry trailblazer—makes her a powerful example of resilience and purpose-driven leadership. She understands the real-world challenges contractors face because she’s lived them, and she’s turned that experience into a platform for transformation. She is also actively developing initiatives to grow the pipeline of skilled construction workers—preparing the next generation of trades professionals through practical, career-connected learning. Her vision includes closing the workforce gap while equipping individuals with the tools to achieve long-term success. Throughout her career, Levi has held leadership roles in curriculum development, workforce training, and project execution. From her early career in vocational education to leading multimillion-dollar projects, she has always focused on building systems, people, and pathways that move individuals and organizations forward.
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illian Levi, M.Ed. is the Founder and CEO of Odigo Services LLC, dba Odigo Learning, a construction company and contractor training, consulting, and workforce development firm dedicated to building both infrastructure and capacity within the communities it serves. She is a proud graduate of Texas A&M University with more than 25 years of experience across education, project management, and construction, bringing a unique combination of strategic vision, practical expertise, and servant leadership to every endeavor.
Her journey has been anything but incidental. It has taken many forms—from educator to executive to entrepreneur— but through every chapter, she’s remained rooted in purpose, resilient through adversity, and committed to building something greater than herself. She understands the weight of building something from the ground up—and she brings that understanding into every space she leads. Today, Levi continues to lead with intenconcrete restoration, and wayfinding signage, tion. Whether in the field or the classroom, successfully delivering public-sector proshe builds people—not just projects—and jects with a reputation for quality, professtronger communities in the process. sionalism, and accountability.
Recognizing the challenges many contractors and the organizations that support them face, Levi founded Odigo Learning to help strengthen the construction industry from the inside out. The company provides contractor training, workforce development, and consulting services for contractors, government agencies, educational institutions, and industry organizations. Through customized workshops, strategic consulting, Through Odigo Services, she leads a con- and capacity-building initiatives, Odigo struction maintenance company special- Learning helps organizations develop stronger izing in roadway repair and maintenance, contractor networks, expand workforce
GILLIAN LEVI, M.ED. CEO Odigo Services, LLC dba Odigo Learning 1923 Washington Ave. Houston, TX 77007 O: 281.502.1534 gillian@odigoservices.com www.odigoservices.com
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DR. RHONDA D. MASON SUPERINTENDENT, ALVIN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
principal, she led her school to significant academic gains while creating a culture that emphasized excellence, innovation, and meaningful family and community engagement. Widely respected for her collaborative leadership style and strategic vision, Dr. Mason believes lasting success is achieved through strong relationships and a shared commitment to students. Dr. Mason's leadership has been recognized with numerous honors, including TABSE Principal of the Year, Distinguished Educator of the Year from Sam Houston State University, and Outstanding Doctoral Student of the Year. She is known for leading with integrity, building trust, and creating environments where students and staff can thrive. A dedicated advocate for leadership development, she believes investing in people is one of the most important responsibilities of educational leadership. She holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, along with degrees from Sam Houston State University and the University of Texas at Arlington.
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r. Rhonda D. Mason is an accomplished educational leader with more than 25 years of experience in public education and a deep commitment to students, families, and communities. She believes every child deserves access to high-quality learning in schools where they are known, supported, and challenged to succeed. Dr. Mason currently serves as Superintendent of Schools for Alvin ISD. Prior to her appointment, she served as an Area Superintendent in Lamar Consolidated Independent School District, one of the fastest-growing school districts in Texas and the nation. In that role, she led and supported campus principals, strengthened instructional systems, and partnered with
Dr. Mason is honored to serve the Alvin ISD community and is committed to working alongside the Board of Trustees, staff, families, and community members to build on the district's strong foundation. Guided by a servant leadership philosophy, she is dedicated to preparing every student for success in college, careers, and life through transparent communication, meaningful partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. district leaders and the community to improve student outcomes in a rapidly growing district. Her leadership is defined by high expectations, strong relationships, and a steadfast focus on student success. She is passionate about developing leaders at every level, empowering educators to innovate, collaborate, and continuously improve instructional practices while fostering a culture of shared accountability.
DR. RHONDA D. MASON Superintendent Alvin Independent School District
301 E House Street Alvin, TX 77511 Throughout her career, Dr. Mason has O: 281.388.1130 served as an assistant superintendent, superintendent@alvinisd.net executive director, principal, district lit- www.alvinisd.net eracy leader, and classroom teacher. She FB: DrRhonda Mason has a proven record of improving student X: RhondaMason14 achievement, developing effective leaders, and building systems that support continuous improvement. As a campus
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DR. ALEXIA MCCLERKIN OWNER, THE SPORTS AND WELLNESS DOC of 9 Months of 5K, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women and families through movement, education, and wellness initiatives. Her passion for service extends to volunteering with elite athletes at the Chevron Houston Marathon and sharing her expertise as a speaker on sports medicine, injury prevention, entrepreneurship, and health innovation. A respected business leader, mentor, and advocate, Dr. McClerkin serves in numerous civic and professional organizations, using her platform to champion diversity, advance healthcare access, and inspire the next generation of leaders. Her impact has earned recognition through numerous honors and appointments, reflecting not only her professional excellence but also her unwavering commitment to uplifting others. For Dr. McClerkin, success is measured not by titles, but by lives changed. Whether treating patients, mentoring aspiring professionals, leading a business, or serving her community, she believes true leadership is about creating opportunities, breaking barriers, and leaving every person and every place better than she found it. Her journey is a testament to resilience, purpose, and the extraordinary impact one woman can have when she chooses to lead with vision, courage, and heart.
DR. ALEXIA MCCLERKIN DC, APRN, FNP-BC
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r. Alexia McClerkin, DC, APRN, FNP-BC is a visionary healthcare leader, entrepreneur, and community advocate who has dedicated her career to transforming lives through innovation, compassionate care, and service. As one of the few professionals dual-licensed as both a Doctor of Chiropractic and Family Nurse Practitioner, she has redefined what integrative healthcare looks like—bridging traditional medicine, regenerative medicine, rehabilitation, and wellness to help patients not simply recover, but thrive. With more than 18 years of experience,
Dr. McClerkin has cared for everyone from professional athletes in the NFL, NBA, MLB, and Olympic sports to weekend warriors and youth athletes, earning a reputation for delivering exceptional, patientcentered care. She is the founder and owner of The Sports and Wellness Doc and The Wellness Doc Integrative Medicine, practices recognized for their comprehensive, evidence-based approach to injury recovery, performance optimization, and whole-person health.
Owner The Sports and Wellness Doc 2636 S Loop W, Ste 105 Houston, TX 77054 O: 832.844.1754 info@sportsandwellnessdoc.com www.sportsandwellnessdoc.com IG: SportsandWellnessDoc FB: SportsandWellnessDoc
Beyond the walls of her clinics, Dr. McClerkin is deeply committed to creating healthier communities. She is the founder
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DR. (H.C.) JACQUELINE MILLER, MBA, BBA PRESIDENT & CEO, OPTIMAL IN HOME CARE, INC.
throughout the Greater Houston and surrounding counties. Optimal Community Support Services since 1996, which are both Home Health Care Agencies, providing needed Home Health Care Services to clients throughout Houston, Texas, and surrounding counties. She founded Optimal Community Development Services in 2013, which is a 501C3. Optimal Community Development Services’ mission is to serve as an agency through which programs may be developed to provide job development for young adults and provide support to the elderly population needing financial support to pay for In-Home Care attendant services, to improve their quality of life, and to allow them to continue to live in the comforts of their home. Miller's leadership and commitment to service have earned her numerous recognitions. She was nominated for the Joe Biden Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022 and recognized as a Success Mogul – Successful Women in Business by Fresh Spirit Publishing Company in 2023. In 2025, she received an Honorary Doctorate in Humanitarianism from Global International Alliance University. Most recently, she was honored with the 2026 Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs Award presented by D-MARS. Miller lives by the following verse: For we walk by faith, not by sight 2 Corinthians 5:7.
