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Diversity Summit Co-Chair
Renee
Byas General Counsel Houston Community College System
After receiving her bachelor’s degree and law degree from Texas Southern University, she served as Assistant Attorney General for the State of Texas. Shortly thereafter, she was appointed General Counsel at Texas Southern University, becoming the first female to serve in the position. Thereafter, she had a distinguished career as General Counsel at Illinois State University, where she became the first female and first African American to hold the position, whose first attorney was Abraham Lincoln. Her areas of practice consist of contracts and procurement, construction law, real estate, risk management, elections and employment law. She is also a mediator and a frequent speaker on various legal topics. Ms. Byas has provided legal representation before several state and federal administrative agencies, including the Illinois Human Rights Commission, the Texas Commission for Human Rights, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the U.S. Department of Labor, the Illinois Department of Labor, the Illinois State University Retirement System, the U.S. Office for Civil Rights, and the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board. Ms. Byas is admitted to practice law in the following states and courts: The State of Texas; The State of Illinois; The United States District Court, Central District of Illinois; The United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals; and The United States Supreme Court. She currently serves as a member of the Legal Advisory Panel for United Educators Insurance Company. Ms. Byas is also an active member of several bar associations. She is a member of the National Association of College and University Attorneys, having served a six year term on the Board of Directors including three years as Secretary of the National Association of College and University Attorneys, former General Counsel for the National Bar Association and Special Assistant to the President of the National Bar Association, a former President of the Houston Lawyers Association, 1st Vice President of the Texas Association of African American Lawyers, and former Vice President of the Texas Association of State University Attorneys. She has also served as a member of the Education Law Council of the Illinois State Bar Association, a former Grievance Committee Member of the State Bar of Texas, a former member of the Board of Directors of the Illinois Special Olympics, and a former member of the Steering Committee for the Illinois Committee on Black Concerns in Higher Education, the National Association of Secondary School Principals, and the American Association of University Women. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and of Jack and Jill, Inc.
John
F. Sequeira Senior Member, Global Diversity and Inclusion Consultancy Practice Shell Oil Company
Morning Welcome Remarks
Edward
(Ed) M. Emmett County Judge Harris County
A member of the Texas House of Representatives from 1979 to 1987, Judge Emmett was chairman of the Committee on Energy, a member of the Transportation Committee, and represented the state on numerous national committees relating to energy and transportation policy. In 1989, President George H. W. Bush nominated Emmett as a Commissioner at the Interstate Commerce Commission. After being confirmed unanimously by the United States Senate, Judge Emmett served on the commission for three years. Prior to becoming county judge, he received international recognition for his work in transportation and logistics policy. Among his many other activities, Judge Emmett is director of Harris County’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, chairman of the Houston-Galveston Area Council’s Transportation Policy Council and chairman of the Harris County Juvenile Board. Judge Emmett attended Bellaire High School. He graduated from Rice University in 1971 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and from the University of Texas at Austin in 1974 with a Master of Public Affairs degree. Judge Emmett and his wife, Gwen, have been married for 36 years and have four children and eight grandchildren.
Morning Diversity Cafe
Elizabeth
Campbell Partner and Chief Diversity Officer Andrews Kurth LLP
During her career, Elizabeth has worked in the areas of administrative and employment law both in law firm and in-house counsel settings, and has led human resources, employment relations and diversity strategies at large corporations. Before joining Andrews Kurth in February 2007, Elizabeth served as Vice President of Employment Relations and Corporate Diversity Officer for ARAMARK in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Elizabeth received her B.A. in Political Science and Psychology from the American University (Washington, D.C.) and her J.D. from the University of Michigan.
