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Tracey Anthony

Crane Worldwide Logistics

Tracey L. Anthony is Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer for Crane Worldwide Logistics, where she brings extensive experience across the supply chain industry with a particular focus on global trade compliance. She has helped develop strong trade compliance programs across regions and is a recognized speaker at collegiate and industry venues. Tracey is a member of the Import Export Institute as a Certified Compliance Officer and Empowered Official.

In her current role, Tracey helps Crane Worldwide companies and clients navigate the rules, restrictions and protocols of international shipping, with responsibility spanning global imports and exports, anti-corruption programs, and antitrust and competition law. She is also committed to advancing compliance education and continuous improvement within the logistics sector. Her leadership emphasizes integrity, transparency and proactive risk management while fostering strong relationships with regulatory agencies, industry partners, colleagues and clients. Traceys-BIO

Anna Autin

Hines

Anna P. Autin is Senior Director of Business Development at Hines, where she leads a global team focused on pitch and pursuit initiatives across the firm’s real estate portfolio. During nearly 15 years with Hines, she has held roles spanning new business generation, branding, digital strategy and marketing across multiple asset types, helping strengthen the firm’s brand and pursue new opportunities.

Anna also serves her community through mentorship and volunteer leadership. In 2026, she participated as a mentor in the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce Love What You Do College Mentoring Program, helping a University of Houston senior secure a paid corporate internship. She has also led her daughter’s Girl Scout troop, co-chaired ULI Houston’s Young Leaders Mentor Group and volunteered with several Houston organizations. Anna earned her marketing degree from Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School.

Anna Chenier

Pogue Construction

Anna Chenier Saker is Vice President of Business Development at Pogue Construction, where she leads strategic growth in Houston while supporting relationships and pursuits across Texas. With more than a decade of experience spanning public education, architecture, building systems and construction, Anna has built her career around improving the communities those industries serve.

During her years at PBK Architects, Anna helped more than 80 Texas school districts and community colleges successfully pass bond elections representing more than $3 billion in construction. She later expanded her expertise into mechanical systems at Texas AirSystems, where she also helped lead a Women in Construction group focused on professional and financial empowerment. Anna currently serves as a Corporate Representative on the Texas Energy Management Alliance Board of Directors and was named TEMA’s 2026 Partner of the Year. She is passionate about creating opportunities for women in construction and supporting future industry leaders.

Brandi Clancy

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Texas

Brandi Clancy is Vice President of Sales and Account Management for South Texas at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. In this role, she leads teams supporting employers with more than 150 employees and works closely with benefit consultants to develop strategies tailored to clients’ business priorities and workforce needs.

Brandi brings more than 20 years of experience across the employer, consulting and payor sectors, with a focus on consultative strategy and customized, data-informed solutions. Her career reflects a commitment to understanding the complex needs of employers and helping organizations develop benefit strategies that support both business goals and their people. Brandi holds a Master of Health Administration from the University of Texas at Tyler and earned her bachelor’s degree, cum laude, from the University of Houston.

Kathryn Clayton

Johnson Space Center

Kathryn Clayton has served NASA Johnson Space Center since 2009, building a career spanning the Office of Procurement, External Relations Office and International Space Station Program before assuming her current role in Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs. In this capacity, Kathryn serves as NASA-JSC’s primary contact with local, state and federal elected officials, translating the Center’s missions, workforce needs and priorities into the language of policy and appropriations.

A native of Dallas, Kathryn earned both a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and an MBA from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, as well as a Juris Doctor from Texas A&M University School of Law. She is licensed to practice law in Texas. Kathryn met her husband on her first day of work at NASA, and they share a daughter, Daisy. In her personal time, she enjoys needlepoint and is also a needlepoint designer.

Bery Crispin

A Sacred Choice

Bery Crispin is a compassionate funeral professional, community leader and advocate whose career has been defined by service to others. As Founder and Partner of A Sacred Choice Funeral Home in Houston, she helps families navigate some of life’s most difficult moments with dignity, compassion and personalized care.

Bery views funeral service as a calling and believes every family deserves to be heard, respected and cared for. Her leadership and commitment to excellence have earned recognition including the GHWCC Ambassador of the Year Award, Houston Business Journal Women Who Mean Business Award, NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Awards and the BBB Awards for Excellence Pinnacle Award.

Her community involvement includes support for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce, Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Latin Women’s Initiative, Junior League of Houston, Alzheimer’s Association and other organizations.

