Mission Statement

“I became involved with the GHWCC about a year ago and have been impressed with how the Ambassadors and members help insure that everyone participates. If they see you are sitting alone, they will come help you by make introductions and creating connections. You don’t get that type of networking in many organizations. I was a 2016 Women in the Fast Lane STEAM role model and I am so proud to help motivate young girls and introduce them to successful business women.”

Paige Gerich

CPA, Tax Partner|BKD, LLP

“Joining the GHWCC has been an invaluable experience. I have been a member of the Chamber for the past six years – it’s inspiring to see this group’s amazing growth in such a short time. I am proud to serve on the Board and be part of such a highly diverse and accomplished group of women, many of whom I now call friends. ”

Melanie Herz Promecene

Vice President | Director of Interiors , Huitt-Zollars

“Becoming involved in the GHWCC has been one of the best professional development decisions I have made in my career. It provides the best opportunities for meeting influential business people, many of whom are women. GHWCC is all about women helping women succeed in business and life. Because of GHWCC, I have increased business referrals and have more wonderful friends.”

Irene S. Helsinger

Managing Director , Member of the Board Newport Board Group

“I recommend joining the GHWCC because of the quality of women and men you will meet. Membership offers opportunities to enhance your knowledge and expand your network. To make the most out of your membership, get involved in one of the committees, such as the Governmental Affairs Committee which I serve on, and help to shape and influence the business issues that are important to you.”

Dana Kervin

Chief Political Strategist , Houston Association of Realtors

“After leaving a rewarding corporate career of 15 years, which started in Europe with PWC and continued in Houston, with Continental Airlines and Shell Oil, in 2008 I followed my passion and started my own interior design firm artVIA. At that time, I began intentionally networking with other business owners, women leaders, and entrepreneurs. In Houston’s business landscape there were many valuable professional networking organizations, but one has stood out to me from the day I met Suzan Deison. The Chamber, established by notable Suzan Deison 10 years ago, has been a rewarding circle of empowerment to me for over 6 years, and I enjoyed immensely being surrounded with other high achieving business leaders and entrepreneurs. From the get go I felt the need to not only benefit from the Chamber but also to offer my time and skills to many great committees that I was part of over the years; from Ambassadors, Women’s conference, Hall of Fame Gala, and International. The more I was involved the more I was building a great network and wonderful friendships that has provided me with growth in my own business and a personal fulfilment. The Chamber offers an incredible array of small and large events to foster business networking for its members and as well as to benefit our City’s community as a whole. To highlight some of the most valuable aspects of engagements between members for me was to be part of Through Leaders program, then Circle of SME program, along with actively participating in organizing trade mission trips to UK, Scotland, Mexico and Spain. Over the last couple of years I have joined the Board of Directors where I can be even more involved in helping the future of this distinctive organization. It is an honor to be part of this inspiring organization and I’m thrilled to celebrate 10th anniversary of achievements that Suzan and her team have created with GHWCC.”

Ariana Smetana

Design Principal | Founder , artVIA

“I love the feeling of empowerment I get when attending board meetings and/or events for the Chamber. The GHWCC is a great place to get motivated, connected and supported in all endeavors – professionally and personally. Women helping Women – Women supporting Women – Women for Women.”

Alicia Smith

President/CEO, Innovate

“The partnership between FedEx and GHWCC has been so rewarding over the past 4 years. The program of work that the GHWCC provides is an excellent compliment to the core strategic pillars of social responsibility in integrating with the Houston community for FedEx. I, personally, have been the benefactor of building long-term, meaningful relationships with many executive women at the GHWCC, particularly through my work as a board member, as well as the Thought Leader’s Institute program. My professional network has grown substantially since engagement with the GHWCC. Amazing women doing amazing things – that is what the GHWCC is all about, and I’m thrilled to be in the mix of it all!”

Erika Tolar

Worldwide Executive, Private Equity, FedEx Corporation

“I have been so grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber Board of Directors. Through our membership, I and other members of our organization have had the opportunity to connect and network with incredible women to discuss challenges we face in business, to support one another with coaching and mentorship and collaborate in the community through service opportunities. The relationships cultivated among women through the GHWCC have an invaluable personal and professional impact and I’m incredibly proud to be a member of such a wonderful Chamber.”

Abby Ludens

SVP Human Capital , Mattress Firm, Inc