Morning CEO Forum
M. Helen Cavazos President MH Cavazos Associates
Helen restarted her human resources management and diversity consulting company after leaving METRO (Metropolitan Transit Authority) in 2011, where she served as Vice President Human Resources & Chief Diversity Officer. As VP HR, responsibilities included directing overall management and administration of HR divisions, including Staffing & Retention, Compensation, Benefits, Employee Assistance & Wellness Programs, HR Information Systems, Organization Performance & Development, EEO and Affirmative Action, Title VI & Title VII Compliance, Labor & Employee Relations. As VP, Chief Diversity Officer for METRO, Helen led the development and implementation of diversity and inclusion strategies aligned with METRO’s key business strategies. Helen has a long affiliation with the McDonald’s Corporation where she developed her passion for Diversity and continues to provide consulting services to this organization. Helen has served on numerous national and local boards of organizations that foster developmental and economic opportunities for diverse groups and currently serves on the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Board, the Texas Diversity Council, HR Committee of the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council and was past president of Hispanic Women in Leadership. She is a member of the Texas Executive Women and the National Association of Female Executives and throughout her career has received numerous awards and recognition for her leadership and diversity initiatives. On a personal note, she is a native Texan, has lived in Hawaii, the Chicago area and enjoys travel. She has two married sons and a daughter and two grandchildren.
George
Gaston Chief Executive Officer Memorial Hermann Southwest
George was assigned increasingly important responsibilities with Memorial Hermann, including Assistant Vice President of Operations for Memorial Hermann Northwest before being tapped to oversee campus expansion and special projects. In 2003, he served as Assistant Vice President of Hospital Operations at Memorial Hermann Southwest and was instrumental in the implementation of an innovative joint campus program to streamline the care of joint replacement patients, utilizing best practices to involve family and friends and other patients in the care process, resulting in a 99 percent patient satisfaction rate. As Chief Operations Officer of Memorial Hermann Southeast, George was assigned the task of transforming Southeast’s culture to one committed to excellence across all key pillars. He oversaw the successful implementation of an interventional cardiology program while ensuring the hospital met its goals of accountability. For his operational expertise and leadership skills, George was chosen to serve as Chief Executive Officer at Southeast in 2007, overseeing the hospital’s 1200 employees and 630-member medical staff. During George’s short tenure, Southeast won many awards and distinctions, including Texas Healthcare Quality Improvement Award, the VHA Leadership Award for Clinical Excellence, Chest Pain Center accreditation, finalist for the 2008 Press Ganey Success Story Award for achieving and sustaining patient satisfaction results in the top 10% in the nation. In addition, he was one of 12 national recipients—and the only recipient from Texas—of the 2009 Modern Healthcare Up and Comers Award. Effective January 4, 2010, George transferred from the Southeast CEO role to take on the CEO role for the Memorial Hermann Southwest Campus to include oversight of the Hospital, the Heart and Vascular Institute, University Place, and the Wellness Center.
Glenn
Godkin President, Greater Houston Region Wells Fargo
He is also a member of the Texas Regional Banking Leadership Committee. Godkin is responsible for over 200 Community banking stores with more than $10 billion in assets. He leads an engaged team of 3,000 plus bankers. Godkin reports to Chip Carlisle, Texas Regional President. In a banking career that has spanned nearly four decades, Godkin has served in many capacities. He has been involved in all facets of lending including product development. Godkin began his banking career in 1973 with Texas Commerce bank where he worked until joining Allied Bank in 1979. Allied Bank was later acquired by Wells Fargo. Godkin is active in the community. He currently serves on the boards of Collaborative for Children, Habitat for Humanity, Junior Achievement and the Zina Garrison Foundation. He has also been involved in many United Way campaigns, serving as chair of the Wells Fargo-Houston fundraising efforts. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas and is a graduate of the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University.
Maria
Rios President and CEO Nation Waste, Inc.