Julie Flowers

Elevate YOU Coaching

Julie Flowers is a keynote speaker, executive coach, international bestselling author, and Founder and CEO of Elevate YOU Coaching. After spending nearly three decades developing leaders at a Fortune 10 company, Julie built her work around the belief that the next chapter of success comes from continually evolving into who you are becoming.

Today, she helps leaders and high-achieving women navigate change, strengthen their leadership and embrace what is next through keynote speaking, executive coaching, The Alignment Experience™, and her signature masterclass, Evolving the Woman You’re Becoming™. Known for blending humor, heartfelt storytelling and practical leadership strategies, Julie’s work focuses on helping women grow into confident, authentic leaders and create meaningful impact. She believes that when women have the courage to continually evolve into who they are becoming, they elevate the people and communities around them.

Jennifer Ford

Premium Goods

Jennifer Ford is Founder and Owner of Premium Goods and a pioneering voice in Houston’s sneaker culture. After earning an economics degree from Emory University, Jennifer moved to New York to pursue a career in retail, completing an extensive training program and working in women’s buying and product development.

After returning home to Houston in 2004, Jennifer followed her passion for sneakers and opened a brick-and-mortar store. Premium Goods has since become a staple in the city and industry, while Jennifer has also built a private-label brand that proudly represents Houston’s culture. In 2010, she expanded with PremiumKids, a children’s store created to help cultivate the next generation of sneaker enthusiasts.

Jennifer is equally committed to family, representation and empowering women and minorities to pursue their goals, lead with confidence and achieve their dreams.

Victoria Gerber

Parkhill

Victoria Gerber brings more than 20 years of experience in health, safety and environment, sustainability and engineering. She began her career in Houston as an environmental engineer designing water and wastewater treatment facilities before transitioning into corporate HSE and advancing into leadership roles at KBR, Eni US, Maverick Natural Resources and Parkhill.

As Senior Environmental Practice Leader and Regional Business Development Leader at Parkhill, Victoria leads strategic business development efforts focused on expanding the organization’s oil and gas client services. She holds a Master of Environmental Engineering from Texas Tech University and is a licensed professional engineer. Victoria joined the Global Energy Transition Board in 2022 and is a graduate of the Center for Houston’s Future Leadership Program. Her career reflects a combination of technical expertise, environmental stewardship, strategic leadership and a commitment to Houston’s evolving energy landscape.

Griselda Gonzales

GRIS Engineering

Griselda Gonzales, P.E., ENV SP, M.ASCE, is a licensed professional civil engineer, entrepreneur, ISI Envision Sustainability Professional and Texas Master Naturalist. She is Founder and Principal Owner of GRIS Engineering, a Texas-based civil engineering consulting firm established in 2021, and advocates for infrastructure that enhances quality of life for all.

Griselda earned an Associate of Applied Science in Computer-Aided Drafting and Design from San Antonio College and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from The University of Texas at San Antonio. She has volunteered and held roles with professional organizations including the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, American Society of Civil Engineers and Greater Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Griselda and her husband have been married for 36 years and have raised four children—three engineers and one medical professional. Her commitment to family, service, sustainability and community reflects her passion for investing in future generations.

Joanna Gonzalez

Fifth Third Bank

Joanna Gonzalez serves as Houston Market Executive for Fifth Third Bank, N.A., where she leads a team of bankers and is responsible for growing the commercial banking office while bringing strategic and financial insights to local companies.

Before joining Fifth Third, Joanna spent five years with Texas Capital Bank, including serving as Managing Director and Group Manager of Middle Market Banking in Houston. Prior to that, she spent 13 years with Wells Fargo in roles including Senior Vice President of Commercial Banking and Vice President in Consumer and Retail Investment Banking.

Joanna earned her bachelor’s degree from Clemson University and an MBA from Wake Forest University School of Business. Deeply committed to the Houston community, she has a long history with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, where she serves as Ambassador for the Lamb & Goat Auction Committee and Vice Chairman of the Corporate Development Committee.

Sofia Gonzalez

Employment & Training Centers, Inc.

Sofia T. Gonzalez Delgado is President of Employment & Training Centers, Inc. (ETC), a Houston-based, family-founded staffing and workforce solutions firm celebrating 40 years of connecting people with opportunity. As the next generation of leadership, Sofia is guiding ETC’s growth while building upon a legacy of service, entrepreneurship and community impact.

