Fall 2023 Cohort

My Bio

Three decades of experience in the Energy industry across the value chain. Held senior leadership roles in Strategic Planning, Operations, ESG/CSR, and Stakeholder Management. Experience includes Business Unit management with P&L responsibility.

Adjunct Professor at UH Bauer currently teaching a course on ESG in Industry. Serve as a Board Member of the UH Bauer College, and as an Advisory Board member of the Consortium for Energy Corporate Social Responsibility (CECSR) at UH Energy.

Until very recently was the Head of Shell U.S. Energy Transition Integration. Have taken early retirement from Shell and now joined Ernst & Young as Managing Director for Sustainability.

Prior to joining Shell, was a Vice President at AECOM.

Started my career as a design and commissioning engineer in process equipment manufacturing and spent several years in the field as a Project Manager for turnkey projects around the world, before moving to commercial roles.

Earned a Mechanical Engineering degree and an MBA from the University of Houston and a Graduate Diploma in Strategic Decision and Risk Management from Stanford.

Born and raised on the island of Cyprus and presently serve as the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Cyprus to Texas. Very passionate about the arts especially the Opera and sports especially college basketball and college football.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

As an immigrant from a small island nation, created a life for myself and my eventual family in the US, having no prior connections, relationships or experience.

Something fun I like to do in my free time ...

Travel back to Cyprus, go to UH bball and football games, go to the opera, train for the MS150.

My Bio

With close to 20 years of professional work experience, I am a versatile marketing executive and technology expert with an entrepreneurial spirit. I am the Chief Innovation Officer for Blue People, a Mexico-based Software Development company and a Co-Founder of Cloche Restaurant Services, a mobile food ordering startup. Born in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico, I left home to pursue a Bachelor’s in Computer Science from the University of Notre Dame and a Master’s in Technology Commercialization from the University of Texas at Austin a few years later. I am a Houston Leadership Fellow Class XXXIX, and was honored as a member of Houston Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2023.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

Reaching the C-Suite of a technology company is one of my greatest accomplishments. Early in my career my boss and mentor told me that he saw a drive and determination in me that he didn’t see often. As a young analyst in an ultra competitive consulting world, I joked that maybe then I could become a CIO or CTO one day. He looked at me and said “there’s no doubt in my mind you’ll be a Chief one day”. So finally getting that title after 18 years of hard work reinforced that I can do anything I set my mind to. I actually called him as soon as I got my offer for the role of Chief Innovation Officer, to which he quickly quipped “I knew you could do it, so … what is your next joke then?” I responded with: “Building and running a unicorn startup”. To Be Continued ...

Something fun I like to do in my free time ...

I am an avid volunteer for numerous organizations and nonprofits such as the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, MassChallenge Houston, and gener8tor gBeta. My favorite activity is mentoring and am always generous with my time when anyone approaches me with questions about technology, marketing, consulting, or just business in general. Recently, I mentored a winning team in the HISD and G-Unity Labs Hussle Tank business plan competition. Most importantly, I am a loving husband and hands-on father of four that makes me get out of bed every morning, figuratively and sometimes quite literally!

My Bio

A seasoned professional in retail, food and consumer facing businesses, with diverse exposure to intentional markets & global trade. A marketing graduate with an MBA in Strategic Management, as well as an MS in Technology Commercialization from UT McComb's. With a primary research focus on innovation strategy & business modeling, Platforms - global digitization - AI are the key areas of interest. A proud husband to a fitness coach & music teacher and father of an aspiring 'basketball girl', where our Houston home never runs out of energy!

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

Constructing an accelerated career across global markets with diverse experiences

Something fun I like to do in my free time ...

Diving into NBA Analytics; I find it entertaining and calming to keep record of a rolling test on pregame assumptions vs results.

My Bio

Determined to check off every item on my vision board; graduating with a doctorate degree with the same passion used to build a real estate co and an online real estate investment training/course(s). I'm passionate about what life offers and those I'm blessed to offer an opportunity to.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

Marrying and building a life with my husband who has loved me for over 33 years.

Something fun I like to do in my free time ...

Travel to multiple cities and eat everything I see (foodie).

My Bio

I'm a communications, marketing, and media relations mogul who delivers unquestionable value. My experience covers higher education, nonprofits, hospitality, arts, and culture.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

Of all the milestones I've passed, I believe the greatest ones are still in my future. The best is yet to come.