Maria received a BA from the University of Houston in 1997. While attending university Maria worked for a large waste removal company. Maria saw an opportunity when she realized there will always be waste and it will need to be removed. She was inspired to remain in the waste removal industry after completing her degree. Maria saw a niche in the waste removal industry for a company to thrive by relentlessly focusing on the highest caliber customer service while offering both waste removal and recycling. Upon graduation Maria purchased two trucks and Nation Waste, Inc. was born. Twenty-four hour a day, extreme quality customer service gave Maria the ability to prove herself to contractors in a predominantly male industry. Nation Waste, Inc. began with small jobs and Maria offered a level of customer service that was unheard of in the waste removal and recycling industry thus, proving herself and opening doors for larger and larger contracts to flow to her company. Maria Rios has guided Nation Waste, Inc. to a place where she now specializes in construction, demolition, commercial, and industrial non-hazardous waste removal with a full range of compactor, front end loader, and roll off services. As Nation Waste, Inc. has grown Maria has also been able to incorporate recycling allowing her to achieve yet another goal, succeeding in business while, “Working For The Environment.” Maria is proud to serve the entire Houston business community from the Mom and Pop corner store to Fortune 500 companies. Maria has built Nation Waste, Inc. into a successful waste removal and recycling company with a focus on how to serve others in the Houston community. The aftermath of devastation caused by hurricanes Katrina and Ike gave Maria the platform to demonstrate the extreme high caliber customer service she had built her success upon. Maria and her Nation Waste, Inc. team worked 24 hours a day, 7 days a week providing requested service and seeking out those needing assistance but who were unable to request help with the clean up effort. Maria sent her equipment to the hardest hit areas in the community and reduced costs to barely cover overhead expenses. Maria Rios commitment to the community is also demonstrated by her support of Aldine Little League, the Harris County Sherriff’s Department, the Girl Scouts of America and other organizations. Maria Rios has received many professional accolades including; 2004 Business Woman of the Year from the Business Advisory Committee From the President of the United States at the White House, 2006 Gold Medal Award for Entrepreneur of the Year from the National Congressional Committee in Washington D.C. (The White House), 2009 Female Entrepreneur of the Year Award from the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, 2009 BBB Gold Star Award. Maria is proud to have been a member of the Executive Board of Directors of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Maria has registered Nation Waste, Inc. as a small business enterprise with the Port of Houston as well as with the Cities of Houston, Sugar Land, and Baytown. She has certified Nation Waste, Inc. as a Minority Business Enterprise and as a Minority Women Business Enterprise with the Houston Minority Business Council and is in compliance as a Historically Underutilized Business with the State of Texas. Maria has also led Nation Waste, Inc. to memberships in the Associated General Contractors of America Houston Chapter, Dun & Bradstreet, and the Better Business Bureau.
Morning Plenary Session
David
D. Medina Director of Multicultural Community Relations Rice University
Medina was honored with a DiversityFIRST Award from the Texas Diversity Council. The award recognizes Medina as one who has "demonstrated outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace, marketplace and community" and "demonstrated exemplary leadership." He received the 2011 Bronze Quill award for social responsibility. He also received the 2010 Willie Velasquez Hispanic Excellence Award for education from the Tejano Center for Community Concerns and Houston TV station Telemundo. He received the 2010 Diversity Champion Award from the Association of Chinese-American Professionals. Medina was recently selected to serve on the Mayor’s Hispanic Advisory Board. He is also serving as a fellow of the 2010-11 class of the American Leadership Forum's Houston/Gulf Coast chapter. He served three years as president of the Houston Hispanic Forum. He was co-chair of the 2009 Diversity Summit in Sugar Land. He is a former president of the Houston Association of Hispanic Media Professionals and a former vice president of the Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education. He is a board member of Nuestra Palabra: Latino Writers Having Their Say, and a former board member of Ser Niños Charter School. He is on the advisory board of the Chinquapin School and Inprint. He has also coached YMCA soccer and basketball and little league baseball. He is married and has two children, both graduates of Rice University.