A native Houstonian, Sofia’s civic leadership includes service on the Houston First Corporation Board of Directors and involvement with the Center for Houston’s Future, Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and United Way’s Project Blueprint. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of St. Thomas.

As she leads ETC into its next chapter, Sofia is focused on pairing data-driven decision-making with compassion and a distinctly human approach to business—providing exceptional talent to organizations while connecting people with resources and opportunities to thrive.

Doris Guzman

Harris County Precinct 2

Doris Guzman is an economic development leader, entrepreneur and advocate for women in business and career advancement. As Director of Economic Development for Harris County Precinct 2, she leads strategic initiatives designed to expand economic opportunity, strengthen businesses, advance entrepreneurship and cultivate high-impact partnerships.

Her multifaceted career spans economic development, banking, commercial lending, business development, education and entrepreneurship. Doris brings together financial expertise, strategic vision, relationship-building and community leadership, along with firsthand experience working with businesses and entrepreneurs to identify the resources and connections needed for sustainable growth.

A triple-crown honor roll graduate, Doris earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees with distinction. Recognized in 2026 as an Influential Woman in Houston, Texas, she is known for building relationships, creating opportunities and turning vision into action. Doris continues to champion women, entrepreneurs and communities through leadership and service.

Jerrad Jefferson

McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.

Jerrad Jefferson is a business leader with a Master of Business Administration who supports McCarthy’s Houston, Marine, Water (Texas), and Austin business units. In his role, he leads supplier development initiatives and helps ensure effective contract compliance across his geographic territory, partnering with teams to advance strategic growth and operational excellence.

Before joining McCarthy, Jerrad simultaneously led two contract compliance teams for the City of Houston and the Houston Airport System, giving him extensive experience at the intersection of procurement, compliance and economic opportunity. His work reflects a strong commitment to expanding access and strengthening inclusive business practices.

Over the past year, Jerrad was recognized as Supplier Diversity Advocate of the Year by both the Houston Minority Supplier Development Council and the Houston Business Procurement Forum in recognition of his commitment to advancing inclusive procurement practices.

Brandon Jones

City of Houston

Brandon Jones is Division Manager of External Affairs for the City of Houston’s Office of Business Opportunity, where he connects Houston small business owners with resources to support their growth.

With more than 15 years of experience in communications, Brandon began his career in television news, reporting for stations in Texas, North Carolina and Ohio. His work earned an Associated Press award in 2017. He later served as press secretary for the Texas Army National Guard and communications manager for the Austin Police Department.

A graduate of Leadership Austin, Brandon was named a d-mars Top 50 Professional in Texas in 2026 and serves as treasurer of TPTC, a nonprofit serving Houston’s Third Ward. Beyond his professional and community leadership, Brandon brings a strong sense of style, confidence and polish to the Women in the Fast Lane runway.

Amanda Kirkwood

Telios

Amanda Kirkwood, MS, PE, serves as Vice President of Telios, a mechanical, electrical, plumbing and technology engineering firm. An MEP engineer and profit center manager, Amanda is recognized for navigating complex issues and bringing together designers, owners, architects and developers to achieve successful project outcomes.

A passionate advocate for broadening professional opportunities and developing diverse engineering teams, Amanda combines technical expertise with leadership and mentorship. In 2024, she was recognized as a Houston Business Journal Women Who Mean Business honoree.

Amanda has served on the advisory board for Texas A&M University’s Architectural Engineering department since 2018, helping support the launch and accreditation of the discipline. As board co-chair, she works to promote and empower future engineering professionals pursuing careers in the built environment. Amanda holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Architectural Engineering from Kansas State University.

Kelly Lee

United Airlines

Kelly Ann Lee is Senior Manager of Planning and Development in Corporate Real Estate at United Airlines. She leads the design and construction of high-value projects, including projects with budgets reaching up to $250 million, while aligning planning and development initiatives with United’s strategic vision.

Across an 18-year career, Kelly has developed extensive experience in design and construction spanning residential, oil and gas, financial institutions, and airline and aviation environments. During ten years with United, she has helped oversee a portfolio that includes 30 line stations, premium lounges and off-terminal facilities, contributing to the airline’s real estate footprint and customer experience.

Born and raised in Southeast Texas, Kelly is a first-generation college graduate. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Systems Management from Texas A&M University in College Station and has built her career around dedication, leadership and excellence in real estate development.