Something fun I like to do in my free time ...

I enjoy spending time with my dog, listening to music, playing volleyball, and keeping current with pop culture. And food! Don't forget trying all of Houston's culinary offerings!

My Bio

I am the President of Dalwadi Hospitality Management, a hotel management company and JD Engineering & Construction Corporation, a commercial construction company primarily focused in hospitality. I am also a real estate broker and practice in the commercial space. I earned my BS in Computer Science and later earned his MBA in 2015.

I am a Brand Ambassador for charity: water and currently serve on the Board of the Hotel & Lodging Association of Greater Houston and Texas Hotel & Lodging Association. I have also served on a number of groups and committees with the Asian American Hotel Owners Association and IHG Owners Association.

I am a native Texan and have lived in Houston since 1993. I am a car enthusiast and enjoy traveling with friends and family.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

Aside from finding my amazing wife and having our 2 amazing little kids? :) ... I would probably have to say it would be forming a management company that was able to be approved by Marriott International within a year of formation. This easily was a top moment for me.

Something fun I like to do in my free time ...

In my free time, I like to spend time with my kids and my LARGE family or close friends circle. I also like being on the water, but that is a rare occurrence these days.

My Bio

I am a Senior Sourcing Sustainability Manager with Baker Hughes, graduated with my Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Production and Operations Management from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, Masters of Business Administration Degree in Management from Oklahoma State University (OSU-Tulsa, Oklahoma), and am currently obtaining my DBA at University of Houston.

I have experience in multiple supply chain roles within several industries. Developing my supply chain and leadership experience in aerospace, automotive, oil & gas and retail has provided a vast experience in Leadership, Team Dynamics, Inventory Management, Procurement, Supplier Quality Management, Procure to Pay, Commodity & Strategic Sourcing, Conflict Management, Contract & Performance Management, and Supplier Relationship Management.

In my recent responsibilities, I has been actively developing Scope 3 Category 1 emission strategies and working closely with supply chain professionals on multi-tiered supplier risk management tools for early detection of potential concerns that could impact the value chain.

In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, and volunteering with organizations (such as SIDO, APICS, Keep Friendswood Beautiful, Friendswood High School Incubator Program, FISD PTO, CSCMP Mentor Program) to mentor individuals at all ages in order to drive passions to reality.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

Early in my career, I obtained both my C.P.M. and CPIM within 6 months with a 2 and 4 year old at home while working a demanding full time job.

Something fun I like to do in my free time ...

I enjoy traveling to various places. We enjoy going as a couple or as a family with our kids and grandkids.

My Bio

Bauer College fanatic, Army Veteran, and Supply Chain practitioner working in the energy business. I believe in servant leadership, from the front, and by example. Wake up every day to a new enigma to solve- Supply Chain Management.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

Leading my Infantry Squad through multiple combat tours, guiding them through some of the moral challenges and gray spaces, and bringing them all home whole of body and spirit.

Something fun I like to do in my free time ...

Major super nerd activity- Dungeons & Dragons, BattleTech, reading, brewing & winemaking, BBQ, coaching Basketball

My Bio

I am a Senior Practice Manager with UT Physicians with almost 10 years of diverse healthcare experience in the Texas Medical Center. I am passionate about process improvement and business development, I put my MBA from The University of Houston Downtown to good use when it comes to improving the business world around me. As a first-generation high school graduate and Latina, I embrace and welcomes the opportunity to be able to do something no one in my family has been able to do before.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

I strongly believe that one of my greatest accomplishments has been all of the relationships I have been able to build throughout my career. I have been able to cultivate relationships with many different people within the healthcare industry and have been able to learn so much from each one.

Something fun I like to do in my free time ...

I enjoy volunteering for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. I received a scholarship from them to complete my undergrad and have enjoyed giving my time back to help other young Texans be able to receive a scholarship as well. I am on the Gatekeepers Committee that man the gates as guests walk in, and on the Parade committee that orchestrate the parade that kicks off the largest livestock exhibition and rodeo in the world. I have been a volunteer for 10+ years, and plan to continue doing it for as long as I am able to.

My Bio

Student of commodity markets, passionate about solving the puzzle of how market behaves and price actions related to it. Been in the commodity space for over a decade now with a focus on energy and the capacity for both analysis and trading.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

Being fortunate enough that I do something I love every day for a living.

Something fun I like to do in my free time ...