Stephen
Klineberg Professor of Sociology, Co-Director, Kinder Institute for Urban Research Rice University
Luncheon Mistress of Ceremony
Sonia
Azad Field Reporter ABC-13, KTRK–TV Houston, Texas
The exciting and unpredictable nature of a journalist's life is what attracted her to living out of suitcases and reporting from all over the world. Sonia has reported for TV stations in San Diego, Chicago, Waco and College Station, often shooting and editing her own stories. In Washington, D.C., Sonia covered youth and politics in the run up to the 2008 Presidential election for a radio station. Internationally, Sonia covered the International Criminal Court and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in The Hague, Netherlands and also reported on war crimes in Africa and the Balkans. Some of her most memorable experiences include reporting on Iranians and Afghans seeking asylum in Paris and the Columbia Space Shuttle disaster for Star Television out of New Delhi, India. Her half hour special report entitled, "Passage to India" won Sonia an Emmy Award in 2011. In 2012, The Texas Associated Press Broadcasters named Sonia one of the best reporters in the state. Sonia graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Journalism and from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism with a Master of Science in Journalism. She also received a Master of Legal Studies from Northwestern University's prestigious law school. Aside from work and globetrotting, Sonia dedicates much of her volunteer efforts to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Rotary International, Halo House Foundation and the Tahirih Justice Center. She is also a marathon runner and avid yogi. To contact Sonia about a story, please email her at: sonia.azad@abc.com. You can also connect with her on Facebook (ABC13SoniaAzad) and Twitter (@KTRK_SoniaAzad).
Luncheon Keynote
Richard
Tapia University Professor Rice University
Diversity Champions
Earl
Shipp Vice President The Dow Chemical Company
Shipp joined Dow in 1981 in Freeport, Texas. Between 1981 and 1985, he held several manufacturing positions, including an assignment in Japan. After 1985, he held leadership positions in Texas, Ohio and Missouri. In 2000, Shipp was named to the dual roles of Vice President and Site Director of Dow’s Louisiana Operations and Global Operations Director of the Propylene Oxide and Glycols business. He was named Global Business Vice President for Dow Oxides & Glycols in 2004. In 2006, he moved to Dubai, U.A.E. to launch the India, Middle East and Africa Region for Dow. In 2007, Shipp was named Business Group President for Basic Chemicals, serving on the Business Operations Committee with responsibility for oversight of six basic chemical businesses. He was named President - India, Middle East & Africa (IMEA) for Dow in December 2008. Shipp returned to the USA in 2010 to lead Dow Michigan Operations. He was named to his current role in 2011. Shipp is the former Chairman of the Board of the New Orleans Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and is currently a Member of the Federal Reserves Energy Advisory Committee. He has served as the Deputy Chairman of the Board of EQUATE Petrochemical Company, headquartered in Kuwait, and Vice Chairman of the Board of M.E.Global BV, headquartered in Dubai, UAE. He has played an active leadership role in numerous civic and professional organizations in Ohio, Louisiana, Texas, Africa, and in the Middle East. Shipp currently is a member of the Board of Directors of The Economic Alliance of Brazoria County, The Executive Committee of the Board of the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association, the Saginaw Valley State University Foundation Board of Directors, and the Texas Chemical Council Board of Directors. Shipp has a Chemical Engineering degree from Wayne State University in Michigan, and is a graduate of the Indiana University Business School Consortium.
Dolly
Brenneman President and Founder Sourcing for Greatness
Currently Dolly is spreading her wings to work with individuals, non-profitd, and corporations as a catalyst to help them to soar to new heights, believing that every individual and corporation has the spectacular ability to obtain their greatness and success. In her “spare” time, one would find Dolly participated as a board member such as Asian Chamber of Commerce, Center for Organizational Research and Effectiveness, and the University of Houston Executive MBA Alumni Association. At present Dolly is proudly serving as a Board of Director of the venerable Rothko Chapel, an intimate sanctuary available to people of every belief, welcoming visitors of every faith and from all parts of the world - a rallying place for all people concerned with peace, freedom, and social justice throughout the world. Dolly’s career includes working in the financial industry for Chase and Smith Barney, as well as in the healthcare industry working for Mt. Sinai Hospital in Cleveland, Case-Western Reserve University Medical School, Children’s Hospital & St. Mary’s Hospital in San Francisco and St. Joseph Hospital & Aetna Health Plan in Houston. Under a Presidential Scholarship, Dolly came to America to obtain her BS in Healthcare Information Management in Buffalo, NY, and further her education with an Executive MBA from University of Houston. However, Dolly believes her best education has been what she could learn on a daily basis from her ever tell the truth wonderful two daughters, family, amazing leaders and friends, and yes, even from a homeless man. She continuously further her knowledge and practices from world-class leaders and spiritual masters how to be a better human being.