Nellie Macaluso

Houston Methodist

Nellie Baktashi Macaluso is a healthcare business leader with more than 15 years of experience spanning business development, innovation, wellness, partnerships and community engagement. She leads Employer Health Solutions at Houston Methodist Hospital, developing strategic partnerships that connect employers with innovative healthcare solutions designed to improve workforce health.

Nellie has also played an integral role in Houston Methodist’s Center for Orbital Sciences, Medicine, Innovation & Care (COSMIC), connecting healthcare expertise with Houston’s growing commercial space ecosystem. Her work reflects a passion for bringing together people, ideas and organizations to create opportunities beyond traditional healthcare.

A graduate of the University of Houston with a degree in Nutrition and Foods Science, Nellie also earned an MBA from Illinois Institute of Technology. Outside healthcare, she is building The Sweet Escape Kitchen, a global food and lifestyle brand inspired by cooking, culture and creativity.

Rocio Mendoza

energyRe

Rocio Guadalupe Mendoza is Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of energyRe, a U.S. developer of renewable energy and transmission projects. Born in Mexico City and raised in Houston, Rocio attended the Hotchkiss School in Connecticut, Stanford University and the University of Texas School of Law.

Before joining energyRe, Rocio spent nearly 15 years in private practice. Her legal work earned recognition from Best Lawyers’ Ones to Watch in America for Energy Law in 2022, International Financial Law Review’s Rising Stars in the Americas in 2021, and Super Lawyers’ Rising Star from 2020 through 2023.

Throughout her career, Rocio has remained committed to education and advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in the legal profession and corporate America. Her community leadership has also been recognized by the Houston Business Journal’s Women Who Mean Business and Latino Leaders Magazine’s Houston Club Leaders.

Amy Moen

HOK

Amy Moen, CPSM, is a Marketing Principal for HOK’s Texas region, where she directs a strategic, proactive business development program along with related marketing, client development activities, staff and resources. She is also a member of HOK’s global Marketing Board, whose marketing principals and firm-wide directors provide leadership, resources and tools to help the organization win work, grow client relationships and expand its brand.

Amy’s professional journey began in academics and studio art through teaching and printmaking. She earned her Master of Fine Arts from The University of Texas at Austin in 1994. Connections within Austin’s arts community introduced her to architecture and launched a 30-year career specializing in marketing and business development for architecture and engineering practices.

Amy continues to draw from the creative process in her work—researching, discovering, problem-solving, creating and connecting as she builds client relationships and pursues new opportunities.

Amanda Niazi Olivio

SLB

Amanda Niazi Olivio is a Principal Mechanical Engineer at SLB with 20 years of experience driving technology development and innovation in the energy industry. Her career has included engineering, product development, commercialization and project execution across multiple technology segments, including Well Construction, Wireline Intervention and ThruBit services.

Amanda has played a pivotal role in transforming innovative concepts into commercially successful technologies while leading multidisciplinary teams. As a leader, she is passionate about creating environments where individuals feel empowered to contribute their ideas and believes innovation thrives through collaboration, trust and diverse perspectives.

Her career has reinforced her belief in embracing new challenges, continuous learning and adapting to change. Amanda is deeply committed to developing future leaders and inspiring women and girls to pursue opportunities in STEAM. As the daughter of a Pakistani immigrant father and a second-generation Mexican mother, she values the strength diverse backgrounds bring to innovation and problem-solving.

Megan Ortiz

Axiom Space

Megan E. Ortiz is a sixth-generation Houstonian, mother of two and commercial aerospace professional. As Senior Director of External Relations at Axiom Space, she cultivates strategic relationships supporting the company’s work in commercial space exploration, including next-generation spacesuits, missions to the International Space Station and development of the successor to the ISS.

Megan is a German Marshall Fund Marshall Memorial Fellow and a graduate of Leadership Houston Class 35. Her civic and industry service includes the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, Precinct2gether, NASA Little League, Texas Dance Hall Preservation, the Houston chapter of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Speakers Committee.

Her career recognition includes Outstanding Young Texas Ex, Houston Business Journal 40 Under 40 and Women to Watch, 50 Most Influential Women by Houston Woman Magazine, and multiple honors from NASA Johnson Space Center for pioneering human spaceflight missions.