Workout, spend time with the family

My Bio

I'm a very private person. I'm married and have 7 children and 7 grandchildren. I'm the benefactor of the Gutierrez Energy Management Institute at the University of Houston and I have a scholarship endowment at UH. I also serve on the Board of Trustees at TCU.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

Having founded and sold a successful midstream company over a 20-year span, while building strong business relationships and maintaining an excellent reputation in the industry.

Something fun I like to do in my free time ...

Spending time with family, playing golf, and playing guitar.

My Bio

I am Senior Manager of Business Operations with Baylor College of Medicine with CHRISTUS Children’s Hospital in San Antonio, TX. I am a business professional with a strong background in the field of business administration, with more than 20 years in the fields of medical and research administration. I am a strategic contributor and highly motivated leader offering a career-long history of success fulfilling progressively critical administrative roles and a proven track record of delivering exceptional results. I became a Certified Research Administrator in July 2022. My goal is to continue to enhance my business administration skills and with my genuine vision and driving force to guide teams to success and establish meaningful relationships to sustain business operations.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

My greatest accomplishment is obtaining my certification in research administration. It was a challenging journey that required perseverance, dedication, and significant challenging work. I am proud of the result of achievement a high passing score on the first try. This accomplishment not only highlighted my abilities and expertise the field of research administration, but also taught me a valuable lesson about resilience and the power of determination. I am grateful for the experience, and it continues to motivate me to strive for even greater achievements in the future.

Something fun I like to do in my free time ...

In my free time and when the best weather permits, I enjoy camping in the outdoors. It is a wonderful way for me to disconnect and unwind, recharge after a busy life. Engaging in this activity brings me joy and helps me maintain a healthy work-life-school balance.

My Bio

A proud U.S. Army 10th Mountain Division Airborne Infantry Veteran whose family has served for the U.S. since the Civil War in the Union Army.

I am the consummate optimist, lifelong learner and larger than life personality who enjoys being told “NO or that can’t be done.”

A serial entrepreneur and professor with a zest for life and adventure.

A global citizen who has lived in Europe (Pairs, France), South East Asia (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) and the Americas (Texas, Tennessee & Illinois).

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

My greatest accomplishment is TEAM JONES (my family). I married my high school sweetheart 27 years ago and raised two awesome sons who are both Eagle Scouts.

Something fun I like to do in my free time ...

My wife and I work hard and play hard. We spend time outdoors, enjoying nature and getting our fair share of vitamin D. We split our FREE time between our 3 favorite outdoor activities Scuba Diving, RV’ing, and spending time at our ranch in Texas.

My family and I are all certified PADI Scuba Divers. My sons have been diver certified since they were 10 & 11. My wife and I enjoy traveling to exotic places and diving in the warm waters of the world's oceans experiencing up close, healthy reefs teaming with life (before they all disappear).

We have been RV’ing since our kids were in AAU/travel basketball. We enjoy travelling the U.S. There is nothing like traveling to a concert venue, hiking adventure or PVAMU Homecoming in style.

Jones Land Ranch (JLR) is our ranch in East Texas. We spend time at JLR working remotely. We are currently building infrastructure, planning solar installations, and planting trees. When not working, we take long hikes or enjoy watching the sunrise and sunset from our dock.

My Bio

Grew up in Omaha Nebraska, Went to college there, got married, had two children, 1 boy 1 girl. After graduation, joined the US Air Force as an officer and went to pilot training. Became an F-15 Fighter Pilot. Spent 30 years in the US Air Force, flight commander, squadron commander, wing commander... left the Air Force in 2012, got an MBA at UH, went to work in the real world assisting foreign militaries with force readiness.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

I haven't done it yet.

Something fun I like to do in my free time ...

Snow ski

My Bio

Business Executive (currently President and Managing Director at MAN Energy Solutions USA and Head of Americas, A Volkswagen Group company), Oxford published author of three books and a radio show host at VoiceAmerica.com.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

To have learned from everyone I engaged with from across the globe.

Something fun I like to do in my free time ...

Play competitive Table Tennis.

My Bio

I have more than 35 years of Corporate Experience mostly in Human Resources. I was the CHRO for Baker Hughes and Hertz. I lived and worked in the US, India, and the UK. I run my consulting firm and am always passionate about learning and sharing.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

Developing great talent - business as well as HR Leaders. Many of my mentees have done very well and I learn a lot from them.