Afternoon Session A
Jane
Hyun Founder and President Hyun & Associates
Hyun & Associates helps organizations grow their bottom line through the effective deployment of their people. Their clients range from small companies to large multinationals in financial services, consumer products, pharmaceuticals, consulting/professional services, technology, retail, nonprofit, and schools, who seek to adopt next generation leadership practices. Hyun appears regularly on media outlets such as CNN, CNBC, National Public Radio, Marketwatch, Time, Fortune, and Chief Executive. A graduate of Cornell University with a degree in Economics/International Studies, she serves on the Women’s Alumnae Council. She is an advisor to the Toigo Foundation, and the Task Force for Talent Innovation, which authored recent Harvard Business Review studies, On-Ramps/Off Ramps, Sin Fronteras, Bookend Generations, Battle for Female Talent in Emerging Markets, and The Sponsor Effect. Hyun’s groundbreaking book, Breaking the Bamboo Ceiling, fueled a critical dialogue for the need for a culturally grounded career development approach. She has a passion for helping individuals realize their fullest potential in the workplace, community, and marketplace.
Krystal
Nelson Procurement and Supply Chain Management Specialist BP America
Krystal takes part in many community and social organizations such as Junior Achievement and other Diversity and Inclusion initiatives. As a core team member of BP Asian Network, she volunteered to be on the Diversity Summit committee team of 2012 and has enjoyed it immensely.
Anthony
Agi Urban Experience Program at University of Houston
During these years, he has remained an active member of the diverse University of Houston main campus community that includes being a member of the Urban Experience Program for two years. An experience that has exposed him to the contribution of great African -Americans such as Benjamin Banneker; an African American who picked the spot for the Whitehouse. As a current Senator in the Student Government Association representing the Hilton college- the nation’s second best hospitality program, he pioneered the fight to keep tuition and fees stable. Anthony Agi has the pedigree to work with people from all over the world and both sides of the aisle; he was recently accepted in February as a Fellow for America-OFA, a grassroots community-organizing group in the United States. His contribution to the universities community has extended to the office of International Student and Scholar Services where he has been a volunteer and orientation coordinator for the last two years. He has also served in the capacity as peer advisor with them, assisting new students from all over the world find accommodation and register for classes. Diversity should be a way of life according to Anthony Agi. Diversity is a crucial part of our existence because without it we will be holding a very myopic point of view and diversity broadens and betters our approach to civilization.
David
Anderson, III President 20.10 Media, LLC
Kafayat
Babajide Co-Founder Young Professional Muslims
Norma
Torres President The Hispanic Association of Cultural Enrichment at Rice University
Afternoon Session B
Ariana
Robinson Human Resource Analyst Shell Oil Company
She has served on the Diversity Summit planning committee since 2010, and continues to be excited by the people, initiatives, and topics that surface around D&I when planning these annual sessions. She looks forward to volunteering at and attending many more.