Marina Pappas-Barbosa

NRG Energy

Marina Pappas-Barbosa is Director of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships at NRG Energy, where she leads strategic partnership and new business acquisition initiatives focused on driving growth across the consumer business. With more than a decade of experience spanning energy, hospitality, retail and global organizations, Marina specializes in building high-value partnerships, developing new revenue channels and translating strategic opportunities into scalable business results.

Throughout her career, Marina has built high-impact teams and partnerships, served as a strategic partner to executive leadership and delivered innovative solutions that create value for customers and partners. She holds an MBA from Nova Southeastern University and a bachelor’s degree in International Business from Florida International University.

Marina is also actively engaged in Houston’s business and civic community, including leadership involvement with the Center for Houston’s Future and Houston Energy Leadership Cohort, and service on the board of The Jolly Trolley Foundation.

Doug Parker

Elevation Land Solutions

Doug Parker, FSMPS, is a strategic marketer and brand champion with more than 30 years of experience in professional services marketing and operations. He currently serves as Chief Marketing and People Officer for Elevation Land Solutions.

A native Houstonian, Doug has deep ties to Houston’s arts, urban development and social services communities. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce and is co-chairing The Women’s Home’s Faces of Change mural project, recognizing six women whose leadership helped shape Houston.

His community leadership has also included service with the Bayou City Arts Festival, Levy Park Foundation, East End Foundation, DiverseWorks ArtSpace, Urban Land Institute, SEARCH Homeless Services’ Community Advisory Board, and the national board of the Society for Marketing Professional Services. Doug believes Houston’s civic and cultural life is strengthened when leaders generously give both their time and expertise.

Amy Perez

Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation

Amy Perez serves as Chief Financial Officer of the Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation, where she leads financial strategy, budgeting and accounting for Reliant Park. With more than 20 years of experience in public-sector finance, Amy specializes in strategic planning, investment management and operational leadership.

Previously, she served as Deputy Executive Director of Revenue & Finance for the Harris County Office of Management & Budget, managing key financial functions for one of the nation’s largest counties. Recognized for her expertise in financial stewardship, Amy serves as Secretary on the Texas CLASS Local Government Investment Pool Board and on the Education Committee of the County Investment Academy through the Texas Association of Counties.

Amy holds an MBA in Finance from Sam Houston State University and a BBA in Accounting from the University of Houston-Victoria. She is committed to building high-performing teams, improving processes and strengthening community impact initiatives.

Jamie Pierce

Service Corporation International

Jamie Pierce is Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Service Corporation International, where she leads field marketing, brand management, digital marketing and customer relationship management. She joined SCI in 2018 after serving as Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Conn’s, Inc., bringing extensive experience in consumer marketing. Earlier in her career, Jamie received an Effie Award for groundbreaking advertising work.

Throughout her career, Jamie has made mentoring, advancing and advocating for women a central part of her leadership. She is passionate about creating belief in women who may not yet recognize their own potential and providing opportunities that help them grow into leadership roles.

Jamie serves on the Board of Junior Achievement and has received the JA USA Bronze Leadership Award. She also coaches girls’ softball and basketball, helping young athletes build confidence and teamwork. Jamie holds degrees in marketing from Oakland University and Michigan State University’s Eli Broad College of Business.

Nisha Pillay Modak

Morgan Stanley

Nisha Pillay Modak is Associate Vice President and Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley, where she has spent more than three decades helping clients make thoughtful decisions about their financial lives. She works closely with career professionals, retirees and business owners, taking time to understand what matters most to them and helping them plan for the future with confidence.

Nisha is equally passionate about supporting women and creating opportunities for connection and growth. She serves as Co-Chair of the Morgan Stanley Women’s Advisory Council in Houston, is a Board Member of the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and serves as Co-Chair of the Chamber’s Montgomery North Houston Chapter.

She is also Co-Founder of the South Asian Women’s Professional Network, founded in Houston in 2017 to create meaningful professional relationships and community among South Asian women. Outside work, Nisha enjoys traveling, gardening and strength training.

Sandra Porter

Sandra Porter & Associates

Sandra Porter is a longtime business and community leader with more than three decades of experience in strategic branding, marketing and business development, including 15 years with global real estate firm Hines.

Now in her 10th year of active board service with the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce, Sandra is passionate about creating opportunities for women and the next generation. She also serves on the American Heart Association’s Executive Leadership Team for Go Red for Women and is a member of its Circle of Red, as well as the American Red Cross Tiffany Circle.