DR. (H.C.) JACQUELINE MILLER, MBA, BBA President & CEO Optimal In Home Care, Inc.
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acqueline Miller attended Prairie View A&M University and earned her bachelor’s degree in finance/ banking and MBA in Business Administration. Nominated for the Joe Biden Presidential Lifetime Achievement 2022. Nominated as a Success Mogul – Successful Women In Business, through the Fresh Spirit Publishing Company 2023. Received an Honorary Doctorate in Humanitarian-
2636 S Loop W, Ste. 305 Houston, TX 77054 ism through the Global International Alli- O: 713.669.0299 ance University 2025. Miller has worked Optimal6992@sbcglobal.net in the health care industry for more than www.oihcs.com 30 years, which brought her to Houston. She has been the president and CEO of the following corporations: Optimal InHome Care, Inc., since 1996. We partnered with the Department of Labor (DOL), as a Registered Apprenticeship Program, while providing jobs for over 200 employees,
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TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
DR. MICHELLE HOWZE MOORE FOUNDER, CEO & CLINICAL DIRECTOR, DISTINCTIVE PHYSICAL THERAPY AND WELLNESS CENTER
An active advocate for professional growth and education, Dr. Moore is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, where she remains engaged in continuing education and advancements in physical therapy practice. Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Moore is the co-founder of the Holiday Soul Nutcracker Market, a signature annual event celebrating minority-owned businesses and Black holiday traditions in Houston. Since its inception, the market has welcomed thousands of shoppers, generated significant revenue for small businesses, and contributed thousands of dollars to charitable initiatives throughout the community. Dr. Moore is also deeply committed to service and leadership. She is a dedicated member of Lilly Grove Missionary Baptist Church, an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated where she serves on her chapter’s Executive Committee, and a member of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated. Through these organizations, she actively supports mentorship, leadership development, and community outreach initiatives. Above all, Dr. Moore values faith, family, and service. She and her husband, Terence Moore, have been married for 11 years and are proud parents to their twin daughters, Madison and Mariah, as well as bonus daughters Gabrielle Moore, Esq., and Alexandra Moore. In her leisure time, Dr. Moore enjoys traveling, fine dining, gardening, shopping, and wellness experiences that promote rest, balance, and restoration.
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r. Michelle Howze Moore is a board-certified Pelvic Health Physical Therapist, entrepreneur, and community leader dedicated to advancing women’s health and wellness. She is the Founder and CEO of Distinctive Physical Therapy and Wellness Center in The Woodlands, Texas, and has spent more than 15 years providing specialized, compassionate care to patients across the Houston area. Her clinical expertise includes pelvic floor dysfunction, prenatal and postpartum rehabilitation, and breast cancer recovery, helping thousands of individuals restore function, confidence, and quality of life through personalized treatment and wellness solutions. In recognition of her pro-
fessional excellence and entrepreneurial leadership, Dr. Moore was named one of the Top 50 Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs of Texas in 2025. Dr. Moore earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from University of Indianapolis after completing her undergraduate studies in Health and Human Performance at University of Memphis. She is boardcertified as a Women’s Health Clinical Specialist (WCS) through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties and is also a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) through the Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy. Her advanced credentials reflect her commitment to clinical excellence and innovation in pelvic health rehabilitation.
DR. MICHELLE HOWZE MOORE Founder, CEO & Clinical Director Distinctive Physical Therapy and Wellness Center 4840 W. Panther Creek Drive, Suite 105 The Woodlands, TX 77381 O: 281.394.4704 info@distinctivept.com www.distinctivept.com IG: The_PelvicPTDoc FB: Distinctive Physical Therapy and Wellness Center
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MAYOR CHARLOTTE MOSES CITY OF PORT ARTHUR
ensuring that every resident has a voice in the future of the community. In addition to her public service, Mayor Moses is a licensed Realtor with Freeman Properties Group, LLC. She also serves as the Executive Pastor of Christian Faith Missionary Baptist Church, where she ministers alongside her husband, Pastor Albert Moses, Jr. Together they have faithfully served their congregation and community through spiritual leadership, outreach, and mentorship since 2003. She is the founder of Christian Faith Women of Virtue, Inc. and the visionary behind Diamond Conference, an annual women's empowerment conference dedicated to inspiring women to discover their God-given purpose and lead lives of faith and excellence. Her leadership has earned the respect of colleagues and community members alike because of her ability to unite people around a shared vision of hope, progress, and service. Whether leading from City Hall, the pulpit, or within the community, Mayor Moses remains committed to building a stronger Port Arthur while inspiring others to serve with purpose and compassion. Mayor Charlotte Moses continues to lead with the conviction that public service is both an honor and a calling.
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ayor Charlotte Moses is a visionary leader, dedicated public servant, minister, entrepreneur, and community advocate whose life has been defined by a commitment to serving others with integrity, compassion, and excellence. Guided by her unwavering faith and a passion for improving the lives of others, she has devoted herself to strengthening the City of Port Arthur while championing initiatives that promote economic growth, public safety, neighborhood revitalization, and opportunities for future generations. Mayor Moses began her journey in municipal government in October 1988 as a City Employee in the Human Resource Department as a Human Resource Analyst. She was employed until December 2006. In September 2012, Mayor Moses served as an Economic Development Commissioner until she was elected to serve as an AtLarge Councilmember for the City of Port
Arthur in 2015. During her seven years of service on the City Council, she earned a reputation as a collaborative leader and tireless advocate for transparency, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement. She worked diligently to represent every citizen of Port Arthur, supporting initiatives that enhanced infrastructure, expanded economic development, strengthened public services, and improved the overall quality of life throughout the city. Following her service on the City Council, Mayor Moses was elected Mayor of the City of Port Arthur, assuming office in June 2025. As mayor, she has remained committed to leading with vision, accessibility, and accountability while fostering partnerships that position Port Arthur for long-term success. Her administration has focused on responsible growth, supporting local businesses, attracting new investment, improving neighborhoods, expanding recreational opportunities, and
Her guiding philosophy is rooted in faith, servant leadership, and the belief that together, the citizens of Port Arthur can build a city that is stronger, more resilient, and filled with opportunity for generations to come. Pastor Charlotte is married to the love of her life Pastor Albert Moses, Jr. together they have four children, Dr. Albert Moses, III, Pastor Ashton Moses, Ariel Moses, and Aisha Mason, six grandchildren, Audrina, Gianna, Jayde, Albert Moses, IV, and Asa.