Something fun I like to do in my free time ...

Read and write poetry.

My Bio

I am originally from Detroit, MI and I have spent the past 20+ years growing my career in Human Resources (now called the People or People and Culture function). I am very passionate about the art world (my spouse is an artist) and I lead an art focused nonprofit that provides grants to artists to produce work centered on social justice.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

Family is very important to me. As a husband, father, brother, and son, I have always found immense satisfaction in how my personal and professional successes have translated into opportunities to help my family. My family's continued success will always be my greatest accomplishment.

Something fun I like to do in my free time ...

I love to garden! I tend to focus on growing peppers (all kinds - sweet to very hot), tomatoes, and leafy greens. I am venturing into potatoes this season (purple sweet potatoes) and watermelon.

My Bio

I am a father, a mentor, a patriot, and a lifelong learner. The knowledge and skillsets I possess are attributed to my experience and life lessons from the time I served in the military, my 15+ years of working in the Oil & Gas industry, and from my current position as a Strategy & Operations Business Consultant at Credera. I completed my undergrad degree at Texas A&M Kingsville in 2004 and my MBA at the University of Houston in 2020. My personal mindset is, “There’s always a way to do it better – So let’s find it”.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

I consider serving my country in combat as a United States Marine as one of my greatest accomplishments. Less than 1% of Americans can boast that same accomplishment. My time in the Marine Corps allowed me to hone my leadership skills and develop a mindset that even till this day allows me to overcome the challenges and obstacles that are put in front of me.

Something fun I like to do in my free time ...

I enjoy spending my free time with my family and friends. The outdoors is where I’ll be. On the weekends you might find me on a bike ride, on the golf course, or hosting family and friends BBQ. I also enjoy volunteering with veteran non-profit organizations.

My Bio

I am a thought leader in the CFO alliance and FP&A leadership space. I do financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting for SMEs. I am a trusted advisor to CEOs and boards of directors. I have led some of the largest finance and budget transformation initiatives, enabling global planning and budgeting solutions.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

Being a father to my lovely two kids.

Something fun I like to do in my free time ...

Watch soccer, the real football ;). Also, enjoy a good thriller movie and hanging out with family and friends.

My Bio

I am people leader and serial entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in delivering complex programs to global audiences and businesses, crafting quality solutions in business transformation areas, including talent strategy, change adoption, organizational design, culture strategy, and human capital transformation. With experience in organizational design, I currently provide C-Suite level advisory and support, consult on large-scale enterprise-wide organizational changes, and influence senior leadership in shaping strategies with significant business and people impacts.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

Living and engaging in work across three (3) continents [Sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East, North Africa and North America].

Something fun I like to do in my free time ...

I read & travel both for work & fun - so being able to binge watch Netflix series /TV shows is quite relaxing for me.

My Bio

Born and raised in Jersey City and in a family passionate about transportation, I went on to study economics at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, and complete a Masters in Transportation at SUNY Maritime. Fluent in Portuguese, Spanish and a working knowledge of Ukrainian, my background has informed and inspired my passion for global logistics and the exciting challenges the job brings me every day.

I am a member of UTC’s Global Executive Management Team and Board of Directors. I have played an integral role in UTC’s establishment of strategic Global Energy & Capital Project offices around the world supporting a global supply chain. UTC Overseas specializes in designing tailored transport strategies for over-dimensional, over-weight, and specialized equipment.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

Remote Complex oversized deliveries SAFELY in Challenging Countries in the Developing World — In Africa and Over the Andes in South America.

Something fun I like to do in my free time ...

Hike with the Family. Drone Photography of Nature.

My Bio

I am 15-year software industry veteran spanning defense, eCommerce, Big Data, hosting, full stack, and AI/machine learning application development. I have held several software engineer, software architecture, team lead, manager/senior manager, and tech advisor roles. I am an avid learning (251-ish books), aspiring rally race car driver, life/executive coach, spiritual advisor, and father of two beautiful girls: Khloe and Rylee.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

My greatest accomplishment (so far) has been to anticipate the skills I have needed for the mission I will be called to. This has enabled me to successfully mentor many leaders, deliver large societal impacting products through software as a tech leader, become an empowering "girl dad", and position people I lead for success. Zooming in, my proudest accomplishment is the people that I have empowered by being a prepared leader for them.

Something fun I like to do in my free time ...