Sandra was inducted into the GHWCC Texas Hall of Fame in 2022 and was recently named a 2027 Woman of Distinction by the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. She is delighted to co-chair Women in the Fast Lane of STEAM and celebrate leaders who inspire others and open doors for the next generation.

Krystal Ramsey

Consilio

Krystal Studavent Ramsey is an award-winning growth and transformation executive in the legal industry, recognized for driving business growth at the intersection of strategy, market expansion, client engagement, talent development and operational modernization. With nearly two decades of experience spanning legal services, consulting, corporate leadership and entrepreneurship, she has helped organizations strengthen competitive positioning, scale growth and navigate change.

As Director of Inclusive Growth Strategy at Consilio, a global legal technology and services company, Krystal leads initiatives aligning client, market, talent and organizational priorities to accelerate growth, enhance performance, deepen client relationships and strengthen brand differentiation.

Krystal is also Founder and CEO of KSR Advisory Group, advising legal executives and organizations on growth, leadership, transformation and business development. Her previous leadership experience includes roles at Blank Rome, Axiom and Norton Rose Fulbright, as well as serving as General Counsel and SVP of Business Affairs for an entertainment company. KSR-Mini-Bio-September-2026

Sara Ritenour

American Heart Association

Sara Ritenour is Associate Vice President of Development for the American Heart Association in Houston, where she leads the Go Red for Women campaign, bringing together business, healthcare and community leaders to advance women’s cardiovascular health through philanthropy, education and advocacy.

Sara holds a Master of Arts in Human and Health Services Administration from the University of Oklahoma and brings more than 15 years of leadership experience spanning healthcare, nonprofit development, network operations and business growth. Throughout her career, she has built collaborative partnerships designed to improve health outcomes, strengthen communities and create opportunities for others to lead and serve.

Committed to developing future leaders, Sara is active at Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart and also serves as the NL Junior Girls Basketball Commissioner for the Spring Branch-Memorial Sports Association, helping young female athletes develop confidence, teamwork and leadership skills.

Alvin Rucker

Tellepsen

Alvin Rucker brings more than 40 years of business experience across corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, investment banking and strategic advisory roles. At Tellepsen, a Houston-based, family-owned commercial construction firm, he serves as Director – A Company for All, with responsibility for diversity recruitment, community engagement, subcontractor relationships, new business development and special entity development.

Alvin is also Managing Member of CCC Restaurant Enterprises, LLC, a company formed to acquire properties in the quick-service restaurant industry. The company or its affiliates have owned as many as 50 restaurants with more than $50 million in revenue and over 1,200 employees.

His career has included executive roles in investment banking, healthcare software and strategic advisory services, along with positions at General Electric, Johnson & Johnson, Goldman Sachs, Merrill Lynch and Enron. Alvin earned an MBA in Finance from The Wharton School and a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of South Carolina.

Carrie Shannon

Withum

Carrie Shannon is a CPA with Withum, a nationally ranked advisory and public accounting firm serving businesses and individuals on a local-to-global scale. As a Senior Manager in Business Advisory, she leads outsourced accounting and controller engagements. Carrie’s ability to navigate change, solve complex problems and build collaborative relationships has earned the trust of clients, colleagues and executive leadership.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Carrie is known for investing in others—whether mentoring emerging professionals, guiding clients through challenges or volunteering in her community. Her dedication to service and empowering others makes her a respected role model for colleagues, clients and future leaders.

Carrie has served as Treasurer for the Junior League of Galveston County, served on her local PTA Board and spent nine years as a Girl Scout leader, reflecting a longstanding commitment to community involvement, mentorship and developing the next generation.

Dr. Angela Sturm

Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Angela Sturm is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and the American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery. A West Texas native, she graduated summa cum laude from Texas A&M University with a degree in Molecular and Cell Biology before completing medical school and her Otolaryngology residency at Baylor College of Medicine.

Dr. Sturm completed an American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery fellowship and pursued additional training in facial feminization and hair transplantation. Her career also includes significant clinical research and leadership within professional medical organizations.

Committed to developing future surgeons, Dr. Sturm serves as Co-Director of the Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship through Houston Methodist Hospital. Her clinical excellence and community leadership have earned numerous recognitions, including Castle Connolly Top Doctor, Texas Monthly Super Doctor and Houston Business Journal 40 Under 40.