MAYOR CHARLOTTE MOSES City of Port Arthur 444th Street Port Arthur, TX 77642 charlotte.moses@portarthurtx.gov www.portarthurtx.gov IG: FirstLadyCharlotte
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ESSENCE NIXON DIRECTOR OF HEALTHCARE TRANSFORMATION & EMERGING MARKETS , GLAXOSMITHKLINE (GSK)
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ssence Nixon is redefining what modern leadership looks like— connecting healthcare innovation, entrepreneurship, and global impact to create opportunities that transform lives. For more than two decades, she has transformed bold ideas into meaningful action, cultivated strategic partnerships, and created lasting value for organizations, communities, and future leaders. As Director of Healthcare Transformation & Emerging Markets at GSK, she is helping shape the future of healthcare by bringing together leaders across healthcare, technology, and innovation to advance new approaches to patient access, strategic collaboration, and commercial transformation. Recognized for identifying emerging opportunities, aligning diverse stakeholders, and translating vision into measurable impact, she is known for turning complex challenges into innovative solutions and serving as a trusted advisor who connects people, ideas, and organizations to accelerate meaningful change. Her ability to bridge industries and unite diverse perspectives has become a hallmark of her leadership, enabling collaboration that drives innovation while creating opportunities for others to grow and succeed. Her commitment to service extends beyond the workplace. Through her support of Bridging the Gap Africa, she helps advance efforts to build life-saving footbridges that provide rural communities in Kenya with safer access to schools, healthcare, and economic opportunity. She also serves through the Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Missouri City–Sugar Land Chapter, supporting the organization’s mission of developing the next generation of African American leaders through educational, cultural, civic, and social programming, leadership development, volunteer service, and philanthropy. She believes lasting change begins by connecting people to opportunity—wherever they live. As Co-CEO of Rhett & Rose Investments, she is building a family enterprise focused on real estate development, entrepreneurship, and generational wealth. Under its umbrella, Rhett & Rose Travel empowers aspiring travel entrepreneurs to build thriving businesses while creating transformative global experiences that connect
people, cultures, and opportunities. A trusted mentor, connector, and change agent, she is as passionate about developing people as she is about developing strategy. Her leadership is defined by creating environments where innovation flourishes, leaders grow, and bold visions become reality. Above all, she is a devoted wife, mother, and legacy builder. Together with her husband, Jarrett, and their children, Baylee and Jarrett Jr., she is intentionally building a family legacy rooted in faith, leadership, entrepreneurship, and service.
people she empowers, the communities she strengthens, and the enduring legacy she leaves behind.
ESSENCE NIXON Director of Healthcare Transformation & Emerging Markets GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) www.gsk.com
For Essence, success is measured not simply by what she accomplishes, but by the 69
OF TEXAS
2026
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RENEE JEFFERSON PATTERSON TRUSTEE, DISTRICT II, HOUSTON CITY COLLEGE
A former candidate for Houston City Council, Jefferson Patterson has been a powerful advocate for community revitalization and economic development. She has spearheaded community cleanup initiatives, combated illegal dumping, and worked with developers to create sustainable and affordable housing solutions. Additionally, she has played a pivotal role in expanding job opportunities in underserved communities and has worked diligently with senior citizens to protect their homes from reverse mortgages and property tax delinquency. Her extraordinary dedication to public service has earned her numerous congressional honors, and in recognition of her enduring contributions, the Mayor of Houston awarded her a personal day in her honor. She is also an esteemed member of Top Ladies of Distinction, a national organization committed to empowering communities through service and leadership. Jefferson Patterson is a staunch advocate for higher education and lifelong learning. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Phoenix, is a proud product of Houston City College, and is currently pursuing her MBA at Louisiana State University, further expanding her expertise in business and leadership.
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enee Jefferson Patterson is a visionary entrepreneur, esteemed community leader, and distinguished advocate for transformative design and social impact. Born and raised in the historic Acres Homes community before moving to Northeast Houston, Jefferson Patterson’s unwavering commitment to service was deeply influenced by her grandparents and aunt, who instilled in her the principles of hard work, leadership, and civic responsibility. Through her grandmother’s tenure at Kinkaid Private School, she was immersed in philanthropy at an early age, regularly feeding the homeless and
Above all, Jefferson Patterson is a devoted wife and mother, cherishing a blended family of five children: Zoe, Walter, Jasmine, Kyre and Taylor. Whether through her work in design, advocacy, or mentorship, she remains steadfast in her mission to uplift communities, drive economic empowerment, and create a legacy of excellence in Houston and beyond. visiting nursing homes experiences that shaped her lifelong dedication to serving others. Jefferson Patterson’s career began with over 15 years of executive experience in Human Resources within the Oil and Gas industry, including her tenure at ExxonMobil through Oce Business Services. Transitioning her expertise into entrepreneurship, she founded SaraDonna Designs, a premier design firm specializing in luxury residential, commercial, and construction design, where she has garnered acclaim for her innovation, precision, and ability to bring visionary spaces to life.
RENEE JEFFERSON PATTERSON Trustee, District II Houston City College SaraDonna Designs O: 713.206.1622 info@saradonnadesigns.com www.SaraDonnadesigns.com
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College That Works For You HCCS.EDU
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TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
MELANIE PEREZ
CO-OWNER & ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR, LEO & MEL'S GARDENING SERVICES, LLC ing, Perez holds degrees in Small Business Management and Marketing, which she applies to every aspect of her leadership. She generously shares her knowledge and personal experiences to encourage aspiring entrepreneurs and support fellow small business owners, reminding others that setbacks do not define success—perseverance does. Her commitment to community is reflected through her active involvement with the Partnership Lake Houston Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Lake Houston, Kingwood Business Women, Women in Networking, WGNO Sigma Chapter, and as a leader within The Net – The Closers Chapter. Through these organizations, she cultivates meaningful relationships, supports local entrepreneurs, strengthens professional networks, and champions collaboration over competition. As a devoted mother of three, including raising a child with special needs while pursuing higher education and building a thriving business, Perez exemplifies strength, compassion, and perseverance. Every challenge she has faced has strengthened her purpose to lead with integrity, serve her community, and inspire others to pursue their goals with confidence. Perez continues to demonstrate that true success is measured not by where one begins, but by the courage to rebuild, the determination to persevere, and the commitment to uplift others along the way.
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elanie Perez is an entrepreneur, business leader, mentor, and community advocate whose journey is defined by resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to serving others. As the co-owner and Administrative Director of Leo & Mel’s Gardening Services LLC, she has helped transform a family-owned business into a respected and rapidly growing company while empowering others through leadership, education, and meaningful community engagement. After relocating from California to Texas, Perez embraced the challenge of rebuilding both her life and business from the ground up. Together with her husband, she successfully reestablished their landscaping company in the Greater Houston area,
guiding it through remarkable growth and earning recognition as one of the Houston Chronicle's Best of the Best Top 5 Landscaping Companies. Today, the company continues expanding into commercial and government contracting, strengthening its reputation as a trusted provider of high-quality outdoor services. Behind the scenes, Perez serves as the strategic force driving the company's daily operations and long-term growth. She oversees administration, marketing, client relations, compliance, networking, and business development with a thoughtful balance of precision and vision. Her leadership has strengthened the company's foundation while creating new partnerships and opportunities for continued success.
MELANIE PEREZ Co-Owner & Administrative Director Leo & Mel's Gardening Services, LLC 6942 FM 1960 Rd E #362 Humble, TX 77346 O: 832.800.4731 info@landmservices.com www.landmservices.com IG: LeoandMelsGardeningServices FB: LeoAndMelsGardeningService
A passionate advocate for lifelong learn-
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Congratulations 2026 Top 30 Influential Women of Texas Honorees
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832-670 -0690 • info @jerroldconstruction.com • jerroldconstruction.com KEITH J. DAVIS JR., OWNER
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TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
COURTNEY ISAAK PICHON CEO, GOOD REASON HOUSTON
egy, and systems change, with a focus on expanding opportunity and improving outcomes for students. As CEO, Pichon believes Houston has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to become the nation's leading education city. Having worked alongside leaders across every part of the education ecosystem, she is more convinced than ever that lasting progress is possible when communities align around ambitious goals and shared accountability. She is focused on scaling the organization's most effective initiatives, strengthening collaboration across school systems and higher education institutions, advancing outcome-driven investments, and equipping civic, business, and philanthropic leaders to champion lasting change. Under her leadership, Good Reason Houston is helping build a future where every student has access to an excellent public education and every graduate is prepared to succeed in college, career, and life—strengthening not only individual opportunity but Houston's longterm economic vitality and competitiveness.
