Sandra Porter
Principal
Sandra Porter & Associates
1. What motivated you to join the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors?
I was invited to attend some of the Chamber’s events by my friend Mary Ann Reynolds-Wilkins, whom I greatly admire for her accomplishments, both personally and professionally. The women I met at these events were amazing—excelling in both the corporate world and as entrepreneurs and, more importantly, showing incredible support and encouragement for their fellow members. I signed up as quickly as I could!
2. In your opinion, what sets the Chamber apart from other organizations?
The women I’ve met through the Chamber are 100% supportive of each other and our mutual success; there is no jealousy or competition as is often experienced in the business world. I believe this is due to the example set by the GHWCC’s Founder/CEO & President, Suzan Deison, who makes it her priority to champion members and help them stay the course to achieve their career goals. She has been one of my biggest supporters; her advice and encouragement were invaluable to me during various challenges in my career, helping me to put aside emotions and stay focused on the big picture and what was most important. Joining the GHWCC was one of the best decisions I made in my career!
3. Can you describe a specific program or initiative led by the Chamber that has made a significant difference in the lives of women and girls in Houston?
The Women Supporting the Arts Committee, of course! Our objective is to help educate and empower young junior- and high-school students, arming them with more information about the arts so they can make better-informed decisions about their future careers. And, we support visual and performing arts organizations in Houston, which contribute greatly to the city’s revenues, by attending performances and exhibits and raising awareness of them and individual artists as well.
4. What do you see as the most significant challenges that women and girls face in the business world today, and how does the Chamber address those challenges?
The greatest challenge I see for women, in addition to continuing to work for equal pay and a seat at the table—and once there, to be “heard”—is the challenge to keep up with advancements in the rapidly changing business world. For example, in Marketing and Communications where women hold approx. 60% of the positions, changes in the digital world are taking place more rapidly than ever before in history. AI and tools such as ChatGPT threaten to greatly diminish the need for writers, designers, and other creatives. The importance of the Chamber in continuing to bring information to, and connect members with, resources to help them stay informed is critical.
5. In your experience, what are the key benefits that members of the Chamber receive, and how does the organization support their professional and personal growth?
Key benefits are connecting with a network of women leaders to support, encourage, and empower; resources to continue educating and informing; initiatives to give back to the community, an important part of our “whole” as individuals; awards and recognitions to raise awareness of the achievements and awesomeness of its members!
6. Lastly, can you share a memorable success story of a woman who has been positively impacted by the Chamber’s programs and services, or how the Chamber has personally impacted you?
My favorite success story of a woman positively impacted by the Chamber is this: A member I know was at a crossroads in her career, unsure of whether to leave the company she was employed with or to continue and push toward her objectives there. She joined the Chamber’s Thought Leaders initiative and completed the program, and through discoveries she made from it and consultations with other Chamber leaders, she made the decision to stay and work toward her goal. She went on to not only serve as Chair of the GHWCC Board but to be named CEO of her global firm! What a difference the Chamber made in helping empower her to turn her career around.