I enjoy getting some seat time in my rally car in preparation for races at Rally Ready. If the car is not cooperating, you can find me with a stack of books, tinkering with software ideas, or hosting board game dinner parties.

My Bio

Having grown up in Salt Lake City, Utah, I have been described as embodying a strong pioneering spirit — having achieved many roles as “The First.” I strive to be an inclusive professional, applying core set of functional expertise, with a relentless focus on driving meaningful transformation. I function as a strategic arbiter between people, processes, and execution. I am always looking to tackle the most challenging business problems. All of my professional endeavors sit on foundational principles of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

I would consider my greatest accomplishment is my role as a community leader, advocating for social justice and equity in the communities in which I unwaveringly serve.

Something fun I like to do in my free time ...

I had the privilege of viewing some of the best independent films while attending The Sundace Film Festival (an annual event in Park City, Utah) which now has led to being a huge independent film connoisseur.

My Bio

I am a Senior Information Technology Management Executive and Retired Army Lieutenant Colonel with Top Secret/SCI and 20+ years of accomplishments directing and influencing technology solutions that are cost efficient, client focused, and profitable. Innovative, charismatic, change-oriented leader with unique blend of corporate business acumen and technical advice to C-level executive and senior military leadership. Skilled in relationship building, project management, team development and process improvement. Customer success focused, adept at envisioning opportunities, developing strategies, influencing collaborative change and implementing solutions. Significant international experience. I have a B.A. in Political Science from Morgan State, M.A. in Mgmt & Leadership and a M.A. In Procurement & Acquisitions Mgmt from Webster University. I currently reside in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area with my spouse (Nicole) and we have two adult daughters - Brianna and Kayla.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

My greatest professional accomplishment is managing and leading a successful IT department of consultants that provided stellar project implementation, business continuity, and cost savings to organizations with minimal disruption (in both private and public organizations); However, my greatest personal accomplishment is being a successful father, husband, and "girl" dad....that is priceless!

Something fun I like to do in my free time ...

I am an ESPN sports junkie, "armchair" sports GM, and enjoy traveling and attending live entertainment, music concerts and sporting events.

My Bio

Dynamic U.S. Navy veteran and father, currently driving business planning initiatives for Xbox Gaming eCommerce at Microsoft. Equipped with a diverse academic background including a B.A. in Marketing, MBA, and MPS in Data Analytics. Hailing from Houston, Texas, and now thriving in Austin.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

One of the most profound achievements in my life was the privilege of serving as a Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Victim Advocate (SAPR VA) in the U.S. Navy, a role that allowed me to extend a compassionate hand to my fellow shipmates during their darkest moments. To witness their subsequent triumphs and growth, despite the harrowing ordeals they had endured, fills my heart with an indescribable sense of solace and gratitude.

Something fun I like to do in my free time ...

In my free time, I like to go to the movies with my family or fire up the grill.

My Bio

I am the Director of Right of Way for Audubon Field Solutions, where we have several pipeline projects going on at any given time across multiple states. This is the next exciting step in my learning journey, and I'm really looking forward to it! I'm originally from Amarillo, but currently live in The Woodlands with my beautiful wife and our 2 dogs, a mutt named Doc and a schnauzer named Indiana Bones.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

Honestly, I think that my own growth as a person over the years is what I'm most proud of. I feel like I strive to learn and become a better and more productive person each year, and would really like to leave a positive mark on the world. Also, entering this cohort! If you would have told me 20 years ago that I would be entering this program while living my best life, I would've thought you were nuts. But here we are!

Something fun I like to do in my free time ...

We like to travel when we can! We also spend a lot of time hanging out with our dogs and reading. I recently bought a motorcycle that I don't ride nearly enough, but am hoping to change that when the weather gets a bit more tolerable. Other than that, a lot of movies, cooking, and soon to be more homework!

My Bio

I am a business growth strategist for service businesses, speaker, author, and Bronze Star Recipient who is passionate about leadership, business strategy, marketing, technology, and helping motivated individuals and businesses achieve their goals. I earned my master's degree in cybersecurity from Fordham University and my MBA from the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland, drawing on my 12 years of experience in the military to hone my expertise in all aspects of leadership and peak performance under the highest possible stakes.

What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

My greatest accomplishment has been inspiring hundreds of others to go for their dreams and be themselves unapologetically.

Something fun I like to do in my free time ...

I love to travel to new places and experience the culture through food.