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ourtney Isaak Pichon is the CEO of Good Reason Houston, a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring every child, in every neighborhood, excels in a world-class public school and thrives in the Houston of tomorrow. Good Reason Houston serves as the region's education backbone, bringing together K–12, higher education, employers, philanthropy, and community partners to shape the conditions that accelerate education progress and support more Houston students on a path to earning a living-wage job. Prior to becoming CEO, Pichon served as the Chief Program Officer for Good Reason Houston. A founding team member who joined the organization in 2018, she has held nearly every leadership role at the organization, helping shape Good Reason
A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Pichon and her family are proud to call Houston home. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Nick and their children exploring Houston's diverse neighborhoods, spending time outdoors, and making memories together as a family. Her optimism about Houston is rooted not only in her work, but in her belief that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential Houston's strategy from the ground up. and that when students succeed, the enThroughout her tenure, she has worked tire region prospers. shoulder to shoulder with district leaders, educators, and community partners closest to students, giving her a firsthand understanding of the opportunities and challenges shaping public education across the region. She led the organization's programmatic and research agenda, work- COURTNEY ISAAK PICHON ing closely with superintendents, school CEO system leaders, and educators to identify Good Reason Houston and scale practices that improve student 8 Greenway Plaza, Ste. 900 outcomes. She also built cross-sector Houston, TX 77046 partnerships connecting public school dis- www.goodreasonhousto.org tricts, charter networks, higher education IG: GoodReasonHouston institutions, community organizations, FB: GoodReasonHouston employers, and philanthropic leaders around a shared vision for Houston's students. Pichon brings more than 15 years of experience in education leadership, strat-
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TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
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TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
BILLYSSIA PIERCE FOUNDER & CEO, BEE FIT FOODS
partner for organizations including ExxonMobil’s corporate headquarters in The Woodlands, reflecting its trusted reputation among leading corporate and healthcare institutions. Under Pierce’s leadership, Bee Fit Foods continues to expand its reach and impact throughout Houston and beyond. Beyond business, Pierce is deeply committed to community service. Through Bee Fit Foods University and the Busy Bee Foundation, she supports youth development, health education, scholarships, local businesses, and organizations throughout the Houston area. Her mission has always extended beyond feeding people. It is about creating healthier communities and empowering others to reach their full potential. Pierce’s leadership has earned numerous honors, including, but not limited to, being recognized multiple times by the Texas State Senate, the Texas House of Representatives, and the City of Houston, which officially proclaimed September 19 as Bee Fit Foods & Billyssia Pierce Day. Her accolades also include being named one of the Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas in both 2018 and 2020, Houston Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40, Sam’s Club Woman of the Year, Grind Pretty’s 2026 Entrepreneur of the Year, and MSN’s Top 10 Self Made Women to Watch in 2026. She is also a proud member of the Junior League of Houston, where she continues her commitment to volunteerism and civic leadership.
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Driven by faith, purpose, and service, Pierce continues to build businesses that create opportunities, strengthen communities, and inspire others to pursue lives of health, impact, and excellence.
sion. After becoming a certified personal trainer and launching Bee Fit Solutions, Pierce recognized that lasting transformation begins with nutrition. That realization led to the creation of Bee Fit Foods, a company built on the belief that healthy food should never require sacrificing fla- BILLYSSIA PIERCE vor, convenience, or quality. Founder & CEO Today, Bee Fit Foods operates from its Bee Fit Foods flagship Houston location while serving O: 832.425.9849 patients, visitors, and healthcare profe- www.beefitfoods.com ssionals through partnerships with MD IG: BeeFitFoods What began as a passion for health and Anderson Cancer Center and Baylor St. fitness while preparing for the Miss Texas Luke’s Medical Center. The company USA pageant evolved into a lifelong mis- has also been selected as a food service illyssia Pierce is the Founder and CEO of Bee Fit Foods, one of Houston’s largest healthy meal prep companies, serving thousands of customers each year through retail locations, corporate partnerships, and healthcare systems. Over the past 12 years, she has built Bee Fit Foods into a trusted brand recognized for making healthy eating both convenient and accessible, while proving that nutrition can play a vital role in improving lives.
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TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
Q. OLIVIA RIVERS CEO, THE BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATERS
ability, expand access to survivor services, and improve coordinated community responses to gender-based violence. Beyond her role as CEO, Rivers recently founded Q. Olivia Consulting & Mosaic Mentoring, where she partners with nonprofit organizations, corporations, and emerging leaders to strengthen organizational culture, develop transformational leadership, advance BIPOC mentorship, and promote workplace wellness through a healing-centered approach. Her influence extends far beyond the organization she leads. Rivers serves in leadership roles with numerous local and statewide boards and collaborates with government agencies, community organizations, businesses, and civic leaders to create safer, healthier, and more resilient communities throughout Greater Houston. She is passionate about mentoring the next generation of leaders and believes meaningful change happens when people are empowered to lead with authenticity, compassion, and purpose. A lifelong dancer and choreographer, Rivers has uniquely integrated movement into advocacy, recognizing dance as a powerful form of storytelling, healing, liberation, and resilience. Whether leading a boardroom, speaking on an international stage, mentoring young professionals, or creating trauma-informed spaces through the arts, she remains committed to helping individuals and organizations move from surviving to thriving.
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amed one of the Houston Business Journal's Top 40 Under 40, Q. Olivia Rivers is an awardwinning nonprofit executive, international speaker, leadership consultant, and advocate dedicated to transforming communities through courageous leadership and survivor-centered innovation. She serves as the Chief Executive Officer of The Bridge Over Troubled Waters, one of the Greater Houston area's largest organizations providing comprehensive services to survivors of domestic vio-
Q. OLIVIA RIVERS CEO lence, sexual assault, human trafficking, The Bridge Over Troubled Waters stalking, and child abuse. 3811 Allen Genoa Road Rivers earned both her bachelor's and Pasadena, TX 77504 master’s degrees in criminal justice & O: 713.472.0753 forensics from the University of Central orivers@tbotw.org Missouri before completing an Executive www.tbotw.org Leadership Certificate in Organizational IG: Q.Olivia Leadership at Northwestern University. As a former White House intern, she combines her background in public policy and executive leadership to champion initiatives that strengthen offender account-
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DARIA RUSSELL
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, LEGAL & GENERAL COUNSEL, MATTRESS FIRM, INC.