Bill
Proudman Founding Partner and COO White Men as Full Diversity Partners
Nereida
(Neddy) Perez Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Ingersoll Rand
Prior to joining Ingersoll Rand, she worked with a number of global companies in building their diversity efforts including National Grid, KPMG, Sodexo and Royal Dutch Shell (Shell Oil). She has worked in the UK, Netherlands, and Latin America. Born in Havana, Cuba she has received numerous awards and recognition for her contributions to advancing the work of diversity and inclusion. She has worked with a variety of non-profit organizations to create programs that empower people and remove organizational barriers to advancement. She is one of the principals behind the creation of STEMConnector, a web portal that serves as a clearinghouse for Science Technology, Engineering and Math initiatives/programs. She also developed and implemented Shell Oil’s Digital Divide Initiative which focused on closing the gap in underserved communities and providing access to technology. Some of the organizations she has been involved with include:
Bobbi
Mooney Global Manager of Information Management & Technology Shell Manfucturing
Bobbi has spent 30 years in the IT industry. She has an established track record in building and leading IT consultancy and service organizations from strategy formation through business execution, as well as experience in HR talent management within the IT discipline. She has lived and worked internationally. Before joining Shell, she spent six years heading IT for the School of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University. In 2002, she received AWC’s (Association of Women in Computing) award as one of the Top Women in Technology in Houston. She completed a B.S. Computer Science in 1982 from the University of Illinois and a M.S. Computer Science in 1987 from Purdue University in a joint degree program with Purdue’s Krannert School of Management. She currently serves as Shell’s campus executive for Purdue University. Bobbi lives in Houston, Texas and is married to her high school sweetheart, Charles, with whom she has raised two children. Her volunteer activities have included Boy/Girl Scouts, Junior Achievement, Christian development instruction, and mentor training for mentoring ex-offender women. She is active in diversity work, having served on the advisory board for Shell’s U.S. Asian employee network and the steering team for Shell’s Women’s network. She currently serves as co-sponsor of POWER, Shell’s network for Multi-cultural Women, and is a frequent speaker for diversity learning events and professional groups. She has served on the non-profit board for the Center for the Healing of Racism and on the board of LLM, Inc.
Debra
Clark Stewart Director of Supplier Diversity Workforce Development & Diversity Outreach Shell Oil Company
With Bachelor and Master degrees in Polymer Engineering from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Debra began her career with Exxon Corporation in R&D and technical sales roles. In 20 years with Shell, Debra has worked across a spectrum of businesses including chemicals, oil refining and lubricants in roles of increasing responsibility in market and business management, technical management, international marketing, mergers/acquisitions/divestitures and project management. Throughout her career Debra she has also served as a leader in support of the external community and diversity in Shell. She led in the start-up of employee diversity networks in the company and continues in active involvement and leadership, currently serving as executive co-sponsor for the company’s affinity group for multicultural women. A previous Chair of Shell’s United Way campaign, Debra serves on the board of directors of Target Hunger, a Houston based United Way agency.
Afternoon Session C
David Cross Director of HCC Office of Institutional Equity Houston Community College
Under Mr. Cross’ leadership the HCC Human Resources Generalist Model was implemented and today continues to provide onsite HR services to regional colleges and system divisions. Cross was a co-chair in the development of the HCC on line Performance Excellence Program (PEP) for HCC faculty, staff and administrators. He was a founding member of the HCC College Leadership Program steering committee which is beginning its ninth year of providing quality leadership training to HCC managers and leaders. In his current role David, as he is known by his friends and co-workers, is working to develop new programs and metrics that will advance the positive contributions of diversity and inclusion at HCC. David began his HCC career as a clinical instructor for the HCC Mental Health Services Program (Currently known as the Human Services Tech. Program) He has delivered numerous professional papers at both state and national conferences and has served on the Board of the Lone Star College and University Personnel Association, and the Houston Mayors Committee for the Employment of Persons with Disabilities. He holds a Master’s of Science in Educational Psychology from the University of Houston and a Bachelors of Science in Education from North Texas State University. David is a qualified mediator and holds a Senior Human Resources Professional certification.
Joe Bontke Outreach Manager and Ombudsman for the Houston District Office U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Auturo Jackson Senior Director of Customer Care and Customized Services Houston Metropolitan Transit Authority (METRO)
Auturo and his beautiful wife, Denise along with their 2 children are Stafford residents. Auturo is actively involved in the community. His community service includes serving on: o Stafford Municipal School District Vision Planning and Planning Committee o Stafford's Planning and Zoning Commission o Fort Bend YMCA Board Member o Advisory Board for Accessible Travel with United and Continental Airlines o Commissioner on the Mayor's Commission for People with Disabilities in Houston o Member of Windsor Village United Methodist Church since 1989 Auturo is a graduate of the University of North Texas. His focus of instruction was in Marketing Management.
