UNCF Houston
“A mind is a terrible thing to waste, but a wonderful thing to invest in.”® Why not invest your time or money in better futures for young people in southern Texas, New Mexico and around the country?
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Stronger Together: Sew Along Fundraiser
The 2024 Stronger Together Quilt Along fundraiser was a beautiful success! Thanks to Fat Quarter Shop, $10,645 was donated to UNCF! Thank you to everyone who donated, shared a post, or quilted along! Quick recap: During the month of February, Fat Quarter Shop shared a free pattern highlighting activist Ruby Bridges and quilted along together to raise money for UNCF. Our fundraising page is still open and accepting donations.
The 2023 “A Mind Is…” Gala in Houston set new fundraising record!
Credit: Right Time Solutions, LLC.
On November 18, 2023, the UNCF Houston Area Office held its 34th Annual UNCF “A Mind Is…” Gala. Seven hundred attendees helped to set new fundraising records as the event raised $874,000! Lead sponsors were Hewlett Packard Enterprises, ConocoPhillips, and Texas-based grocer, H-E-B.
In full alignment with the theme, Houston’s Night in Havana, attendees were adorned in fedoras, flowers, and energetic colors representative of the Afro-Caribbean culture. HBCU graduates chaired the event, Brandi Carson (Spelman), and Erica Littlejohn Burnette (Howard) utilized their network of small business owners and fellow HBCU alumni to help this year’s event sell out weeks before. Desrye Morgan, of Wells Fargo, also served as the Honorary Chair. Legendary artist, DJ, photographer, and philanthropist D-Nice served as the evening’s entertainment.
Mark your calendars for November 16, 2024, more information to come soon!
Preparation begins for the 39th Annual UNCF South TX/Houston Walk/Bike/Run!
The 2023 UNCF Walk for Education raised over $260,000 thanks to our presenting sponsor Shell USA, Inc. and generous contributions of 30+ sponsors and attendees!
Save the date as we gear up for our 39th annual event on September 14, 2024. Read more about our 2023 event here.
News and Information
Did You Know?
UNCF Houston area office serves Southeast Texas (including Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and the Golden Triangle) and New Mexico. UNCF’s 4 Texas member institutions include Huston-Tillotson University, Jarvis Christian University, Texas College and Wiley University. However, UNCF supports students at the four-year accredited school of their choosing and its 37-member institutions to keep their academic programs strong and their tuitions/fees affordable.
UNCF Houston 2024 – 2025 Leadership Council
Victor Nivens (Chair)
Vice President of Human Resources
H-E-B
Time of Service: 2022
Benny Agosto, Jr., Partner
Law Office of Abraham, Watkins, Nichols,
Sorrels, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner
Time of Service: 2014
Michael Alvarez
President & CEO Diverse Supplier and Workforce
Solutions
Time of Service: 2012
Phil Dyson
Human Resources Manager
Enterprise Holdings
Time of Service: 2022
Byron Keith Ellis, M.D.
Houston Methodist Cardiology Associates
Time of Service: 2017
Denise Hall
Advisor, US D&I
Shell Oil Company
Time of Service: 2022
Eric C. Hylton
National Director of Compliance
Alliantgroup
Time of Service: 2022
Bryce Hairston Kennard
External Affairs Manager
Comcast Cable
Time of Service: 2014
Ada Ortega
Director of Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability
Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages
Time of Service: 2023
Anastasia “Stacy” Penright
Community Partnerships & Outreach Principal Management
Amazon Web Services
Time of Service: 2022
Takea Reshay Reeder
Vice President, Electric Technology and Operational Standards
CenterPoint Energy
Time of Service: 2024
Bruce J. Ruzinsky
Partner
Jackson Walker LLP
Time of Service: 2013
Heidi McDonald Smith
Community Advocate
Time of Service: 2024
Deborah J. Wilson
Motor Fuel Tax Manager
Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Time of Service: 2022
Join The Houston Inter-Alumni Council
Interested in joining our Houston Inter-Alumni Council? Join President Dr. Talia M. Pennington-Dorsey and the other HIAC members to support minority higher education and advocate for HBCUs and the students that UNCF serves. Sign up for more information here.
“A Mind Is…”® Annual Giving Society
UNCF Houston Staff