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aria Russell currently serves as Executive Vice President, Legal and General Counsel of Mattress Firm, Inc. A trusted member of the company’s executive leadership team, she oversees all legal affairs, guiding strategic business decisions and ensuring corporate compliance across a broad range of matters including mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, commercial transactions, intellectual property, marketing, labor and employment, litigation and regulatory compliance. Additionally, Mattress Firm’s Health & Safety and Loss Prevention functions report to her. Since joining Mattress Firm in 2015, she has played a key role in several high-profile transactions, including the company’s $5 billion acquisition by Somnigroup International (formerly Tempur Sealy International, Inc.), its public company readiness efforts and related Registration Statement filing, its successful $3.1 billion Chapter 11 restructuring and the acquisitions that grew Mattress Firm to a nationwide, border-to-border, coast-to-coast retailer. She has also been instrumental in strengthening and streamlining the company’s legal operations and risk management framework, partnering closely with business leaders across the organization to support growth initiatives, enhance operational effectiveness, and foster a culture of integrity and accountability. Known for her practical, business-oriented approach, she works collaboratively with stakeholders to navigate complex legal and regulatory challenges while enabling innovation and driving long-term value creation. Before joining Mattress Firm, she served as Assistant General Counsel, Corporate and Assistant Secretary at Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores, Inc., formerly a publicly traded nationwide retailer. From 2006 to 2011, she practiced law at Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. (now Norton Rose Fulbright LLP) in Houston, where she began her legal career advising clients on complex corporate and transactional matters. She earned her J.D. from Harvard Law School in 2006 and holds a B.A. in Economics and Spanish from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. She is an active member of the community, most
recently having served as chair of the Houston Independent School District Foundation’s board of directors and is on the board of directors of the Texas Lawbook Foundation, a non-profit that covers pro bono, public service and diversity in Texas. A Houston native, she lives in Afton Oaks with her family.
DARIA RUSSELL Executive Vice President, Legal & General Counsel Mattress Firm, Inc.
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TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
PHYLLIS SAATHOFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & CEO, PORT FREEPORT
to serve larger vessels, expands opportunities for existing and future customers, and reinforces Texas’ role in global commerce. During her tenure, the Port has also expanded its container, automotive and breakbulk operations while making significant investments in terminal infrastructure, rail connectivity and cargo-handling capabilities. Phyllis is widely respected throughout the maritime industry and has served in leadership roles that help shape transportation policy and port development across Texas and the nation. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the American Association of Port Authorities, is a past chair of the Port Authority Advisory Committee to the Texas Department of Transportation and is the Immediate Past President of the Texas Ports Association. Phyllis has also served as President of the National Association of Foreign Trade Zones and served on numerous community organization boards. A Certified Public Accountant and Certified Professional Port Manager®, Phyllis earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Houston-Clear Lake. Her leadership has been recognized with the University of Houston-Clear Lake Distinguished Alumni Award, the Stephen F. Austin Leadership Award, the Texas Department of Transportation’s Russell H. Perry Award, the Junior Achievement 2025 Hall of Fame Award, the 2026 Outstanding Woman of the Year Award from the Brazosport Area Chamber of Commerce, and numerous industry recognitions that reflect her lasting contributions to Texas’ maritime community.
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hyllis Saathoff has dedicated more than three decades to advancing Texas’ maritime industry through thoughtful leadership, sound financial management and commitment to creating long-term value for the communities and businesses the state’s ports serve. As Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Port Freeport, she leads one of the nation’s fastest-growing ports, overseeing operations, infrastructure development and strategic initiatives that support international trade and economic growth. After beginning her career at Port Free-
port in 1992, Phyllis served in several leadership roles before joining the Port of Houston Authority executive team in 2012. She returned to Port Freeport as Chief Executive Officer in 2016, where she PHYLLIS SAATHOFF has led the organization through one of Executive Director & CEO the most significant periods in its history. Port Freeport Among her greatest accomplishments was leading the successful completion of the Freeport Harbor Channel Improvement Project, a multi-year effort that deepened the federal navigation channel to 56 feet and established Port Freeport as the deepest port in the Gulf of America. The project strengthens the Port’s ability
1100 Cherry Street Freeport, TX 77541 O: 979.233.2667 ceo@portfreeport.com www.portfreeport.com FB: PortFreeport
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TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
81 OF TEXAS
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TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
SANA SABHARWAL INTERIOR DESIGN PRINCIPAL, STANTEC
set of her career, Sabharwal has been driven by an entrepreneurial mindset, a passion for solving complex challenges, and a commitment to building teams and systems that enable others to succeed. Those experiences continue to shape her leadership philosophy - one centered on empowering people, fostering trust, and helping individuals realize their full potential. In 2025, Sabharwal officially launched Studio Vector as a recognized practice within Stantec. Under her leadership, the studio has grown into a high-performing team built on collaboration, mentorship, flexibility, and a culture where excellence and empathy go hand in hand. Passionate about developing future leaders, she founded the Design Exchange initiative, connecting students and emerging professionals with industry leaders through portfolio reviews, mock juries, and career development programming. She has also served as Chair of the Internation Interior Design Association’s Houston Leaders Breakfast and contributes to the profession through speaking engagements, including participating in a Women in Healthcare panel focused on leadership, innovation, and the future of the built environment.
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ana Sabharwal is a Principal at Stantec, one of the world's leading architecture, engineering, and design firms, where she leads the Interior Design Studio in Houston, and founded Studio Vector - a specialized practice focused on healthcare, workplace, and high-volume project delivery. Since 2019, Studio Vector has delivered more than 250 projects representing over $300 million in construction value and more than 1.5 million square feet of healthcare and workplace environments. By developing standardized workflows, scalable delivery systems, and technology-enabled processes, Sabharwal has helped redefine
Outside of her professional life, Sabharwal enjoys exploring the world with her husband and toddler son, discovering new restaurants throughout Houston, and opening her home to family and friends for elegant afternoon high teas. Whether mentoring a colleague, hosting loved ones, or traveling with her family, Sabharwal believes the most meaningful success comes from creating experiences, opportunities, and connections that leave a lasting imhow fast-paced, repeatable projects are pact on others. delivered within a global design firm. Known for combining strategic vision with deep empathy, Sabharwal has built her career around solving complex challenges through innovation, collaboration, and people-centered leadership. She has championed standardized delivery models, technology integration, and AI-enabled workflows that are helping shape the future of healthcare and workplace design while improving efficiency, quality, and client experience.
SANA SABHARWAL Interior Design Principal Stantec
1100 Louisiana Street, Suite One Houston, TX 77002 713.871.8484 Sabharwal 's leadership has been shaped sana.sabharwal@gmail.com as much by her life experiences as by her www.stantec.com professional achievements. From the out- IG: SanaSabharwal
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TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
MYRIAM SALDÍVAR
TRUSTEE-VICE CHAIR, LONE STAR COLLEGE SYSTEM
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yriam Saldívar is an accomplished public servant, executive leader, and community strategist whose career has been defined by a steadfast commitment to public service, civic engagement, and building stronger, more resilient communities throughout Texas.