Maria R. Palacios Community Outreach/Information Coordinator Houston Center for Independent Living
Deena Fidas Deputy Director, Workplace Project, Public Education and Outreach Human Rights Campaign
Fidas has become a sought-after presenter of the Degrees of Equality work with numerous corporate site visits and professional conference presentations across the country. Fidas also develops teaching toolkits on LGBT work force diversity for employers. Prior to joining the Workplace Project staff in 2007, she worked in fundraising for the American Civil Liberties Union and Hillary Clinton for President, among other clients. Fidas holds a master’s degree in sociology from American University in Washington, D.C., where she also worked as a researcher for the university’s Women & Politics Institute
Cuc
Vu Chief Diversity Officer Human Rights Campaign
Born in Saigon, Viet Nam, Vu grew up in Olympia, Washington, and currently resides in Washington, DC. Vu and her wife, Gwen Migita, were among the first same-sex couples to marry in DC in 2010. Her story is part of the 1,000 Voices project.
Afternoon Session D
Jewel Smith Manager of Supplier Diversityt CenterPoint Energy Inc.
Jewel serves on the Corporate Advisory Committee and Finance Committee of the Women’s Business Enterprise Alliance (WBEA). She is a member of the Houston Minority Supplier Development Council’s (HMSDC) SDAC Committee & Leadership Team. She is Chair Emeritus of the Edison Electric Institute’s National Supplier Diversity Task Group. She is the Association of Electric Companies of Texas’ (AECT) Diversity Committee Chairman. She advocates within the Utility Market Access Ad Hoc Committee of the National Association of Utility Regulatory Commissioners (NARUC). Professional recognitions include: Houston’s 50 Most Influential Women of 2011 Who’s Who in U.S. Corporate Supplier Diversity 2011 Top “30” Champions of Diversity in US 100 Women Impacting Supplier Diversity in U.S. Edison Electric Institute “Supplier Diversity Leadership” Award Multiple winner of Corporate Supplier Diversity Advocate of the Year and Helping Hands 2011 HMSDC “Rising Star Supplier’s Choice Award and “Soaring Heights Award” Winner Who’s Who in Black Houston
Craig
Clayton, Sr. Founder and CEO SP@rtacus Group
He has consulted for many Fortune 500 companies. To date, his global outreach has spanned over 20 countries including Mexico, China, Indonesia, Jamaica, Belgium, Singapore, The Dominican Republic and Brazil. Craig has over 25 years of diverse business experience, including positions as a CEO, COO, board member, and corporate executive. He has worked with Fortune 500 firms in a variety of capacities, from operations to sales and marketing, training to research. He has become of the countries experts on the topic of corporate bullying and has recently been interviewed by numerous television networks including ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC. He recently did a half hour special on workplace bullying that aired on PBS Nationally.
Grace Chi Financial Analyst BP’s North America Gas Region
Grace graduated from Florida State University with two Bachelor of Science degrees and three majors – Finance, Grace is a native of Shanghai, China. She has studied abroad in Japan and France on various scholarships. She now lives in Houston with her two miniature schnauzers, Cooley and Baby.
John
Nguyen CEO Lighthouse Leadership
John’s niche is in the arena of Leadership Development and Emotional Intelligence. His credo is “If you can See it, you can Have it” while helping his clients discover, define and deliver their dreams. Dr. Nguyen’s inner strength comes from his blessed relationship with his family. You can contact John at Win@LighthouseLeadershipCoaching.com In his latest accomplishment John was selected from a nationwide search to be featured in Discover Your Inner Strength, a highly successful book series from Tennessee based Insight Publishing. The book features best-selling authors Stephen R. Covey (Seven Habits of Highly Effective People), Brian Tracy (Million Dollar Habits), and Ken Blanchard (One Minute Manager). John Nguyen, Blanchard, Covey and Tracy, are joined by other well known authors and speakers, each offering time-tested strategies for success in frank and intimate interviews.
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