With more than 15 years of leadership experience spanning local and state government, higher education, and community affairs, Myriam has earned a reputation for bringing people together to solve complex challenges through collaboration, innovation, and strategic partnerships. She currently serves as Strategic Partnership Manager for Harris County, where she leads initiatives that strengthen relationships among government agencies, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, faith-based organizations, and community leaders. Her work focuses on advancing resilience, disaster preparedness, infrastructure awareness, public engagement, and equitable access to county resources. Throughout her career, Saldívar has championed initiatives that empower communities by creating meaningful opportunities for residents to engage with their government. She has successfully led public outreach efforts, developed collaborative partnerships, and organized impactful programs that foster trust, increase civic participation, and strengthen neighborhoods across one of the nation’s most diverse regions. Beyond her professional role, Saldívar has proudly served as an elected Trustee for the Lone Star College System since 2016. As a trustee and Vice Chair of the Board, she has been a strong advocate for student success, workforce development, educational access, and sound governance. Her leadership has helped shape policies that expand opportunities for thousands of students while strengthening connections between higher education and the communities it serves. A proud Houston native and graduate of Aldine Senior High School, Myriam earned her bachelor’s degree in international studies with a minor in Political Science from the University of St. Thomas after beginning her higher education journey at Lone Star College. Her experiences have reinforced her belief that education, pub-
lic service, and authentic community part- MYRIAM SALDÍVAR nerships are powerful catalysts for lasting Trustee-Vice Chair change. Lone Star College System Recognized for her collaborative leader- 5000 Research Forest Dr. ship and unwavering dedication to ser- Spring, TX 77381 vice, Saldívar continues to inspire others O: 832.813.6571 through her ability to build bridges across www.lonestar.edu sectors and bring diverse voices together in pursuit of meaningful progress. Her passion for empowering communities and creating opportunities for future generations reflects the values that have guided her career and continue to shape her legacy of service across Texas. 83
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DR. JAQUOIA "JQ" SYLVESTER PROGRAM DELIVERY LEAD, HUMANA
and pursue meaningful success. Her work is grounded in the belief that true leadership begins with self-awareness, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to serving others. Service is at the heart of who Dr. Sylvester is. She is a dedicated Girl Scout leader and a long-serving PTA member who believes that investing in children and families creates stronger communities. Above all, she is a devoted mother to her daughter, Charlie, and her son, Brandon, whose growth, dreams, and accomplishments inspire her every day. She is also proud to stand alongside and support her husband, Dr. Brandon Sylvester, whose partnership and shared commitment to serving others have strengthened both their family and their collective impact. While Dr. Sylvester is honored to be recognized for her accomplishments, she believes that no meaningful success is achieved alone. She credits her journey to the unwavering love and encouragement of her family, her remarkable friends, and the many colleagues who have challenged, inspired, and believed in her along the way. She is especially grateful for her sisters of the Fit Girls Klub, whose accountability, encouragement, and genuine friendship have been a constant source of strength and empowerment.
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r. JaQuoia "JQ" Sylvester is a visionary leader, executive coach, educator, published author, and Doctor of Social Work dedicated to empowering individuals, strengthening organizations, and advancing equitable systems of care. With a career rooted in servant leadership, innovation, and trauma-informed practice, Dr. Sylvester has become a respected voice in healthcare strategy, behavioral health, leadership development, and professional coaching throughout Texas and beyond. Professionally, Dr. Sylvester has led initiatives that bridge healthcare, behavioral health, and organizational strategy, helping teams navigate complex challenges while keeping people at the center of every decision. Her work emphasizes collaboration, emotional intelligence, and sustainable leadership, empowering professionals to
Being recognized as one of Texas' Influential Women reflects more than professional achievement—it celebrates a lifelong commitment to service, scholarship, leadlead with authenticity, resilience, and ership, and lifting others as she climbs. purpose. She has authored and published Dr. Sylvester continues to inspire through articles on trauma-informed leadership purpose-driven leadership, community in healthcare journals, contributing to engagement, and a steadfast belief that the growing body of knowledge on creating when we invest in people, we create lasting healthier, more compassionate workplaces. change for generations to come. Whether facilitating organizational change, mentoring emerging leaders, or designing programs that improve outcomes, she is committed to creating environments where individuals and communities can thrive. A passionate educator and mentor, Dr. Sylvester has invested countless hours supporting students, developing future social workers and leaders, and advocating for trauma-informed approaches that transform both organizations and communities. As an entrepreneur, consultant, and speaker, she equips individuals to recognize their strengths, overcome barriers,
DR. JAQUOIA "JQ" SYLVESTER, DSW, LMSW, MBA Program Delivery Lead Humana 500 Main Louisville, KY 40202 j.sylvester@sylvester-consulting.com IG: CrownHer_ConsultingLLC
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TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
CHERINA THOMAS
COO & CO-OWNER, FILLETTE GREEN SHIPPING SERVICES (USA) CORP.
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herina Thomas is the Chief Operating Officer and Co-Owner of Fillette Green Shipping Services (USA) Corp., believed to be the nation’s only African American-owned full-service vessel agency. A respected maritime executive and entrepreneur, she has helped lead the company for more than a decade, building upon a distinguished maritime legacy spanning over 100 years. Under her operational leadership, the company has strengthened service delivery across key U.S. ports while supporting a diverse global customer base spanning Europe, Asia, and the Americas. She travels extensively to meet with clients and strategic partners, recognizing that strong, lasting relationships are the foundation of exceptional customer service and sustained business growth in the global maritime industry. Fillette Green Shipping Services is proudly certified by the City of Houston as both a Women Business Enterprise (WBE) and a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), reflecting the company’s commitment to excellence, diversity, and inclusion. With a background in information technology and business operations, Thomas has led the company’s digital transformation by modernizing internal systems, streamlining workflows, and implementing technology-driven solutions that have enhanced operational efficiency, strengthened customer service, and positioned the company for continued growth. Her leadership is defined by innovation, strategic vision, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Committed to lifelong learning and entrepreneurial growth, Thomas was selected to participate in the prestigious Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program, graduating as a member of Cohort 22. The nationally recognized program equips business leaders with the tools and strategies to accelerate business growth and create lasting economic impact. Beyond her executive responsibilities, Thomas is dedicated to advancing education and strengthening the future of the maritime industry. She serves on the Board of Port of Houston Partners in Maritime Education (PHPME), whose mission is to educate and inspire high school and college students about the many career
opportunities within the maritime industry. She is also a proud supporter of the Houston Maritime Museum, where Fillette Green continues its commitment to preserving maritime history and promoting maritime education through the board service of its Chief Executive Officer. Thomas is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, where she supports initiatives focused on public service, educational development, economic empowerment, and social action.
CHERINA THOMAS COO & Co-Owner Fillette Green Shipping Services (USA) Corp. 5225 Katy Fwy #690 Houston, TX 77007 O: 713.453.5895 cherina.thomas@fillettegreen.com www.fillettegreen.com
Thomas believes that true leadership is measured not only by business success, but by the opportunities created for others, the relationships cultivated across cultures, and the legacy of excellence, service, and integrity left for future generations. 85
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DR. MARLEN J. TRUJILLO CEO, SPRING BRANCH COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER bian immigrant parents, Dr. Trujillo's passion for healthcare equity was shaped by her own family's experiences navigating access to medical care. A first-generation American who is fluent in English and Spanish, she has dedicated her career to improving health outcomes by addressing the medical, social and economic challenges that affect underserved communities. Before leading Spring Branch Community Health Center, Dr. Trujillo held leadership positions in urban planning, nonprofit organizations and city government, experiences that strengthened her collaborative approach to community development and public health. She has also built lasting partnerships with schools, faith-based organizations, nonprofit agencies, philanthropic organizations and government leaders to expand access to healthcare and improve the quality of life for families across the region. Dr. Trujillo earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance and marketing from the University of Houston, a Master of Business Administration in international business from Our Lady of the Lake University and a Doctor of Philosophy in public health from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health. Widely recognized for her visionary leadership, she remains committed to advancing innovative healthcare solutions, mentoring future leaders and creating healthier, more resilient communities for generations to come.
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Dr Trujillo and her husband, Arturo, live in the Spring Branch Community with their three children and worship at St. Jerome Catholic Church.
r. Marlen J. Trujillo is a nationally recognized public health leader, healthcare executive and community advocate dedicated to expanding access to quality healthcare and reducing health disparities for underserved populations. As chief executive officer of Spring Branch Community Health Center, she leads one of the region's premier Federally Qualified Health Centers, providing comprehensive medical, dental, behavioral health and social services to individuals and families throughout the Greater Houston area.
what began as a faith-based charity clinic serving uninsured women with limited English proficiency. In 2007, at just 27 years old, she became the youngest chief executive officer of a Federally Qualified Health Center in Texas. Today, she leads a team of 275 employees, oversees a $32 million annual budget and serves more than 25,000 patients each year. She is responsible for guiding the organization's strategic vision, financial stewardship, operational excellence and community partnerships while ensuring the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care.
A founding board member of the organization in 2002, Dr. Trujillo helped establish
Born and raised in Houston's Spring Branch community to Mexican and Colom-
DR. MARLEN J. TRUJILLO CEO Spring Branch Community Health Center 8945 Long Point Rd. Houston, TX 77055 O: 713.462.6565 ext. 118 mtrujillo@sbchc.net www.sbchc.net
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Solutions for those who matter most.
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TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
LAUREN E. WADDELL FOUNDER & MANAGING ATTORNEY, WADDELL LAW FIRM, P.C.
has held numerous leadership positions in state and national legal organizations. In 2026, she began her five-year term as a Council Member of the Family Law Section of the State Bar of Texas, further reflecting her dedication to advancing the practice of family law throughout the state. Waddell's influence extends far beyond the courtroom. Throughout her career, she has been a passionate advocate for mentoring and developing the next generation of legal professionals. She has served as President of Texas Women Lawyers and the Association of Women Attorneys, authored numerous legal publications, and regularly speaks at continuing legal education programs and conferences across Texas on topics ranging from ethics and professionalism to financial issues in divorce and leadership in the legal profession. Her contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including recognition as a Texas Super Lawyer, Top 50 Women Texas Super Lawyer, Top 100 Houston Super Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America, and Fellow of the Year by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. In 2025, she was honored as Committee Chair of the Year by the Greater Houston Women's Chamber of Commerce. Waddell is deeply committed to using her experience and leadership to positively impact both her clients and the legal community. Through her work as an attorney, mentor, speaker, and leader, she continues to exemplify the qualities of influence, excellence, and service that define Houston's most accomplished women.
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auren E. Waddell is the founder and managing attorney of Waddell Law Firm, P.C., a Houston-based boutique family law firm dedicated to helping clients navigate some of life's most challenging transitions with strategic, compassionate, and resultsdriven representation. Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 2007, Waddell is widely recognized as one of Texas’ leading family law attorneys, with more than
two decades of experience representing LAUREN E. WADDELL clients in complex divorce, child custody, Founder & Managing Attorney Waddell Law Firm, P.C. and property division matters. A graduate of Baylor University and South Texas College of Law Houston, Waddell has built an exceptional career marked not only by professional excellence but also by an unwavering commitment to leadership and service within the legal profession. She is a Fellow of both the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and the International Academy of Family Lawyers and
3773 Richmond Avenue, Suite 599 Houston, TX 77046 O: 832.767.0675 lauren@waddellfamilylaw.com www.waddellfamilylaw.com
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Rashid Floyd
Brand Ambassador Porsche West Houston 11850 Katy Fwy. | Houston, TX 77079 O: 281.249.4700 | M: 832.582.1937
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RENEE WATSON
DIRECTOR, SMALL BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEPARTMENT, BEXAR COUNTY for State Senator Rodney Ellis, Houston and Councilman George Stevens, San Diego, CA. She has received numerous awards including the “Distinguished Service” Award, City of San Antonio Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission; “Leaders & Legacies” Award, Women’s Night, NBA San Antonio Spurs & Coca Cola; “Patriot” Award, ESGR – Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve; “Supplier Diversity Champion” Award, Subcontractors USA; “San Antonio Chapter Diversity & Inclusion” Award, The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC); “Chamber Champion” Award, San Antonio LGBT Chamber of Commerce; “Servant Leader” Award, Blacks In Government (BIG) San Antonio Chapter; “Chamber Champion” Award, San Antonio LGBT Chamber of Commerce; “Small Business Champion of the Year” Award, U.S. Small Business Administration; Honoree for the San Antonio Ecumenical Center for Religion and Health's "Ethics in Business" Award; and the “Advocacy” Award, Women’s Leadership, San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Watson is an alumnus of Leadership SAISD, Master Leadership Program SA, Leadership Texas, The PhD Project, People to People Ambassador Program - China, Leadership America, Leadership California, and Leadership San Antonio. She is a member of the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame.
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enee Watson - Responsibilities include coordinating, facilitating, implementing and monitoring the County’s Small, Local and Veterans Business Enterprise (SLOVBE) Program, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Liaison and Title VI Coordinator. She acts as a liaison with offices and departments to ensure that SLOVBEs have access to County procurement, contracting and services opportunities. She reviews current practices to assess and recommend improvements to increase participation. Watson works in cooperation with the Purchasing Agent, offices and departments to explore these concepts and analyze the advantages and disadvantages of modifying current practices. In addition, she works directly with community organizations, other public entities and vendors to promote partici-
pation and access in local, state, Federal and private sector opportunities. She is a member of the County Manager’s Executive Leadership Team. Watson holds a Master Contract Compliance Administrator (MCCA) Certification from Morgan State University. She is identified as a national expert and conducted workshops on Disparity Studies and Leveraging Stakeholders at the American Contract Compliance Association Conference. She was selected as a National Urban/Rural Fellow and awarded her MPA – Urban Planning and Rural Economic Development, Baruch College, CUNY. She holds a BBA – Management/Marketing from the UT San Antonio. She is a graduate of Sam Houston High School in San Antonio, Texas.
RENEE WATSON, BBA, MPA, ECMCA Director Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department, Bexar County Small Business Opportunity Center (SBOC) 8200 Perrin Beitel, Suite 117 San Antonio, TX 78218 O: 210.335.2478 rwatson@bexar.org www.bexar.org/sbed FB: BexarCountySBED X: BexarCountySmallBusiness @smwbe LI: BexarCountySmallBusiness YT: BexarCountySmallBusiness
She has also worked as the Chief of Staff
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TOP 30 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF TEXAS
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CHELSEA WAUSON
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT LABOR RELATIONS, WEST GULF MARITIME ASSOCIATION (WGMA) and discrimination complaints for all ILA workers. Wauson is instrumental in the collective bargaining process, negotiating contracts for stevedoring companies with ILA workers in those ports. She also oversees physical and d rug testing programs for ILA workers, to ensure a safe and productive working environment on the waterfront. Wauson also processes all EEOC and NLRB complaints on behalf of the WGMA members. She is the Co-Administrator of the Container Royalty Trust Funds and is also the Chair for the ILA employee benefit plan, which oversees a billion-dollar fund for all ILA medical, vacation, and retirement benefits. In addition to her vast work duties, Wauson is on several boards including the Buddy Raspberry Scholarship Fund, which provides thousands of dollars in college and vocational school scholarships to the children and grandchildren of those in the industry, and the Friendswood Mustang Band Boosters, acting as the current Vice President. In the past she has participated in numerous philanthropic activities, including serving on several HBA Committees, on church boards, NCL, and handling pro-bono work through Kids in Need of Defense. For fun, Wauson enjoys working out, dancing, and failing at gardening, but nothing is more important to her than her time with her two children, Caleb and Hallie. She and her husband Dallas currently reside in the Houston area.
CHELSEA WAUSON Senior Vice President Labor Relations West Gulf Maritime Association (WGMA)
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Law in Austin and was licensed to practice law in 2005.After working for two years for the Texas Real Estate Commission as an enforcement attorney, she moved to the W.G.M.A. and assumed her current position.
She attended college at Texas Lutheran University with a BA in Political Science – Pre Law. She then went on to receive her J.D. from the University of Texas School of
Wauson is responsible for handling all grievances in the west Gulf ports, which includes all Texas ports, Lake Charles, Louisiana, and Gulfport, Mississippi, as well as overseeing investigations of harassment
helsea Wauson has been working in labor relations for almost twenty years, representing management as the Senior Vice President of Labor Relations for the West Gulf Maritime Association.
1717 Turning Basin Dr, Ste 200 Houston, TX 77029 O: 713.615.6427 chelsea@wgma.org www.wgma.org
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RAYE L. WHITE, MBA GLOBAL PROJECT MANAGER, SHELL USA through her support of The Kaleidoscope Foundation and other nonprofits. In 2022, White founded her first named scholarship through PPECF, reflecting her commitment to expanding educational opportunities for deserving students. She further advanced this commitment by establishing and funding the Raye L. White Scholarship Endowment through Alpha Kappa Alpha’s Educational Advancement Foundation, for which she has been awarded the 2026 Green Diamond Endowment Award. White is the Founder and CEO of Allen Central, LLC, a boutique apparel brand specializing in sophisticated business attire designed for members of The Links, Incorporated®. Through Allen Central, she merges entrepreneurship with service, creating apparel that reflects elegance, leadership, and purpose for professionals and organizations. Looking ahead, she plans to expand Allen Central through collaborations with additional professional and service organizations. White is a devoted member and ministry supporter of The Fort Bend Church. Her faith anchors her leadership philosophy and commitment to serving others with integrity and compassion. Above all, White is the proud mother of two daughters and “Grammy” to two young kings. She resides in Katy, Texas, and enjoys travel, the arts, fitness, and cheering on the New Orleans Saints. White believes that true influence is measured not only by positions held, but by opportunities created, communities strengthened, and lives transformed. Through service, entrepreneurship, and aye L. White is a Houston lead- es and currently serves as a Global Pro- leadership, she continues to lead boldly er, entrepreneur, and commu- ject Manager in Shell’s Global Lubricants while uplifting others. nity advocate whose impact organization, leading complex, multi-milspans corporate leadership, lion dollar initiatives across international nonprofit service, and women’s empower- markets. ment. A Louisiana native, she has called White serves as First Vice President of Texas home for more than 30 years. the Chi Omicron Omega Chapter of AlWhite holds a Bachelor of Science in Ac- pha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, RAYE L. WHITE, MBA counting from LSU-Shreveport and an providing strategic oversight of programs Global Project Manager MBA from Prairie View A&M University. serving families across multiple service Shell USA With more than 30 years in the Oil & Gas areas. She also serves on the Board of the FB: AllenCentral industry, and over 20 years leading high- Phenomenal Pearls Educational & Charitable Foundation (PPECF). White is a charperforming teams, White is recognized for driving operational excellence, build- ter member of The Katy-Richmond Area ing collaborative cultures, and develop- (TX) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated®.
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ing leaders. She has held leadership roles across Shell USA’s Downstream business-
A passionate advocate for education, White has generated philanthropic impact
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DR. TJWANA WILSON CEO, WILSON FAMILY CARING CENTER, INC.
ment and program development, Dr. Wilson is recognized for her advocacy, innovative solutions and commitment to community advancement. She works to address statewide service gaps, expand residential capacity, reduce waiting list barriers and strengthen underserved communities. Dr. Wilson expanded her impact by founding the Wilson Family Empowerment Foundation, a philanthropic initiative dedicated to education, empowerment and community advancement. She has been featured twice in Professional Organization of Women of Excellence Recognized magazine for her leadership and service. Beyond health care, Dr. Wilson and her husband, Jimmy Wilson, have been married for 33 years and are partners in WGW Entertainment LLC, serving as executive producers for the film “Jacob Broken by God” and investors in the nationally aired entrepreneurial series “America’s Real Deal.” They also own QDA Homes LLC, a real estate solutions company. Dr. Wilson earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Delta State University, where she serves on the board, and holds honorary doctorates in humanitarianism and business. Dr. Wilson and her husband are parents of three adult children, Damian, Qunesha and Ambur, and grandparents to Javion, Jimiyah, Kameren and Aiden. She continues to build a legacy rooted in compassion, empowerment and leadership across Texas and beyond.
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leader in home and communitybased care, Dr. Tjwana Wilson is the founder and chief executive officer of Wilson Family Caring Center Inc., one of Texas’ fastestgrowing home and community-based services organizations. A leader in disability services, Dr. Wilson has built WFCC into a statewide model of care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism, guided by her belief that every person deserves dignity, safety and the opportunity to thrive.
DR. TJWANA WILSON Since founding WFCC, Dr. Wilson has led the agency through strategic, mission-focused expansion, now serving more than 130 individuals throughout Houston and surrounding regions. Under her leadership, the agency has grown into a multimillion- dollar organization supported by more than 100 direct support professionals, whose dedication reflects her standard of compassion, quality and reliability.
CEO Wilson Family Caring Center, Inc. 4600 Hwy 6 North, Ste. 270 Houston, TX 77084 O: 866.291.1882 www.wilsonfamilycaringcenter.com
With 32 years of experience in social services, nonprofit leadership, case manage-
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INNOVATION. COMMUNITY. DESIGN. AUTOARCH is a comprehensive, woman-owned architecture and planning firm that has been designing and delivering excellence for 30 years. 713.952.3366 6200 Savoy Dr #100, Houston, Texas 77036 www.autoarch.net
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“
A message from Lina Sabouni, AIA AUTOARCH Co-Founder & Principal In Charge
To our Community Leaders: • Empower Locals: they are the backbone of our Community. • Empower Women: they shape the Future. • Empower Entrepreneurs: they carry the Potential. To our Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs: • Embrace Conviction: Stand for what you believe in. • Define Your Path: Clarify your aspirations. • Rise to the Challenge: Step up to the plate and give it your best. • Be Unique: Ignite your Individuality and create your Impact.
“
Founded three decades ago, AUTOARCH Architects is on a mission to enhance lives through thoughtful design. We are a specialized architecture and planning firm focused on designing quality smart facilities. Over the course of 30 years, AUTOARCH has evolved into a renowned expert in design excellence. With a portfolio spanning more than 350 local projects, encompassing a remarkable total of over 40 million square feet, our influence on the built environment is deeply embedded in our local fabric. Specializing in education, healthcare, and civic projects, we are dedicated to shaping spaces that enrich our communities. We hold firm our commitment to functionality, adaptability, and seamless technology integration. Our award-winning designs are meticulously crafted to inspire and create spaces that evolve with changing needs and technological advancements. In a rapidly evolving industry, AUTOARCH stands as representation. As a women-owned local firm, we are tied to community values – we are constructing legacies, not just buildings. Our dedication echoes in every project and every community we have touched.
EXPERIENCE GOOD DESIGN. www.autoarch.net
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100 OF TEXAS
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MAKING COMMUNITY MAGIC Artist Molly Dickson created this artwork, inspired by her own experience, relationship and feelings about the celebration of women's contributions to history, culture and society. Molly’s work is part of the Community Canvas collection, sponsored by Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages to encourage visibility in our community. Learn more at cocacolaswb.com/communitycanvas